A Message from the Principals

Welcome to Forest Hills Elementary School, home to the youngest Forest Hills Rangers!  In keeping with the school district’s long-established motto of “Excellence is the Tradition,” as you enter the elementary school, you will find a dedicated and talented staff, exceptional children, and a very active parent organization.  The 2022-2023 school year will be marked by limitless opportunities for our students!  

In grades K-2, our focus will continue to be strengthening our core literacy curriculum with the implementation of Enhanced Core Reading Instruction (ECRI), an explicit, systematic approach to teaching phonics and phonemic awareness skills.  Our literacy program will focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and fluency. To strengthen our core ELA curriculum, we are implementing the 95% Phonics Core Program in third grade, REWARDS Reading Intervention Program for grades 4 and 5, and Phonics for Reading in sixth grade.

In grades K-6, in addition to enhancing phonemic awareness in ELA, a math intervention program—Spring Math—will be used. Spring Math provides comprehensive interventions that provide both effective class-wide and individual math instruction.

Our third curricular highlight will be the implementation of Everyday Math as our core math program in grades K-3.  After examining and piloting multiple programs, our curriculum committee chose Everyday Math, a comprehensive math curriculum that engages students to acquire a deep understanding of math.

Our special-area offerings continue to provide 18 weeks of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) to all students in  PreK through grade 6. STEAM is a hands-on, interactive, inquiry-based approach to learning that promotes students’ creativity and innovation. We are excited to share that our STEAM teacher, Mr. Shilcosky, was recently recognized as one of 10 Infosys Foundation USA Infy Maker Awards winners for his work in developing coursework in animation and collaborative projects for students in our school. His unique course offerings allowed him to be recognized among educators from across the country! 

In addition to a number of curricular enhancements, the Elementary School will continue the ANGER PRIDE PLEDGE, a school-wide positive behavior initiative, in cooperation with the PTO, that encourages students to develop the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary to become responsible young citizens. The ANGER PRIDE PLEDGE will be based on four character pillars: Good Choices, Kindness, Responsible, and Respect.

Forest Hills Elementary is also excited to announce a change for the 2022-2023 school year. While continuing to provide academic and behavior support to our students through our teachers, counselors, and staff, we are happy to additionally offer R.E.A.C.H. (Reaching Educational Achievements with Clinical Mental Health). R.E.A.C.H. is a non-profit, clinical mental health counseling agency serving school districts in Somerset and Cambria counties. R.E.A.C.H. provides quality clinical mental health services to students and families in the school setting year round and aims to allow for greater academic achievements. 

Helping children to reach their fullest potential is achieved through enrichment opportunities, support systems, and a growth-promoting learning environment.  Opportunities abound at Forest Hills Elementary School; whether developing a student’s musical or artistic talents or witnessing the excitement of a beginning reader, Forest Hills Elementary School offers something for everyone!  We encourage parents, friends, and community members to share in our celebration of the students’ numerous achievements by visiting the many educational and extracurricular events during the 2022-2023 school year. 
With pride and excitement – We Forest Hills!

Dr. Rob Dill - Elementary Principal

Mrs. Kristin Wilson - Assistant Principal