March 18, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Thu, 03/17/2022 - 12:32pm
  • 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
March 23              PTA Restaurant Night at Sushi Nari.  View the flyer here
March 25              Last day to turn in donations for "Kids Heart Challenge"
March 29              FRES Music Concert @ Hammond High School (see more information below)
April 1                   Dental Clinic Permission Slips Due (No late permission slips will be accepted.)
April 1                   3-Hour Early Dismissal - End of 3rd quarter
April 11-18           Spring Break - Schools closed
April 19                Students return from Spring Break

April 19                Pre-K registration begins (children must be 4 by 9/1/22; families must qualify)

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.***

From Our Administrators...

Dear FRES Community,

What a great week we had here at FRES!  We were able to enjoy some spring-like weather and our students have been continuing to work hard to display academic excellence as well as positive behavior.  

On Wednesday evening we were able to celebrate 3 of our fourth grade students:  Joyce A., Mason W. and Sophia L.  These students have artwork on display at the Howard County Center for The Arts in Ellicott City.  Thanks to Mrs. Allen for working with these students to display their artwork.  

On Thursday our Kindergarten students took a Field Trip!  This was our first trip in more than 2 years.  With the help of many parents and staff, our kindergarten students walked to the Savage Library, where they listened to stories, sang songs, and were able to check out a book.  The weather held up and although it was a bit dreary the students had a fantastic time.  Thanks to all the parents who came out for this trip!  We are looking forward to more trips this spring.  

We hope everyone has a great weekend and is able to enjoy the beautiful weather.  

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

HCPSS Chromebooks
Thank you to all of our FRES families for returning HCPSS Chromebooks to school for use in the classroom.  These devices will remain in school for your child to use for instruction until further notice.  All devices need to be returned with the charging cable.  If your child has not yet returned the charging cable, the homeroom teacher will continue to remind your child until the cord is returned. For further detail concerning Chromebook use, responsibilities, and repair/replacement, please visit this link: HCPSS Technology and Devices.

FRES Dental Clinic Information
FRES will be hosting the Smiles Dental program at our school on Thursday, May26th and Friday, May 27th 2​022, and permission slips were sent home with students today.  You can also view the permission slip here, print and complete it, and return it to school.   We are asking that parents review the form and if interested, complete the permission slip in its entirety and return to school or sign up online at www.MySchoolDentist.com  no later than Friday, April 1st  2022.  Please know that late signups will not be accepted after April 1st

FRES organizará el programa Sonrisas Dentales en nuestra escuela el jueves, 26 de mayo y el viernes, 27 de mayo de 2022, y las boletas de permiso se enviaron a casa con los estudiantes hoy.  También puede ver la hoja de permiso aquí, imprimirla y completarla, y devolverla a la escuela.  El formulario está en inglés y español.  Pedimos que los padres revisen el formulario y, si están interesados, completen la hoja de permiso en su totalidad y la regresen a la escuela o se registren en línea en www.MySchoolDentist.com a más tardar el viernes 1 de abril de 2022.  Tenga en cuenta que las inscripciones entregadas tarde no se aceptarán después del 1 de abril.  

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.

From the PE Teachers - Kids Heart Challenge
Our Forest Ridge family is fundraising for the American Heart Association in order to help kids with sick hearts!  Our students can win lots of cool prizes along the way and will get to celebrate our donations in PE class at the end of March.  The last day to donate is March 25th, so click this link to get your student registered and let's make a difference!

From the Music Department - FRES Music Concert
Tuesday March 29th @ Hammond High School
Orchestra @ 6pm (musicians arrive at 5:30pm)
Chorus @ 6:45pm (musicians arrive at 6:30pm)
Band @ 7:30pm (musicians arrive at 7:15pm)

Watch D.O.G.S Sign-Up

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

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.   

There will be a Question-and-Answer session for new LTP families on Friday, April 1st at 12:00 pm on Google Meet.  The link is below. 

New LTP Virtual Q and A 

Friday, April 1 · 12:00 – 12:30pm 

Google Meet joining info 

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/dtr-opds-vug

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. 

HCPSS Summer Programs
2022 Summer Programs Preview: The 2022 Summer Programs Preview, which contains descriptions of HCPSS’ four summer programs and enrollment information, is available to view here.

Gifted and Talented (GT) Summer Institutes for Talent Development
The Gifted and Talented (GT) Summer Institutes for Talent Development offers additional advanced-level instruction and enrichment experiences not regularly available during the academic school year for students entering grades 1-8. Rigorous instruction focusing on talent development is offered in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, technology and fine arts.  No testing nor prior GT coursework is required for enrollment in these enrichment offerings.  Students may attend for Session 1, Session 2, or both sessions. While the program is half-day, before and after care is available on site via Howard County Recreation and Parks.

For more information, please visit the HCPSS Summer Programs page.

G/T Course Listing
G/T Course Matrix
Contact: GTSummer@hcpss.org or 410-313-6671.

From the Health Room

Howard County Health Department: Covid facts & testing locations:  http://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/covid-19

In the Community...

LGBTQ+ Climbing Days
All kids and teens are invited to come join us on March 19 for free climbing at Movement Columbia Gym. We look forward to seeing you: Sign up here!
For adults attending (family members or volunteers), say “Unmatched” and you’ll get a discounted day pass.
For more information, check out this link.  View the flyer here.

Kids on Campus Summer Registration Open
Brochures are available on the table in the vestibule at FRES, or visit the website 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/