Roadrunner's Digest
Mrs. Rivas-Smith's Newsletter for the Farquhar Community
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Message from the Principal
I hope everyone is enjoying a restful weekend. I wanted to take a moment to address the challenges we faced last week regarding student safety. As the acting principal of Farquhar MS, it is my utmost priority to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community members.
Last week presented us with some unexpected situations that required quick thinking, collaboration, and diligence from everyone involved. I am proud to say that our staff members, students, and caregivers worked together seamlessly to address these challenges and ensure that we operated with as much information and preparedness as possible. I am grateful for the unwavering support and cooperation we received from our community during these trying times.
How you can help:
Early collaboration to intervene and guide students through conflict-resolution decreases the likelihood that it will escalate into a safety concern. Most conflicts escalate virtually online or on cell phones, not in person at school. Please continue to monitor your child's text messages and social media accounts, including those that might be hidden, and let us know if you have a concern. Digital Citizen Academy posted an informative article for parents about the Finsta (fake instagram) trend if you'd like more information.
I encourage open communication and collaboration as we work together to address any concerns and strengthen our school community. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our administrative team.
Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to the well-being of our students, and have an excellent week!
In this week's newsletter you will find:
- This week's schedules
- This week's Roadrunner Shout Outs
- TIMELY: Family Survey is Closing Soon!
- THIS WEEK: Community Wellness Fair March 12
- NEW: NJHS Clothing Drive
- LFI/SCB Shout out!
- NEW: Boys and Girls Soccer Tryouts this week
- NEW: 8th Grade Hershey Park materials due April 15
- NEW: Steel City Codes Spring Classes
- MCPS System Messages
PTA Corner Updates
- PTA Fundraiser at Chipotle March 11
- Order FMS Swag by March 18
- Pie Day at FMS
- Parent Support for the IXL Initiative
Need to get back to an previous edition of the Digest? Find them in the archive on our school's website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/farquharms/.
Main Bell Schedule: March 11-15
We will be re-scheduling last week's Open ROCK this week on a sunny day!
After School Activities March 11-15
REMINDER: A note about transportation during after school activities...
Clubs end at 4:15 and students must be picked up no later than 4:30. Students should take the activity bus if they cannot be picked up by 4:30, as the main office closes at this time.
This Week's Roadrunner Shout Outs!
Thank you to the following Roadrunners who have made a positive impact on our learning community!
- Ms. Belton & Mr. Green
- Ms. Angela Williams
- Ms. Pontes
- Angelica Smith
- Layla Mayberry
- Elise Madden
- Daniel Mesfin
- Oluwatunnise Oguuusyni
- Tara Yadav
- Kenzie Henera
- Tsion Getachew
- Ruth Aseget
- Ms. Affinito
- Sofia Gailbreath
- Dayana Hernandez Rodriguez
- Morgan Smith and Molly Bowers
- Building ServiceTeam
- Laila Maddon
- Amani Ottiende
- Alice Vo
- Lisa McDonough
- Michelle Moton
Would you like to recognize a student, community member, or staff member?
TIMELY: Family Survey Closing Soon!
At Farquhar, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of your perspective. Your family's input is crucial in shaping the future of our school community, and we invite you to participate in our Family Survey.
This survey aims to gather valuable insights into your experiences and opinions regarding various aspects of our school district. Your honest feedback will help us understand what's working well and identify areas where we can improve to create a more supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.
Participating in this survey is easy, and it will only take a few minutes of your time. Your responses are completely confidential, and the information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of enhancing our educational programs and services. The survey closes March 15, 2024.
To access the survey, please click on the link provided below:
https://parentsurvey.mcpsmd.org/
We appreciate your commitment to our school community and value the unique perspectives each family brings. Together, we can continue to build a positive and thriving educational environment.
First Annual FMS Community Wellness Fair
We will be joined by Joe and Gabrielle Fontana, members of the Mia Fontana Foundation (MFF), for a free special screening of the short film "LIKE," followed by a discussion with Rachel Singer, founder of “The Mindful Heart at Olney,” MD. “LIKE” tells the true story behind social media platforms: you and each of us are the product. Analyze why we find social media so irresistible and examine who controls who. It also lets us know the positive aspects of social media. How to have a balanced perspective when navigating social media platforms; This is an essential factor for all parents and teachers who are in charge of raising and educating this generation.
Your contact information is required by MFF due to the conditions of your film license; however, it will not be shared. The "Pacha Mama juice truck will have a variety of juices and 100 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables provided by “Hungry Harvest” for sale. We hope you can join us at the FMS “1st Annual Community Wellness Fair” sponsored by the PTA National Healthy Minds Grant at:
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Farquhar MS
17017 Batchellors Forest Rd. Olney, MD 20832
En Español...
Únase a nosotros para nuestra “Primera Feria Anual de Bienestar Comunitario” la misma se llevará a cabo el martes 12 de marzo, 2024 en la Escuela Secundaria William Farquhar de 5:30 a 7:00 p.m.
Tendremos actividades y recursos atractivos enfocados en el apoyo del bienestar mental y físico de nuestros niños. Habrá información de programas sobre el bienestar físico, presentaciones de salud mental y socios comunitarios con mesas de recursos de bienestar. ¡Por favor, venga, participe y traiga a su familia!
