October 23rd, 2026 - Volume 7
Dear Viking Families,
What an exciting season it is across our community and in our halls! I hope your recent parent-teacher conference was a meaningful opportunity to connect. Our teachers put so much heart into partnering with you in your child’s learning journey.
On a personal note, my son recently got his driver’s license. After a full year of driving, coaching—and perhaps a little yelling—watching him pull out of the driveway on his own was a moment filled with immense emotion. He’s ready! It reminded me so much of our work with our students: we pour into them, share our wisdom, and guide them, while knowing that some lessons can only be learned through experience.
This milestone brought Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind right to the forefront, making our October focus feel especially fitting. October is always as thrilling as it is busy. With the second quarter starting, conferences wrapping up, and the holiday season right around the corner, time moves fast. That is why taking time to visualize where we want to head—how we want the coming months to look for our families and our students—is so vital. I hope you can slow down enough this week to enjoy the crisp autumn air and the beauty of the season.
Here is what’s happening in our community as we close out October:
Where: West Forsyth High School
When: Tuesday, October 27th 5:30 - 7:30pm
We hope to see you and your family out for this fantastic community tradition! Be sure to drop by and visit our VCE booths—our team will be out in full force to represent our school family.
Date: Friday, October 30th
We can’t wait to see our favourite storybook characters come to life in our hallways! To keep the day fun and safe for everyone, please keep these costume guidelines in mind:
No face masks (full face coverings/costume masks)
No weapon props or objects that could resemble a weapon
This is the final week to cast your votes for our October staff recognitions. Your voice matters, and our staff love hearing your appreciation!
Spirit of the Viking Staff Member (Focusing on Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind)
Playmaker of the Month (Focusing on Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind)
👉 Spirit of the Viking Playmaker
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and enthusiasm. Please see the below newsletter for more information from PTO, PLT, and LSC. Let’s finish October strong!
Warm regards,
Elizabeth Ihle
Principal
Dear Vickery Creek Families,
As a time honored tradition between our shared Vickery Campuses, we look forward to honoring the brave men and women who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces at our Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. We are excited to celebrate, together, the veterans in our Vickery Creek Community. If you have a family member who has served/is serving in a branch of the United States Armed Forces, we invite you to join us as we recognize and celebrate their service and their sacrifice. In addition to honoring our Vickery Creek Community Veterans, we will also be celebrating our nation's 250th birthday as part of the ceremony.
Details
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Time: 8:30am for VCE Parade; 9:05am for VCM Parade & Breakfast Ceremony (families of Veterans with students at both schools can attend both parades and the breakfast ceremony @ VCMS).
How to RSVP -Deadline to RSVP is October 27, 2026
Veterans and their families who would like to attend should complete this RSVP by the deadline, October 27. You may also RSVP through the link in the invitation attached to this message.
How to Help (even if you do not have a Veteran attending)
We are looking for Golf Cart Volunteers to help transport our Veterans from the VCE parade to the VCM parade and breakfast ceremony. Please complete this Golf Cart Volunteer Form if you wish to volunteer your golf cart services for our Veterans. You do not have to have a Veteran attending the event to volunteer.
Have you ever been waiting in the afternoon car line and remembered you forgot to grab your water bottle? Or maybe you're just feeling like a little afternoon pick-me-up! We have great news! Our amazing Parent Lighthouse Team (PLT) is excited to introduce "Habit Hydration" during afternoon car rider line.
This team was the brains (and the braun) behind our beautiful Habit Garden at the front of the school. We are keeping the "rock" tradition going each year, which means we need more supplies. By purchasing from the Habit Hydration station, you will be supporting this incredible team and their mission and vision. You can pay via SchoolPay (pre-payment accepted if done by 1pm day of), or cash will also be accepted (we kindly ask that you please try to have the exact amount). The best part? Pup Cups will also be available for purchase for $1! 🐾
The team will be back out there on October 29th.
Our Viking Leaders are working on their WIGs (Wildly Important Goals) every day during MTSS time!
Here are some great questions to ask your child about MTSS/WIN Time and their WIGs:
What is your Academic WIG? (Discipline 1)
What are you working on during your MTSS group? (Discipline 2)
How are you tracking your progress toward your goal? (Discipline 3)
Who is your accountability buddy? (Discipline 4)
This is the Leader in Me 4DX process, and we are using it every day to support our leaders at VCE!
Together We Lead, Together We Rise, Together We Grow!
Join our incredible School Safety team, as they have partnered with Bark Technologies to present a digital safety, responsible technology use, and ownership night to parents and caregivers in Forsyth County Schools.
Day: November 9, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 7:30
Location: FoCal Auditorium
Our next LSC meeting will be November 9th from 8:00am to 9:00am at VCE. We will learn from Kimberly Davis, Director of Food and Nutrition, who will share all about our cafe and the food provided to students!
Bloomin’ Blinds of Cumming & Johns Creek
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bloominblinds.com/cumming-ga, 404.360.0906, cumming@bloominblinds.com
The West Community of Schools invites you to join us for West Fest, a FREE community event for all ages!
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 5:30–7:30 PM
West Forsyth High School
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun! We'll have trunk or treat, Touch-A-Truck, inflatables, games, music, and more. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase from local food trucks.
Parking Information: Please take a moment to review the map below before arriving. Parking will be available in the designated yellow areas. The parking lot in front of the school will be closed for West Fest activities.
We look forward to a fun evening bringing our West community together and celebrating what it means to Live Our West!
We hope to see you there!
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