Important Dates
February 5 Report cards available for viewing by parents (after 4:00 p.m.) (note new date)
February 6 Clubs & candid pictures taken for the yearbook
February 7 Schools close 3-hours early for parent/teacher conferences (12:55)
February 7 PTA Main Event Spirit Night. View the flyer.
February 7 Staff Lunch
February 8 Schools close 3-hours early for parent/teacher conferences (12:55)
February 9 County-wide Professional Learning Day - Schools closed for students
February 19 Presidents' Day - Schools and offices closed
February 20 PTA Chick-fil-A Restaurant Day. View the flyer.
February 24 Culture Fest
View the HCPSS Calendar in English
View the HCPSS Calendar in Spanish
View the HCPSS Calendar in Korean
View the HCPSS Calendar in Chinese
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!
Dear FRES community,
We have a very strong Student Support Team (SST) that meets once a week to discuss the needs of our students. One of the many things we address is attendance. It is crucial to emphasize the significant role that regular school attendance plays in your child's overall success and development.
1. Academic Success:
Consistent attendance is directly linked to academic achievement. Attending school regularly ensures that your child receives the necessary instruction, engages in classroom discussions, and completes assignments. Each missed day can lead to gaps in learning, making it challenging for students to grasp new concepts and keep up with the curriculum.
2. Building a Strong Foundation:
Elementary school lays the foundation for future educational endeavors. Regular attendance helps children develop essential skills such as time management, responsibility, and discipline. These skills are vital for success not only in academics but also in various aspects of life.
3. Social and Emotional Growth:
School is not just a place for academic learning; it is also a hub for social interaction and emotional development. Consistent attendance allows your child to build friendships, work collaboratively with peers, and develop a sense of belonging within the school community. These social connections contribute significantly to your child's overall well-being.
4. Establishing Positive Habits:
By instilling the value of regular attendance in elementary school, we are setting the stage for lifelong habits. Punctuality and attendance are attributes that will serve your child well in their future endeavors, whether in further education or the workforce.
5. Partnership for Success:
We believe in fostering a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and students. Your active involvement in ensuring your child attends school regularly is a critical component of this partnership. Together, we can create an environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Encouraging Regular Attendance:
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and if your child must miss school, please notify us by sending in a signed note or doctor’s note. Our goal is to work collaboratively with you to support your child's educational journey. Thank you for your commitment to your child's education and for being valuable partners in creating a positive and enriching learning experience at FRES.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Lannon & Ms. Pazornik
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!
HCPSS Adjustment to Quarter 2 Report Card Issue Date
The following adjustment to the report card issue date for the Second Quarter is due to recent inclement weather. Modifications to the 2023-2024 Academic Calendar were approved by the Board at the January 18, 2024 meeting. As such, On February 5th at 4pm, Q2 Report cards will be issued in Synergy for families.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Join the HCPSS STARTALK Program and Centennial High School for a spectacular Lunar New Year Celebration on Friday, February 9 from 5:15 to 8:30 pm at Centennial High School. Enjoy an evening filled with authentic Chinese food, student performances, professional groups, cultural activities, and Chinese New Year entertainment. Past and potential HCPSS STARTALK Chinese Language Program participants and their parents/guardians are welcome. Space is limited. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/DhAeuaG1FiazABPd6. Please contact startalk@hcpss.org with questions.
Main Event FUNraiser - February 7, 2024, 4 to 7pm.
Looking for something to do on the half day on February 7th? Visit Main Event in Columbia between 4 and 7 pm and help us raise funds for 5th Grade end of year activities. Look for the FRES table at Main Event to drop off your receipts and we will earn 20% of the total.
Staff Appreciation Grab 'n go lunch – February 7th
PTA will provide a grab 'n go lunch for the staff on the 1st day of math conferences. If you would like to donate or volunteer please click here to sign up. https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=umjFZ498SK6mdsOLeXjJy3N___52Nq_8L3___nLdzs8O
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.
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!
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
Registration Open for the FRES After School Drama Program!
In partnership with the PTA, the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA) is offering an after-school drama class at FRES. Class will meet at FRES immediately after-school until 5:15 pm on Wednesdays beginning 2/14 (no class on HCPSS early dismissal days). Performance will be Wednesday, May 8th at 7 pm complete with costumes, sets, and a professional sound system. This year's musical is School House Rock Live! Register directly with CCTA on their website: https://cctarts.org/elementary-after-school-program/ Note: the display of class times may be a bit confusing if viewed on a mobile phone; the total tuition for FRES students is only $60; double check to ensure you are registering for the FRES session if using your phone.
Register Now for Before/After School Enrichment Classes!
HoCo Parks & Rec Dept is offering a line up of classes AT Forest Ridge this semester. Check out the listing and complete online registration for your child to participate! Most classes meet once a week for 6-8 weeks.
Supersquads Cheerleading - Afterschool @ FRES
SuperSquads Cheerleading is back on Mondays 3:55-5:10 at Forest Ridge Elementary for students Grades 2-5! Visit www.supersquads.org to register! Space is limited!
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.
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.