Important Dates
August 15 "Rock Around the Ridge" for incoming Kindergarten students (see below for the sign-up link)
August 26 10:00 RECC and Kindergarten Orientation
August 26 12:15 New Student Orientation
August 26 1:00-2:00 Grades 1 & 2 Open House
August 26 2:00-3:00 Grades 3-5 Open House
August 29 School Starts for the 2022-23 School Year!
Note: School supplies may be dropped off during Open House.
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.***
The FRES Kindergarten team is excited to meet you! We will be having a summer play date called Rock Around the Ridge. Incoming Kindergarteners will get to see some of the Kindergarten classrooms, play math and reading games, and meet some new friends. Families will drop off/pick up their child(ren) off at the FRES Playground, located by the bus loop.
Please join us on Monday, August 15 from 10:00-11:00 am OR 1:00-2:00 pm. You can sign-up using the Rock Around the Ridge SignUpGenius.
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.) Select the MORE OPTIONS tab on the left and then click on Family File. If you complete your Family File, you will be able to see who your child's teacher is during the week before school starts.
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
Again, it is imperative that you complete the Family File in order to receive the name of your child's teacher for the upcoming school year.
https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-guide.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-spanish.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (KOREAN) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-korean.pdf
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
Did You Know?
Participation in the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program qualifies students for the following opportunities:
Access to HCPSS Pre-K program.
Free registration fees for SAT and SAT I subject tests
Up to four free college applications
Reduced tuition for HCPSS Summer Programs (High School, G/T Summer Institute, CTE, Summer Institute)
Reduced tuition for HCPSS Innovative Pathways Program which offers an evening and summer program
Reduced tuition for HCPSS Digital Education Program which promotes anywhere, anytime learning
Free or reduced JumpStart tuition offered through our dual enrollment partnership with Howard Community College
Free access to participate in the Outdoor Education Program for 6th graders. Contact the sixth-grade team leader at your child’s school for more information.
Free registration for the NCAA Clearinghouse for DI or DII athletics
Discounted internet through Comcast Internet Essentials program
Students may be eligible for these additional opportunities:
Reduced cost health insurance coverage through Maryland Children’s Health Programs
Reduced Columbia Association (CA) membership fees and access to the CA Youth and Teen Center
Tuition-based scholarship at Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts
Reduced Howard County Rec and Park Program fees (applies to before- and after-care; after-school clubs; sports leagues)
Reduced YMCA fees (applies to before- and-after- school enrichment; preschool; summer camp)
Free Head Start classes or Pre-K through the Community Action Council (CAC) of Howard County
Access to Child Care Subsidy program through the Maryland State Department of Education
Access to Bridges to Housing Stability
Access to CAC Housing Assistance and CAC Energy Assistance
Disability resources, food supplement applications, and medical assistance applications through the Maryland Department of Human Services.
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.
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/