Dear FCS Families,
October is here—a month full of learning, growth, and connection! Our schools are buzzing with energy as students continue engaging in learning, friendships, and activities.
We’re proud to share that our district continues to shine academically, with a 97% graduation rate and strong SAT scores reflecting hard work of our students, the support of our families, and the dedication of our teachers.
This month, be sure to mark your calendars for K-8 parent-teacher conferences, our online learning day on Friday, October 17th, and student holiday on Monday, October 20th —great opportunities to celebrate your child’s progress and stay connected to their learning.
Together, we’re building a community where every child feels safe, connected, and thriving—and your involvement makes all the difference.
| ESPLOST VII - Pennies With Purpose |
Forsyth County voters have consistently supported ESPLOST, which funds projects that benefit every school. All past commitments have been completed, helping ensure safe, modern, and innovative learning environments.
ESPLOST VII is not a new tax—it is a consumer sales tax, with a significant share paid by visitors who shop, dine, or do business in Forsyth County. This eases the burden on local property owners while funding important safety upgrades, new schools, technology, and transportation.
Early voting begins October 14, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Learn more: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/ESPLOST
ESPLOST VII Overview
ESPLOST VII Proposed Projects
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Forsyth County Schools 2025 Graduation Rate Tops 97%
Forsyth County Schools achieved a 97% graduation rate for the 2025 graduating class. We are so proud of our students, our staff, and our families for this remarkable accomplishment. To learn more about this achievement and to see individual high school graduation rates, click here: https://ow.ly/2i4g50X3X4v
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Forsyth County Schools Shines in 2025 SAT Performance
Forsyth County Schools leads Georgia with the highest SAT scores among large school systems and the highest Math score statewide! Even with more students testing than ever, FCS students continue to raise the bar. Learn more about our accomplishments here: https://ow.ly/5kTs50X4vg2
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Introducing Our District-Wide Online News Hub: Safe.Connected.Thriving
Discover the heart of Forsyth County Schools in our district-wide new page, Safe. Connected. Thriving. Each feature brings you behind the scenes - from strategic leadership to student-led innovation. Explore stories that celebrate connection, character, and community impact across all our schools.
Forsyth County Schools Online News
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Out of District Process and Window
The Out of District application window for the 2026–2027 school year will open on Monday, October 13, 2025. To learn more about information about the application process, click here: https://ow.ly/zCuR50X5aE8
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Leading the Forsyth Way
Did you know that Sawnee Elementary School recently won the Georgia Department of Education Tray of the Week Award? The winning tray featured an Orange Chicken Rice Bowl, Veggie Spring Roll, Crunchy Carrots, Fresh Steamed Broccoli, Juicy Nectarine, and a Frozen Sidekick 100% Fruit Juice. Way to go, Sawnee Cafeteria Team!
Forsyth Central High School Principal, Tracey Winkler, and Assistant Principal Louis Daniel were recently honored during the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Awards. Winkler and Daniel were recognized for their exemplary work. On hand to celebrate alongside these two leaders was Forsyth County School’s superintendent Dr. Mitch Young.
Both North Forsyth and East Forsyth High School FCCLA chapters were recognized by the Board of Education for their accomplishments at the National FCCLA Conference this summer. FCCLA promotes personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences. Congratulations to both teams!
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Parent-Teacher Conferences: Partnering for Your Child's Success
Parent-teacher conferences are a great opportunity to celebrate your child’s progress, discuss their strengths and challenges, and plan together for continued growth.
Tips for a Successful Conference:
- Come prepared: Bring questions or notes about what you’d like to discuss.
- Share insights: Let the teacher know about your child’s strengths, interests, and needs.
- Take notes & ask questions: Record key points and ask for clarification if needed.
- Collaborate: Work together to set goals and strategies that support your child’s learning.
How to Prepare:
Review recent work or report cards, think about questions, and note anything about your child’s learning style or home routines.
Engaging in conferences strengthens the partnership between families and teachers, helping every child thrive.
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Food and Nutrition Reminders
You can monitor your child’s meal account at MySchoolBucks. There are features that you can enable that send families low balance alerts and you can set up auto pay so that your child never runs out of funds.
Free and Reduced meal applications can be filled out all school year. Feel free to reach out to the Food and Nutrition Office with questions.
MySchoolBucks and Free and Reduced Meal applications can be found here.
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Free Qustodio App for FCS Families: Monitor Your Child's Chromebook
Forsyth County Schools (FCS) offers families free access to Qustodio, a parental monitoring app for school-issued Chromebooks. This tool helps parents support safe and responsible online activity outside school hours.
FCS families can use Qustodio to:
- Track school-issued Chromebooks (and one personal device)
- Set screen time limits and filter content
- Get alerts and activity insights
Set up your free account at qustodio.com/my-school using your Parent Portal email. For help, contact myschool@qustodio.com
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Celebrate National Principals Month in October!
- Say Thanks: Send a note or shout-out to your principal.
- Share Stories: Talk with your child about how their principal makes school great.
- Get Involved: Join school events or volunteer to support your principal and community.
| 2025-26 Parent and Community Advisory Council Kick-Off | Dr. Young's 2025-26 Parent and Community Advisory Council held its first meeting this week. Parents and community members gave feedback on the Learner Profile and Student Engagement while also hearing updates from district departments on the 2022-27 FCS Strategic Plan. |
OCTOBER 14, 2025 at the FoCAL Center
Session 1: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Session 2: 7:00 - 8:00 PM
8th Grade Students: Explore the Future!
Explore exciting high school pathways in Forsyth County Schools through hands-on learning, creative expression, and real-world experiences in CTAE and Fine Arts programs. Join us to hear from pathway students and representatives, access valuable resources, and empower your 8th grader for a successful high school journey—don’t miss this chance to MOTIVE8 their future!
View the flyer here: Pathway Motive8
For more information, please visit
www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/community
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October at the FoCAL Center
Head out to the FoCAL Center beginning October 16th to see Bright Star in the Black Box Theater. The show features three Forsyth County Schools teachers and several student alumni. It is inspired by a true story and is one not to be missed.
| | | A Safe, Connected, & Thriving Community for All | | Forsyth County Schools | 1120 Dahlonega Highway | Cumming, GA 30040 US |
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