IMPORTANT DATES
- December 12: Orchestra Concert at GHS
- December 12: PTSA Adopt a Family Wish List due date Sign up and donate a gift card
- December 12 - January 16: Rising 9th graders (current 8th graders) course selection in Synergy
- December 17/18: Hot Chocolate and Cookie Bar Sign Up (drop off Dec 17 or AM on 18)
- December 19: Locker Clean Out
- December 24 - January 2: Schools Closed
- January 7: Rising 9th grade Parent Information evening at RHHS
- January 8: Student Picture Retake Day
- January 8: Rising 9th grade Parent Information evening at GHS
- January 12: PTSA Virtual Meeting
- January 13: Rising 6th grade Parent Information evening at FQMS
- January 14: Spelling Bee (Sign up here)
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
Upcoming Spirit Days
- December 19: Festive Friday (Winter shirt or sweater)
- December 22: Spirit Day: Merry Monday (pajama day)
- December 23: Spirit Day: Twinkle Tuesday (Sparkle or shiny outfits/accessories)
Dear 8th grade Families,
In the past, HCPSS offered opportunities for rising 6th and 9th grade students to visit their middle or high school to preview the building in June. Due to transportation costs and a very tight fiscal environment, these school visits are no longer something HCPSS is able to provide.
We understand that many students benefit from visiting their new school prior to the start of the school year. We will continue to offer opportunities in December or January for parents/guardians to visit the school and hear about scheduling. Additionally, opportunities for students to tour the school and meet with staff will continue to be held in August at each level. We will provide more details on these opportunities as they are finalized.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Celebrations for our Music Department
Our Chorus, General Music, and Band had amazing concerts this week and we look forward to the third and final winter concert this evening with the Orchestra Concert. Our students have clearly worked incredibly hard and we are so proud of them! Thank you, Ms. Sartor, Ms. Karanovich, and Mr. Corbett for your direction and support!
Additionally…
Below are the FQMS students that were accepted into the Maryland Junior All-State Ensembles this year. This is always a tough audition, so we are very proud of the students who made it!
Chorus-
Julia B
Noor H
Orchestra-
Emma C, violin
Lena P, viola (alternate)
2026-2027 High School Course Registration Opens Dec. 12 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 Friday, December 12 at 8:00 AM through Friday, January 16, 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
HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULING NIGHTS:
River Hill HS: January 7 at 5:30 PM
Glenelg High: January 8 at 6 PM
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.)
FQMS Hot Chocolate and Cookie Bar for Staff
Help us spread a little holiday cheer! Please consider Sign Up to donate treats for our Holiday Hot Chocolate & Cookie Bar as we show love and appreciation to our amazing Folly Quarter bus drivers and staff on Wednesday, December 17.
We’re asking for 2 dozen baked cookies or holiday treats—bakery items are absolutely welcome. Gluten-free and vegan options are appreciated, and please label anything containing nuts.
Treats should be dropped off by 8:00 AM on December 17, ideally on a tray and ready to serve.
Thank you for your generosity and for helping make this season a little brighter for our hardworking staff—we are truly grateful for you. From the PTSA.
Job Opportunity: Student Assistant – Folly Quarter Middle School
Folly Quarter Middle School currently has a Student Assistant vacancy and is seeking applicants for consideration.
If you or someone you know has experience working with students and would like to make a positive impact in our school community, we encourage you to apply!
Apply Here: HCPSS Careers & Opportunities
For more information, please contact: Michael_Babe@hcpss.org
Recognize our Staff
Nominate an HCPSS Principal or Teacher of the Year: Please click here for the details including who to contact if you have questions. The deadline for nominations is January 7, 2026.
Early Dismissals
- We ask all early dismissals to occur by 2:00 PM to reduce disruptions to the end of the school day as our clerical staff are preparing for student dismissal.
- Parents/ Guardians will sign students out from the front office for early dismissals.
- Parents/Guardians are to show their photo ID upon arrival to confirm their eligibility to pick up the student in the family file.
- If you know that your student will have an early dismissal ahead of time, please send in a note or an email letting us know the time of the dismissal and the name of the person picking the student up. All attendance communications/questions should be sent to fqmsabsence@hcpss.org.
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