Mar. 29, 2019 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Thu, 03/28/2019 - 9:16am

For PTA News, Upcoming Event Dates, Counselor's Corner, and Community News, click here.

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Forest Ridge Forerunner

Another Reminder to Choose Civility in the Car Loop
Parents, it's unfortunate, but we again need to send a reminder about using civility in the car loop.  We have folks entering the parking lot who turn left from Gorman Road, and others who turn right.  You must allow each other to merge into one lane to form a single line, without honking horns, yelling, pointing fingers, etc.  Since most car riders are designated as "walkers," why not allow your student to walk to school with other children or walk with your student now that the weather is getting nicer?  Please strive to set a good example for the children.

Student News...

Congratulations to these students, who were our Eagle Egg winners for this week: Autumn H., Oseas S., Rye J., Rohan P., Gus C., and Daniel L.
Great job!

From Ms. Pazornik, Our Assistant Principal

Hello FRES families and community,

What a great evening we had at our March Madness Reading Night!  It was great to see so many of our families and staff for such a fun event.  Our students got a chance to play games while learning reading skills. They also were able to check out books from the public library and even left with a book of their own to keep.  Thanks to our staff that volunteered their time.

Did you know that HCPSS is offering a Healing Circle Opportunity?  Below is the information from the county regarding this event:

We would like to share an invitation with you to join with students, parents/guardians and staff members from other schools in our county to participate in a community circle.  A community circle is a space for people to share their stories and perspectives. This circle is focused on healing and is in response to different communities which have been impacted by acts of hate and violence, both nationally and internationally.  The event will be from 6:00-8:00pm on either Monday, April 8 or Tuesday, April 9, and a pizza dinner will be provided for participants. The location has not been determined yet; it will be at a Howard County Public School. If you are interested, please complete the link below and we will follow up with you about the logistics.  We will be able to accommodate up to 50 participants in this event.  To express your interest in participating, please complete the interest survey at Healing Circle Interest Form by the close of the day on Monday, April 1, 2019.

Did you know that there is a ceremony to recognize staff in our school that work with our Special Education students?  The SECAC - Special Education Citizens Advisory Awards Ceremony is May 1st @ 7:00-8:30 PM at River Hill HS.

Every year, SECAC allows parents to nominate those staff members that have gone above and beyond in the supports they give for HCPSS students with disabilities. This includes general educators, paraeducators, related arts staff and special education staff. Parents/Guardians can nominate our school’s educators at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeo8sbA-mfDhlnLyd2ZW_mEHHUszOz5e04wez_m3dWA1BcMmg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1.

WE HAVE SO MANY STAFF MEMBERS WHO GO ABOVE & BEYOND TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES!  LET'S NOMINATE SOME FRES STAFF!

Did you know that there is a policy to name a school in Howard County?  The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines and standards for the school naming and renaming process.

Here are the highlights of this policy:

  1. The provisions of this policy apply to the naming and renaming of schools only.

  2. Other buildings and structures in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will not be named. This includes ancillary school facilities or structures such as gymnasiums, libraries, auditoriums, cafeterias, stadiums, fields, or other facilities.

  3. Citizens who are a part of the local community will be involved in the naming or renaming of schools through participation on school naming/renaming committees.

  4. Geographic terms, both physical and human geographic features, will be used in selecting the specific names for schools.

  5. The duplication of names for elementary, middle, high schools, or special schools will be avoided.

  6. Schools will be named with consideration of cultural proficiency.

  7. The school naming process does not include naming school mascots or establishing school colors. This is to be done by the students and local community that the school serves.

To read the complete policy, click here.

 
Just a reminder that this Friday, April 5 is a 3 hour early dismissal.  Please plan accordingly.  I hope everyone has a wonderful week.  
 

Ivye Pazornik, Assistant Principal
 

Forest Ridge News...

Important Things to Know:
  • Next Friday, APRIL 5, is a three-hour early dismissal day.  Dismissal will begin at 12:34 p.m.
  • The office phones are answered 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
  • Students should arrive to school by 9:10 a.m. so that they are able to put their things away and be ready to start the day when the bell rings at 9:15.
  • Students go out for recess when the temperature with wind chill is 20 degrees or more.  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.
  • To get text alerts from FRES or HCPSS, you must opt in to receive those alerts. Text "YES" to 67587 from the cell number that is on file in HCPSS/Connect.
  • If your child's dismissal changes, due to a change in transportation, an after school class, etc., please email the teacher, and copy Dr. Varlack, Ms. Pazornik, Ms. Traini, Mrs. Jackson, and Mrs. Farrell.  All the emails can be found in the "Our Staff" section of our website.  We want to make sure the message is received!
  • Want to get a head start on next year's school suppliesClick here for the list.

Reminders from the Office - Thanks for your help!

  • Dismissal time gets very hectic in the office.  Please make every effort to pick children up no later than 3:15 for early dismissal.
  • If your student is participating in an extra-curricular activity before or after school, siblings should come to or leave from school in their usual way.
  • If you visit school for an activity and want to take your child home with you, please remember to sign them out in the office.

Walk to School Day for the 3rd Quarter!

When:  Tuesday, April 2nd, 8:40 a.m.

