January 21, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Thu, 01/20/2022 - 3:04pm
  • 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
January 24       Professional Work Day - No school for students
January 28       8:00 a.m. Math Parent/Teacher Virtual Conference Scheduling Opens for Parents

January 31       Report cards issued
February 1       Countywide Professional Learning Day - No school for students
February 4       PTA Fundraiser "Love Bug Bags" orders due (see below under PTA news for more information)
February 4       4:00 p.m. Conference Scheduling Closes

February 10     FRES closes at 12:45 for Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 11     FRES closes at 12:45 for Parent/Teacher Conferences

February 16     Schools close 3 hours early (12:45)
February 21     Presidents' Day Holiday - Schools and offices closed

From Our Administrators...

Dear FRES Community,

Even though we’ve had a short week, we’ve had a busy week here at FRES.  Our students continue to work hard and demonstrate kindness towards their FRES classmates.  Today, we celebrated their hard work with our 2nd quarter PBIS Celebration.  All students participated in Club Day and had many choices of activities.  Some of the clubs were crafts, games, legos, movies, and drawing/coloring.  Our students (and staff) had so much fun.  What a great way to end the quarter!  

Have a great long weekend,

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

***Want to receive HCPSS text messages regarding weather-related closing info, late bus info, etc.?  You must opt-in.  Text "YES" to 67587 from the device on which you would like to receive messages.***

Parent/Teacher Math Conference Scheduling
Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place on February 10 and 11. This set of conferences will be with your child's math teacher.  Schools will close 3 hours early for this purpose.  Parents will be able to schedule conferences starting at 8:00 a.m. on January 28.  View scheduling instructions here

From the FRES Music Department
MUSIC CONCERT DATE CHANGE - Please be aware that the Winter Concert for Band, Chorus, and Orchestra has been changed to MARCH 29th, 2022. More information will be sent home with your musician and can be found on your music ensemble course in Canvas.

From the Gifted and Talented Department

2021-2022 Gifted & Talented (GT) Placement Process

  • Attention 3rd Grade Families.  Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing: Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 3rd grade.
  • 4th Grade GT Math Placements.  From February 14 to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to all 3rd grade students. Placements for 4th grade GT Math will be made following the CogAT administration and will include all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education.
  • Attention 5th Grade Families.  Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:  Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 5th grade.
  • Middle School GT Class Recommendations.  Although the CogAT administration may be delayed, all 5th grade students will be considered for potential placement in 6th GT classes using all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education. This includes data from students’ 3rd grade CogAT administration in December 2019, if available. 
  • From February 14th to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to any 5th grade students who do not have a prior CogAT score as well as all students in 5th grade GT Math. The data will assist with identification for Accelerated GT Math and provide an aptitude measure for students who had no previous CogAT test.
  • From February 8 until February 22, families will be able to review course recommendations and may request a course placement that is different from the school’s recommendation  through HCPSS Connect.

If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teachers:  Mrs. Clawson (kimberly_clawson@hcpss.org) and Mrs. Hogan (susan_hogan@hcpss.org).

From the Health Room

HCPSS Daily Symptom Check list:
https://www.hcpss.org/2021-2022/health-and-safety/#health-check

Howard County Health Department: Covid facts & testing locations
http://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/covid-19

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 FRES PTA...

The FRES PTA is holding a "Love Bug Bag" fundraiser to benefit 5th grade activities.  View the flyer here.

In the Community...

Kids on Campus Summer Registration Opens January 27
Brochures are available on the table in the vestibule at FRES, or visit the website here.

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes is having a reading incentive program, "Books and Bundts" that started on 1/15!  Check out the flyer here and reading tracker here.

Savage Ukes, Saturday, January 22
Check out the info here. 

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/