IMPORTANT DATES
February 17 President's Day - Schools and offices closed
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
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 Families,
It’s been another fantastic week at Forest Ridge, even though it was a short one! As we look ahead, there is a chance of another weather event next week. Please stay informed by checking the HCPSS website and local news for any updates on potential delays or closures.
In the event of a closure, consider engaging your child in activities that keep them learning and active. Reading a favorite book, practicing math with online resources, working on a creative project, or enjoying some outdoor play (if conditions allow) are great ways to make the most of the day. Stay safe, and we appreciate your continued support!
Report Cards Available Online
Report cards were issued on Tuesday and can be viewed online through HCPSS Connect. If you are unable to access your child’s report card, please contact the front office, and we will send home a paper copy.
Book Donations Needed – Black-Eyed Susan Nominees
We are looking for donations of books from the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominees! Our goal is to have these books available in every classroom so students can enjoy them throughout the year. If you’d like to donate, please visit our Amazon Wishlist to purchase books directly. Thank you for supporting literacy in our school!
Valentine’s Day Celebrations – Friday, February 14
Classes will be recognizing Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14th. If your child would like to bring in Valentine’s Day cards to share with classmates, please ensure that:
- Cards do not include food or candy.
- Your child brings enough cards for every student in the class to promote inclusiveness.
Thank you for your continued support of our school community!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lannon & 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.