Hello, Coyote Families!

I can hardly believe October is already coming to a close. Time seems to be flying by faster each day. I’ve found myself pausing lately to take it all in, wishing life would slow down just a bit. Our students are growing, my own children are growing, and in what feels like the blink of an eye, we’ll be wrapping up the first semester of my second year as principal.

Being an educator is one of the most rewarding and impactful professions, but it is also one of the most demanding. I encourage you to take a moment to reach out to your child’s teacher, assistant principal, librarian, counselor, front office staff, or anyone else you can think of to express your appreciation for the dedication, care, and support they show each day. Your words of encouragement mean more than you know.

I truly couldn’t ask for a better community or a more committed staff to work alongside. Thank you for helping make Forest Creek such a special place for our students to learn and grow.

We have a fun dress-up week beginning October 27th. Scroll down to learn more and plan your outfits!

I look forward to taking my children to Ridgeview's Trunk or Treat tomorrow, and I hope to see you there!

Best,

Briana Flores

DID YOU KNOW?

Our Intervention Support Team, Martha Garza and Cindy Loftis, do so much behind the scenes to help students and teachers succeed:

• Provides reading, math, and behavior intervention for students PK–5

• Coordinates Student Support Team (SST) meetings and manages Full Individualized Evaluation (FIE) paperwork, referrals, and observations

• Supervises Intervention Educational Assistants

• Supports teachers with intervention plans, Frontline setup, and screeners (Amplify, Aimsweb+, i-Ready)

• Participates in 3rd–5th grade RLA and Math Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

• Provide campus professional development

Their work ensures that every student receives the support they need and that teachers are equipped to help them thrive!

10/24: Yearbook Cover Competition Deadline 10/24: Trunk or Treat (Ridgeview PTA) 10/28: 3rd and 4th grade STAAR Interim Math Test 10/29: 5th grade STAAR Interim Math 10/27 - 10/31: Good Choices Week 10/31: PTA Reflections Program Due (Deadline extended) 11/6: Bat Night Event (Details Below) 11/5: Caps for the Cure Cancer Research fundraiser 11/8: FCE Community Cleanup Day 11/11: Veteran’s Day  Breakfast & Assembly (Details Below) 11/11: Veteran’s Day Performance - 4th grade 11/13: Fine Arts Night & PTA General Meeting

Join us for Spirit Days:

Mondays - Forest Creek spirit attire Wednesdays - Forest Creek, grade level, Ridgeview, or Cedar Ridge attire Fridays - College, career, or military attire

• Attendance and Tardies: To give all students the best start, we are reinforcing the importance of being on time. Instruction begins at 7:35 am. Please make sure your student arrives punctually so they don't miss out on important instruction, and we can maintain a consistent start to the school day.

• Arrival: The front of the school drop-off area is reserved for our buses and special education classes until 7:20. At 7:20, this area opens up to the rest of our school community.

• Students arriving after 7:35 need to check in at the office to receive a tardy pass and will be marked as tardy for the day. Once a student accumulates 6 tardies, the grade level administrator will contact home.

• Early Pick-Up Reminder: If you need to pick up your student before the 2:55 p.m. dismissal bell, please plan to check them out no later than 2:20 p.m. After 2:20, we are unable to accommodate early check-outs. The end of the day is a very busy time, as our front office team is actively communicating with teachers and ensuring all dismissal changes are handled promptly and safely.

• Dismissal:

  • Please avoid cell phone use while in the pick-up line to help us keep everyone safe and attentive.

  • Teach your student how to buckle up independently so we can keep the line moving smoothly. We’re unable to pause for each student to be buckled in by an adult.

  • Please do not skip lines — this disrupts our number system and slows down the process for everyone.

  • Please remain in your vehicles and wait for your student to walk out to you

• Visitor Procedures
  All visitors must present a valid ID when entering the campus to receive a visitor’s pass. This helps us maintain a safe and secure environment for all students. Please do not open the door for the person behind you. We want to ensure they show their ID and enter appropriately. We appreciate the support!

Thank you for your patience, teamwork, and commitment to keeping our Coyotes safe during arrival and dismissal. Your cooperation makes a big difference each day!

