February 12, 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.
Guest Author: Katherine Johnson by Sophia C.
Born in 1918, Katherine Johsnon, an American physicist and mathematician, was crucial in the success of NASA’s spaceflights. The significance of our country's space missions are not only visible in America’s school curriculum, but in our generation’s interests. In February of 1962, John Glenn was sent around the Earth three successful times by NASA. This mission was well documented, for Glenn had been the first American to orbit the Earth, but little do many people know, Katherine Johnson helped him achieve that title. Johnson had helped release the first digital electronic computers at NASA, a federal agency responsible for space and aeronautics research and programs. Although Katherine was not the only African American amongst other NASA workers, she was selectively chosen to work with an all-male flight research team. Along with her importance in the 1962 space mission, she calculated the orbit for the Apollo 11 flight to the moon, in 1969. In addition, Katherine co-wrote numerous scientific articles. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Katherine Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor. A story that we never knew existed was brought to life on the big screen in the 2017 film, Hidden Figures. Katherine Johnson’s impressive and innovative actions continue to inspire black women and students to work in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field.
“We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and will go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.” - Katherine Johnson
Important Calendar Reminders; Schools/Offices Closed on Monday 2/15
Current 5/6/7 Grade Course Requests are due by 2/15.
We send wishes of joy to all of our families celebrating Lunar New Year!
Snowman Contest - Thank you to all those who sent in pictures for the Snowman Contest! We had a great response! The winner is: Sidney L for Snowpy
Ledo's Fundraiser - Ledo's in Clarksville is hosting a fundraiser for the PTSA on Tuesday, February 16 from 4pm to 9pm . Support our local businesses while supporting the FQMS PTSA. Carryout, dine in or online. Online code is: 306-159-855
Back to School Donation Sign Up Genius - We are asking the community to support staff and students heading back to school in person. Please us this link Sign Up Genius and drop off your donations by Wednesday, February 17 between the hours of 7:30 am and 3 pm in the front vestibule. Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated.
Welcome Back Posters Needed - Please make posters and signs to welcome back our staff and students and drop them off at FQMS by Thursday, February 18 between 7:30 and 3pm Monday through Friday.
Virtual Food Drive - Our virtual food drive is still running through Tuesday, February 16. Please use the this link to help out in any way that your means allow. No donation is too small. Also, if your employer happens to match your donation, the Community Action Council of Howard County is a 501c3. Thank you for your donation!
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!
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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.