December 10, 2020

PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING

“I’ll see you when you get there.” 

“Live in the Moment” - Portugal. the Man

 

Good afternoon!  My gosh! We have had a busy week with one more in front of us!  Despite what the absolutely perfect weather will tell you, we are only a week away from the semester break.  It was awesome to see so many families (I think we had around 80) out last Sunday evening at WHS for our Home Alone Drive-In.  A huge shout out to our Booster Club for the coordination and execution of a wonderful event and to the families that attended.  A special thanks to the Ulmann families as well for stocking our lounge with treats and beverages this week. 

 

I wanted to provide a quick re-selection update for everyone.  After hearing from every family, here are the numbers:

            554 = total enrollment

            430 = students electing to attend in person

            124 = students electing to attend virtually

            78% = students are now in building

            12% = increase in “in-person” numbers since the previous re-selection opportunity.

*** As of January, every classroom will either be receiving in-person or blended instruction.***

           

The last week of the semester is full of many traditions, and one of them is the annual visit from the FTE Elf.  Many families adjust their transportation patterns to see what he is up to, and I wanted to fill you in on the latest rumors.  Word around the campfire is Monday our friend will be at Lost Creek Park so that our Zoomies can drive by and give him a wave.  I’ve heard he will be out there at 7:40 a.m. and up to no good.  (I do realize not all remote learners live in Lost Creek, but the logistics and his booking agent did the best they could.)  The rest of the week, he’ll be causing trouble around the building and he’ll see you when you get there.

 

Please have a great weekend!

 

Kindly,

 

Cody Spraberry

Proud Principal

Is there a FTE Staff Member You Would Like to Recognize...

 

Falcon Finest Acknowledgements

Please join me in spreading those feel good vibes around our campus.  Everyday our bus drivers, custodians, office staff, and teachers are doing incredible things.  If there is a FTE staff member you would like to recognize for their contributions, please let me know by clicking the link below.

SCHOOL NEWS

COUNSELOR'S CORNER

 

Remote Learners

Mark your calendars for a few upcoming opportunities for our remote learners. (Click the image below to enlarge.)

We are continuing our talk about FRIENDSHIP in our counseling classroom lessons. Often children will go to their parents when they have a struggle with a friendship and as a parent our first reaction is to try to fix the problem, perhaps even intervening with the other parent or child ourselves.  Parents with Confidence provides these six tips.  

1. Just Listen

2. Empathize

3.  Ask Questions

4.  Invite Problem Solving

5.  Offer Insights

6.  Trust Your Child

Conflicts with friends is a normal part of childhood and each conflict is an opportunity to learn.  Remember that children go to their parents for comfort and support and often they will leave out their role in the conflict.  Be sure to focus on what your child can do to solve the problem.     

Assertiveness is an important skill to teach children.  Here are some great ways to foster assertiveness at home. (Click the image to enlarge.)

Your School Counselors are available If your child needs additional support navigating friendship.  We will be offering a small group for our 4th and 5th graders in the Spring focusing on developing and maintaining healthy friendships.

 

Email dberry@eanesisd.net or dburns@eanesisd.net if you'd like your child to participate.

2020-2021 FTE SCIENCE FAIR

 

Due to COVID-19, FTE has decided to move our science fair completely online (mirroring Austin Energy Regional Science Festival decision to do the same). For the 2020-2021 fair, elementary students will submit virtual presentations which will include a project board and reflection questions on what they learned. Judges will review the presentations using a rubric, and award the students a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place ribbon.

The FTE Science Fair sign-up link and informational packet are posted on the front page of our Forest Trail website. Interested participants must sign up on-line by December 18th at the latest.

• The Forest Trail Science Fair projects must be submitted online January 25, 2021 by 4:00pm. All projects must be submitted in a PDF format.
• Virtual judging will take place January 26-27, 2021.
• Awards will be announced January 28, 2021.
• The top projects in grades 3-5 will be eligible to compete in the Austin Energy Regional Science Fair February 2-4, 2021. Regional winner are announced February 25 at 7:00pm at http://www.sciencefest.org
• If you have any questions, please contact FTE's Educational Partner, Raven Reaves at rreaves@eanesisd.net
   

BOOSTER CLUB

FALCON STRONG, TOGETHER

Oh what fun it was to see so many friendly, festive faces at FTE’s Drive-In Movie this past Sunday!  We hope you were as amused with the event as Kevin eating junk and watching rubbish.  Many, many thanks to the filthy animals who made this event such a success: Mandy Mazry, Carissa Milam, Kara Cooper, Kaylee Fordham, Veronica Hernandez, Beth Shields, and Katie Tucker. 

COMMUNITY ASK: Disinfecting Wipes & Spray Drive

The bin is still out - typos and all! - so let’s just keep it going for the next 3 weeks, why don’t we? Booster Club will continue to collect disinfecting wipes and spray for distribution to all Forest Trail staff.  While our custodial staff fastidiously disinfects our entire school each evening, teachers have their own cleaning routines and preferences, and we want to help in any way we can to support them feeling secure and safe in their spaces. There will be a bin to drop off any products you’re able to score in your Curbside order or on your Target run under the overhang. Please select brands that say “kills 99.9% of germs.” Pro Tip: OfficeMax has no limits on cleaning supplies! 

 

BIRTHDAY CARDS

With more kiddos attending school in-building, we are reviving the electronic birthday cards that run the month of your child’s birthday (or half birthday) on the communication screens in the cafeteria and lobby. For further information, instructions, and to purchase, visit our website.

 

Cheers, 

Kate Hall & Katie Ruback

Booster Club Co-Presidents

ftebccopres1@gmail.com  

 

THE DISTRICT & BEYOND

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• Camp Creative ATX

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