Would your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader like to be part of our Robotics Club? Click here to learn more and complete the application!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We’re excited to kick off our Coyote Running Club! Below are the details for our upcoming season:

📅 First Day: Friday, November 14, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:10 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Gravel track (behind the big playground)

• Students will meet outside on the basketball court.

• Backpacks will be left on the court before heading to the track.

• At 7:30 a.m., students will be released to their classrooms.

👟 Who Can Join: 3rd–5th grade students only

📝 Permission Form:
Parents must complete the Google Form to give permission for their child to participate:
➡️ [Link to sign up for Coyote Running Club]

🗓 Deadline to Sign Up:
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — no late entries will be accepted.

If there is inclement weather, I will send an email notifying families of the cancellation.

We are also looking at partnering with the Marathon Kids Program for our running club. More details to come…..

Please feel free to call or text if you have any questions or concerns. I'll have my phone with me.

Can’t wait to see all the runners.
 

Amy Nieto

 FCE Wellness Coach
📞 512-296-0673

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to start a fun new addition in the gym — our Forest Creek “Pet Wall”!

Students are invited to bring a picture of their pet(s) from home to share with the class. The student may be in the picture or not, and they can bring one photo with all their pets or separate pictures of each one — whichever they prefer!

Each student will get a chance to share their pet and a little information about them in the gym. After sharing, we’ll proudly hang their picture on our Pet Wall for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.

Please make sure the picture is one your child can leave at school.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our students’ furry (or scaly or feathery!) family members!

Warm regards,
Coach Amy Nieto
Forest Creek Elementary

Join us for World of Engineering, a free, family-friendly event filled with hands-on engineering activities, demos, and tours! Students of all ages will get the chance to explore different fields of engineering, try out fun projects, and meet current UT engineering students.

When: Saturday, November 8, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: The University of Texas at Austin, Cockrell School of Engineering, EER building located at 2501 Speedway, 78712

Who: K–12 students, families, and teachers

Highlights include:

-Interactive, hands-on activities for K–12 students

-Opportunities to learn how engineering impacts everyday life

-Demonstrations from UT Austin engineering groups

-Time to connect with engineering students, staff, and faculty

Bring your curiosity, creativity, and your family for a morning of discovery!

Families from Gattis, Blackland Prairie, and Forest Creek are invited to join the RMS PTA for Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 24 from 5:00–7:00 pm at Ridgeview Middle School. Come in costume and enjoy a free, fun, and safe evening together!

Did you know McNeil has a FARM with Steers, Pigs, Goats, Lambs, and Chickens? Click HERE to get more information on YOUR MAVulous FFA / Ag Programs. McNeil High School: Annual Halloween on the Farm! On Wednesday, October 29, at the McNeil High School Ag Farm, join the McNeil FFA and MHS Student Organizations to play games, trick-or-treat, and you can meet OUR Maverick ANIMALS!  Come dressed in your best costume!  Food, hot coco, and a s'mores station will be available. The Annual Halloween on the Farm is FREE.  All ages are welcome!  We can’t wait to see you there!  Park in the BACK Parking Lot and walk to the Farm. For a detailed parking map for "Halloween on the Farm", click HERE. See you at the Farm and GO MAVS!

Hey Coyotes! Are you curious about the Talented and Gifted (TAG) referral process for the 2025–2026 school year? We’ve put together a flyer with all the key details to help guide you. The referral window opens November 10th and closes December 12th at 4:30 p.m.. Be sure to watch the short info video linked in the flyer—it’s the best way to learn more.

Please take 12 minutes to review the information in the video linked here.

Have questions? Join us for a Virtual Q&A Session on Tuesday, November 4th, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. The flyer includes the link to join. We look forward to connecting with you!

More information and the referral link can be found on the RRISD website.

Click HERE to join the virtual meeting on November 4th from 5:30-6:30.

We invite you to bring your Veteran to Forest Creek on November 11, 2025, for a special celebration in the cafeteria. We’re excited to recognize the incredible men and women who have served our country with a breakfast in the library, a musical performance, a guest speaker, and a presentation honoring our Veterans.
Please complete the RSVP form so we can plan accordingly. 

