The holiday season is upon us. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Our last day of school for this semester is Dec. 16th. We will dismiss at 12:30 PM on that day. School resumes on Tuesday, January 3rd. This first semester has been amazing. The students have been actively engaged and learning every day this year. Our teachers have worked so hard and every one of them cares so much for every student in their room. Our support staff has been incredible as well. The meals that your students receive are the best in the area, our school is clean and well kept, and our instructional aides are working with students every day to help grow them academically. Mrs. Crocker and I cannot thank all of these individuals enough and I want you to know that what your student experiences at Green Forest is not the normal. It far exceeds anything I have been a part of in my previous experiences. Finally, I want to thank you. The parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, guardians, and anyone else who is a part of our community. The students get their attitude and motivation towards school from you. Speaking positively about the school at home and making it a priority in your homes is a major part of what makes us successful. I appreciate all your help and the priority that you have made education in your students’ lives.
Beginning the week of Dec. 5th, we will begin screening all kindergarten students for the reading disability of dyslexia. This is a requirement by the state of Missouri. We will also re-screen students in grades 1-3. Students are screened again in April or May. Parents will receive notification of whether your child is at risk or not. If your student is in grades 4-8 and you would like for them to be screened, please let us know. If you have any questions about dyslexia screening, please contact the office or Ms. McClanahan.
This time of the year is also a time when illnesses and head lice are more common. Please do not send your student to school if they are sick or if they appear to have lice. Talk to them about not sharing coats or hats with other students. Contact Nurse Christy if your child contracts head lice. This helps us keep it from spreading to a larger population of students. The same is true for illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19. We continue to conduct additional cleaning to help keep students safe and attending school in person.
**Please check your child’s lunch account balance online through the parent portal or by calling the office. If your child has a negative balance we ask that you may payment as soon as possible. Students with an excessive negative balance may be offered an alternative lunch.**