Principal’s Message

Assistant Principal’s

Message

Barbara Rothman, Ed.S., Principal

Derrick L. Huff, Ed.S., Assistant Principal

Mr. D. Huff, Ed.S.

April 2021

edition

Mrs. B. Rothman, Ed.S.

Dear Parents, I hope that your spring break was absolutely amazing! We are in the final stretch, but there is so much still to do in preparation for next school year. If your child is in kindergarten or first grade, please help your child learn his/her 220 dolch words if he/she does not know them already. These are high frequency words that cannot be phonetically sound out. These high frequency words (i.e. dolch words or sight words) are the “glue words” that are found in everything that we read. First and second graders will be administered the Primary Reading Test in May. Third, fourth, and fifth graders will be administered the F.S.A. for reading and math. Fourth and fifth graders will also have a writing component. Lastly, fifth graders will also take the standardized science assessment in May as well. All third, fourth, and fifth grade parents should have received a parent link with an emailed letter from me, and a virtual informational session also took place prior to spring break. Should you have any additional questions, please call the front office at 754-322-6400 or email the front office at foresthillses@browardschools.com. As always, we look forward to working with you and strive towards academic excellence. Sincerely, Principal B. Rothman, Ed.S.

Dear Forest Hills Families, I hope that you had the opportunity to relax and recharge over Spring Break, and everyone is healthy and ready to learn. I would like to remind you that School begins promptly at 7:50 am, and ends at 1:50 pm for students in grades K-5 (unless they are staying for tutoring). It is important that students arrive to school on time, and are picked up on time. If there have been recent changes to phone numbers, addresses, individuals who are allowed to pick-up for dismissal or tutoring requiring an additional pick-up card, please contact the Forest Hills front office to update that information in our system. Important information is sent to the phone numbers and email addresses that we have on file. Thanks for your help! We know that this month is the FSA for students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Please ensure that the night prior to any assessment we are asking students to get a good night sleep (8 hours if possible) and have a light breakfast prior to arriving to school. Research has proven that this allows students to maximize concentration, and have a better focus on the standardized exam. Thanks for your continued support. If you have any questions please contact our front office at (754) 322-6400 where we will be glad to assist. Have a great April! Educationally Yours, Derrick L. Huff, Ed.S.

Upcoming Events:

Date: Event:

4/2 Schools & Administrative Offices Closed

4/6 SAC Meeting (7:15 am)

4/7 PTO Meeting (5:30 pm)

4/8 Early Release Day (PK- 11:15 am / K-5- 11:50 am)

4/14 Report Cards (Available on Pinnacle)

4/21 Kindergarten Round Up (6:30 pm)

4/22 Take Your Child to Work Day North Area Advisory Meeting (6:30pm)

(call school if interested in the link)

4/24 Kindergarten Round Up (9 am) (Saturday)

4/29 Interim Reports Issued

SBBC website:

browardschools.com/foresthills

3100 NW 85th Ave. Coral Springs, FL 33065

Office: (754) 322-6400

FAX: (754) 322-6440

This Month’s Character Trait is SELF-CONTROL- “Having discipline over one’s behavior and actions” Here are some activities you can try: 1. Define self-control and discuss the meaning of this character trait. 2. On a sheet of paper, have your child brainstorm the ways in which they are in control of their behaviors. Demonstrate by giving them examples (Waking up in the morning on time, arriving to class on time, waiting their turn, etc.) 3. Ask your child to think about an incident that occurred this year that demonstrated a person’s lack of self-control. 4. Have your child describe the causes and the effects of the event. (Adapt discussion to fit grade/age level) 5. If they could write a letter to the person involved in the incident, what would they say? Ask your child to write a letter to the person. The letter should include advice on how this person can change their behavior to improve their lives. HELPFUL RESOURCES : http://www.browardprevention.org/character-education-grant/monthlyactivities/ This is where you have access to up-to-date character education resources, access to past activities, and much more! Have fun implementing and remember, “Self-control is a key factor in achieving success. We can’t control everything in life, but we can definitely control ourselves”. -xoxo Ms. Aiello

Attention ESE Parents: ESE Surveys from the Florida Department of

Education have been distributed. If your student is learning face to face

on campus it went home in their bookbags, if your student is learning at

home, it has been mailed. This survey is being conducted by the FLDOE

and they would love your feedback. The survey can be completed and

returned to them in the return envelope or completed online.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Ms. Hickman, ESE Specialist

