IMPORTANT DATES hcpss calendar
- May 11: PTSA Meeting at FQMS at 7PM in the media center
- May 18 - 21: MCAP Math Testing
- May 25: Schools and Offices Closed
- May 27: Schools and Offices Closed
- May 29: MS GT Expo
Mental Health Awareness Spirit Week MAY 11 -15
5/11: Wear Rainbow and Neon Colors (Your future is bright)
5/12: Tourist/Travel Tuesday (Dress like you are going to your favorite vacation destination)
5/13: Wear active apparel (Workout Wednesday)
5/14: Wear GREEN (for Mental Health Awareness)
5/15: Pajama Day (Rest and Relax)
Save the Dates:
Friday, June 12: 8th grade Family Celebration 6:00-7:00 PM
Friday, June 12: PTSA 8th grade Dance 7:00-9:00 PM
Monday, June 15: 8th grade picnic
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 Folly Quarter Families:
As we head into the weekend, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the many wonderful things happening at Folly Quarter Middle School.
Congratulations to our Theatre Arts program on their outstanding production of The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less!) under the direction of Ms. Elshafei. Our students showcased incredible talent, creativity, and hard work in a truly entertaining performance.
Thank you as well to all of the parent volunteers and staff members who supported today’s Hershey Park trip for our Band, Chorus, and Orchestra programs. We are especially grateful to Ms. Sartor, Ms. Karanovich, and Mr. Corbett for their leadership and dedication to our music students and programs.
We also want to share an important reminder that several PTSA executive board positions are open for next school year. Without volunteers to fill these critical roles, the PTSA will unfortunately be unable to continue. Please consider getting involved to help support the amazing opportunities our students and staff enjoy each year.
Additionally, please take time to review and celebrate all of the wonderful student accomplishments highlighted below. We are incredibly proud of our Falcons and all they continue to achieve.
Finally, wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Folly Quarter moms and to everyone who serves in the role of a mother in the lives of our students. We hope you enjoy a wonderful and relaxing weekend.
Thank you for sending us your best!
Mike Babe
Congratulations to our MESA teams!
Congratulations to the Folly Quarter MESA teams who represented Howard County at the MESA Statewide competition this Saturday, May 2nd. MESA stands for Math Engineering Science Achievement.
The Planetary Lander team won 2nd place for designing a capsule that can keep astronauts safe when landing on another planet. The team members are: Ethan G., James K., Enoch M. and Caden T.
The National Engineering Design Competition (NEDC) team won 2nd place for their device that sends an alert if a person is in danger. The team members are: Kiley B., Sophia G. and Alaina S.
From the FQMS Gifted & Talented Department
Congratulations to Lillian M., Jett T., Colin M., Nyra S., and Alexander U. who will have their works featured in this year’s Howard County Our Voice Student Publication! Lillian’s published poem “Home” and Jett’s published poem “The Sea” will also be shared at this weekend’s Books in Bloom event Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:00-3:30 in the Downtown Columbia Merriweather District. Lillian and Jett are participants in the FQMS Writers’ Guild Instructional Seminar.
Colin’s photograph “A Great (Red) Start to the Morning”, Nyra’s photograph “When the Sun Goes Down”, and Alexander’s photograph “Winter Explosion” will also be published in Our Voice. Colin, Nyra, and Alexander are all part of the Photojournalism Instructional Seminar at Folly Quarter. Folly Quarter Middle School G/T Instructional Seminars are open to all students. Students may register for seminars at the start of each school year.
MCAP Math Assessment is coming up May 18–21
Students will take the assessment during their regular math class period. Math teachers have been preparing students through class activities, "Do-Now", review, and MCAP-style practice questions. Please encourage your child to review their notes, try their best, and come to school rested and ready each day.
Students can also practice MCAP-style questions using the website below:
https://support.mdassessments.com/practice-tests/
Counselor Corner
Middle school can bring stress, self-doubt, and big emotional changes. One simple way to support your child’s mental health is through positive affirmations—short, encouraging statements that build confidence and resilience.
Try these tips at home:
- Model positive self-talk
- Use affirmations daily (morning or bedtime routines):see below
- Write them down where your child will see them
- Keep them realistic and meaningful
Pair affirmations with open conversations, good sleep habits, and balanced schedules to support overall well-being.
Student-Friendly Affirmations:
- I can do hard things.
- I am learning and improving every day.
- Mistakes help me grow.
- I am proud of my effort.
- I can stay calm and focused.
