Forest Ridge Forerunner

Trish Lannon | Principal

Ivye Pazornik | Assistant Principal

Website: https://fres.hcpss.org/

Address: 9559 Gorman Rd. Laurel, MD 20723

Phone: 410-880-5950

*For another language, click "Translate Newsletter" at the top of the screen and select the language of choice at the top of this page.

*Para otro idioma, haga clic en "Traducir boletín" en la parte superior de la pantalla y seleccione el idioma de su elección en la parte superior de esta página.

• October 20: Schools & Offices Closed
• October 22: Unity Day - Wear Orange
• October 22: PTA Silver Diner Fundraiser
• October 27 - 31: School Spirit Week
• October 28: Hearing & Vision Screening
• October 31: Schools Close 3-Hrs Early
• November 1: PTA Fall Fest
• November 4: Hearing & Vision Screening
• November 10: Report Cards Issued
• November 12: Schools Close 3-Hrs Early
• November 13 - 25: Book Fair
• November 14: Gr. 3 Field Trip to Science Center
• November 21: Book Fair Family Night
• November 24 - 26: P/T Conferences
• November 24 & 25: Schools Close 3-Hrs Early
• November 26 - 28: Schools are Closed

*HCPSS calendars can be found HERE. They can be downloaded, subscribed to and/or printed out.

*FRES Academic Schedule can be found HERE.

*The HCPSS Related Arts Color Calendar can be found HERE.

*FRES School Spirit Days Calendar can be found HERE.

*FRES School Supply List can be found HERE.

*Arrival/Dismissal Map can be found HERE.

Dear FRES Families,

Just a friendly reminder that all HCPSS schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, October 20th. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and takes a little time to rest and recharge!

This month’s character theme is self-control, and it’s one we’re really working to build across all areas of the school—including the bathrooms. Lately, we’ve had a number of concerning incidents involving the bathrooms being misused - flooding sinks, throwing hand soap, stuffing paper towels in toilets and urinals, and leaving trash on the floors.

We would greatly appreciate your support in talking with your child about showing self-control and responsibility when using the restroom. Students should go in, take care of their needs, wash their hands, and return to class promptly. Working together, we can make sure our school stays clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

Finally, please remember that instruction begins right at 8:45 a.m. We’ve noticed that upwards of 40 students are arriving late each day, which means they are missing valuable learning time. Arriving on time helps students start their day calmly, connected, and ready to learn. Thank you for helping us ensure that every Eagle is present and ready to soar from the very start of the day!

Warmly,
Trish Lannon, Principal
Ivye Pazornik, Assistant Principal

This is a reminder to all families that students must be in class by 8:45am and that students that arrive at 8:45am or after must be signed in late by an adult, whether or not you see staff and students outside. Thank you for your attention to this.

One of our School Improvement Plan goals this year is to reduce chronic absenteeism. Last year, nearly 22% of our students were considered chronically absent - meaning they missed 10% or more of the school year (about 18 days). The State of Maryland and HCPSS identify these students as being at risk and in need of support to improve attendance.

HCPSS has an exemplary attendance goal of 96% or higher, which equals missing no more than one day for every 25 days of school. As of October 19th, our school is at 95.7% attendance. Consistent attendance helps students stay connected, build confidence, and achieve academic success.

To help motivate our Eagles, we’ve created a new Egg-cellent Attendance board outside the cafeteria that will be updated weekly to celebrate great attendance. Let’s work together to make sure every day counts - because when students are here, they soar!

Congratulations to the following students for auditioning for and being chosen for Howard County Lyric Chorus:

• Chanelle N. - 4th Grade

• Kyli P. - 5th Grade

• Cameron W. - 5th Grade

Congratulations to the following students for being chosen for the Howard County Cantus Chorus:

• Hazel G. - 2nd Grade

• Nathan E. - 3rd Grade

• Ava J. - 3rd Grade

Please note that dogs are not allowed on the school site (with the exception of guide dogs). We would urge parents to speak to extended family members who may not be aware of our policy. Animals in schools or offices, whether leashed or not, present safety, environmental, and liability issues. As a result, animals are prohibited within HCPSS buildings and are also prohibited from school system property during arrival, dismissal, recess, and other HCPSS-sponsored outdoor activities. Thank you in advance for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our school community.

