Good evening Quince Orchard High School Family,

I want to take this opportunity to share a few thoughts about a very important topic that plays an enormous role in the success of our students. Socio-emotional well-being is a critical element in the growth and development of students during all phases of their lives.

In an effort to support and nurture students' socio-emotional well-being, QOHS has several resources.

• The primary resource is a highly trained and dedicated counseling department. Our counselors are actively involved with the education and emotional development of our student throughout their tenure at QOHS.

• We are very fortunate to have a student well-being team. This team meets on a weekly basis to discuss students recommended by staff as a result of identified issues or concerns with individual students.

• We have a full-time social worker, Ms. Mayra Fernandez, who meets directly with individual students referred by staff. Follow the links provided to read more on MCPS social workers, available in English & Spanish.

• We also have a school psychologist, Mrs. Abigail Hernandez, who is assigned to QOHS to work with teams to identify social-emotional needs and create procedures to effectively support meeting student’s needs.

• Quince Orchard High School is in year 2 of its partnership with Calmer Schools to provide professional learning to support the well-being of staff and students. Through this partnership, QOHS staff has the opportunity to engage in professional learning around the following topics: Trauma Informed Care & Healing, Reducing Office Referrals, Supporting Multilingual Learners, Restorative Practices and Healing Circles, and Supporting students with ADHD. The purpose is to support staff with trauma-informed care for themselves which ultimately they would use similar strategies to support our students. This includes an on-site trainer for staff and our leadership team. This enables us to train staff on an ongoing basis throughout the school year. This partnership is coordinated by Assistant Principal, Mr. Phillip Yarborough.

These programs and initiatives are a part of our efforts to effectively meet the needs of all students and staff in the area of socio-emotional well-being.

During the January 21st PTSA meeting, Mr. Yarborough will provide parents with a more complete and detailed overview of our school-wide programs supporting the social-emotional well-being of students. As caregivers, you are invited to be a part of this effort to provide our students with a caring and supportive learning environment. Your active participation in this partnership is encouraged and welcome.

Please note some of the following activities and schedule changes this week:

• Monday - Rescheduled Staff Meeting

• WIDA Testing (Mon., Tues. & Friday) - See Schedule Below

• Wednesday: 11/12 Grade Town Hall Assembly - See Schedule Below

• Booster Club Meeting (Wed. 7 pm in the Media Center)

• Thursday: Seal of Biliteracy Testing

• Looking Ahead:

• No School Monday 1/20/25 in honor of MLK Day

• Last day of MP2 is Tuesday 1/28/25

Sincerely,

Dr. Lee Evans

Interim Principal

Please make note of the new email for the attendance office: QOHSAttendance@mcpsmd.org.

Please use this email going forward to send any communications regarding student attendance and/or absences.

Please join the QO Minority Scholars Program at Chipotle on Tuesday, January 14, to support our fundraising efforts for educational programming. If you have any questions, feel free to email Ms. Justilien at rosie_justilien@mcpsmd.org.

If you are going to be a junior or senior next school year, you are eligible to be a candidate for Student Member of the Board (SMOB) Please see Ms. Brown in room 138 if you are interested in being a candidate. SMOB candidate nomination filing closes on January 23, 2025 at 5 pm. The SMOB Nominating Convention will be at Watkins Mill High School on February 19, 2025 to select the two finalists.

A copy of the nomination form can be found below for you to review nomination protocols, rules and expectations.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kMp8gQZr5IHZsghZAD0ZVRXz-F6esHz8/view?usp=sharing

On Friday, December 13, students received information and directions for selecting their academic courses for the 2025-2026 school year. Students and families are encouraged to review the linked documents below. Throughout the first weeks of January, students will begin to individually meet with their counselor to finalize their course selections for the 2025-2026 school year. Click this link to view the Student Registration Assistance Document (also available in Spanish): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IkIvnDaE2iZWg-dMowpNFM-CQ5aaLY_RfLtVhPeUhzQ/edit?tab=t.0

Below you will find many important links to help students and caregivers select courses for the 2025-2026 school year. The first document has a checklist of items to complete with links to assist and provide detailed information. Students and caregivers are encouraged to reach out to the Resource Teacher within each department with specific questions and/or the student's counselor.

