Fordham Family Times

Welcome to Fordham! I am so pleased your family has chosen to be part of our school community. It is hard to believe we have almost completed the first month of school. Our students are getting into a good routine, and they are navigating the cafeteria, their classroom, and special area locations with ease.

I would love to share a little bit about myself.

This year I begin my 31st year in education. I have been a teacher, school administrator, and director in our District. Most recently, I was named the Director of Early Learning and Principal at Fordham Early Learning Academy. Working with young children has always been my passion. In fact, I began my career as a Kindergarten teacher many years ago.

I am the proud parent of two fantastic children. My oldest is a sophomore in college, attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, and my youngest is a freshman in high school attending Marion County Public Schools. My husband and I enjoy living in Marion County. Our families have lived here for a long time, and I am a proud graduate of Marion County Public Schools.

This year, I will oversee VPK programs across our District and lead the work at Fordham Early Learning Academy. Our team is working hard to make our programs at Fordham the model of early learning instruction across our District. I believe in BIG beginnings for our LITTLE learners.

Please know I am always happy to assist students and families, so please reach out if I can help you or your child this year. Also, I encourage families to get involved in school activities and events. We love getting to know the entire family and always appreciate your time and talents.

The September Monthly Calendar has been printed and sent home for your convenience. The calendar can also be referenced using the link below.

Join us on Tuesday, September 10, from 5:30-6:00 p.m. for our annual Title I meeting in the cafeteria, followed by our school open house event from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in classrooms. We will begin in the cafeteria with brief updates, and then families will transition to the classrooms. Kona Ice will be joining us that evening, with shaved ice treats for sale before and after the open house. Scholastic books will be for sale in our school media center.

September 4. 5. 6-Kindergarten-2nd grade FAST ELA testing

September 10, 11-Kindergarten-2nd grade FAST Math testing

September 12-FAST testing make-ups

September 16-VPK FAST testing begins

Parents-This is just a reminder that school begins at 8:00 a.m. Students can arrive on campus starting at 7:35 a.m. Kindergarten-2nd-grade students who would like to eat breakfast should plan to arrive at school by 7:55 a.m. Early learners (Pre-K 3 students) and VPK students will eat together once school starts. Students who are late to school will be marked tardy.

We appreciate your patience as we move quickly to unload our young students in the AM and reload them in their vehicles in the PM. Parents with Pre-K 3 children will continue to escort their children to the classroom in the morning. We ask that all other parents plan on dropping off and picking up children through the carline. We can move quickly and safely by utilizing this system for arrival and dismissal. Thank you so much for your cooperation,

Are you interested in learning more about our school? Do you want to be part of the planning process for various aspects of our school? If so, we invite you to attend our first School Advisory Committee meeting on September 19 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in our school den. We look forward to having you as a part of our school. Care will be available for Fordham students not in the Marion Afterschool Program.