As we enjoy the summer sun and look forward to the start of a new school year, I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt greetings to each member of our incredible school community. This summer, our instructional leadership team has been hard at work reflecting on our past accomplishments, addressing concerns, and collaborating to lay the groundwork for a fantastic school year.

This year, we are proud to announce our theme: "Unidad y Diversidad: Every Voice Matters." This theme emphasizes our vision to create the conditions for all students to feel connected to Quince Orchard High School (QOHS) and to have the support they need to lead successful personal and professional lives. To support this vision, our focus at QO and throughout the entire QO cluster is to cultivate an anti-biased, anti-racist teaching and learning community.

We believe it is crucial for all students to find their voice and always be their authentic selves while being active members of the Quince Orchard community. Our students' individuality is what makes our school vibrant and strong. Whether an artist, scientist, writer, musician, athlete, or someone still searching for their passion, know that every student's unique contributions are recognized, celebrated, and cherished here.

Students, as you prepare to return to school on August 26th, remember that you have the power to shape your high school experience. Take risks, explore new interests, and connect with your peers. Embrace vulnerability and find strength in your authenticity. Your voice matters, and your unique contributions are what make our community thrive.

To ease the transition of either coming to Quince Orchard for the first time or a returning QO Cougar, I want to share what you can expect from us in terms of ongoing communication. We have heard, through anecdotal feedback from caregivers and through our student voice survey, that communication needs to be strategic and purposeful. Our goal is to tell the story of Quince Orchard through multiple venues and to regularly share important information with you and to hear your perspectives and feedback. We are committed to ongoing collaboration and fostering a relationship on behalf of our students.

To accomplish this goal, you can expect the following:

• A weekly newsletter published in SMORE which is a school newsletter creation and email marketing software tool that is interactive and provides translation options in multiple languages. The newsletter will be posted on our school’s “X” account, on the website, and sent via Remind.

• The first weekly school newsletter will be sent on Sunday, August 18, 2024 and will continue every week for the remainder of the year unless there is no school.

• All staff will utilize a process to respond to emails or messages within 24-48 hours. Please understand that our number one priority is our students and this requires us to be actively engaged with them as much as possible. We understand that students and caregivers often want a response immediately, however we ask for your patience as we navigate our work each day.

• All daily announcements will be posted to our school website (QOHS.ORG) and on Canvas.

• Daily updates will be made on the main page of the QOHS.ORG site with news, events, and important dates.

• Staff will utilize “Remind” to communicate with students and families in multiple languages.

• “X” (A social media platform) will be utilized to communicate messages and share news with our community. Many of our teams, clubs, departments, staff members, and caregiver organizations have their own “X” accounts so please contact them to access their specific handles. Please see several handles below to get you started:

• Beth Thomas @QOHSPrin_Thomas

• Quincy the Cougar @QuinceOrchardHS

• Quince Orchard Athletics @QOAthletics

• Quince Orchard Boosters @QOBoosters

• Student Government Association @QOHS_SGA

• QO Minority Scholars Program @MspQo

• QO Counseling @QOHSCounseling

This school year, we have five assistant principals who are supporting specific grade levels. Please make note of your grade level administrator. You can reach out to your grade level administrator in regards to any grade-level items and/or concerns.

• Ms. Elicia Eberhart-Bliss, 12th grade - Class of 2025 elicia_m_eberhart-bliss@mcpsmd.org

• Ms. Kirsten Jackson, 11th grade - Class of 2026 kirsten_n_jackson@mcpsmd.org

• Mr. Phillip Yarborough, 9th & 10th Grades - Class of 2027 & 2028

• Student Last Names A-I Phillip_A_Yarborough@mcpsmd.org

• Ms. Khadijah Ross, 9th & 10th Grades - Class of 2027 & 2028

• Student Last Names J-M and ELD Levels 1 & 2 Khadijah_A_Ross@mcpsmd.org

• Ms. Ashley Ashman, 9th & 10th Grades - Class of 2027 & 2028

• Student Last Names N-Z ashley_n_ashman@mcpsmd.org

The remainder of this newsletter includes information to help you prepare for the 2024-2025 school year. Please read the information under each category heading carefully because we have made a few updates to policies and procedures such as our attendance expectations, student school ID requirements, parking information, and lunch expectations. Additionally, it is important to review the added support we have for our students through our collaboration with Sheppard Pratt and Calmer Schools.

For the Class of 2028 and anyone new to QOHS, we invite you and your family to our annual QO New Family Welcome Cookout with light refreshments and a meeting on Tuesday, August 20th from 6:00-8:00 pm in the front of the main entrance. New Student Orientation will be on Thursday, August 22nd from 7:30-11:30 am. This event is for all new students to QOHS. Students who take a bus should follow their regular bus route to and from orientation.

Additionally, all students and staff will be required to wear and show their school ID. While we understand that students may not have their IDs in the first few weeks, they will receive one when they have their pictures taken on September 9th and 10th. Students will not be able to leave campus for lunch until they have an ID that they can show.

We are also revising our cell phone policy. Students will only be able to use their phones during transitions between classes and during lunch.

The information provided in this letter is our one consistent communication vehicle that reaches every home. We will continue to utilize a similar format to update you as we hear about any changes. We have made every effort to answer all the questions we are anticipating from you; however, if additional questions arise, please feel free to contact me via email: Elizabeth_L_Thomas@mcpsmd.org

In closing, I want to share that I am thrilled to begin my 7th year as the principal of Quince Orchard High School. I am energized and grateful for the unwavering support of our dynamic school community. Please know that we will continue to create the conditions needed for ALL students to experience excellence. At QO Unidad y Diversidad: Every Voice Matters and we can’t hide our Cougar Pride!

