QOHS Weekly Newsletter

Dear QOHS Students and Families,

Celebrating National Recognition for Service-Learning!

We are incredibly proud to announce that Quince Orchard High School has been selected as one of only 50 K–12 schools nationwide to receive the 2026 Gold Ribbon School in Service-Learning distinction! This prestigious recognition celebrates our commitment to empowering student leadership, fostering civic engagement, and making a meaningful difference in our community.

Through partnerships with local nonprofits, school-based initiatives, and community organizations, our Student Service-Learning (SSL) program encourages students to embrace the values of citizenship, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving while preparing them to become responsible and engaged global citizens. One outstanding example of this commitment is a senior who completed an impressive 1,078.5 service hours teaching essential water safety and swimming skills to local youth. Across all grade levels, our Cougars contributed thousands of service hours to food drives, environmental conservation efforts, peer tutoring, and numerous other initiatives that strengthen the Montgomery County community. This recognition belongs to our students, staff, families, and community partners who continue to demonstrate the power of service and the importance of giving back. Congratulations, Cougars!

Celebrating Academic Growth and Continued Progress

While we were disappointed to narrowly miss earning a four-star rating on the 2026 Maryland Report Card by just two percentage points, coming in at 58%, we are incredibly proud of the academic progress our students and staff have achieved.

Our school demonstrated double-digit gains in mathematics and significant growth in English Language Arts. These improvements reflect the dedication of our teachers, the commitment of our students, and our continued focus on providing academically rigorous, engaging, and meaningful instruction.

We recognize that there is still work to do, but our progress is encouraging and demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction. We remain focused on building upon these gains, addressing student needs, and ensuring that every scholar has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are proud of how far we have come and excited about where we are headed!

A Winning Week for Cougar Athletics!

A special shout-out to all of our athletic teams! What an exciting week for Cougar Athletics! Congratulations to our volleyball, varsity and JV football, field hockey, cross country, and cheerleading teams for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. We are proud of the energy, teamwork, and Cougar spirit you bring to our school community. Keep up the great work!

Caregiver-Teacher Conferences

Mark your calendars! Caregiver-Teacher Conferences will take place on Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24.

These conferences provide dedicated time for caregivers and teachers to discuss Marking Period 1 progress, celebrate student successes, identify areas for growth, and collaborate on strategies to support continued achievement. Families may choose between virtual and in-person conference options.

Registration Schedule

• November 13–17 | Priority Registration: Teachers will directly contact families of students who would benefit from targeted academic support or who did not pass a course during Marking Period 1.

• November 18 | General Registration: Conference sign-ups will open to all families.

Additional Information

• Please monitor your email for scheduling links and detailed registration instructions.

• Need an alternate date? If you are unavailable on the designated conference dates, please contact your student's teacher directly to arrange an alternative meeting time.

We value the partnership between home and school and look forward to working together to support every student's continued success!

Upcoming Events

Please take note of the following upcoming dates and activities:

Wednesday, November 11

• Report card distribution during homeroom.

• Open House | Periods 6–8 (12:00–2:00 p.m.) Families are invited to visit classrooms and connect with our school community. Please complete the preregistration form to attend: Open House on November 11, 2026

Thursday, November 12

• Senior portraits.

• Marching Band Banquet | Cafeteria | 5:30 p.m.

Friday, November 13

• Senior portraits.

• Varsity Football Playoff Game | Cougar Dome | Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 14

• Cheerleading State Championship (details to follow on Monday)

• Fall Production of Come From Away | Auditorium

• Matinee performance: 2:00 p.m.

• Evening performance: 7:30 p.m.

Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and support of Quince Orchard High School. From national recognition for service-learning to academic growth, athletic accomplishments, and outstanding student performances, there is so much to celebrate in our Cougar community.

Warmest Regards,

Irina LaGrange, Ed.D.

Principal

Quince Orchard High School

On November 20 and December 4, MCPS will be hosting an on-the-spot, instant-decision event with several Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities. 12th grade students can meet with an admissions rep via Zoom and receive an immediate decision, which may include a scholarship.

The following schools will be participating:

Friday, November 20, 2026 | 8 am - 1 pm

• Capitol Technology University

• Goucher College (9:30 - 1 pm)

• McDaniel College

• Notre Dame of Maryland University

Friday, December 4, 2026 | 8 am - 1 pm

• Hood College

• Mount St. Mary's University

• Washington Adventist

• Notre Dame of Maryland University

• St. John’s College*

*Due to their application review process, SJC does not do "on-the-spot" admissions. However, they are happy to conduct interviews but cannot disclose decisions on this date.

Please note that students may only select one AM and one PM time slot per day. If a student would like to select more than one time slot, please see Mrs. Hebb in the College and Career Center.

Interested? Click the link here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfu8yD66j0dXPjwCigk2rxvj13Omr7NjjAMFYfSXN0l3J0qNA/viewform and read all the information on the registration form carefully!

Students must complete the Google registration form AND Sign-Up Genius to be fully registered!

