Forest Ridge Forerunner - Summer Edition

Tue, 08/11/2020 - 12:04pm

August 11, 2020

Dear FRES Community,

We hope everyone is continuing to enjoy your summer and that you are staying safe.  We have been busy planning for the upcoming school year and wanted to share some news that we have as we get ready for September.  

HCPSS Reopening Plan for 2020-2021
The Howard County Board of Education approved the Howard County Public School System Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 school year.  The plan includes student schedules by grade as well as other valuable information about the 20-21 school year. Read more

Family File Opens August 10th
The 2020-2021 Family File will be available to parents on August 10th, when the 2020-2021 school year becomes the active year. We anticipate that the HCPSS will require that your Family File will need to be completed BEFORE you can see your child’s teacher in Canvas.

Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect and selecting the Family File tab on the left and then clicking on Family File.

Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:

  •  Student Information

  •  Parent/Guardian Contact

  •  Emergency Contacts

  •  Medical Information

  •  Arrival/Dismissal Procedures

  •  Photo Approval

  •  Data Confidentiality

  •  PTA/PTSA Directory

Register to Pick-Up Free School Supplies and Readiness Activities--August 29th
JustLiving Advocacy, Inc will be giving out school supplies and readiness activities to families in need on August 29th at the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Station on Rowanberry Drive in Elkridge from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.  You can register NOW so you are guaranteed a bag will be available for you:  http://form.jotform.com/202023076200132

School Supplies and Readiness Activities Flyer

Information and Application for Free and Reduced Meals
HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs which provide families with significant benefits to help save money. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.  If financial circumstances have changed for your family due to Covid-19, please check to see if you are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Meals program. Families currently eligible must submit a new application each year.

For more information and to apply on-line.  Click here.

The HCPSS website provides a list of the benefits provided to children who are eligible for FARMs.

Enrollments and Transfers
It is very important that you enroll your child in the school they will attend for the 20-21 school year.

HCPSS Calendar Updated for the 20-21 School Year
The Howard County Board of Education updated the school calendar with the school year beginning on September 8th for K-5 students and September 10th for PreK/RECC.Read more

Activities for New Kindergarten Students and Resources for Families
To welcome our new kindergarten students, we have a virtual tour and read alouds from our kindergarten teachers.Read more

Summer Meals Extended to Aug. 28: 
The free Grab-N-Go summer meals program has been extended through  Friday, August 28. There were several location changes effective Monday, August 3.  If you have not already done so, please share this information with your community.

Student Chromebooks for Virtual Learning
All students in grades Prek-kindergarten to 8th grade will receive a Chromebook for use during virtual learning.  More information to come soon.  Read more

Thank you and stay safe,

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik