November 11, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 11/11/2022 - 3:06pm
  • 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 14         Chipotle Restaurant Night - View flyer in English.  View flyer in Spanish
November 14-18
   Book Fair Open during school hours (students browse and make wishlists during media class) - Parents are welcome to shop
November 15         7:00 PTA Meeting in the FRES Cafeteria
November 17         Joe Corbi’s Pick up
November 18         5-7:30 PM Family Fair Night open to all families/community
November 21         Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 for FRES) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 21
        Book Fair Open 8:30 AM-7:30 PM (during conference hours for parent shopping)
November 21         Staff Appreciation Dinner
November 21         Turkey Trot
November 22         Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 for FRES) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 23         Schools closed for students for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 24-25   Schools and Offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday

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.***

From our Administrators...

Dear FRES Community,

We had a fabulous week here at FRES.  Our first graders had a great trip to the aquarium on Monday.  Thanks to all the chaperones that attended the trip with our students.  We had a number of WatchDOGS this week and our students love seeing them in the halls, at lunch, at recess, and even in their classes.  We finished out the week with two fantastic assemblies today to promote wellness.  Our students learned ways to keep themselves fit and have fun too.  We’d like to thank the performers from “Learning the Ropes.”  Thanks to Amanda Williams for organizing the event and to our PTA for funding the event.  

We hope everyone has a great weekend,

Mr. Conroy & Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Book Fair!
Nov 14-18                Book Fair Open during school hours (students browse and make wishlists during media class)
Nov 18                     5-7:30 PM  Family Book Fair Night open to all families/community
Nov 21                     Book Fair Open 8:30 AM-7:30 PM (during conference hours for parent shopping)

Turkey Trot
The Turkey Trot will be on Monday, November 21st.  This will take place during our related arts times outside on our blacktop and field.  The rain date is Tuesday, November 22nd.  Please ensure students wear sneakers and dress in layers.  A big thank you to our PTA for bringing our mascot, Eddie the Eagle, and raffle prizes for each grade levelSee below under "From the PTA" for information on signing up to volunteer.

Report Card Access
Report cards are viewable today, 11/11, at 4:00 PM  Parents/guardians may view/download report cards by taking the following steps:​​​​​​​

  1. Log in to HCPSS Connect using your parent/guardian credentials 
  2. Select More Options from the left panel
  3. Select Report Cards from the middle tab
  4. Select the report card you wish to access

As a reminder, families cannot access their student's report card from their student's account.

If you have questions about your student's report card, please email your student's homeroom teacher. You can also schedule a conference on Monday, 11/21, and Tuesday, 11/22. Conferences will be held in-person on 11/21 and virtually on 11/22. As in the past, some staff will hold conferences in the evening on Monday and Tuesday. Staff who are unable to hold conferences in the evening will offer conference times on Wednesday, 11/23.

To schedule a conference, you will need to again login to HCPSS Connect with your parent credentials.

Directions to Select a Conference Time:

  • Login to hcpss.org/connect
  • Select Conference from the left-side choices
  • Select Parent Scheduled Conferences at the top right
  • Select a time slot for your conference.

You will have access through Thursday, 11/17 at 4:00 PM to schedule your child’s conference by logging into HCPSS Connect.

From the PTA...Get More PTA Info at the PTA Website

Chipotle Restaurant Night – Monday, November 14th
Come out to the Chipotle in Fulton/Maple Lawn on Monday evening from 5pm – 9pm and support the FRES PTA.  33% of your order will be donated directly back to the school.  Placing your order online, please use this code at checkout P76JNXG

General Membership meeting - Tuesday, November 15th
Join us for our Monthly meeting at 7 PM in the FRES cafeteria.  There are a lot of fun events being planned and we hope you can join us to find out more information.

Joe Corbi’s Pick-up – Thursday, November 17th 4:30 PM
Your order will be arriving at the school on Thursday, November 17th.  Please come by the school to pick up your orders between 4:30 PM and 7 PM.  If you would like to help sort and distribute, please click here to sign up.

Staff Appreciation Dinner – Monday, November 21st
Click here to view our PT Board sign up for the upcoming staff appreciation dinner.  We hope you can contribute in some way to show our teachers how much we appreciate all that they do.

Turkey Trot Volunteer Sign up
We need your help to make this year’s Turkey Trot run smoothly.  A few more volunteers are needed to make this a successful event.  Please click here to sign up.  Please note: all HCPSS Volunteer paperwork must be completed or on file to volunteer for this event.

Reflections Arts Competition
Does your student love producing art? Sign them up to submit a work of art to the Reflections Program; this nationwide PTA program is available at FRES. Your student should choose a category, review the theme, and then CREATE! We will recognize and display their artwork to the FRES community and they will also have the opportunity to advance to a Howard County competition! This is a low-key and encouraging way to support your child's interest in the arts; everyone's entries are welcome and no prior experience or training is necessary.  Students can choose from six artistic categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts (including 3D Art).  The registration form can be found here: https://frespta.org/resources/fres-reflections-program/  Pieces are due by November 30th so please register today. Election Day is a great day to work on their art interpreting the theme: Show Your Voice!

Cold Weather Clothes Drive
Some of our FRES families are in need of winter clothes, jackets, hats, and gloves. Please consider donating any cold weather clothes your children may have outgrown. Donations can be given to the front office, dropped off in the car loop, brought to a meeting or event, or given to our Spanish liaison, Ms. Paola.

Volunteer Opportunities!
Do you enjoy helping out and volunteering when you can but can’t make a regular, on-going, big commitment? We have opportunities for you! First, join the FRES PTA; visit https://frespta.ptboard.com  to create a PTA account then select your membership (individual or family for two adults) from the “Forms & Payments” section. Then check out the listings already under “Volunteer Signups”! https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw  As a member, you’ll receive an email alert each time a new opportunity is posted.

In the Community...

From Bread of Life Food Pantry in Savage
Every month the Bread of Life Food Pantry, located at the First Baptist Church of Savage, serves an average of 30 families (112 individuals.)  As we draw closer to the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season, the Bread of Life Food pantry prepares to fill the shelves and refrigerators of the families that depend on school lunches as well as those that may not qualify for assistance. 

They are asking for our school community to support their Annual Food Drive during the month of November leading up to the Friday before Thanksgiving (October 31 - November 18, 2022.)
 
They are collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries that will be handed out to families the week of Thanksgiving and each Thursday leading up to Christmas.  Items may be dropped off at First Baptist Church of Savage, 8901 Washington St, Savage, MD 20763, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, 9:00-2:00.  Outside of these hours, arrangements can be made by calling (301) 725-3944.  View their flyer here.

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.

Maryland STEM Festival
The Maryland STEM Festival is a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that takes place every Fall. This year’s festival theme is Cybersecurity and Information Technology. Join activities from October 14th through November 14th as exciting topics and their associated fields and careers are explored! Students of all grades, along with their families and friends, STEM professionals, teachers, and volunteers can choose from a selection of hundreds of different fun, interactive science learning opportunities taking place throughout Maryland. See event offerings and register here.

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/

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.