Thank you for all of your support. We wish you all the best during the remaining days of summer.

Make It a Great Day,

Elizabeth L. Thomas (Beth)

Principal

2024 FALL SPORTS REGISTRATION INFORMATION

MCPS and Quince Orchard High School are excited to announce that registration for Fall Sports will open on Monday, July 15th at 12pm! Below is information regarding the upcoming Fall Sports season, as well as the registration process. Additional information can be found on the MCPS Athletics website. (Note – tryouts for Fall sports will start on Wednesday, August 14th)

Registration Information

How to Register
Students must be registered by a parent through the MCPS ParentVue Portal. Students must be registered by Monday, August 12th in order to guarantee that their registration will be processed in time for the first day of tryouts.

Steps for Registering via ParentVue

1. Login to MCPS ParentVue Portal
2. Locate “Online Registration” in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
3. You should then see prompts to enter information for the “2024-2025 HS Athletics Registration – Fall”.
   If you see something for “Annual Verification” or “Resume Annual Registration”, please click the “Start Over” button, logout and log back in, this should then allow you to access the Athletic Registration.
4. The Athletics Registration screens will have you verify information in the system and then allow you to review and complete the Athletics Registration forms.
   If any of the information appearing on the “Family” or “Parent/Guardian” information screens is incorrect, please contact the our Registrar at Kristin_A_Barnes@mcpsmd.org to have this corrected before completing your registration.

ParentVue Troubleshooting Information
If a parent is having trouble logging into the MCPS ParentVue Portal:
(MCPS also has a guide to ParentVue for parents here).

• If you have never activated your parent account:
  Parents were sent activation information at the beginning of the school year, which included an Activation Key. If you still have this information, use it to activate your parent account. If you do not have the activation information, call the Main Office at Quince Orchard at 240-740-3600 during normal office hours.
• Forgot your password? Click on the Forgot Password link on the ParentVue Portal.
• Forgot the email address you used to activate your account? Email Quince Orchard Athletic Director Jeffrey_L_Rabberman@mcpsmd.org. Be sure to include the student name, ID and parent name in the email.

Pre-Participation Physicals
Students should complete their pre-participation physical (MCPS Form SR-8) so that the medical eligibility form (last two pages of SR-8) is ready for online submission or for submission to the coach prior to tryouts/practices. Physicals are valid for 13 months from the day of the physical. A partial list of Clinics that offer Sports Physicals within the Montgomery County area is available online. Physicals can be uploaded by the parent during the registration process. However, if a parent needs to submit a physical after the student has already been registered, email an electronic copy of the completed pre-participation physical (MCPS Form SR-8) to Quince Orchard Athletic Director Jeffrey_L_Rabberman@mcpsmd.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline for the start of fall sports?
Registration will open on Monday, July 15th. Tryouts/practices will begin on Wednesday, August 14th. Tryouts and preseason will continue for three weeks, with the first contests beginning on Thursday, September 5th.

If a student registered for All-School Conditioning, does the student have to register for the Fall season?
Yes! Registration or participation in off-season workouts does not mean the student is registered for the upcoming Spring season. Any student who would like to participate in this upcoming Fall Sports season must be registered by a parent using ParentVue as outlined above.

Is there a schedule of games or practices posted yet?
The practice schedule will likely be Mondays through Fridays with Saturday practices and games. The First Day Tryout schedule will be available by July 15th. Game schedules are posted on www.countysportszone.com and on our website.

Will there be tryouts, or are all students who register going to be on a roster?
This will depend on the sport and the number of student registrations. Tryout/practice information will be posted and communicated to students and parents, including whether there will be a tryout period to start the season. Similarly, information about where to report for tryouts and what the student needs to bring to tryouts will be communicated to parents and students at that time.

Can a student tryout for more than one sport in the same season?
Parents must declare only one sport per season during the registration process. However, if a student would like to change his/her sport prior to the start of tryouts, the parent must email Quince Orchard Athletic Director Jeffrey_L_Rabberman@mcpsmd.org in advance of tryouts. Similarly, if a student tries out for a sport and does not make the team (or decides to change sports after the tryout date), please have the parent email Quince Orchard Athletic Director Jeffrey_L_Rabberman@mcpsmd.org. The only exception to this is Girls Flag Football/

Will transportation be provided for tryouts and practices?
Unfortunately, transportation is not provided to and from tryouts and practices. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation for tryouts and practices. Additionally, students may not remain on campus for extended periods of time before or after tryouts and practices due to supervision policies.

How can I contact a coach if I have a question?
The Quince Orchard coaching staff, as well as contact information can be found on our Athletic Department Staff Directory page.

Go Cougars!

The Fall Season begins on Wednesday, August 14th! You will see the dates, times and locations of the 1st tryout below. Please contact your coach if you have any questions at the link HERE.

Here is the link to the times, dates and locations: https://qoathletics.com/2024/07/19/2024-fall-sports-first-tryout-day-times-and-locations/

The Fall Sports Parent Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 21st in the QO Auditorium. We have a new format this year. New parents and any other parents that would like to, should arrive at 6:30pm for the AD Presentation from Jeff Rabberman. The rest of the parents should arrive at 7pm. At that point, the AD will cover any new items for the season. You will also hear from our Athletic Trainer, Travis McComack and the QO Booster Club. At 7:15pm, we will dismiss to our individual team meetings. This will be a great time to meet the athletic department and coaches and get important information for the fall season.

Game schedules are posted on www.qocougars.com . Go to SEASON and then YOUR SPORT and click on SCHEDULE.

