Important Dates
March 23-Apr. 1 Spring Break! Schools closed
March 27 Sweet Frog Fundraiser. View the flyer.
April 2 Students and staff return
April 2 Wendy's Fundraiser. View the flyer.
April 9 PTA Meeting
April 17 4:00 Report cards available for viewing by parents
View the HCPSS Calendar in English
View the HCPSS Calendar in Spanish
View the HCPSS Calendar in Korean
View the HCPSS Calendar in Chinese
School Spirit Days for 23/24
We are excited to share our school spirit days calendar for the 23/24 school year! We hope this helps families plan ahead. There may be spirit days that pop up here and there based on activities that are going on in the building, but this calendar is what we will be following. You may want to print it out, put the dates on your personal calendar, hang it on the fridge - whatever works for you to remember these fun days!
Dear FRES community,
As we start our much-anticipated spring break, we wanted to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to each and every one of you. The past few months have been filled with hard work, dedication, and countless achievements. Our students have shown incredible resilience in their studies, our teachers have provided unwavering support and guidance, and our staff members have ensured the smooth functioning of our school community. Together, we have created an environment where learning flourishes and where each individual has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
As we enter this well-deserved break, we encourage you all to take this time to rest, rejuvenate, and recharge. Whether you're embarking on exciting adventures or simply enjoying some peaceful moments at home, we hope this break brings you joy, relaxation, and the chance to spend quality time with loved ones.
On behalf of the FRES staff, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support, dedication, and hard work. Our school community is stronger because of you, and we are incredibly proud of all that we have achieved together.Wishing you a safe, happy, and fulfilling spring break!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Lannon & Ms. Pazornik
From our School Counselors, Ms. Norris and Mrs. Braxton-Cheek
Hello, FRES parents! We are having a career program on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. We are looking for grown-ups to present information about their careers. If you are interested, please select the following link to complete the Google Form: Career Day Program Interest Form
Attention 5th Graders! It's yearbook time.Fifth graders! Would you like to leave your mark on Forest Ridge? If so, then we have three activities you won’t want to miss! Every year 5th grade students are invited to design the front and back covers of the FRES yearbook. 5th grade parents are invited to provide baby photos for the photo gallery and submit dedications. See details for each activity below:
1. 5th Grade Students ONLY: Yearbook Cover Art Contest!
We encourage 5th grade students to submit their own artwork to be used for the front and/or back covers of the yearbook (see the attached flyer for instructions)! Please note with any back cover entries, do not write inside the number "24" as it will be filled in with student signatures. All completed art should be submitted to the front office by Friday, April 5, 2024. Submissions can also be emailed to fresyearbook@hcpss.org. A winner will be selected at the April PTA meeting. View the instructions here.
2. 5th Grade Parent Submission: Baby Picture Gallery!
Each year 5th grade students are invited to participate in a Baby Picture Gallery! If you would like to submit a baby picture (kindergarten or younger) of your 5th grader, please email photos to fresyearbook@hcpss.org. Please format your submission so that it shows your child's face clearly in a 1 inch by 1 inch square. Your submission must include the student's name. This section is voluntary and absolutely free. Submissions are due by April 19, 2024.
3. 5th Grade Parents and Loved Ones: Dedications!
Family and friends can send their 5th grader a message wishing them success in middle school! This section normally has a fee to help offset the cost of the yearbook, however, this year we are offering a free 25-word dedication. Space is limited, only the first 50 submissions will be accepted! Please send submissions to fresyearbook@hcpss.org. Submissions are due by April 19, 2024.
Any additional questions/concerns can be emailed to: Tia.Furr@gmail.com
2024-2025 Kindergarten Registration is OPEN!
Registration for the upcoming school year, 2024-25 is now available. All registrations will be completed online, https://www.hcpss.org/enroll/ After submission, the registration will be reviewed, and the registrar will reach out to you to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the registration. Please upload the required documentation if able. Kindergarten is a mandatory grade in Maryland. Children must be 5 years old by September 1 in order to enroll in Kindergarten. Every child who is 5 years old by September 1 must be enrolled in a Kindergarten program this fall or have an approved waiver on file. (Waiver form for the 2024-25 school year will be available March 1st) Parents or guardians are to register their child at the serving school for their residence.
Current HCPSS families may log into their Parent CONNECT account and select Online Registration once in their parent account to begin the registration process for their new family member. Please exclude all current students, they do not need to be re-registered. This includes students currently enrolled in a HCPSS PreK program. The student will automatically be enrolled for Kindergarten. For all new students, new documents must be submitted. We can not use documents submitted for a previous student enrollment.
New families to HCPSS, please click the following link to begin the registration process.
Helpful tips:
Informational links:
Getting Ready for Kindergarten
PreKindergarten Programs Registration begins March 11, 2024
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions, 410-880-5950.
No testing nor prior G/T coursework is required for enrollment in these enrichment offerings. For Summer 2024, we will be offering one two-week session from July 8 - 19 at Burleigh Manor Middle School. While the program is half-day, before and after care is available on site via Howard County Recreation and Parks.
A few highlights ---
Financial assistance is available for students participating in the Free and Reduced Meal Program. Families of HCPSS students may enter registration requests through HCPSS Connect beginning on April 2 at 6 p.m.
