April 23, 2021 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 04/23/2021 - 12:06pm

 

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Important Dates

April 27                     Group "A" and "E" Picture Day - all students present will be photographed
April 28                     "Virtual" Students' Picture Day (by appointment at this link)
April 29                     Group "B" Picture Day - all students present will be photographed
May 5                       Deadline to Commit to Your Child's Enrollment in the Digital Education Center for Next School Year

From our Administrators...

Dear FRES Community,

We had a great week here at Forest Ridge.  Our students continue to work hard and are doing their best.  We are looking forward to our FRES Culture Fest where we join several other schools on Zoom this evening for a fun event.  Also, next week we are excited to be able to offer the opportunity for our students to get their school pictures taken.  Both in-person and virtual students have this option.  If you haven’t already done so, please view your child’s report card on HCPSS Connect. 

Please mark your calendars for our Spring MAP Testing:

  • G1:  Monday, 5/3 & Thursday, 5/6  @ 9:30 - 11:30 during their ELA classes

  • G2:  Wednesday, 5/5 & Wednesday, 5/19 @ 9:30 - 11:30

  • G3:  Wednesday, 5/5 & Wednesday, 5/19 @ 9:30 - 11:30

  • G4:  Wednesday, 5/5 & Wednesday, 5/12 @ 9:30 - 11:30 Math 5/5 & ELA 5/12

  • G5:  Wednesday, 5/5 & Wednesday, 5/12 @ 9:30 - 11:30

More information will be shared by each homeroom teacher. 

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend,

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Picture Days - correction
Students who attend on "A" day and our "E" students will have their photographs taken on April 27; students receiving virtual-only instruction will be photographed on April 28 (appointments required at this link); and those students attending on "B" Days will have their pictures taken on April 29.  All orders will be placed online, sent to FRES, and sent home with students.  Parents of students who are learning virtually will need to pick the pictures up from FRES.  View the flyer here.  You can start the pre-order process here.  The access key is R8AV7TSZ.

Notes regarding Picture Days:

  • The photographer is not allowed to touch the children to fix hair, collars, etc.  We will do our best to make sure your child looks their best, but your patience and understanding are appreciated.
  • All orders must be online.  No orders will be accepted on Picture Day.  If orders are not placed prior to Picture Day, parents will receive a "second chance" order form when the pictures are returned to FRES.
  • Masks must be worn while waiting.
  • Social distancing will be required. 
  • Unfortunately, there will be no make-up day for pictures this year.

News From Mrs. Schuck
Don't forget to check out Mrs. Schuck's Guidance Page Here!  A new Counseling Newsletter has been added.

From our GT Teachers
Forest Ridge is awarded recognition as a Sustainable Maryland Green School!
Thank you to students, staff, and community members that have worked over the years to ignite a passion for environmental stewardship through different Green School initiatives as well as by example - at school and at home. Our hope is that efforts will continue as we strive to create habits that will result in a healthier planet. Go Green!

Are You Interested in Enrolling Your Child in the Digital Education Center for Next Year?
If you are, please follow this link for information and to commit for next year's enrollment by May 5.

From Our Nurse in the Health Room
Our staff and students are very diligent with wearing their masks during the school day. Below I have provided some mask instructions and tips.
 
Included are a few tips for properly taking masks off:
  • Wash your hands before removing your mask
  • Do not touch the front of the mask or your face
  • Carefully remove the mask by grasping the ear loops or untying the ties.
  • If your mask has a filter, remove them, and throw them away. Fold the mask and put directly into the laundry.
  • Wash your hands again
Tips for cleaning mask:
  • Face masks that are made of cotton, can be washed in your regular laundry using hot water. The blue surgical masks are disposable, please throw them away. They cannot be laundered.
  • Masks can be tumbled dry on a high setting
  • Students who have allergies, you may want to use non-scented laundry detergent
  • Masks can be hand washed, using hot soapy water. Scrub the mask for at least 20 seconds, and dry them
  • Masks should be stored in clean place when you are not using them.
Lastly, please provide your students with a change of clothes. The health room no longer has clothes to distribute to students in case of an unfortunate event.
Joni Dorsey RN/School health services
Forest Ridge health room

