August 26, 2022 Forest Ridge Forerunner

Fri, 08/26/2022 - 1:10pm
  • To opt-in to HCPSS Text messages, text "YES" to 67587 from the device on which you would like to receive messages.
  • Be sure to click on the "Calendar" link at the top of our website for important dates throughout the school year.
  • View the breakfast and lunch menus here.  Please keep in mind that items on the menus are subject to availability.

Important Dates
August 29         School Starts for the 2022-23 School Year!
September 1    School Starts for RECC (Pre-school & Pre-K) Students
September 8    Individual Picture Day - Look for information coming home the first week of school

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.  Text "YES" to 67587 from the device on which you would like to receive messages.***

From our Administrators...

Dear FRES Community,

We are so excited for our students to come back on Monday!  It was great seeing so many of our families during our Open Houses today.  Just a few reminders as we move into the start of school:

  • Masks are optional.

Bus:

  • If your child rides the bus, please send them on the bus on Monday morning.  As they get off the bus, they will receive a bus tag that will be attached to their backpack, indicating which bus they should ride home. 
  • Bus arrival and drop off times may not be exactly according to schedule the first few weeks of school.  Please be patient as the drivers get used to the routes.

Car or Walk:

  • Be Patient. Be Patient. Be Patient.  Our goal is to safely have students arrive/leave in a timely manner.  School starts at 9:15.  Students can start to line up to come into the building at 8:55.  School ends at 3:45. Thank you in advance for your patience.
  • No Parking in the Parking Lot during arrival and dismissal.  The only exception is for parents of students with mobility needs.
  • Enter the school parking lot and stay to the right.  Follow the signs and staff directions.
  • Stay in your car at all times.  Our staff members will assist students.
  • Parents who are walking your students to or from school, please wait in the parent/guardian waiting area.  (Follow the signs.  Same area as last year.)
  • Staff will help with students exiting and entering vehicles.  Students will enter and exit vehicles on the passenger side.
  • Students will enter at two locations.  PreK - 3rd grade will enter through the front entrance by the cafeteria.  Grades 4 and 5 will enter through Mr. Whiteford’s room. 
  • Please follow staff and crossing guards directions when leaving the car loop.

Enjoy your weekend!  We'll see you on Monday for the start of the 2022-23 School Year!

Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

From Mrs. DeOrio, Our Orchestra Director
ATTENTION ALL 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders!!!  Are you interested in playing a musical instrument? Join us in the Band or Orchestra!!! All information is on our website http://forestridgemusic.weebly.com/  Registration is open from now until September 9th, so don't delay! Here is a direct link to the registration page https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaR0lZXdG-naiKZCGcJQ49Wa8fU_ksHpIkVebubZdZSNIieA/viewfor.  Band and Orchestra is only offered to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, and classes will start the week of September 12th. Contact Mrs. De Orio (Orchestra- patricia_deorio@hcpss.org) or Mr. Pompei (Band- kyle_pompei@hcpss.org) with any questions or concerns.

Do You Want Your Child to Eat Lunch Outside?
We will once again offer parents the option to have their student eat outside.  This will take place on the covered walkway that leads to the bus loop, and under the tent next to it.  We need parents' permission to allow students to eat outside.  Please fill out the survey here.  Please note that once you have filled out the form, your child will be able to start eating outside the following Monday.  As a reminder, outside lunch will only be offered weather and staff permitting.  Thanks for understanding.

Be Sure to Fill Out Your Family File
56% of our parents have completed Family File!  Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect (this is the account you created when you completed the on-line registration.  If you did not register electronically, you may create an account.  Your login name is your email address.) Select the MORE OPTIONS tab on the left and then click on Family File. 

Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:

  •  Student Information

  •  Parent/Guardian Contact

  •  Emergency Contacts

  •  Medical Information

  •  Arrival/Dismissal Procedures

  •  Photo Approval Data Confidentiality

  •  PTA/PTSA Directory  

FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (KOREAN) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-korean.pdf

School Meals
Families are reminded that the federal government has NOT extended waivers allowing free meals for all students. Consequently, for the 2022-2023 school year, students whose families do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will be required to pay the daily meal price. 

Student Breakfast - $2.00
Student Lunch - $2.80

Many HCPSS families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, academic and athletic program fees and many others in addition to free or discounted meals. 

Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year.

Details on the Free and Reduced Meals program are available online. Use the link below to apply.

FARMS Online Application Link:

https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

Please contact the front office if you have any questions or need assistance with applying for the Free and Reduced Meal Program or help with Family File.

From the PTA...

From the Forest Ridge Parent Teacher Association (PTA)...

Welcome Back! Come and Join Us!

The Forest Ridge Parent Teacher Association (FRES PTA) is a non-profit charity organization formed to support the FRES community. Its purpose is to promote collaboration, accountability, commitment, respect, and the value of diversity. The goal of the National PTA organization is to engage and empower families and communities to advocate for all children to reach their full potential.

All FRES parents, guardians, and staff are invited and encouraged to join our PTA and get involved in the community support work that it does! A PTA membership must be renewed each year so if you have joined in the past, please do so again for the 2022-2023 School Year! Please visit the PTA website for a general overview: https://frespta.org/ or click here to go directly to the page for creating a login account and completing your online membership: https://frespta.ptboard.com/

This video explains why other parents have joined a local PTA. Why Join PTA? https://youtu.be/xzGtGcYdEFs

Este video explica por qué otras familias participan en PTA a nivel local. Por qué Deberías Inscribirse en PTA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TCIZVt2gp4

“Snacks and Vax” Clinic Event TODAY from 5:30 – 7:30 pm!

In partnership with Caplet Pharmacy and the Emerson Community Association, the Forest Ridge Elementary School PTA is bringing you an opportunity to get a convenient COVID vaccine or booster and have some snacks! Stop by the Emerson Clubhouse parking lot off Gorman Road from 5:30-7:30pm on Friday, August 26th in conjunction with their Food Truck Friday event. The pop-up clinic will offer Moderna and Pfizer vaccinations. Registrations can be completed at www.capletrx.com but walk-ins are welcome! The minimum age for a patient is 3 years old. There will be snowcones, treats, and prizes provided by the PTA!

You’re Invited to a Welcome Picnic on Friday, September 9th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm!

Please mark your calendars and RSVP https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SQQRWZP for the our first major social event of the year! The PTA will be hosting a Welcome Back Picnic for FRES students and families to come enjoy pizza, dessert, and games together!

In the Community...

New 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/