Important Winter Break Reminders

As we approach winter break and prepare for the new year, we want to ensure families have all the details they need about upcoming schedules, procedures and more. This page will serve as a resource for winter break and beyond. Please note that updates may be made, so check back periodically for the latest information.

Winter Break Schedule

December 23-January 3: Winter Break (No School for Students, All FHSD Buildings Closed)
January 6: Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)
January 7: Students Return

Although Central Office will be closed to the public, some staff may be contacted via phone or email during the dates listed above. Please note that most Central Office staff follow a similar schedule to the school buildings. It is highly recommended to get in touch before December 20, if possible.

Central Office phone number: (513) 231-3600

New Communication and Mass Notification Tool for Families, Staff

FHSD recently introduced ParentSquare as a replacement for our mass notification system. The district will use ParentSquare to notify parents, guardians and staff members of things like snow days, weekly email newsletters, general updates, emergency alerts and more.

While individuals do not need to take action to continue receiving emails, SMS texts and phone calls from FHSD, registering an account with ParentSquare allows users to find all relevant updates from their children’s different schools in one place! It also allows people to change their notification settings and to access other features.

Learn more about the change and how you can sign up in this article.

Student artwork of overall winner of art contest — By Brooke, 6th Grade at Ayer - Overall Winner of Winter Art Contest

Inclement Weather

FHSD is preparing for the possibility of school delays and closures as the chance for inclement weather increases during the winter. To help families stay prepared and have alternate plans should school need to be delayed, dismissed early or closed, we’re sharing the district’s inclement weather plans for the 2024-2025 school year.

Elementary Winter Art Contest

All FHSD elementary schools were invited to participate in an art contest. Through each elementary school’s art teacher, students were able to submit winter-themed art they created. The winning projects are featured on FHSD’s winter postcard to all district residents. Click here to view the winning projects or be on the lookout for the postcard in the mail!

Quality Profile

FHSD recently published its most up-to-date Quality Profile, which was sent to all homes in the district. You can also review the highlights and happenings within Forest Hills here.

Top-Rated Middle and Elementary Schools

U.S. News and World Report recently placed all six FHSD elementary schools and Nagel Middle School among the top in the state. FHSD’s elementary schools were rated in the top 9% of elementary schools, and Nagel placed in the top 7% of middle schools in the state. These ratings come after U.S. News rated Anderson and Turpin High Schools among the top 5% of high schools in the state earlier this year. Read more about the elementary and middle school rankings here.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for All Day or Half-Day Kindergarten programs for the 2025-2026 school year opens on January 21, 2025. Prospective families with children approaching school age can visit the 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 kindergarten program.

Registration information will be available on January 21, 2025, on the Kindergarten webpage.

Current Preschool Families: If your student has attended FHSD Preschool and will be entering kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year, there is no registration required. Alternatively, you will receive a message from Preschool administration about continuing enrollment for kindergarten.

Preschool Lottery Information

Families interested in learning more about FHSD’s Preschool program can visit the Preschool webpage here. The program is a regular gold-level recipient of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s Step Up to Quality Award, which recognizes and promotes programs that meet and exceed quality program standards.

Applications for peer model students will be made available in February 2025 through a link on the preschool webpage.

Two presenters address a room of parents

Parent Academy

There will be two more Parent Academy nights this school year. They will be hosted on January 23, 2025, and February 25, 2025 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Nagel Middle School. Learn more about the featured speakers for each Parent Academy here.

Special thank you to the Forest Hills Foundation for Education for sponsoring this year’s series!

Science Fair Judges Needed - No Experience Necessary!

We are looking for volunteers to serve as a judge at the FHSD Science and Innovation Fair! No experience is required–just an interest in science and engineering or a willingness to help our great kids. The event takes place on January 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Nagel Middle School.

Click here to register to be a judge.

Superheroes Needed: No Cape Required

FHSD is celebrating its dedicated and professional staff members by recognizing their superhuman qualities in a campaign online and on social media! The district is currently hiring bus drivers, custodians, food service workers and other roles! These individuals and others play a vital role in creating a safe, healthy environment for all students. Visit our employment webpage here to learn more.

Updated Financial Outlook for FHSD

The district’s Five-Year Forecast Financial Report was released in November, serving as a planning document to assist with fiscal management and accountability by showing historical and projected revenue and expenses. Click here to read a detailed article that includes links to the forecast, related slide presentation and a video to watch Treasurer Alana Cropper go over the forecast in detail.

Fostering a Safe and Supportive School Environment

FHSD is proactive and intentional when it comes to matters of school safety and student wellness. We know that when students do not feel safe and supported, it can have a significant impact on their academic performance and overall well-being. We invite you to visit our webpages below to learn more about the extensive efforts we have in place to keep students safe and support their physical, mental and psychological well-being at school.