Joni_dorsey@hcpss.org

Media Matters

  • Congratulations to all of our Battle of the Books participants and coaches! We are so proud of all your hard work.
    Nathaniel A., Siya A., Christel A., Sahib B., Sahiba B., Prateek B., Maryjose C. A., Anderson C.-R., Jaliyah D. L., Connor E., Madison F., Mira H., Sophia J., Ashley J.-M., Zamaiya J., Hailyn J., Emily K., Elisha L., Hamayel M., Hector M., Brianna M. F., Atnatiwos M., Giada M., Logan M., Alexa O., Ruhi P., Christiana P., Zoya R., Natalie R., Dave S., Shristi S., Andrew S. , Tatum S., Ava V., Saanvi V.
    Special thanks to our coaches:  Mrs. O'Connell, Mrs. Clawson, Mrs. E., Mrs. Ewing, Mrs. Higdon, Mr. Fisher, Ms. McAleer and Mr. Sarpong
  • Contactless checkout has started back up for 2nd-5th graders. Books will be given to students who attend in person after being reserved with our online hold system. Books for students who are fully virtual will be put on the cart by the front doors of FRES. Students have been taught how to know when to pick up their books. Reminders can be found on their media teacher's canvas page. If you have any questions please contact heather_tordella@hcpss.org

Thank you for your support and assistance!
The Media/Tech Team
Clair Wise clair_wise@hcpss.org
Heather Tordella heather_tordella@hcpss.org
L'oreal Edmondson loreal_edmondson@hcpss.org

K-5 2021-22 New Student Registration and PreK Registration Open Now
Registration is online.  Visit www.hcpss.org/enroll for information and to register.  Note:  If your child is currently enrolled at FRES and will continue to attend next year, you do not need to re-register.  Your child will automatically be "rolled over" into the new school year.

Families are encouraged to visit the Grade K Family and Community Resources page for more information about the kindergarten instructional program and ways families can support their children at home.

The Prekindergarten Family and Community Resources page also contains resources for families and providers for children currently in their prekindergarten year.

Learning Together Program – Prekindergarten
The Forest Ridge Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) Pre-Kindergarten programs are making preparations for classes for the upcoming 2021-22 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 will be accepted starting February 11, 2021 and priority will be given to applications received by April 1st.  

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_walls@hcpss.org or 410-880-5950.

Need Food Support? 
The North Laurel/Savage Multi-Service Center (9900 Washington Blvd, Laurel) is running a food pantry weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-4, and every third Saturday of the month from 9-1. Please reach out to Ms. Schuck if you need assistance with transportation or have other needs at this time!
View the flyer in English
View the flyer in Spanish
Also, Howard Community College is holding food pickup days.  View the flyer here.

PVMS PTA needs you!
It's that time again.  The PVMS PTA is currently seeking parents to fill positions for the PTA Officer positions for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone you think would be a great candidate, please complete the attached form and submit to the nomination committee at pvmsptamd@gmail.com . The nominating committee will correspond or meet with interested parents and will post a slate of officers-elect at the PTA meeting in May. The vote will be held in June. Please contact the nominating committee with any questions you have about the offices and process. The deadline for submission is Friday, April 30, 2021. 

Please join us at our May PTA meeting on May 13th at 7pm. To logon, sign into your students account and join on Google Meet using keyword PVMSPTA.  Feel free to email us if you have any questions.

From the PTA...

We have several new updates this week including registration info for The Smart Talk, Teacher Appreciation Week 2021, and Box Tops info!
 
Spirit Day at Maiwand Kabob Maple Lawn on Monday went very well and we raised $175 which Maiwand Kabob will be rounding up to be a $200 donation for FRES PTA! Thank you to everyone who participated!
 
