IMPORTANT DATES
- January 12: PTSA Virtual Meeting
- January 12: Course Registration for rising 9th graders closes (counselors can make changes until Feb. Reach out before then if you need to make a change).
- January 13: Rising 6th grade Parent Information evening at FQMS
- January 14: Spelling Bee (Sign up here)
- January 19: Schools & Offices Closed
- January 22: Schools Close 3 Hours Early (No half-day pre-K/RECC) - Professional Learning Day
- January 23: End of 2nd Quarter
- January 23: MS & HS Only Close 3 Hours Early (No half-day pre-K/RECC)
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
Folly Quarter Rising 6th grade Family Information Night - Next Tuesday
We are excited to see our families for our upcoming Family Information Evening regarding the Middle School Schedule on Tuesday, January 13 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!
Hearing and Vision Screening - February 11
On February 11, 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 24 for those who were absent or failed the hearing screening on February 11.
Should you have any questions, please contact our school nurse, Lauren Grabau, 410-313-1510. HV2025parentletterEN.pdf
PSA: Restock your school supplies
This is a friendly reminder to restock your student supplies. Please make sure all students are coming to school with the required school supplies (especially pencils).
7th Grade Medieval Times Field Trip Reminder
Next week is the last day for students to turn in their permissions slips for the Medieval Times field trip on January 30. The last day to submit payment for the field trip is January 16. You can make your payment here: 7th Grade Medieval Times Field Trip
2026-2027 High School Course Registration Opens Dec. 16 for current 8th grade students
8th grade teachers are currently making recommendations for students next year in synergy and families can then begin their elective course selection.
Our counselors will be in the 8th grade classrooms on December 11 to review course selection with 8th graders. Here is a website that has all High School Scheduling Information.
Beginning Tuesday, December 16 at 8:00 AM through Monday, January 12, current 8-11th grade students and their parents/guardians may view teachers’ course recommendations for the 2026-2027 school year and submit course requests. Full details on how to view recommendations and submit requests are available online.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s counselor:
Allie_downey@hcpss.org (last names A - L)
Emelia_coonts@hcpss.org (last names M - Z)
PowerPoint from the River Hill 8th grade visit
PowerPoint from the Glenelg 8th grade visit
HCPSS information page with graduation requirements
FQMS YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST (Ends January 16, 2026)
All FQMS students are invited to submit their own design for the 2025-2026 yearbook cover. A panel of judges will determine the winner of the Yearbook Cover Contest for artwork SUBMITTED TO MS. BADER BY FRIDAY, January 16th. Please submit to Ms. Bader or the front office. Cover submissions that follow the requirements will be entered. FQMS YEARBOOK COVER REQUIREMENTS
From the FQMS G/T Department (Spelling Bee)
The Folly Quarter Level Scripps National Spelling BEE will take place Wednesday, January 14th at 7:50 a.m. with a snow date of Wednesday, January 21st. Our school champion will then compete at the Howard County Level Spelling BEE taking place March 14, 2026, 2 pm at Hammond High School. If your child is interested in participating in this year’s FQMS Spelling Bee, please visit https://sites.google.com/hcpss.org/fqmsgt/home to access the sign-up link. (Note: Students must be logged into their HCPSS Google Suite Account before clicking on the sign-up link.)
MAP Assessment
What is MAP and 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.
When will MAP take place?
Reading (in ELA classes)—January 27, 28, 29
Math (in math classes)—February 3, 5, 6
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 expected that students will answer about half the questions correctly.
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