Safety and Security at Forestdale Elementary
We were all shocked and saddened by the events in Parkland, Florida. Understandably, parents across our nation have worries about school safety and security. Protecting our Forestdale Falcons while they are in our care has been, and continues to be, our highest priority. We wanted to take a moment to share some of the facets of our security planning. These include:
• School Crisis Plan: Each year, we revisit and update our school crisis plan, which includes evacuation and parent reunification procedures.
• Threat Assessment Process: In collaboration with the Youth Violence Project of the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, FCPS invites parents and students 12 and older to view training modules on threat assessment. More information is available here.
• Trained Staff and Students: At Forestdale Elementary, our staff and students prepare and drill all year long on various emergency procedures. Such exercises include lockdown drills for intruder and active-shooter emergencies, evacuation drills for fire emergencies, as well as tornado preparedness drills. Teachers and staff receive medical training annually to include CPR and first aid which would be essential during a crisis as well as student- specific medical training for students with different medical needs.
• Skilled Counselors: At Forestdale, our counselors and clinical staff are available for students struggling socially and emotionally. They, along with our teachers, collaborate to help all students become the well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. They are often the first to spot when a child may be in crisis and can intervene.
• Visitor Vetting: At every school, every visitor must sign in with identification which is compared to law enforcement databases before the person is allowed to remain in the building. This extra step can feel cumbersome for the visitor who’s running late to work or is on a tight schedule. But it is necessary to maintain the high degree of safety for the staff and students in our buildings. We also have electronic door access into the interior of the building.
We remain vigilant in our practices and continue to drill and prepare for the unthinkable. If your child is confused or frightened by the recent events, please let us know, and we will have one of our counselors talk with your child. Our personnel are trained to help students feel safe.
The following are resources you may find useful if you are having difficulty in talking with your children about these horrible events.
Talking to Children about Violence - National Association of School Psychologists
Explaining the News to Our Kids - Common Sense Media
Crisislink- Mental Health Service (703) 527-4077
Remember, safety begins with each of us; staff, students, and community. Please, "If you see something, say something." You may also contact the FCPS Tip Line by phone at (751) 423-2020 or by text to (571) 418-6870; Keyword TIP.
We know you place a great deal of trust in our staff each day. You let us help your children learn, grow emotionally and keep them safe. We take that responsibility seriously and thank you for placing that trust in us. Together, we make Forestdale a special place for all of our students!
Mark your calendars for Spring Break
Spring break is scheduled for the week of March 26 - March 30. The school office will be closed during this time. There will also be no school for students on Monday, April 2. This is a school planning day. Students will return to school on Tuesday, April 3.
2018-2019 Kindergarten Orientation
Will your child be five years old by September 30? If so, contact the Forestdale ES office (703-313-4300) to begin the process for kindergarten enrollment.
Kindergarten Orientation at Forestdale is scheduled for Friday, May 4. Information packets will be mailed out to families in April. Forms and other information about registration are available here.
Summer Learning Programs
Registration is now open for the following summer enrichment institutes, camps, and classes: Institute for the Arts (IFTA), Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA), STEM Camp, and Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) enrichment classes. Learn more here.
2018 Culinary Challenge and Wellness Expo
The 2018 Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge and Wellness Expo will be held on March 17 at Hayfield Secondary School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors and exhibits open at 10 a.m. The event will feature a public tasting of dishes created by students to be considered for school menus along with a plenary session with speakers, panelists, and special guests sharing insights on food, nutrition, and health. Admission is $15 per person and includes the public tasting, plenary, and exhibits.
Click here for more information and to register to attend.
PTA Corner
Thank You!
We would like to thank all of the parents, friends and family members of the Forestdale community for such a successful Fun Run. We couldn’t have done it without all of your enthusiasm and support. We were able to raise almost $11,000, which will provide for a new marquee, campus beautification, field trips all grade levels, and staff appreciation. Thank you for your continued support of our school!
Spring After-School Programs
The following after-school programs sponsored by the PTA will be held in the spring. Schedules are tentative, please check upcoming Thursday take home folders for program and enrollment details.
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