IMPORTANT DATES
- December 10: HCPSS Barriers to Belonging Survey
- December 10: Chorus Concert at GHS
- December 11: Band Concert at GHS
- 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 Orientation at RHHS
- January 8: Student Picture Retake Day
- January 8: Rising 9th grade Orientation at GHS
- January 12: PTSA Virtual Meeting
- January 13: Rising 6th grade Orientation 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
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
Applications and Research Lab (ARL) OPEN HOUSE: December 10 at 6:15pm
We encourage you to attend the informational session at your designated high school. Each high school will meet in their auditorium to go over this information in more detail and provide you with opportunities to ask specific questions to help you make the most informed decisions with your students. The ARL also has an open house planned on December 10 where you can visit and see what each Career Academy has to offer. This is a great way to see all of the different options students have available.
Hour of Code/AI
This year, our school is excited to participate again in the worldwide Hour of Code/AI on December 10th! During their PE/Health/CTE rotation, students will take part in unplugged coding activities designed to strengthen communication and collaboration which are two essential skills at the heart of computer science. The Hour of Code is a global movement that introduces students to the creativity and problem-solving involved in computing, and our activities help students experience how clear communication and effective teamwork are just as important as the code itself. We’re proud to support this international effort to expand access to computer science and inspire future innovators. Thank you, Ms. Copanic for organizing!
The FQMS PTSA is sponsoring "Adopt-A-Family Holiday Wish List Program" to bring a little joy to local families in need during the holidays.
We have been provided several families this year who need our support. Our FQMS Helping Hands club will be organizing the collections.
Please click on the link to sign up for a gift. Cash donations will be accepted through the PTSA website (starting 12/1) to purchase gift cards for individuals and families. (We are no longer able to accept individual gift card donations). We appreciate your support. All donations are due Friday 12/12, detailed instructions are provided on the sign up page.
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
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.)
HCPSS Barriers to Belonging Survey
In December, HCPSS middle and high schools will conduct a climate assessment of students and staff to better understand their experiences. Surveys will be anonymous and are not required. Parents may choose to opt their child out of the survey via online request. Complete information on the survey is available online.
Spirit Wear!
Do you or your child want new Folly Quarter gear? Check out the spirit wear store. Each week there is a new sale on different items.
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