Forest Ridge Forerunner

From the Principal

Greetings FRES Families,

We have had a super start to the school year. Our students are excited, our staff is energized and routines are starting to take place.

Next week we are hoping that the transportation issues will have been resolved and buses start to run in the manner that we expect. Your patience with first week arrival and dismissal routines is truly appreciated.

In the car loop area, we ask that parents use the sidewalk to get to and from parked cars versus walking through the traffic of cars in the loop. We also ask that you make available the passenger side of the vehicle so that your child enters and exits from that side versus walking in front of moving vehicles.

This week we had an opportunity to practice three emergency drills: Emergency evacuation drill; reverse evacuation drill; and shelter-in place drill (today). Students were made aware of the reason we practice such drills and that such practice would occur regularly. Please be sure to debrief with your child regarding the drills.

In addition to the drills Ms. Pazornik and I visited each grade level team and chatted with students about some of the guidelines that are in place to make FRES a safe place to be. We discussed topics such as: Alcohol/Drugs/medications; Anti-discrimination; Attendance; Bullying; Civility; Dressing for Success at FRES; responsible use of technology; our wellness policy; toys/weapons policy. The conversations were great. Our students really think deeply about these things and were able to participate in the discussions.

It was a pleasure seeing so many of you this week. We appreciate your partnership and the communication we have been receiving from you. Thank you for all you do and have a terrific weekend!
Dr. Varlack

Important Dates
September
10  Rosh Hashanah - Schools and Offices Closed
12  Individual Picture Day - Pre-order flyers went home on Thursday; Money envelopes went home Friday
12  6:30-8:00 Math Parent Workshop for Parents of Students in Grades 3-5
13  PARCC Reports go home
19  Yom Kippur - Schools and Offices Closed

Student News
Congratulations to the following students, who completed the Howard County Library's Summer Reading Program: Libraries Rock!
Zara A., Maya A., Kaelyn B., Luke B., Allison B., Vabei C., Grace E., Lily E., Mira H., Lia K., Trevor M., Zuri N., Emmett O., Jacob R., Elizabeth R., Shristi S., Trevor W.

From the Health Room:

• If you have a child in Kindergarten, First Grade, or if you feel that your child would benefit, please pack an extra change of clothes in their backpack for any unexpected events at school.
• If your child is experiencing nausea or vomiting prior to leaving for school or experienced nausea and vomiting during the night time hours, please keep your child home from school.

If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or above they must stay at home and cannot return to school until the fever is less that 100o for 24 hours without the need for medication. 

Thank you for your help in keeping our students, teachers and staff healthy this school year!

Mrs. Morris and Ms.Nowell

Wednesday, September 12 is Individual Picture Day!
Individual pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 12.  Pre-ordering information went home on Thursday, Sept. 6. Information is also attached here.  All children will be photographed, regardless of whether or not parents have placed an order. Money envelopes will come home on Friday, September 7. Please send the money to school with your child on Wednesday, September 12.  Your child should hand the money to the photographer when they have their picture taken.  Questions?  Please call Ms. Traini at 410-880-5950.

Grades 3-5 Math Parent Workshop
Are you interested in learning how we teach mathematics to your child?  If so, you’re invited to Math Parent Workshop: Multiplication on Wed., September 12th, 2018 at 6:30-8:00 p.m.  RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/y9yw3zvd.  This workshop will explain the progression of multiplication in grades three through five.  We will be reviewing best practices and the strategies taught to the students in a hands-on, engaging way.  We look forward to seeing you!

PARCC Reports from '17-'18 Test Administration
Current 4th and 5th graders that took the PARCC assessment at FRES or another HCPSS school last year will receive their home reports on Thursday, September 13th.  Please be on the look out for your child's report.  

From the GT Department

• It is time to sign up for seminars with Mrs. Clawson and Mrs. Hogan. Please read through the seminar information packet that your child brought home and decide together what seminars your child might be interested in attending.  Most seminars are held during recess times. There are a few that are held either before or after school. Your child can be motivated to attend by choosing something he/she is really interested in.  Applications and paragraphs are due back to Mrs. Clawson and Mrs. Hogan by Friday, September 21st.

• G/T Testing - Fourth and Fifth Grade Students NEW to Howard County
  The Howard County Public School System is currently in the process of identifying students new to Howard County Public Schools for possible placement in the G/T Mathematics Program. If you have a child new to the Howard County Public School System whom you wish to have tested as part of the G/T placement process, please submit your request in writing to the G/T Resource Teacher bySeptember 12, 2018.  If you have any questions, pleasefeel free to call Kim Clawson or Susan Hogan, G/T Resource Teachers, at 410-880-5950or send an email to kimberly_clawson@hcpss.org or susan_hogan@hcpss.org.

In the Community...

At the North Laurel Community Center