February 9, 2024 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 02/09/2024 - 10:06am

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
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        20      6:30-7:45 Family Reading Night at FRES

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,

We've observed a growing trend of cars parking in the staff lot or along Gorman Road, with parents then walking to collect their children from the walker waiting areas. Unfortunately, this has led to some parents walking between buses, creating a potentially hazardous situation.

To ensure safety, we kindly request that if your child is a walker, they utilize the designated areas where staff or crossing guards are present to assist them. Additionally, we urge parents not to park in our lot during dismissal. If you're planning to pick up your children by car, please utilize the designated carloop pickup process.

As always, if a change needs to be made for your child's dismissal procedure you need to call the front office by 3:15pm. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our dismissal process safe for everyone.

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. 

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.

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!

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.

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.