February 16, 2024 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 02/16/2024 - 2:17pm

Important Dates
February   19       Presidents' Day - Schools and offices closed
February   20      PTA Chick-fil-A Restaurant Day.  View the flyer.
February   24      Culture Fest
February   28      Sweet Frog Restaurant Night.  View the flyer.
March         5        PTA Meeting
March         7        Class & optional individual pictures (more info to come)
March         7        5:00-8:00 FRES Spirit Night at Savage Library
March        13       Professional Work & Wellness Day - schools dismiss 3 hours early (12:55)
March        20       6:30-7:45 Family Reading Night at FRES
March 23-Apr. 1  Spring Break!  Schools closed
April           2         Students and staff return      

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.  FRES parents will need to opt-in from the phone that receives messages on the number we have on file for them.  Text YES to 67587.
  • Will your child be absent?  Email fresabsence@hcpss.org.

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...

Dear FRES community,

Just a friendly reminder that all schools will be closed on Monday, February 21st, in observance of Presidents' Day. We hope you and your family enjoy the long weekend and take this opportunity to relax and spend quality time together. Classes will resume as usual on Tuesday, February 22nd. 

As we have shared previously, National Staff Employee Appreciation Week is Feb. 26 - March 1, but we plan to celebrate our staff the entire month of March because - well they deserve it and more! We have been working hard to make it a great month for our staff but we could use your help. Don’t forget to fill out the “Thank a Teacher” Google Form. So far we have 60 entries, but our goal is to have at least one for every staff person, so keep them coming! We also have some items that we need for various treats and projects that we have planned for them. If you are interested in helping us out, please use THIS AMAZON WISH LIST. We also need some items that cannot be found on Amazon. You can sign up for those items by going HERE.

As partners in your child's education, we are reaching out to seek your support in fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and safety within our school community. Encouraging students to be kind to one another is not only a fundamental aspect of their social and emotional development but also crucial for maintaining a positive and inclusive learning environment. We kindly request your help in reinforcing this message at home by emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and consideration towards their peers.

At our school, we take pride in fostering a nurturing environment where every student can soar to their fullest potential. As proud Eagles, we prioritize academic excellence, character development, and inclusivity. With dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and a vibrant community, we provide a diverse range of opportunities for students to thrive both academically and personally. Together, we embrace our school spirit and celebrate the achievements of every member of our Eagle family!

Warm regards,
Mrs. Lannon & Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Thank a Staff Member
In March, we're celebrating National Staff Appreciation Week with a month-long tribute to our hardworking teachers and staff. Join us by writing thank you notes or messages using our convenient Google Form. Handwritten notes can be submitted to Mrs. Lannon or Ms. Pazornik. Let's create a collection of encouragement for our staff, culminating in a presentation on March 19th. Please submit your letters by March 18th for inclusion in this heartfelt gesture. Thank you for expressing appreciation for our remarkable educators and staff!

Donations of Empty Voss Water Bottles Needed
We will be doing an activity with staff and are in need of empty Voss water bottles. If you have any, please drop them off at the front office or send them in with your child. Thanks.

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

Chick-fil-a Restaurant Day – February 20th
Please come out and help support FRES PTA by visiting Chick-fil-a ALL day on February 20th.  We will receive 20% of each order.  Be sure to mention you're with Forest Ridge when you order.

Culture Fest – February 24th 3pm – 5pm
Join us on Saturday, February 24th as we celebrate the different cultures that represent FRES. Come sample foods from different countries, learn about different festivals, holidays, and cultures. Come see our very own Hammond High School STEP team perform along with other performances.  We will have a henna table, and much more! To sign up click here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050849AAA82DA6F58-47196606-2024

Sweet Frog (Laurel) – February 28th, 3pm-9pm
Meet your family, friends, and neighbors every 4th Wednesday of the month from January to May, at Sweet Frog in Laurel for a sweet treat from 3pm – 9pm.  FRES PTA will receive 25% of your order.

StemTree Robotics & Coding Coming to FRES!
Beginning March 4th and running for six sessions, this PTA sponsored enrichment class will meet immediately after school until 5 pm on Mondays (no class on school holidays). Instruction and materials provided by StemTree Learning Center of Columbia. Registration now open: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/SubtleSurpriseVentureInc?orglink=camps-registration&e4q=cc3c4e43-9cfd-4fbd-9360-ee7a3f1e943d&e4p=bde94d89-9e93-4ed4-b9f7-6996779d5775&e4ts=1707945595&e4c=active&e4e=snlvcmpscui00001load&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=96c18c633de8fe619b00925ceff1134b#/selectSessions/3461437

PTA Meeting – March 5th
Join us for our March PTA Meeting at 7pm in the library.  We have lots of fun events (Silent Auction, Carnival) coming up and would love your help in planning them!

Silent Auction – April 26-28
Our online silent auction will be on PTboard again this year.  If you would like to help source items for the auction or have a basket to donate to please contact@frespta.org

Spring Carnival – Save the date
Saturday, May 4th we will have our annual spring carnival.  If you are interested in helping to plan this fun event, please reach out to Barbara Gumes at ssgumes@gmail.com

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#/

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...

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.