IMPORTANT DATES hcpss calendar
- March 30 - April 3: Spring Break- Schools Closed
- April 8: Maryland School Survey
- April 10: Chorus Assessment
- April 13- 14: MCAP ELA Testing
- April 15: Schools close three hours early
- April 17: PTSA 8th grade Volleyball tournament
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 (March)
Dear Families,
As we head into spring break, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a restful and enjoyable time. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming our students back refreshed and ready to continue learning. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making our school community so strong.
Have a safe and happy spring break!
Mike Babe
Maryland School Survey
State law requires that all public schools in Maryland survey students about school climate. The purpose of the survey is to gain valuable information about the quality and character of each school’s learning environment so that schools can promote a climate that supports student learning.
All students at Folly Quarter Middle School will take the Maryland School Survey during regular school hours on Wednesday, April 8. The survey will ask students about topics such as student engagement, interactions with adults and with other students in the school, the school environment, bullying, and safety. The survey will not ask about a student’s personal experiences, and students will not be asked to provide any information that might violate their privacy. More information here
Calendar Update
Following the Board of Education’s recent adjustments to the school year calendar, HCPSS met the 180 days and 1,170 hours required by the State for high schools to be open for students. Unfortunately, a two-hour delay on March 3 resulted in a one-hour deficit, and a three-hour early dismissal on March 16 added three additional hours to that deficit.
To account for the four-hour total deficit in high school, the following adjustments are being made to the 2025-2026 school year calendar:
- Monday, June 8: Previously scheduled as a three-hour early dismissal and now will be a full day for all students.
Thank YOU
To the PTSA for the wonderful luncheon we had this week! It was delicious!
Release of Records
To ensure we remain in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Howard County Public School System policy, staff will not complete any outside recommendations or student assessments without the school first obtaining a Communication Release and Release of Student Records Form and Waiver of Rights and Records Release Form. Please reach out to Ms. Ranita Knight (ranita_knight@hcpss.org ) to complete these forms.
ATTENTION CURRENT 6th GRADE STUDENTS
Per the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, ALL rising 7th grade students are required to have two additional vaccines by the first day of the 2026-27 school year (August 24, 2026):
MCV4 and Tdap
These immunizations are routinely given at your student's annual physical exams (usually between the ages of 10-12). Please check with your pediatrician to see if your student has received these vaccines and send a copy of their updated immunizations to the Health Room via email or fax:
Email: lauren_grabau@hcpss.org
Fax: 410-313-1510
Having your child’s updated immunization record prior to the end of this school year will help eliminate the possibility of exclusion from the start of school next year.
Spring Testing Dates
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