Important Dates
January 31 Health & Wellness Fair. View the flyer in English. View the flyer in Spanish.
February 5 Report cards available for viewing by parents (after 4:00 p.m.) (note new date)
February 6 Clubs & candid pictures taken for the yearbook
February 7 Schools close 3-hours early for parent/teacher conferences (12:55)
February 7 PTA Main Event Spirit Night. View the flyer.
February 7 Staff Lunch
February 8 Schools close 3-hours early for parent/teacher conferences (12:55)
February 9 County-wide Professional Learning Day - Schools closed for students
February 19 Presidents' Day - Schools and offices closed
February 20 PTA Chick-fil-A Restaurant Day. View the flyer.
View the HCPSS Calendar in English
View the HCPSS Calendar in Spanish
View the HCPSS Calendar in Korean
View the HCPSS Calendar in Chinese
School Spirit Days for 23/24
We are excited to share our school spirit days calendar for the 23/24 school year! We hope this helps families plan ahead. There may be spirit days that pop up here and there based on activities that are going on in the building, but this calendar is what we will be following. You may want to print it out, put the dates on your personal calendar, hang it on the fridge - whatever works for you to remember these fun days!
Dear FRES community,
Returning to the building alongside the staff and students has been truly delightful after numerous days of snow-related closures. The joyous sounds of laughter and the sight of familiar smiles have brought us immense happiness, rekindling the warmth we missed during our time away.
As administrators, our primary focus is consistently emphasizing to children the paramount importance of their safety and well-being. If you were to inquire with your child about our fundamental responsibility, they would undoubtedly affirm that keeping them safe is our top priority. Next week, on Wednesday, January 31st at 6:30pm, we are excited to host our annual Health & Wellness Fair. We sincerely hope you can spare the time to join us for this valuable event, where you can gather information on various aspects, including mental health, family wellness resources, and physical well-being.
We all share a common understanding of the significance of the health and safety of every student. Personally, as a two-time cancer survivor—first overcoming colon cancer in my 30s and subsequently battling breast cancer two years later—I have devoted myself to advocating for early screening. I am also committed to ensuring that my own children prioritize their health. I invite you to visit my table in the gym to learn more about early onset colorectal cancer. Your participation in this event will not only contribute to your family's well-being but also strengthen our collective commitment to the health and safety of all students.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Lannon
Thank a Staff Member
In March, we're celebrating National Staff Appreciation Week with a month-long tribute to our hardworking teachers and staff. Join us by writing thank you notes or messages using our convenient Google Form. Handwritten notes can be submitted to Mrs. Lannon or Ms. Pazornik. Let's create a collection of encouragement for our staff, culminating in a presentation on March 19th. Please submit your letters by March 18th for inclusion in this heartfelt gesture. Thank you for expressing appreciation for our remarkable educators and staff!
FRES Spelling Bee News
Wow! Yesterday's spelling bee showed us that we have some amazing spellers here at FRES! The competition had to be carried over to this morning. Here are the results: Zaria E. will represent FRES at the county spelling bee in March. Kelsi P. will be our alternate. Congratulations to both!
HCPSS Adjustment to Quarter 2 Report Card Issue Date
The following adjustment to the report card issue date for the Second Quarter is due to recent inclement weather. Modifications to the 2023-2024 Academic Calendar were approved by the Board at the January 18, 2024 meeting. As such, On February 5th at 4pm, Q2 Report cards will be issued in Synergy for families.
February Parent/Teacher Conferences
Due to the weather-related school cancellations last week, HCPSS has adjusted the date for the end of Q2 and the report card distribution date. The end of Q2 has been moved from January 19 to January 25. Originally, 2nd Quarter report cards were to be made available electronically on January 30. Report card availability has now been rescheduled for February 5.
