September 23, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 09/23/2022 - 3:12pm
  • 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

September 24       Deadline for ordering FRES Spiritwear (see below)
September 26       Rosh Hashanah - Schools and Offices Closed
October 3 & 10     Hearing & Vision Screening.  View the flyer.
October 5               Yom Kippur - Schools and Offices Closed
October 6               Flu Vaccine Clinic Registrations due (no late registrations accepted).  View the flyer in English & Spanish
October 11             Flu Vaccine Clinic
October 12             Watch D.O.G.S. Kick-off Ice Cream Social (more info to come)
October 20             2nd Grade Field Trip
October 28             3rd Grade Field Trip

View the HCPSS Calendar in English
View the HCPSS Calendar in Spanish
View the HCPSS Calendar in Korean
View the HCPSS Calendar in Chinese

***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.***

Forest Ridge News...

From the Health Room

  • The Howard County Health Department will be conducting Vision and Hearing screenings on Monday October 3rd, and rechecks on Monday October 10th.  These screenings will be for all PreK (vision only), Kindergarten & 1st grade students, as well as specific referrals, and ALL STUDENTS NEW to MD public schools (with no previous screening record).)  Students who wear glasses should bring them to school on the screening dates.  Learn more.
  • Our no-cost flu clinic is on Tuesday October 11th, 2022 for students and staff Online registrations are being accepted now! Please use our school specific link to sign your student up for their flu vaccine:  https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/1060225955  Registration can be completed on phones, tables, computers, ipads...etc.  It's very simple to do and very helpful in keeping your student healthy this school year.  If there are any questions or concerns, parents can contact the Health Room at 410-888-8811.   Please note, Sign-ups must be completed BY October 6th, 2022

Upcoming MAP Testing in Grades 1-5
Children in grades 1-5 will participate in the administration of Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing.  MAP is an untimed computer-adaptive assessment that measures student growth and achievement, independent of grade level or age.  This is but one indicator of your child’s progress, providing us with an additional piece of information about achievement levels and growth in acquiring Reading and Mathematics skills. Classroom teachers will share testing dates for ELA and math. To learn more about about the MAP assessment, click here

Gifted and Talented Advisory Council
If you are interested and available to be a Gifted and Talented Advisory Council (GTAC) Parent Representative for our school community for this academic year, please register at the GTAC Website.

Parent Representative Job Description: Parent Representatives are the bridge between the GTAC and their school communities.  Primary responsibilities:

  • Sharing GTAC news with your school. For example, we will send you GTAC “Highlights” for you to share at platforms, such as PTA meetings. If a GTAC update is not currently part of your PTA meeting agenda, please contact your PTA President and request to continuously share GTAC highlights at upcoming PTA meetings;

  • Promoting GTAC-sponsored events at your school, like our Parent Academies and the Educator Recognition. GTAC will continuously share news/events and flyers to post in your PTA e-mailings and/or school display; and

  • Supporting your GT Resource Teacher(s). Occasionally checking in with them to see if/how you can provide any help or assistance with routine activities and/or with special events.

Additional Responsibilities (optional):  Attend the Steering Committee Meetings in an effort to obtain news firsthand and/or actively participate by volunteering to serve on the Steering Committee, and/or advocate for the GT Program with the Board of Education.

Once you are registered as a Parent Representative, you will be placed on our email list and provided with additional information including the Google Meet code. If you are unable to attend, a highlights summary will be sent following the meeting. 

The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program Saturday Math Academy Fall Session is Approaching!
This year, the BSAP Saturday Math Academy will offer an in-person enrichment program for Howard County Public School System students in all levels of math for grades 3-12 based on course availability. Registration will take place online Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 9:00 a.m.- until capacity is reached. Class space is limited. Families can register by accessing the HCPSS Connect Website.

For more information, please visit: BSAP Saturday Math Academy HCPSS News Post

Learning Together Program – Prekindergarten
The Forest Ridge Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) 3-year old program has openings for the 22-23 school year.  These classes include children with and without disabilities. The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills.