• Student Registration Assistance Document
• Canva Presentation for Students on how to Register
• AP Signature Presentation
• AP Signature Program Informational Video
• Google Slides Presentation for Caregivers, current students grades 9 - 11 from Dec. 12th Meeting
• Video Recording of the Dec. 12th Presentation
• We will have a Caregiver meeting for incoming 9th grade students on Wed., Jan. 22nd - slides to follow
• Graduation Requirements / Requisitos de Graduación
• 4-year Plan Document (you will be asked to make a copy)
• Registration Google Forms Links
• Current 8th grade - Register for 9th grade
• Current 9th grade - Register for 10th grade
• Current 10th grade - Register for 11th grade
• Current 11th grade - Register for 12th grade
• Counselor Assignments

Be part of 24 Hour Theatre!

24 Hour Theatre is a creative, collaborative event for all QO students! In a 24-hour period, small groups will work together to create and perform a small play based on a theme.

For more information, go to the link in the link tree in our bio and fill out the form. If you would like to sign up, the form is due January 28th!

Plan ahead to earn SSL hours during the MLK Day of service! https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/volunteers/MLK.html

Check out all the amazing January SSL Opportunities!! Please email Ms. Miller if you have any questions.

Any 12th grade student attending college or trade school for Fall 2025, this is your friendly reminder to submit your 2025-2026 FAFSA application. Completing the FAFSA gives you access to money to help pay for school. FAFSA includes scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans with low interest rates! Friendly reminder that you will need to have the following information handy when starting the application: https://studentaid.gov/help/info-needed If you need assistance completing FAFSA, check out these upcoming events--- https://docs.google.com/document/d/17LgP-

Attention Seniors! Are you planning to attend college next year? Are your application deadlines rapidly approaching? If this is you, you MUST request your transcript be sent out to all the schools you are applying to! If you have not yet done so, please request your transcript ASAP! It takes several days to process your request and send out your documents! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScR5j16bnD0bf6svKNmLUmM96jGlp6D5YPEksKE3QjUM2qByA/viewform

Seniors! If you are using the Common App to apply to schools, and are getting stuck, we have created a resource document for you! There are very helpful documents, resources and videos! Please check it out, and if you still need help, come see us in the College/Career Center of the Counseling Services Suite!

Common App Resource Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17N5y6PKFMRo2KwlDtT1osKqxkjV3fU9gfkybxBtjoJc/edit

This weeks athletics schedule is posted below. Any updates due to system-wide cancelations or school closures will be posted on our Quince Orchard Athletics webpage.

QO Athletics Full Year, Winter and Season Passes are now on sale at the link below. These passes are good for regular season home games only!

https://gofan.co/app/school/MD24824?activity=Digital%20Season%20Pass

Attention Seniors! Are you planning to attend college next year? Are your application deadlines rapidly approaching? If this is you, you MUST request your transcript be sent out to all the schools you are applying to! If you have not yet done so, please request your transcript ASAP! It takes several days to process your request and send out your documents! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScR5j16bnD0bf6svKNmLUmM96jGlp6D5YPEksKE3QjUM2qByA/viewform

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 or Senior Staff Sponsor, Profe Skeen at emily_m_hoefert-skeen@mcpsmd.org.

English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

MCPS and County Teams Wrap Up Efforts to Open Schools

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) continues to address some areas of persistent icing to complete recovery and are working diligently to ensure the safety of students and staff. It remains true that certain limited areas still require attention.

With a system of 211 schools, making decisions regarding delays and closures is complex, as it requires careful consideration of multiple factors. When making decisions, it's important to note that schools require treatment on parking lots, and crews have been actively working on recovery efforts. Conditions can vary significantly across different areas of the county, which adds complexity to the process. Additionally, we must factor in the 1,300 bus routes, which collectively cover more than 100,000 miles each school day, as well as the safety of students waiting at 13,024 bus stops in potentially hazardous conditions.

