March 19, 2021
FQMS Stands in Solidarity with our Asian American Community
We strongly encourage our families to read the statement from the HCPSS Board of Education and Dr. Martirano regarding the response to incidents of violence and hatred (dated 3/18). The FQMS administration and staff stand in solidarity with our Asian American community and both condemn and stand against acts of violence and hatred and we ask our school community to do the same. For any of our students or families who need support, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or our student services staff directly. Additional resources to talk to and support students can be found here:
Resources
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) provides the following information for parents and educators to talk with children about violence:
Additional reminders from NASP include:
HCPSS Resources
The Mental Health and Wellness webpage provides guidelines, tips and sources of help.
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.
Early Dismissal - If you have to take your child out of in person school early, please call in advance. You MUST present your driver’s license when you arrive. A work ID is not valid
Good Afternoon,
We are starting this week off with another celebration! Congratulations to Alex Z. who is second in the county for the Math Counts competition. We wish him well as he moves on to the State Competition in a few weeks!
Hybrid Designation Reminder Emails - As a reminder emails were sent with A/B designation reminders on Monday 3/15. You can also view your hybrid designation in Connect (Use the panel on the left side, select student information and scroll down).
6th Grade Hybrid Orientation (for returning students) - Families are welcome to sit in on the virtual orientation for all hybrid students during the FLEX/SEL period on 3/24. The google meet code is FQGrade6. All orientation presentations will be shared with families. We have a Family Guidebook that we will send to families as well.
6th Grade Students Remaining Virtual will have a special FLEX/SEL on 3/24 focused on their needs and how we can best support them. The Google meet code is FQ6Virtual.
7th & 8th Grade Hybrid Orientation (for returning students) - Families are welcome to sit in on the virtual orientation for all hybrid students during the FLEX/SEL period on 4/7. All orientation presentations will be shared with families. We have a Family Guidebook that we will send to families as well.
The google meet code for 7th grade is: FQHybrid7
The google meet code for 8th grade is: FQHybrid8
Sincerely,
Megan Chrobak
Principal
Yearbook - Even though this year looks different, we are working hard to create a memorable Yearbook to offer you. We need your help. For each student we would like one portrait (like you get taken on picture day) and at least one fun picture of what you have been doing (sports, cooking, with pets, virtual learning, outdoors, spirit days, etc.) See attached for more information.
Yearbook Picture extension until March 26! So far, we only have 285 portraits out of 658 students! Thank you if you have already submitted.
Please - No filters on pictures - especially your portrait.
Please - Write name of student and grade in email
Send photos to akorman@hcpss.org.
Information Session for 8th Grade Parents - Virtually Expanding Your Horizons: Jump Start, Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Join us with special guests from the JumpStart Dual Enrollment Program! JumpStart is a partnership between HCPSS and Howard Community College. We will discuss options for students to gain college credits, explore possible careers, or earn an associates degree!
Sign-Up for the TRES Virtual Retriever Run! - Visit to sign-up for the May 1st Family Walk/Run! https://app.memberhub.gives/392bd4
HoCo Covid-19 Relief Rental & Utility Assistance - Rental and Utility Assistance flyer.pdf
Poster Contest - Interested in creatively showing off your finance skills? Participate in the Maryland Council on Economic Education Poster Contest: "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words." Contact Mrs. Terry with questions: tara_terry@hcpss.org
DEADLINE: All entries MUST be dropped off to FQMS by Monday March 22! No exceptions, no extensions!
IMPORTANT: ALL entries MUST be mailed by Mrs. Terry.
Check out the website for more information.
Found - Prescription eyeglasses on pathway to snow hill in the back of FQMS the last time it snowed. Turquoise - Chelsea Morgan brand - child's size.
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.
PTA Board Nominations for 2021-2022 - Do you want to get involved in the FQMS community, meet people and make a difference? The PTA Nomination committee is looking for volunteers to serve a variety of positions on our 2021-2022 PTA Board. For more information or to be part of the nominating committee, please contact FQMSPTA.President@gmail.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!
Spirit Wear - Get ready for back to school with a Folly t-shirt, sweatshirt or facemask! Free shipping on all spiritwear starting Friday, March 12th until Monday March 29th. Check it out at https://www.follyquarterspiritwear.com/
Drive-thru Medication and Sharps Disposal - HC DrugFree's Drive-thru Medication and Sharps Disposal is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot.
First Dogs Portrait Event - Student art enthusiasts and dog lovers, ages 7 to 17, are invited to join HRA on Saturday, March 20 at 1 pm, for an hour-long virtual portraiture event. Get your pencils, pastels, paints, and paper ready to create your very own official First Dogs portrait. Registered artists will receive guided instructions using photos of Champ and Major Biden. Plus, live models, perhaps long distant cousins of the famous duo, will be front and center on the screen. This event will be held on the Zoom Meeting platform. Enrollment is limited.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT! The cost for the workshop is $10. However, no student will be denied access to participate because of inability to pay. For information on financial assistance, please contact education@humanerescuealliance.org
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.