• 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.
• Will your child be absent?  Email fresabsence@hcpss.org.

Important Dates

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.***

School Spirit Days for 23/24
We are excited to share our school spirit days calendar for the 23/24 school year! We hope this helps families plan ahead. There may be spirit days that pop up here and there based on activities that are going on in the building, but this calendar is what we will be following. You may want to print it out, put the dates on your personal calendar, hang it on the fridge - whatever works for you to remember these fun days!

From our Administrators...

Forest Ridge Family and Friends,

We are very proud of all of our students for successfully completing the first quarter! We hope everyone has accessed their child’s report cards and had a discussion with them about their grades and comments. Take the time to celebrate their successes and help them set some goals for the second quarter.

On behalf of our entire staff, I would like to take this opportunity to offer a most sincere thank you to all service persons past and present for your service and sacrifice. You are appreciated today and everyday.

On Wednesday November 15th, we will be celebrating our Educational Support Staff (ESP) by showering them with flowers!  Our ESPs include all of our TEs, student assistants, paraeducators, secretaries, and health room staff. Our school could not run smoothly without them!

We are asking that families send flowers in with their children on November 15th and we will make sure every single ESP staff is showered with flowers to show all of our appreciation for the work they do! We have vases for every ESP and will create amazing bouquets for each of them from the flowers you send in.

As always, we are here to serve  you and the students. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

~ Mrs. Lannon & Ms. Pazornik

AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK - November 13 - 17

We look forward to having Parents/Guardians during the week of November 13 - 17 to observe their child/children and see all the wonderful things happening at FRES. However, each grade level has designated a day/time for a special activity that they encourage parents to attend. Please see the chart below.

Kindergarten
Thursday November 16 @ 2:45pm (Stone Soup)

1st Grade
Thursday November 16 @10:45am (Reading Rotations)

2nd Grade
Friday November 17 @ 9:45am (Cultural Celebration)

3rd Grade
Friday, November 17 @2:45pm (Author’s Tea)

4th Grade
Wednesday, November 15 @ 10:40am (Science)

5th Grade
Tuesday, November 14 @ 9:40 (Content)

To keep classroom disruptions to a minimum, please adhere to the following: 

• For safety purposes, please report to the front office with your driver’s license to sign-in and wear your visitor sticker for the duration of your visit.
• Only adult family members are permitted to visit during the school day.
• Silence your cell phones. If you need to make a call, please do so in the front lobby.
• The HCPSS Student and Parent Handbook prohibits visitors from photographing students during the school day. You may only photograph your own child(ren). Unless invited to do so by the teacher, please do not try to have a conversation with the teacher or students.
• Limit your conversations with other parents while in classrooms observing.Some teachers will ask you to help the students, others will want you to be an observer.  Follow the directions of the teacher.
• If you are parked in the car loop or bus loop, please make sure you move your cars by 3:30pm. 

Forest Ridge News...

Register for Parent Teacher Conferences
The problem with conference scheduling has been fixed!  HCPSS elementary and middle schools will hold parent-teacher conferences Nov. 20-22. Parents may register for conferences via HCPSS Connect Synergy Monday, Nov. 13 at 8 a.m. through Friday, Nov. 17 at 12:00 p.m.

• It's almost time for Book Fair and We Need You! More spots have been added!  Please visit this link to sign up to help out at the school book fair with helping with classes or helping to fill orders!
• If you would like to make a donation to the Forest Ridge Book Fairy so we can make sure that every student can get a book—please donate at this link! (Book Fairy says 5th grade but it is for ALL students at FRES who need a little Book Fairy Love)
  Thank you!

Dental Clinic Information (English and Spanish)
FRES will be hosting the Smiles Dental program at our school on Thursday January 4th, 2024 and Friday January 5th, 2024. Permission slips will be coming home with students soon.  We are asking that parents review the form and if interested, complete the permission slip in its entirety and return to school or sign up online at https://www.myschooldentist.com/FRHCMD_schsrm . Forms or online registration is due no later than Monday, December 11th, 2023.

Información de la clínica dental:
FRES organizará el programa Smiles Dental en nuestra escuela el jueves 4 de enero de 2024 y el viernes 5 de enero de 2024. Los formularios de permiso se enviarán a casa pronto con los estudiantes. Les pedimos a los padres que revisen el formulario y, si están interesados, completen la hoja de permiso en su totalidad y regresen a la escuela o se registren en línea en https://www.myschooldentist.com/FRHCMD_schsrm . Los formularios o la inscripción en línea deben entregarse a más tardar el lunes 11 de diciembre de 2023.

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

Joe Corbi’s Order pick up – November 18th
Thank you for participating in this fundraiser.  Your orders will arrive on Saturday, November 18th.  Pick up will be 1pm – 3pm in the cafeteria.  If you ordered and are designating someone else to pick up your order, please email contact@frespta.org to let us know who will pick up your order.

Unfortunately, we do not have the space or resources to hold items.  Any unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the day.

We do need volunteers to help sort and distribute.  To sign up please click here: https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw?signup=umjFZ498SK6mdsOLeXjJy3N___52Nq_8L3___nRaWoyr

Staff Dinner – November 20th
PTA generously feeds the staff on the 1st day of parent/teacher conferences.  Here is the link to sign up to donate or volunteer.  https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=umjFZ498SK6mdsOLeXjJy3N___52Nq_8L3___nRu6xd1

FRES Turkey Trot – Volunteers Needed
Come out and help our wonderful PE teachers during the annual Turkey Trot on Tuesday, November 21st. Consider coming and running with your child, cheering them on or volunteering to help, Click here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4BAAAE2AA6FF2-45606975-fres/14031729#/

Five Guys Restaurant Night – November 27th
Tired of leftover turkey and don’t want to cook anymore??  Join us at Five Guys in Laurel for dinner on Monday, Nov. 27th

WatchD.O.G.S Sign up
Here is the calendar of remaining dates available.  Please sign up to volunteer today! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4EA8AB2CAAFC1-watch3#/

Papa John's Cards - Fundraiser
Papa John's cards are back to help support the 4th grade field trip.  Valid at 150 locations around the DC, MD, VA area.  Each card is $15.  This allows UNLIMITED use of a buy 1 get 1 free on regular menu pizzas.  Cards can be purchased via contacting Pratima Lele at pratimalele@gmail.com.  Cash, Venmo or Zelle accepted.

Want to stay up to date on PTA information?  Follow us on facebook at Forest Ridge Elementary PTA (FRES) or visit our website at www.frespta.org for more information.

In the Community...

November Resource Navigator Newsletter
Take a moment to read this great newsletter. It has a number of resources in it, including one for clothing giveaway and rental assistance for families.

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
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.