Breakfast for our guests will be served from 7:20-7:55, and the program will begin at 8:00 am. 

We’d love to honor our Forest Creek family and community by creating a slideshow featuring the Veterans who hold a special place in our hearts. Please complete this form and upload a photo(s) of your Veteran to be included. The slideshow will play throughout the day, during our morning announcements, and will also be shared on the Forest Creek website.

Photos of Veterans do not have to be in military dress if you do not have one. Photos of your student with their Veteran are also welcome! 

**More information about our Veterans Day Breakfast and Assembly will be communicated soon!

October will be full of treats, not tricks for our awesome staff. This month PTA is collecting items to show the FCE staff our appreciation! We plan to bring a "trick or treating" cart around to let the staff choose a snack and beverage. Please review the sign-up for details & delivery instructions. Please drop off donations by SUNDAY, October 26th.

Discover the Amazing World of Bats! Join the experts from Austin Bat Refuge for a fun, family-friendly evening learning all about our fascinating flying neighbors.

What to Expect:

• Learn how bats help our environment

• See live bats up close

• Enjoy an interactive presentation perfect for kids and adults alike

• Ask questions and explore the wonder of these important creatures

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, November 6th

5:30 PM: Free hot dogs & chips (while supplies last!)

6:00–7:00 PM: Bat demonstration in the school cafeteria

Ongoing: Complete the Nature Quest Trail in the schoolyard habitat and enter to win a class party!

RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/Z6yNxk5HEDgtN6x67 (Your RSVP helps us plan for food and seating.)

Come curious — and get ready to take flight into the fascinating world of bats!

We’re reopening the FCE Spirit Store for a limited time to sell our remaining in-stock items! Sizes and quantities are limited — once they’re gone, they’re gone! Don’t miss your chance to grab these designs before they’re retired.

Shop now while supplies last!

bit.ly/fcecoyotes 

Calling all dads & father figures! Join our Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program to make a difference at Forest Creek. Spend a day (or even just a few hours) helping around campus and being a positive role model for our students. Scan the QR code in this newsletter to get started!

All FCE students are invited to showcase their creativity in this year’s PTA Reflections program! Whether through art, writing, dance, photography, or video, students can explore what belonging means to them.

The deadline for entries has been extended to Friday, October 31 and can be submitted via email to reflections@fcepta.net or dropped in the Reflections bin at the FCE Library.

Program Details
Info Packet
Entry Form

Students may earn awards at the local, district, state, or national level.

For questions, contact the FCE Reflections Chair at reflections@fcepta.net. We can’t wait to see what our Coyotes create!

Our annual yearbook cover contest is open! Think you’ve got the creativity to design our yearbook cover? Now’s your chance!

Entries are due: October 24th
Turn in at: The Front Office

See images below for rules & details. 

Grab your gloves, gather your family, and join us for a day of outdoor fun. Whether you can rake, trim, plant, or lend a helping hand, every bit of effort makes a difference!  We’ll have some tools on hand, but feel free to bring your own equipment, such as rakes, shovels, hand pruners, leaf blowers, and trimmers.

Please select one spot per family and let us know how many people you plan to bring along!

https://signup.com/go/uqDBXoH 

Help us make the yearbook special! Parents and staff are invited to upload photos from school events like Back to School, Bike & Thrive, Grandparents Lunch, Walk/Bike to School, the Coyote Fun Run and more. Share your pictures at https://photos.jostens.com/7yurt7 or email them to yearbook@fcepta.net.

Yearbook

Don't forget to upload any pictures you want to share throughout the year. This is the best way to ensure your child's memories are captured and included!

If you missed September’s Family & Friends Night, here’s another chance! Join us on Sunday, January 4, 2026, for a fun getaway at Kalahari Resorts—America’s largest indoor water park. Enjoy a special $149 rate (2 queen beds, waterpark passes, and no resort fee), and a portion of each booking benefits Forest Creek Elementary!Book by December 4 — spots go fast!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________Student Absence Reporting - Parents, if your child will be absent, please use this Absence Reporting Form to notify the school. This will help us keep accurate attendance records and ensure that all absences are documented. Thank you for your cooperation!