Being on time to school and class is important because we know that every minute spent learning is helping our students get one step closer to a goal. Learning from the first minute is important. Being on time signals that there is a shared commitment to our collective vision of excellence. Thus, we must collectively work together to welcome students and staff into the learning community.

MCPS Regulation JEA-RA, Student Attendance

Attendance

The high school diploma is issued by the State of Maryland, and high school attendance is governed by state regulatory law and reasons for lawful excused absences are limited at the high school level. The State of Maryland defines chronic absenteeism as the number of students who are absent 10% or more of school days. It is important to be aware that absences reported on both report cards and transcripts do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences.

• Students must attend all scheduled classes and must report directly to class when they arrive to school. First period begins at 7:45 am daily.

• Students requesting an early dismissal must turn in their note to the Attendance Office. Every student with an authorized early departure must sign out at the Attendance Office when leaving the building and sign in upon returning.

• A note from a parent/caregiver/guardian is required to excuse any absence. A physician’s note is required for any absence of five (5) or more days due to illness.

• Absences of fewer than five consecutive days, but which occur on a frequent basis such as one or two absences every week or two will require medical documentation so that the school may support both the wellness and the academic progress of the student.

• Unexcused Absences of greater than ten (10) consecutive days will result in withdrawal due to non-attendance.

• Notes regarding absences must be presented to the Attendance Office within three (3) days of returning to school.

• Students who anticipate being absent should bring a note to the attendance office 48 hours prior to the day of their absence, i.e. college visits, school related activities, religious observance, etc.

• Students who participate in sports and extracurricular activities must attend school all day on any day they participate in an event. Furthermore, participation in an athletic event is not a reason to be absent or tardy the following day.

Pass Process

1. Staff will implement a “No Pass the First/Last 10 minutes of the Period Rule”. Teachers will use their professional judgment if a student requires or needs a pass within these parameters.

2. All students must carry a hall pass to be outside of their assigned classroom.

3. Staff will not send more than one student from the room at a time to use the restroom.

4. Staff will utilize a pass process for all students to keep track of student time in class and to ensure we know where students are at all times. The following protocol will be used:

• Teachers will take attendance and record attendance in Synergy within the first ten minutes of class.
• Teachers will maintain a binder with sign out/in sheet.
• Students requesting a pass must sign out and back in on the pass sheet.
• At the end of the class period or school day, when resolving attendance, teachers will update student attendance given the following criteria:

How Attendance will be Recorded in Synergy:

If a student is______Attendance will be recorded as______:

• Present at the time the bell rings Present (Default in Synergy)
• Late for up to 50% of the scheduled class period Tardy (TE or TU)
• Absent for 50% or more of the scheduled class period Absent (AB)

Tardy Policy

The following process will be implemented when students are tardy to class:

• First tardy: the teacher verbally addresses the lateness with the student and documents in the Synergy contact log.

• Second tardy: contact with the student’s family/caregiver, documentation in the Synergy contact log, teacher issued consequence given per the MCPS Code of Conduct.

• Third tardy: contact with the student’s family/caregiver, documentation in the Synergy contact log, teacher issued consequence given per the MCPS Code of Conduct, message sent to administrator and counselor.

• Fourth tardy: referral submitted in Synergy to grade level administrator for issued consequence given per the MCPS Code of Conduct and family follow up.

Attendance Resources:

• Attendance Note Template
• Any messages regarding attendance should be emailed to our Attendance Secretary: Ms. Stephanie Bradley

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 29, 2024. This year's Back to School Night will bring a new and refreshing approach to meeting our staff and learning about our school district initiatives, as well as QO's focus for the school year. Details will be shared on our website and in our August 25th community newsletter.

Please check back for updated 2024-25 bus routes. As soon as they are released they will be posted here and on our school website.

Any questions about bus route schedules should be directed to the Clarksburg Bus Depot @ 240-740-4728.

It is important that students and families review the Ride by the Rules safety guidelines provided by the Department of Transportation (available in multiple languages).

Visit the MCPS Department of Transportation website for transportation news and the latest updates!

• 8/5 -8/9: Band Camp
• 8/14: First Day of Fall Sports
• 8/20: New Student & Family Cookout - 6 pm
• 8/21: Fall Sports Caregiver Meeting - 7 pm in the Auditorium
• 8/22: New Student Orientation - 7:30 am - 12 pm
• 8/26: First Day of School
• 8/26: Senior Breakfast & Storm
• 8/29: Senior Caregiver Meeting - 5:30 pm
• 8/29: Back to School Night - 6:30 pm

September

• 9/2: Labor Day - Schools & Offices Closed
• 9/3: Senior Sunrise 6 -7 am
• 9/3-9/5: QO Theatre Fall Production Auditions
• 9/9 & 9/10: Underclassman Portraits
• 9/11: 1st Booster Club Meeting - 7:00 pm in the Media Center
• 9/11 & 9/12: Clubs Fair (During Lunch)
• 9/15: First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month
• 9/17: 1st NAACP Parent Council Meeting - 6 pm in the Media Center
• 9/17: 1st PTSA Meeting - 7 pm in the Media Center
• 9/27: Early Release Day

October

• 10/1: LGBTQ+ History Month & School Principal Month
• 10/2: Building Service Worker Appreciation Day
• 10/2: Homecoming Class Hallways
• 10/3: Non-Instructional Day—No School For Students And Teachers
• 10/4: Marking Period 1 (MP1) Interims Distributed
• 10/5: Homecoming Dance - 8:00 pm
• 10/9: PSAT Day
• 10/15: NAACP-PC Meeting - 6 pm in the Media Center
• 10/15: PTSA Meeting - 7 pm in the Media Center
• 10/16: Booster Club Meeting - 7 pm in the Media Center
• 10/18: No School for Students - Professional Day for Staff
  
• 10/22: QO Cluster Fall Pyramid Concert - 6 pm in the Auditorium
• 10/23: QO Cluster Fall Pyramid Choral Concert - 6 pm in Auditorium

**11/3 Marks the end of the 1st quarter

Please visit www.qocougars.com for the fall Athletics Calendar!

