Dear Viking Families,

As we wrap up the first semester of school, I want to reflect with you where we have been and provide some hopes of where we are headed. We began the school year with a new HVAC system in place. Our state adopted new ELA standards that meant we had a new curriculum in place supporting literacy. We adopted a new science curriculum as well. Our teachers have created classroom cultures that ignite the joy of learning and inspire leaders. Through morning meetings, leadership notebooks, leadership opportunities for students, and regular communication, our students have academically and socially soared this semester. Students created WIGs (Wildly Important Goals) that students monitor and adjust as they meet their goals impacting them, their classrooms, their grade levels and ultimately our school. 

Being a Leader In Me school provides students the framework to face their challenges and set themselves up for success as they recognize their genius and seek new opportunities. It also allows them to communicate with teachers and peers with language that they understand like “can you give me the habit 5 behind this?” meaning, help me understand the why? Being a Lighthouse School demonstrates our committment to the habits and our leadership in holding ourselves to the highest standards to support the whole child - we know this time is a time to build a love for learning that will carry them long after they leave our building. Our Student Lighthouse Team, Parent Lighthouse Team, and Staff Lighthouse Team all contribute their genius in various ways and their purpose is to lead with the 8 Habits and continue to build leaders. Some of the events they have helped with include our partnership with Sheng-Ren Elementary school in Taiwan,  partnering with two Leader in Me Schools to help our Lost & Found items find new homes, our first FCS Mini Symposium, and West Fest. 

Our PTO has sponsored numerous events that further promote our missiong of igniting joy including the “Meet the Principal” ice cream event, Boosterthon, Bingo Night, Holiday Shop, and they implemented the Viking Volunteers to provide opportunities for parents to spend time in our school. They provided monthly treat rooms for teachers and hosted the Cookie Exchange for staff as well. What a treat! They have secured community sponsors who help provide support to our school. Thanks to your generosity through our Boosterthon fundraiser in the fall, we have two new pieces of playground equipment on their way and the install date is in late December, early January. This allows us to ensure our students have safe and fun playground pieces to enjoy. 

Our LSC met with other West Community LSCs to discuss safety and goals for our community outreach. They also meet monthly and learn from a different FCS department about how their department supports goals and initiatives in our school. 

Our PLT has spearheaded the creation of a “Habit Garden” which will beautify the space around our flagpole. Be sure to keep an eye out for progress updates and information shared in our newsletters in the new year. Our PLT has also partnered with our SLT to further provide information and understanding about how the habits support home as well as school. Their dedication and commitment to our school vision is evident in their presence and creativity they share on a regular basis. 

Our biggest celebration of all is our students. They have grown and embraced challenges, learned from their mistakes, and made new friends. They are loving and kind even when they have tough days. They are learning that their leadership matters. It is an honor to work with them each day. As we look to 2026, I hope you are as excited as we are to continue igniting joy and inspiring leaders. 

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Winter Break. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas. You help us tell our story and it is one we are incredibly proud to share. Your support helps us see things through a different lens and we appreciate when you share with us your perspectives. Our Georgia School Climate Survey is now open and your voice in this survey drives decisions and areas of focus we will have in the coming months. Please take a minute and complete this! More information is below.  

We can’t wait to see you and your children in 2026! Our next newsletter will come out January 9th, 2026. 

Elizabeth

Together We Lead, Together We Rise

Elizabeth Ihle, Principal eihle@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Sandy Wells, Assistant Principal 4-5 swells@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Ashley Johnson, Assistant Principal 1-3 ajohnson@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Jessica Howington, Assistant Administrator K jhowington@forsyth.k12.ga.us