• 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
November 19       Changes to contact tracing procedures take effect. 
November 22       Schools close 3 hours early (12:40) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 23       Schools close 3 hours early (12:40) for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 24       Schools closed for Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 25-26  Schools closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
December 23-January 2  Winter Break - Schools Closed

From Our Administrators...

We want to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff, and families for making Forest Ridge Elementary such a special place!  We want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Break.  

Please remember that Monday and Tuesday are 3-hour early dismissals.  No school Wednesday - Friday.  

Just a reminder that parent conferences will be taking place on Monday - Wednesday.  All conferences will be virtual.  If you are unsure of the code for your conference, please email your child’s teacher. 

Thank you!
Mr. Conroy and Ms. Pazornik

Forest Ridge News...

Math Workshop - English & Spanish
Are you interested in learning how to support your child in math this year?  If so, please mark your calendars for a Math Workshop for Parents and Guardians on Tuesday, November 30th at 6:30p.m.-8:00 p.m.  We will meet virtually this year on Google Meet, using the following code: FresMathWorkshop so please log in using your child's HCPSS account.  This workshop will explain the progression of multiplication in grades three through five and review the strategies we use in the classroom.  There will be a Spanish interpreter for the workshop.

¿Está interesado en aprender como apoyar a su hijo en matemáticas este año?  Si es así, marque en su calendario para participar en un Taller de Matemáticas para Padres y Tutores el martes 30 de noviembre a las 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Este año nos  reuniremos virtualmente en Google Meet, utilizando el siguiente código: FresMathWorkshop, así que por favor inicie sesión usando la cuenta HCPSS de su hijo.  Este taller le explicará la progresión de la multiplicación en los grados tres a cinco y revisará las estrategias que utilizamos en el aula.  Habrá un intérprete de español para el taller.

Changes to Contact Tracing Procedures
Read about changes to HCPSS' contact tracing procedures, effective November 19, here.

Outdoor Eating Survey
Due to the colder weather we are asking all families to please complete this updated form if you want your child considered for outdoor seating. To accommodate all requests, we may not be able to offer it to your child all 5 days each week. Keep in mind that as the weather gets colder students that choose to eat outside will be outside for 60 minutes - 30 minutes for lunch and 30 minutes for recess. Outdoor lunch will be held on days when the temperature is above 20 degrees, not raining/snowing, and we have enough staff. In addition, there is limited table seating outside so quite often students choose to sit on the ground. In addition, there will be a seating chart for Outdoor Seating as well as inside. Please complete this survey by 11/23 if you want your child to eat outside.

Click here to access the survey. Please note: We only need you to complete the survey once.  Thanks!

Online Book Fair is Here!
The Forest Ridge Scholastic Book Fair is ONLINE ONLY THIS YEAR. Ordering will be open from November 15th- November 28th.  Fliers will be distributed for students to preview choices on November 14th. 

Please do not send money for book fair orders to school.  All ordering will be online at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/forestridgeelementaryschool5.

Meet the Authors
Meet author team Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, who will read and discuss their book, And Tango Makes Three. View the flyer here.

Lunch Volunteers Still Needed for Grades K-2
We are always in need of lunch volunteers for Grades K-2.  If you can donate some time, please click on this link for more information and to sign up. 

• All volunteers and visitors who interact with students, and parents/guardians who are conducting classroom observations are required to use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 of at least five school days in advance.  Learn how to access and use the PinPoint Vaccine Check platform here.
• Also, before you come to volunteer, please complete the 2 trainings here, and bring the certificates of completion with you when you come to volunteer. 

Holiday Help
From Our School Counselor, Ms. Norris

• If you need assistance for the upcoming holidays (Thanksgiving meals, holiday gifts etc.), please fill out this form so we can provide support in the form of a gift card!  Holiday Help
• Si necesita ayuda para las próximas vacaciones (comidas de Acción de Gracias, regalos navideños, etc.), complete este formulario para que podamos brindarle apoyo en forma de tarjeta de regalo Ayuda de vacaciones
• Bridgeway Community Church is holding a Thanksgiving basket giveaway.  The event is being held on Friday, November 19 from 3-7 p.m.  Families may pick up from either the Columbia OR Owings Mills/Reisterstown locations.  View the flyer here.  Please Note: this is a First Come, First Served event.  Recipients are NOT required to register before the event.  However, recipients will be asked to provide their Photo I.D., name, and phone number at pick up.
• Is YOUR family able to help a FRES family? We are accepting gift card donations in increments of $5, $10, or $25 dollars! Donate as much or as little as you're able. Please put gift cards in an envelope and drop off to the front office staff. Times to donate are 8:35-4:05, Monday-Friday. Thanks for considering!  If you have questions, please contact the School Counselor, alyssa_norris@hcpss.org or Pupil Personnel Worker, heather_graham@hcpss.org

Free Bikes 4 Kidz
Free Bikes 4 Kidz is an organization that provides donated bicycles for students in need on a first come, first served basis.  If you would like to apply to receive a bike for your child, please complete the application and return it to school no later than December 1.  Application in English.  Application in Spanish.

From the Health Room
Would you like your 5-11 year old to get the COVID vaccine?  Here is information about a clinic:

STANDING CLINIC
St John Baptist Church
9055 Tamar Dr., Columbia, MD 21045
Tuesday - Friday 11:00a - 6:00p
Saturday  9:00a - 4:00
(Pfizer 5-11)
No registration required
(Vaccination by FirstCall Urgent Care) 
Call 410-730-3399 to confirm availability
More information
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/covid-19-vaccine#health-department-vaccination-clinics

Covid-19 Self Screenings:  All parents/guardians are to perform a COVID-19 health check every day before your student leaves home. Students are not to come to school if they are experiencing any symptom(s) associated with COVID-19 or other communicable disease.  Here's a fun emoji illness chart that can help.

From the PTA...

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.

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/