IMPORTANT DATES
February 17 President's Day - Schools and offices closed
February 17 12:00-9:00 FRES PTA Chuck-E-Cheese Laurel Restaurant Day/Night
February 27 Class/Optional Individual Picture Day - more information below
February 27 6:30-7:45 Family Reading Night
March 13 (New date) Family Paint Night - More information to come
March 14 Professional Work and Wellness Day - schools close 3 hours early (12:15)
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 FRES Families,
Today was a special day at Forest Ridge Elementary as we celebrated both Valentine’s Day and the 100th Day of School! Our classrooms were filled with joy as students shared messages of friendship, reflected on 100 days of learning and growth, and engaged in activities that highlighted kindness and connection.
At FRES, we believe that kindness is at the heart of belonging. Every student should feel valued, included, and safe in our school community. This sense of belonging is something we all work toward together—staff, students, and families alike.
As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in reinforcing kindness and empathy at home. Here are some ways to encourage these values:
- Talk with your child about what kindness looks like in their daily lives—both in big and small ways.
- Read books or share stories that highlight empathy and inclusion.
- Praise acts of kindness when you see them, whether at school, at home, or in the community.
- Model kindness in your own interactions—our children learn most from what we do!
Speaking of modeling kindness, we want to lift up the importance of civility among adults in our school community. In particular, we ask that all families demonstrate patience and kindness in the car loop. The way we interact in these daily moments sends a powerful message to our children. When they see us treating one another with respect, they learn to do the same.
Thank you for being our partners in fostering a culture of kindness at FRES. Together, we can ensure that every child—and every member of our community—feels welcome, valued, and supported.
With appreciation,
Mrs. Lannon and Ms. Pazornik
Forest Ridge News...
Class Pictures with Optional Individual Pictures Taken on 2/27
Class pictures with optional individual pictures will be taken on Thursday, 2/27. Look for order forms coming home during the week of February 24. In order to have an individual photo taken, students must return the order and payment on February 27. Orders for class pictures may be turned in on 2/27 or 2/28. For your convenience, here's a preview of the order form.
Gifted and Talented (G/T) Summer Institutes for Talent Development
The Gifted and Talented (G/T) Summer Institutes for Talent Development offers additional advanced-level instruction and enrichment experiences not regularly available during the academic school year for students entering grades 1-8. Rigorous instruction focusing on talent development is offered in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, technology and fine arts.
No testing nor prior G/T coursework is required for enrollment in these enrichment offerings.
Location: Burleigh Manor Middle School
Session 1: June 30 - July 11 (no class July 4)
Session 2: July 14-25
Hours: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: $330 per session (Financial assistance is available for students participating in the Free and Reduced Meal Program.)
Students may attend Session 1, Session 2, or both sessions. While the program is half-day, after care is available on site via Howard County Recreation and Parks. Snack is provided.
A few highlights ---
- Bus transportation to area collector stops!
- Exciting courses in Humanities, STEM, and the Arts!
Registration is now open for families of HCPSS students through HCPSS Connect. The first registration request window will close on February 18 at 12 p.m.
For more information on how to register, please see this registration guide.
Contact: GTSummer@hcpss.org or 410-313-6671.
Paint Night - New Date March 13
Paint Night has been postponed until March 13. If you purchased tickets they will be honored for the March date. Watch for more information to come.
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.
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...
Spring Break Basketball Camp
Check out this new opportunity for a spring break basketball camp.
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.