Husky Happenings

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I am so excited to be working with you and your child this school year. It is our mission to help your child grow academically and socially each day.

Attendance is very important. We want your child at school each day. However, students need to be fever, vomit, and diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school. Please encourage good handwashing to ward off all the germs they are encountering at school.

It is also important that students arrive to school on time. Our doors open at 7:15 and instruction begins at 7:45. Please make arrangements for students to arrive on time.

A few additional reminders:

• Have you completed your annual online registration update? All returning student must complete this by the end of the month. If you need assistance, please call the office.
• Any device fee that is not paid by the end of the month will be entered in as a debt in MySchoolBucks.
• Are you on ClassDojo? This is a very important communication tool. Please reach out to me if you need assistance.

Always feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns that you may have. Together, we will make 2026-2027 a great year for your child.

Nikki

Math: We are learning to count 1 to 10 and focusing on how to write and identify numbers 1-4.

Reading: We are learning letter names and letter sounds specifically letters a-d.

Social Emotion: We are focusing on calm bodies and listening ears.

Monthly Theme includes: All About Colors, Apples, Fall/Leaves.

Reading: We will begin our year long focus on using evidence in the texts we read to answer questions. Students should read nightly and begin working towards meeting their Accelerated Reader Goals for the First Nine Weeks.

Math: We are learning how to multiply using equal groups, repeated addition, and arrays. Students are learning that multiplication can be represented in different ways and how to connect these strategies to multiplication equations.

Science: We are learning about matter and its different states: solids, liquids, and gases. Students are exploring the properties of matter, including mass, and learning how solids, liquids, and gases are different.

Reading and Science:

We are working on a novel study of I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980 by Lauren Tarshis. As we read, we are learning how authors use character, setting, and text details to help readers better understand the story. We are connecting our reading skills with science and social studies as we explore rocks, minerals, and volcanoes. Students are making connections between what we are reading and the world around us.

Math:

We are building our understanding of place value, and multi digit numbers. Students will learn how the place value of a digit changes depending on its place, each place to its left is 10 times greater than to its right. We’ll be working on reading, writing, comparing, adding, and subtracting large numbers. Students will also practice multiplying and dividing multi digit numbers using different strategies and explaining their mathematical thinking. Students should work on addition/subtraction fluency at home as well as their math homework.

Reading:

This month, we will be focusing on text structure, theme, and central idea as we continue to strengthen our reading comprehension skills!

We’ve just wrapped up our first story in our Inventor Module and are getting closer to our exciting module project. Soon, students will have the opportunity to design and pitch their very own invention! We can’t wait to see the creative ideas they come up with and watch them put their learning into action.

Math: Decimals

This month, we are focusing on mastering decimals. Students will explore:

• Decimal Place Value: Understanding the value of digits from the millions down to the thousandths place (e.g., tenths, hundredths, and thousandths).

• Decimal Operations: Learning how to confidently add, subtract, and multiply decimals using real-world contexts like money and measurements.

For parents: Ask your child to help you calculate the total bill or change while grocery shopping. It’s a great way to practice adding and subtracting decimals in real life!

Science: Tracking the Weather

In science, we are launching our study of meteorology! Students will investigate:

• Weather Patterns: How air pressure, temperature, and moisture interact to create our daily weather.

• Predicting the Weather: How to read weather maps and use scientific tools like barometers and thermometers.

For parents: Check the daily weather forecast together. Ask your child what kinds of weather changes they see outside or what a sudden drop in temperature might mean for tomorrow's weather.

Welcome to a new year in the media center with the same librarian with a new name, Mrs. Speagle.

This month in the library we will be reviewing and learning how to be good digital citizens. We will also be discussing Hispanic heritage month starting the week of the 14th and discussing the seasons changing from summer to fall. Please be sure your students are reading their library books every night and returning them to school so they can check-out more each week.

Mr. Brooks

Mr. Summey

Bus safety is high priority. Please continue to talk to your children about proper behavior on the bus in the mornings and the afternoons. Thank you! Students are expected to wear their SEAT BELTS while on the school bus. Students who continuously break bus rules will be suspended off the bus.

Hello! My name is Madison Rogers, and I'm excited to introduce myself as the new school social worker here at Forest Hill Elementary. You may be wondering what a school social worker does and how my role differs from that of a school counselor. While both positions focus on supporting students' well-being, social workers typically concentrate on connecting families with community resources, addressing barriers to learning that may exist outside of school (such as housing, food security, or healthcare needs), and providing support for students dealing with significant life challenges like trauma, family changes, or mental health concerns. I work closely with families to navigate systems and access services that can help remove obstacles to your child's success both in and out of the classroom.

That said, school social workers and school counselors share many similarities. We both provide individual and group counseling, help students develop social-emotional skills, respond to crises, and work with teachers and administrators to create a positive school environment. The main difference is that social workers bring a whole-family, whole-community perspective to our work, often serving as a bridge between school and home. Whether your child needs someone to talk to about a problem, help managing emotions, or support accessing resources your family may need, I'm here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to partnering with you to help your child thrive!

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On Instagram @forest_hill_huskies

Forest Hill Elementary School

Forever Learning. Forever Huskies.

ADDRESS: 304 Ann Street Morganton, NC 28655

PHONE: 828-437-5906

FAX: 828-430-9323

Nikki Costello, Principal