Important Dates
- January 27, 28, 30 - Math MAP Testing
- January 27 - Math Information Evening for rising 6-8 families (virtual - 5:30-6:30pm)
- January 29 - Schools Closed - Professional Work Day
- January 30 - Rising 6th Grade Parent Information Night - 6:00 pm in cafeteria
- January 31 - PTSA Bingo and Winter Dance (info below)
- February 3, 4, 5 - Reading MAP Testing
- February 7 - Schools Closed for Students - Professional Learning Day
Visit our FQMS website for more upcoming news and events.
Important Phone Numbers
School Office: 410-313-1506
Student Services: 410-313-1514
Health Room: 410-313-1510
Check out the latest PTSA newsletter
Dear Folly Quarter families:
Quarter 3 begins on Monday, January 27. Students must check Synergy for their quarter 3 classes. They were reminded about this information today over Falcon Watch.
Additionally, we also want each and every student to receive an amazing educational experience and a sense of belonging here at Folly Quarter. As we did earlier in our school year and throughout quarters 1 and 2, we have shared with our students and families that Bullying, Harassment, Intimidation, Discriminatory Language, and more are not tolerated. We will continue these reminders and other topics of the HCPSS Code of Conduct on our Falcon Watch, during lunches with each grade, in our February Town Hall and our SEL lessons throughout the remainder of the school year.
As we reach the midpoint of the school year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all our students. One of the most critical issues we face as a school community is bullying, which can have lasting effects on children’s well-being, social development, and academic success. We believe that addressing bullying requires a partnership between students, families, and school staff.
Understanding Bullying
Bullying is more than just occasional teasing. It is intentional, repeated aggressive behavior that can be verbal, physical, or social, and it often involves an imbalance of power. While some bullying behaviors can be overt, others are more subtle but just as harmful. Examples of bullying include:
- Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, or damaging property.
- Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, and hurtful comments.
- Social/Relational bullying: Spreading rumors, excluding others, and social manipulation.
- Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass or intimidate someone.
How You Can Help at Home
Parents play an essential role in preventing bullying and supporting their children through difficult experiences. Here are some steps you can take:
- Talk to Your Child: Encourage open communication with your child about their social experiences, both online and offline. Discuss how they should handle situations where they witness bullying or experience it themselves.
- Set a Positive Example: Show your child how to be kind and respectful toward others. Modeling good behavior in your interactions will teach them valuable social skills.
- Monitor Online Activity: If your child uses social media or online platforms, make sure you are aware of their online interactions. Cyberbullying can be particularly damaging, and it’s important to stay engaged with your child’s digital life.
- Reinforce Respect and Empathy: Remind your child that treating others with respect and kindness is always the right thing to do, no matter the situation. Teach them how to stand up for others in a positive way, not by fighting, but by seeking help and offering support.
- Support School Efforts: Be an active partner in your child’s education and in the school’s anti-bullying efforts. Attend parent meetings, participate in workshops, and reinforce school policies at home.
Together, we can build a culture of respect, kindness, and safety in our school, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe. More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. An online version for reporting is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.
Thank you for your partnership,
Mike Babe and Michele Hewitt
Folly Quarter Rising 6th grade Family Orientation and Information - New Date NEXT THURSDAY
Our Family Information Evening/Orientation for parents/guardians is now January 30 from 6:00-7:00 PM in the cafeteria. Families can learn about middle school, the academic schedule, and the Gifted and Talented program. We cannot wait to meet our future Falcon families!
Folly Quarter Math Information Virtual Evening this MONDAY
The Folly Quarter Math Department will be hosting a virtual information session on math course recommendations and graduation requirements. Parents/guardians of rising 6-8th grade students are encouraged to attend. Please save the date and time for January 27th, 5:30-6:30 PM.
Virtual link: https://meet.google.com/hfa-ewnk-shn
2025 MAP Winter Assessment
When will MAP take place @ FQMS?
Math–January 27, 28, 30
Reading–February 3, 4, 5
What is MAP & Why are students taking it? MAP is the Measures of Academic Progress assessment. Most students in grades 2-8 will take the assessment in the area of reading and math. The data from the MAP assessment will help schools and teachers plan for instruction.
