 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
At Forestdale, we know that it is important that books serve as both "windows" (an opportunity to see and learn about other cultures, experiences, and identities) and "mirrors" (seeing representation of your own culture, experiences, and identity). One of the ways we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month was through amazing literature! Our Falcons can check out all these books in our Forestdale library!
Two-Hour Early Release Days
Friday, October 29 is the end of the first quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Students will be dismissed at 1:35 p.m.
There will also be a two-hour early release on November 11 for Veterans Day.
See the complete 2021-22 school year calendar
 Storybook Character Day
We are excited to bring back Storybook Character Day on Friday, October 29. Students are invited to find a great story and dress up like their favorite character. This day will be filled with fun and conversations all about books as we celebrate this special day. Dressing up is optional. If you choose to do so, please adhere to the following so that our students have a safe and productive day.
- Costumes should not have words, graphics or toy weapons that are inappropriate for school.
- No costume face masks - the only masks we are wearing are for COVID.
- No painted faces.
Whether you are wearing a costume or not, don’t forget to bring your favorite storybook!
Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Next Friday is the the end of the quarter! At the end of this month and into November, parents and guardians will be participating in parent-teacher conferences. This is a valuable time to connect with your child’s teacher and to learn about how he or she is progressing. To prepare for this conference, we recommend:
- Talk with your child before the conference. Ask what he/she thinks the teacher will say. Talk about any likes, dislikes, problems, and successes.
- Think about what you want to learn from the conference. Make a few notes. They help all of us stay focused!
- Ask the teacher to explain anything you don’t understand. We are in a profession of acronyms—SOLs, PPG, IEP, DRA, DSA. No question is a foolish one.
- Be prepared to talk and listen. Tell the teacher what you see at home. Talk about your child’s interests. Tactfully talk about any concerns. Let us know about anything that might affect your child’s learning at school. Sometimes the smallest changes at home have an impact on your child at school.
- Follow up. Stay in touch. If you think of a question you didn’t ask, write a note to the teacher. Remember that the teacher is also anxious to please. Try to mention a bright spot in your child’s program. If there are issues, listen carefully to the concerns and ask probing questions. Sharing issues can be difficult for both teachers to convey and parents to hear.
If you have not scheduled a conference with your child’s teacher, now is the time to do so. We hope you find the end-of-the-quarter conferences informative and an important step to your child’s continued success in school!
 Book Fair is Coming Soon
We are excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is back! After months without beloved school traditions, our upcoming Book Fair will be a familiar and welcome celebration. Here's what you need to know about our upcoming fair:
- Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly.
- You can sign up for book fair eWallet, a convenient digital payment account, so your child can shop the Fair cash-free. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute to the eWallet to help build your home library.
- We’re taking precautions to host a safe fair at our school, focusing on preventive measures.
Save these dates and view our school’s book fair site:
Fair Dates: November 15-22
Book Fair Homepage: Coming soon!
Book Trailers and Highlights: Click here for K-3 books and here for 4-6 books.
We can’t wait to see your child at the book fair!
Lewis High School Trunk or Treat
The Lewis High School Student Government Association (SGA) is inviting the elementary students in the Lewis Pyramid to a Trunk or Treat on October 27 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. It is completely free for all and will be located at Door 6 outside Lewis High School. Adults and Lewis High School students will bring their cars and fill their trunks with candy and decorations! Students must be accompanied by an adult.
 Honoring Forestdale Veterans
A special tradition at Forestdale is our annual Veterans Day assembly. This year, due to social distancing and reduced capacity requirements, each class will celebrate Veterans Day in their own classroom. Unfortunately, families will not be able to participate during classroom celebrations this year. We will be sure to share highlights afterwards!
However, we still want to honor our Forestdale veterans! If you or someone in your family is a veteran and would like to be honored in our celebration, please fill out this form. Thank you for your service!
COVID-19 Vaccinations for 5-11 Year-olds
In Tuesday’s School Board work session, Dr. Brabrand shared that FCPS is working with area health care organizations to plan a collaborative effort to support COVID-19 vaccination for 5-11 year-olds as soon as the vaccine is authorized. We will continue to share information as that evolves. In the meantime, you may use the COVID-19 Vaccination for 5-11 Year-olds Talking Points to help answer questions.
COVID-19 Screening
In support of our commitment to safety, Forestdale Elementary will begin optional COVID-19 screening testing students the week of November 8.
Routine testing is a highly recommended strategy to reduce COVID-19 transmission and keep our schools safe. Following recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 10% of students who are not fully vaccinated and have parent/guardian consent will be randomly selected for weekly testing.
Parent/guardian consent is required for students to be part of the testing pool. We will share more information about how to submit your child(ren)’s vaccination status and opt in to testing soon.
Test results will be kept confidential. Parents/guardians will be able to review results through the secure vendor portal. Parents/guardians may select an option to share their child’s test results with FCPS. Sharing results with FCPS is optional.
More information about COVID-19 testing in FCPS can be found on the FCPS website. Please contact Mrs. Cunneen if you have any questions or concerns.
PTA Corner
Save the Date: Outdoor Movie Night- November 12
The PTA is hosting an outdoor movie night at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 12. Students will be voting on the movie next week! We need a team of volunteers to organize the event. Want to help? Email us at forestdaleelementarypta@gmail.com.
Free Forestdale Face Mask
Want an awesome Forestdale face mask? Join our PTA team! The first 50 members will get a free green mask in either a youth or adult size. Click here to sign up today. Fees are $10 per family member, $8 per staff member.
Next PTA Meeting
At our November PTA Meeting, Ms. Spengler, Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, and Mrs. Cunneen, Principal, will share information about changes to the Advanced Academic Program as Forestdale becomes a Local Level IV School Next Year. Join us virtually at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3. The meeting also will provide updates on movie night and next year’s programs. If you have questions, suggestions or comments, please contact us at forestdaleelementarypta@gmail.com by noon on November 1.
Click here to register for upcoming PTA meetings; you will receive a link to join.
PTA Treasurer Needed
Want to help our team and become treasurer? Please email forestdaleelementarypta@gmail.com for information.
Important Dates
October 29
End of First Quarter, 2- Hour Early Release (1:35 p.m.)
November 1-2
Teacher Workdays, Student Holiday, Parent Teacher Conferences
November 3
Virtual PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
November 11
2- Hour Early Release (1:35 p.m.)
November 12
PTA Outdoor Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
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