Find the most up-to-date calendar information on myMCPS Classroom!

Quince Orchard High School is adopting an AWAY ALL DAY cell phone policy. Cell phones will only be allowed for use during lunch and transitions. Parents/Caregivers please ensure your students are aware of the new policy.

School Level Policy

Students may use their Cell Phone/ Personal Mobile Device (PMD):

• Before or after the student instructional day

• During the lunch block

• Between instructional spaces and during transition time between instructional spaces. (Not while using a pass during instructional time)

• Riding to or from school or school-sponsored activities on MCPS or chartered buses as long as use does not impact the safe operation of the bus and complies with MCPS regulations.

Students using a personal mobile device to access the Internet while attending an

MCPS-sponsored activity must follow the MCPS Responsible Use Guidelines.

Note: If a student uses a PMD to access the Internet on MCPS property, but is not on the MCPS network, the student remains obligated to comply with the requirements of this regulation. MCPS monitors and reserves the right to investigate all PMDs and PMD activity on the MCPS network.

To minimize distractions and enhance the learning environment, Quince Orchard High School requires all student cell phones to be away and off their person. Teachers will determine and communicate whether cell phones will be placed in student backpacks, provided holders, boxes, or teacher provided storage at the front of the room or instructional space during class time. Any form of listening devices will be stored. This policy will enable QOHS teachers to closely monitor and better eliminate opportunities for distraction by technology in the classroom and in the halls during instructional time.

Each student is financially responsible for damage caused or loss of any Chromebook and charger that is checked out to the student. The device is loaned to the student to be used for instructional purposes only. No cost is associated for a student to borrow, possess, or use an MCPS Chromebook. A family is only financially responsible when there is avoidable damage to the device. If the device is faulty, there is no charge to the family; however, if the damage is considered avoidable or the device or charger is lost, the family will be charged.

• August 13th, 14th, 15th: Freshmen & Students new to QOHS
• Pickup time 10:00 am - 2:00 pm in main lobby

Congratulations, Class of 2025! You’ve made it to your senior year of high school! Your class leadership team looks forward to supporting you on your 12th grade journey and beyond. We hope you’re all spending the summer recharging to be ready for an incredible final year. Your senior year will be filled with challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're excited for career planning, college applications, senior events, or just hanging out with friends, this last school year is all about making memories and setting the stage for your next big adventure. Please review the information provided below to begin your senior year successfully. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

1. To start the school year, your class leadership planned several special events and extends an invitation to every student in the Class of 2025 to join us in celebrating the beginning of your last chapter at QOHS:

• 8/26 - Senior Year Kickoff Breakfast @ 7 AM - outside QO main entrance
• 8/26 - Senior Storm @ 7:45 AM - outside of QO main entrance
• 9/3 - Senior Sunrise from 6 - 7 AM - Cougar Dome stadium area

2. This summer, take care of two tasks to make your senior year smoother: finish SSL hours and make your senior portrait appointment. Click here for summer SSL opportunities and click here to sign up for a senior portrait appointment.

3. Information about senior dues will be provided in the August newsletter once they are finalized.

If you have any questions or concerns about senior year information, please contact 12th Grade Administrator Ms. Eberhart-Bliss at elicia_m_eberhart-bliss@mcpsmd.org.

Who? Rising Seniors in the Class of 202

What? Senior portraits

When? 7/23, 8/14, 8/15, 10/9, 10/10, 10/11, 11/19, 11/20, 11/21, 12/9

Where? QOHS Media Center

How? Sign up using this link: https://seniors.legacystudios.com/quince-orchard-hs-gaithersburg-md/

For senior portrait information:

• Legacy Studios contact: Melissa Merlo

• (716) 512-6336 | extension: 108

• midatlantic@legacystudios.com

• QOHS contact: Yearbook advisor Rob Gifford

• robert_c_gifford@mcpsmd.org

Click here to view a Welcome Letter, in English & Spanish, from your 9th grade administrators:

• Ms. Ashley Ashman (Last Names N-Z) at ashley_n_ashman@mcpsmd.org

• Mrs. Khadijah Ross (Last Names J-M + EML Levels 1 & 2) at khadijah_a_ross@mcpsmd.org

• Mr. Philip Yarborough (Last Names A-I) at phillip_a_yarborough@mcpsmd.org

Join us for an evening of fun and meet our Admin Team along with some key stakeholders here at QOHS. There will be a new Parent/Caregiver and Student meeting in the auditorium from 6:45 - 7:45 pm, directly following the cookout. See you there!

Incoming 9th graders and students new to Quince Orchard High School, are invited to join us for our New Student Orientation on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Please note bus transportation will be provided and gives students the perfect opportunity to learn their new bus route. WELCOME to QOHS!

1. Counselors are actively working on finalizing all student schedules. They will be ready for all students on the first day of school. Once school begins, there will be NO schedule changes. If you would like to request a change in the courses originally requested, please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJ8zDy0hHkIUya-B-dVeUlPdDGeULN67D0UHXm8x6U6ILNvw/viewform

2.This year, students can no longer request an abbreviated schedule. If you are interested in having an internship or work based learning opportunity added to your schedule, please contact your School Counselor or Mr. Joe Lynch.

