November 22, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Tue, 11/22/2022 - 5:50pm
  • 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.
  • Will your child be absent?  Email fresabsence@hcpss.org.

Important Dates
November 23           Schools closed for students for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 24-25     Schools and Offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday
November 28           Schools Reopen
November 30           PTA Reflections Program Entries Due

December 13            PTA Meeting
December 14            Professional Work & Wellness Day - schools close 3 hours early

December 14            Maiwand Kabob Restaurant Night
December 20           1st Grade Gingerbread Night
December 21            Kindergarten Gingerbread Night
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February 24            Save the Date! FRES PTA Culture Fest (See below - From the PTA)

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,

What a wonderful last couple weeks we have had here at FRES!  It was fantastic seeing so many parents here last week for American Education Week.  Thank you to all who were able to stop in for a visit.  This week our teachers were so excited to be able to meet with so many parents during their conferences.  It was great for our teachers to share all the wonderful things their students have been learning this past quarter.  We also want to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful PTA for the amazing dinner they provided for our staff last night.  The soups and salads were delicious and our staff really appreciated their hard work.  Last, what a beautiful day we had today for our Turkey Trot!  Thanks to Mrs. Williams, Mr. Jones and the fantastic parent volunteers.  Our students had an awesome time and some even won prizes. 

We hope everyone is able to rest and enjoy time with family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday.  We look forward to seeing our students back on November 28th.  

Have a safe and relaxing break,

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Outdoor Recess Guidelines
Generally, students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index reading is less than 95. Children with certain health conditions may need special accommodations during extremely hot or cold weather. Parents of those children should provide medical documentation and may be consulted to determine if other arrangements are necessary.

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

Thank you for being a great community this week and always.  With your help the FRES PTA fed the wonderful staff delicious soups, salads, and desserts. 

Today, we had many parents come out and help the FRES PE Department with a fun Turkey Trot.  Events like these would not be possible without your assistance.  Thank you for helping us help the staff and students. 

Donations
The FRES PTA cannot say THANK YOU enough for your help in making the PTA events amazing this school year.  As we approach Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to the FRES PTA, a 501c3 non-profit organization.  A tax-deductible donation supports FRES PTA operations, and events.  Many companies will match employee donations to different organizations; check with your employer’s HR before donating.

A check made payable to FRES PTA can be mailed or dropped off at the school.  We appreciate your generosity this holiday season.  If you would like to sponsor an event or item, please email contact@frespta.org.

Walmart Gift Cards
This holiday season, we have a few FRES families in need.  If you would like to, please consider dropping off a Walmart gift card to the front office anytime before December 15th.  Ms. Norris is accepting Venmo donations also.  Please Venmo her @MsAlyssaNorris.

Gingerbread Nights – December 20 (1st grade) & 21 (Kindergarten)
The FRES PTA and Kindergarten team will be having a gingerbread night for the kindergartners and 1st graders.  You should have received information regarding this event.  Please email Ms. Lindenmann at Catherine_Lindenmann@hcpss.org with any questions.

Culture Fest - February 24th
Did you know that 28 different languages are spoken by our amazing families at FRES? Just imagine learning so much more about our wonderfully diverse community and experiencing the food, music, and more from so many countries! Would YOU and your student like to share your community with our FRES family?  If so, please email Pratima Lele at pratimalele@gmail.com to join our committee or to share your ideas! We will be having our first planning meeting in December.

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. 

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 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 collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries that will be handed out to families 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.

HC Drug Free Events
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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.