Little Learners
Celebrating Excellence:
Brandywine Elementary’s Natalie Sanfilippo Named Exemplary ESOL Teacher
Forsyth County Schools is proud to recognize Natalie Sanfilippo from Brandywine Elementary as our Exemplary ESOL Teacher. Natalie is an exceptional educator and leader whose impact is felt in every corner of her school community. She is a trusted instructional partner and a tireless advocate for English Learners, bringing thoughtful collaboration, careful attention to compliance, and intentional planning to everything she does.
What truly sets Natalie apart is her deep commitment to the whole child. Whether she’s creating extended learning opportunities, mentoring students through PBIS, or advocating with heart and clarity during IEP meetings, she consistently puts equity and student success at the center of her work.
Natalie’s dedication, professionalism, and leadership inspire everyone around her. Forsyth County Schools is grateful for the care she pours into her students, her school, and our community. We are honored to celebrate her and the difference she makes each day.
Welcoming the Class of 2040
The Class of 2040 is stepping into elementary school with wide‑open curiosity, bright smiles, and a future full of possibility. Our schools are ready to cheer them on as they begin their learning journey, make new friends, and discover what they’re capable of.
Whitlow Pollinator Reveal
Celebrating Exceptional Child Week in Forsyth County Schools
Exceptional Child Week showcases how Forsyth County Schools cultivates a culture where each student is respected, celebrating uniqueness and perseverance through collaborative efforts among students, educators, and support staff.
A standout event was the adaptive games, which fostered collaboration, encouragement, and enthusiasm among students across the district. The field buzzed with excitement as athletes cheered for one another, staff supported every participant, and families expressed pride from the sidelines.
The elementary games highlighted students' determination and authentic joy in every contest. Their vibrant enthusiasm proved that inclusion at Forsyth County Schools is not just a target; it's a lived experience that continues to flourish.
Exceptional Child Week concluded with gratitude for the students who inspire, the educators who advocate for them, and a community that honors every success. The games embodied the week’s message: when students are offered opportunities that play to their strengths, they can shine in distinct and personal ways.
Vickery Creek Elementary Celebrates their New School Garden
Bringing a Simple Idea to Life
A sense of excitement fills Vickery Creek Elementary as a new chapter begins: a once-simple idea has blossomed into a vibrant school garden, lovingly built by the Parent Lighthouse Team through donations and dedication.
The team managed logistics, secured materials, spread mulch, laid pavers, and collaborated with teachers so students could participate. They aimed to create a welcoming space around the flagpole and highlight the Seven Leader in Me Habits, now showcased in a colorful and meaningful display visible from the parking lot.
Every student and staff member painted a rock for the garden, creating a collection that reflects the school's personality and fosters community ownership. A simple idea became something memorable.
The school invites community members to visit and experience the garden firsthand. Come see how teamwork between families, staff, and students transformed a simple idea into a thriving space.
Sign Language Clubs Shine at Cumming Elementary’s Cultural Night
Cumming Elementary’s beginning and intermediate Sign Language Clubs took the stage at this year’s Cultural Night, sharing a heartfelt performance that celebrated expression, inclusion, and community. This video compilation highlights their hard work, teamwork, and the joy they brought to the event.
Building Bridges
Whitlow STEM and Special Needs Peers Join Forces
Ms. Michelle Reynolds, the Construction Ready Elementary Construction Teacher of the Year, is proving that the most powerful lessons happen when kids build something together and that construction readiness starts with empathy.

Something special is happening in the 4th- and 5th-grade STEM classrooms at Whitlow Elementary School. Under the guidance of Ms. Michelle (Mickie) Reynolds, a group of young builders is doing far more than learning about tools and materials. They are learning how to show up for one another. In a heartwarming cross-classroom collaboration, Ms. Reynolds's students partnered with special needs students from the classes of Ms. Kassalen, Ms. Hall, and Ms. Fannin to design and construct sensory boards, tactile learning tools packed with textures, colors, and interactive elements that support sensory development and engagement. The project turned the classroom into a real construction zone, with kids measuring, building, and problem-solving side by side.
