• 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
April 30                Deadline for submitting 5th grade baby pictures and dedications for the yearbook (see below under "PTA News")
May 2                   **Staff Work Day - No School for Students**
May 3-9                FRES Book Fair! (Volunteers still needed!  See below.)
May 6                   School Spirit "Dress Like a Teacher Day"
May 9                    5:00-7:00 p.m. FRES Ice Cream Social and Book Fair Shopping Evening.  View the flyer here.
May 18                  **Schools close 3 hours early**
May 30                  Memorial Day - schools and offices closed

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.***

Forest Ridge News...

MCAP Assessment for Grades 3-5 (Some dates/times have changed)
In the coming weeks, students in grades 3 - 5 will be participating in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP).  MCAP provides information to educators and parents on students' progress towards proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards.  Below are the dates for each grade:

• G3

  • ELA: May 16, 17, 19, 20  @ 10:15 - 11:30

  • Math:  May, 23, 24, 25, 27 @ 10:15 - 11:30

• G4

  • ELA: May 4, 5, 6, 9  @ 9:15 - 10:30

  • Math:  May 10, 11, 12, 13 @ 9:15 - 10:30

• G5

  • ELA: May 4, 5, 6, 9  @ 1:45 - 3:00

  • Math:  May 10, 11, 13 @ 11:15 - 12:30, May 16 @ 1:45 - 3:00

Kindergarten Registration for 2022-2023 School Year is Open and On-Going
If you live in the FRES district and have a child who is or will be 5 by September 1, 2022, please register your child for kindergarten. Our staffing for next year depends on our number of expected kindergarten students.  Check out this link for more information.

CALLING ALL MALE ROLE MODELS! Come volunteer at school...JOIN WATCH D.O.G.S.!!!

• Complete a Confidentiality Training Course about protecting the privacy of our students, staff, and schools 

  • Sign and turn in certificate

• Complete the Child Abuse and Neglect Training about reporting any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to Howard County Department of Social Services

  • Sign and turn in certificate

You may read before hand and bring the signed certificate, or do it when you arrive!

SIGN UP HERE

Learning Together Program
The Forest Ridge Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) Pre-Kindergarten programs are preparing for classes for the 2022-2023 school year.  These classes include children with and without disabilities.  The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills.   Parents of children who will be 3 by September 1st or are already 4 may learn more about the program by reviewing the Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (English).  Applications are now being accepted and priority will be given to applications received by April 1st.   

• Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (Chinese) 
• Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (Korean) 
• Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (Spanish)   
• If you need assistance to complete the application, please contact Early Intervention Services at earlyinterventionservcies@hcpss.org or at 410-313-7017. 
• HCPSS is committed to providing instruction based on the statewide Early Learning Standards which are in alignment with Kindergarten Readiness. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly regardless of the learning model determined by HCPSS throughout the upcoming school year (virtual, hybrid, or in person).   If you have any additional questions, please contact Tricia Walls at tricia_wallls@hcpss.org or 410-880-5950. 

We will find out how many classes we will have next year by June 10th.  Families will be notified by June 15th as to whether there is room at Forest Ridge or if their child may need to attend a neighboring school.

From the Health Room

• HCPSS Daily Symptom Check list:  https://www.hcpss.org/2021-2022/health-and-safety/#health-check

• What do I need to show as proof of a negative COVID test result?

  Effective April 5, 2022, if a student or staff member exhibits COVID-like symptoms, the parent/guardian or staff may submit any of the following to show proof of a negative test and return to the building:

  • Negative PCR test result - A copy of the test result should be emailed to the school nurse or health assistant
  • Negative rapid test result - A copy of the test result should be emailed to the school nurse or health assistant
  • Negative at-home test result - A photo of the negative test, along with the student or staff member's full name, date of birth, and the date and time the test was taken should be emailed to the school nurse or health assistant, who will follow up with parents/guardians as necessary.

  A negative rapid test result will not require a confirmatory PCR test if the student or staff member has not been identified as a close contact or part of a cohort outbreak.

From the PTA...

1. Baby Picture Gallery: Stroll down memory lane!
Each year 5th grade students are invited to participate in a Baby Picture Gallery!  If you would like to submit a baby picture (kindergarden or younger) of your 5th grader, please email photos to fresyearbook@hcpss.org. Please format your submission so that it shows your child's face clearly in a 1 inch by 1 inch square. Your submission must include the student's name. This section is voluntary and absolutely free. Submissions are due by April 30, 2022.

In the Community...

Want to Learn to Ice Skate?
Learn to Ice Skate with the Tri-City Eagles at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel, MD  View the flyer in English.  View the flyer in Spanish.

Hammond High School Green Fest!
Come out and celebrate Earth Month with Hammond HS at their Annual Green Fest!
There will be local environmental groups providing interesting information, a craft for kids and adults, games, and a live animal presentation by Department of Natural Resources!  Door prizes will also be awarded!  It is on Saturday, 4/30, from 10 am to 1pm at Hammond HS!  Can't wait to see you there!

Glenelg High School Summer Theater Camp, Presenting "Newsies, Jr."
Who: Rising 3rd-Rising 8th Graders
When: July 5-15, 2022    9am-3pm
Where: Glenelg High School
Performances- 2 Performances on  July 14 & 15
Cost- $550
Questions? Email- Kassidy_Sharp@hcpss.org
Visit https://www.glenelgboosters.com/summer-sport-camps/ for more info!

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.

HC Drug Free Events
HC Drug Free is holding two events on April 30, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Wilde Lake Village Center:  "Hidden in Plain Sight" and Medication and Sharps Collection.  View the flyer here.
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/