Dear FRES Community,

Dr. Martirano recently shared a message with the broader HCPSS community and we wanted to reiterate some of the key points shared. In an effort to keep our students and staff healthy, we will continue to monitor our health and practice the following enhanced precautions as recommended by the Howard County Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Stay home when you are sick

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash (or cough/sneeze into your sleeve or elbow)

• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces

Regular routines and activities at FRES will continue until a change is deemed necessary by local and state health professionals. Our school is stocked with soap, water and paper towels so students can wash their hands throughout the day. Additionally, students are permitted to bring their own hand sanitizer to school. If needed, staff will make adjustments to the school schedule in order to provide adequate time for students to wash their hands - particularly before lunch.

Regular updates to our community can be found on the HCPSS website and includes the school system’s response to the COVID-19 threat with details, resources and answers to frequently asked questions.

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Mr. Conroy and Ms, Pazornik

Parents, We Need Your Help in the Car Loop/Parking Lot
We've recently seen some "near misses" between parents on their phones in the car loop/parking lot, and staff members trying to direct traffic and keep children safe.  We really need you to be off your phone between the time you enter the parking lot and when you leave it.  Thank you for your help!

Kindergarten Registration
Hello parents of students who live in our district and will be 5 by September 1, 2020! Kindergarten registration for the 20-21 school year is open online!  In-person registration is March 9-13, 10:00-2:00; no appointment is necessary.  Here's more information.
 

From the Reading Team
G’Readings FRES Families,

Can you smellllll what our FRES readers are cookin’?!

March is National Reading Month! At FRES, we will be celebrating all month with a “Reading Rumble” theme. We will kick off our Reading Rumble on Monday, March 2nd  with a “Windows and Mirrors” series- students will be exposed to books and reading experiences that allow them to see themselves (mirrors) and learn about others (windows).  The rest of the month will be filled with: a school-wide reading trivia and mystery reader game and listening to (local) celebrity readers.

Our March Reading Madness Month will culminate with a family fun reading night on Tuesday, March 31st, from 6:30-7:30. We are inviting FRES family members of all ages to come out for a night of fun activities with our FRES teachers. There will be snacks, LOADS of opportunities to win fun prizes,  AND MUCH MORE! And to really get this “Reading Rumble” night started right, students and teachers will dress as their favorite book character during the day on Tuesday, March 31st. Watch out for more information in upcoming Forerunner editions. 

Let’s get ready for a Reading RUUUUMBLE!

http://www2.heart.org/goto/forestridge

HERO Boys
HERO Boys at FRES Is back for the spring season! HERO Boys is an after school youth running club coached here at FRES by Mr. Janasek and Mr. Cassard for boys in grades 3rd - 5th. In this program, boys learn to be leaders, develop character, and discover the hero within, all while training to run a 5K. This school-based program is 8 weeks long, cumulating with a 5K on May 17th. The cost is $75 per student. You can visit heroboys.org to sign up or email Mr. Janasek at thomas_janasek@hcpss.org for any questions.

Daycare Provider in our Community
Jigna Bhatt(Just Like Mom Daycare)
Loving and caring Just like mom
Licensed day care in Stone Lake community
Care available infant and toddler
No before or aftercare
Jignabhatt@gmail.com
301-776-8624 Home
301-377-4317 Cell
www.justlikemom.org
Lic# 16-0504

TGIF FRES families!

Thank you FRES families for joining us for the March PTA meeting on Tuesday.  We had guest speakers from the Horizon Foundation discuss Complete Streets and Streets for All initiatives for safer streets with adequate sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and bus stops.  We are also looking for PTA members to serve on the Nominating Committee to recruit a slate of candidates for next year’s PTA Board.  If interested, contact me at president@frespta.org.  Please note that you cannot serve on the Nominating Committee if you’d like to be considered as a candidate for serving on the PTA Board.

While Jen conducted the PTA meeting this month, I attended a meeting for the members of the Board of Education, PTA Presidents, and the Community Advisory Council.  Superintendent Dr. Martirano fielded several questions regarding Coronavirus concerns and stressed that the school system is closely monitoring the situation and is undergoing preparations should the school system be affected.  He stressed the importance of handwashing and using antibacterials.  Please check the website for the latest on Coronavirus: https://www.hcpss.org/health/coronavirus/.  Another topic covered was that of truancy.  Studies show that there are major impacts on student performance when absenteeism reaches 10%.  In an effort to keep parents/guardians engaged and prevent absenteeism from reaching 10%, the school system sends out letters when absenteeism reaches 5%.  This is not meant as a negative and they understand that this can occur for a number of reasons, including family trips, repeated illness, etc.  They reiterated the need to keep sick children at home to prevent further spread of illness over the desire to keep school attendance records perfect.  Other topics covered were advocating for school funding from the County Council, anti-bias training, and capital improvement project priorities.  I’m happy to discuss more details if anyone is interested.  Please feel free to reach out to me.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Khaleda Hasan, FRES PTA President

After School Enrichment

Registration is open for spring Chess Club. Fridays, 3/27 to 5/29, 3:50 to 4:50 PM. Club does not meet on 4/3, 4/10, and 5/15. Grades K – 5.  We are looking for a parent/guardian volunteer for this class.

Registration is also open for spring Spanish session. Tuesdays/8-week session: March 24, 31, April 14, 21, May 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2020. No classes: 4/7 and 4/28.  Grades K-4.  A parent volunteer is also needed for this class.
 