"We make learning come alive" is not just a motto in Ms. Reynolds' classroom. It is a daily commitment to hands-on discovery, creative thinking, and building community one project at a time.
Ms. Reynolds, recently honored as the Construction Ready Elementary Construction Teacher of the Year, has built her program around a teaching philosophy that is as practical as it is inspiring, rooted in the belief that every student deserves access to real-world skills and genuine connection. By pairing her STEM students with peers who experience the world differently, she created an environment where empathy became the foundation of every design decision. Students were not just asking, "Will this board hold together?" They were asking, "Will this feel right for my friend?" That shift in perspective from engineer to advocate is exactly the kind of learning that follows a child for life.
The sensory board project is a vivid example of what happens when education dares to be bold and inclusive. For the special needs students in Ms. Kassalen's, Ms. Hall's, and Ms. Fannin's classes, the boards represent tools built with care, by classmates who took the time to understand their needs. For the STEM students, the experience was a masterclass in purposeful design, teamwork, and the quiet satisfaction of building something that truly matters to someone else. Ms. Reynolds and her fellow teachers have shown the Whitlow community and Forsyth County Schools' that construction readiness is not just about the workforce pipeline. It is about raising the next generation of young people who build with their hands and lead with their hearts.
We sat down with Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Kassalen, Ms. Hall, and Ms. Fannin to hear directly from the educators who made this collaboration possible and to learn what moments they will carry with them long after the sawdust settles.
- When you first imagined students from different classrooms building something together, what did you hope they would take away from the experience, and did the reality of what happened surprise you?
- Sensory boards are deeply personal tools for the students who use them. Can you walk us through how the children made design decisions, and what it looked like when a student realized they were building something specifically for a peer?
- For teachers and schools who want to launch a similar project but are not sure where to start, what is the one piece of advice you would give them?
When you first imagined students from different classrooms building something together, what did you hope they would take away from the experience, and did the reality of what happened surprise you?
Sensory boards are deeply personal tools for the students who use them. Can you walk us through how the children made design decisions, and what it looked like when a student realized they were building something specifically for a peer?
For teachers and schools who want to launch a similar project but are not sure where to start, what is the one piece of advice you would give them?
Opening a World of Stories
Forsyth County Schools Celebrates Read Across America Week

Every year during the first week of March, something magical happens in elementary school hallways across the country, and Forsyth County is no exception. Read Across America Week, observed March 2–6, is the nation's largest celebration of reading, established in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) to inspire a lifelong love of literacy in children of all ages. Anchored by the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss on March 2, the week serves as a powerful national reminder that reading is not merely an academic skill, it is a gateway to imagination, empathy, and limitless possibility. This year's theme, "Champion Kindness," challenges students and educators alike to explore how books can build bridges between different people, places, and perspectives.
For Forsyth County's 23 elementary schools, the week is one of the most anticipated of the entire school year. Teachers, media specialists, and administrators pull out all the stops to transform campuses into vibrant celebrations of storytelling. Hallways come alive with book character dress-up days, themed spirit days inspired by classic titles like The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, and reading challenges that encourage students to log minutes and pages throughout the week. Guest readers, including parents, grandparents, community leaders, and school staff, visit classrooms to share their favorite stories aloud, giving young learners a chance to see the adults in their lives model a genuine love of books.
The impact of this week on kindergarten through 5th-grade students extends far beyond a fun theme day or a new bookmark. Research consistently shows that the early elementary years are the most critical window for reading development, and positive, joyful experiences with books during this time shape how children relate to reading for the rest of their lives. When a five-year-old dresses up as their favorite storybook character, they are not just playing pretend, they are building a personal connection to literature. When a third grader hears a guest reader share a book about a culture different from their own, empathy and curiosity grow alongside vocabulary. For students who struggle with reading, seeing their entire school community celebrate books can be transformative, replacing anxiety with excitement and turning reluctant readers into enthusiastic ones.
