November 5, 2021 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Mon, 11/01/2021 - 11:07am
  • To opt-in to HCPSS Text messages, text "YES" to 67587 from the device on which you would like to receive messages.
  • Be sure to click on the "Calendar" link at the top of our website for important dates throughout the school year.
  • View the breakfast and lunch menus here.  Please keep in mind that items on the menus are subject to availability.

Important Dates
November 7         Daylight Saving Time Ends - "Fall Back" one hour
November 8         8:30 a.m. Parent/Teacher Conferences Open for Parent Scheduling (Instructions for scheduling were emailed today)
November 10       Report cards available for viewing
November 15       Online Book Fair Ordering Starts
November 18       4:00 p.m. Conference scheduling closes
November 22       Schools close 3 hours early (12:40) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 23       Schools close 3 hours early (12:40) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 24       Schools closed for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 25-26  Schools closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

From Our Administrators...

Dear FRES Families,

Today starts the 2nd quarter.  Our students have faced many new challenges this year. Please take some time this weekend to celebrate your child/ren’s many successes. This week and next we are celebrating their 1st quarter accomplishments with Pumped Up Recess and grade level award ceremonies. To put it simply, our students are amazing!  

Report cards will be available 11/10 at 5:00pm.  This is a great time to reflect on both their academic and social/emotional learning accomplishments.  

November conferences sign up begin on Monday, 11/8 at 8:30 a.m.  Fall conferences will be held virtually with your child’s homeroom teacher focusing on Reading.  If you have any questions and/or concerns in regards to math and/or a related arts, please email the teacher directly.  Please refer to the separate email regarding signing up for conferences.  

We hope everyone has a great weekend.  Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night.

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Online Book Fair is Coming!
The Forest Ridge Scholastic Book Fair is ONLINE ONLY THIS YEAR. Ordering will be open from November 15th- November 28th.  Fliers will be distributed for students to preview choices on November 14th. 

Please do not send money for book fair orders to school.  All ordering will be online at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/forestridgeelementaryschool5.

Meet the Authors
Meet author team Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, who will read and discuss their book, And Tango Makes Three. View the flyer here.

Attention Volunteers - Reminder

  • All volunteers and visitors who interact with students, and parents/guardians who are conducting classroom observations are required to use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 of at least five school days in advance.  Learn how to access and use the PinPoint Vaccine Check platform here.
  • Also, before you come to volunteer, please complete the 2 trainings here, and bring the certificates of completion with you when you come to volunteer.  
  • Thank you for your help!

Holiday Help
From Our School Counselor, Ms. Norris

  • If you need assistance for the upcoming holidays (Thanksgiving meals, holiday gifts etc.), please fill out this form so we can provide support in the form of a gift card!  Holiday Help
  • Si necesita ayuda para las próximas vacaciones (comidas de Acción de Gracias, regalos navideños, etc.), complete este formulario para que podamos brindarle apoyo en forma de tarjeta de regalo Ayuda de vacaciones
  • Bridgeway Community Church is holding a Thanksgiving basket giveaway.  The event is being held on Friday, November 19 from 3-7 p.m.  Families may pick up from either the Columbia OR Owings Mills/Reisterstown locations.  View the flyer here.  Please Note: this is a First Come, First Served event.  Recipients are NOT required to register before the event.  However, recipients will be asked to provide their Photo I.D., name, and phone number at pick up.
  • Is YOUR family able to help a FRES family? We are accepting gift card donations in increments of $5, $10, or $25 dollars! Donate as much or as little as you're able. Please put gift cards in an envelope and drop off to the front office staff. Times to donate are 8:35-4:05, Monday-Friday. Thanks for considering!  If you have questions, please contact the School Counselor, alyssa_norris@hcpss.org or Pupil Personnel Worker, heather_graham@hcpss.org

From the Health Room
Covid-19 Self Screenings:  All parents/guardians are to perform a COVID-19 health check every day before your student leaves home. Students are not to come to school if they are experiencing any symptom(s) associated with COVID-19 or other communicable disease.  Here's a fun emoji illness chart that can help.

From the PTA...

Calling all FRES Artists!!
The FRES PTA is collecting entries for the National PTA Reflections Program. The Reflections Program is a County, State, and National PTA Art competition – with prizes. This year's theme is “I Will Change the World By…”  Please see the attached flier and submission instructions.

Looking for the latest from FRES PTA?  Here's the link to the website.

In the Community...

New HCPSS Community News and Programs Site: 
In response to community requests for resources, HCPSS’ new Community News and Programs website makes it easy for families to find educational and recreational resources, events and after-school programs beyond the school day by non-profit organizations.

Community organizations requesting their announcements be shared in school newsletters should visit community-programs.hcpss.org for more information. Questions should be directed to the Public Information Office at publicinfo@hcpss.org.

Receive HC DrugFree's Free Newsletter: To receive HC DrugFree's free electronic newsletter packed with information for parents and opportunities for students, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/