April 8, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Thu, 04/07/2022 - 4:57pm
  • 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 8                  5:00 Report cards available for viewing (see below)
April 11-18           Spring Break - Schools closed - Enjoy!
April 19                Students return from Spring Break

April 19                Pre-K registration begins (children must be 4 by 9/1/22; families must qualify)
April 22                Deadline for submitting yearbook cover art (see below under "PTA News")
April 27                3-Hour Early Dismissal Day.  FRES dismisses at 12:45.
April 30                Deadline for submitting 5th grade baby pictures and dedications for the yearbook (see below under "PTA News")

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,

We wanted to take this opportunity to wish all our families a wonderful and safe Spring Break.  Schools are closed from Monday, 4/11 - Monday, 4/18.  All schools will reopen on Tuesday, 4/19. 

As a reminder, all students were given an at-home Covid test kit.  Please check your child’s backpack if you haven’t already done so. 

Starting today at 5 p.m., you can access your child’s report card on-line.  Please follow the directions below.  If you need assistance or would like a paper copy of your child’s report card, please call the office at 410-880-5950 after spring break.

To view your child's report card:

  1. Log in to your parent account here.
  2. Choose "More Options" from the menu on the left.
  3. Then choose "Report Card."  Note: The Report Card option will not appear until 5:00 p.m. this evening.

Have a wonderful Spring Break,

Mr. Conroy & Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Ramadan Alternative Lunch/Recess Activity
In an effort to be supportive to those who observe Ramadan, we want to make families aware that the school can provide an alternate location during your child's lunch/recess.   Parents of students who are fasting may request that their child visit the media center during their lunch/recess and engage in reading a book or other quiet activity.  Please send an email to your child’s homeroom teacher if you would like to request that your child visit the media center during the lunch/recess time.  Thank you for your help.

From Our PE Teachers
We are very excited to begin planning for Field Day on Wednesday, June 1st, with a rain date of June 9th. This is an all-day event for students, but ​due to safety, ​families are not permitted to come and watch as spectators.  However, we ​are looking for volunteers to help run some of the stations and make the day as fun as possible for the students.  The volunteers will need to arrive around 9:45 a.m. to get ready for their first rotations at 10 a.m. The rotations will finish at 2:00 p.m., and volunteers will get an hour break for lunch or time with their children in between. 

To allow adequate time to plan this event, we are asking volunteers to please complete all necessary steps as outlined below by April 18th.  If we do not have enough volunteers, we will need to make alternative arrangements.

Please use this LINK to sign up to volunteer for Field Day.  All visitors must check in at the front office upon arrival. You will need your driver's license to check-in.
 
Complete This By April 18th To Volunteer for Field Day:

  1. Complete the short volunteer confidentiality training and then fill out this form and bring it to school.
  2.  Complete this short child abuse training and complete the certificate linked and bring to school.

From the Media Center

BOOK FAIR IS COMING BACK!!!
We are so excited that book fair will be back at FRES from May 3-May 9! That means we need YOUR HELP.  We look forward to seeing everyone again. Please make sure you fill out the required volunteer paperwork (link is on the sign up genius to get to the paperwork needed).
 
Check out the link to see when you can come in!
 
Please reach out if you have any questions,
Heather Tordella (heather_tordella@hcpss.org)

MCAP Assessment for Grades 3-5
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, 26 @ 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, 12, 13 @ 11:15 - 12:30

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.

Watch D.O.G.S Sign-Up - 38 More Days to Volunteer!

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.   

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...

Subject: Attention 5th Graders! It's yearbook time.

Fifth graders, we need your help with the yearbook!   Every year the fifth graders are invited to design the cover of the yearbook, and participate in the baby photo gallery & dedications sections. 

1. Yearbook Cover Art Contest: Get creative!
We encourage 5th graders to submit their own artwork to be used for the front and/or back covers of the yearbook, see the attached flyer for instructions! Covers are designed by 5th grade students only. Please note with any back cover entries, do not write inside the "22" as it will contain student signatures.

All completed art should be submitted to the front office by Friday, April 22, 2022. Submissions can also be emailed to fresyearbook@hcpss.org

A winner will be selected at the April PTA meeting.

2. 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.

3. 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, only the first 50 submissions will be accepted!  Please send submissions to fresyearbook@hcpss.org. 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.

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/