As we conclude the second six-week grading period, the students of Forestwood Middle School continue to make all of us proud with their academic and extracurricular achievements.  On Friday, November 21st you will receive your child's report card and during the week of December 3rd we will take time out of the Teaming period to congratulate students who have achieved the "A" Honor Roll, "A/B" Honor Roll, and recommendation for Falcon Fiesta.  It is our hope that this celebration not only recognizes those who have achieved exemplary performance but also encourages others to take the necessary steps to be recognized in the future.

Building on the record of incredible success for Forestwood, the Texas Education Agency announced the schools that will receive the Gold Performance Recognition based on the 2007 - 2008 TAKS test scores.  The purpose of this recognition is to spotlight schools that have significant numbers of students in the "commended" category of performance.  We will be recognized for our attendance rate, the percentages of students achieving commended status in reading, math, writing, science and social studies.  It is clear there is a tradition of excellence at Forestwood that is alive and prospering!

We are very proud of the results of our Community Wide Service Project benefiting the Lewisville education Foundation and the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program in southern Denton County.  The goal set by Dr. Roy was $1.00 for each of the 50,000+ students in LISD.  Forestwood Middle School did its share by collecting $662 and some change; with 654 students enrolled we exceeded our goal.  Thank you for all of your generosity!

Some quick calendar notes;

• Thanksgiving Break will begin after a full day of school on Monday, November 24th and a half-day on Tuesday, November 25th with dismissal at 12:30 p.m.  
• Classes will conclude prior to the Winter Break on Friday, December 19th with an early dismissal day during which students will be released promptly at 12:30 p.m.  Regular bus routes will be run at that time and we ask that all other transportation be arranged so every one may leave campus at 12:30 to begin the Winter Holiday.  
• Classes will resume on Monday, January 5th at 8:45 a.m. as usual.  
• The first semester will conclude with exams on Tuesday, January 13th, Wednesday, January 14th and Thursday, January 15th.  The 15th will also be an early dismissal day and the same procedures will be followed; we ask that all transportation be arranged so every one may leave campus at 12:30.  
• The 16th and 19th of January will be student holidays, with classes resuming on Tuesday, January 20th, 2008.

The previous paragraph brings to mind the fast approaching holiday season.  Watch for opportunities for you and your child to come to the aid of the less fortunate with holiday toy drives and the "Christmas Angel" program sponsored by Communities in Schools of North Texas.  Both of these efforts are focused on families within L.I.S.D. who find themselves struggling to make ends meet.  Each of these events underscores our effort to educate the whole child and emphasize the responsibility we all have toward our fellow man.  We thank you in advance for anything you might be able to do to assist us in the endeavor.

Finally, thank you for your continued support of Forestwood Middle School.  Words do not adequately state our gratitude for the support our parents provide the school, not only through assisting in the education of our students, but the incredible number of volunteer hours in the library, office, teacher workroom, dances, trips, and on and on . . .  As always, do not hesitate to call or come in to the school office with any questions or concerns; we are all here to serve the best interests of our students.  We wish each student and family a safe and peaceful holiday season!