Our Vision and Hearing screening clinic will take place on October 28, 2025 and November 4, 2025 for all Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st graders and new students to Maryland Public schools.

Classes have been working on Concept 4. Read the information below to see what they are learning and how you can make connections at home.

Each month, we are focusing on a different theme. October’s focus is self-control. Self-control is a skill that helps you take control of your body, thoughts, and feelings instead of letting them control you.

Think of your brain like a car, and your emotions are the gas pedal. Sometimes, when you're angry, worried, or super hyper, your foot is stomping the gas, and you're speeding out of control! Self-control means taking your foot off the gas and stepping on the brake.

Sensory tools are like the brakes for your brain and body. They work by helping you shift your focus from the overwhelming feeling back to the present moment.

Each week for the rest of the month, we’ll feature different sensory input coping tools to help with self-control. The following is a type of sensory tool:

The Power of Movement

This is input that comes from your muscles and joints when you push, pull, or lift heavy things.

How it helps: When you feel fizzy or wired (like you have too much energy), your body needs to get that energy out in a safe way. Pushing a wall, squeezing a stress ball hard, or doing wall push-ups sends a calming, organizing message directly to your brain. This helps you slow down your internal speed so you can think clearly before reacting.

We are in need of tissues, as the cold and flu season has seemed to have started at FRES! If you can donate any tissues, feel free to drop them off at school or send them in with your child. Thanks!

We are working to build our recess equipment collection so that all students have plenty of fun and engaging options during their play time. To help us stock up, we’ve created this Amazon Wish List with items our students would love to use. If you’d like to support, please consider purchasing an item from the list - every contribution makes a difference in creating a joyful and active recess experience for our Eagles!

We are very excited to have volunteers to assist teachers and students. We are ALWAYS in need of vounteers!

If you have not already done so, please complete the necessary trainings in order to be a volunteer by going to https://forms.gle/2FT2GTdq41jQtKv99. Once this is done, you will be cleared to both volunteer at the school and to chaperone. This does have to be completed before coming in to volunteer. Thanks.

Families are reminded that students must abide by Board of Education Policy 8080 Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media, and specifically Standard E. Student Use-Technology, please see below for additional information or visit the linked policy above.

At Forest Ridge ES, we encourage students to keep personal devices at home.

• No students, PreK - 12, will be permitted to use cell phones and other personal technology devices during the student day except for reasons detailed in a student’s IEP, 504, or health plan.

• Students may be in possession of personal devices, but they must be “away and silenced,” meaning devices are not able to be seen by either the student or staff member and are set to make no noise. Additionally, devices may not be a distraction.
• Smart watches will be permitted to be worn to check time. If students are using them for other reasons, they will be told to take them off and put them in their backpacks.

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS BY OCTOBER 31st! The HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Those eligible for Free and Reduced Meals receive both breakfast and lunch for free.

Parents/guardians must submit a new application every school year to maintain their student’s eligibility. Please go HERE to apply.

Parents may occasionally need to change their child's dismissal plans. If you are aware of these changes in advance, please email the following staff members by 10am:

• Your child’s Homeroom teacher

• Front Office staff: kelli_davenport@hcpss.org and rebecca_jackson@hcpss.org.
  

If a change is made without prior notice, please call the school directly at 410-880-5950 after 9am and inform our secretaries. Teachers may not be able to check emails or may have a substitute on that day. You can find our staff directory and email addresses HERE.

Additionally, we kindly ask families to be mindful of early dismissal timing. To help our staff prepare efficiently, please ensure your child is picked up no later than 2:35pm if an early dismissal is needed. This allows us to call and ready your child before the school-wide dismissal begins and helps prevent congestion around our buses. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and accurate dismissal procedure.

Please consider helping our teachers out with their Amazon Wish Lists. Our amazing PTA is trying to help our teachers get the items they need for their classrooms and their students. Your support is greatly appreciated!

All absence notes should be sent directly to fresabsence@hcpss.org

In your absence email, please include the following:

• Student’s full legal name

• Homeroom teacher

• Dates of absence

• Reason for absence (e.g., illness, bereavement, observance of a religious holiday, lack of transportation)

You can read our attendance letter by going HERE.