3. All students will be able to access their schedules on the first day of school.

The School Counseling team is excited to welcome our amazing students back for a successful school year. 2024-2025 Counseling Assignments are listed below. Also, please visit the QOHS Counseling webpage for more information and updates!

This year we are excited to offer our Student Handbook as a Google Site, to better meet the needs of all of our students. This digital student handbook contains many of the policies and procedures in place at Quince Orchard High School as well as valuable resources. Please encourage your student(s) to read the handbook carefully. We also encourage parents to become familiar with the information provided as well.

Some pages are still Under Construction, please note that updates may be made to the digital student handbook in real time throughout the school year.

At Quince Orchard High School we will be working very hard to provide our students with a rigorous and relevant educational program. We believe all students can achieve at high levels. There are several habits and behaviors that contribute to success in high school.

• Successful students attend classes on time.
• Successful students have good study skills and keep track of homework, projects and activities with an assignment book or digital calendar.
• Successful students ask for help when needed and persevere when things are tough.
• Successful students seek challenging courses and programs.
• Successful students get involved in positive activities, clubs, and sports, both in and out of school.
• Successful students work cooperatively with school staff and fellow classmates and follow school rules.

Check out these amazing resources from the MCPS Office of School Support and Well-Being, centered around wellness, being "All In" and staying connected!

https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/studentservices/

Bullying, harassment (including sexual misconduct and sexual harassment), intimidation, hazing, incidents of hate-bias, and concerning issues involving student gender identity are not tolerated in MCPS. We are committed to ensuring our students feel safe, valued, and respected in our schools. We appreciate your support in stressing with your students the importance of refraining from and/or tolerating such behaviors and reporting them immediately when they occur. Please use the following links for information on preventing bullying, harassment & intimidation or to report an incident.

• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation prevention
• Reporting Form

Student Emergency Information should be updated through ParentVUE. Each year parents/caregivers are required to complete the Annual Verification of Information through the Online Registration portal (black button in the right corner of your ParentVUE home screen). We highly recommend that you complete this as soon as possible. It is critically important that we have accurate parent contact information on file.

Here are links to the ParentVUE Support Guide and directions for completing the annual verification of information.

ANNUAL NOTICE FOR DIRECTORY INFORMATION AND STUDENT PRIVACY

If a parent does not wish to have his/her child’s name made available to military recruiters and/or does not wish to have their child’s directory information included in the student directory, they should complete the “Directory Information Withholding” portion of the ParentVUE annual verification of information online registration. You must also complete MCPS form 281-13 - Annual Notice for Directory Information and Student Privacy. If you do not want your school to release your directory information, complete the form and return this notice to your school by September 12, 2024. Please bring the forms to the main office.

Eden Whitman will be returning as our School Community Health Nurse, and we would like to welcome Brenda Hartwig as our new School Health Room Technician.

Health room staff will be available on and off during the summer. Please call the health room at (240) 740-3602 to see if someone is in the building. Forms may be submitted over the summer by:

a) Mail: Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20878

b) Drop off medications and forms to the health room beginning Tuesday, August 12, 2024.

Please Note: - Health room staff will NOT be monitoring health forms sent over the summer; forms will be reviewed when health staff return in August. For school-related health matters that require planning during the summer, please call School Health Services during normal weekday business hours at 240-777-1550.

1. Summer physicals & healthcare appointments:

Please plan to bring health forms that are applicable to appointments your child may have this summer:

Health Inventory Form, Medication Authorization Form, Anaphylaxis Medication Form, Asthma Action Plan/Medication Form, Dental Health Form

2. Medication requirements for 2024-23 School Year:

All medications at school require an authorization form to be completed by a healthcare provider and parent/guardian. This pertains to all prescription, over-the-counter and emergency medications kept in the health room or self-carried by students. Links to these forms are contained in section 1, above. Parents/guardians are requested to call the health room prior to dropping off medications and forms so we can arrange to meet you. Students are not allowed to carry over-the-counter medication at school.

If your student uses over-the-counter medications, including Tylenol and Advil/Motrin, a medication form must be filled out, and the form, along with an unopened, new bottle of the medication, must be brought to the health room to keep it there.

3. School Immunization Requirements for 2024-25 School Year:

All school requirements are listed in COMAR 10.06.04 and will be in effect at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Students who do not have the required vaccinations on the first day of school must demonstrate proof of vaccination, positive titer results, or proof of a vaccination appointment that is scheduled within 20 calendar days from the date the student is temporarily admitted or retained.

• Please note: Incoming Grade 9 and Grade 10 students need to have 2 doses of the varicella vaccine and provide documentation

• If your student does not have a personal physician, you can schedule an appointment for vaccines at Rocking Horse Road by calling the number listed below:

Rocking Horse Road Center

4910 Macon Rd

Rockville, MD 20852

(240) 740-4530

4. Asthma & Allergies:

Please complete and submit a Student Asthma Management Plan (SAMP) and Allergy Form if your child has asthma and/or allergies. For medications at school relating to Asthma and Allergy management, please refer to sections 1 and 2 above for forms and medication requirements.

If your child self-carries an inhaler or an epi-pen, the medication form still needs to be filled out by their healthcare provider and brought to the health room.

The health room looks forward to supporting QOHS students in the upcoming school year!

MCPS is excited to announce that Remind is the recommended family communication tool for all staff. With this application teachers have the ability to send messages to their assigned classes and individual students/parents as needed. Admin and office staff will have the ability to send messages to the entire school or specific groups. This is how QOHS will send out their weekly newsletter. Remind is a technology that is centered around text and email messaging with the ability for translation on both ends (e.g. parent and school staff). Remind also has call features similar to Google Voice.

