December 16, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Tue, 12/13/2022 - 3:57pm
  • 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.
  • Will your child be absent?  Email fresabsence@hcpss.org.

Important Dates
December 19                   Federal Impact Aid Forms Due (see below for instructions)

December 20                 1st Grade Gingerbread Night
December 21                 Kindergarten Gingerbread Night
December 24-Jan. 2      Winter Break - Schools Closed
January 3                       Students and Staff Return
January 10 & 11             FRES Dental Clinic
January 12                     Band/Chorus Concert
January 24                     Club and Candid Pictures Taken for the Yearbook
January 25                     4:00-7:00 Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar Restaurant Night.  View the flyer.
January 27                     Health and Wellness Fair
February 1                     Beginning Orchestra Concert
February 2                     Advanced Orchestra Concert
February 24                   Save the Date! FRES PTA Culture Fest (See below - From the PTA)

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...

Impact Aid Deadline Extended to Dec. 19
The deadline for parents/guardians who work on a federal property in Maryland and/or are a member of a uniformed service to complete an online Impact Aid form has been extended until Monday, Dec. 19. Impact Aid funding supplements the HCPSS operating budget to enhance the teaching and learning that takes place in Howard County classrooms.

To complete your online Impact Aid form:

  1. Log in to HCPSS Connect using parent/guardian credentials
  2. Select More Options from the left navigation
  3. Select Federal Impact Aid from the middle

The family’s federally connected information along with the digital signature will qualify the school system for applicable funding.  Learn more.

Can you help?
Are you able to support a family for the upcoming holidays (meals, gifts etc)?  Please consider spreading the love to those who need it most. You can…

  • Donate a monetary gift to help a family
  • Gift cards (Weis, Walmart) in $10 increments to the front office staff
  • Any amount in cash to our front office staff
  • Any amount to our donation collection using our counselor's Venmo (@MsAlyssaNorris) (or use this QR Code).

We are also starting a community support group at school, called Feathers for Families! Here are ways you can help ALL YEAR ‘ROUND:

  • Donate non-perishable food and toiletries (boxed and labeled “Feathers for Families”)
  • Donate clothing or shoes (bagged or boxed, labeled “Feathers for Families”)
  • Donate small toy/game/fun items for kids
  • Donate monetary amounts (listed above)

Don't Forget to Dress for the Weather
The temperatures are getting colder. Please be sure your child is dressed warm enough for outdoor recess every day.  This includes coats, gloves, and hats. Consider labeling your child's belongings as we already have many items in lost and found.  Please note that students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. You can read more about weather guidelines/recess in the HCPSS Student Handbook under Student Health and Well-Being.

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

Gingerbread Night – December 20 & 21
The FRES PTA and Kindergarten team will be having a gingerbread night for the kindergartners and 1st graders.  Please email Ms. Lindenmann at Catherine_Lindenmann@hcpss.org with any questions.

PTA Meeting – January 10th
Join us for the monthly PTA meeting in the cafeteria at 7pm. 

Crazy Mason Milkshake Restaurant Night – January 25th
Come out to Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Old Ellicott City for this month’s restaurant night.

Click here to see their menu: https://www.thecrazymason.com/our-locations/old-ellicott-city-baltimore/

As a bonus the mason jars will have our FRES logo on them and they also package them up to go, so you can enjoy the goodness at home.

Health & Wellness Fair - January 27th
Save the date for the Health & Wellness Fair on January 27th at 6:30pm.  Additional information will be provided soon. 

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 Khaleda Hasan at kbhschools@gmail.com to join our committee or to share your ideas!

Watch D.O.G.S
The FRES Students and staff have enjoyed all the WatchDOGs that have volunteered thus far.  Thank you for being such supportive members of FRES.

Approaching 2023 we have many days still available.  If you would like to sign up, please click here: https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=s.signup&urlid=4090a4ea8ab2caafc1-watch3&view=standard

If you have any questions or need to purchase a shirt, please reach out to Mrs. Norris at Alyssa_Norris@hcpss.org

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 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.