September 10, 2021
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
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 school early, please call in advance. or send your child in with a note for the front office. You MUST present your driver’s license when you arrive. A work ID is not valid.
Hello FQMS Families,
We are so grateful for your continued partnership and the opportunity to serve your students. We send our warmest wishes to all of our families that celebrated Rosh Hashanah this week! Thank you so much to families that attended Back to School Night or viewed materials virtually. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know!
Be the Good - See the Good Celebrations
Staff Shout Outs:
Mr. Merrill - night custodial chief, went out of his way to help a family.
Ms. Minor - our cafeteria manager, is doing an incredible job supporting our students with care and efficiency every day.
Ms. Smith and Ms. McNeil - our nurses - work so hard to care for everyone in our health room each day.
Family Shout Outs:
PTSA Volunteers at Back to School Night - we appreciate you!
Student Shout Outs:
Chase D (grade 7) - went out of his way to bring joy to students and staff
Batool R (grade 8) - showing care and concern for others
Syed R (grade 7) - showing care and concern for others
Oliver G (grade 6)- for showing kindness, care and gratitude to staff and peers
Luke G (grade 8) - for active participation in the classroom
Ryan L (grade 8) - for being inclusive to peers
Sophia C (grade 8) - for leadership and kindness to others
Positive Office Referrals:
In our first 8 days of school, 50 students have received positive office referrals from staff! We are so proud of these and so many other students.
Positive Staff Shout Outs - THANK YOU to all the families and students who went out of their way to send a positive staff shout out. By day 8 of school we already have 74 recognition notes submitted for our staff members! Want to celebrate a staff member? Let admin. know here.
We continue to remind our staff and students to Be the Good AND See the Good at least one time, every single day!
Important Reminders
Students MUST perform a daily Health Check - please DO NOT (under any circumstances) send your sick child to school.
Calendar Reminders
From the FQMS Gifted & Talented Department - Student Instructional Seminar enrollment is happening now! Falcon Watch, Film Productions, Photojournalism, Philosophy, Math & Logic, Writers’ Workshop, Book Club and more! Check out FQMSGT.Weebly.com for information about Seminar offerings this year! These seminars are open to all students.
Falcon Watch will be recognizing our students by announcing their birthdays on the daily closed-circuit television broadcast. Please let us know if you would not like to have your child’s birthday recognized.
September is Suicide Prevention Month - Social emotional well-being is essential as we transition into a new school year, which for many has presented new challenges, anxiety, and emotional distress. As we recognize these challenges, it is important that we continue to educate ourselves and empower our school communities to engage in prevention efforts. Below are resources for you to share with students, staff, and families.
Informational Resources
Crisis Resources
For additional information, visit the HCPSS Mental Health and Wellness webpage.
9/11 Remembrance
During our Falcon News show today our students observed a moment of silence in honor of first responders and those lost on September 11th.
Student Picture Day is Wednesday, 9/22 - You can order pictures on mylifetouch.com with the School ID: EVTCVMC79. Picture Day Safety Protocols can be found here.
Picture Day Volunteers Needed - We need 2 parent volunteers for Picture Day. If you can volunteer, please contact Mrs. Johnson at margaret_johnson@hcpss.org. Picture Day volunteers will receive one free portrait package. Please see important volunteer information below.
VOLUNTEER Information - please see the important information regarding volunteer status beginning on 9/20. As of 9/20 volunteers working directly with students will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid 19 test (within 7 days). Additional information from HCPSS can be found here.
As a reminder - all parent volunteers are required to complete the volunteer trainings annually. Please email your completion confirmation to Clara Fritsch and Megan Chrobak.
FQMS PTSA
PTSA meetings will be held the 2nd Monday of the month from September to June with a few exceptions. Meetings will be virtual at 7pm on the dates below.
Dates: Monday, September 13
Monday, October 11
Monday, November 8
Monday, January 10
Monday, February 7 (exception due to Valentines Day)
Monday, March 14
Monday, April 4 (exception due to Spring Break)
Monday, May 9
Monday, June 6 (exception due to end of school year)
PTSA needs YOU! We still have several openings to fill for the 2021-2022 PTSA. Do you want to get involved in the FQMS community, meet people and make a difference? Check out our Signup Genius and volunteer today at this link. For more information, please contact FQMSPTA.President@gmail.com. Most positions do not require a lot of time, but we sure could use your help!
After School Activities - Do you have a great idea for an after school activity that you want to run with? Let's chat. Contact Janak Rajani at 443-518-9699 or email SendYourReply@gmail.com. Stay tuned for upcoming after school activities.
Sketchbooks - Art sketchbooks are available to purchase at the School Store for $10 during lunch time Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.
School Store - The School Store will be open during lunch hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you are interested in volunteering to help run the school store during school lunch, please email FQMSPTA.President@gmail.com
FQMS Staff Shout-out - 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 to celebrate the staff member.
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! Check it out here.
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.