Once registered, you will receive an email ahead of time with your Zoom link. Interviews will be on Zoom in the College & Career Center, Room 103. You will be sent a pass for your scheduled interview appointment. Please remember that these are college interviews! Students should dress and act accordingly. These admissions reps are making a decision about your future! Please email Lisa_D_Hebb@mcpsmd.org with any questions.

Help the Class of 2028 by having Chipotle for dinner between 4:00-8:00 p.m., November 10th! Use code BWQV426 when ordering online, or show our flyer if ordering in person.

Thank you for your support!

Every November, the QO Music Department runs a fruit and cheesecake fundraiser to raise money for transportation for our field trips. For the next weeks order fruit, cheesecake, and other items from https://freshfruitorder.org/qohsmusic/

The webpage will only be open until 11/15/26 so make sure to check out the website before next weekend!

Please check out the Upcoming November SSL Opportunities!

Also take a look at the November 2026 SSL Announcements for Students/Families!

Highlighted SSL Opportunities

• Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery - Emancipation Day in Maryland (November 8, 2026, 2PM-5PM) - Join us for the Emancipation Day celebration and participate in advocacy action to commemorate this important date!
• Students may earn up to 3 SSL hours for attending and participating in advocacy action.
• To learn more, please visit this link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1332750
• Mental Health and Wellness Fair (November 14, 2026, 10AM-1PM) - The Division of Specialized Support Services and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association will co-host the 2026 Mental Health and Wellness Fair on November 14.
• Students may earn up to 3 SSL hours for attending and participating in advocacy action.
• To learn more, please visit this link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1333046
• Virtual Changemaker Workshop (November 19, 2026, 6:30PM-8:30PM) - Join local and student activists in an online workshop that will connect students with social justice advocates in Montgomery County, MD, so they can learn about the strategies and actions people are taking to improve their communities.
• Students may earn 2 SSL hours for attending and actively participating in the workshop.
• Additional details can be found at the following link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1332755
• “Speak Up, Save A Life” PSA Contest (Deadline - November 30, 2026) - MCPS and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office are hosting a Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest for middle school and high school students that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the risks of drug misuse and the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic compounds.
• Participants who submit a PSA that meets the contest requirements will earn 10 SSL hours and have a chance to win prizes.
• To learn more, please visit this link.

Dear Quince Orchard High School Families,

At Quince Orchard High School, we value our partnership with families and know that your voice plays a vital role in helping us create the best possible learning environment for all students.

We invite you to share your feedback by participating in the MCPS Family Survey. This short survey gives you the opportunity to share your experiences and opinions about QOHS and MCPS. Your honest input will help us understand what’s working well and where we can improve.

The survey is easy to complete, takes only a few minutes, and your responses are completely confidential. The results will be used to guide our efforts in strengthening programs, services, and supports for students and families.

The survey is open from November 8, 2026 through November 20, 2026.

Please look out for the upcoming climate survey in your email. It will be sent to the primary email address linked to your child’s student profile.

We deeply appreciate your time and commitment to our school community. Your feedback makes a difference!

Thank you,
Quince Orchard High School Administration

"Come From Away" Show Dates: November 14 & 21 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Please visit our square link for more information: https://qohs-theatre.square.site/

"Come From Away" Silent Auction: Bid on AMAZING items to help QO Theatre continue to put on amazing productions! Please visit the silent auction link for more information: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/143772/auctions/208229?r=1&t=all

In this issue we have information on;

• Cheer Wins Region!
• Field Hockey Wins Region!
• Boys Cross Country Qualifies for States!
• Varsity Football Playoffs vs. Clarksburg Game Information
• 2026-27 Winter Sports Registration Information
• Season Passes

Go Cougars!

https://view.gogipper.com/page/4666047

Semester 2 Internship Application Link - https://forms.gle/KmCKgFsMYazDUbKb7

Deadline to apply is January 8th

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Your student’s Spring 2026 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Individual Student Report (ISR) is now available electronically in Synergy for students who participated in ELA 10, Algebra 1, Mathematics, LS MISA, or Government exams.

The ISR provides information about your student’s performance and progress toward Maryland’s academic standards. Please log in to Synergy to view the report.

For help locating the ISR or questions about results, please contact your child's counselor. Parent guides are available on the MCPS MCAP website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/district/curriculum/mcap/mcap-scores-on-parentvue-flyer-english.pdf.

Earn college credits, save on tuition, and gain real college experience while still in high school. Meet with Ms. Mehta to learn if Dual Enrollment is right for you.

Click the link below the 2027 AP Exam Schedule:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xdaEQlcX_mwV0nQaATaaiyh-y_fov7ibz-YCN5dupys/edit?tab=t.0

QO AP Students and Caregivers:

Haga clic aquí para español

GREAT NEWS!

MCPS will continue to pay for Advanced Placement (AP) exams for students who are enrolled in the corresponding AP course and who register for the exam by November 9th. A couple of important items:

• Students enrolled in an AP Course for the 2026-27 school year are expected to take the corresponding AP Exam

• Students registering after November 9th will be be responsible for the late fee of $40

• Students who cancel their exam after November 9th will be responsible for the $40 cancellation fee

• Students who do not attend their exam will be responsible for the $40 cancellation fee

• Students wishing to take an AP exam and are not enrolled in the corresponding AP course will have to pay the AP exam fee.

