Dear Farquhar Families and Staff,

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to our Hispanic Heritage Community Night! It was a joy to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities with you. Events like this remind us of the strength in our diversity and the importance of coming together to honor all the voices in our school.

Let’s continue building a welcoming environment where every member of our community feels valued. We look forward to welcoming you at tomorrow's Open House. Also, a quick reminder that there is no school this Friday, October 18th. Enjoy the long weekend!

Thank you again for your support and for making Farquhar such a special place!

In this newsletter you will find:

• This week's bell schedules
• This week's Roadrunner Shout Outs
• After School Activities Schedule
• FMS Counseling Updates
• NEW: Outdoor Ed Permission Forms DUE 10/31
• Support Mental Health Awareness Week
• NEW: High School Programs Common App
• TIMELY: NEC Open Houses Are Approaching!
• 8th Grade: Springbrook HS Interest Meeting
• Support Performing Arts @ FMS
• MCPS Things to Know

PTA Corner:

• Volunteers needed
• MCPS Board of Education Candidate Forum 10/9
• Black and Brown Coalition Town Hall with Dr. Taylor 10/23
• Support Restaurant Night 10/24
• NEW: Upcoming Events and Winter Social
• Join the PTA

Thank you to the following Roadrunners who have made a positive impact on our learning community!

• Mr. Lichvar
• Mrs. Rose
• Building Service Team
• Aurelia Irby
• Jenaba Jah
• Candice Morgan
• Ms. Mora
• Ms. Hawkins
• Mrs. Orzel
• Jesicka Green
• Girl's Cross-Country
• Dr. Abreu
• Mr. Eisenhower
• Ms. Campbell
• Ms. Smith
• Ms. Page
• AnnaLee Haevens
• Edom Zerihun
• Eden Zerihun
• Liana Zerihun
• Emma Zerihun
• Helena Awoke
• Jenaba Jah
• Savanna Tucker
• Emma Kirkpatrick
• Makenzie McDaniel
• Libby Goren
• Ms. Steadman

Would you like to recognize a student or staff member?

Submit a SHOUT-OUT!

Thank you for taking a moment to thank a Roadrunner who has made a meaningful difference.

Activities end at 4:15 and students must be picked up no later than 4:30. Students should take the activity bus if they cannot be picked up by 4:30, as the main office closes at this time.

Please check out the School Counseling Website for information regarding community events, SSL opportunities and mental health resources.

Attention Caregivers,

Teachers distributed Outdoor Ed packets Friday. Payments and permission slips are due on Thursday 10/31/24. Students are encouraged to submit their payments and permission slips as soon as possible. Please visit School Cash Online to submit payment.

All permission slips are to be turned into Mr. Lichvar, in room 004.

Any questions please ask or email Mr. Eisenhower, in room 009.

We will be recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Week at Farquhar MS October 21 - 25, 2024. During ROCK Time on Friday, October 25 (9:55 - 10:25am), we inviting families to host an activity table to promote positive choices for self-care, mental health and fun!

Parents/Guardians would prepare and set up an activity for interested students to stop by and participate. Activities could include Legos, crafts, knitting, juggling, yoga, dance, board games, crafts etc. If you are interested in hosting a table for our Roadrunners on October 25, please complete the interest form below!

Applying to a special program with your 8th grader?

A video demonstrating how to complete the common app in ParentVUE has just been added to the Special Programs page if your child is interested!

Do you have an 8th grade student who is interested in learning more about Springbrook High School's Academic Pathways and Signature Programs? Please fill out this Google Form to express interest in your child attending an interest meeting!

**PLEASE NOTE: The form should be completed by the student in order for the form to function correctly.**

Hello Parents and Students,

I’m excited to share that I’ve created an Amazon Wishlist filled with essential items for our FMS music classroom, including extra strings for violins, violas, and cellos, tuners, reeds, and more. Your contributions can make a significant impact on our performing arts program.

By donating items from the wishlist, you’ll help ensure that our students have the resources they need to thrive and express their creativity. Thank you for your support in enriching our music community!

Warm regards,

Dr. Christine Higley

Each week, MCPS shares a community message with helpful system-wide information, reminders, and invitations to events. Though they are sent out via email, we will always link them here.

THANK YOU to those of you who were able to join the first full (virtual) PTA meeting this week. Our next meeting will be in December. More details forthcoming!

VOLUNTEERS: Our FMS staff is AMAZING and we are in need of volunteers to support with snacks for the upcoming staff meetings. Please sign up here. The next staff meeting is Monday, October 7th and we need a volunteer!

The Black and Brown Coalition for Education Equity & Excellence is hosting a town hall event with MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor on October 23rd at 6pm.

We will have our first Restaurant Night scheduled at Chipotle on Nov. 4th from 4-8pm. Check out the flyer below for details.

• MLK Day of Service- January 2025: More details forthcoming.
• Winter Social- February 2025: More details forthcoming. If you are interested in joining the Winter Social Committee, please sign-up here

Direct donations to the FMS PTA are our primary source of fundraising! Help us avoid sales-based fundraisers!

• If you have already joined, but have NOT made a tax-deductible donation, we encourage you to do so. Any amount is appreciated!
• If you have not yet joined, please join, and donate, today!

Your direct donations help the PTA fund:

• Math, English, and STEM materials
• Counseling and wellness initiatives
• Field trips
• Arts, music, and athletic activities,
• Staff appreciation
• Parent/family resources

Feel free to contact me anytime and follow Farquhar on Twitter!

Email: Angelica_L_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Phone: 240-740-1200
Twitter: @farquharms