IMPORTANT DATES
February 1 Culture Fest - postponed - watch for new date
February 3-7 National School Counseling Week
February 4 4:00 p.m. Report cards available for parents to view in hcpss.org/connect
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
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...
Hello Forest Ridge Families,
Today marks the 93rd day of school, and we are proud of all the hard work our students and staff have accomplished so far this year!
A few important reminders:
- Quarter 2 Report Cards will be available to view online on February 4th at 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 4th is “Dress Like a Teacher Day” here at FRES. It is a fun day when teachers dress up like students and the students dress up like their teachers. Can’t wait to see what everyone wears!
- Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place on February 5th and 6th. Schools will close 3-hours early on both of these days, so dismissal for FRES will be at 12:10pm.
- No School for Students on Friday, February 7th – Staff will be engaged in professional learning.
Next week, February 3 - 7, we will celebrate National School Counselor Appreciation Week! Our school counselors play a vital role in supporting our students’ academic and emotional well-being. Please take a moment to share your appreciation for their dedication.
Flu Season Alert
We are seeing an increase in flu cases among students and staff. Please help us keep our school community healthy by keeping your child home if they have a fever. Students must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe and well!
As always, we appreciate your partnership and support. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Lannon & Ms. Pazornik
Forest Ridge News...
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.
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
Pastably the Best Staff Ever - Staff Dinner 2/5 at 4:30 pm
The FRES PTA will be providing a pasta dinner for the teachers and staff on the first night of parent/teacher conferences on 2/5. Please sign up here to donate food, desert and drinks as well as to volunteer to assist at the dinner.
If you would like to make a monetary contribution to this event, please drop off or mail a check to the school. Make all checks payable to: FRES PTA. Your contribution is tax deductible.
Please drop off your items between 8:45 am and 3:00 pm to the front office. If you can drop off your cooked pasta in a crockpot/instapot or foil pan please make sure it's labeled with your name and you can pick it up during clean-up or on 2/6 during school hours. Set up is 3:00 pm; Dinner is 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm; Clean up is 5:30 pm.
Please email president@fresta.org with any questions or concerns.
Note: We will be serving 107 Individuals with the following dietary needs: gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian. Please include an ingredient list with any homemade items.
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.
Culture Fest has Been Postponed
Due to low participation for February 1st we are postponing our annual Culture Fest. Watch for a new date.
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.