Important Dates
September 19 Noodles and Company Restaurant Night - view flyer
September 20 7:00 First PTA Meeting
September 21 Start of Joe Corbi's Fundraiser
October 3 & 10 Hearing & Vision Screening. View the flyer.
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.***
Dear FRES Families,
It was great to see all of you at the back to school night events this week! We enjoyed getting the opportunity to connect with our parents again, and we hope that you are looking forward to the school year. Most teachers have sent out their presentations via Canvas so if you weren’t able to attend, please email your child’s teacher so you can view the presentation.
As fall weather approaches, please remember to label your child’s jackets and coats with their names. Our lost and found is already growing and the name labels are a huge help in reuniting lost items with their owners. The cooler mornings and warm afternoon recesses often leave us with many discarded jackets on the playground.
We hope everyone has a great weekend!
Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik
From the Health Room
Upcoming MAP Testing in Grades 1-5
Children in grades 1-5 will participate in the Spring administration of Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing. MAP is an untimed computer-adaptive assessment that measures student growth and achievement, independent of grade level or age. This is but one indicator of your child’s progress, providing us with an additional piece of information about achievement levels and growth in acquiring Reading and Mathematics skills. Classroom teachers will share testing dates for ELA and math. To learn more about about the MAP assessment, click here
2 After-School Opportunities:
Gifted and Talented Advisory Council
If you are interested and available to be a Gifted and Talented Advisory Council (GTAC) Parent Representative for our school community for this academic year, please register at the GTAC Website.
Parent Representative Job Description: Parent Representatives are the bridge between the GTAC and their school communities. Primary responsibilities:
Sharing GTAC news with your school. For example, we will send you GTAC “Highlights” for you to share at platforms, such as PTA meetings. If a GTAC update is not currently part of your PTA meeting agenda, please contact your PTA President and request to continuously share GTAC highlights at upcoming PTA meetings;
Promoting GTAC-sponsored events at your school, like our Parent Academies and the Educator Recognition. GTAC will continuously share news/events and flyers to post in your PTA e-mailings and/or school display; and
Supporting your GT Resource Teacher(s). Occasionally checking in with them to see if/how you can provide any help or assistance with routine activities and/or with special events.
Additional Responsibilities (optional): Attend the Steering Committee Meetings in an effort to obtain news firsthand and/or actively participate by volunteering to serve on the Steering Committee, and/or advocate for the GT Program with the Board of Education.
Once you are registered as a Parent Representative, you will be placed on our email list and provided with additional information including the Google Meet code. If you are unable to attend, a highlights summary will be sent following the meeting.
Learning Together Program – Prekindergarten
The Forest Ridge Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) 3-year old program has openings for the 22-23 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.
Students without disabilities are referred to as "peers." Parents pay $180 per month for their child to participate.
Parents of children who turned 3 by September 1st, 2022 can learn more about the program by reviewing the these flyers:
Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (Chinese)
Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (Spanish)
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. If you have any additional questions, please contact Tricia Walls at tricia_walls@hcpss.org.
From Mrs. DeOrio, Our Orchestra Director
ATTENTION ALL 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders!!! Are you interested in playing a musical instrument? Join us in the Band or Orchestra!!! All information is on our website http://forestridgemusic.weebly.com/ Registration is open from now until September 9th, so don't delay! Here is a direct link to the registration page https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaR0lZXdG-naiKZCGcJQ49Wa8fU_ksHpIkVebubZdZSNIieA/viewfor. Band and Orchestra is only offered to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, and classes will start the week of September 12th. Contact Mrs. De Orio (Orchestra- patricia_deorio@hcpss.org) or Mr. Pompei (Band- kyle_pompei@hcpss.org) with any questions or concerns.
It's time to load up on your FRES Spiritwear through the PTA Spiritwear sale!
This is not a fundraiser...all items are as low priced as possible so everyone can hopefully grab something. All items will be delivered to school and will be sent home with your child. If you prefer to pick it up from school directly (as in maybe it's a gift that you don't want the kids to see) please just reach out to Heather Tordella at heather_tordella@hcpss.org. https://www.selectspiritwear.com/v5store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=281
Hola Familias FRES
Es tiempo de recargar su espiritu escolar por medio de la venta de vestimenta con el nombre de nuestra escuela FRES!!!!
Esta no es una recaudacion de fondos, pero queriamos compartirles que todo estara a la venta con super descuentos, esperando que todos puedan adquirir mas de algo. Todo lo que ordenen y compren lo enviaran a la escuela y se enviara a la casa con su estudiante. Si ustedes prefieren recoger lo que compraron personalmente en la escuela ( Si fuera para regalar a alguein) por favor comuniquese con la Maestra HEather Tordella a este correo electronico: heather_tordella@hcpss.org. https://www.selectspiritwear.com/v5store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=281
Do You Want Your Child to Eat Lunch Outside?