Students without disabilities are referred to as "peers."  Parents pay $180 per month for their child to participate.  

Parents of children who turned 3 by September 1st, 2022 can learn more about the program by reviewing the these flyers:

If you need assistance to complete the application, please contact Early Intervention Services at earlyinterventionservcies@hcpss.org or at 410-313-7017.

HCPSS is committed to providing instruction based on the statewide Early Learning Standards which are in alignment with Kindergarten Readiness. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly.   If you have any additional questions, please contact Tricia Walls at tricia_walls@hcpss.org.

From Mrs. DeOrio, Our Orchestra Director
ATTENTION ALL 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders!!!  Are you interested in playing a musical instrument? Join us in the Band or Orchestra!!! All information is on our website http://forestridgemusic.weebly.com/  Registration is open from now until September 9th, so don't delay! Here is a direct link to the registration page https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaR0lZXdG-naiKZCGcJQ49Wa8fU_ksHpIkVebubZdZSNIieA/viewfor.  Band and Orchestra is only offered to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, and classes will start the week of September 12th. Contact Mrs. De Orio (Orchestra- patricia_deorio@hcpss.org) or Mr. Pompei (Band- kyle_pompei@hcpss.org) with any questions or concerns.

Deadline for Ordering FRES Spiritwear is September 24! 
This is not a fundraiser...all items are as low priced as possible so everyone can hopefully grab something.  All items will be delivered to school and will be sent home with your child. If you prefer to pick it up from school directly (as in maybe it's a gift that you don't want the kids to see) please just reach out to Heather Tordella at heather_tordella@hcpss.orghttps://www.selectspiritwear.com/v5store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=281

Hola Familias FRES
Es tiempo de recargar su espiritu escolar por medio de la venta de vestimenta con el nombre de nuestra escuela FRES!!!!

Esta no es una recaudacion de fondos, pero queriamos compartirles que todo estara a la venta con super descuentos, esperando que todos puedan adquirir mas de algo. Todo lo que ordenen y compren lo enviaran a la escuela y se enviara a la casa con su estudiante. Si ustedes prefieren recoger lo que compraron personalmente en la escuela ( Si fuera para regalar a alguein)   por favor comuniquese con la Maestra HEather Tordella a este correo electronico: heather_tordella@hcpss.orghttps://www.selectspiritwear.com/v5store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=281

Do You Want Your Child to Eat Lunch Outside?
We will once again offer parents the option to have their student eat outside.  This will take place on the covered walkway that leads to the bus loop, and under the tent next to it.  We need parents' permission to allow students to eat outside.  Please fill out the survey here.  Please note that once you have filled out the form, your child will be able to start eating outside the following Monday.  As a reminder, outside lunch will only be offered weather and staff permitting.  Thanks for understanding.

Field Trips are Coming.  Family File Needs to be Completed!
77% of our parents have completed Family File!  Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Students will not be allowed to attend field trips if the Family File is not completed for the 22-23 school year.  Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect (this is the account you created when you completed the on-line registration.  If you did not register electronically, you may create an account.  Your login name is your email address.) Select the MORE OPTIONS tab on the left and then click on Family File. 

Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:

  •  Student Information

  •  Parent/Guardian Contact

  •  Emergency Contacts

  •  Medical Information

  •  Arrival/Dismissal Procedures

  •  Photo Approval Data Confidentiality

  •  PTA/PTSA Directory  

FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (KOREAN) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-korean.pdf

School Meals
Families are reminded that the federal government has NOT extended waivers allowing free meals for all students. Consequently, for the 2022-2023 school year, students whose families do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will be required to pay the daily meal price

Student Breakfast - $2.00
Student Lunch - $2.80

Many HCPSS families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, academic and athletic program fees and many others in addition to free or discounted meals. 

Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year.

Details on the Free and Reduced Meals program are available online. Use the link below to apply.

