• 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.

Important Dates
January 17        Martin Luther King Holiday - Schools and offices closed
January 19       Schools close 3 hours early (12:45)
January 24       Professional Work Day - No school for students
January 31       Report cards issued
February 1       Countywide Professional Learning Day - No school for students
February 4       PTA Fundraiser "Love Bug Bags" orders due (see below under PTA news for more information)
February 10     FRES closes at 12:45 for Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 11     FRES closes at 12:45 for Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 16     Schools close 3 hours early (12:45)
February 21     Presidents' Day Holiday - Schools and offices closed

From Our Administrators...

Dear FRES Community,

It has been a great start to 2022 with our students back here after an extended Winter Break due to snow!  This past week we were able to celebrate many of our 4th and 5th grade students at The Council of Elders celebration.  We were so proud to be able to recognize our FRES Eagles at the county-wide celebration.  In addition, congratulations to Victory K. and Collette C. for winning the FRES Spelling Bee this week.  It’s hard to believe that next week is the end of the 2nd quarter.  Conferences are coming up at the beginning of February and will be with math teachers.  Look for more information to come soon.  We’ve heard that there may be snow in the forecast for this weekend and luckily Monday is a holiday.  Stay safe and warm this weekend.

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

***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.***

Student News...

Spelling Bee Results
We are so proud of the following students who represented their classrooms in the FRES Spelling Bee for 4th and 5th grade. How brave!

Dawood R., Hannah J., Jayden G., Raine L., Peyton G., Don O., Chi Chi B. (standing in for Faraan M.), Victory K., Gianna K., Dominic W., Jochella L., Aiden P., Lana B., Owen K., Kaylee D., Phoebe D., Colette C., and Alec M.

Congratulations to our Champion Speller and runner-up: Victory K. and Colette C. Victory will be representing Forest Ridge in the Howard County Spelling Bee. Colette is our alternate. Congratulations Victory and Colette!

Forest Ridge News...

From the FRES Music Department
MUSIC CONCERT DATE CHANGE - Please be aware that the Winter Concert for Band, Chorus, and Orchestra has been changed to MARCH 29th, 2022. More information will be sent home with your musician and can be found on your music ensemble course in Canvas.

From the PVMS Music Department
Greetings future PVMS Musicians and Family,

We are holding a virtual PVMS Music Dept. Information night to discuss all the wonderful music opportunities our school has! There will be time to ask questions too!

From the Gifted and Talented Department

2021-2022 Gifted & Talented (GT) Placement Process

• Attention 3rd Grade Families.  Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing: Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 3rd grade.
• 4th Grade GT Math Placements.  From February 14 to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to all 3rd grade students. Placements for 4th grade GT Math will be made following the CogAT administration and will include all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education.
• Attention 5th Grade Families.  Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:  Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 5th grade.
• Middle School GT Class Recommendations.  Although the CogAT administration may be delayed, all 5th grade students will be considered for potential placement in 6th GT classes using all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education. This includes data from students’ 3rd grade CogAT administration in December 2019, if available. 
• From February 14th to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to any 5th grade students who do not have a prior CogAT score as well as all students in 5th grade GT Math. The data will assist with identification for Accelerated GT Math and provide an aptitude measure for students who had no previous CogAT test.
• From February 8 until February 22, families will be able to review course recommendations and may request a course placement that is different from the school’s recommendation  through HCPSS Connect.

If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teachers:  Mrs. Clawson (kimberly_clawson@hcpss.org) and Mrs. Hogan (susan_hogan@hcpss.org).

From the Health Room

• Clinic Information from HCPSS
• https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/covid-19-vaccine#health-department-vaccination-clinics

Covid-19 Self Screenings:  All parents/guardians are to perform a COVID-19 health check every day before your student leaves home. Students are not to come to school if they are experiencing any symptom(s) associated with COVID-19 or other communicable disease.  Here's a fun emoji illness chart that can help.

From the FRES PTA...

The FRES PTA is holding a "Love Bug Bag" fundraiser to benefit 5th grade activities.  View the flyer here.

In the Community...

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes is having a reading incentive program, "Books and Bundts" that starts on 1/15!  Check out the flyer here and reading tracker here.

Savage Ukes, Saturday, January 22
Check out the info here. 

New 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.

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/