- I am a good friend and a kind person.
- I believe in myself.
Small, consistent encouragement can make a big difference in helping your child feel confident and supported.
Sincerely,
Allie Downey(School Counselor last names A - L)
Emelia Coonts(School Counselor last names M - Z)
Join The Helping Hands Club in Supporting BARCS!
The Helping Hands Club is excited to host a Drive for BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) from May 6th to May 20th!
We are collecting items on the BARCS WISH LIST, with British slip leads (leash type) and poop bags being high priority for the organization. These donations are crucial in helping BARCS continue their lifesaving work for animals in need.
Where to Drop Off Donations:
- Drop-off bins will be available outside the school in the mornings,
- Also, you can find bins by the school entrance and front lobby throughout the day.
- All bins are marked by grade level
Let's come together to make a difference for our furry friends!
PS: The GRADE who DONATES most will receive a visit from Fidos for Freedom
For any questions, please contact Helping Hands at:
Thank you for your support!
From the PTSA
We are in need of several executive positions otherwise the PTSA will not be able to operate and a lot of the great initiatives at FQMS will not be possible. PLEASE, PLEASE consider serving!
PTSA President Opportunity | 2026–2027
Folly Quarter Middle School PTSA is seeking a passionate, organized leader to serve as PTSA President for the 2026–2027 school year! This is a rewarding opportunity to support our students, collaborate with school staff, and help shape engaging events and programs for the FQMS community. No experience required—just a willingness to lead, communicate, and make a difference.
If you are interested please email us at fqmspta.president@gmail.com
PTSA Treasurer position also available.
PTSA Vice President Opportunity 2026-2017
The FQMS PTSA is seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as a 2nd Vice-President for the 2026–2027 school year. This individual will act as an aide to the President and oversee committees. It is a great opportunity to become more involved in the school community.
PTSA Secretary | 2026–2027
The FQMS PTSA is seeking a detail-oriented and organized volunteer to serve as PTSA Secretary for the 2026–2027 school year. This role supports the board by taking meeting minutes, managing records, and helping keep communication clear and organized. A great way to stay involved and make a meaningful impact- no prior experience required.
Did you miss the FQMS 2025-2026 Yearbook Deadline?
You still have a chance to purchase a yearbook! We have a limited supply -- first come, first serve basis. Have your student bring in their check to the front office and their name will be put on a list, while supplies last. The check MUST be made payable to LIFETOUCH in the amount of $25 in order to secure the purchase.
From River Hill High School
River Hill Boosters Summer Camps
The River Hill High School Boosters are sponsoring summer camps at River Hill High School. The camps are designed to help young athletes improve their fundamental athletic skills. Weekly camps begin on June 8th. Over thirty different camps are offered this summer, including football, tennis, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, weight training, cross country, “Hawks” Sports camp, and dance. We also offer an Art camp, Paper Magic book camps, and Video Production camps. Camp schedule and registration can be found at www.riverhill.org.
River Hill Cross Country
If you are interested in running for the River Hill Cross Country team, please attend our virtual Incoming Freshmen / Parent Virtual Google meeting on Monday, June 8th at 7pm. During this virtual meeting you will meet the coaches, hear a little about our training, races, and learn about camps / training opportunities with the team over the summer.
Monday, June 8 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tsu-vndy-dur
From Glenelg High
Future Gladiator Families,
Looking for a meaningful and fun way to get involved at Glenelg High School? The Boosters are looking for 3 Concessions Managers to join our amazing volunteer team for the upcoming Fall and Spring seasons.
Good news:
✔️ No prior experience required
✔️ You will not be on your own
✔️ We will teach you everything you need to know
As a Concessions Manager, you’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive group responsible for helping run our concession stand, a staple of Friday night football games and a true necessity for our fall and spring “lite night” game days. It’s a role that makes a real difference for our students, athletes, and visiting teams.
What this role includes:
- Being part of a great team of volunteers
- Helping oversee concession stand operations during Fall and Spring seasons
- Supporting setup and smooth operations
- Working with fellow volunteers who care about the Glenelg community
Many past volunteers stepped into this role feeling unsure and left feeling energized, proud, and connected.
Please reach out to Michelle and Becky at ghs.concession.chair@gmail.com to let us know you are interested. Just send us a note and we will schedule a time to chat! We’re happy to answer questions or walk you through what the role looks like.
Thank you for helping make Glenelg such a special place. With this community, we know we can keep great things going.
Go Glads!
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