Where: Any student who wishes to walk from the Savage Library must be signed in by an adult at the library parking lot between 8:40 and 8:50 am on April 2nd.  Students may walk from any neighborhood, not just the Savage Library!  Bus riders may participate by walking around the blacktop before entering the building.  Before Care students may take their laps around the blacktop as the buses arrive. Questions?  email Mr. Cassard at samuel_cassard@hcpss.org

Free Spring Break Meals Program

HCPSS is partnering with the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, the Howard County Library System and the Community Action Council of Howard County to provide nutrition for children in need, Monday, April 15-Thursday, April 18.  Learn more

Give Your Unwanted T-shirts A New Lease on Life

Less Plastic Please's mission is to reduce the use of single-use plastic in Howard County. To that end they have an on-going project to create reusable bags from unwanted t-shirts and to distribute them to local grocery stores.  A "Rags to Bags" collection box has been placed in the media center near the intermediate hallway so that we may supply LPP with the shirts they need to create reusable bags. This will be an on-going collection, so please check your closets and bureaus for unwanted t-shirts. They do not have to be in perfect condition.  Your donations will help change our throw-away culture into a sustainable one. Thank you!

Cleaning Out?  Donate your gently used or new sports equipment!

Forest Ridge is partnering with Leveling the Playing Field to run a collection drive, March 25-April 26.  Equipment may be dropped off in the FRES gym.  LPF collects donated sports equipment and redistributes it to low-income kids throughout Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. All donations benefit needy schools, after school programs, and athletic leagues looking to engage their students in the physical and mental benefits of youth sports participation. LPF relies on used/excess sports donations from local communities to engage underprivileged children, so clean out your garages and basements of your new or gently used sporting equipment, and help LPF get more kids off the sidelines and into the game! Contact Mrs. Goodwin (janice_goodwin@hcpss.org) for questions about Forest Ridge’s collection.You may visit the website at www.levelingtheplayingfield.org to learn more about the organization.

HERO Boys

Hero Boys is a youth development and engagement program for boys in 3rd–5thgrades.  Using running as a base activity HERO Boys inspires boys to discover the character and courage that resides inside each one of them to be brave, stand for that which is right, and use their talents and strengths to lead and set the positive example amongst their peers.  The school-based program is 8 weeks long and culminates with the HERO Boys 5K at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, including boys from all schools participating in the program. 
TO REGISTER GO TO WWW.HEROBOYS.ORG
FRES Contacts: Sam Cassard: Samuel_Cassard@hcpss.org  and Sarah Ports:   sarah_ports@hcpss.org
Season Dates:  April 3rd - May 29th
Days & Times: Wednesdays 3:45-4:45 pm at FRES
Fee : $75.00 *  (* assistance is available)
Location of 5k: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds on May 19th at 9:00 am

GT Summer Institutes
The HCPSS GT Summer Institutes are still accepting registrations for the summer 2019 program.  Spaces are available in a variety of elementary classes that provide enrichment experiences in technology, science, engineering, advanced art, and more. Visit https://www.hcpss.org/summer-programs/ for further information.  Please make sure to click on the GT SITD link towards the bottom of the page.  Classes with a few open spots are noted on the attached list.

Patuxent Valley Middle School-Music at the Valley

Patuxent Valley Middle School-Music at the Valley Please join us on April 4, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8pm to help support the Patuxent Valley Middle School Music Department. PVMS will showcase their talents during a "Strolling Concert at the Valley" Listen to a variety of performances throughout the school from band, orchestra and chorus. Silent Auction and Raffle Sponsor student musicians Proceeds benefit the PVMS Music Department. If you would like to show your support please go to pvmsmusicboosters.weebly.com to learn more.

Attend a Free Screening of “Angst” and Discussion Around Anxiety in Youth, April 2, 4, 9, 10, 2019

Students and families are invited to a free documentary screening and panel discussion around anxiety in youth.
https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2019/03/attend-a-free-screening-of-angst-and-discussion-around-anxiety-in-youth-april-2-4-9-10-2019/
 

The FRES 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Drama Club Proudly Presents...The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

When: Friday, March 29th Time: 7:00pm

Where: FRES Cafeteria

Cost:  $2.00 donation at the door

Thank you for your support!
"Newsies" at Reservoir High School  View the flyer here.

Watch DOGS

Our Watch DOGS dads this week were Mr. Alimasi, Mr. Mackall, Mr. Malik, Mr. Pennington, and Mr. Ries.  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

CAMOM (Columbia Area Mothers of Multiples) 2019 Spring Consignment Sale

When: Saturday, March 30, 2019  8:00am until 1:00pm

Where: Cradlerock Elementary School, 6700 Cradlerock Way, Columbia Maryland  21045

20,000 new and gently used baby, kid and pregnancy items will be on sale that weekend! From clothes, to toys, and baby equipment... we have it all!
Come shop and score some great deals! Admission is $1.00.
CASH, CHECK, and CREDIT CARDS accepted for payment. Please note, all credit card purchases are a minimum of $25.00 spent.
*NO BAGS ALLOWED.  We will provide large bags for your shopping convenience.
*NO STROLLERS ALLOWED at this event due to space constraints!

VIP Passes available for just $20 (get in the sale 1/2 hour prior to the general public at 7:30am). Contact sales@camom.net to find out how to secure your VIP pass.

Time Schedule:

7:15am:    Sale opens to CAMOM members (and other MoM Club members with proof of membership) only

7:30am:    Sale opens to VIP Pass holders

8:00am:    Sale opens to general public

11:30am:  Sale closes for re-set for half price sale

12:00pm:  Sale re-opens for half price sale on select items

1:00pm:    Sale ends!!

From Howard County Recreation and Parks:
For Complete information on Before & After School classes, including how to Register, please go to  www.howardcountymd.gov/afterschool