Important Dates
- February 3, 4, 5 - Reading MAP Testing
- February 4 - 2nd Quarter Report Cards (Synergy)
- February 7 - Schools Closed for Students - Professional Learning Day
- February 10 - PTSA virtual meeting - 7:00 pm
- February 17 - Schools/Offices Closed
- February 19 - Vision/Hearing Screening (Information below)
- February 26 - PTSA Cultural Festival (information below)
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
Rising 6th Grade Scheduling and Parent Information Evening
It was great to see so many new and returning families for the rising 6th grade parent information session last evening. Here is a copy of the slideshow.
Folly Quarter Math Information Virtual Evening
The Folly Quarter Math Department hosted a virtual information session on math course recommendations and graduation requirements for parents/guardians of rising 6-8th grade students. Here is the presentation if you missed the information session.
2025 MAP Winter Assessment
When will MAP take place @ FQMS?
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/
Middle School Course Registration Opens January 30- February 12
Beginning Thursday, January 30, current 5-7th grade students and their parents/guardians can view their teachers’ course recommendations for next school year. Course requests and alternates should be submitted by Feb. 12. Full details are available online.
2025-2026 Student Course Selection for Rising 7th and Rising 8th grade students
It is that time of the year for Rising 7th (current 6th) and Rising 8th (current 7th) grade students to select their courses for next year. We encourage you to talk to your child about their interests to see which courses they would like to take next year.
Please review the appropriate letter below about course registration.
WINDOW/DEADLINE TO SELECT COURSES: January 30 to February 12
Rising 7th Middle School Scheduling Letter (current 6th grade)
Rising 8th Middle School Scheduling Letter (current 7th grade)
Additional Resources:
HCPSS Middle School Course Catalog
For videos and instructions on how to use Synergy and register for courses please visit the HCPSS Connect Guides webpage
Report Cards Available Online February 4
Parents/guardians may view/download quarter 2 report cards HCPSS Connect Synergy after 4:00 pm on Tuesday, February 4.
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 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