Forsyth County Schools' commitment to literacy goes well beyond a single week each year. Programs like SPARK!, the district's early literacy initiative, work year-round to support reading development from birth through 5th grade, connecting families with resources, strategies, and tools to keep learning alive at home. Read Across America Week serves as a high-energy, community-wide expression of that deeper commitment, reminding every student in every classroom that their story matters and that the world inside a book is always waiting for them. Families are encouraged to extend the celebration at home by visiting the Forsyth County Public Library, starting a nightly read-aloud routine, or simply asking their child what book made them smile this week.
Lights, Camera, Learn
Cumming Elementary and Otwell Middle School Team Up to Build the Next Generation of Filmmakers, Podcasters, and Broadcasters
Two schools, one shared vision, and a student news crew finding their voice one broadcast at a time.
Something exciting is happening in the mornings at Cumming Elementary School. Fifth-grade students are stepping in front of cameras, settling in front of a podcast mic, and learning what it takes to tell a story, all thanks to a growing collaboration between Cumming Elementary and Otwell Middle School. It started with a simple observation: with Cumming's fifth graders heading to Otwell in the Fall, Otwell's broadcast and film teacher, Dr. Greg Walkup, saw an opportunity to pique students' curiosity about the craft before they ever set foot in his broadcast & film program.
That idea turned into a real partnership. Greg teamed up with Cumming Elementary's Educational Technology Coach, Liz Pfister, and together they have been building something meaningful from the ground up. Dr. Walkup's Broadcast & Film students now volunteer at Cumming in the mornings, working side by side with elementary students to help them find their voices as anchors, podcasters, and filmmakers. Cumming has even brought in podcast equipment to give students more ways to practice and create. The energy, by all accounts, has been contagious.
The bigger picture is just as exciting. With Forsyth Central High School already home to a Film Academy, this collaboration is laying the foundation for a genuine pipeline, one where students can discover a passion for film, podcasting, and broadcasting in elementary school, sharpen their skills in middle school, and take it to the next level in high school. We sat down with Liz Pfister and Greg Walkup to hear more about how it all came together.
- What inspired this collaboration, and what has it looked like in practice from the very first morning Otwell students showed up at Cumming?
- What have you noticed in the Cumming students as they have gotten more comfortable in front of the camera and behind the microphone?
- What does the long-term vision look like for this broadcasting & film pathway, and what do you hope students at all three schools take away from being part of it?
What inspired this collaboration, and what has it looked like in practice from the very first morning Otwell students showed up at Cumming?
What have you noticed in the Cumming students as they have gotten more comfortable in front of the camera and behind the microphone?
What does the long-term vision look like for this broadcasting & film pathway, and what do you hope students at all three schools take away from being part of it?
Souperbowl Success
Sharon Students Step Up for The Place

Sharon Elementary’s Souperbowl canned food drive turned into something truly special this year, and the excitement across the school has been contagious. Each month, students come together in their Knight Squads, buddy classes that focus on communication, relationship building, and the 7 Mindsets. January's mindset, 100% Accountable, encouraged students to consider how their choices impact others, and it quickly became the heart of this schoolwide service project.
What started as a simple goal of collecting 750 cans for The Place of Forsyth grew far beyond anyone's expectations. With every Knight Squad setting its own accountability goal, students jumped in with enthusiasm. They shoveled driveways to earn cans, dipped into their own Christmas money, and encouraged one another along the way. Families rallied behind them too, some bringing in more than 100 cans to help their student's squad reach its goal.
By the end of the drive, students had collected an incredible 3,695 cans, more than tripling last year's total of 1,064. The generosity, teamwork, and sense of purpose on display have been nothing short of inspiring.
This Souperbowl has been a powerful reminder of what happens when students take ownership, support one another, and work together for a cause bigger than themselves.
Inventive Minds Shine at Mashburn Elementary

Mashburn Elementary brought big energy and even bigger ideas to this year’s K-12 GA Tech InVenture Enrichment Competition, and their creativity absolutely shone. Students spent weeks identifying real-world problems, brainstorming solutions, and turning their ideas into inventions—an authentic taste of engineering and entrepreneurship inspired by Georgia Tech’s statewide program, which challenges students to design meaningful, marketable innovations.