Will my child participate? Yes. However, students enrolled in 8th grade ELA-GT or a high school assessed math class including: regular or GT Geometry, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and upper level high school math classes are exempt from participating in MAP this school year.
What device should my child use to participate in MAP? Their HCPSS issued chromebook. Students should bring their HCPSS chromebook and charging cord to school every day.
Will MAP impact my child’s grades? The MAP assessment does not affect grades and the difficulty of questions adjusts depending on how your child responds. It is normal for students to only answer about half the questions correctly. To learn more about the MAP assessment, please visit: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/common-questions-families/
Hearing and Vision Screening - February 19
On February 19, FQMS will hold our Hearing and Vision clinic for all 8th grade students and those students new to the state of MD. If your child has glasses or contacts, please make sure they wear them on the screening day. Your child will receive these screenings unless you object for religious reasons. Please send a letter to your child's school health room if you choose to opt out of the Health Department screenings.
If your child does not pass either the vision or hearing screen, you will receive a letter from our school notifying you of this result. It is then recommended that you take your child to have their vision evaluated by an eye care specialist or that you contact your child's medical provider for a referral to an audiologist for a complete hearing evaluation. The rescreen date is February 26 for those who were absent or failed the hearing screening on February 19.
Should you have any questions, please contact our school nurse, Laura DelBorrell, 410-313-1510.
2025 FQMS Reading Contest
The 2025 FQMS Reading Contest is running for seven weeks from January 27 through March 14! The top 5 individual readers in each grade will earn recognition and prizes, and the grade level that reads the most books will earn extra recess.
Students who read at least 4 books will earn 2 free Chesapeake Baysox game tickets for our school's reading night on Saturday, May 31 at 6:35pm. Additional tickets will be able to be purchased at a discount in advance of the game date. See the attached flier for more information! Happy Reading!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Folly Quarter Middle School Presents: PTSA Fundraiser Bingo & Dance Night! Buy your tickets now!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun and excitement! Join us on Friday, January 31, from 6:00-8:00 PM for a special Bingo & Winter Dance Combo Night! Whether you’re striking a pose in the photo booth, grooving to the latest hits, or shouting "Bingo!" with your friends, this event has something for everyone.
- Tickets are just $15 per person. Your child will get access to the dance floor, bingo, and a 10-game bingo card! Purchase your Tickets here
- Concessions will be available for purchase, including bingo dabbers, baked goods, and soda, each for just $2!
Important Reminder: To keep the energy high and the vibes right, phones are not allowed during the event. Let’s enjoy the moment together!
This awesome night can’t happen without 20+ volunteers and chaperones, so sign up to help us make this evening a success! Sign Up Here:- Bingo and Dance Night Sign Up
Deadline to purchase
AND
Folly Quarter Middle School PTSA Cultural Festival
Join us for a vibrant celebration of diversity at FQMS! Enjoy delicious food, explore fascinating display booths, and experience captivating performances showcasing cultures from around the world.
- Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Folly Quarter Middle School Cafeteria and GYM
Want to participate or share your culture? Sign up here: Google Form
Let’s make this event unforgettable together!
The Howard County Women’s Commission - Student Essay/Poster Contest
The Howard County Women’s Commission is holding a student essay and poster contest to celebrate Women’s History Month. Prizes will be rewarded. The contest is open to all Howard County middle and high school students. Entries are due February 21, 2025. Read the attached flier for more information on contest submission rules.
Resources in our Community
Additional Resources/Supports:
After hours mental health support: If you have an immediate need for help with depression, suicidal thoughts, or other serious mental health issues, please contact:
Call or text 988
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
After hours threat/safety concern: We encourage you to utilize Safe Schools Maryland, an anonymous and free system to report any school or student safety concerns, including mental health concerns. Safe Schools Maryland operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Anyone can call the tip line (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233), complete an online form, or use the Safe Schools Maryland app.
Community Notices
HCPSS’ Community News and Programs website makes it easy for families to find educational and recreational resources, events and after-school programs beyond the school day by non-profit organizations.”
Community organizations requesting their announcements be shared in school newsletters should visit community-programs.hcpss.org for more information. Questions should be directed to the Public Information Office at publicinfo@hcpss.org