Remind Parent Letters:

• English, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Amharic

Quick Guides:

• English, Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Amharic

Effective home/school communication is important to us at Quince Orchard High School. Our entire staff is available to help you with any questions or concerns. The main school number is 240-740-3600. A more complete list of staff email information is published in the student handbook and on our website. We ask that you give us at least 24 hours to respond to any requests or concerns. Please do not hesitate to call or make an appointment. Our website, www.qohs.org, is another excellent source of information regarding school events, important updates and all things QOHS. Please take time to become familiar with it.

It is extremely important that your information is up to date in Synergy (details on updating are below under "Student Emergency Information"). Synergy is our student information system that provides data to students through StudentVue and to parents through ParentVue. We strongly encourage all families to utilize and monitor ParentVue frequently.

• ParentVue is the parent portal to MCPS’s Synergy Student Information System that is available in seven languages on the web or mobile devices. It is a secure way to access information about attendance, classes, grades, report cards, online school enrollment, athletic registration, Synergy mail, a link to MyMCPSClassroom digital learning platform to see your child’s class materials, and much more.
• Access ParentVue here

As we open our doors and welcome students back on campus for the 2024-2025 school year, we are continuing our commitment to student well-being, safety and security to ensure that our students feel welcomed, supported and safe.

To support this commitment, all students will be required to carry and show their Quince Orchard High School student ID. For the first two weeks of school, students can utilize their ID from the 2023-2024 school year. Once student pictures have been taken on September 9th and 10th, they will be required to have a 2024-2025 ID. Students will need to have their student identification every day so Quince Orchard staff can ensure only students are accessing campus during the school day.

Key Points

Visibility:

Your ID must be worn around your neck and visible at all times. We will be providing a lanyard for all students during the first week of school.

Replacement:

If you lose your ID or it becomes damaged, you can get a new ID from the Quince Orchard security office for $5 .

Lunch and School Events:

Students must have their school ID in their possession to leave during open lunch, if permitted as an 11th or 12th grade student, AND to attend all school sponsored events (either at Quince Orchard or away)

Quince Orchard High School's lunch policy varies according to a student’s grade level:

• Students in Grades 9 and 10 must remain on QO property for lunch. They cannot leave QO property unless they are signed out by a parent/guardian/caregiver via the attendance office.

• Students in Grades 11 and 12 may leave QO property for lunch. They must have a student ID card that reflects their 11th and 12th-grade level status. If an 11th or 12th grader wants to leave campus during lunch, they MUST show their current year school ID card to school staff. No exceptions.

All students must follow lunch procedures as outlined below:

1. Students have the option to purchase lunch in our cafeteria or bring food from home.

2. Students may sit in the following areas to enjoy their lunch:

• Cafeteria
• On the designated side of most hallways
• In a classroom with a staff member, if given permission and supervised
• Outside near the main entrance, tennis courts, basketball courts, or backfield area

Students may NOT eat in their cars, auditorium, gymnasiums, the Cougar Dome, or stairwells.

3. Students are reminded that when they leave campus and enter the surrounding community, they must follow the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. Open lunch is a privilege. Permission to leave campus during lunch can be revoked.

4. For 11th or 12th graders allowed to leave campus for open lunch, students must:

• show their current year school ID card to check out with staff at the designated exit

• Students may ONLY exit campus at the bus loop/QO library exit along Quince Orchard Rd.

• not leave campus or attempt to leave campus anywhere except the designated exit

• not access vehicles and/or leave campus in a vehicle without staff authorization

• Students with abbreviated schedules must show staff their schedule to leave campus in a vehicle

• Students who have been signed out in the attendance office must show documentation to staff to leave in a vehicle

• return to the building and arrive to class on time

• use the crosswalk and sidewalks only

• follow staff directions when crossing the street

• behave courteously and respectfully to staff, to other students, to the public, and to the business locations in our community

5. Students who attempt to use another person's ID card for open lunch privilege will result in the revocation for both students and/or other consequences as determined by the MCPS Code of Conduct.

6. Visitors are not allowed in the lunchroom or other areas throughout the school without permission. All visitors must sign in at the welcome center and wear an issued visitor badge sticker.

7. Students are not allowed to have off-campus food delivered to the school. Any food delivered will be kept by the welcome center and available for pick up at the end of the school day.

The full lunch policy is linked here and is available in the student handbook. Each family should thoroughly review and become familiar with the lunch procedures and policies.

The 2024-25 ONLINE FARMS (Free and Reduced Meals) Application is AVAILABLE NOW!

Apply online at MySchoolApps.com (translations available) TODAY! Families are required to submit this form each year.

• Click here for an English video tutorial.
• Vea aquí un vídeo paso a paso en español sobre cómo completar la solicitud de FARMS.

If you need assistance completing the online FARMS application, please contact your student’s counselor.

• Breakfast: Regular Price (All Levels): $1.30; Reduced Price (All Levels): No Cost
• Lunch: Regular Price: $2.55 (Elementary), $2.80 (Middle and High)
• Students in Maryland who qualify for reduced-price meals will not be charged for meals!

For more information & school menus visit:

Division of Food & Nutrition Services - Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)

MySchoolBucks instructions:

English | español | 中文 | français | tiếng Việt | 한국어 | አማርኛ

• MySchoolBucks is an optional service for parents to view recent purchases and make prepayments to a student's school meals account for breakfast, lunch, and à-la-carte meals online, using a credit or debit card.
• Parents can manage their child's school meal payments by creating a secure online account.
• Payments to student accounts through MySchoolBucks is an option and not a requirement.
• Please note that there is $2.49 transaction fee charged for each credit/debit card payment made with MySchoolBucks. Funds can continue to be added to student meal accounts at no charge by bringing cash or checks directly to school cafeteria managers.

