December 10, 2021 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Mon, 12/06/2021 - 2:21pm
  • 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
December 10 PTA Skate Night at Laurel Skating Rink, 7:30-11:00 p.m.
December 15 3-hour Early Dismissal - FRES dismisses at 12:45
December 17 School Spirit "Make Kindness a Pattern" Day - Wear patterned clothing to show your kindness!
December 23-January 2  Winter Break - Schools Closed

Forest Ridge News...

Early Dismissal for All Students on Dec. 15 - FRES dismisses at 12:45
To provide staff with additional time to address their increased workload and to support employee well-being, the Board of Education approved several 3-hour early dismissal days during the remainder of the school year. The first of these early dismissal days is Wednesday, Dec. 15.  Other dates are Jan. 19, Feb. 16, Mar. 16, May 18, June 8.  View the HCPSS calendar.

Impact Aid Forms:   Parents/guardians who work on a federal property in Maryland and/or are a member of a uniformed service can qualify to receive additional federal funding by completing an Impact Aid form by Dec. 31. Impact Aid supplements the HCPSS operating budget to enhance the teaching and learning that takes place in Howard County classrooms.

Lunch Volunteers Still Needed for Grades K-2
We are always in need of lunch volunteers for Grades K-2.  If you can donate some time, please click on this link for more information and to sign up. 

  • 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.

From the Health Room
Would you like your 5-11 year old to get the COVID vaccine? 

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.

University of Maryland Study
The University of Maryland’s College of Education is seeking children (ages 4-14) to participate in some of our online studies. Participating families will receive a $5 Amazon gift card for each study your child participates in as compensation for your time!
Our research focuses broadly on how children think about fairness, friendship, and their developing reasoning about the social world. Participation typically involves a 15-30 minute Zoom session with a research assistant, and we use either animated stories or surveys to see what kids think.
 
If you are interested in having your child participate, please fill out the following form. Some children may be eligible for multiple studies, which have separate permission forms. Even if you fill out a form, your child is never obligated to participate and can choose to opt out at any point.https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_3Eopkr8zLNFrKmO 
 
If you have any questions, you can find out more about our research lab here: www.killenlab.umd.edu

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.

From the PTA...

Join Us for Skate Night
Tonight, Dec. 10, 2021 from 7:30 – 11 p.m. at the Laurel Skating Center, 9890 Brewers Court, conveniently near Route 1.
The cost is $10 per skater, including skate rental.  You can buy your tickets online at the FRES PTA MemberHub store (fees apply). Or, you can pay cash at the door.
https://frespta.org/2021/12/06/get-ready-for-a-blast-on-wheels-at-fres-skate-night/

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/