Dear Fordland Families,

Welcome to another fantastic year at Fordland Elementary! Our staff is excited to welcome your child to the new school year. If you are new to Fordland, we look forward to getting to know you and your family. It is an honor and blessing to serve as the elementary principal. My family moved to the Ozarks last year and we are enjoying everything that Southwest Missouri has to offer. More importantly, we have come to realize how special the Fordland community is and I am proud to say we have the best staff, students and families in Southwest Missouri. We are committed to not only ensuring that your child has a quality education but that they have a sense of belonging and a sense of competence.

As our summer winds down, here are some important dates to put on your calendar:

August 2-17--Online Enrollment

*We are excited to offer the option of online enrollment to our families. Whether you are new or a returning family, you will need to visit this link to enroll your child(ren) for the 2022-2023 school year. The process only took me about 15 minutes so I think you will find it to be smooth and easy to complete. Please remember-This will need to be completed before your child can be placed in a class and start school.

*As part of the process, you will need to bring appropriate documentation (birth certificate, immunizations, proof of residency-electric bill, lease agreement, mortgage papers, for example) to the front office.

*If you have questions about enrollment, please call Angie Nettles at 417-767-2307.

August 18--District-wide Open House 2:00-6:30 pm

*Class lists will be posted, families can visit Fordland Elementary and meet your child's teacher. Reminder that school supplies have been purchased by Diggins Baptist Church for each elementary student. We are so thankful for this partnership!

August 19--District buildings are closed

August 22--First day of School

*School begins at 8:05 am and ends at 3:14.

*Doors open at 7:40 am. Students can be dropped off in the car rider line between 7:40-8:05.

We are excited for a fabulous school year and look forward to seeing you and your children! Thank you for your continued support of our school and staff.

Stephanie Vickers

Principal

Counselor-Melody Ball

PE-John Scanlan

Preschool-Alayna Bates

We are excited to begin a new school year and look forward to the fun that will be part of the early childhood classroom! Your preschooler will have the opportunity to grow and develop their knowledge and abilities with dedicated support from their classroom teachers.

Newborns to five year olds that are not in our preschool, can enroll in our Parents as Teachers program. This is an excellent resource that is offered at no cost to our families and includes partnering with you through the stages of your child's development in the areas of cognitive, language, motor and social/emotional.

Below is an article I included that highlights some things to consider and to prepare your child for the first days of school. There are some great book titles, based on age, that are suggested at the end of the article and are centered around attending school.

8 Tips to Prepare for the First Days of School

Reach out if you are interested in either of our Early Childhood Programs. This is the place where "Little Eagles Learn to Fly!"

Tonia Nunn

Director of Early Childhood

Positive Parenting

Learn five ways to be a role model and help your kids believe in themselves.

Back to School Worries

How to help children cope with starting a new school year.

• School hours are 8:05 am to 3:14 pm.
• Students in the car rider line may be dropped off from 7:40-8:05 am.
• Bike riders (3rd, 4th, 5th grade only) may arrive at 7:40 am. Helmets are encouraged.
• Office hours are 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
• Use this link to view a 2022-2023 Fordland R-3 academic calendar.

Email: stephanievickers@fordlandschools.org
Website: https://www.fordland.k12.mo.us
Location: 252 North Center Street, Fordland, MO, USA
Phone: 417-767-2307
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fordlandelementary
Twitter: @FordlandElem