The window to sign up for the February Parent/Teacher conferences opened last Friday at 8am. Please sign up for your conference through HCPSS Connect. Families will need to be logged in through your parent credentials in order to access the conference availability schedule. The conference window will close February 2. The HCPSS February conference window is reduced in terms of available time slots because it reflects one full day less of conference secured times compared to November conferences.
In-person parent/teacher conferences will be held during the afternoon, after student dismissal, on Wednesday, February 7th, beginning at 1:40pm. For those teachers able to offer evening conferences on February 7, the evening conferences will be virtual.
On Thursday, February 8, all conferences will be held virtually following dismissal, beginning at 1:20pm.
The focus of our winter conferences will be in the area of Mathematics across all grade levels. Related arts teachers will have 10 slots each available for those parents in grades K - 2 who have concerns they wish to discuss with their child's media, music, art and/or tech teacher. They will also each have a 1-hour open office hours available for parents to drop in to ask any questions. That login information will be shared when we get closer to the conference dates.
If you have any difficulties signing up for a conference or you have questions, please feel free to call the front office at 410-880-5950.
Abrakadoodle Art Class at FRES!
This popular class may be in danger of cancellation. They only need 2 more students to be able to run the class. In previous years, the class and summer camps that Abrakadoodle offers have been very popular at FRES. Check out the flyer for more information.
Howard Co. Rec & Parks January After School Activities at FRES
View the flyer here.
Health and Wellness Fair - Wednesday, January 31 from 6:30-8:00pm
FRES PTA invites our amazing families and community to our Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, January 31 and take some time for themselves. Bring your whole family and learn more about the many resources available to the community in Howard County and beyond. Learn how to make a stress ball, join our PE teachers for some fun play stations, get a wellness check from the Howard County hospital and SO much more! Grab a snack and make sure to stick around to the end for the raffle prizes!
Events like this cannot be possible without volunteers. Please click here to sign up: https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=umjFZ498SK6mdsOLeXjJy3N___52Nq_8L3___nLhQZ08
Registration Open for the FRES After School Drama Program!
In partnership with the PTA, the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA) is offering an after-school drama class at FRES. Class will meet at FRES immediately after-school until 5:15 pm on Wednesdays beginning 2/14 (no class on HCPSS early dismissal days). Performance will be Wednesday, May 8th at 7 pm complete with costumes, sets, and a professional sound system. This year's musical is School House Rock Live! Register directly with CCTA on their website: https://cctarts.org/elementary-after-school-program/ Note: the display of class times may be a bit confusing if viewed on a mobile phone; the total tuition for FRES students is only $60; double check to ensure you are registering for the FRES session if using your phone.
Register Now for Before/After School Enrichment Classes!
HoCo Parks & Rec Dept is offering a line up of classes AT Forest Ridge this semester. Check out the listing and complete online registration for your child to participate! Most classes meet once a week for 6-8 weeks.
Supersquads Cheerleading - Afterschool @ FRES
On 1/29, SuperSquads Cheerleading is back on Mondays 3:55-5:10 at Forest Ridge Elementary for students Grades 2-5! Visit www.supersquads.org to register! Space is limited!
Main Event FUNraiser - February 7, 2024, 4 to 7pm.
Looking for something to do on the half day on February 7th? Visit Main Event in Columbia between 4 and 7 pm and help us raise funds for 5th Grade end of year activities. Look for the FRES table at Main Event to drop off your receipts and we will earn 20% of the total.
Staff Appreciation Grab 'n go lunch – February 7th
PTA will provide a grab n go lunch for the staff on the 1st day of math conferences. If you would like to donate or volunteer please click here to sign up. https://frespta.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=umjFZ498SK6mdsOLeXjJy3N___52Nq_8L3___nLdzs8O
WatchD.O.G.S Sign up
Here is the calendar of remaining dates available. Please sign up to volunteer today!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090A4EA8AB2CAAFC1-watch3#/
Want to stay up to date on PTA information? Follow us on facebook at Forest Ridge Elementary PTA (FRES) or visit our website at www.frespta.org for more information.
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.