Falcon Flyer- 10/16/2025

IMPORTANT DATES

  • October 17: Schools Closed for Students
  • October 20: Schools and Offices Closed
  • October 31: Three-Hour Early Dismissal, Folly’s First Future Fest/Pinktober (still need volunteers- see below) and END OF QUARTER ONE
  • November 2: Daylight Savings Ends
  • November 5: Picture 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

PTSA NEWSLETTER 10/14/2025

PICTURE DAY IS COMING on Wednesday, November 5!

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTPNMBWT. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!  Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day (flyers will go out soon). Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.

FOLLY’S FIRST FUTURE FEST ON FRIDAY, 10/31

Folly Quarter Middle School is excited to launch a "mini" career fair called Future Fest during the second half of Halloween Friday, 10/31, at Folly Quarter... but we need YOUR help!

To make this happen, we are looking for 12 more career speakers who are available on 10/31 from 9:30am - 11:35am. Here's an informational flyer that breaks down the structure of the day.

If you would be interested in volunteering as a career speaker or have a referral to share, please contact our Career Readiness Advisor, pauline_baek@hcpss.org, or our school counseling intern, olivia_geiger@hcpss.org.

FQMS INTRAMURAL PROGRAMS

  • All intramurals begin immediately after school (this does not include the PBIS Student focus group- FQMS Intramural Programs )
  • To participate, please return a signed permission slip to the Club advisor or the front office
  • It is very important to please read all information (dates and times on the permission slip)
  • Spaces in each club are limited so please complete ASAP.  (Participation is on a first come, first served basis.)

FROM THE OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES:

School Counselors deliver lessons throughout the year to help support students in their personal/social, academic and college and career development. School Counselors presented a lesson for all 7th grade students this week during their ELA class. The students learned about perseverance, resilience, and how they are connected to academic and personal success.  We encourage you t o talk to your students about what perseverance and resilience means to them and what strategies they use to overcome challenges. If you have any questions please reach out to your child’s school counselor.

Allie Downey (Last Names A-L) allie_downey@hcpss.org

Emy Coonts (Last Names M-Z) emelia_coonts@hcpss.org

FEDERAL WORKER RESOURCE FAIR:

Good morning!  Please see attached  and linked flier for  a Federal Worker Resource Fair being held Friday, 10/17 from 10am-2pm. Hosted by Howard County Govt.  There will be a wide array of information and resources available to the community.   Share widely with anyone who you feel may benefit! 

HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE

With the holiday season quickly approaching, FQMS would love to offer support to our school families who may be in need of assistance. If you would like to REQUEST assistance for your immediate family, please complete the form below by October 21. We get different resources every year, so a request is NOT a guarantee. We will review each request and get back with you if we are able to offer assistance.

