Studies nationally have cited many benefits relating to student participation in extracurricular activities. Students learn life skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management and work ethic. They develop healthy living habits and self-confidence. Students have fun, meet new friends and discover lifelong interests.

There is also evidence that shows a positive correlation between extracurricular activity participation and academic performance. Specifically, there is mounting data to support that students who participate in multiple extracurricular activities tend to have better attendance records, fewer discipline issues and higher GPAs. In addition, many colleges and universities look for students who have been involved in activities.

Forest City CSD data, shown above, supports this evidence. We look at participation data because we are strong advocates of kids being involved. We also want to determine whether we have any gaps in the activities offered to ensure we provide a well-rounded educational system for all students. E-sports and archery are two examples of recently added activities to encourage student participation. Finally, we wish to strive for the right balance of academics and activities.

Forest City CSD has a history of strong extracurricular activity participation rates. We also have tremendous community support, which is evident at the various arts and athletic events held in Forest City and in other communities. Activity participation positively impacts our kids and forges a strong bond between the school and our community.

We encourage you to talk to your child about participating in school activities. There are many different activities to choose from, so your child is sure to find something that they are interested in. If your child is not sure where to start, they can talk to a friend, their teacher, counselor, or principal for help.

Picture retakes (or in the event a student missed photos on October 3) is Tuesday, November 7.

During the October Board of Education meeting, the district's Financial Health Report was reviewed with data recently updated for the 2023 fiscal year. Financial indicators continue to look outstanding for the district; however, the board will continue to keep a close eye on enrollment and state aid changes affecting our fiscal responsibility.

This year there will be a Scholastic Book Fair coming to the elementary school during parent-teacher conferences (November 7 & 9). The book fair will be held in the library and cash, card and checks will be accepted.

Come support your child's reading while supporting our school library. Every purchase made helps our school earn Scholastic Dollars which will be used to buy new books for our library.

National Bullying Prevention Month is an important time to elevate the conversation about addressing and preventing bullying of K-12 children and youth.

Bullying is the aggressive use of power, targeting another person or group of people with repeated, unwanted words or action, hurting them emotionally or physically. Bullying impacts the education, health, and safety of K-12 youth.

“The negative effects of bullying can last a lifetime,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. “Calling out bullying behavior and supporting those who are bullied can make a big difference for those who experience bullying.”

Bullying is a common form of violence for youth. One in five students report they have been bullied; chances are, it is happening to a young person you know and care about. And, the issue affects not only the youth who are bullied, but those who witness it say the behavior impacts them as well. Witnesses to bullying report feeling less safe, helpless to stop it, and intimidated. Plus, youth who bully are at a greater risk for adverse physical or emotional health or issues with the legal system.

Laws and policies govern bullying prevention and intervention. Every state has bullying prevention legislation and most schools have bullying prevention policies. Bullying can happen anywhere. It is not just a school issue; bullying can happen wherever youth come together: youth groups, athletic and academic competitions, neighborhoods, and online.

Everyone’s actions matter: we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. It’s vital for adults to know how to respond, to be there for those involved in bullying situations, to hold youth accountable for bullying behavior, and to support and educate youth about how to advocate for themselves and for others.

All first-place medals for our FC students yesterday at the Special Olympic State Qualifying bowling meet in Fort Dodge.

All students are eligible to compete at state on November 18th in Waterloo!

Bowler's pictures:

Alexis Bartling (12)

Gracie Conrad (11)

Spencer Olson (7)

Eli Dyslin (6)

Ethan Kruse (6)

Michael Christ (6)

Taven Schuver (5)

The FC Volleyball team earned the title of TIC West Conference champs and also won the crossover conference match against Central Springs. They open post-season tournament play this week.

The FC Marching Band continued the tradition of state I ratings. This makes 43 in a row!

The Forest City Cross Country teams have had a great season. The regular season ended with the TIC Conference races.

Middle School Boys and Girls competed in the State meet on 10/14 with the girls placing 9th in the state. Muren Sharp placed 6th in 2A. High School Boys and Girls race for a trip to state on October 19.

Thank you to the Forest City Fire Department for educating students during last week's Fire Prevention Week!

Test plot harvest work!

8th-grade science students have been learning about chemical reactions. They are learning about chemical and physical properties and how we can change these things. Pictured is a lab combining hydrogen peroxide and yeast - what results is a chemical reaction where the combination foams up and releases heat and gas into the environment. If done on a much bigger scale - one could create a huge foamy mess!

Mrs. Lohry is using a doc camera that is hooked up to her computer and is then mirrored to her 70” TV.

This allows students to remain at their desks so she can explain what to do next with their art project.

4th Grade students visited Winnebago Farm Bureau’s annual Ag/Safety fair in Thompson. They learned about agriculture and how to stay safe on the farm and at home. The FFA chapters along with area businesses and organizations are instrumental in the success of the Ag Fair.