IMPORTANT DATES
January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday
January 22 6:00-7:30 PVMS Rising 6th Grade Family Orientation (see below)
January 22 3:00-9:00 PTA Restaurant Night – Sweet Frog
January 23 Professional Work & Wellness Day - Schools close 3 hours early
January 28 Paint Night
January 29 Professional Work Day - Schools closed for students
February 1 Culture Fest
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,
As we approach the halfway mark of our school year and prepare to embark on the second half, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and support one another, we pause to reflect on the core value that unites us as a community: kindness.
Our school is more than just a place where children come to learn. It’s a vibrant community built on respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of every child. However, in recent weeks, we’ve seen moments of frustration and unkindness that have impacted our school environment. Whether in the car loop, during interactions with staff, or in conversations with one another, these moments remind us of the importance of refocusing on the values that make Forest Ridge special.
Kindness isn’t just a word—it’s an action. It’s a choice we make every day to approach each other with patience, understanding, and respect. When we model kindness for our children, we teach them how to navigate the world with empathy and compassion, skills that are just as important as the academics they learn in our classrooms.
We understand that life can be stressful, and we all have moments when our patience is tested. But together, we can create a positive and supportive atmosphere where everyone—students, staff, and parents—feels valued and respected. Here are a few simple ways we can all contribute:
- Greet each other warmly: A smile or a kind word can make someone’s day.
- Practice patience: Whether in the car loop or during busy moments, take a deep breath and remember we’re all working toward the same goal.
- Treat staff with respect: Our dedicated teachers, support staff, and front office team work tirelessly to ensure our school operates seamlessly and our students flourish. Together, we share a common goal: creating a safe and welcoming environment where your children can learn, grow, and thrive.
- Focus on solutions: If challenges arise, let’s work together to address them constructively and collaboratively.
Forest Ridge is a community we are proud to serve because of the care and commitment we see from each of you. Let’s recommit to being kind, to lifting each other up, and to showing our children how powerful compassion can be.
Thank you for all you do to make Forest Ridge a wonderful place for our students.
~Mrs. Lannon and Ms. Pazornik
Forest Ridge News...
PVMS Rising 6th Grade Family Orientation
On January 22 Patuxent Valley Middle School will be hosting out Rising 6th Grade Family Orientation from 6pm to 7:30pm in the school cafeteria. Come and learn more about middle school, the academic schedule, and the Gifted and Talented program, and get a chance to see the building and meet some of our amazing staff and students. Contact RIchard Smart, richard_smart@hcpss.org with questions.
Paint Night is January 28!
Paint Night is less than 2 weeks away! It's Tuesday January 28th in the FRES cafeteria, 6:00-7:15. We are painting a Snowy Owl! Please do not forget to wear an old tee shirt or art smock because the acrylic paint will not come out. The event is scheduled to start at 6:00 and end at 7:15. It is $12 per canvas with siblings and parents at $10 a canvas. Please visit Paint Night Tickets to purchase the canvas ahead of time. There is limited seating.
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.
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
Sweet Frog (Laurel) - Wednesday 1/22 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Meet your family, friends, and neighbors every 4th Wednesday of the month at Sweet Frog in Laurel for a sweet treat from 3pm – 9pm. FRES PTA will receive 25% of sales.
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.
PTA Meeting - Thursday, 1/23 6:45 PM
This meeting will be held virtually via Google Meet.
Thursday, January 23 · 6:45 – 8:00pm
Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vyb-pogy-wxm
Or dial: (US) +1 414-909-7619 PIN: 754 469 855#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/vyb-pogy-wxm?pin=9503257655785
Family Paint Night - Tuesday, 1/28 6:15 pm – 8:00 pm
Come out and paint a canvas with your child and help support the FRES Art Department. Ms. Allen & Ms. Frere will be leading the attendees through painting a snowy owl on canvas. All supplies will be provided. Come in paint-friendly clothes and bring a smock/old t-shirt to cover up. Cost is $12 per person or 2 for $22. Each additional participant in the same family is $10 each. Proceeds will go directly to the FRES Art Department. Purchase tickets here Paint Night Tickets Note: Please disregard the link that was shared in last week’s forerunner and use this new link only.
Culture Fest - Saturday 2/1 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Come join us for 6th Annual FRES Culture Fest on Saturday, February 1st at 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Culture Fest is an opportunity for FRES families to celebrate and share their unique heritage with the community and for everyone to celebrate the rich diversity at our school. This special night promotes empathy, acceptance and unity for us in our FRES community. Please consider signing up to share about your culture, ethnicity, heritage and/or country of origin. Feel free to join together with other families and let us know how we can support you. Sign up here to share or volunteer Culture Fest Sign Up. Please sign up by Friday, January 17th to give our committee time to plan!
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.