Culture Fest/International Night 2021 is TONIGHT at 7 pm:  FRES and several other elementary schools across the county are teaming up with Bushy Park Elementary School for a virtual International Night! Join us tonight for a fun night of culture, including recipes, dances, games, and prizes!! Online Scavenger Hunt – you can check this out before the live event and submit your entry. Players will use our International Night website to search for clues and solve the puzzle. Register for a chance to win prizes! If you would like to be eligible to win event prizes, please register at the following form. All prizes will be either mailed or sent via email to the winners. You don’t have to register and can just sit back, relax, and watch with this link  Join the Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 955 2152 2618, Passcode: 163561 Check the link for more info: https://www.smore.com/fsr28

Registration is OPEN for the PTA Connected SmartTalk Conversation on Online Safety: The SmartTalk will be held on Thurs., April 29 at 6:30 p.m. This family event to help kids make safer, smarter choices online is being hosted by FRES PTA and GCES PTA and is a National PTA program. The first 50 FRES students to register and have their parents/guardians complete the post event survey will receive a limited-edition tee shirt for FREE!  You can register for the event at tiny.cc/safeinternet.

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week 2021: Teacher Appreciation Week is being celebrated May 3-7 and there are several ways you can participate! Thank you for helping to celebrate our wonderful FRES teachers and staff members!

1. Monday: In honor of FRES teachers and staff, on May 3 Sweet Frog of Laurel is offering a special discounted price of $5 for a small yogurt for FRES students and a free small yogurt for FRES teachers and staff.
2. Tuesday: Send snacks to stuff the breakroom! You can sign up to send or drop off individually wrapped snacks and drinks to 8507 Young Rivers Court. Please drop off or have items shipped to arrive prior to May 3.
3. Wednesday: While we typically have a potluck, with pandemic safety in mind, we would like to purchase their lunches this year. Please consider sponsoring lunch for one (or more!) of FRES's 90 staff members by donating on MemberHub. A $10 donation covers one lunch and a $5 donation covers a beverage and snack.
4. Thursday: Send a note of appreciation. Families can drop off or email cards or notes of appreciation to their children's teachers. Don't forget Related Arts teachers and other FRES staff members!
5. Friday: Sign up to send a gift card or prize for the teacher and staff raffle. Please drop off prizes to 8507 Young Rivers Court prior to May 3.
6. If you wish to send something directly to your child's teacher, here is a "favorite things" info sheet for some ideas.
 
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for volunteers and leaders for several committees for next year. Please check out the list and comment with your name and email address so we can contact you with more information. 

Grocery Rewards NEW Deadline: Weis Markets has announced that grocery rewards will be retroactive. You can take the barcode into the store and they will link it to your savings card, but the barcode must be scanned by April 30, 2021. Don't miss out! We are also participating in Amazon Smile, Harris Teeter (requires annual renewal), BoxTops, and Coke Rewards. Please visit https://frespta.org/ways-to-support/grocery-storeshopping-programs/ for more information on these programs that provide financial support to FRES based on purchases you already make. 

Box Tops – Earn Cash for FRES via App or Send in Physical Clips to School: FRES families can scan their grocery receipts for cash for FRES! Look for Box Tops logos on cereal, granola bars, Annie’s products, Yoplait, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Nestle water, Paper Mate pens, etc. Download the Box Tops app to scan your receipts; FRES earns 10 cents per product! Receipts must be scanned within 14 days of purchase; digital receipts (for online food purchases at Walmart, AmazonSmile, etc.) can be emailed. See boxtops4education.com for instructions and a complete list of participating products. The Box Tops program will continue to honor physical Box Top clips from products until they expire. Send any Box Tops into school with your child in a baggie or envelope. Or stop by the FRES building for contactless drop off in our Box Tops bin in the vestibule during school hours. Thank you for your support

EXTENDED! Casting for the Virtual FRES Variety Show – Send Us Your Video Auditions: Mark your calendars for the virtual PTA Variety Show Thursday, May 20, 2021! We are seeking talented FRES performers to cast in the show. Tryouts are open to all FRES students in any performance area, including singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, poets, solo artists and groups – the list is endless. Send in your video auditions to fresptao@frespta.org. Video auditions should be two minutes or less and will be accepted now through Friday, April 30, 2021. Questions? Contact Tangie Smith at tangelats@gmail.com

New Spirit Wear Promotion: New Spirit Wear Promotion for April! Free shipping on orders over $50 with code SPRING21-FS. FRES PTA also receives a donation of 10% of all sales. This promotion ends April 30.

