Dear Families,

We are nearing the end of the first quarter of the 2025–2026 school year, and it has been a joy watching our students grow and learn each day. They are gaining new strategies in reading and math that support the Florida Standards, and we are proud of the effort they are putting into their work.

Our PTA is off to a wonderful start this year! They will be hosting the annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 3rd, from 4:30–7:30 p.m. on the track and bus ramp area. This fun-filled event is a great way for families to connect and enjoy time together. We are grateful for our PTA’s commitment to our school community, and we encourage all families to join and get involved.

Looking ahead, we will celebrate Red Ribbon Week during the last week of October. This important week emphasizes making healthy choices and reinforces our commitment to being drug-free and bully-free.

Thank you for your continued support of our school. Together, we are building a strong foundation for student success.

 

Sincerely,

Michelle McHugh

Principal

Forest Ridge Elementary School

October is a busy and exciting month! Students will be learning about responsibility, having a growth mindset, and bullying awareness and prevention through classroom lessons and school activities.

We’ll celebrate Unity Day on October 22nd—students and staff are encouraged to wear orange to show kindness, acceptance, and inclusion for all.

Red Ribbon Week will take place the week of October 27th, focusing on making safe and healthy choices.

If your family could use assistance for Christmas or would benefit from Blessings in a Backpack, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me through ParentSquare or email. All communication is kept confidential.

        This year we will be honoring our veterans on November 7th, at 9:30 am in the Cafeteria. We like to honor our family members that are currently serving in the military and veterans. Please send photos or email photos to Shelley Schantz at schantzs@citrusschools.org . Please include Military member’s name, rank, branch of service, when and where served if possible, the student they are related to, grade level, and teacher. If you have submitted photos in the past, it is not necessary to resubmit, just let Mrs. Schantz know any updates. Please submit all photos by November 1stst.

Thank you to Mrs. Deschamps and Mrs. Stofcheck for already committing with your class and the FRE Chorus.

Don’t forget to include your own family members!

Thanks again for your support, your patriotism, and for supporting our veterans.

 

A big thank you to our community sponsors! Your contributions provide valuable resources that enrich our classrooms and help our students succeed.

Shell Food Mart adopted Mr. Mattingly’s 5th Grade Class

Davis Financial Group adopted Mrs. Vidal 4th Grade Class

Barber Theology adopted Ms. Mainella’s 3d Grade Class

Sherrie Geick adopted Mrs. Lahera’s 2nd Grade Class

Lisa Gray adopted Mrs. Tallman’s 1st Grade Class

Marianas Italian Restaurant adopted Mr. Mattingly’s 5th Grade Class

Sherrie Geick adopted Mrs. Deschamps’s Kindergarten Class

Sandy and Vien Nguyen adopted Mrs. Tuttle’s Kindergarten Class

FL Homecare Specialists INC. Mrs. Daugherty’s 5th Grade Class

FL Homecare Specialists INC. Mr. Mattingly’s 5th Grade Class

Jody Frymire adopted Mrs. Price’s 3rd Grade Class

Mike Scott Plumbing adopted Mrs. Cole’s PreK Class

Mike Scott Plumbing adopted Mrs. Carlson’s 3rd Grade Class

Dakota & Jessi ca Head adopted Mrs. Robert’s 2nd Grade Class

Dakota & Jessica Head adopted Mrs. Gretsch’s Gifted Class

Badger So Social adopted Mrs. McVae’s 1st Grade Class

If you, or anyone you know, requires reasonable accommodations at any of our school events because of a disability or physical impairment, please contact Mercedes Rushmore at 527-1808 Ext. 5007.

 

FRE sponsors several fundraisers each year, for different purposes. Profits from fundraising at FRE will be used, among other things, to purchase school wide needs, such as additional playground equipment, technology supplies, and instructional materials. A small amount of these funds may be used to provide food and other consumable items for faculty and staff sessions throughout the year, staff appreciation and student recognition. Some fundraisers are for specific purposes such as Kids Heart Challenge. We are always mindful that these are optional for students and are deeply appreciative of the support of the FRE community.