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Forest Ridge Elementary

Learning Together so we can Stand Alone!

8-23-26 News form the Nest Family Edition

Posted Date: 08/23/26 (04:00 PM)
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Logo featuring an owl and trees with the text 'FOREST RIDGE RESPECT STARTS WITH ME'.

News from the Nest Family Edition

Parent Edition

August 23, 2026
A white Sheriff's vehicle with an owl mascot is parked in front of Forest Ridge Elementary School.

PM1 Assessment Updates

During Week 2, our students began state testing. Most students in grades 3–5 finished their PM1 FAST ELA and Math assessments, while K–2 students completed their PM1 STAR ELA and Early Literature testing.

Testing continues this week: K–2 students will take the STAR Math assessment on Monday, and students receiving accommodations across all grades will also complete their testing throughout the week.
These assessments provide valuable insights that help us tailor classroom instruction, guide student enrichment, and provide targeted support where needed.

With the majority of state testing for PM1 behind us, we will be starting to get into our regular routines this week.

Thank you for staying connected with us! Please remember to keep your contact information updated in Focus and check ParentSquare regularly for updates. We appreciate your partnership in making Forest Ridge a great place to learn and grow.

Heather Bone
Principal
Forest Ridge Elementary School
 

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
If your child will have different transportation, a note must be sent in that includes the date of the change, the child's name, and the change.

All transportation changes during the school day must be emailed to rayb@citrusschools.org before 2:30 pm and include the student's name and the name of the person picking up. We cannot take verbal changes over the phone; an email is required.

The person picking your child up must be on the emergency pick-up form in Focus and bring their Driver's License or State ID.
A red banner with the word "ATTENTION!" and "IMPORTANT" in white text.
A line of cars, including SUVs and a red pickup truck, are stopped on a road.

Important Reminders-Parent Pick Up

Please have your car tag easily visible. Do not get out of your car. You will be directed to pull all the way up. If you do not have a car tag, you will need to park and come into the school with your Driver's License or State ID to pick up your child.

EARLY DISMISSALS
For safety reasons, no students will be dismissed from the Front Desk after 3:00. If your child needs to be dismissed early, please come before 3:00. Otherwise, you will need to go through the Parent Pick Up line.

Upcoming Events

August 24th-Grades KG-2 PM1 FAST Testing Math

September 25-PTA Back to School Bash-Times to be determined-More information to come!

Heat Index

Florida in August is HOT! ☀️ Please make sure your child brings a water bottle filled with water to school each day. Students are encouraged to bring their water bottles with them to recess and PE to help them stay hydrated throughout the day.
Please remember to label your child’s water bottle with their name. This will help us quickly return any lost water bottles to their owners. 💧

We closely monitor heat conditions throughout the day. When it is too hot and humid to go outside for PE and recess, students have indoor PE and indoor recess. The safety of our students is the number 1 priority!
 

Communication

Strong communication between home and school is vital to your child’s success. If you ever have questions or concerns regarding your child, please reach out to their classroom teacher first. Should you need further support, Mrs. Bone (Principal) and Mrs. Beaser (Assistant Principal) are always here to help. You can reach us by phone at 352-527-1808, via email, or directly through ParentSquare. We are best able to partner with you and resolve issues when we work together early—please don't hesitate to contact us!

Fundraisers

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 the Kids Heart Challenge. We are always mindful that these are optional for students and are deeply appreciative of the support of the FRE community.

 

Stay Connected with Parent Square

Please download the ParentSquare App to stay connected with your child’s teacher and our school. ParentSquare allows you to send and receive messages, receive important announcements, and, in many cases, see photos and updates from your child’s classroom.
Many of our teachers use ParentSquare as a primary way to communicate directly with families throughout the school year.
To ensure you have access, please make sure your contact information is accurate and up to date in Focus. Accurate information in Focus will help ensure that you are connected to ParentSquare and receiving important school and classroom communications.
We look forward to staying connected with you throughout the school year!
 
 
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Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:
  • 352-527-1808
  • pikel@citrusschools.org
  • https://fre.citrusschools.org/
  • Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FREOwls/
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