Paws, Claws, and Big Opinions
First Grade Students Share Their Opinions on Which Pet Is Best
First graders in Mrs. Betke’s classroom have been buzzing with excitement as they step into the role of real authors, crafting their very own opinion pieces about which animal would make the best pet. From playful puppies to colorful parrots, students explored their ideas, backed up their choices with reasons, and brought their imaginations to life through writing and illustrations. Their finished work was transformed into a digital Wixie book, allowing families to flip through the pages and celebrate each child’s voice.
This project has been more than just a writing assignment; it’s been a joyful blend of creativity, critical thinking, and confidence-building. Students practiced sharing their opinions clearly, supporting their ideas, and expressing themselves through both words and art. As they prepared their pages for the class book, the room filled with proud smiles, lively conversations, and the kind of energy that reminds us of the power of early writing experiences.
A Peek Behind the Pages
- What steps did students take as they moved from brainstorming to drafting and illustrating their opinion pieces?
- How did students respond to the opportunity to publish their work in a digital Wixie book?
- What moments of engagement or growth stood out to you during the project?
What steps did students take as they moved from brainstorming to drafting and illustrating their opinion pieces?
How did students respond to the opportunity to publish their work in a digital Wixie book?
What moments of engagement or growth stood out to you during the project?
100 Days, 100 Smiles!
Elementary schools across Forsyth County marked a big milestone today, the 100th day of school, and our youngest learners celebrated in the most creative ways. Classrooms were buzzing with excitement as students arrived dressed as “100‑year‑olds,” sporting everything from suspenders and gray hair spray to pearls and walking canes. Others proudly wore shirts decorated with 100 stickers, pom‑poms, or hand‑drawn designs they created at home.
Inside the classrooms, teachers turned the day into a hands‑on learning adventure. Students counted collections of 100 objects, built towers with 100 cups, wrote about what life might be like at 100 years old, and even tackled STEM challenges using exactly 100 pieces. For many, the highlight was seeing just how much they’ve grown since the first day of school—academically, socially, and in confidence.
The 100th day is always a reminder of how far our students have come and how much joy they bring to learning. With 100 days behind them and plenty of adventures still ahead, our elementary students are proving that every day counts.
5th Grade Brings History to Life with Hooverville Homes
Forsyth County Schools’ 5th graders stepped back in time today, transforming their classrooms into living history lessons. As part of their study of the Great Depression, students from Brandywine Elementary constructed their own Hooverville homes, small, makeshift shelters that mirrored the struggles families faced during this era.
To deepen the experience, students also participated in a “soup kitchen” activity, lining up for simple meals, just as many Americans did when resources were scarce. These immersive activities helped students connect emotionally and intellectually with the hardships of the 1930s, sparking conversations about resilience, community, and empathy.
One teacher reflected on the day, sharing:
“We all loved sharing this piece of history with our 5th-grade babes! It was an educational, fun-filled, and beautiful day to reenact what it felt like to build a ‘Hooverville Home’ to support their families during the Great Depression. Special thanks to our amazing parents who continually step up to support us all. Your daily commitment truly means a great deal to us.”
By building, role-playing, and reflecting, students gained a richer understanding of how history impacts daily life. This hands-on approach not only made social studies memorable but also highlighted the importance of community support—both then and now.
Partnerships in Action: Local Companies Fuel Hands-On STEM Learning
Chestatee Elementary
Forsyth County Schools is grateful to Randall Brothers LLC for their generous lumber donations, which empower students to bring STEM building projects to life. During their recent visit at Chestatee Elementary, Randall Brothers representatives worked side by side with students, sharing expertise and encouragement. Forsyth County Schools also extends their thanks to Construction Ready, whose continued support provides the additional building materials needed to make these projects possible. Together, these partnerships exemplify the power of community collaboration in fostering hands-on learning and future-ready skills.
Balloons Over Broadway Brings Literacy to Life Across Forsyth County Schools
Forsyth County's schools aren't just reading about balloons—they're learning how ideas lift off the page and into the world.
