Important Winter Break Reminders

As FHSD closes out the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year and heads into winter break, we have compiled relevant information and resources for families to stay informed. 

Winter Break and Holiday Hours

• No School, Winter Break: December 18-January 1
• No School, Teacher Work Day: January 2
• School Front Offices Closed: December 18-January 1
• Central Office Building Closed: December 21-January 1

Although the Central Office building will be closed to the public, you may contact the office via email or phone. However, many staff members follow a similar schedule to the school buildings. If you need to contact Central Office before the new year, it is highly recommended to get in touch by December 20. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Inclement Weather

With winter quickly approaching, FHSD is preparing for the possibility of school delays and closures due to inclement weather. We want to remind everyone of the district’s inclement weather plans so FHSD students and families have alternate plans should school need to be delayed, dismissed early or closed. Review FHSD’s inclement weather plans for the 2023-2024 school year here. 

Elementary Art Contest

All FHSD elementary school students were invited to participate in an optional art contest in October through their art teachers. The winning projects would be featured on a holiday card sent to each home in the district. Click here to see the winning art projects or be on the lookout for the postcard in the mail!

Fall Newsletter

Keep an eye on your mailbox for the Community Connection Fall 2023 newsletter! It contains highlights from the first semester, details on impressive student achievements, a helpful financial update and much more! The digital version will be published here after it has been received in the mail. You can also view other publications at that link, including the latest Quality Profile. The profile illustrates the wonderful education provided to students in Forest Hills School District.

Kindergarten Registration in January

Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year will open on January 22, 2024. Families with children approaching school age can visit our kindergarten webpage for additional information about the program. Please save this date and remind any friends or family who may be interested in participating in our full-day and half-day kindergarten options! More registration information will be available on January 22, 2024 at the kindergarten webpage.

Preschool Applications in February

Families interested in learning more about FHSD’s Preschool Program, which is a regular recipient of the state’s Five-Star Step Up To Quality Award, can visit the preschool webpage here. The Five-Star Step Up To Quality Award is granted by the Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to exceptional preschool programs throughout Ohio. Applications for peer model students will be made available on February 1, 2024 via a link on the preschool webpage.

Prioritizing Good Attendance

This time of year is a good opportunity to remind families about the importance of attendance. Consistent school attendance is the foundation for student success. Even missing a few days a month can have a lasting impact on learning. According to the Stay in the Game! Network, 30% of Ohio students miss almost 20 days of school a year, and research shows that missing just two days a month can leave kids trailing on foundational learning and social skills. Attendance at school matters every day for every student, and there is a strong correlation between attendance and reading on grade level, on-time graduation and future success.

Upcoming Parent Academy Nights

FHSD will have two more Parent Academy nights this school year. They will be on Wednesday, January 24 and Wednesday, February 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Nagel Middle School. Learn more about the featured speakers for each Parent Academy here. Special thanks to the Forest Hills Foundation for Education for sponsoring this year’s series!

College Credit Plus Night on January 24

FHSD is hosting its annual College Credit Plus informational night at our next Parent Academy night on January 24, 2024. The Ohio College Credit Plus (CCP) program is available to all students in grades 7-12 who qualify. The program allows students to take college courses while enrolled in the Forest Hills Schools at no cost to the student and parent/guardian. Please attend this informational meeting to learn more about this opportunity.

When: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 6:35 - 7:35 p.m.
Where: Nagel Middle School, 1500 Nagel Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45255 in the Cafetorium
Who: All who are interested in learning more about the College Credit Plus opportunity, with an emphasis on students who have the organization, drive, and ability to take college-level coursework.

Additional Information:

• Anderson and Turpin High School counselors will be on hand to answer questions.
• Representatives from local colleges will also be on hand to answer questions.

Science Fair Judges Needed

Do you have an affinity for science and engineering? Are you looking for a way to give back to our community? Please consider serving as a judge at the Forest Hills School District Science Fair! You need not be an expert in any field, rather, just have a willingness to help our great kids!  

Please sign up HERE to register as a judge. The event takes place on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Nagel Middle School.

Thank you for your consideration! Our goal is to get each student at least 3 visits from judges, so your participation is critical to helping our students. Questions? Please email Shane Hartley, Secondary Director of Teaching & Learning: shanehartley@foresthills.edu