IMPORTANT DATES
November 8 Report cards visible to parents at 4:00 (access through hcpss.org/connect)
November 11 Veteran's Day - Schools are open!
November 11 Conferences open for scheduling (access through hcpss.org/connect)
November 12 5:00-9:00 PTA Chipotle Restaurant Night - Fulton location
November 16 11:00-1:00 Joe Corbi’s Pick-Up
November 25 Schools close 3 hours early for Parent/Teacher conferences
November 26 Schools close 3 hours early for Parent/Teacher conferences
November 27 Schools closed for students for Parent/Teacher conferences
November 28-29 Thanksgiving holiday - schools and offices closed
View the HCPSS Calendar in English
View the HCPSS Calendar in Spanish
View the HCPSS Calendar in Korean
View the HCPSS Calendar in Chinese
Dear Forest Ridge Families,
November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. It is an opportunity for us to celebrate their enduring traditions, recognize their significant impact on the development of our nation, and deepen our understanding of their stories and resilience. At Forest Ridge Elementary, we encourage our community to learn about and appreciate the diverse heritage of Native American peoples, acknowledging their past and present contributions while fostering respect and inclusivity. Students will have opportunities this month to learn about and celebrate the vibrant legacy of Native American cultures.
Starting today. you can view your child’s report card on HCPSS Connect. Standards-Based report cards provide detailed feedback on students' progress toward meeting specific learning standards, focusing on mastery of skills rather than overall grades. This approach helps parents and students understand strengths and areas for improvement in each subject area. You can go HERE to read helpful information about your child’s report card.
We hope everyone will take the opportunity to schedule a parent/teacher conference. Scheduling a parent/teacher conference is essential for fostering communication and collaboration between families and educators to support a student’s academic and social growth. It provides an opportunity to discuss the student’s progress, address concerns, and set goals for future success. You will need to log into HCPSS Connect to view and select from the time slots provided by the teacher for the conference.
As we approach the weekend, we wish to take a moment to recognize Veterans Day, which falls on Monday. We honor and express our deep gratitude to all veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation. May we all reflect on their contributions and celebrate their courage as a community.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Lannon & Ms. Pazornik
From the Reading Department
The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 1-5 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet submitted as a PDF or hardcopy. Submissions may be emailed to melissa_azzarello@hcpss.org or given to the homeroom teacher by December 20, 2024. Contact any member of the Reading Team (Camille Washington, Megan Ficther, or Melissa Azzarello) with questions. All Young Authors’ Contest information and entry forms are on the HCLA website.
Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members. Visit the HCLA Welcome Page for information about joining.
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.
Reflections Arts Competition
The Reflections Arts Competition is available at FRES again this year! This national program offers students the opportunity to earn recognition for original artwork they create in response to a theme. This year’s entries interpret the theme: Accepting Imperfections. Students can choose from six categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts. Registration information is available online at frespta.org and will be coming home with students. Interested students are required to complete the Pre-Registration Form and return it to their teacher or submit their registration online. The deadline for submission is Wednesday 12/4.
CHIPOTLE Restaurant Night – Tuesday, November 12th 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
It's a "No Cook" Tuesday Opportunity!!! Order dinner from Chipotle in Fulton (11811 W Market Pl St 3) and support the FRES PTA. 25% of sales will be donated to the PTA to support our students, staff and families. Order online for pickup using code KZRJZ8Q or show this flyer in the restaurant. flyer - english flyer - spanish
Joe Corbi’s Order Pick-Up – Saturday November 16th 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Thank you for participating in this fundraiser. Your orders will arrive on Saturday, November 16th. Pick up will be 11:00 am – 2:00 pm in the cafeteria. If you ordered and are designating someone else to pick up your order, please text 443-300-8463 with your student’s name and the name of the person picking up the order. We cannot hold/store any food/perishable items.
Staff Dinner – Monday, November 25th 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
PTA generously feeds the staff on the 1st day of parent/teacher conferences. Our annual soup and salad bar is back!!! Click here to sign up to donate or volunteer.
Holiday Market – Saturday, December 7th 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
FRES Community – come shop and support small businesses in our community. We will host a variety of vendors selling crafts, unique gifts and goods. There will be food trucks, raffle prizes and an opportunity to view student submissions for the Annual PTA Reflections Competition. We are currently seeking vendors for this event. We welcome crafters, creators, bakers, direct salespersons, food trucks and food vendors. Buy a space and sell your wares! $35 per space, $20 for FRES PTA Members. Interested? Click here or email VP1@frespta.org.
Papa John's Cards - Fundraiser
Papa John's cards are back!!! The proceeds from this year’s sales will support 5th grade activities. This card allows UNLIMITED use of a buy 1 get 1 free on regular menu pizzas through December 31, 2025. They are valid at 150 locations around the DC, MD, VA area. Cards are $15 each & $10 of that goes straight to our school. Cards will be available for purchase at all PTA events in November and December. Look for additional ways to purchase coming soon.
WatchDOGS
Interested in being a WatchDOG? Sign up here. Need a WatchDOGS T-Shirt order here. If you previously ordered a grey ‘Heroes of the Hallway” shirt, those are due to arrive by 11/8 and will be delivered to your student’s classroom.
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.