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Welcome Back,
FCS Families!
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On behalf of Forsyth County Schools, welcome to a new school year! We are so excited to partner with you as we begin another year of learning, growth, and connection.
Throughout the year, you’ll receive this newsletter to help keep you informed and engaged with what’s happening across our schools. From important updates to helpful resources and celebrations of student success, we’re committed to sharing the information you need—all in one place.
Together, we’re building a safe, connected, and thriving school community for every student, every family, and every school.
We look forward to welcoming back our students on August 5, 2025!
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Distraction Free Education
This year, Forsyth County Schools is implementing the Distraction-Free Education Policy to support student focus, well-being, and academic growth.
What to Know:
- Elementary & Middle School: Devices (phones, earbuds, smartwatches, etc.) must be off and put away from the first bell to the last.
- High School: Devices must be off and stored during instructional time. Use is allowed only during lunch.
- The policy applies during class changes, assemblies, and breaks—but not before/after school or on buses.
Why It Matters:
This policy is designed to reduce distractions, support emotional wellness, and promote stronger connections with peers and teachers.
How Families Can Help:
- Talk with your child about staying focused and device-free at school.
- Make sure devices are fully stored—not in pockets or on wrists.
- If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call the school office.
📌 View the Parent FAQ Sheet
📌 Learn How to Reach Your Child During the Day
📌 View the Distraction Free Education Resources
Thank you for partnering with us to help students stay safe and engaged!
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Attendance Matters!
Did you know that regular school attendance is one of the biggest predictors of student success? When students show up each day, they stay on track with learning, build strong relationships, and develop habits that last a lifetime. Even just a few missed days can add up, making it harder to catch up academically and socially.
Let’s work together to help every student show up, grow, and thrive—because every day truly counts!
Additional information regarding Forsyth County Schools’ Attendance Policy, including excused absence information, can be found here.
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Important Information for Middle and High School Families:
1:1 Chromebooks
We are excited to announce that beginning this school year, all students in grades 6–12 will receive a district-issued Chromebook as part of the new 1:1 Chromebook Program.
In alignment with the new Forsyth County Schools Distraction Free Education Policy, personal cell phones and smart devices will no longer be allowed for student use during the school day. By providing Chromebooks, we are ensuring that students have the appropriate tools for learning while reducing distractions and improving focus.
Each middle school and high school student will be issued a Chromebook that is managed and monitored by the district. This means your child can safely and consistently access the tools they need both in and out of the classroom.
Parent Acknowledgement: Before a device can be issued to your student, you must acknowledge the FCS Chromebook Responsibility Guide. This will be included in your Beginning of Year forms in Parent Portal.
Device Accidental Damage Coverage: We strongly encourage all families to purchase the optional Chromebook Accidental Damage Coverage to protect against accidental damage. The cost is minimal compared to potential fees. The deadline to sign up for Accidental Damage Coverage is August 18, 2025. Click here to learn more about the Accidental Damage Coverage option and here to pay via School Pay.
Middle School Chromebooks will come with a protective case. High School families are encouraged to purchase a protective case.
Your child’s school will share more details soon to support a smooth Chromebook rollout, with an emphasis on safe connectivity and focused learning.
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Food & Nutrition Information
Families can pre-pay for student meals on their MySchoolBucks account. MySchoolBucks charges a convenience fee when money is placed on accounts via credit card or ACH. Funds can be placed on your child's account without fees by sending a check or cash to the Cafeteria Manager at your child's school.
Free and Reduced meal applications for the school year are now available on the Food and Nutrition webpage. As a reminder, income-based applications need to be resubmitted each year.
Please visit the Food and Nutrition website for MySchoolBucks account information, Free and Reduced meals application, current meal prices and links to menus.
FCS Food & Nutrition Information
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New English & Language Arts Standards
We are excited to welcome all of our students and families back for a new school year! Over the summer, our district has been hard at work preparing for a strong start. Teachers and administrators have participated in high-quality professional learning to deepen their instructional practices and bring fresh ideas to the classroom. We’ve also updated and expanded our curriculum and resources across all grade levels to better support student learning and engagement.
Forsyth County Schools is thrilled to implement the new Georgia ELA Standards in kindergarten – 12th grade classrooms this school year. These new standards describe expectations across four domains: Foundations, Language, Texts, and Practices. An exciting change for students is the expansion of the definition of “text.” Texts are now described as anything that communicates a message and can include stories, articles, art, podcasts, films, Ted Talks, songs, and more. Students will consider each text through its context, author, audience, and purpose. The new standards call for an increase in academic discourse, for students to read like writers and write like readers, and for learners to set goals and reflect on their progress in reading and writing. Our staff looks forward to supporting our students’ literacy growth across content areas and grade levels.
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Transportation Information
The FCS Transportation team is excited that the first day of the 2025-26 school year is almost here. Please know that our staff in the FCS Transportation Department has been working diligently to make sure we are ready to provide safe, reliable, and timely school bus transportation on the first day of school for our students, schools, families, and community. As we start the year, we ask that you be patient and supportive as our drivers get to know your child and establish expectations & routines designed to deliver your child to & from school safely every day.
For more information, please visit the FCS Transportation home page on the FCS website here: FCS Transportation
We also invite you to review the important information included in our 2025-26 Back to School Letter linked below.
2025-26 FCS Transportation Back To School Letter for Parents, Families & Students
| | | A Safe, Connected, & Thriving Community for All | | | Forsyth County Schools | 1120 Dahlonega Highway | Cumming, GA 30040 US |
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