Nos acompañarán Joe y Gabrielle Fontana, miembros de la Fundación Mia Fontana (MFF), para una proyección especial gratuita del cortometraje "LIKE", seguida de una discusión con Rachel Singer, fundadora de “The Mindful Heart en Olney”, MD. “LIKE”, se cuenta la verdadera historia detrás de las plataformas de redes sociales: tú y cada uno de nosotros somos el producto. Analiza por qué las redes sociales nos parecen tan irresistibles y examina quién controla a quién. También nos deja saber los aspectos positivos de las redes sociales. Como tener una perspectiva equilibrada en la navegación por las plataformas de redes sociales; este es un factor esencial para todos los padres y maestros que tienen a cargo la crianza y educación a esta generación.
Su información de contacto es requerida por MFF debido a las condiciones de su licencia de la película; sin embargo, la misma no será compartida. El camión de jugo tendrá a la venta una variedad de jugos y 100 cajas de frutas y verduras frescas proporcionadas por “Hungry Harvest”.
Esperamos que pueda participar con nosotros en la “1ª Feria Anual de Bienestar Comunitario” de FMS patrocinada por la Subvención Nacional de Mentes Saludables del PTA en:
Martes, 12 de marzo 2024
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Escuela William Farquhar
17017 Batchellors Forest Rd. Olney, MD 20832
FMS NJHS Clothing Drive April 2-19
The FMS National Junior Honor Society students are holding their annual clothing drive challenge from April 2 through April 19! Donate gently used clothing and shoes to collection boxes in each advisory classroom. The class who collects the most donations wins an ice cream party! This is a time of great need in our community. Do your part to help!
LFI & SCB Shout Out!
Our Learning for Independence (LFI) and School-Community Based (SCB) programs enjoyed an awesome field trip to Glenstone Museum on Wednesday! They enjoyed seeing all of the art and the beautiful sculpture garden!
NEW: Boys and Girls Soccer Tryouts this week
Soccer tryouts for Boy's and Girl's will start on Tuesday March 12th and run through Thursday March 14th. Please bring cleats and shin guards. Tryouts will take place outside on our main field from 3:15 - 4:15. Students can take the activity bus home or be picked up by a parent by 4:30. Best of luck roadrunners!
NEW: 8th grade Hershey Park materials due April 15
NEW: Steel City Codes Spring Classes
Steel City Codes, a nonprofit organization dedicated towards STEM education, is offering cost-free after-school classes for students in 4th - 8th grade in the DC metropolitan area through which high school volunteers will be teaching computer science to students. As of now, the classes will be held online via Google Meet, and will start after Spring Break. Specific dates will be announced in the following weeks.
Students will learn throughout the year using our specially-designed curriculum and will complete a fun final project at the end of the unit! Different levels are offered for a variety of ages, for grades 4 through 8. Classes include Intro to Python, Intermediate Python, Intro to Java, and Intermediate Java. We will host Web Development if there is enough interest.
If you're interested in registering your child, please fill out this registration form:
https://forms.gle/qzfK2NfiuSnkozCz8
We will send out more information to those interested in the coming weeks.
For more information, feel free to check out our website at https://www.steelcitycodes.org/chapters. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at washingtondc@steelcitycodes.org.
MCPS System Messages
- The 2024-2025 Change of School Assignment (COSA) transfer season is now open. The COSA process allows families to submit a request for their children to transfer out of their assigned home school. All COSA request applications must be submitted no later than Tuesday, April 2. Read full details. A special reminder to our current 8th graders on a COSA: All rising freshman must apply for a COSA to continue their feeder pattern.
Next Pregúntale a MCPS on the Community Engagement Officer Program
Be sure to tune in at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, for the next “Pregúntale a MCPS” on the Community Engagement Officer program. This interactive session will be in Spanish and hosted live on the MCPS en Español Facebook page. Tune in to learn about how officers support schools and bring any questions you may have about the program.
PTA Corner
PTA Fundraiser @ Chipotle March 11
PTA Fundraiser: Monday March 11th, 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Chipotle 3333 Olney Sandy Springs Rd, Olney, MD 20832. The battle of the classes continues!
CLICK HERE to access your fundraiser flyers.
Please participate as we need at least $150 in sales to receive a donation. All funds go directly towards supporting your students, staff and academic departments at FMS.
Order FMS Swag by 3/18!
Sales raise money for the FMS PTA and are a great way to show off your school pride.
The store will be open February 14 and closes at midnight on Monday March 18th, 2024!
Here is the link and happy shopping:
https://farquharmiddle2024.itemorder.com/shop/home/
PTA provides funding for student programs from this and other fundraising events.
We thank you for your support!
Pi(e) Day @ FMS
Any Way You Slice It, FMS Has the BEST Teachers and Staff! Happy Pi(e) Day! Join the FMS PTA in treating the amazing FMS staff by donating a pie for Pi Day. Pies can be homemade or store bought. To donate, please sign up and drop off the pies in the front office on March 13 from 7:45am-3:00pm. The staff will enjoy pies with their lunches the following day. Please indicate what type of pie you will be bringing in the comment section so we don't have too many duplicates. We thank you for your support!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090949ACAC2CA57-47572584-anyway
March 11 at Chipotle in Olney. The battle of the classes continues!
Parent Support for the IXL Initiative
At FMS, teachers utilize the IXL learning platform to provide students with practice opportunities in math and literacy that is tailored to their needs and meets them at their level. FMS has instituted an incentive program that is very popular with students. The students look forward to trading in their earned tickets for fun merchandise. As we begin the new year, the school is planning to restock the store and could use our help. Please consider purchasing incentive supplies for the IXL store through the Amazon Wish List: Amazon.com
Contact Mrs. Rivas-Smith
Email: Angelica_L_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Phone: 240-740-1200
Twitter: @farquharms