September 9, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 09/09/2022 - 5:40pm
  • 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
September 12  6:30 Back to School Night for Grades RECC-2nd
September 13  6:30 Back to School Night for Grades 3rd-5th (6:00 GT Presentation)
September 19  Noodles and Company Restaurant Night - view flyer
September 20  7:00 First PTA Meeting
September 21  Start of Joe Corbi's Fundraiser

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 Forest Ridge community,

We have finished our second week and we are starting to get into our routines.  It’s been great getting to see our students during class as well as at lunch and recess.  We are so impressed with the hard work from both our students and staff.  We look forward to seeing many of our families this evening at our Back-to-School Picnic!  The weather looks fantastic for our evening tonight.  

We also look forward to seeing you in person at our Back-To-School Nights on Monday, 9/12 (Grades RECC, K, 1, 2) and Tuesday (Grades 3, 4, 5) next week. There will be an ESOL presentation for our ELL families on both nights beginning at 6:00 in the Media Center.  On Tuesday night our GT presentation will begin at 6:00 in the Cafeteria.  The classroom presentations will begin both nights at 6:30 in individual classrooms. 

Have a great weekend!
Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Back to School Night Information

  • Our Back-to-School Nights will be held on Monday, 9/12 (Grades RECC, K, 1, 2) and Tuesday, 9/13 (Grades 3, 4, 5).
  • There will be a Gifted & Talented information session at 6:00 in the cafeteria on Tuesday, 9/13 before Back-to-School Night.
  • Come to a session about ESOL before each Back to School Night at 6:00pm in FRES Media Center.  We will have Spanish and Burmese interpreters available.
  • When: Monday, September 12th (Grades K, 1, & 2) and Tuesday, September 13th (Grades 3, 4, & 5)
    Time:  6:00pm
    Where: FRES Media Center
    Hope to see you there!
     
  • Lo invitamos a una reunión de la clase de  ESOL ( Inglés como segunda lengua), antes de la reunión de Regreso a Clases.
  • Esta reunión será a  las 6:00 pm en FRES Media Center.  Tendremos intérpretes disponibles.
  • Fecha: Lunes 12 y Martes 13 de septiembre
  • Hora: 6:00 p.m.
  • Lugar: FRES Media Center
    ¡Esperamos verlos aquí!

2 After-School Opportunities:

  • Girls on the Run Registration is Open!  Visit gotrcentralmd.org for information.
  • On 9/19, SuperSquads Cheerleading is back on Mondays 3:45-5:00 at Forest Ridge Elementary for students Grades 2-5!  Visit www.supersquads.org to register!

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.

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
72% 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  

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.

From the PTA...

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 begin next week (Sept 12th!) so check out the registration page soon!

Upcoming Restaurant Night!
Mark your calendar to NOT make dinner on Monday, September 19th and instead visit Noodles & Company in Laurel 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 Restaurant Nights are a delightful way to support FRES fundraising!

You’re Invited to Join the Forest Ridge 2022-2023 PTA!

The Forest Ridge Parent Teacher Association (FRES PTA) is a non-profit charity organization formed to support the FRES community. The goal of the National PTA organization is to engage and empower families and communities to advocate for all children to reach their full potential. All FRES families and staff are invited to join our PTA and the community support work that it does! A PTA membership must be renewed each year. For a general overview, visit https://frespta.org/ or click https://frespta.ptboard.com/ to go directly to the membership website to create an account and join! 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.

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 Drug Free Events
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