Absences - Absence notes must be received in writing from a parent/guardian within  5 days of an absence.  Please send all attendance correspondence to: fqmsabsence@hcpss.org

Late Arrivals - Students must be in first period by 7:40 am. Please make sure your child is accompanied into the building by either an adult or a note explaining the reason for the late arrival.

Early Dismissal - If you have to take your child out of school early, please send your child in with a note for the front office or please call in advance. You MUST present your driver’s license when you arrive.  A work ID is not valid.

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.

NEWS FROM FQMS

Happy New Year, Folly Quarter Community!  

What a crazy week!  We were excited to welcome students back to the building on Wednesday and see their smiling faces.  A new year, new beginnings, and a new focus.  

A few reminders as we kick off 2022:

• Masks are required in school all day, including on the bus to and from school.  All students are required to wear the mask properly - covering both the nose and mouth. We will continue to provide reminders to our students and staff.  In addition, all students will receive a KN95 mask next week.  
• Outdoor dining is still available to all students.  Please have your student dress appropriately for the weather. 
• First period starts at 7:40 am.  The traffic, as you all know, is extremely busy so please plan accordingly to get your child here by 7:30 am. This will allow your student plenty of time to get to first period on time. We value instructional time, so we would like students to be on time to class.  
• Please be sure to read the Updated Covid Mitigation Efforts in HCPSS Schools for the most up to date information from the county.  

Student Absences:

My student is absent for un-related illness or COVID reasons:

1. Please email our attendance email address: fqmsabsence@hcpss.org with your child’s name, the reason for the absence, and the date they will be out of school. 
2. If the absence is excused, your child will have the same number of days they are out to make up all school work according to HCPSS Policy 9010. 
3. All other absences will be considered unexcused if they do not meet the guidelines of HCPSS Policy 9010, for excused absences.  

My student is experiencing illness symptoms:

1. Keep your child home, please.
2. Please email our attendance email address: fqmsabsence@hcpss.org with your child’s name, the reason for the absence, and the date they will be out of school. 
3. Please email our nurse, Laura Smith, at Laura_Smith1@hcpss.org if you need further guidance about when your child may return to school based on their symptoms.
4. Students with illness excused absences from school can access assignments on Canvas. 

My student has tested positive for COVID 19: 

1. Keep your child home from school.
2. Notify our school nurse, Laura Smith, via email (laura_smith1@hcpss.org) with the following information: your child’s full name, date of their positive test; a picture of the actual test and/or result is preferred.
3. Ms. Smith will advise you on necessary isolation dates based on current guidelines. 
4. If you have further questions about whether or not your child should quarantine, please contact Ms. Smith.
5. A school staff member will reach out to you regarding detailed instructions to access assignments and to offer academic support.   

Upcoming Dates

1/10 - PTSA Meeting, 7 pm. Meet our new Principal, Mrs. Clark. Google code: FQMSPTSA22

1/17 - Schools & offices closed, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

1/19 - Schools close 3 hours early (11:25 for FQMS)

1/24 - Schools closed for students, Professional Work Day

Harris Teeter's Together in Education Program - FQMS has joined the Harris Teeter's program to help raise funds for our school.  It is easy and free.  Simply give the cashier our school code, 6538, and your VIC card when you check out and your card will be linked for the entire school year.  Thank you for your support.

From the FQMS PTSA

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

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.