Nov. 9, 2018 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Wed, 11/07/2018 - 6:25pm

Forest Ridge Forerunner - School News
For PTA News, Upcoming Event Dates, Counselor's Corner, and Community News, click here.

Forest Ridge News...

Important:

  1. Monday, November 12, is a normal school day for Howard County Public Schools.
  2. November 12-16 is American Education Week.  Parents are welcome!  This is the only time during the school year that parents may come and visit their child's class without making prior arrangements. Parents must bring their photo ID and visit the office to sign in.  Although we enjoy meeting our students' siblings, American Education Week is not the best time for their participation, so we do ask that they not attend.  They are welcome to attend our family fun activities that are sponsored throughout the school year.

Below are the visitor procedures necessary to ensure that valuable instruction continues at FRES:

  • All visitors must provide photo identification.

  • All visitors must check in at the front office before visiting classrooms.

  • Please place cell phones on vibrate and pictures and videos are not permitted.

  • Please be an observer of great teaching and learning.

  • Prior to leaving the building, please check out at the front office so that we are aware of any visitors in the building at all times.

Message From Ms. Pazornik, Assistant Principal

Hello Forest Ridge Community,

Well, the 1st quarter has ended and our students have been working incredibly hard.  They are excited for you to see all that they have done at Parent/Teacher/Student conferences on 11/19 and 11/20.
 
Did you know that when Ms. Dixon’s class comes back from lunch and recess they are given about 5-10 minutes of free writing time?  You should see the writing that is going on in that class as the students transition back from lunch.
Did you know that we are working on designing a new sensory hallway for our students to help when they need a brain break?  Next time you are in the building take a look (it’s the hallway right before the 4th grade team).
Did you know that HCPSS has an attendance policy (Policy 9010)?  

The purpose of this policy is to establish the requirements for student attendance, guidelines for attendance monitoring and recording, and procedures for supporting chronically absent and habitually truant students.

Here are some highlights of the policy:

  • All students are expected to attend school on a regular basis
  • Attendance records are mandatory
  • Students may make-up work for lawful absences, which are regulated and outline by state laws
  • Attendance records must be maintained and retained

Click on this link to read the full policy.

Thanks again for all you do to support the academic excellence of your child(ren).
 

Have a great weekend,

Ivye Pazornik

Conference Scheduling
The conference window is now open to schedule your November Parent/Teacher conferences. Conferences are scheduled for November 19 -21.  Conferences are scheduled through your HCPSS Connect account.  Please refer to reference guide for instructions.  A video guide (link below) is also available to assist you in scheduling your conferences.  The conference sign-up window will close November 15th. Please contact the front office should you require further assistance. 

https://youtu.be/QcMwkkIgkls

Smile Maryland will be holding a dental clinic at Forest Ridge on January 29, 2019. 

This clinic will offer the following services:

  • Mouth and teeth exam by a licensed dentist
  • X-rays
  • Teeth cleaning by a licensed dental hygienist
  • Flouride treatment
  • Sealants
  • Fillings for cavities if needed
Permission slips will be coming home with your child this week and are due back to the health room on November 19, 2018.

WANTED:  Enthusiastic, Patient Volunteers for Kindergarten!
Hello Parents,
Kindergarten is in need of parents to volunteer in all kindergarten classrooms from 9:30 to 10:30 and from 11:00 to 12:30.  If you are available, please contact Dr. Varlack at genee_varlack@hcpss.org, or Ms. Pazornik at ivye_pazornik@hcpss.org.  Thank you in advance!  Please remember that to volunteer you must have completed two trainings: Confidentiality and Child Abuse Reporting, and printed, signed, and turned in the completion certificates.

Watch DOGS

Calling all dads, uncles, grandpas or other male role models!!
 
We had such a GREAT turn out for our kick off in early October and have had many Watch DOGS in our school as a result. This week, Mr. Ball, Mr. Brown, Mr. Mair, and Mr. Smith visited our students.  Thank you!

If you were not able to make the kickoff and are interested in supporting this awesome program by signing up for a day, or even part of a day, we are looking for YOU!! Simply copy the links included and paste them into your browser.   Keep in mind, you will also need to complete the Howard County child abuse and confidentiality training online.  Those links are also provided below.  Also keep in mind that after each training is completed there is a certificate that must be printed, signed, and brought to the school with you.  Finally, to help make the Watch DOGS stand out while you are here, we encourage you to purchase a Watch DOGS t-shirt.  When you arrive at the school, you will be able to purchase one for $12 sizes S-XL, $14 for 2XL and $16 for 3XL  If we are out of that size we will order and and it will be sent home with your child as soon as it comes in.   You are also welcome to send in your money ahead of time and we will send your shirt home with your child right away.  Send your payment in an envelope with your name, child's name, teacher, and your shirt size.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Craig Dorsey at dorseypremier@gmail.com or Jen Renkevens at trenkev@juno.com.

 
Watch DOG sign up- http://signup.com/go/HXwkqdG