By: Valeska Simmonds

Another school year has begun. No doubt our younger students were a little apprehensive about what to expect, what it would be like, and, of course, to do. Fortunately, our returning student body took many of our young ones under their wings and helped them get adjusted to the program. I see so many smiling faces now that it is hard to imagine many of these children have not been with us that long.

We have a great program planned this year, and I know that there will be plenty of laughs, smiles and fun for everyone. We have added some new staff this year and many returning staff. Our new staff includes Alyssa Clark and Emily Kyle while our returning staff includes Josh Jones, Melissa Lahti, Becky Kapsalis, Jordan Brumbeloe, Molly McGeehan, Taryn Ford, Keysha Cooper and Jessica Bowman. Ms. Richards is back in her role as the Assistant Site Supervisor, and I am, of course, as your Site Supervisor. I say your Site Supervisor because I am here for you and your children.

Another year, it seems like the time is just flying by. I think we need a little contest. After you read this article, the first parent who calls, emails or comes up to me with the answer to the following question will win a $50 ESE bill for their child to spend at our E-Market store. Here is the question: How many school years has the ESE program been at Forest Dale Elementary? Know the answer? Come find me!

By: Valeska Simmonds

We thought it would be a good idea to let you in on how we decide which clubs for your children to participate in. Our clubs change every eight weeks. Children like variety so changing them every eight weeks keeps things fresh. The staff gets together, and we look at all of our club ideas, divide them up among the staff, write them up, order the supplies we will need and then presto! Club plans are done. Sounds quick, doesn't it? Actually, there is a little more to it then that. Let me explain.

Many of our club ideas have come from your children. After homework time, just before clubs, the staff will sit down with the students they tutor to get club ideas from them. We want to have their opinions and ideas on what interest them. Let's face it, it is their program, and we want them to have a hand in developing the clubs. We get a lot of ideas from them, many are really good, and we try to implement as many of them in our eight week rotation as possible. Some need a little work while others are not logistically possible, such as field trips to Disney World. An admirable idea I assure you, but at this time, not feasible. The point is, we get your kids involved in the process.

Once we have a list of ideas, then we put together the weekly activities and get things ready for kids. Many of our clubs are kid selected and kid approved! In this way, we are encouraging your children to take ownership in the program. We want them to think of it as their ESE program. It's a win, win situation for everyone involved, but more so for the children. After all, it is their program!