IMPORTANT DATES
March 28 PTA Family Movie Night 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
March 31 Full day for students (originally a workday for staff, but now a snow day make-up day)
April 1 6:00-7:00 Math Facts Night
April 9 5:30-9:00 Chipotle Restaurant Night
April 10 PTA General Membership Meeting 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
April 12-21 Spring Break! Schools closed
April 25-27 PTA Silent Auction
May 3 1:00 – 4:00 PTA Spring Carnival “Travel the World with FRES”
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, our students celebrated the near end of Quarter 3 by participating in Club Day! There were a variety of exciting activities throughout the building, and everyone had a fantastic time exploring their interests and connecting with friends. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and engagement!
Additionally, our Lost & Found—located in the cafeteria—is overflowing with items! If your child is missing a piece of clothing, a coat, hat, gloves, or even a water bottle, please take a moment to check the Lost & Found before Spring Break. Any remaining items will be donated on April 11th.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
Mrs. Lannon and Ms. Pazornik
Student News...
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Jack H. and Maru F. for their amazing performance at the Howard County Honors Orchestra concert on Saturday March 22nd. They, along with two students from every elementary school in HCPSS, were nominated and selected for this representative orchestra based on their talent and commitment to their instrument. Way to represent FRES!!!!
Forest Ridge News...
A Message from the Health Room
Parents/guardians are asked to please notify the school health room if your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease (i.e. Flu, strep, COVID, RSV, norovirus, pink eye). We continue to track illness cases so that we can make the necessary reports to the Howard County Health Department in the event of an outbreak. If you have your child tested for illness and they have a positive result, please email our school nurse, Mrs. Lewis, at kerri_lewis@hcpss.org and make her aware. Thank you for your support in keeping our students healthy!
Incoming Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open now! Families of children who will be five years old by September 1, 2025, should enroll their child in kindergarten or submit a kindergarten waiver. Please share with your neighbors! Families can find more information about enrolling children in kindergarten, as well as resources to support kindergarten readiness, the kindergarten waiver, and more on the HCPSS website here: https://www.hcpss.org/enroll/kindergarten/
Howard County Recreation & Parks Spring Flier
Check out the offerings being held at Forest Ridge here. Follow this link if you want to register.
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 are available now.
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
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT FRIDAY 3/28/2025
Come together with other FRES families and friends for a Friday night showing of “Wild Robot”. We will be in the cafeteria so bring your blankets, pillows and /or comfy chairs. Folding chairs are available at school. Pizza and other concessions available for purchase. Free Popcorn!!! CASH ONLY PLEASE! All children must be accompanied by an adult and remain with their children throughout the movie. Please RSVP HERE to help us know how much pizza to order.
SILENT AUCTION – COMING IN APRIL!!!
The PTA will host a silent auction via Givebacks this year. We are currently seeking donations for the auction. If you would like to help source items for the auction, make a donation or know an individual or business who would be willing to make a donation please contact president@frespta.org or 443-300-8463. Donate a basket here auction basket donation
SPRING CARNIVAL – SATURDAY 5/3 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
“Travel the World with FRES” at this year’s Spring Carnival on Saturday, May 3rd, combining elements of our annual Culture Fest with our Carnival. If you are interested in helping with the planning of this event please contact president@frespta.org.
In the Community...
CAMOM Children's Consignment Sale
Saturday, March 29th from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
LOCATION CHANGE - Now at Trinity Episcopal Church on Rt 1 in Elkridge
flyer
Spring Break Basketball Camp
Check out this new opportunity for a spring break basketball camp.
Young Panthers Training Session is here!
This session is for students wanting to work on their fundamental skills in basketball. Each session is filled with fun ways to work on passing, dribbling, shooting, & and of course defense skills. Register your child to be the first to know when we will have our sessions!
LIFE Elite Athletics is an organization that caters to youth and young adults. We foster the development of leadership qualities through a commitment to education and community involvement. We aim to provide our constituents with versatile experiences through scholastic empowerment, athletic conditioning, and cultural exposure. We believe in guiding our youth to "Seeing Obstacles as Lessons Understanding Trials Induce Opportunities for Next Steps" (SOLUTIONS) mentality.
We create opportunities for youth and young adults to achieve their dreams by providing them with resources, instilling work ethic, and building the confidence needed to be successful adults.
Teaching the game of basketball is an avenue used to achieve said goals. We believe in using basketball as a tool to prepare the players for real life; by instilling discipline, dedication, teamwork, leadership to name a few. In addition, we work on the fundamentals of basketball and enhance the basketball IQ of each player. Lastly, we aim to win, to build confidence in our kids, and learn from losses.
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 Updates
- Drive-Thru Medication and Sharps Disposal – Saturday, April 26 in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the Swim Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medication, EpiPens and other sharps, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more! Need student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Giving away 100 medication lockboxes.
For more information: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/
To sign up to volunteer: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/4-26-25TakeBack - Teen Advisory Council - Open to Howard County students in grades 8-12. Earn Community Service Hours and make meaningful contributions to the community. Next meeting: Monday May 19, 2025, from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom. For more information, visit: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/
- 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.