Fifth Grade Tee Shirts: The PTA's 5th Grade Activities Committee will be ordering t-shirts for all 5th graders. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your child’s t-shirt size Each 5th grader will receive a shirt free-of-charge, sponsored by the PTA each year. The shirts will be distributed before the end of the school year. Please fill out the survey as soon as possible, and no later than Friday, April 30th. Thank you!

Yearbook Cover Art Contest EXTENDED: Your 5th grader still has a chance to submit their own artwork to be used for the front and/or back covers of the yearbook, see the flyer for instructions! Covers are designed by 5th grade students only. Please note with any back cover entries, do not write inside the "21" as it will contain student names. All completed art should be submitted to the front office by April 30, 2021. Submissions can also be emailed to fresyearbook@hcpss.org  The winners will be selected at the May PTA meeting.

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. Baby Picture Gallery submissions are due Friday, April 30, 2021.

Dedications: Send a special message! Family and friends can send their 5th grader a message wishing them success in middle school!  This section normally has a fee to help offset the cost of the yearbook, however, this year we are offering a free 25 word dedication. Space is limited. Dedication submissions are also due Friday, April 30, 2021. Please send submissions to fresyearbook@hcpss.org

ALL students can submit yearbook photos to fresyearbook@hcpss.org.

Indoor Recess Materials Drive: If you've started spring cleaning and have found extra coloring books, activity books, or individual brain teasers or games, please consider donating them to FRES for students to use during indoor recess since they will be maintaining physical distancing. Items can be dropped off in the front door vestibule area and will be quarantined before use. We are also collecting new individual containers of Play-Doh.

Wish Lists: FRES PTA has compiled an Amazon Wish List to help make the transition to hybrid school as easy as possible for teachers and students. The wishlist can be found at http://tiny.cc/freswishlist and can be directly shipped to the school. You can also purchase from another store and drop items off at FRES. Teachers may have classroom-specific wish lists. Some supplies have already begun arriving. Thank you for your support!

Communication: There are several ways to receive communications including www.frespta.org, the FRES PTA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FRESPTA/, and Twitter @frespta. There is also a group that was formed for discussion and support and is for current FRES families.

Membership: It's not too late to join the PTA. Your membership will be valid until September 2021. Visit www.frespta.org/membership and it's only one $10 payment.

Save the Date:

  • Upcoming General PTA Meeting: May 10 and June 14 at 7 p.m. Passcode: frespta
  • Culture Fest - April 23, 2021 from 7pm - 8pm
  • Smart Talk Internet Safety Night - April 29 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
  • Teacher and Staff Appreciation Night:  May 3 - Sweet Frog, Maryland City - $5 cups of yogurt for FRES students

Feedback: Please let us know if you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions either by email or via our suggestion box. Suggestions are anonymous, so if you would like a reply, please include your email address.
Please email Korin Sharp at president@frespta.org if you have any questions on this week’s update. Thanks and have a great weekend!ᐧ

In the Community...

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 DrugFree Updates for Parents/Guardians:
Free Parenting Classes: HC DrugFree and the Howard County State's Attorney's Office, partnering with HCPSS and the Health Department, will once again provide evidence-based classes for families to gain skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will engage in risky behaviors including using drugs. This 4-class series for parents of 9-14 year olds will be held on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, May 4, 11 and June 1, 8. Parents/guardians must register at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCDrugFreeSpring2021 If you have questions, email Joan Webb Scornaienchi, HC DrugFree’s Executive Director at Admin@hcdrugfree.org.  View the flyer here.

Drive-thru Medication, EpiPens, Needles, and Syringes Collection in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot: Bring your expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication and “sharps” to HC DrugFree's convenient drive-thru collection on Saturday, April 24 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot near the Swim Center and The UPS Store. Medication will be guarded and transported by the Howard County Police and the DEA. Safe distancing. Masks worn. No need to remove labels or get out of vehicle. Sharps must be in appropriate sharps containers. Separate sharps from meds. Looking for adult volunteers to assist at the event and medically-trained adults to assist with the medication collection. Go to https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/ .  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/