During the season of Thanksgiving, Forsyth County schools are soaring into literacy with Balloons Over Broadway, Melissa Sweet's award-winning picture book biography of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind Macy's iconic parade balloons.
Teachers and local librarians across the district, like Laurel Hamby, are using the book as a mentor text to strengthen reading comprehension, sequencing, and vocabulary skills while connecting students to a beloved holiday tradition.
Literacy in Action
Aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence for second grade English Language Arts, Balloons Over Broadway helps students in Forsyth County Schools:
- Ask and answer questions about key details in informational texts.
- Explore cause-and-effect relationships, such as how Sarg's puppetry led to balloon innovation.
- Build vocabulary with words like puppeteer, parade, and helium.
- Practice writing informative texts and sharing oral summaries.
Creativity Meets Literacy
Beyond reading, elementary campuses are buzzing with hands-on projects. Administrators and educators from Brookwood, Cumming, Kelly Mill, Mashburn, Matt, New Hope, Poole’s Mill, Shiloh Point, and Silver City, challenged students to design their own parades, where students created their own balloons, participated in art activities inspired by Sweet’s collage illustrations, and experimented with social connections that celebrate cultural contributions.
Why It Matters
By blending literacy with creativity, Forsyth County educators are helping students see reading as more than words on a page, it's a gateway to history, innovation, and imagination. Balloons Over Broadway not only teaches standards, but it also inspires students to dream big and celebrate traditions that bring communities together.
Cumming Elementary’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program and ASL Club Build Bridges Through Language and Inclusion
"Each small interaction builds understanding and inclusion. Seeing hearing students take the initiative to learn ASL sends a powerful message to their DHH peers: you belong here, and we want to connect with you." - Wendy Barefoot, Educational Interpreter
Cumming Elementary is proud to be one of the most diverse and inclusive schools in Forsyth County. In addition to its rich socio-economic diversity, the school is home to a welcoming and supportive Special Needs program. A particularly special part of that program is the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program, which serves elementary-aged students from across the county who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
For many students, this program provides their first real introduction to the Deaf community. Some arrive not yet knowing American Sign Language (ASL), and watching them learn to communicate through sign is both inspiring and rewarding. They soon discover that they are not alone—others share similar experiences and challenges.
To extend that spirit of inclusion beyond the classroom, Mrs. Wendy Barefoot created the afterschool ASL Club, open to any student interested in learning this unique and expressive language. Founded during the 2010–2011 school year, the club now serves between 50 and 100 students each year. Its goal is to bridge communication gaps between hearing students and those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Learning ASL is much like learning any other language—its structure is approachable, but its vocabulary is vast. To keep students engaged, the club uses a mix of fun and interactive activities that reinforce learning. Students play games like Bingo and Jeopardy, participate in themed challenges such as Scavenger Hunts and Escape Rooms, and even perform at Cumming Elementary’s Multicultural Night. There, they sign popular songs, showcasing both their ASL skills and their creativity on stage.
Beyond learning vocabulary, the club also emphasizes understanding the experiences of those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Students sometimes wear noise-blocking headphones or earplugs to simulate the experience of limited hearing. This helps them understand the importance of clear signing, eye contact, facial expressions, and pacing. They also watch captioned videos without sound to further build empathy and awareness.
One of the highlights of the year is the Silent Ice Cream Social, where students must communicate exclusively in ASL to order their ice cream and toppings. This hands-on experience brings together everything they’ve learned and gives them a glimpse of what it’s like to live in a world without sound.
Ultimately, the club’s goal is simple but powerful: to enable students to communicate—even if it’s just to say “hello.” Each small interaction builds understanding and inclusion. Seeing hearing students take the initiative to learn ASL sends a powerful message to their DHH peers: you belong here, and we want to connect with you.
The actual value of the ASL Club isn’t found in a single moment but in the everyday interactions—when students who might never have communicated before share a laugh, work together, or become friends. These are the moments that show the heart of Cumming Elementary: a community built on respect, empathy, and the joy of understanding one another.
Principal Pride: Leading with Heart
Courtney Beach, Shiloh Point Elementary
“When we all work collaboratively and focus on relationships first, students feel supported, learning deepens, and the entire school community thrives.”

Every school has its heartbeat—and often, it’s the principal who sets the rhythm. From morning greetings to late-night planning, their leadership shapes the culture, energy, and direction of the entire building. We sat down with Shiloh Point Elementary’s principal, Courtney Beach, to learn more about what drives her work, how she stays connected to students and staff, and what makes her school community truly special.
What’s one initiative or program you’re especially proud of that’s made a lasting impact on your school community?
One initiative I’m especially proud of is the way our staff has embraced true collaboration to strengthen both instruction and student support. Over the past year, our teams have made a deliberate effort to collaborate—sharing strategies, analyzing data, and responding to student needs in real-time. This collective approach has not only elevated the quality of instruction but also ensured that every student feels seen, supported, and challenged. I’m most proud of how our teachers have leaned into being responsive, adapting their teaching to meet students where they are and helping them grow from there. The collaboration and commitment I see each day are making a lasting impact on our school community.
- How do you ensure every student feels seen, supported, and included—especially those with diverse learning needs or backgrounds?
- What advice would you give to families or new educators about building strong partnerships with the school?
How do you ensure every student feels seen, supported, and included—especially those with diverse learning needs or backgrounds?
What advice would you give to families or new educators about building strong partnerships with the school?
Treat Street 2025
Principal Pride: Leading with Heart
Jordan Livermore, Cumming Elementary

Jordan Livermore, Cumming Elementary Principal, leads a station called "Can you Return Livermore's Serve?"
Every school has its heartbeat—and often, it’s the principal who sets the rhythm. From morning greetings to late-night planning, their leadership shapes the culture, energy, and direction of the entire building. We sat down with Cumming Elementary’s principal, Jordan Livermore, to learn more about what drives their work, how they stay connected to students and staff, and what makes their school community truly special.
- What’s one moment this school year that reminded you why you became an educator?
- How do you build a positive school culture that supports both students and staff?
- What’s a leadership lesson you’ve learned that continues to shape how you approach your role?
- How do you stay connected to students’ voices and experiences throughout the year?
- What’s one initiative or tradition at your school that makes you especially proud?
What’s one moment this school year that reminded you why you became an educator?
How do you build a positive school culture that supports both students and staff?
What’s a leadership lesson you’ve learned that continues to shape how you approach your role?
How do you stay connected to students’ voices and experiences throughout the year?
What’s one initiative or tradition at your school that makes you especially proud?
Cougar Nation is on Fire!
From raising $25,000 for CES to celebrating kindness and excellence, our community continues to shine. Huge shoutout to our amazing students and to Linda Jones Bell—Forsyth County’s Data Clerk of the Month!

Smiles, Backpacks, and Big Dreams
Foundation FriYAY!

Congratulations to Mrs Zerkel! She was awarded a $5,000 grant to use with the Newcomers Club she leads for friends who have just moved to Cumming from another country. Thank you Forsyth County Education Foundation !


















































































































































































































































































































































































































