Connecting With the Superintendent

Dear Forest Grove School District Families,

As we begin the new year, I want to wish you a hopeful and strong start to 2026.

This new year has begun with local flooding, a washed out highway that connects our community to the coast, ongoing impacts related to immigration enforcement, and statewide budget shortfalls that must be addressed in the upcoming legislative session.

However, the year also begins with hope. Our high school seniors see graduation on the horizon, primary-age students are learning to read and compute, and Forest Grove School District benefits from incredible community support.

As a reminder, our district has safety practices in place designed to help students feel welcome and protected, including secure campuses, controlled entry procedures, daily attendance monitoring, and trained staff throughout our schools. We adhere to Oregon’s sanctuary laws and state protections, and we protect student privacy in accordance with federal law. More detailed information about our safety practices is available on our Safe and Welcoming Schools webpage and in our past superintendent newsletters.

While we cannot remove every source of stress from our students’ lives, we begin this year with a focus on what we can support together. School is a place where students grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally. One of the most important ways families can support their students is by encouraging regular attendance. Research shows that missing even 10 percent of school days, about two days a month, can negatively affect academic performance and long-term outcomes, including reading and math achievement and the likelihood of graduating high school. Our school attendance teams want to partner with families to support strong attendance. Your school administrator and counselor are available to answer questions and help address barriers that may be getting in the way.

Along with attendance, strong study habits and support for foundational reading and math skills are essential to student success. Simple conversations at home about what students are learning, what they are wondering about, and what they find interesting can encourage critical thinking and reinforce the value of school.

Our schools also offer in-school supports to help students thrive. Counselors connect students with mental health services, community resources, and crisis supports when needed, and the Family and Community Resource Center at Cornelius Elementary continues to serve as a hub for families seeking assistance.

The year ahead brings many opportunities for growth and learning. By working together to prioritize attendance, strengthen foundational skills, and stay connected between home and school, we help our students begin 2026 on strong footing.

Thank you for your partnership and trust.

With care,
Dr. Suzanne West
Superintendent

The District is looking for input from students, families, and staff on priorities for future academic calendars.

Developing an academic calendar requires balancing state and contractual requirements, instructional time, and family needs. Feedback from this survey will help the advisory committee reflect the priorities of our community in its recommendations.

Please take a few minutes to share your opinions by completing this survey. It will remain open through January 13th.

Thank you for your input.

Is your student up to date with their immunizations? Immunizations are required by state law for children and students in attendance at public and private schools, preschools, childcare facilities and Head Start programs in Oregon. Children must have all required immunizations, or a medical or non-medical exemption to stay enrolled. The vaccine exempt date for this year is February 25, 2026. Students that do not have vaccine requirements completed by that date will not be able to attend school beginning on that date. Information about vaccine requirements can be found on the attached flyer. Please note the additional TdaP that is due during 7th grade.

The Virginia Garcia Student Based Health Center located at Forest Grove High School, (near the tennis courts) is offering several vaccine clinics to help families meet these guidelines: January 12 & 26, and February 2, 9, 16. Please call for an appointment.

The Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2026.

Please visit the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce website for full details!

Parents of 4-5 year olds, want to learn more about supporting your student before coming to school? We are offering a free Ready for Kindergarten! workshop. Registration is required and will be confirmed before the first session as we have limited space. This is a 3 part workshop and all sessions should be attended. There will be an optional orientation held at the district office on January 28th from 4-4:30. Please fill out the interest form if you would like to attend by using the QR code or https://tinyurl.com/FGSDKinder.

988 Oregon is a free, direct connection to confidential support for anyone who is struggling. It’s available 24/7, every day of the year. This three-digit number was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 988 went live in July 2022 in Oregon and nationwide.

What happens when someone reaches out to 988?

When you contact 988, you’ll be connected to a trained counselor who will listen and offer support. You may be asked for your name, phone number or location to help provide the best support or reach you if you get disconnected, but sharing this is optional.

Who is 988 for?

988 is for anyone who is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, emotional distress or simply needs someone to talk to. It is also for concerned family members, friends or caregivers seeking guidance or support for someone else.

Winter weather is right around the corner. Please take a few minutes to review the District's Inclement Weather Procedures and Snow Routes on the website.

Resources:

Safe & Welcoming Schools

Community Food Resources

Virginia Garcia Wellness Center

All kids should feel safe and be safe at school. SafeOregon gives kids, parents, schools, and their communities a way to report safety threats or potential acts of violence confidentially or anonymously with a simple phone call, text, email or by using the web form or mobile app.

See something, say something! Together, we make schools and students safer.