Author: SUMMER NICHOLS

Eighth-grade students at Forest Grove Middle School have been fully engaged in exploring the concept of archetypes as part of their ELA curriculum. Across all classrooms, students are demonstrating impressive focus, curiosity, and dedication as they analyze character types and recurring patterns found in literature. Their work includes independent practice, small‑group collaboration, accountable discussions, and hands‑on activities designed to strengthen comprehension and critical‑thinking skills. Teachers report that students are not only staying on task but also showing enthusiasm as they connect archetypes to stories, media, and real‑world examples. The combination of teamwork and individual responsibility has created a productive and … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School’s instructional staff recently participated in a professional learning session focused on enhancing the quality of classroom instruction. Led by Ms. Barriner and Ms. Nichols, the training highlighted the importance of modeling think‑alouds and using active processing strategies to support students’ cognitive understanding. Teachers explored how demonstrating their own thinking helps students better grasp complex skills and concepts. A central focus of the session was the “I Do” component of the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. Presenters emphasized that this step is essential because it provides clear, structured guidance and can be incorporated at any point in … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School is thrilled to showcase the incredible St. Lucie County Fair Exhibit created by our talented students under the guidance of our amazing art teacher, Ms. Grant. This year’s theme, Growing Minds, Glowing Futures, inspired students to design vibrant neon insects that represent the process of metamorphosis. Each piece symbolizes transformation, growth, and the beauty that emerges through learning and creativity. The exhibit features a stunning collection of oil pastel insect illustrations, origami butterflies, and brilliantly colored caterpillars and butterflies. These artworks highlight not only the students’ artistic skills but also their ability to bring scientific concepts … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School is incredibly proud to celebrate the success of our talented chorus students, who earned excellent ratings at this year’s Music Performance Assessment (MPA). Their achievements reflect not only their musical skill but also their dedication, focus, and professionalism throughout the event. Each student represented our school with pride, demonstrating the hard work they have put into developing their vocal abilities and performance techniques. We also extend heartfelt appreciation to our exceptional chorus director, Mr. Ames. His leadership, passion for music education, and commitment to nurturing confident performers have greatly strengthened our chorus program. Thanks to his … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School proudly hosted its annual PBIS Valentine’s Day Dance, an event filled with energy, music, and celebration. The dance served as a joyful opportunity to recognize and reward the positive behaviors students consistently demonstrate throughout the school year. With upbeat music and a lively atmosphere, the event created a memorable experience that students thoroughly enjoyed. The success of the dance was made possible by the many dedicated staff members who worked behind the scenes to organize and support the event. Their commitment ensured that everything ran smoothly from start to finish. We are especially grateful to the … Read More

We are incredibly proud of our Forest Grove Middle School Boys Basketball A Team, a group of student‑athletes who continue to demonstrate excellence both on and off the court. Over the season, the players have grown into a cohesive unit that communicates effectively, supports one another, and plays with strategic precision. Their dedication during practice and their commitment to improving their skills have truly paid off. This hardworking team celebrated an exciting victory against Synergy Charter School, adding to previous wins over Dan McCarty and Southern Oaks. These accomplishments reflect not only their athletic ability but also their determination and … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School showed tremendous school pride as students and staff proudly participated in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade. This memorable event brought together groups from across campus, including the National Junior Honor Society, Cheerleaders, Track & Field team, Basketball team, and Student Council. Their involvement highlighted the diversity, unity, and excellence that FGMS strives to uphold every day. One of the highlights of the parade was the debut of our new bulldog mascot, who quickly became a crowd favorite! Students and spectators alike were thrilled to see the mascot bringing energy, smiles, and school spirit to … Read More

Every Friday, Forest Grove Middle School energizes the day with Drop Everything And Read (DEAR), a schoolwide initiative designed to promote a love of reading. This weekly routine encourages students to pause their morning activities, pick up a book, and immerse themselves in meaningful reading time. Research consistently shows that regular reading strengthens vocabulary, improves comprehension, and boosts confidence in communication—skills that benefit students across all academic subjects. Our school’s goal is to reach full participation each week, ensuring every student is actively engaged in reading. To make the experience even more exciting, students who are spotted reading are rewarded … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School hosted our 2025-2026 Reality Store. Our students learned some powerful life lessons during this real-world activity. What is the Reality Store? The Reality Store gives students a hands‑on look at the financial responsibilities adults face every day. Students begin in their math classes, where they receive a simulated income—based on their GPA—and a family size. After calculating basic taxes and student loan payments, they determine the money they’ll have available during the activity. At the Reality Store, students rotate through stations representing real‑life expenses such as housing, transportation, food, childcare, medical care, and other necessities. As … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School is proud to celebrate an exciting achievement—earning 1st place in the National Kids at Hope Day Contest! This recognition highlights our school’s unwavering belief in every student’s potential. At FGMS, we proudly embrace our identity as Treasure Hunters, committed to discovering and nurturing the strengths in all of our Bulldogs. We truly BELIEVE that every student is capable of success—NO EXCEPTIONS! This accomplishment was made possible through the creativity and dedication of our amazing Arts team. Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Allen, Mr. Ames, and Ms. Wetzel worked collaboratively to produce our inspiring video submission, capturing the heart, … Read More

