IMPORTANT DATES
January 28 Paint Night - Postponed until March - more info to come
January 29 Professional Work Day - Schools closed for students
February 1 Culture Fest - Rescheduled to February 22
February 3-7 National School Counseling Week
February 5 Elementary Schools close 3 hours early for parent/teacher conferences (12:15)
February 6 Elementary Schools close 3 hours early for parent/teacher conferences (12:15)
February 7 Professional Learning Day - no school for students
February 17 President's Day - Schools and offices closed
February 22 Culture Fest (Rescheduled from 2/1)
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. FRES parents will need to opt-in from the phone that receives messages on the number we have on file for them. Text YES to 67587.
- Will your child be absent? Email fresabsence@hcpss.org.
From our Administrators...
Dear Forest Ridge Elementary School Community,
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we recently celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of acceptance, empathy, and kindness. Dr. King’s words and legacy remind us of the value of treating others with love and understanding. We encourage families to have conversations with their children about embracing differences, showing kindness to others, and fostering a community of respect and compassion. These discussions can have a meaningful impact on the way our students interact with one another, both at school and in the larger world.
On a practical note, it’s time to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences! February conferences will focus on Math, so please be sure to schedule a conference with your child’s math teacher. Additionally, there are limited spots available to meet with related arts teachers if you have specific concerns. We encourage you to sign up early to secure a time that works for your family.
Thank you for your partnership in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Your continued engagement makes a positive difference!
~Mrs. Lannon and Ms. Pazornik
Forest Ridge News...
Paint Night - Postponed
Paint Night has been postponed until March. If you purchased tickets they will be honored for the March date. Watch for more information to come.
Do you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2025?
Please save the date for an upcoming Road to Kindergarten parent information session. All sessions will run 6:30-7:30 p.m. and cover the same content. Learn more.
Learning Together Program
The FRES Early Childhood classes are making preparations for the 2025-26 school year and are accepting applications for general education students to participate as peers through the Learning Together Program (LTP). These classes include general education and special education students. 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 by September 1, 2025, applications will be available and accepted in mid February.
In alignment with Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, new LTP applications for students turning 4 by September 1 will not be available. HCPSS continues to offer Prekindergarten for income eligible children who will be 4 years old by September 1. For additional information contact the school or visit: https://www.hcpss.org/schools/pre-k-programs/ .
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. If you have any additional questions , please contact Jen Black at jennifer_black@hcpss.org or (410) 880-5950.
From the ChildFind Office
Attention Parents of Rising Kindergarteners: Don't Wait for Summer to Address Developmental Concerns!
If you have concerns about your child's development - whether it's their speech, motor skills, social skills or learning - it's important to act now. Waiting until the summer for a referral can delay crucial support that your child may need before starting kindergarten.Contact us today to schedule a screening. Let's work together to ensure your child has the best possible start in kindergarten! Call 410-313-7046 or email ChildFind@hcpss.org
WatchDOGS Sign Up Link
Interested in being a WatchDOG? Sign up here.
From the PTA...Get More PTA Info at the PTA Website
Register Now for Before/After School Enrichment Classes!
HoCo Parks & Rec Dept is offering a line-up of classes at Forest Ridge this winter. Check out the listing and complete online registration for your child to participate! Most classes meet once a week for 6-8 weeks. View the flyer.
Family Paint Night has Been Postponed
A new date will be announced soon and all tickets purchased already will be honored for the new date. If you purchased tickets and can’t attend the new date we will arrange for refunds to be made.
Culture Fest has Been Postponed
Due to low participation for February 1st we are postponing our annual Culture Fest. A new date will be announced soon.
FRES After School Drama Club Spring Musical
In partnership with the PTA, the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA) is offering an after-school drama club at FRES. Class will meet at FRES immediately after-school from 3:20 – 4:35 on Thursdays beginning 2/20 and ending with a final performance on performance on Thursday, May 8th at 7 pm complete with costumes, sets, and a professional sound system. This year's musical is Junie B Jones. Through the financial support of the PTA, we are able to offer this program to FRES families at a reduced rate of $60 per student. Register directly with CCTA on their website: https://cctarts.org/elementary-after-school-program/ Scroll down to register under Forest Ridge Elementary. Note: The display of class times and the registration link may be a bit confusing if viewed on a mobile phone.
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.
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.