Pongos Learning Lab will be offering two new classes for the spring.  Registration will be opening soon for:

Introduction to Animation – on Mondays, March 30-May 18 (No class April 6 or 13)

Robotics – on Tuesdays, March 31-May 19 (No class April 7 or 28)

A parent volunteer is needed in both of these classes.

Please contact Korin Sharp at iamkorin@gmail.com or Monaca Noble at kojothecat@gmail.com with any questions on these classes.

Watch D.O.G.S
Ice Cream Social to be held for Male Role Models and their FRES children on Wednesday, March 11 from 6:30 to 7:30pm to celebrate the first half of the year and recruit new “dads”.

Staff Appreciation
It's time to start rolling the FRES tea/coffee/hot chocolate cart for staff on Thursday, March 12.  It is always such a treat to surprise the teachers and staff of FRES with the rolling tea cart.  The cart is stocked with tasty pastries, breads, muffins, fruit, yogurt and, of course, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.  Please consider checking out the Signup Genius.  Items should be brought to the staff lounge by 9:00, so we can roll at 9:30.

Movie Night
Get your singing voices ready, the next movie night will be featuring Frozen 2 on Friday, March 13 from 7-9pm and admission is free!!  Concessions (popcorn, drinks, nachos, hot dogs, and candy) will be available for purchase.  Children must be accompanied by adults!

Fifth Grade Activities
We are gearing up to hold the yearly 5th Grade fundraiser to offset costs for the end of the year field trip and potentially other activities.  We will be holding a "Squishie-gram" sale during all 6 lunch periods on March 17, 18, and 19.  Children will be able to purchase a Squishie to send to anyone in the school with a message for $1.  The table gets busy with everyone buying their slips, writing their message, checking for appropriateness, and getting them ready to distribute at the end of the day.  If you can help in any way, please check out the Signup Genius.  Even if you are not a parent of a 5th grader, your help is greatly appreciated.

Restaurant Night
We loved seeing so many FRES families at Blaze Pizza last month!  Let's make the turnout even bigger for our March restaurant night.  Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 24 from 5 - 8 p.m. at McDonalds (3382 Laurel Fort Meade Road).  The PTA will receive 25% of ALL in-store sales during that period, so bring your neighbors and friends!  Note that drive-thru sales do not count towards that amount.  See you there!

Celebrity Skate Night!!
The next Skate Night is March 20 from 7-10pm and it’s a big one!!  Wear your school colors or FRES gear and watch for Eddie Eagle and some of your favorite teachers and staff!  The grade with the highest attendance will win a popcorn party!  Skate for $9 (including skate rental) at Laurel Roller Skating Center on Rt. 1 and Brewers Court.  Say you’re with FRES to get the special price.  All participants who use the FRES special price must sign a waiver at the door.

Variety Show Update
Variety show auditions wrapped up this week!  Many thanks to the FRES performers who put their talent on display for the committee and FRES staff judges.  Our students' courage and confidence are inspiring!  Decisions on which acts will perform in the show will be made by Tuesday, March 10.  Students should check their mailboxes next week for letters indicating that they've been selected for the show.  Only students who've been selected to perform will receive a letter.  For students who signed up as backstage helpers, the Variety Show Committee will contact parents via email with details about next steps.  Producing the Variety Show takes a lot of effort and support from volunteers.  The show will need several parent volunteers to make it a success.  We encourage parents to consider helping out, if you're free for any of the practices, the rehearsal or the show.  Please look for a SignUpGenius to be sent out soon.

Yearbook
Do you have some great photos of PTA and FRES events that you think would be great for the yearbook?  Please send them to fresyearbook@hcpss.org.  This account is managed by FRES staff for privacy and security.  Thanks for your support!

Community News...

Ukelele Play Along
On Saturday, March 7, the Howard County Public Library - Savage Branch will have a ukulele play along from 2 - 2:45 PM. The play along is open to everyone ages 8+; teens and adults. Beginners are always welcome! Bring your ukulele and come join us for some family fun! If you would like more information about the ukulele play along, please contact the Savage Library or David Petro (dpetro1377@gmail.com).

From the Kindness Pantry
One of the greatest things we love about the people of Howard County is how kind and generous they are - always willing to help others in need and helping to make our county a wonderful place to raise our children. And if you have a moment, please check out our website: www.thekindnesspantry.com to find out more about how to donate or access snacks and supplies.

SUMMER BASEBALL CAMPS - SIGN UP NOW!
Director Casey Medairy is a head coach at Hammond High School, former Division I college baseball player, and former NABF Batting Champion. Instructors are current or former college coaches and players with years of experience. Rotate through different stations that emphasize skill. Finish the day with controlled practice games to work on in-game scenarios and situations. Quality instruction is our top priority.

Coach Medairy has a philosophy that baseball needs to be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience for the youth player. Though playing and practicing the game of baseball will be the focus of our staff, there will be an underlying theme of sportsmanship, positive attitude, and hustle instilled in the players. Our hope is that the youth player will have one of the most enjoyable camp experiences they have ever had. Our goal is for your child to come home and say “I learned a lot today – and I had a great time!” 

Contact Casey_A_Medairy@hcpss.org 
View the flyer here.

Community News and Programs
Please visit the Community News and Programs webpage for all announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations. Organizations requesting distribution to Public Information at 410-313-6682 or publicinfo@hcpss.org.
 

Basketball Skills Academy
Nick Durant, a staff member at Patuxent Valley Middle School, is running a basketball skills academy which starts on March 21 at PVMS.  Please contact Mr. Durant for information.  His contact information is on this flyer.