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Forest Ridge Elementary

Learning Together so we can Stand Alone!

9-21-26 News From the Nest Family Edition

Posted Date: 09/20/26 (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

September 20, 2026
A white Sheriff's vehicle with an owl mascot is parked in front of Forest Ridge Elementary School.
Dear Families,

This past week was a productive one filled with collaboration, reflection, and planning for our students! Our team had the opportunity to meet with every grade level to analyze student data, discuss individual and grade-level needs, and make thoughtful plans to support student growth.

We also spent time diving into our new Benchmark curriculum, learning more about the resources, instructional routines, and opportunities it provides for our students. Our teachers are working hard to become familiar with the curriculum and thoughtfully plan how to use it to meet the needs of all learners.
We are grateful for the dedication and teamwork of our teachers and staff as we continue to learn, grow, and work together to provide the very best learning experiences for our students.

As students are learning with a new reading curriculum, please know that their reading test scores may be lower than what they have typically earned on reading tests in previous years. As students become more familiar and used to the new curriculum, improvement will follow. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are helping our students grow and thrive!

Heather Bone
Principal
Forest Ridge Elementary School
 

Adopt-a-Class

A huge THANK YOU goes out to the following Adopt-a-Class sponsors who have donated $100 each to support our classrooms!

  • Sherrie Geick-student is Wesson Geick-$100 for Mrs. Deschamps' Third Grade Class
  • Sherrie Geick -Student, Luella Geick -$ 100 for Mrs. Bice's First Grade
  • Dakota & Jessica Head -Student is Lennox Head -$100 for Mrs. Barker's Third-Grade Class 
  • Dakota & Jessica Head -$100 for Mrs. Gertsch's  REACH Class
  • Jacqueline Chilton -Student Killian LaRue - $100 Mrs. Barker's Third-Grade class
  • Jesenia Harbin Martinez-Student, Josieonna Martinez -$100 Mrs. Willis' Kindergarten Class
  • Jesenia Harbin Martinez -Student, Jianni Martinez -$100 Mrs. Evans-Chandler's Pre-K Class
  • Paula Pungsuwan -Student, Mason Pungsuwan -$100 Mrs. Moore's Second-Grade Class
  • Mykhailo Liubchenko -Student, Veronika Yakhantova -$100 Mrs. Carlson's Fourth Grade Class
  • Nathan Tuttle - Student, Emelia Tuttle - $50 for Mrs. Paul's Third-Grade Class & $50 for Mrs. Gertsch's REACH Class

PBIS-Positive Behavior Intervention Systems

Dear Forest Ridge Elementary Families,

All Students Can Earn PBIS Points!
Students will have the opportunity to earn PBIS points by demonstrating positive behavior and following our school-wide expectations. Students can save and spend their points on a variety of events or activities.

Our PBIS Events
Each quarter, students will have the opportunity to participate in a special school-wide event. These events will be to recognize students who consistently demonstrate our school-wide expectations and make positive choices.

  • 1st Quarter: Breeze Concert — Students will enjoy a special performance by students from Citrus High School. 
  • December: BMX Show — Students will get to experience an exciting BMX performance right here at school.
  • 3rd Quarter: Coming Soon! — We are currently working on an exciting celebration, details to follow.
  • May: Teacher Talent Show — Our very own Forest Ridge teachers will take the stage to share their talents with our students!

How Do Students Participate?  Students must demonstrate positive behavior throughout the quarter.
Students who receive one of the following will NOT be eligible to attend that quarter's PBIS celebration.
  • An out-of-school suspension, or
  • More than two discipline referrals during the quarter

Our goal is to create an environment where students understand that their choices matter, positive behavior is noticed, and hard work deserves to be celebrated.

Thank you for encouraging your child to make positive choices each day. We are looking forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and lots of reasons to celebrate our Forest Ridge Owls!

Sincerely,

Forest Ridge Elementary PBIS Team

“The Hunger Games” Food Drive

Forest Ridge Elementary is participating in the Citrus County Family Resource Center’s “The Hunger Games” food drive! We are asking families to help us stock the shelves by sending in in-date, nonperishable food items with students between September 8 and September 22. Every donation makes a difference and helps local families in our community. ❤️
 
Suggested items include: canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, peanut butter, rice, beans, and other shelf-stable foods.
 
Thank you for helping our Forest Ridge family Be Owl You Can Be by caring for others in our community!
 
Trishia Mikel
School Counselor

Almost There! Positive Referrals

Our students have already earned 48 Positive Referrals this school year! Our goal is to earn 50 by the end of the first quarter. If our students meet this goal, they will be rewarded with a short hallway dance party!! Please continue to encourage your child to be respectful, responsible, and safe each day!

Christmas Assistance

As the holidays approach, we want to support our school families. If you are in need of Christmas assistance this year, please don't hesitate to reach out to Trishia Mikel via ParentSquare or at mikelt@citrusschools.org.

Upcoming Events


  • September 21- Scouting America Join Scouting Night 6 pm-Cafeteria
  • September 23-Early Dismissal at 1:35-Parent Conference Day
  • September 25-PTA Back to School Bash 5:30-7:30
 

Fortify FL

Fortify FL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. The Fortify FL app is on every iPad at school. 

Reporting suspicious activity keeps our community safe, but making false reports is a serious crime. Submitting a hoax tip to law enforcement or reporting tools like FortifyFL will result in severe legal consequences, law enforcement action, and school expulsion.

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!

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.

 
Person using a laptop

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
  • boneh@citrusschools.org
  • https://fre.citrusschools.org/
  • Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FREOwls/
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