Forest Area principals, coaches and students report spring athletics, robotics and upcoming testing

At its April 13 meeting, the Forest Area Community Schools board heard updates from administrators, coaches and program leads on spring athletics, student activities and upcoming assessments.

Athletic staff reported that baseball began JV play and that early losses to Inland Lakes provided experience for young players. Softball rosters were reported at 11 players, with just one senior and multiple incoming 8th graders expected to join next season. Track had no meets yet but was scheduled to compete in Bellaire on April 14 if weather permitted.

Principal Konrad Molter announced March students of the month and that the high‑school robotics team reached playoffs and placed third in a recent tournament. He reminded the board that PSAT/SAT testing for grades 8–11 and middle‑school M‑Step testing were scheduled during testing week. Principal Kirsten Wooer thanked staff who coached students for 'Battle of the Books' and outlined several planned field trips, including a schoolwide FLE trip tied to a reading-minute goal.

Community commenter A. Jonee praised the 5th/6th grade volleyball season and said they were "excited for fall." Suzanne Prentice of the Live Well Kalkaska Coalition requested 10 volunteers for the trout‑festival flea market and said students who volunteer four hours would receive carnival wristbands. Boone Scharp described a 'Gone Boarding' course and said students were eager to present boards made in the class.

Why it matters: The reports indicate active student participation across athletics, robotics and reading programs, and upcoming testing and events that affect daily schedules and volunteer needs.

What’s next: Administrators and the board will follow up on field trips, volunteer coordination for the trout festival and confirm dates and staffing for summer programs such as the football camp approved later in the meeting.