https://forms.gle/mz94t3PnLu2R2VZK6

Food Pantries

  • Interactive Howard County Food Pantry listings  https://www.hclhic.org/healthy/eating
  • Howard County Food Bank https://www.cac-hc.org/programs-services/food-assistance/
    • 9385 Gerwig Ln, Suite J Columbia, MD 21046 Ph: 410.313.6185
    • Tuesday – 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. walk ins & appointments
    • Wednesday – 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. walk ins welcome
    • Thursday – 1 pm. – 4 p.m. walk ins & appointments
    • Saturday – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. appointments required
    • Picture Identification (driver’s license, passport or other government issued ID)
    • Proof of Howard County residency (copy of utility bill, rental agreement or lease document)
    • Proof of income for the past 30-days (paystubs or social security award letter or unemployment benefits or bank statements)
  • Grassroots Day Resource Center
    • 10390 Guilford Road  ​Suite A (first floor), Jessup, MD 20794
    • Mondays, Wednesdays 2pm to 6 pm
    • Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm
    • Only thing needed is that you provide a name.
  • Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
    • 6700 Freetown Rd. Columbia MD, 21044
    • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    • Pantry that can provide small amount of non perishable food, also toiletries and other hygiene products ( if they are available).
  • Elkridge Food Pantry - http://elkridgefoodpantry.org/get-help/
    • 5646 Furnace Avenue. Ekridge, MD
    • open the second and fourth Friday of each month from 4:00pm to 8:00pm,
    • Some proof that you are an Elkridge, Hanover or Jessup resident, including a utility bill, driver’s license, or some other kind of photo ID that shows you live in Elkridge.
  • Columbia Community Care –  https://columbiacommunitycare.org/index.php/i-need-help/
    • Every Saturday 10am-12pm
    • Wilde Lake Interfaith Center  10431 Twin Rivers Rd, Columbia, MD 21044
    • Long Reach Village Center 8775 Cloudleap Ct, Columbia, MD 21045
      • inside courtyard area across from the laundromat
    • Youth and Teen Center @ The Barn in Oakland Mills  5853 Robert Oliver Pl, Columbia, MD 21045
  • Can also request delivery on the website, if available.
  • Bridgeway Community Cupboard- https://www.bridgeway.cc/connect/support/
    • 9189 Red Branch Rd Columbia, MD 21045   Ph: 410.992.5832
    • This cupboard provides a shopping experience on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 9:30 am - 11:30 am, as well as Sundays after the 9:45 am service.
  • The Howard County MultiService Food Pantry  https://www.howardcountymd.gov/office-local-childrens-board/multiservice-center
    • 9900 Washington Blvd Suite I Laurel, MD 20723 Ph: 410.313.0220
    • Mondays and Wednesdays, noon to 4:00 p.m. and the third Saturday of the month, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., food items are pre-packaged in "grab and go" bags
    • Need Picture ID to show Howard County residency
  • Salvation Army
    • 3267 Pine Orchard Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21042 (443) 656-3376
    • Food pantry is only open Tue and Thu, 8:30AM-4:30PM. Individuals must call and make an appointment.
  • Glenelg United Methodist Church Food Pantry
    • 13900 Burntwoods Rd Glenelg, MD 21797
    • Email: admin@glenelgumc.org
    • Provides food items on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9 – 11 am. Open to anyone in need.
  • Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, Inc. https://www.laureladvocacy.org/foodpantry.html
    • 311 Laurel Ave Laurel, MD 20707 Ph: 301.776.0442
    • Provides food once every 30 days. Clients may pick up bread as needed. Open only to Laurel residents (zip codes 20707, 20708, 20723, and 20724).
    • First time clients need to bring the following documentation: • Valid picture ID (adults 18 and older) • Birth certificates (children 17 and younger) • Social security cards for all household members • Proof of residence to verify Laurel address Monday: 9 am - 2 pm & 5 - 7:30 pm, Wednesday & Friday: 9 am - 2 pm
  • St. John Baptist Church Food Pantry
    • Ph: 410.707.1042
    • Harper House 5495 Cedar Ln Columbia, MD 21044 Every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 am – 1 pm.
  • Church of the Resurrection Food Pantry –
  • FISH
    • 410-964-8660 (leave message)
    • Food is delivered

TELEHEALTH SESSIONS

Folly Quarter Middle School is pleased to offer students the opportunity to participate in telehealth sessions during the school day. This program provides families with convenient access to care while keeping learning on track.

Parameters:

  • Appointments are 40 minutes in length.
  • Parent/guardian presence is required in the building during the session.
  • Written consent from the parent/guardian must be provided in advance.
  • Each child may participate in one telehealth session per quarter (up to four per school year).
  • Parents/guardians may schedule all four sessions in advance.
  • FQMS will provide a private office space for the student.

 

  • Students must use their school-issued Chromebook for telehealth appointments.
  • Sessions are offered on Wednesdays during periods 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7

Protocols:

  • Parents/guardians must call the school at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a telehealth session (or reserve all four sessions for the year at once).
  • On the day of the appointment:
    • The parent/guardian signs in at the front office with a government-issued ID.
    • The student is called from class. The parent and student are escorted to the private office.
    • The parent helps the student log in and start the telehealth session, then exits the office and is escorted back to the front office.
    • The parent remains at school until the session ends.
    • After the session, the parent and student may speak privately before the student returns to class.
    • The student returns to class, and the parent signs out and may leave campus.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a telehealth session for your child, please email telehealth.fqms@hcpss.org.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting student well-being.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN CHAPERONING OR VOLUNTEERING?
Each year, volunteers and chaperones must complete the mandatory training. Here is the location for the training and you can drop-off the completed certificates to the front office where they stay on file.  We must have them on file prior to volunteering at school or chaperoning during the day. 

