From Ms. Pazornik, Our Assistant Principal
Hello FRES families and community,
We hope everyone is getting used to the cold and doing their best to stay warm, especially this past week!
Did you know that the Winter MAP testing window is coming soon? Students in grades 1 and 2 will take MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Students in grades 3, 4, & 5 will take MAP in the Fall and Winter, but not in the Spring due to the PARCC assessment.
Make-ups will be given if your child/ren is/are absent on the day the assessment is given. The only preparation needed from parents/guardians is to ensure that their child gets a good night's rest and has a healthy breakfast on the morning of assessment.
Here is the assessment schedule:
Grade 1: 2/21 & 2/22 9:20 - 11:20
Grade 2: 2/12 & 2/13 12:30 - 2:30
Grade 3: 2/25 & 2/26 1:20 - 3:20
Grade 4: 2/19 & 2/20 1:30 - 3:30
Grade 5: 2/19 & 2/20 1:30 - 3:30
For more information about MAP, you may visit the HCPSS website at http://www.hcpss.org/academics/mapinfo.shtml
Did you know that Spring conferences will be held on Thursday, February 14th and Friday, February 15th. Families will be conferencing with their student’s Math teacher in the spring. Conference scheduling will open at 9:00 AM on Monday, February 4, and will close on Friday, February 8th at 4:00 PM. As in the fall, families will schedule their conference via the HCPSS Connect system. Please look for more information in the coming weeks.
Did you know that HCPSS has a Meal Charges policy?
The purpose of this policy is to outline how schools handle providing meals to students when payment cannot be collected at the point of service, while maintaining the integrity of the food service program and the dignity of students and households. To read the full policy, click here.
Important Things to Know:
Learning Together Program – Three Year Old Program
The Gorman Crossing Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) preschool programs are making preparations for classes for the 2019-2020 school year. These classes include children with and without disabilities. The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills. Children must be 3 years of age by September 1, 2019. Classes meet 10 hours a week (2 ½ hours a day) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. There are morning and afternoon sessions. Parents may pick up an application packet in the front office at Gorman Crossing Elementary beginning on February 15th. Please note that we are only accepting three year olds this year (Born between 9/2/15-9/1/16). All applications must be returned by March 29, 2019. A limited number of openings are available for children without disabilities. Children are selected based upon screening information given on the application form and the “Ages and Stages Questionnaire,” as well as observations of the child’s participation in a playgroup. If necessary, a lottery process is conducted. If you have any questions, please email Rae Ann Kaylie rae_kaylie@hcpss.org.
From the Health Room
From our Reading Support Teacher, Ms. Blackburn
WANTED: Enthusiastic, Patient Volunteers for Kindergarten!
Hello Parents,
Kindergarten is in need of parents to volunteer to work with small groups of students from 11:20 to 12:20. If you are available, please contact Patti Blackburn at patricia_blackburn@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.
Change Matters
The week of Tuesday Feb-19 through Tuesday February 26th, our school is proudly participating in a student philanthropy fundraising campaign called – Change Matters – to benefit Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center – Howard County’s only 24-hour homeless shelter and crisis center.
Did you know that Howard County is one of the richest counties in the United States?
But even in Howard County, many adults and children are homeless.
You can help the homeless by contributing your small change to Change Matters. Your change will be used to improve the lives of homeless children and families at Grassroots. If you can donate, please bring in your change the last week of February and become a Change Matters Superhero! Remember that you are never too young to show kindness and make a difference in the lives of people who need help in our community!
Daycare Providers in Our Community
As a service to our parents, we advertise daycare providers who are located in the Forest Ridge district:
Saira Ali
License #250550
Ages 6 weeks to 12 Years; Before & After School Care
Uses a State-Approved Curriculum
Phone: 240-463-8333
Jigna Bhatt(Just Like Mom Daycare)
Loving and caring, just like mom
Licensed day care in Stone Lake community
Care available for kids 2 years and older
Jignabhatt@gmail.com
301-776-8624
www.justlikemom.org
Lic# 16-0504
Christine Hernandez (Christine's Family Daycare)
license #130138
8 weeks & older
I can provide before/after care but I do not transport children to/from school. I watch school age children over the summer as well
Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
tine1975@verizon.net
301-221-4055
Afshan Masood
Busy Bee home daycare
301-498-2971
officialbusybee1@gmail.com
Transportation: not right now but in the future
license # 254960
Hours: 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday
Science Fair News
Just a reminder that the Forest Ridge Science Fair is scheduled for February 21 from 6:30-7:45. Any student not in the Science Fair seminar who would still like to participate can request a science fair packet from Mrs. Hogan or Mrs. Clawson. This project will be completed at home and will need to be turned in on February 20. Please contact us at kimberly_clawson@hcpss.org or susan_hogan@hcpss.org if you are interested.
Watch DOGS
Our Watch DOGS dads this week were Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Malone, and Mr. Morrison. Thank you so much!
If you 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, complete the certificate for each, and turn it in. Those links are also provided below. 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.
For Child Abuse- https://www.hcpss.org/f/employees/childabuse_ppt.pdf
From Howard County Recreation and Parks:
For Complete information on these Before & After School classes, including how to Register, please go to www.howardcountymd.gov/afterschool
For Parents of Incoming Kindergarteners (2019-2020 School Year)
Click here to learn how to get ready for kindergarten, including enrollment procedures.