FRES Regional Early Childhood Program
Learning Together Program for Children who will be 3 years old by September 1, 2024:
The Forest Ridge Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) prekindergarten programs are making preparations for classes for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. These classes include children with and without disabilities. The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills. Parents of children who will be 3 years old by September 1st, applications are available and are currently being accepted. Please see the link below for information and link to the application:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16QzgRZdlq0mglYunqo2yFdeQXGJo6Nsx/view?usp=sharing
HCPSS is committed to providing instruction based on the statewide Early Learning Standards which are in alignment with Kindergarten Readiness. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly regardless of the learning model determined by HCPSS throughout the upcoming school year (virtual, hybrid, in person, or class quarantine). If you have any additional questions, please contact Tricia Walls at tricia_walls@hcpss.org
Income Eligible Pre-K for children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2024:
In alignment with Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, Forest Ridge RECC continues to offer a prekindergarten program for income eligible children who will be four years old by September 1.
Applications are available in the front office and online. Our program will fill up. All slots are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants are not processed until all necessary paperwork has been received.
To apply, visit: https://www.hcpss.org/schools/pre-k-programs/
Read-a-thon – Thank you!
Our read-a-thon ended on Monday, March 18th! Thank you all for encouraging your child(ren) to read and participate during this fundraiser. We met our goal with $7,249.50 raised and missed our minute’s goal with 64,879 minutes read.
Our top readers were:
1st Evan S. with 2,625 minutes
2nd Yonatan with 2, 460 minutes
3rd Maaheen S. with 2,445 minutes
Each student will be bringing home a Free Frosty coupon from the Wendy’s on Gorman Road. Please come out on Tuesday, April 2nd and redeem them.
Lastly, the prize store will close on Wednesday, March 27th. Please redeem your prizes by then. Once the store closes, it will not open again. Prizes will be delivered to the school after Spring Break and sent home with your child.
Little & Junior Track Stars – FRES After School Program
Do you have a child interested in running? Little & Junior Track Stars will be at FRES! This is open to all students at FRES and is great for all skill levels. Track will meet immediately after school until 5 pm on Thursdays. Instruction and materials provided by Little & Junior Track Stars. Registration now open and classes begin April 4.
https://www.littletrackstars.com/service-page/after-school-with-forest-ridge-es-1
HoCo Park & Rec – Before/After School Programs
Here are a list of the spring programs offered at FRES from HoCo Park and Rec.
5th Grade Families – Please Read
Attention 5th Grade Families! Would you like a keepsake to commemorate your child's last year of elementary school and help support the Art department and 5th grade? The Art department and PTA have teamed up to help raise funds through Art to Remember. Look for your child's personalized order form to be sent home soon! English Flyer Spanish Flyer
5th Grade Students ONLY: Yearbook Cover Art Contest!
We encourage 5th grade students to submit their own artwork to be used for the front and/or back covers of the yearbook (see the attached flyer for instructions)! Please note with any back cover entries, do not write inside the number "24" as it will be filled in with student signatures. All completed art should be submitted to the front office by Friday, April 5, 2024. Submissions can also be emailed to fresyearbook@hcpss.org. A winner will be selected at the April PTA meeting on April 9th. View the instructions here.
Sweet Frog (Laurel) – March 27th, 3pm-9pm
Meet your family, friends, and neighbors every 4th Wednesday of the month from January to May, at Sweet Frog in Laurel for a sweet treat from 3pm – 9pm. FRES PTA will receive 25% of your order.
Wendy’s Fundraiser – April 2nd, ALL DAY
What’s better than no cook Tuesday on the first day back to school after spring break? Stop by the Wendy’s on Gorman Road all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner and help out the FRES PTA.
PTA Meeting – April 9th 7pm
Join us in the media center to vote on the year book cover for the 23-24 yearbook, hear updates on the upcoming spring auction and carnival along with the board election process. We hope you can join us!
FRES PTA BOARD ELECTIONS
The current members of the PTA Board of Directors will end their 2 year term at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. As we prepare to elect a new board in June a minimum of 3 volunteers are needed to form a Nominating Committee to oversee the nomination and election process. It is required that you be a registered and paid member of the FRES PTA to serve on the Nominating Committee. If interested, please email Barbara Gumes at ssgumes@gmail.com.
Silent Auction – April 26-28
Our online silent auction will be on PTboard again this year. If you would like to help source items for the auction or have a basket to donate to please contact@frespta.org.
Spring Carnival – May 4
Planning for the FRES Spring Carnival is in full swing. We are exploring the possibility of having vendor booths at this year’s carnival and are seeking potential vendor interest. If you are a small business, independent consultant or crafter interested in selling your items or advertising your service at the event please reach out to Carrie at carrie.picton@gmail.com. If we move forward with this, vendors will pay a small fee to the FRES PTA for their booth space.
WatchD.O.G.S Sign up
Here is the calendar of remaining dates available. Please sign up to volunteer today!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4EA8AB2CAAFC1-watch3#/
Want to stay up to date on PTA information? Follow us on facebook at Forest Ridge Elementary PTA (FRES) or visit our website at www.frespta.org for more information.
Columbia Area Mothers of Multiples (CAMOM) Spring Consignment Sale, Saturday, March 16th
Follow this link for more information: https://www.camom.org/consignment
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.