Calling all FRES families, teachers, staff and community members. THE FRES PTA NEEDS YOU! You can join by going to this link: https://frespta.givebacks.com/shop

Your FRES PTA is now 90 strong including 30 of our amazing faculty and staff and 60 parents!!! Every membership helps fuel the programs, events and supports that make the FRES community shine! Please help us climb higher on the membership ladder and reach our goal of 100 members by the end of September.

Your membership in the PTA helps support & fund numerous programs, activities and events at our school. With your membership and involvement, collectively the PTA can:

• Supplement the cost of school field trips to reduce the individual expense for families and students
• Supplement learning with an assortment of after school programs, activities and cultural arts that enrich our students
• Organize events such that allow families and staff to connect and have fun as a school community.
• Support classroom activities through special funding and volunteer support.
• Show appreciation for our teachers and staff for the countless hours that go into educating our children.
• Advocate on behalf of the FRES community at the county, state and national levels to ensure our students receive the necessary and appropriate resources.

There are no requirements to being a PTA member. Your membership is the first step to supporting the FRES PTA and after that we encourage you to participate in any way that you can!

The FRES PTA is excited to announce our Main Event Fun Card Fundraiser - the perfect way to have fun and support our school!

What's Included:

Each $20 Fun Card comes pre-loaded with 100 credits, and redeemable at any of the 50+ Main Event Centers across the U.S. - perfect for arcade games, bowling and more!

How It Helps:

The FRES PTA will receive 50% of every Fund Card purchased, directly supporting our programs and events and this year.

On Sale Until: January 15, 2026

Get Yours Here: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/65494-fres-pta-main-event-fun-card-fundraising-campaigns Please see this Main Event Flyer for QR Code and share it with family and friends! These make great gifts!!!

Questions: email VP1@frespta.org or contact@frespta.org

Thank you for helping make this school year full of fun and success for our students!

Committees are VITAL to the work of the Forest Ridge PTA! Committees make it possible for us to carry out the mission of the PTA throughout the year and are a great way to get involved at a level the meets your availability, interests and talents. Click PTA Committee Sign-Up for more information and to sign up for at least one of the 2025 – 2026 PTA Committees.

Join us on October 22nd at the Silver Diner! See the flyer below for more info.

Join us for our annual Fall Festival on Saturday, November 1st from 1 - 4pm. This is an indoor/outdoor event with planned fall themed games, corn maze, pie walk, crafts, music, a Halloween themed sensory hallway, food trucks and more. This year you can support local small businesses as you shop a variety of vendors. Costumes are welcome, but not required!

Vendors: Are you a crafter, artist or other small business owner? Do you know someone who is? We are still seeking local artisans, artists, makers, crafters, bakers, and direct sale businesses to participate. Click here to register Vendor Registration or scan the QR code on the Vendor Flyer. Contact Natalia at VP1@frespta.org with any questions.

Tickets: Tickets are on sale online now. Buy Tickets Paper forms will come home in student mailboxes this week.

• Tickets purchased by 10/29 are $4.00. Tickets will be available the day of the event for $5.00.
• Pie walk tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.
• Admission tickets are only needed for children ages 3+. Adults are free.

Volunteers: Volunteers and Pie Walk Donations are needed to ensure the success of this event. Look for the volunteer sign-up link coming later this week.

In alignment with Howard County Board of Education, the following announcements have been approved by the Public Information Office for distribution. To view upcoming events click: https://community-programs.hcpss.org/

Howard County's new on-demand rideshare service offering fast and convenient transportation along the Route 1

Corridor, including parts of Elkridge, Hanover, Columbia, and Jessup. Rides are just $2 per trip and are free for

Howard County public school students, Howard County Community College students, and seniors 60+ with valid

ID. Service operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Download the HoCo RapidRide app to book

your ride, or call 443-348-9572 for assistance. Enjoy free rides until April 17, 2025

https://city.ridewithvia.com/rapidride

Howard County has a network of food pantries that provide essential supplies to those in need. Locate the nearest pantry by clicking the button below.