Parent Roundtable Recap: February 26, 2025

 

Dear Forest Families,

At The Forest School: An Acton Academy, we strive to be a learning organization that simultaneously executes on our mission while also learning and adapting in response to the needs of our community. Our Parent Roundtable meetings provide a space for open dialogue, feedback, and collaborative problem-solving. Below is a summary of our latest discussion on February 26, 2025.

Key Discussion Points

Math Learning Approaches & Transitioning Between Programs

One parent inquired about transitioning heroes between Singapore Math and Khan Academy. We affirmed that parents have agency in these decisions and can communicate directly with Amber to discuss trade-offs and tracking competencies. Additionally, we announced that we will soon release a study on math learning strategies and mindsets among our learners in grades 4–12.

Technology & Screen Time Updates

Parents discussed recent adjustments to screen time policies. Feedback from learners has been mostly positive, with many heroes engaging in more outdoor activities. While some elementary learners expressed concerns about fairness, the overall response has been constructive.

Entrepreneurship Fair Repository

Parents leading the Children’s Business Fair initiative proposed creating a repository of vendor contacts and historical fair information for continuity. We agreed this would be a valuable addition and will explore where to house it digitally, possibly in Google Drive.

Admissions & Enrollment Updates

  • Open House Turnout: The latest Open House had record attendance, with 125 chairs set up and standing-room overflow.

  • Re-enrollment Deadline: This Friday marks the re-enrollment deadline, after which we will assess available space for new learners.

  • Expansion of Spark Program: This year, we will welcome half-day three-year-olds for the first time, while also expanding full-day options for four-year-olds.

  • FSO to TFS Transitions: Some learners from The Forest School Online are transitioning to in-person learning.

Field Trip Challenges & Communication Strategies

A high school field trip was unfortunately canceled due to a lack of parent drivers. Parents acknowledged that email requests for drivers may not be as effective as direct texts or calls, especially for high school parents with full-time jobs. Moving forward, we will explore more direct communication strategies.

Quest Highlights

  • High School: heroes are tackling an invention challenge, learning the patent process, and engaging with industry experts, including a patent lawyer.

  • Middle School: Learners are working with Nourish + Bloom to address food deserts and food swamps, exploring potential pop-up market solutions.

  • Elementary School: Young learners are acting as environmental consultants to guide the sustainable development of motorbike trails while preserving local wildlife habitats.

Graduation & College Counseling Updates

  • The selection process for the learner commencement speaker has shifted from a peer vote to an application process, with the leadership team making final selections.

  • Brennan Barnard, our Director of College Counseling, continues to provide monthly group meetings for parents and learners on college admissions.

  • The school remains engaged with the Mastery Transcript Consortium and will present at the SACAC (Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling) conference to educate admissions officers about our mastery-based transcripts.

Fundraising & School Growth

  • Fundraising for our building campaign continues, with families stepping up to make generous contributions.

  • A family recently redirected a philanthropic fund to support our school’s development.

  • A new role combining Athletic Director, PE Guide, and hero mentorship is being explored to further support our learners and school culture.

Next Steps & Parent Involvement Opportunities

  • Volunteer Drivers: Parents interested in supporting field trips should reach out directly to the school.

  • High School Parent Engagement: We encourage high school parents to visit campus and connect with learners to gain a deeper understanding of our model.

  • Tech Development Collaboration: If anyone in our community has connections to tech partners or funding sources interested in building a learner progress dashboard, please reach out.

We appreciate the thoughtful participation of our parents and look forward to continuing this dialogue. Thank you for being active partners in your children’s education and hero’s journey!

 
Tyler Thigpen