April 21, 2023 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 1:49pm
  • 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
April 21                        Professional Work Day for Staff.  No school for students
April 21                      Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser.  View the flyer.
April 25                      1:30 5th Grade Panoramic Picture
April 28                      Last day to order Spiritwear.  Follow this link.
April 29                      Hammond High School Green Fest.  Check out the flyer.
April 30                      Chalk the Walk – Staff Appreciation Week
May 1- 5                     FRES Staff Appreciation Week
May 6                         FRES Carnival & Silent Auction
May 16                       McDonald’s Restaurant Fundraiser
May 18                       FRES STEAM Fair
May 24                       PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go!

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...

Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) - Spring Assessment for 3rd, 4th & 5th Graders
The Maryland State Department of Education is conducting a spring student assessment as one of several strategies to identify how students are performing academically. The results will help educators better understand student needs.  These results never stand alone in assessing student growth, and will be used in combination with other assessments and class work to gauge overall student performance.

MCAP is the overarching term used for all state assessments. MSDE will administer assessments in the Spring for English Language Arts/Literacy & Mathematics. Here are the dates for FRES Students: 

5th Grade MCAP Dates:

  • Math - 5/1, 5/2, 5/3 and 5/5  (1:15 - 3:15)

4th Grade MCAP Dates:

  • ELA - 4/25, 4/26, 4/27, 4/28  (9:30 - 11:30)
  • Math - 5/12, 5/15, 5/16, 5/17  (9:30 -11:30)

3rd Grade Spring MCAP Dates

  • ELA-  4/24  (10:30 - 12:30)
  • Math- 5/8, 5/9, 5/10, 5/11  (10:30 - 12:30)

It is important that students arrive at school on time each testing day.  If possible please avoid scheduling vacations or appointments on testing days.  If a student misses a day of testing they will have an opportunity to make it up.  

Please contact Ms. Pazornik (ivye_pazornik@hcpss.org ) with any questions about the MCAP assessment.  To learn more about Spring Assessments and MCAP please visit HCPSS Testing FAQ located on the HCPSS website.

HCPSS Indicators of Educational Equity Survey
As part of our school improvement process, we are asking families to provide input about their equity priorities at our school. Please use the link below to complete the HCPSS Indicators of Educational Equity Survey by April 28, 2023. We will use your input, along with other school data, to refine our school improvement plan for next year.

This survey is anonymous and available in multiple languages. If you have children at more than one school, please complete one survey per school.

English survey
Spanish survey
Chinese survey
Chin survey
Korean survey

If you have any questions, please contact Principal Scott Conroy (scott_conroy@hcpss.org) or DeNeatra Barkley (deneatra_barkley@hcpss.org), Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) Coordinator.

Save the Date!
Forest Ridge will be holding an evening of excellence to celebrate all of our amazing learning here at school.  Please join us on Thursday, May 18th 6:15-7:45 pm, at our FRES STEAM Night, which will include the PTA sponsored STEM Fair and student work across all grade levels.  We hope to see you there!

WatchDOGS
Hey DADS, BONUS DADS, UNCLES, GRANDPAS and MALE ROLE MODELS! Have you signed up for a day to volunteer?! Want another go?! Be sure to sign up for a day to help at school!!! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4ea8ab2caafc1-watch3#/"

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THOSE WITH MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, Medical Assistance has been automatically renewed since March 2020. With the end of the Public Health Emergency quickly approaching, AUTOMATIC RENEWALS WILL STOP AS OF APRIL 30, 2023. Please call the Howard County Health Dept. Insurance Line at 410-313-5845 to check your status and prevent any lapse in insurance coverage. They will assist you and provide an appointment to renew your coverage, if needed. 

Help for FRES Families in Need
We are 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)

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

Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser – TODAY
Join the FRES Community at Chuck E. Cheese in Laurel on Friday, April 21st from 12pm – 9pm.  All sales completed with a cashier will allow 20% to be donated to FRES.  A flyer went home this week with free play tokens.

Spring FRES PTA Spirit wear Sale! The sale will be open through April 28th!
Follow this link.

Please note: This is the ONLY link/company affiliated and authorized to sell our FRES gear at this time. Please use this link to purchase FRES spirit wear. Orders will arrive at school and be distributed approximately 3 weeks after the sale ends.

Please keep in mind these are custom wearables and cannot be returned or exchanged unless defective.

Chalk the Walk – April 30th
Come out and chalk the walks of FRES as we welcome our teachers on Monday morning with words of phrase and affirmation.  FRES Staff Appreciation Week will be celebrated May 1-5.  We will place buckets of chalk out for you to stop by at your leisure to write your messages.

FRES Spring Carnival & Silent Auction – May 6th from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Rain or Shine!
Carnival Cards are on sale now!

The spring carnival is FREE to enter. Carnival cards are available to purchase to play games and participate in activities. Click here to access online ordering on PTBoard. Paper order forms will be going home with students on Thursday, 4/20. Purchases can also be made at the Carnival.

Carnival cards cost $5 in advance or $6 the day of carnival. Each card is good for up to 10 games and activities. Most games are 1 punch, while things such as face painting, bounce house, and obstacle course are 2.

Pre-purchase as many game cards as you would like by Wednesday, May 3rd. Pre-purchased cards will be available for pick-up at the ticket booth on the day of carnival. Completed cards can be exchanged for prizes!!!

Parents, we need your help to pull this off.  Please sign up for a shift to make this a successful event!

To volunteer please sign up here or email ssgumes@gmail.com.

Donations for Silent Auction are still welcomed! If you own a business or know someone who does please consider donating gift cards/certificates, goods, or services. You can also sign up to donate one of our 10 Themed Baskets (or one of your own creation) to the auction. More details and sign-up available here. You can also email Barbara at ssgumes@gmail.com

In the Community...

Columbia Area Mothers of Multiples (CAMOM) Spring Consignment Sale, Saturday, April 22
Follow this link for more information.

Our Turn to Talk
Join us at Centennial High School on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 6:00-8:00 pm for a viewing and panel discussion of Our Turn To Talk, a film that features teens sharing the impact of social media, sexual identity, gender identity, racism, and the pandemic on their mental health. The film is sponsored by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Howard County, the Howard County Public School System, Horizon Foundation, One Voice, Active Minds, and the Howard County Health Department. Families and staff may access the trailer and registration  form for more information.

The event will feature the following panelists:

  • Jennifer Marshall (Executive Producer, Principle Pictures)
  • Peace Williams (WLHS student, Active Minds member)
  • Stephanie Reid (Youth and Family Support Services, Howard County Health Department)
  • Ivan Croft (Instructional Facilitator for Psychological Services, Howard County Public School System)
  • Oliver Song (President, Howard County Association of Student Councils)

Direct Questions to Cynthia Schulmeyer, Coordinator School Psychology or Caroline Walker, Executive Director, Program Innovation and Student Well-Being.

FREE Clothing Giveaway
When: Saturday, April 29, 2023, 9:00-11:00 a.m.  Lines may form at 7:30 a.m. 
Where: Long Reach High School, 6101 Old Dobbin Lane, Columbia, MD  21045

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.