How do students register? They sign up in AP Classroom.

How do students sign up in AP Classroom? They must be able to log into the College Board AP website and add their class with an AP Classroom Code. Their teacher can provide them with that code.

What if a student was in an AP Class but am no longer enrolled? Please email Ms. Buckley no later than November 9th (do it now!) so we can remove you from the exam. Otherwise you will be charged a cancellation fee or an exam fee (if you wish to still take the exam).

What if a student wants to retake an exam or take an exam in a subject where they are not enrolled? Please email Ms. Buckley immediately to begin this conversation or stop by the main office during lunch.

If you have AP questions, email Ms. Buckley at Andrea_B_Buckley@mcpsmd.org

There is still time to join QO Boosters! There are memberships available at various levels and membership perks to collect: pick up a magnet, or also get the new cooler bag at the Red Army level! Plus our weekly newsletter! All fees support ALL QO Activities!

Join at https://www.qohsboosters.com/product/membership/

Spirit Wear Sales - visit https://qohs-all-school-booster-club.square.site/ to buy online and pick up at school! Buy in person at all home football games and during lunch in school on home game days!

We are looking for the next Treasurer and Vice President for the '27-'28 School Year. The current Treasurer and Vice President are happy to train throughout the current school year.

There are over 60 concessions events coming up this fall - and over 200 volunteer slots that need to be filled! Concession sales are a huge part of Boosters funding and we need all the volunteers we can get!

Sign up, meet some great people, and represent your student's team or activity!

Fall Concessions Sign Up - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4DACA62BABF85-64800838-qohs#/

Don’t miss your chance to have your senior portrait taken! Please reserve your appointment as soon as possible.

Upcoming Senior Portrait Dates:

November 12–13: Final Session

All portrait appointments must be made through the Victor O’Neill Studios webpage, https://www.vosphoto.com/quinceorchard. Visit the QO-specific webpage to learn more about senior portraits and reserve your appointment.

There is no fee for students to have their yearbook photo taken, however Victor O’Neill Studios also offers optional portrait packages for families who would like to purchase additional photos.

Please note: Registration for the November 12–13 sessions will open after the October 12–14 sessions have concluded.

We encourage all seniors to have their yearbook and senior portraits taken as soon as possible. Don’t wait! The November 12–13 sessions are the final opportunity to have your senior portrait taken.

We are hosting a variety of in-person and virtual events covering college applications, career opportunities, financial aid, and more. New opportunities are added regularly, so bookmark the link below!

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=c_39f0eca0f79a61e883d87c3846016cf3fb97aa2aa06eeb1a8f892b886c3af03e%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York

Students, need help preparing for college? Stop by the College & Career Center (Room 103) 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭𝟭:𝟭𝟬–𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟳 𝗮.𝗺. for hands-on support:

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 | 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟳–𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟯: Get help creating your account, matching Common App with Naviance, completing application sections, writing essays, requesting recommendations, and meeting deadlines.

𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 | 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭–𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟯: Get help with the FAFSA, Maryland State Aid, CSS Profile, and scholarship searches.

Whether you are just getting started or adding the finishing touches, Mrs. Hebb is here to help! Please see the attached flyers for additional information.

College admissions representatives are visiting QO throughout the school year to help students explore colleges, learn about academic programs, financial aid, and ask questions—all without leaving campus!

Families can view the upcoming college visit calendar here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=rg5idfp0mb71sgakilmnhp676277i4oq%40import.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York

Students must register in Naviance at least one day before each visit. View registration instructions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vuPtso0yg5BdV_6Hvhai6H8l251V3zer6orqkPMhQBo/edit?usp=sharing

Students must also check in with their teacher and receive permission before leaving class to attend. Questions? See Mrs. Hebb in the College & Career Center during lunch

In order to receive accommodations on these tests, a student must request the accommodations by submitting a Student Eligibility Form. The form must be completed by both parents and school officials and then mailed to the College Board at least seven weeks in advance of the student taking the first test.

Please review the criteria established by the College Board for requesting testing accommodations:

https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/request-accommodations/request

Please follow the link below to identify the process for submitting a request for ACT Test Accommodations and English Learner Supports:

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html

**Please note that students who have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan are not guaranteed that College Board or ACT will provide accommodations. The College Board requires current neuropsychological testing (within the past three years) which documents the specific need for each requested accommodation.

All IEP students should work with Ms. Samantha Carter to complete the accommodation request(s) and students with a 504 Plan should work with Ms. Jessica Conter or their counselor.

This years AP coordinator is Mrs. Andrea Buckley. Please e-mail her with any questions regarding AP testing.

Please contact Ms. Jessica Conter, Resource Counselor in the Counseling Office (240-740-3620) if you have any further questions about this process.

Stay connected throughout the school year with these important links:

• QOHS Website

• MCPS School Calendar

• QOHS Athletic Game Schedules

• FARMS Information & Application