How to Enroll in MySchoolBucks

• Go to www.myschoolbucks.com and click on "Sign up today!"
• Create an account for yourself, and add your children. You will need the student’s name (exactly as it appears on their report card), school, grade, birth date, and six-digit student ID number.
• (OPTIONAL) Provide credit or debit card information, if you would like to make prepayments to your child's cafeteria account.
• Select a Meal Payment Option to make a prepayment, or select your child's name to view recent cafeteria purchases.

Check Acceptance

• You may give checks to the cafeteria manager or cashier. Prepayments help serving lines run smoothly.
• Write the student’s name and ID number on the front of the check and make it payable to the school cafeteria.
  
• Checks used to pay for school meals must contain an address, phone number, and student ID number.
• We cannot accept post-dated checks
• Returned checks are subject to recovery for the face value and a fee of $25, through an electronic debit or paper draft to the same account.
• Your payment by check constitutes your acceptance of these terms. If you have questions concerning our check acceptance policy, please call CHECKredi at 1-800-239-1222.

Students requesting space in the Quince Orchard High School parking lot must apply for a permit. This permit is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked for failure to adhere to school policies not limited to those shown below. YOU ARE NOT GUARANTEED A PERMIT! Permits are assigned on a semester basis.

All applications will be evaluated based on the following:

• classified as a 12th grader or 11th grader by MCPS criteria
• abbreviated schedules
• participation in-school supervised activities when activity buses are not available
• attendance at other schools requiring private transportation
• residing outside school or bus transportation boundaries
• unusual or imperative need
• satisfactory attendance, behavior, and academic records
• absence of financial obligations, including balances remaining on payment plans
• clear of any obligations

Students, upon satisfying the above criteria, may submit this Google form to apply for a permit. Applications will be accepted from Friday, July 26th to Wednesday, September 4th. We will send an email to your mcpsmd.net email account letting you know the status of your application by Wednesday, September 11th. If you receive a permit, you will have to pay $39.00 for your spot on SCO. The link to pay for your permit on OSP will be included in that email. To get your permit tag, you will bring proof of payment with you to Mr. Rabberman's Office (Room 255) during lunch from Thursday, September 12th through Tuesday, September 17th.

Students will be able to start parking in their spots when they receive their permit tag. Students without a parking permit will not be able to park on campus.

If you are issued a permit you will be asked to review and sign a student parking contract that includes language regarding the following rules and regulations:

Students can park in any white-lined parking spot in the upper QO parking lot with their registered vehicle. Students without a parking permit are not permitted to park a vehicle on campus. Consequences for parking on QO property without a permit will occur.

Parking permits must be displayed in the vehicle on the rear-view mirror with the number facing out. Permits are non-transferable and will be revoked if used by vehicles other than the registered student.

Permit holders are expected to follow the following regulations, which will be strictly enforced (please note QOHS cannot revoke any ticket issued by the Montgomery County Police for parking or traffic violations). Activities listed below are prohibited. Violations will result in temporary or permanent loss of the parking permit, as well as potential consequences as outlined in the MCPS Student Code of Conduct:

1. Exceeding reasonable speeds or otherwise driving recklessly.

2. Leaving school grounds without permission and not signing out/in with the attendance office.

3. Unauthorized transporting of other students off school grounds during the school day.

4. Parking in spaces designated for staff, visitors, marked as reserved, or the bus lane.

5. Parking a vehicle without a current parking tag properly displayed.

6. Accessing a parked vehicle without permission from an administrator.

7. Parking in a designated handicapped parking spot without an official handicap permit.

8. Littering.

9. Parking anywhere on school grounds not designated as a student parking space.

10. Violations of the school discipline policy.

Our PTSA, NAACP-PC, and Boosters Organizations are key to our success. Our amazing organizations are offering a joint membership option that allows for a 20% discount. Membership forms can be found below or at qohsboosters.com and at https://qohsptsa.memberhub.com/store. I urge you to support these worthy organizations which do so much to support our school and help us provide the best education possible to our students. You will find your involvement with one of our parent groups will help increase your student’s sense of belonging and pride in Quince Orchard High School, as well as bring families together! Check out the links below to get familiar with our volunteers and see how you can get involved:

Welcome Letters & Organizational Info:

• Boosters President Letter
• NAACP Parent Council Welcome Letter

• Why Join the PTSA?

Membership & Sponsor Information:

• Booster Club Sponsorship Letter
• Booster Club Sponsorship Form
• Booster Membership Webpage
• PTSA Membership Hub

Dear amazing QO Community,

The QO PTSA is looking forward to another great year! The more great people we have on the PTSA, the more we can do! Below is a summary of some of the speakers we had at the PTSA meetings who all provided very valuable advice for parents and students!

Presentations held last year included:

• Montgomery County training about the risks/dangers of opioids and FREE lifesaving Narcan provided to all attendees
• Calmer Schools presented about Stress vs Anxiety and how to help
• Kentlands Psychotherapy presented about their counseling services and testing for ADHD, anxiety, etc. and admission testing coaching
• Media Specialist Antoinette Silvera presented advise for staying safe on-line
• Prom/graduation safety advice presented by Shulman Rogers Law Firm
• International travel opportunities
• Stand Out College Prep spoke about college scholarships
• Suicide Prevention was presented by QO’s in house School Psychologist
• Everest presented guidelines on the College Application process and differences between the ACT and SAT.

