Important Dates
- September 23- Schools and Offices Closed
- September 25, 26, 29- MAP Testing (Math)
- September 26- PTSA Fall Dance (purchase tickets here)
- September 27- Family Academy Kick-Off
- October 2- Schools and Offices Closed
- October 3- 6th Grade Team Building (need volunteers- see below)
- October 8, 9, 10- MAP Testing (Reading)
Visit our FQMS website for more upcoming news and events.
PTSA Newsletter (link)
Important Phone Numbers
School Office: 410-313-1506
Student Services: 410-313-1514
Health Room: 410-313-1510
Student Picture Day is rescheduled for November 5. Picture retakes will be January 8th.
Student Dismissal
REMINDER–Students should take car or bus transportation home from school as determined by parents and guardians at the start of the school year. Parents- please do not pick your children up at Royal Farms/Highs because there is no sidewalk connecting the FQMS campus to the overpass bridge, we request that students utilize bus/car transportation at dismissal.
Thank you, FQMS Admin Team
6th grade Team Building Day- We need Volunteers!
Please sign-up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549ADAD2AA64-58601317-10325#/
MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement)
Do you want to learn about engineering, computer programming, physics and problem solving? Join MESA!
Maryland MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) is an exciting and engaging after-school program that will meet on Wednesdays from 2:35 - 3:45 PM. Students will work in teams to enter one of four Engineering design competitions using technology to solve challenging, real-world problems. Choose from:
- Planetary Lander: Expanding Structures Challenge
- Community Clean-Up Challenge
- The National Engineering Design Competition
- A new competition - information coming!
ALL Students who participate in MESA are required to compete in one of the four competitions and submit all required project components. No prior experience with programming or technology design is required. This is open to students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Students of all skill levels are welcome.
For more information, go to https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/stem/mesa/
Space is limited to the first 25 students who submit a completed application that is signed by a parent or guardian. Interested students can get an application from their science teachers at school starting Wednesday, Sept. 24th. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 29th after school.
Dr. Jessica Bronson (jessica_bronson@hcpss.org) and Ms. Emelia Coonts (emelia_coonts@hcpss.org ) will host MESA weekly. Please contact them with any questions.
MAP Assessment September & October (Starts next week)
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?
Math–September 25, 26, 29
Reading–October 8, 9, 10
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.
Message From PTSA
With the new school year underway, we are excited about the many activities and events planned for our students. And though we’re thankful for the families and community members who generously give their time, money, and other resources, our PTSA is still facing a budget shortfall for this academic year.
As parents ourselves, we understand that it’s exasperating to be constantly bombarded with donation requests—especially if you have more than one student at multiple schools! Therefore, as part of our continual efforts to support our students and faculty while reducing the burden on parents, we are introducing the One and Done donation program this year. You can help fund our PTSA programs for the entire year with one donation: no bake sales, no car washes, no potlucks—just a single donation.
One and Done: Donate Here
(Granted, the occasional school-wide donation request may find its way to your inbox, but you’ll be able to ignore it with a clean conscience.)
FQMS Fall Dance – Let’s Glow!
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the FQMS Fall Dance on Friday, September 26, from 2:45 PM to 4:15 PM!
Tickets: $15 Purchase them here – Includes entry to the dance floor, 2 slices of pizza, and water. This is a NO Cell Phone event – students are asked to store them away.
Last day to sign up: September 23 Let’s dance, eat, and have a great time
BSAP Saturday Math Academy
The BSAP Saturday Math Academy fall session is approaching! The program offers an in-person enrichment for Howard County Public School System students in all levels of math for grades 3-12, based on course availability. Registration will take place online Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9:00 am until capacity is reached. Class space is limited. Families can register by accessing the HCPSS Connect Website on the registration date.For more information, please visit: https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2025/09/black-student-achievement-program-bsap-saturday-math-academy-fall-2025-program/
HCPSS Family Academy Kickoff
Date: Saturday, Sept. 27, 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Location: Oakland Mills High School
This districtwide event is open to all HCPSS families and will feature:
- A session with Superintendent Bill Barnes
- Resource tables hosted by HCPSS offices and local organizations
- Information on programs, resources, and services available throughout the school year
- Childcare and language access provided
- For additional information, please visit the Family Academy Kickoff HCPSS News Post.
Flier: English | Spanish | Chinese | Korean
2025-2026 HCPSS School Calendar
For your planning needs, please see the link below to access the HCPSS School Calendar which details dates/holidays for this coming school year, including Winter break, Spring break, and professional learning days.
2025-2026 HCPSS School Calendar
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.
HCPSS provides countless supports 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. Visit the HCPSS website for additional resources: Family Supports and Resources
Additional services for residents in Howard County are available on the Howard County Government website.
The organizations listed are neither sponsored nor endorsed by HCPSS, and instead serve to extend resources available for students and families.
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
Glentutors Program run by NHS
Hello FQMS community,
Looking for tutoring or homework help? Glenelg National Honor Society (NHS) offers free tutoring available every day of the week.
Simply visit the GlenTutors program on the Glenelg National Honor Society website or click on the link below to sign up with your available schedule, contact information, and desired tutoring subject(s). A tutor will then be provided promptly!
NHS Glentutors Sign Up: (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW_VexuAqkow_1KMoolK4mRU7v_0G8COXPYncj44MBhr5Hyw/viewform?usp=dialog)