The Title 1 department would like to update parents with the following initiatives and programs in their department-

• 2021 Title I, Annual Parent Seminar Overview by Angelique Lynch & Adriana Karam

• 2021 Title I, Annual Parent Seminar Keynote Speakers by Paula Lovett-Canady

• 2021 Title I, Annual Parent Seminar Breakout Sessions by Annette Torry

• Spectacular Student Performances at the Annual Parent Seminar by Linda Howard

• Thank You Sponsors! by Sharonda Webb

• Parent Training Academy - Boosting Our Mind and Bodies by Michael Shorter and Yolanda C. Nails

• Title I Digital Resource Center by Michael Shorter

They invite you to take a moment to learn about all of the great programs and initiatives at Title I. Please click on the link below. https://sway.office.com/Lrx0W3ccqPvQoKiy?ref=Link

Using these simple steps, Title I parents/guardians can now checkout academic materials to use at home to reinforce their child’s learning. Title I Virtual Academic Material Checkout Procedures

Academic Material Search

Step 1: To access the Title I Catalog, click on this link. Title I Resource Catalog

Step 2: Login using the Username and Password, contact Annie Mosley to receive this

Information at annie.mosley@browardschools.com

Step 3: Under the “Item Categories” Tab, next to Parent Checkout click “View”

Step 4: Then you can scroll though the list of items available. (You may select up to 3 items)

Step 5: Record the “Item Number” 1 through 100 (no need to record a description)

Avoid being marked Absent! If your student logs on past the beginning of the school day (7:50am) or will be dismissed early, please contact the Forest Hills front office at (754) 322-6400.

News from Special Area Teachers:

In PE our students are learning the basics of basketball. Our students online are currently doing, “would you rather” and “beach body exercises.” The kids are having a blast as they develop skills to play the game. In PE we are finally able to be outside with physical distancing. Our students are learning math and counting while playing games like Mr. Clock and 1,2,3, out. Our students online are currently doing, Would you rather and Beach Body exercise videos. It has been so much fun getting to spend time and learn about all of them.

February was an amazing month to be a Forest Hills Ranger Bear! Throughout the month of February we saluted the efforts of African American music pioneers, the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, and Chuck Berry to name just a few. I am also proud of everyone who contributed to the Danceathon on Friday, February 12th and participated in our singalong of the song “You got a friend in me” written by Randy Newman from the classic Disney Pixar film Toy Story. Third quarter is off to a great start and the month of March should be just as exciting! For the first time in Ranger Bear history we will have a Spring concert which will feature all our favorite Spring-time songs. I know everyone is also excited about Spring Break! Here we go Ranger Bears, we’re marching into Spring!

March has been a very month in S.T.E.M. In kindergarten, students have been learning all about the different objects that we see during the daytime and nighttime sky. In first grade, students have been learning all about animals and how they can look similar and different from their parents. In second grade, students have been learning about the needs of plants and animals. We have been focusing on how plants and animals have the same needs but get them in different ways. In third grade, students have been learning about the parts and functions of plants. In fourth grade, students have been exploring different forms of energy: mechanical, electrical, light, thermal, and sound. In fifth grade, students have been learning about how the Earth’s surface changes with weathering and erosion.

Mrs. Eloy's class exploring nature using magnifiers.

News from the FHE Café: Students will continue to eat free in the cafeteria through the end of the 2020-2021

school year. This is the perfect opportunity to fill out the free and reduced lunch form by contacting Mrs. Cassara for assistance.

IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE STAY HOME! If your child is experiencing one of these symptoms, please have your child eLearn from HOME. Call the school and notify the school of the situation so that your child is marked present from home.

• Vomiting

• Chills

• Cough

• Extreme Shortness of Breath

• Sore Throat

• Fever (100.4 or greater)

• Muscle Pain

• New Loss of Taste or Smell

• Diarrhea

If a student should experience one or more of these symptoms, they will be sent to the nurse’s room. You will receive a call to pick your child up immediately. Additional directions will be provided to you at that time.

________________________________________________________________________________________ TIPS FOR STUDENTS WORKING FROM HOME

• Log into your class on time. Start turning your computer on by 7:30 and be on by 7:45 to ensure that you are not

late. Teachers take attendance at 7:50 am.

• Have your materials ready: notebooks, laptop, charger, pencils, etc.

• Keep your camera on.

• Ask and answer questions.

• Take notes.

Clothing Box

The Clothing Box located North of the car loop is designated for clothing only. Please do not leave clothing or any other

materials outside of the bin. Also, we do not collect furniture or anything other than clothing. Please do not burden the

school’s custodial staff with extra items that must be rummaged through and disposed of. The school is not capable of

sustaining this task. Thank you so much in advance. Please continue to donate your gently used clothing.

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP! Do you have an incoming kindergartener for the 2021-22 school year or know someone who does? Mark your calendar!

Wednesday, April 21st @ 6:30 p.m. Or

Saturday, April 24th @ 9 a.m. TEAMS link will be sent on flyer

School Advisory Council The School Advisory Council (S.A.C.) consists of staff members AND parents. The council usually meets once per month on a set date before school starts. The council meets to discuss pertinent school issues. It is an opportunity for you to express your opinion and provide feedback. If you would like to learn more, please email our SAC Chairperson at Besamil.suero@browardschools.com. Nominations for the 2021-22 Council Members - April 6th at 7:15 a.m. MEDIA BOOKS Yes, the year will be over soon, but we are still seeking our lost books. As you do your spring cleaning, please search your home for previously checked out media books. Don’t know if you owe a book? Email our Media Clerk at Sarah.clark@browardschools.com.

There is always so much going on in our Special Programs; however, beginning in the month of April, it’s our turn to SHINE!!

April is Autism Awareness month! This is Forest Hills Elementary School’s 4th year having a Special Program, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being so welcoming, accommodating, and most of all, patient as we continue to adjust into our new home. March 30-April 2, the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) team or Special Programs would love to bring awareness throughout the school by having daily ASD school spirit days, classroom book readings/ sensitivity trainings to support those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism is a neurological disorder that impacts a child’s abilities to: Engage in reciprocal social interactions with others, Communicate with others in developmentally appropriate ways and Participate in a range of activities and behaviors typical of the child’s age and stage of development Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms include: avoiding eye contact, dependency on routine and difficulty expressing their emotions. One in every 68 children have autism in the United States and that number continues to increase annually. More boys than girls have autism, thus the term “Light it Up Blue.”

Children Diagnosed with Autism often demonstrate difficulty with academic skills (including: problem solving, comprehension, writing skills, concentration and organization), social skills (consisting of difficulty relating to and having conversations with classmates), generalization (difficulty transferring previously learned skills to new contexts), sensory sensitivity (unusual response to lights, sounds, smells and/or touch), transitions (the need for routine and set schedules) and interests (restricted range of interests, limited to specific topics).

Many famous people you may know have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. For example, Jim Henson(best known as the creator of “The Muppets”) Jerry Seinfeld (one of the most famous comedians in the world),Tim Burton (a film director best known for his movies including Batman and The Nightmare Before Christmas has Autism) Satoshi Tajiri (best known as the creator of Pokemon), Thomas Jefferson (the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third President of the United States), Albert Einstein (a

scientist, and considered one of the greatest minds that ever lived) and Lionel Messi (regarded as one of the best soccer players in the world).

WE are requesting that Forest Hills Elementary School’s staff and students show their support of those affected by Autism by participating in our week-long spirit days.

Monday March 29, 2021- Be a Hero for Autism! - Dress as your favorite Superhero (No Masks or weapons of any kind please!). Tuesday March 30, 2021- “Camouflage” yourselves in kindness! See past the disabilities and focus on the different abilities! Wednesday March 31, 20201- Disney day! Wear Disney clothing to symbolize what a “Magical” place the world would be if everyone spread kindness and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder like “Pixie Dust!” Thursday April 1, 2021- Light it up blue! Wear as much blue as possible or an autism t-shirt to spread Awareness Friday April 2, 2021- Autism Awareness Day! No School!!! We can’t tell you how appreciative we are in advance for your support and for helping to spread awareness and acceptance throughout our school. We hope you and your children share in our excitement and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping to make this Autism Awareness week possible. Mrs. Antonini, CCC-SLP ASD Coach

Please complete this year’s

eProve Survey