
FALCON FAMILY NEWS
2.18.25
FCPS Science & Social Studies Fair
Frederick County Public Schools is excited to announce the March 2025 Elementary and Secondary Science and Engineering Fairs, and the Elementary Social Studies Fair. This year, the Elementary and Secondary fairs will be held on two different dates but at the same location: Tuscarora High School 5312 Ballenger Creek Pike Frederick, MD 21703.
The Elementary (PreK-5) Science and Social Studies Fair takes place Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Registration for the Elementary Science and Social Studies Fair closes March 21, 2025. A STEM Showcase is open for visitors with interactive, hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Register for the Elementary Social Studies Fair: https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/ssfair
Register for the Elementary Science Fair: https://tinyurl.com/ElemSCIFair
Out of District Application
Parents or guardians who want their child to attend a school outside their assigned attendance area should review the 2025-26 Closed Schools List and Regulation 400-15, Out of District.
Pursuant to these regulations, the Out of District process is available for all applicants from February 1 - March 1 each year for the following school year. You can complete your request using the Out of District Request Form through March 1.
Please Note: Your Out of District Form MUST be signed, either electronically or printed, signed and scanned, prior to returning to outofdistrict@fcps.org. Please email applications in PDF Format ONLY, no photos/pictures. You can also send the application via fax to 240-586-8849 or via US mail to Department of Student Services, Orchard Grove Elementary School, 5898 Hannover Drive, Frederick, MD 21703.
Please contact MaryAnn Gomez for K-12 Out of District Enrollment only at 240-586-8817 or maryann.gomez@fcps.org if you have any questions.
Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) 5th Grade
NFES 5th graders will take the MISA in March. The schedule of testing dates and times are listed below:
- Tuesday, March 4th: 9:15-10:30
- Thursday, March 6th: 9:15-10:30
- Friday, March 7th: 9:15-10:30
- Monday, March 10th: 9:15-10:30
The MISA aligns with the Maryland Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS integrates three dimensions necessary to understand science: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. The grade 5 MISA assesses the Elementary Grade NGSS for grades 3, 4, and 5. For more information, click on the link below.
Important Dates
Friday, February 21st: Pajama Day
Friday, February 21st: Schools Dismiss 2 Hours Early; Midterm
Tuesday, Feb. 25th: PTA Play Auditions for The Little Mermaid (2nd-3rd grade)
Thursday, February 27th: Early Bird Deadline to order a Yearbook (see below)
Thursday, February 27th: PTA Play Auditions for The Little Mermaid (4th & 5th grade)
Friday, February 28th: School Spirit Day- Wear Falcon gear or red/white/black
Tuesday, March 4th: TJ Middle Orientation 5:30-6:30
Friday, March 7th: Superhero Day- Dress as your favorite superhero or real world hero
Friday, March 14th: Pi Day- Wear something related to math or science
- Friday, March 21st: Fit Friday
- Tuesday, March 25th: Maryland Day (Dress in MD colors-Black, Yellow, Red, White)
- Wednesday, March 26th: Class Pictures
Wednesday, March 26th: Family Engagement Night (more info to come soon)
Thursday, March 27th: 2 hour early dismissal & last day of quarter 3
Friday, March 28th: No school
Order Your Yearbook for the 24.25 School Year
Yearbooks are on sale now!
The yearbook is $16. Early Bird Deadline to order is February 27, 2025
The yearbook price will increase after February 27th.
Yearbooks must be ordered through the website.
NFES School Hours
Students will arrive between 7:50 AM-8:15 AM
Instruction starts at 8:20 AM (Students who arrive after 8:20 will be marked late.)
Dismissal will begin at 2:50 PM
Information Worth Repeating
Attendance Matters
North Frederick staff are so proud of our students and families who continue to work hard to establish school and home routines, and keep students engaged in school. Our goal is for 96% attendance each month. Congratulations to 3rd graders for coming very close to our goal during the month of January.
We’re thrilled to share that our elementary, middle, and high schools are joining forces for an exciting new initiative focused on tackling chronic absenteeism and harnessing the power of data-driven decision making. Our entire feeder pattern is ALL IN for this collaborative effort, working together to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed. Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out strategies designed to make a meaningful impact across all grade levels.
Chronically absent is defined as missing 10 percent or more of school days for the year. At the end of the 180 day school year, 18 absences is considered chronically absent. Wednesday, September 18th marks our 20th day of school. If your child has missed 2 or more days by September 18th, they are technically chronically absent. We understand that some illnesses prevent students from attending school. If your child has missed 2 or more days, there is plenty of time to turn their attendance around by coming to school each day on time.
Tracy Kibler, Principal Thomas Johnson High School
Josh Work, Principal Thomas Johnson Middle School
Tracy Poquette, Principal North Frederick Elementary School
IMPORTANT REMINDER - Car Rider Pickup
- Please wait until 2:30 to get in the car rider line. When families come early and start the line early, it means a backup on Motter Ave before we even begin dismissal. We really appreciate all the families that have helped with this. If you arrive prior to 2:30, please pull in one of our parking spots in the back of the parking lot.
