October 21, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Wed, 10/19/2022 - 5:11pm
  • 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
October 22             10:00-12:00 Clothing Giveaway at North Laurel Community Center.  View flyer in English.  View flyer in Spanish
October 24             Professional Learning Day for Staff - No School for Students
October 28             3rd Grade Field Trip
November 2           End of First Marking Period - Schools Dismiss 3 Hours Early (12:45 for FRES)

November 4           4th Grade Field Trip
November 4           7:00 Movie Night
November 7           1st Grade Field Trip
November 8           Election Day - Schools and Offices Closed
November 9           Picture Re-Take Day (see below)
November 14         Chipotle Restaurant Night
November 15         7:00 PTA Meeting
November 21         Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 for FRES) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 22         Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 for FRES) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 23         Schools closed for students for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 24-25   Schools and Offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday

 

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 Ms. Pazornik...

Let's Celebrate Mr. Conroy!

The month of October is National Principal's Month and we are so lucky to have one of the best here at FRES.  Please take a minute to recognize Mr. Conroy with a quick shout out.  We will put these all together for him in the next week or so.  Thanks in advance.

Click here to access the form.

Ivye Pazornik
Assistant Principal

Forest Ridge News...

Parents, We Need Your Help!

  • Please help your children remember to have all the items they will need for their school day when they arrive in the morning.
  • No one should be dropping their student off in the inner car loop lane.  That lane is for parents who have already dropped off their children in the outer loop and want to go around the other cars.  It is very dangerous to drop off children in the inner loop.
  • School starts at 9:15.  Students should be in their seats, ready to learn at 9:15 when the bell rings.  We are experiencing large numbers of students being dropped off at or after 9:15.  Please help your child start their school day in a positive way by dropping them off by 9:08 to give them time to get to their class, put their belongings away, and be in their seat by 9:15. 

Picture Retake Day is November 9
Picture Retake Day is for:

  • Students new to FRES since September 8
  • Students absent on September 8
  • Students whose parents did not like the original photo and want it re-taken.  Note:  You must return the entire original pack of pictures in order to get a photo retaken.

Please email christin_traini@hcpss.org for a picture money envelope/order form, or if you have questions.

Parent Reminders:

  • Family File must be completed each year so that we have updated information in case of emergency.  Before your child can attend a field trip, you must complete the Family File.  Log in here
  • Before anyone comes to volunteer or chaperone a field trip, they must complete the two trainings here, and return the training certificates to the office.  Note:  The trainings are Confidentiality and Child Abuse Reporting.  The link takes you to the Confidentiality page, and at the top of the page is a link to the Child Abuse Training.

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

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...Get More PTA Info at the PTA Website

Fall Fest
Thank you all for coming out and supporting the FRES PTA at Fall Fest.  We could not have done it without all of the wonderful volunteers and generous candy/toy donations from the parents and staff.  If you would like to join the PTA and help us plan events like this, please email us at contact@frespta.com.

Cold Weather Clothes Drive
Some of our FRES families are in need of winter clothes, jackets, hats, and gloves. Please consider donating any cold weather clothes your children may have outgrown. Donations can be given to the front office, dropped off in the car loop, brought to a meeting or event, or given to our Spanish liaison, Ms. Paola.

Movie Night
Save the Date – Friday, Nov. 4th will be our First Movie Night!  Bring the family with blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars in the bus loop.  We will be selling concessions and the movie is still TBD.

Reflections Arts Competition
The Reflections Arts Competition is being sponsored by the FRES PTA this year and registration is now open! This nationwide PTA program offers students the opportunity to earn FRES, county, state, and even national recognition for original artwork they create in response to a specific theme. This year’s entries interpret the theme: Show Your Voice.

Students can choose from six artistic categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts (including 3D Art).  The registration form can be found here: https://frespta.org/resources/fres-reflections-program/

Volunteer Opportunities!
Do you enjoy helping out and volunteering when you can but can’t make a regular, on-going, big commitment? We have opportunities for you! First, join the FRES PTA; visit https://frespta.ptboard.com  to create a PTA account then select your membership (individual or family for two adults) from the “Forms & Payments” section. Then check out the listings already under “Volunteer Signups”! https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw  As a member, you’ll receive an email alert each time a new opportunity is posted.

In the Community...

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.

Maryland STEM Festival
The Maryland STEM Festival is a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that takes place every Fall. This year’s festival theme is Cybersecurity and Information Technology. Join activities from October 14th through November 14th as exciting topics and their associated fields and careers are explored! Students of all grades, along with their families and friends, STEM professionals, teachers, and volunteers can choose from a selection of hundreds of different fun, interactive science learning opportunities taking place throughout Maryland. See event offerings and register here.

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/

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.