Forest Grove Algebra and Geometry students were hard at work in Bulldog Bootcamp, a focused learning initiative designed to help students strengthen essential math skills ahead of their midyear exams. Throughout the bootcamp, students have been engaging in targeted practice sessions, working through complex equations, multi‑step problems, and challenging concepts that are vital for success in higher‑level math. The dedication they have shown is truly commendable. By reviewing key standards and applying problem‑solving strategies, students are building both confidence and mastery. This structured preparation not only supports strong exam performance but also deepens their understanding of mathematical reasoning. As our … Read More

Our 8th-grade pinning ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of growth, achievement, and the exciting journeys ahead for our students. This meaningful tradition marks an important milestone as they prepare to transition from middle school to high school. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished during their years with us, and we look forward with confidence to the success they will continue to achieve in high school and beyond. We were honored to welcome Mrs. Buchanan, former principal of Forest Grove and Fort Pierce Central High School, as our guest speaker. Her inspiring words of wisdom encouraged students to … Read More

Forest Grove’s Winter Concert was an outstanding celebration of talent, dedication, and creativity. Students impressed the entire audience with their poise, preparation, and confidence as they showcased the musical and artistic skills they have developed throughout the year. Their performances reflected hours of practice and a strong commitment to excellence. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Allen, our Band Teacher; Mr. Ames, our Chorus Teacher; and Ms. Grant, our Art Teacher. Their leadership, passion, and guidance help our students shine brighter each day. A special thank‑you also goes to Fort Pierce Westwood Academy for their incredible support with concert … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School’s 8th-grade students recently experienced an exciting day focused on career exploration. This special event brought together passionate presenters from across St. Lucie County who introduced students to a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields. From technology and healthcare to skilled trades and business, our Bulldogs were eager to learn about the many opportunities available to them. After returning to campus, students shared their enthusiasm and expressed a renewed motivation to pursue careers in these fields. We are proud to provide experiences that inspire future success and deeply appreciate the support of the St. … Read More

Forest Grove Middle School celebrated Kids at Hope Day with an inspiring and entertaining event featuring Chase the Magician. His performance wasn’t just about tricks—it was about teaching life lessons that every student can use to succeed. Chase shared three powerful principles: Be teachable, focus on your goals, and reach out with kindness. These reminders show that what we sow today will grow into tomorrow’s success. A big thank you goes to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) for sponsoring this motivational magic show. It was more than fun—it was a call to action for our Bulldogs to believe in … Read More

FGMS is proud to highlight the incredible creativity of our students through a recent multimedia art project led by our talented art teacher, Mrs. Grant. In this unique assignment, students used shredded media articles and images to create textured backgrounds that set the stage for vibrant animal portraits. Using oil pastels, they brought their animal faces to life, blending color and expression in ways that truly pop against the layered backdrop. As part of the project, students explored key concepts in color theory, focusing on the use of tints, tones, and shades to add depth and emotion to their artwork. … Read More

On October 31st, FGMS hosted a lively PBIS Storybook Character Dance to celebrate students who consistently demonstrated positive behavior throughout the month. Dressed as their favorite storybook characters, students danced, laughed, and enjoyed a well-earned reward for their efforts.  In addition to the dance, students also had the chance to explore a spooky Haunted House and test their problem-solving skills in a thrilling Escape Room experience. Each month, students begin with a clean slate and have the opportunity to participate in PBIS activities by meeting behavior expectations. These engaging events highlight FGMS’s commitment to fostering a positive, supportive school culture … Read More

Mr. Donnelly and Ms. Thompson’s 8th-grade math students participated in an engaging group activity designed to introduce them to the laws of exponents. Students began by expanding exponential expressions and identifying patterns that revealed the foundational rules behind each law. To reinforce their learning, they took part in a group carousel activity where cards including each of the laws were passed from one group to the next. This method kept the pace lively and interactive, allowing students to collaborate and build on each other’s thinking without needing to move around the classroom. The activity promoted both academic rigor and teamwork, … Read More

At Forest Grove Middle School, the spotlight is shining on the dynamic English Language Arts classrooms of Ms. Brault, Ms. Edward-Simmons, and Ms. N. Collins. Students are actively participating in a variety of rigorous learning experiences in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. From the moment the bell rings, students are immersed in meaningful instruction that emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration. Through accountable talk, explicit teaching strategies, and engaging activities, learners are not only receiving essential content but also processing and applying it in real time. These classrooms exemplify a commitment to academic excellence, where every minute is maximized to support … Read More

The FGMS STEM Club recently hosted an exciting Parent Night, where students proudly showcased their innovative projects and hard work. Families had the opportunity to explore student-designed skateboard parks, custom fishing lures, and impressive 3D-printed creations. These hands-on projects reflect the club’s commitment to real-world learning and creativity. In addition to their design work, students are pursuing certifications in Fusion 360, a professional-grade 3D CAD software, and studying to earn their commercial drone pilot licenses. Their dedication and enthusiasm are driving remarkable success. FGMS continues to foster a learning environment where students are inspired to excel both in and beyond … Read More