- Please consider coming closer to 3:05-3:10 for pickup. The line is much shorter at this time and is moving quickly.
- If we do backup on Motter, please do not block any driveways!
We've been trying really hard to get the word out. We've talked to each family personally when they arrive early, we've had our school resource officer monitoring our lot and we have sent several School Messengers out to families. We really appreciate everyone who continues to follow our school policies and procedures. Please remember...if you see one car in line prior to 2:30, this doesn't mean you should be joining the line.
NFES Military Families
To better support our miitary families and ensure we are meeting your unique needs, we kindly ask you to complete the brief Google form below. Your input is invaluable in helping us provide tailored resources, programs and support systems for our military-connected students and families.
NEW! FCPS Volunteers- REQUIRED to chaperone field trips, volunteer in the classroom or for class parties
The first step of the process is to follow these detailed directions on how to create an account in Unified Talent and then how to complete the two required trainings. After you complete your trainings, you will receive an email with the next steps in the process. Please be aware that the process can take 48-72 hours and MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR to you volunteering for FCPS.
If you are a current FCPS Employee who is interested in volunteering, you must complete the Volunteer training listed under your Recommended Courses on your Unified Talent Home Page.
Visitors: Individuals attending school events (e.g., awards ceremonies, assemblies) do not need to register as volunteers. Visitors must:
Bring valid identification and complete a Raptor screening each time they enter a school building.
Volunteers: Volunteers are individuals who support and interact with students under staff supervision (e.g., assisting in classrooms, lunchrooms, class parties or chaperoning field trips). Volunteers must:
Complete two (2) required training modules through Unified Talent and register via the Volunteer Center.
The training modules must be completed before registering at the Volunteer Center.
Upon arrival, they must present valid identification and undergo a Raptor screening.
FCPS Staff as Volunteers: FCPS staff volunteering as parents/guardians or community members must:
Register as volunteers.
Complete the mandatory training modules in Unified Talent under "Volunteers in Schools."
Bring their valid identification and undergo a Raptor screening each time they volunteer.
NFES 23.24 PTA
President – Alicia Graves
Vice President –Lauren Herbster
Secretary – Amelia Saris
Treasurer – Ryan Trout
PTA Information
Upcoming Events:
🍕 Cugino Forno Fundraiser – Feb 19 (Dine-in or takeout to support NFES!)
🎭 Play Auditions for The Little Mermaid – Feb 25 (2nd-3rd grade) & Feb 27 (4th-5th grade)
📢 PTA Meeting – March 4, 5:30 PM (In-person & virtual)
🧪 Girl Scout STEM Days – March 4, 11, 18 (Free for K-5 girls!)
🎢 Hersheypark Tickets on Sale Now!
Cugino Forno Fundraiser – Feb 19!
Eat pizza, support our school! Dine-in or carryout at Cugino Forno from 11 AM – 9 PM, and 10% of sales will go to NFES PTA.
How to Participate: Tell them you’re there for NFES or put your receipt in the donation box at checkout.
Hersheypark Ticket Fundraiser – On Sale Now!
Get your discounted Hersheypark tickets through NFES PTA and support our school!
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Gate Price: $90.80 | NFES Price: $52
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Use anytime through Jan 4, 2026!
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Order deadline: April 11. Tickets arrive in May.
Lock in a great deal and create sweet memories with your family! 🍫
Girl Scouts Science Discovery Club – FREE for K-5 Girls!
Join us for hands-on STEM fun with the Girl Scouts Science Discovery Club!
Tuesdays: March 4, 11, 18 | 4-5 PM | NFES
✔ Free for all girls in grades K-5
✔ Join one or all sessions!
Return the form from the upcoming Thursday folder or register via this link.
📞 Questions? Contact Candice Shakur at 304-596-9948 or cshakur@gscnc.org.
Next PTA Meeting – March 4
Join us March 4 at 5:30 PM in the cafeteria (or virtually—link will be shared).
Haven’t joined the PTA yet? It’s not too late!
✔ FREE play participation for PTA members
✔ Teachers get $75 reimbursement
✔ Members can opt into the school directory
Thanks for supporting NFES PTA—we appreciate you!
STAY INFORMED
Communication is very important to your child’s success at school and we want to keep you informed of what is going on at North Frederick Elementary School. We do not want you to miss important information.
- FCPS School Messenger
- Twitter: @FCPS_Poquette
- PTA Facebook page: North Frederick Elementary School PTA
- North Frederick Elementary Website: https://edu.fcps.org/nfes/home
NORTH FREDERICK ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Angela Roland: Assistant Principal
Ms. Courtney Fike: Specialized Programs Coordinator
Mrs. Ericka Villatoro-Somarriba: Administrative Secretary
Mrs. Alex Brown: Front Office Secretary
Location: 1010 Fairview Avenue, Frederick, MD, USA
Phone: 227.203.1480