IMPORTANT DATES hcpss calendar (UPDATED)
- March 8: Daylight Saving Time Begins
- March 10: PTSA Walkers Restaurant Night (info)
- March 12-13: MISA - 8th grade Science
- March 12: Theatre Arts Field Trip
- March 13: Band Assessments
- March 16-17: MISA - 8th grade Science
- March 20: Schools Closed for Students -Professional Work & Development Day
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)
PTSA Restaurant Night at Walkers this TUESDAY
Cultural Showcase for Students - March 23
This event is run by the Howard County Students for Equity Committee - entirely run by students.
They are looking for presenters/performers and attendees. If interested, sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGN--jPVAAtAMT-3f4QyCV6PdNPUMNOK9NjmsCPgZt452Rgw/viewform
Quarter Two Honor Roll Certificates
There was a misprint on the honor roll certificates and all will be reprinted and redistributed this week.
8th Grade Baby Pictures Needed!
In order to complete our yearbook and highlight the 8th graders’ final year at Folly Quarter, we are asking each 8th grade student to provide a baby picture. (not a requirement)
FYI…
- The picture will be only of the face, so backgrounds do not matter.
- It MUST be a .JPG. Unfortunately, we cannot accept a pdf.
- Please use the instructions below when sending picture:
Please put in Subject Line: Baby_LastName_FirstName
Submit to: fqmsbabypics2026@gmail.com
- All pictures must be submitted by March 13th.
We encourage 100% participation -
Note: 8th grade students only
Any Questions? Please email: FQMS2026Yearbook@gmail.com
Gifted and Talented (G/T) Summer Institutes for Talent Development
The Gifted and Talented (G/T) Summer Institutes for Talent Development offers additional advanced-level instruction and enrichment experiences not regularly available during the academic school year for students entering grades 1-8. Rigorous instruction focusing on talent development is offered in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, technology and fine arts.
No testing nor prior G/T coursework is required for enrollment in these enrichment offerings.
Location: Burleigh Manor Middle School
Session 1: June 29 - July 10 (no class July 3)
NOTE: The G/T Summer Institutes will offer one 2-week session for Summer 2026.
Hours: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: $470 per session (Financial assistance is available for students participating in the Free and Reduced Meal Program.)
While the program is half-day, after care is available on site via Howard County Recreation and Parks. Snacks are provided.
A few highlights ---
· Bus transportation to area collector stops!
· Exciting courses in Humanities, STEM, and the Arts!
Registration is now open for families of HCPSS students through HCPSS Connect. The first registration request window will close on February 27 at 12 p.m.
For more information on how to register, please see this registration guide.
Contact: GTSummer@hcpss.org or 410-313-6671.
FQMS Spring 2026 Testing
March 12,13,16,17
MISA (Maryland Integrated Science Assessment)
Grade 8
April 13,14
MCAP ELA (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program)
Grade 6, 7, 8
May 5, 6, 7, 8
MCAP Social Studies (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program)
Grade 8
May 18, 19, 20, 21
MCAP Math (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program)
Grade 6, 7, 8
Please avoid absences, early dismissals, and late arrivals on these dates. Thank you.
The Howard County Police Department Youth Engagement 2026 summer youth camps are now open through March 31.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/police/youth-programs
PLEDGE Summer Camps are designed for current 8th graders. These camps focus on leadership development, positive decision making, teamwork, and building positive relationships.
Pledge Camp #1: July 6 - July 10, 2026
Pledge Camp #2: July 20 - July 24, 2026
Camp hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/police/youth-programs
Here are three STEM-related summer opportunities:
Uniformed Services University's (no cost) 3-week STEM Achievers Program
- The USU STEM Achievers program, in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) immerses middle school students in innovative topics and technology like design thinking, 3D printing, augmented reality, and social entrepreneurship.
- To apply, visit here and select Uniformed Services University: (LINK HERE)
UMD's SECURE IT Summer Camp is a non-residential summer program for rising 6–8th graders that introduces cybersecurity concepts through interactive, hands-on activities. Students explore topics such as online safety, computer networking, Linux, and problem-solving. No prior experience is required.
- Website: https://s3c2.org/education-outreach/#secure-it-academy-middle-school-summer-camp
- Application: https://forms.gle/PrRcaccEgZgahDm2A
UMD's CompSci Connect Program
- Click here for more information
- CompSciConnect is a three-year program that introduces middle school students to programming concepts. Over 120 students participate in CompSciConnect each year.
- Over three years, students explore block-based programming like Scratch (Yellow), web design programming with HTML, CSS and JavaScript (Red), and 3D game design programming (Terp). They also learn cybersecurity/safety, cryptology, number bases, logic and computer skills. CompSciConnect emphasizes how each of these skills connects to other areas of study and to making the world a better place.
UMD General Summer Camps: Click here for more information
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