Future speakers:

• All of the above PLUS new speakers who have reached out:
• In house QO College and Career Information Counselor, Lisa Romero – free guidance with the college application process
• Work based learning team - internships and apprenticeships
• Gregs Driving school – Driving safety tips for your teen
• MoCo Career Advising Coaching services

Please reach out if you are interested in helping in any way possible! We really need someone ASAP to manage membership which is easily done online 😊.

Show your Cougar Pride and volunteer for the PTSA!

Open positions and volunteer opportunities include:

• President OPEN
• Vice President OPEN

Kelly Couts - Treasurer

Kristin Johnston – Secretary

Communications Chair – Rabiah George

• Staff Appreciation - OPEN
• Membership Chair – OPEN - URGENT

NAACP Coordinators - Nichelle Cathlin and Michelle Woodfork

Senior Night Coordinators - Jayme Holstein and Beth Gelfman

• MCCPTA Delegate- OPEN

QO Cluster Coordinator – Stephanie Fitz; Tiffanee Neighbors

Fundraising Chair – Sue, Kelly, Kristin (acting)

It’s easy to get involved.

1. Join the PTSA (https://qohsptsa.memberhub.com/store)

2. Show up to a meeting (Meetings are typically the third Tuesday of every month)

3. Contact the PTSA team (Email: qohsptsa@gmail.com)

Our regular school day is 7:45 am - 2:30 pm, with 7 instructional periods and a period for lunch. We are going to continue with our Cougars Connect advisory period schedule every Friday. Information is provided below regarding our modified block schedule for August 26th and 27th and our daily schedule for the first week of school.

School Bell Schedule for the First Two Days

Quince Orchard High School will dedicate time during the first two days of school to allow students to build relationships, and create shared agreements, in addition to introducing course content at the start of the school year. Please see the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) approved schedule for the first two days of school.

There are three areas available for student drop-off in the morning at Quince Orchard High School. Two of these are in the upper parking lot and one is in the lower parking lot. All of our options are outlined below and highlighted in the maps. Please use ONLY one of these designated areas to drop-off your students in the morning. These areas have been designated as drop-off areas to allow for the safety of students, staff, and drivers while continuing a steady flow of traffic. NO drop-offs vehicles will be exiting onto Quince Orchard Road from the Upper lot.

Upper Parking Lot Option #1 (RED Option) – Entering campus from Darnestown Road (Rte. 28)

• Enter at the top of the parking lot near the Tennis Courts

• Continue straight towards the school (following the Tennis Courts)

• Drop-off your student at the corner of the school

• Turn LEFT and turn LEFT to return to Darnestown Road (left or right turn allowed at the light).

Upper Parking Lot Option #2 (YELLOW Option) – Entering campus from Quince Orchard Road (Rte. 124)

• Entering between the small staff lot and the main staff/student lot

• Make an immediate left into the small upper lot, looping around the front of the school.

• Drop-off your student along sidewalk closest to the bus parking lot and in front of the auditorium

• Cross into the larger lot and proceed towards Darnestown Road (left or right turn allowed at the light).

• Be aware of students crossing from the sidewalks to the school and buses trying to exit the bus loop

• Continue down the hill, stopping at the stop sign

• 1-2 cars can continue past the stop sign.

• Drop-Off your student at the sidewalk along the stop sign.

• Turn LEFT at the NEW loop BEFORE the first row of staff parking in the parking lot.

• Continue to the end of that row and turn LEFT.

• After stopping at the stop sign, turn RIGHT to drive up the hill.

• Stop at the stop sign at the top of the hill and then proceed to the next stop sign which brings you back to Quince Orchard Road (left or right turn allowed at the light).

Summer is a wonderful time for students to engage in SSL opportunities and earn SSL hours towards meeting the 75-hour state graduation requirement!

• Summer Student Service Learning (https://bit.ly/2024SummerSSL)
• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_04zdWdg8NixCt5X3oJsAcy2JBYyTErtCSSuux15W24/edit
  

If you have any questions about the SSL program, please email our school’s SSL coordinator (kelly_p_miller@mcpsmd.org), anytime after August 19, 2024. If you have any questions about the SSL program during the summer, please email the MCPS SSL office at SSL@mcpsmd.org. Thank you!

In order to receive accommodations on these tests, a student must request the accommodations by submitting a Student Eligibility Form. The form must be completed by both parents and school officials and then mailed to the College Board at least seven weeks in advance of the student taking the first test.

Please review the criteria established by the College Board for requesting testing accommodations:

https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/request-accommodations/request

Please follow the link below to identify the process for submitting a request for ACT Test Accommodations and English Learner Supports:

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html

**Please note that students who have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan are not guaranteed that College Board or ACT will provide accommodations. The College Board requires current neuropsychological testing (within the past three years) which documents the specific need for each requested accommodation.

All IEP students should work with Ms. Samantha Carter to complete the accommodation request(s) and students with a 504 Plan should work with Ms. Rossini or Ms. Jessica Conter.

This years AP coordinator is Mr. Chris Campbell. Please e-mail him with any questions regarding AP testing.

Please contact Ms. Jessica Conter, Resource Counselor in the Counseling Office (240-740-3620) if you have any further questions about this process.

Stay connected throughout the school year with these important links:

• QOHS Website

• Traditional School Year Calendar 2024-25

• QOHS Bell Schedules

• QOHS 2024-25 Student Handbook

Quince Orchard High School Principal

Email: Elizabeth_L_Thomas@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/qohs/
Location: 15800 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
Phone: 240-740-3600
Twitter: @QOHSPrin_Thomas