February 19, 2021
FQMS Attendance Policies & Procedures For Distance Learning
Please email your absence notes/questions to: FQMSabsence@hcpss.org. The email should include the child's name, the date(s), or period(s) if absence is a partial day, of the absence, and the reason for the absence. The email must be received within 5 days of the absence. See HCPSS Policy 9010 for attendance policy details.
For Discretionary Absences (up to 3 per school year) see the form here: http://fqms.hcpss.org/sites/default/files/Discretionary%20Absence%20Form%20%28FILLABLE%29.pdf
Please email the completed form to: FQMSabsence@hcpss.org.
For Religious Observances see the form attached here: http://fqms.hcpss.org/sites/default/files/religious-absence%20form%20%28fillable%29.pdf. Please forward this completed form to: FQMSabsence@hcpss.org.
Black Inspirations
I’m only a product of my black legacy. I am a product of our history. I am the product, the product of the future.
I was born into a family and linked to a history of billions of black people.
Nonetheless so many people inspire me even in my own home.
My creators have taught me discipline and kindness,
Never hesitating to help me with a comb.
My mother is unspeakably selfless even when it comes to herself.
My father is so hardworking and can be very stubborn like me.
Bothering me constantly would be by my loving brother. I think he inspires me by challenging my abilities. I always have this idea in the back of my head that I want to be able to do what he is doing.
My first little kid role model was my brother but growing older I’ve really found myself in Michelle.
My First Lady who will forever be Michelle Obama.
Mrs. Obama has never been one for political drama.
In recent acquired knowledge she made the nation more calmer.
I am nearing the end of her book which has enlightened and encouraged me so much. She is a tall, beautiful black specimen, she is a kind, calm and believing soul. Michelle would always want what is best for the future, the youth. Inspirational is not even ¼ of how to describe her love for creating a change or chance to make someone’s life better.
On the topic of love, my first love was music for it has always been a mesmerizing experience.
I have always been surrounded by music from reggae sung by Bob Marley and pop created by Rhianna as well as rap produced by Drake. Growing up I was more influenced by my parents interests because I wanted to like what they liked. Now I am realizing that I like different stuff like I prefer more rap over pop more now! I have also grown an attachment to Rnb. Most artists I can relate to are black musical Artists like J.Cole, Juice Wrld, Beyonce, XXXtentacion, and Lil baby. These are all examples of black artists who made their way in the entertaining arts. They have all sent at least one message about our Nation's problems. Which always motivates me to make a big difference and strive for the best.
Finding my Interests I found writing to be very enjoyable; moreover, Maya Angelou has been such an eye opener to the written world. After reading some of her work I watched this video which was just raw footage of her speaking about her life. She was speaking of how love liberates, and I ironically fell in love with her words. Through all of her mistakes and decisions she was loved and her parents were proud and encouraging on every step of the way. Even when they died she was filled with fulfillment and love; nevertheless, she is very old recalling these events.
My culture influences so much of your life and you do not even notice.
Important Information from the Health Room - To ensure students are healthy enough to attend in-person instruction, parents/guardians are to perform a symptom check every day before the student leaves home. A student having any of the following symptoms should not be sent to school and may continue to access their classrooms virtually if they are well enough to do so:
1 of the following:
2 of the following:
Additionally, student who have been in close contact (within <6 feet for a cumulative of >15 minutes over the past 24 hours with or without a mask) with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 or is suspected of having COVID-19 (exhibiting COVID- like illness and has not tested negative after exhibiting symptoms) should not enter any HCPSS building.
Parent/guardians will assess their children for symptoms of COVID-19 illness and refrain from sending/transporting them to school until after they have been symptom-free at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms, have no fever for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication, and have continued improvement of symptoms and /or medical consult with their primary care physician.
New HCPSS Chromebook Care Page
Link to HCPSS Frequently Asked Questions
Student Leadership Opportunity - Are you interested in leadership opportunities in high school? Do you want to plan school-wide spirit events? Are you interested in student government? If you are, we hope to see you at the “Leadership Through High School Student Government” meeting on February 24th 7:00pm-7:45pm!
RSVP to the event at this link: https://forms.gle/x7aKvhj8y7bxG2Yk8
You must RSVP to receive the meeting code.
HCASC Website: https://hcasc.hcpss.org/
HCASC IG: @_hcasc_
Please email Cindy_Drummond@hcpss.org with any questions
HopeWorks of Howard County (the Youth Leadership Program) is collecting submissions from Howard County students for our 2021 youth arts magazine, Cultivate. cultivateflyer.png
The Council of Elders Family Workshops
BSAP Workshops
If you have any questions regarding any of these events, please contact Nicole Brown, nicole_brown@hcpss.org.
FQMS Staff Shoutout - FQMS PTSA is so appreciative of the FQMS staff and how hard they work on behalf of our students on a daily basis. Please take a minute to share some positive encouragement for staff members that make a positive impact for you or your family. To uplift any FQMS staff member who goes above and beyond to support, show care, connect, build community or anything else that positively impacts students and families, click on this link. This form goes to FQMS Administration for us to celebrate the staff member. Your comments often come at a time when staff needs that virtual hug.
Back to School Donations - A huge thank you to our community that donated items for back to school. We still need a few things (cases of water, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes) so please see the below Sign Up Genius and drop off your donations before February 25 between the hours of 7:30 am and 3 pm in the front vestibule. Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4FA9A828A6FF2-ptaback
Virtual Food Drive - Our virtual food drive was a huge success with our community donating over $1400 to the food bank. Thank you for supporting local families in need. If you still want to make a donation, please go to: https://cachc.formstack.com/forms/donation_form_newcc
Spiritwear - If you are looking for Falcon gear, visit www.follyquarterspiritwear.com
Used Clothing Donation Shed - The donation shed located in the parking lot at FQMS is open. Please make sure all donations are tied off in bags and deposited inside the shed. If it is full, please do not leave your items outside as they get thrown away. Thank you for your donations!
If you have an immediate need for help with depression, suicidal thoughts, or other serious mental health issues, please contact:
Grassroots Crisis Intervention at 410-531-6677
The Maryland Crisis Hotline: Dial 211 and then choose option 1
The Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 and a trained counselor will respond.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255
HCPSS Technology Help
Please see our website for technology help resources.
From the Math Team - We are aware of the concerns for students ending their current math course next month and/or students needing a refresher before they begin their math course in February. A resource recommended by our HCPSS math office is the “Getting Ready for…” courses in Khan Academy. If your child is getting ready to start a course, they should complete the “Getting Ready” for that course. These lessons and activities will review their previous math course.
If your child will finish math in January and wants to maintain skills from February to August, they can complete the “Getting ready for” the next course over this time period. This should review and reinforce the skills just taught in their Semester 1 class.
Here is the progression of courses:
Math 6 -> Math 7-> Math 8 (6th gr GT Pre Algebra) -> Algebra 1 -> Geometry -> Algebra II
To access the Getting Ready for … courses, use this link to the HCPSS Family Math Support Center and use the “Middle School Math” drop down menu. For students finishing Geometry, links for getting ready for Algebra II are on the High School drop down.