FARMS Online Application Link:

https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

Please contact the front office if you have any questions or need assistance with applying for the Free and Reduced Meal Program or help with Family File.

From the PTA...Get More PTA Info at frespta.org

From the Parent Teacher Association

September PTA Meeting Highlights
The PTA held a well-attended general membership meeting on Tuesday. Thank you to everyone that attended!  The proposed 2022-2023 SY Budget was approved unanimously! This budget includes significant year-over-year increases in funding for student field trips, quarterly school assembly presentations, grants for teachers for student enrichment support, and expansion of Culture Fest.  All FRES parents, guardians, and staff are invited to join the PTA to support this year’s plan of work. No support is too small and your efforts are appreciated! To join, please visit: https://frespta.ptboard.com/  Create an account then select the PTA Membership Form under “Forms & Payments.”

At the meeting, the PTA also voted to approve this year’s official committees. The committees will include: Ways & Means, Communications & Technology Support, Staff Appreciation, Family Activities Planning, Signature Events Planning, 5th Grade Celebrations Planning, Annual Yearbook, Watch D.O.G.S., Fine Arts Support, After-School & Enrichment Programs, Wellness, and School of Excellence Program. If you are interested in joining a committee, please message president@frespta.org for more information!  For more details on the committee updates as well as the updates presented by the Principal and by the Howard County PTA representative, the meeting minutes will be posted on our website. 

Fall Fundraiser: Joe Corbi’s Sales Have Started!
The first and most loved selling-fundraiser of the year has begun! For the next two weeks, please encourage your child to ask extended family and friends to support Forest Ridge and purchase some delicious food items from Joe Corbi’s!  By now, a packet should have come home in your child’s backpack with instructions to participate, a brochure to show the products, and an order form. Using “Organization ID” 8843, you can also register to sell online and share the brochure via text, email, or social media! https://www.joecorbi.com/register-participant/  We are raising money in order to fund assemblies, field trips, and our community events but the children also have the opportunity to earn rewards for their saleswork! To help them set a personal sales goal and feel motivated about participating, please view this prize explanation video with them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXGX_Ldc0yw  Pickup for delivery will be on Thursday, November 17th in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday! Did anyone mention Joe Corbi’s has amazing pies?!?

In the Community...

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.

SAVE THE DATE AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Howard Lions' Pride Second Annual Craft Fair:  Sunday, November 6th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Howard High School. Our 100+ vendors will be selling crafts, books, candles, kitchen goods, jewelry, home decor, clothing, accessories, and much more! General Info link: https://tinyurl.com/3tzxuhme.

We are still accepting craft and food truck vendors, so please spread the word and this link: https://tinyurl.com/bdfuta49.

HC Drug Free Events
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/

8th – 12th Grade Students: HC DrugFree's Teen Advisory Council is open to all Howard County students in grades 8 through 12. This is a great opportunity to help prepare younger students for success in high school while allowing older students to develop their leadership and mentoring skills. The registration form is available at https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/ . Community service hours available. Email your registration to admin@hcdrugfree.org or mail a hard copy the office. To register for the upcoming meetings on Monday, September 19 or Monday, October 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. click on the TAC Registration links next to each date https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/

Medication and Sharps Collection: Clean out your unwanted and expired medicines and sharps!  The next convenient drive-thru collection will be held on Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot (near the Swim Center). Community service hours available. HC DrugFree and the Howard County Police invite families, student/adult groups, scout troops, religious organizations, and sports teams, etc. to volunteer to join us. Medically-trained adult volunteers are needed (nurses, EMTs, pharmacists, chiropractors, etc.) to help safely handle the medication and sharps collected. For more information and to volunteer,  visit https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/ , contact   Admin@hcdrugfree.org  or leave a message at 443-325-0040.

Stay Informed about What’s Happening in Howard County: Sign up for HC DrugFree’s newsletter at https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/ to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed.