Soaring Eagles

Happy Holidays Fordland Families,

As we approach the final weeks of the first semester, it's incredible how quickly time has passed! This school year has been wonderful, and I’m incredibly proud of the dedication and growth our students have demonstrated. With winter break just around the corner, I hope you take time this holiday season to relax and cherish moments with family and friends.

November was another busy and exciting month for us at the Elementary building! One of the many meaningful and enjoyable activities we hosted was our Veterans Day celebration, where we had the privilege of honoring and expressing our gratitude to our veterans. This event brough our whole building together as each student had a hand in making the day special for our veterans. Cards, pictures, banners, and posters were all created by students in addition to the musical performance put on by our 3rd graders. Below, you'll find pictures capturing some of our November highlights.

Weather can be unpredictable in Southwest Missouri. Please remember to make sure your student has a jacket or hoodie sweatshirt to wear outside for recess.

Attendance is a priority at Fordland Elementary. Too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school. School starts at 8:05 a.m. If your child is sick or unable to be in school, please call the office at (417) 767 - 2307. Our goal is for 90% of our students to have an attendance rate of 90% or higher. For the month of November, our overall attendance was at 92%. If your child is late to school, please walk them to the front office to check them in. Thank you for working hard to get your child to school on time each day.

A reminder to use the links at the bottom of this newsletter to check out our Facebook and Twitter pages. Be sure to like and follow our pages to see school activities and pictures, receive information, and more. Make sure you scroll down for other upcoming events and information.

Thank you for your continued support of our school and staff!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Foraker

Proud Principal

Fordland Elementary School

Please call the office for any transportation changes before 2:30 p.m. Also, if you need to pick your child up for an appointment, please try to do so by 2:45 p.m. The end of the day is busy and we appreciate your help with both of these!

Preschool Newsletter - December 2024

Hello Fordland Preschool Families,

The final month of 2024 is here, and soon we’ll be saying goodbye to another year! December holds a special place in my heart, bringing with it so many nostalgic moments: crafting homemade ornaments, sipping hot cocoa with melting marshmallows, baking favorite family treats, marveling at the first snowfall, and cozying up for a movie night featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas.

What are some cherished traditions that your family enjoys during this season? Ask your child about their favorite holiday activity—you might even consider starting a new tradition this year! Children love being part of meaningful decisions, and creating new family traditions is a wonderful way to make lasting memories together.

Below, I’ve shared an article offering helpful tips on managing your child’s screen time. With the holiday season often bringing new technology into our homes, these strategies can support a balanced approach to screen use.

6 Ways to Manage Screen Time

Wishing you and your family a joyful and memorable December from all of us at the Early Childhood Center!

Remember, you do not have to be in our preschool program to receive other educational opportunities that we provide for our families. If you or someone you know is expecting, has an infant or a toddler up to five years old, please ask us about our Parents as Teachers program. Our parent educator would love to get in touch with you to schedule your first visit that includes a fun activity for you and your child. Parents as Teachers is an excellent resource that is offered at no cost to our families. Child development screenings are free and we can even do the screenings without being enrolled in the program! Give us a call to schedule an appointment for your child’s developmental screening.

December’s Group Connection: “Christmas Ornament Making Party” for all ages birth to five years old in the Early Childhood Learning Center Community Room on 12/19/2024 from 4:00 - 5:00

Reach out if you are interested in either of our Early Childhood Programs.

Follow us on Facebook:

Fordland Early Childhood Center and Preschool

Fordland MO Parents As Teachers Program

This is the place where, “Little Eagles Learn to Fly!”

Tonia Nunn

Director of Early Childhood

These students were chosen by their teachers for demonstrating our character word of the month for November, cooperation. Congratulations!

Fridays are for showing our Eagle Pride! We invite our students, staff and community to join us in wearing blue every Friday to show how much we Believe in Blue and our commitment to #DoTheWork this year!

December 2 No School

December 9 No School

December 10 4th and 5th grade Christmas performance at the High School (old gym) 6:00 p.m.

December 16 School is in session

December 16 - 17 PTO hosts Santa's Workshop

December 19 Parents as Teachers group connection 4:00 p.m. in the preschool community room

December 19 Honor Choir performance at the High School 7:00 p.m.

December 20 Last day of 1st semester (this is a full day of school)

December 23 - January 3 Winter Break

January 6 First day of 2nd semester

January 10 First semester report cards go home

January 13 No School

• School hours are 8:00 am to 3:35 pm.
• Students in the car rider line may be dropped off from 7:45-8:00 am.
• Bike riders (3rd, 4th, 5th grade only) may arrive at 7:45 am. Helmets are encouraged.
• Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Use this link to view a 2024-2025 Fordland R-3 academic calendar.

Email: tabithaforaker@fordlandschools.org
Website: www.fordlandschools.org
Location: 252 N. Center St. Fordland, MO
Phone: 417-767-2307
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fordlandelementary
Twitter: @FordlandElem