FROM OUR PTSA

  1. Falcon Family Ice Cream/ Hot Chocolate Social & Book Fair Evening
    We are excited to invite you to the FQMS Falcon Family Ice Cream Social, hosted by Folly Quarter Middle School and the PTSA!

When: Wednesday, November 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: FQMS Cafeteria
Cost: $10 per person – Includes ice cream and toppings/ hot chocolate
Purchase Tickets Here or Buy them at the door with cash or Credit Card

  1. FQMS Book Fair is Coming!

Mark your calendars—the Book Fair will be held in the Media Center from November 3–7. Students will have the chance to browse and shop during the school day, and we’ll also have extended family hours on Wednesday, November 5, from 5–8 PM so parents and guardians can join in the fun. It’s a wonderful opportunity to encourage reading while supporting our school.  Sign Up Here to volunteer at the Book Fair—this event will not be possible without you!

  1. FQMS Ice Cream Social/Hot Chocolate Social Parent Volunteer Sign Up -

Come volunteer at our Ice Cream Social or hot chocolate and enjoy complimentary refreshments courtesy of the PTA! Your help is essential to ensure the event runs smoothly and is a great success. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community, have some fun, and indulge in delicious treats.  Join us in making this event memorable for everyone involved!  Click Here to Sign Up

Where- FQMS Cafeteria

  1. FQMS Pinktober and Future Fest-

This October, PBIS at FQMS is embracing all things fall! Students will have the opportunity to purchase “Fall Falcon Grams” with their Falcon Bucks in order to spread autumn cheer. Each gram will include a positive note (to themselves or a peer) along with a Rice Krispie treat. We will wrap up the month with our very first 2025 Falcon Day, a celebration filled with student choice activities, a Pinktober Fun Run, and Folly’s first Future Fest. These events are designed to recognize and celebrate our students’ hard work and positive behavior. To help make this month’s PBIS events a success, please consider donating—your support makes a big difference!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4FA9A828A6FF2-59019507-copy

Finally, Fall Falcon Grams

New this year, students can “purchase” a Fall Falcon Gram (this includes a treat) using 15 Falcon Bucks. This can be done in the cafeteria, Ms. Neto’s Rm, Ms. Kuykendall’s Rm, or Ms. Bader’s room.

RESOURCES IN OUR COMMUNITY

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 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.​ HCPSS provides countless support for students and families, and recognizes there are times when additional help is needed. Various reputable county, state and national organizations can provide assistance every day and during times of crisis. 

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 

YOUNG AUTHORS’ CONTEST

The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 6-8 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. Please carefully read the Young Authors’ Contest Guidelines for information about the rules and guidelines. This document contains important contest information, such as word count limits, font requirements, and submission formats. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet,  sent as a PDF. In order to type in the form, you will need to go to the “File” menu dropdown and select, “Make a copy.”

Submissions may be emailed to Lauren Rifkin, TRES Reading Specialist, at Lauren_Rifkin@hcpss.org by December 15, 2025. Feel free to email  Mrs. Rifkin with any questions. 

All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website.

Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members.  Visit the HCLA Welcome Page  for information about joining.  

 

CAREGIVER WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

Brought to you by Backpack Healthcare: A series of supportive, expert-led wellness workshops designed to help you care for your child—and yourself. Each session focuses on practical tools, mental health tips, and strategies to support your family’s well-being.  Free Virtual Sessions for Howard County Caregivers

Teacher Nomination/Shout Out Opportunity:

If you would like to give a teacher shoutout for them doing the Falcon Best, you can nominate them here: https://forms.gle/8YZma9xmq9U7pGgy5