Classroom Updates

A few bits of information:

1:   Case 21 testing is the week of March 24th:  

Monday, 3/24        Science - 5th grade only

Tuesday, 3/25       Reading - 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th grades

Wednesday, 3/26   Math - 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th grades

Please be sure your child is at school ON TIME, well rested & tummy full with a healthy breakfast.  We will begin testing promptly at 9:20.

2:   Thursday, March 27 is our Wilmington field trip.  While this is a new field trip here at Forest Pines, this will be my 4th year taking my students on this trip. At my old school this trip was a highlight of the year for my students.  This was a tradition for 4th graders & the lower grades looked forward to going to the Battleship & aquarium when they were in 4th grade.  I hope this can become the same type of tradition here at Forest Pines.

BUSES will be leaving PROMPTLY at 7 am on 3/27.  We cannot wait for students who are late.  BE SURE TO BE ON TIME.  

3: Math Madness Night - Thursday, 3/20.  I hope you will join in on the math festivities.  Math activities for all grade levels will be shared.  The goal is to for parents learn additional ways to help their students at home with Common Core math.  There will be hands on activities, games, etc.  In 4th & 5th grade we will be sharing resources to video links on how we teach Common Core math.

4: Spring Break Saturday, 3/29 - Sunday, April 6

That's a lot of information.  I will be sending reminders about all of the above via Remind101 as each date gets closer.  

March Newsletter

Science Symposium

Inclement Weather Information

INCLEMENT WEATHER BULLETIN

FOREST PINES DRIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(Please keep in a convenient location)

If inclement weather occurs, listen to local television and radio stations for information
regarding school closings, delays, or early dismissals. Further information follows:

• If Wake County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, Forest Pines Elementary will be closed.
• If Wake County Schools are delayed due to inclement weather, Forest Pines Elementary will delay as well.
• Sometimes the first message to go out is a delay (one to two hours) and then the decision will be made to close school. Continue to listen to the news to be sure there is not a change.
• If inclement weather occurs during the school day, we sometimes close early.
• We are not able to let children call parents because this prevents incoming calls not to mention our not having enough phone lines to accommodate the demand. Please listen to the radio to hear about early closings -- we do not receive notification any earlier than the news media. If you do not have access to television/radio at work, you can also check WRAL-TV.com or WCPSS.net for announcements
• Call the school if your child's mode of transportation changes.
• If schools are delayed, the early arrivals program will be delayed for the same amount of time.
• If schools are delayed, no breakfast will be served in the cafeteria.
• If your child receives transportation from other before or after school programs, please contact them directly.
• It is imperative that you have a back-up plan for your child (a neighbor, for example) in case your child gets home before you do due to an early closing.
• This plan should also include which parent will contact the school if changes are to occur.

Patrick Grant, Ph.D.
Principal – Forest Pines Drive Elementary

Remind101

Remind101.com is a text & email reminder application that will allow me to periodically send out classroom and school reminders via text message to help take the burden of remembering off of you.  I use this method to communicate with parents often. Unfortunately, not many of you have signed up yet.  This is a way for me to communicate with you quickly via my phone and at times is easier for me than email.  PLEASE sign up if at all possible. For instance I sent a reminder of Case 21 testing tomorrow and Friday & also am able to schedule reminders for the next 2 evenings. 

To participate in receiving text message reminders, simply text (703) 794-3741 with the message @foster2013.  If you'd rather get email notifications send an email to foster2013@mail.remind101.com

Rest assured that you will not receive advertisement texts or emails and your information will remain private.  You may choose to opt out at any time by messaging “stop” to the above number.

It is my hope that this will help strengthen the home-school connection.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.