Forest Ridge Forerunner - School News
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Forest Ridge News...

Important Things to Know:

• Students should arrive to school by 9:10 a.m. so that they are able to put their things away and be ready to start the day when the bell rings at 9:15.
• Students go out for recess when the temperature with wind chill is 20 degrees or more.  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.
• To get text alerts about inclement weather closings and delays, text "YES" to 67587 from the cell number that is on file in HCPSS/Connect.
• If your child's dismissal changes, due to a change in transportation, an after school class, etc., please email the teacher, and copy Dr. Varlack, Ms. Pazornik, Ms. Traini, Mrs. Jackson, and Mrs. Farrell.  All the emails can be found in the "Our Staff" section of our website.  We want to make sure the message is received!

We still need your help!
Thank you to all members of our FRES community who have used Mrs. Schuck's "giving wall" link to help our less fortunate families have a happy holiday!  There are quite a few more items on the list.  If you are able, please sign up for an item(s), using this link. All items should be wrapped and labeled with the ITEM NUMBER that is in the description, and brought to school by December 18.  Thank you so much for your generosity!

From Ms. Pazornik, Our Assistant Principal

Hello FRES families and community,

We hope everyone is getting used to the cold and preparing for the Winter Break.  During this time of the year, weather can be unpredictable. Please continue to dress your child for colder weather conditions, and pay close attention to any news updates regarding closings or delays.  
Please label your child's belongings with their name.

Additionally, for information regarding School Emergency/Weather Closings please refer to the following HCPSS information: https://www.hcpss.org/schools/emergency-closings/

Did you know that HCPSS has a Digital Education policy?  The purpose of this policy is to specify criteria for the HCPSS for digital education courses which will provide students equitable access to instructional resources and utilize technology to individualize learning. To read the complete policy, click here.

As always, if your child is going to be out any days next week, please remember to email your child’s teacher. If your absence will be for more than 3 days, please use the following form.  

Thanks to all families for assisting with getting your 3rd and 5th graders to school on time for CogAT testing.  Results of this will be shared with parents in late winter/early spring.

Thanks and Happy Holidays,

Ivye Pazornik

Did you know that: The Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FARMs) program provides access to an array of services for qualified families including:  free and reduced-priced breakfasts and lunches; free SAT and ACT registrations; free tuition to take college courses at Howard Community College while still enrolled in high school; free college applications and reduced AP exam fees; reduced costs for a number of services provided by Howard County Parks and Rec, Columbia Association and Comcast; and much more. Visit the HCPSS website for more information and to apply.

Music Department Evening WINTER Concerts
(performers must wear concert attire, white tops and black bottoms)
ORCHESTRA- Thursday December 20th, 6:30pm @ Hammond HS, please arrive at 6pm
CHORUS/BAND- Thursday December 20th, 7:30pm @ Hammond HS, please arrive at 7pm

Music Department Daytime WINTER Concerts
(performers must wear concert attire, white tops and black bottoms)
CHORUS- Thursday December 13th, 9:30am in the FRES cafeteria
BAND- Thursday December 20th, 9:30am in the FRES cafeteria
ORCHESTRA- Thursday December 20th, 9:30am in the FRES cafeteria

Watch DOGS
Calling all dads, uncles, grandpas or other male role models!!  We had such a GREAT turn out for our kick off in early October and have had many Watch DOGS in our school as a result. This week, Mr. Ries and Mr. Walton visited our students.  Thank you!

If you are interested in supporting this awesome program by signing up for a day, or even part of a day, we are looking for YOU!! Simply copy the links included and paste them into your browser.   Keep in mind, you will also need to complete the Howard County child abuse and confidentiality training online, complete the certificate for each, and turn it in. Those links are also provided below.  Finally, to help make the Watch DOGS stand out while you are here, we encourage you to purchase a Watch DOGS t-shirt.  When you arrive at the school, you will be able to purchase one for $12 sizes S-XL, $14 for 2XL and $16 for 3XL  If we are out of that size we will order and and it will be sent home with your child as soon as it comes in.   You are also welcome to send in your money ahead of time and we will send your shirt home with your child right away.  Send your payment in an envelope with your name, child's name, teacher, and your shirt size.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Craig Dorsey at dorseypremier@gmail.com or Jen Renkevens at trenkev@juno.com.