November 18, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Tue, 11/15/2022 - 2:24pm
  • 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
November 18         5-7:30 PM Family Book Fair Night open to all families/community
November 21         Schools close 3 hours early (12:45 for FRES) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 21
        Book Fair Open 8:30 AM-7:30 PM (during conference hours for parent shopping)
November 21         Staff Appreciation Dinner
November 21         Turkey Trot
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

December 13         PTA Meeting
December 14         Maiwand Kabob Restaurant Night

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.***

Forest Ridge News...

Book Fair!
Nov 18                     5-7:30 PM  Family Book Fair Night open to all families/community
Nov 21                     Book Fair Open 8:30 AM-7:30 PM (during conference hours for parent shopping)

Outdoor Recess Guidelines
Generally, students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index reading is less than 95. Children with certain health conditions may need special accommodations during extremely hot or cold weather. Parents of those children should provide medical documentation and may be consulted to determine if other arrangements are necessary.

From the PTA...Get More PTA Info at the PTA Website

Staff Appreciation Dinner – Monday, November 21st
Visit our PT Board sign up for the upcoming staff appreciation dinner. We hope you can contribute in some way to show our teachers how much we appreciate all that they do. https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw

Turkey Trot
Thank you for filling all of the volunteer spots for this event on Monday, November 21st. Please note all HCPSS Volunteer paperwork must be completed or on file to volunteer for this event.

Donations
The FRES PTA cannot say THANK YOU enough for all of your help in making the PTA events amazing this school year. As we approach Giving Tuesday, please consider donating to the FRES PTA, a 501c3 non-profit organization. A tax-deductible donation supports FRES PTA operations, and events. Many companies will match employee donations to different organizations; check with your employer’s HR before donating.

A check made payable to FRES PTA can be mailed or dropped off at the school. We appreciate your generosity this holiday season. If you would like to sponsor an event or item, please email contact@frespta.org.

Walmart Gift Cards
This holiday season, we have a few FRES families in need. If you would like to, please consider dropping off a Walmart gift card to the front office anytime before December 15th. Ms. Norris is accepting Venmo donations also, if that is easier. Please Venmo her @MsAlyssaNorris

Reflections Arts Competition
Does your student love producing art? Sign them up to submit a work of art to the Reflections Program; this nationwide PTA program is available at FRES. Your student should choose a category, review the theme, and then CREATE! We will recognize and display their artwork to the FRES community and they will also have the opportunity to advance to a Howard County competition! This is a low-key and encouraging way to support your child's interest in the arts; everyone's entries are welcome and no prior experience or training is necessary. 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/ Pieces are due by November 30th so please register today. Election Day is a great day to work on their art interpreting the theme: Show Your Voice!

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.

Gingerbread Night
The FRES PTA and kindergarten team will be having a gingerbread night for the kindergartners and 1st graders. Please, be on the lookout for additional information in the coming weeks.

Culture Fest - February 24th
Did you know that 28 different languages are spoken by our amazing families at FRES? Just imagine learning so much more about our wonderfully diverse community and experiencing the food, music, and more from so many countries! Would YOU and your student like to share your community with our FRES family?  If so, please email Pratima Lele at pratimalele@gmail.com to join our committee or to share your ideas! We will be having our first planning meeting in December.

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...

From Bread of Life Food Pantry in Savage
Every month the Bread of Life Food Pantry, located at the First Baptist Church of Savage, serves an average of 30 families (112 individuals.)  As we draw closer to the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season, the Bread of Life Food pantry prepares to fill the shelves and refrigerators of the families that depend on school lunches as well as those that may not qualify for assistance.

They are collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries that will be handed out to families each Thursday leading up to Christmas.  Items may be dropped off at First Baptist Church of Savage, 8901 Washington St, Savage, MD 20763, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, 9:00-2:00.  Outside of these hours, arrangements can be made by calling (301) 725-3944.  View their flyer here.

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
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/

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.