Collins Elementary highlighted the district's work on student belonging at the Forest Hills Board of Education meeting on Nov. 10. Principal Mitch Bullingut introduced second‑grade teacher Rachel Fletcher, who described a districtwide program that uses monthly “powerful words” to foster inclusion from kindergarten through 12th grade. "Every month, we're trying to do a focus with one of these words and do activities... from K all the way up to twelfth grade," Fletcher said.

Fletcher described classroom projects that ranged from a schoolwide name‑puzzle to self‑portraits paired with a single descriptive word. She said the intent is to help students learn more about peers beyond surface impressions and to create opportunities for conversations and connections. The district also held a third‑grade 'belonging bash' bringing every third grader together for skits and activities organized by a student 'Shared Voices' committee.

Students spoke directly to the board. One third grader said, "I tell people compliments because it makes them feel good," and another described helping a newly arrived classmate feel comfortable by smiling and playing with them. Superintendent Kirby and board members were invited to visit Collins to see the projects in person.

The presentations were framed as classroom‑level practice tied to district goals; board members praised the students and staff for the work and for the student involvement in planning and leading events. No formal action was taken on the instructional items; the segment was an informational highlight and demonstration of district practice.

Looking ahead, the district said it will continue supporting cross‑grade initiatives and teacher‑led professional learning tied to these social‑emotional and community‑building activities.