Dear Old Forge Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope you and your family enjoyed a summer of rest and time together. We begin this year with momentum, focus, and a shared sense of purpose.

Last year, we made measurable progress, especially in standardized test scores. That growth came from the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families. This year, we are building on that foundation. Our mission is clear: continue raising the bar so that every student in Old Forge receives a high-quality education.

As Mr. Griffith recently announced, “Average is officially over.” We are one town, just 3.8 square miles, with one school. That school should be, and will be, the center of educational excellence in our region. Every student who walks through our doors should experience an environment that challenges them, supports them, and prepares them for what is ahead.

Over the summer, our administrative team has been hard at work improving student schedules, enhancing building safety and security, and developing meaningful incentives for students and staff. We remain committed to meeting the needs of all learners. We will continue to strengthen programs, services, and partnerships to support every child.

One of the most important factors in your child’s success is being in school every day, on time, and ready to learn. Research is clear: students who miss more than a few days of school, for any reason, fall behind academically, have lower test scores, and are less likely to graduate on time. Consistent attendance builds strong academic skills, fosters positive relationships, and keeps students connected to their school community. We are asking for your commitment this year to make school attendance a top priority in your household. If your child is healthy, they should be in school. Every day counts, and together, we can make sure your child has the best possible opportunity to succeed.

Education is a team effort, and communication between school and home is essential. Throughout the year, you will receive updates, invitations to events, and opportunities to share your feedback. Your voice matters, and together we can make this a positive and productive year for all students.

Important Dates to Start the Year:

Kindergarten Parent Meeting: Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM – Auditorium

Elementary Back to School Parent Meeting: Monday, August 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM – Auditorium

8th Grade Orientation & Chromebook Distribution: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 9:45 AM – Auditorium

7th Grade Orientation & Chromebook Distribution: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 11:30 AM – Auditorium

High School Back to School Parent Meeting & Chromebook Distribution: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM – Auditorium

Back to School Carnival & Pep Rally: Thursday, August 21, 2025 – Carnival on Maxson Drive outside Veterans Memorial Stadium begins at 3:00 PM, followed by the Pep Rally in the stadium

First Day of School: Monday, August 25, 2025 Elementary School Day begins at 8:25 AM High School Day begins at 8:05 AM

We look forward to seeing our students back in the building, ready to learn, grow, and succeed.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Let’s make this our best year yet!

Sincerely,

Christopher Gatto, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools

To download a PDF of this letter please use this link.