We will once again offer parents the option to have their student eat outside. This will take place on the covered walkway that leads to the bus loop, and under the tent next to it. We need parents' permission to allow students to eat outside. Please fill out the survey here. Please note that once you have filled out the form, your child will be able to start eating outside the following Monday. As a reminder, outside lunch will only be offered weather and staff permitting. Thanks for understanding.
Be Sure to Fill Out Your Family File
74% of our parents have completed Family File! 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 (this is the account you created when you completed the on-line registration. If you did not register electronically, you may create an account. Your login name is your email address.) Select the MORE OPTIONS tab on the left and then click 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
https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-guide.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-spanish.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (KOREAN) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-korean.pdf
School Meals
Families are reminded that the federal government has NOT extended waivers allowing free meals for all students. Consequently, for the 2022-2023 school year, students whose families do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will be required to pay the daily meal price.
Student Breakfast - $2.00
Student Lunch - $2.80
Many HCPSS families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, academic and athletic program fees and many others in addition to free or discounted meals.
Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year.
Details on the Free and Reduced Meals program are available online. Use the link below to apply.
FARMS Online Application Link:
https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Please contact the front office if you have any questions or need assistance with applying for the Free and Reduced Meal Program or help with Family File.
Restaurant Night on Monday at Noodles & Company in Laurel
Mark your calendar to NOT make dinner on Monday, September 19th and instead visit Noodles & Company in Laurel Town Center between 4 – 8 pm! When you place your order, mention that you are from Forest Ridge and our PTA will receive a portion of every sale! Participating in a Restaurant Night is a delightful way to support FRES fundraising!
You’re Invited to the PTA Meeting on Tuesday, September 20th at 7 pm!
All FRES families and staff are invited to join the PTA and the community support work that it does! Our first general membership meeting of this school year will take place on Tuesday, September 20th at 7:00 pm in the FRES Media Center. Please come to engage with FRES families & staff, learn more about your child’s educational environment, and support your child’s school community! Your voice, perspective, and participation make a difference! https://frespta.ptboard.com
PTA is Collecting Candy Donations for Fall Fest
Fall fest is scheduled for October 15th from 5:30-8. More information, flyers, and signup sheets will be coming soon, but PTA is collecting candy donations. You can send donations to the FRES office. Thanks!
After School Program Opportunities
The Super Squads Cheerleading Program is back at FRES! Students in Grades 2nd – 5th can register at www.supersquads.org to join the Forest Ridge cheerleading program. It meets on Mondays from 3:45 – 5 pm beginning September 19th.
Registration is still open for several HoCo Recreation and Parks programs at FRES https://tinyurl.com/h3da8zac. Options include Art, Chess, Music, and Robotics; some classes have begun so check out the registration page soon!
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.
SAVE THE DATE AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Howard Lions' Pride Second Annual Craft Fair: Sunday, November 6th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Howard High School. Our 100+ vendors will be selling crafts, books, candles, kitchen goods, jewelry, home decor, clothing, accessories, and much more! General Info link: https://tinyurl.com/3tzxuhme.
We are still accepting craft and food truck vendors, so please spread the word and this link: https://tinyurl.com/bdfuta49.
HC Drug Free Events
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/
Free Parenting Classes for Parents/Guardians/Grandparents Starting Soon! Adults can learn how to help kids avoid risky behaviors, all while learning how to say NO to drugs and alcohol. HC DrugFree is pleased to present another series of Guiding Good Choices, an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors, for Howard County parents, guardians, and grandparents. This program will meet via Zoom for 5 class sessions (September 21, 28 and October 12, 19, 26) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information or to register visit https://hcdrugfree.org/2022/02/guiding-good-choices-free-classes-for-parents-2/ or email Parenting@HCDrugFree.org
8th – 12th Grade Students: HC DrugFree's Teen Advisory Council is open to all Howard County students in grades 8 through 12. This is a great opportunity to help prepare younger students for success in high school while allowing older students to develop their leadership and mentoring skills. The registration form is available at https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/ . Community service hours available. Email your registration to admin@hcdrugfree.org or mail a hard copy the office. To register for the upcoming meetings on Monday, September 19 or Monday, October 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. click on the TAC Registration links next to each date https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/
Medication and Sharps Collection: Clean out your unwanted and expired medicines and sharps! The next convenient drive-thru collection will be held on Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot (near the Swim Center). Community service hours available. HC DrugFree and the Howard County Police invite families, student/adult groups, scout troops, religious organizations, and sports teams, etc. to volunteer to join us. Medically-trained adult volunteers are needed (nurses, EMTs, pharmacists, chiropractors, etc.) to help safely handle the medication and sharps collected. For more information and to volunteer, visit https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/ , contact Admin@hcdrugfree.org or leave a message at 443-325-0040.
Stay Informed about What’s Happening in Howard County: Sign up for HC DrugFree’s newsletter at https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/ to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed.