The students of Forestwood continue to make all of us proud in both their academic work and extracurricular activities.  The remaining twelve weeks of the school year bring with them numerous culminating activities including the completion of a year's worth of course work, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, the district UIL academic competition, and a number of athletic, musical and theatrical events designed to conclude the work of a school year.  We all have grown accustomed to expect great achievements and no doubt we will see more of what has become routine.  Regardless of the final measures in terms of scores or ratings, it is the level of commitment, hard work, and sincerity with which our students take on every activity that is the most important and of which we are most proud!

In an effort to recognize the achievements of our students, at the end of each six-week grading period we conduct an honors assembly during the Teaming period.  We publicly acknowledge the students who have achieved "A" Honor Roll status, "A/B" Honor Roll status, perfect attendance and those who are being recognized by their teachers in Falcon Fiesta.  Students recognized in Falcon Fiesta are selected by their teachers based on their academic achievement measured by the effort applied rather than the resulting grade, consistency in school work, citizenship, and overall willingness to meet the expectations of the school.  Elective teachers provide equal input to the selection process.  The name of this program was chosen to reflect the idea of a celebration for student achievement.  The fiesta takes place on the Friday after report cards are received in the form of social time in the Library during Teaming when our honorees are able to visit with their peers and enjoy snacks provided by our dedicated PTA Board.

The spring of each year brings with it a focus on our accountability rating and the annual state assessment tests.  Our staff has implemented a comprehensive plan for the preparation of our students for even greater successes than we have experienced to date.  After establishing the campus goal of maintaining our "exemplary" rating, we have identified student needs in the area of test preparation and will be addressing those needs in special assistance sessions in addition to our work in the regular classroom setting.  We intend to not only experience improvement in the overall numbers of students who pass the test; we are planning to increase the number of students who are recognized for "commended" performance.  Teachers will be working with students during the Teaming period, and in before and after school sessions.  We ask that if your child is talking about being invited to one of these activities, that you urge them to attend and take advantage of their teacher's efforts.  With your support we will be able to ensure that test day is an opportunity for your children to shine and experience the successes and associated recognition they so richly deserve.  With one TAKS testing day already completed, the remaining TAKS tests are scheduled for  April 8th (8th grade math) and the week of April 28th for 6th and 7th grade math and reading as well as 8th grade social studies and science.  Please help us make sure our students are well prepared, well rested, and ready to "make their mark."  It is important to note that lunch times will change on these days and we also request that doctor's appointments, etc. not be scheduled for this week if at all possible.

This time of year not only includes culminating activities, but also preparation for the upcoming school year.  As this newsletter hits your inbox registration forms for the 2008-2009 school year will be making their way home and your students will want to discuss course selections for the new school year.  Please feel free to contact our counselors or an administrator with any questions or concerns related to the preparations for next year.

As with every edition of this newsletter it is imperative that we once again thank the parents for their support; we are grateful.  Please do not hesitate to make contact with your child's teachers, the counselors or an administrator if you are in need of information, support or assistance; we are here for that purpose and we welcome your involvement.

David Tickner
Principal