Snow and mobile crews from MCPS and Montgomery County are doing everything they can to clear affected zones. If you are still experiencing ice and snow conditions in your neighborhood, please call the Montgomery County line at 311 within the County or 240-777-0311.

For more information on how these decisions are made, visit the MCPS Emergency Closures webpage: MCPS Emergency Closures.

To ensure you receive timely notifications, please update your contact details via the ParentVUE link on the MCPS Community Tech Support website.

Learn more about the color codes.
MCPS Operating Status Inclement Weather, 2024-2025

Join Us for Operating Budget Public Hearings

Superintendent Thomas Taylor has proposed a $3.61 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The recommendation reflects a “Focus on Fundamentals” approach that targets investments directly to schools, supports student success and addresses structural deficits within the system.

The Board of Education will hold the following public hearings and work sessions on the budget:

• Public Hearings: Thursday, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
• Work Sessions: Tuesday, Jan. 14, Thursday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.
• Board Approval: Tentative adoption of operating budget; Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
• Final Adoption: Adjustments based on revenue projections will follow, with final adoption expected Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget website

Student Opportunities

Apply for Educational Foundation Student Scholarships and Awards

Calling all seniors! Apply today for the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation’s (MCPSEF) Student Scholarships and Awards. The awards are open to students who are passionate about pursuing educational goals and face opportunity gaps in achieving those goals.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be an MCPS senior.

• Graduate with the Class of 2025.

• Plan to pursue education after high school.

Applications are open through Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. For questions, email here or call 240-740-3216.

Apply to the Rales-O’Neill Scholarship

Applications for the Rales-O’Neill Scholarship, offered by the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation (MCPSEF), are open now for high school seniors. The scholarships provide $10,000 toward future studies and will be awarded to two hundred students.

Applications must be submitted by Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. For more information on eligibility and rules, visit the MCPSEF website.

SMOB Candidate Filing Period

Students interested in running for the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) must file nomination materials by Thursday, Jan. 23. Students are eligible to run for the SMOB if they are a current Grade 10 or Grade 11 student, enrolled in an MCPS high school, and a Montgomery County resident. Candidate nomination forms can be found on pages 31-32 of the SMOB Election Protocols. Completed forms should be scanned and emailed to Shella Cherry, director, Student Leadership & Extracurricular Activities. More information

MLK Week of Service: Jan. 18-26, 2025

MCPS is partnering with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) to promote acts of kindness and service during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Week of Service on Jan. 18-26, 2025.

Some secondary school projects may qualify for Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, in line with MCPS SSL guidelines.

The MCVC will also host service events on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19. Registration is required for these opportunities via the MCVC website: www.montgomeryserves.org.

MCPS and the MCVC aim to inspire kindness and community service, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events

The Special Education Resource Fair: Set for 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 in the auditorium at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. This event is open to all parents who have children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). MCPS families can learn more from community organizations about after-school activities, summer programs and tutoring.

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair: Will be held from 6–8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). This event offers an opportunity for students in Grades 8 through 12 and their parents/guardians to meet with representatives from more than 50 HBCUs and participate in workshops. More information

FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event: Set for 6–8:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at USG, this event is open to all high school seniors and their parents. More information

Stay Connected

• VISIT the MCPS homepage.

• CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845)

• READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.

• FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in English and Spanish.

• http://twitter.com/mcps
  https://www.facebook.com/mcpsmd
  https://www.instagram.com/mcps_md

• https://www.facebook.com/mcpsespanol
  https://twitter.com/MCPSEspanol
  https://www.instagram.com/mcpsenespanol/

• SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.

• WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89

Open Registrations

• Prekindergarten and Head Start Registration Open for Income-Eligible Families

More From MCPS

• School calendar
• Parent resource page
• News and Information page/Noticias en Español
• Latest photo galleries
• MCPS TV videos
• MCPS TV español

Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org

©1995–2024 Montgomery County Public Schools

Join us for the first meeting of 2025! January 21st, 6pm in the Media Center!

Scan the QR code below or visit seasonalroots.com/qohs to join for just $25 and support the Boosters Club!

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

Stay connected throughout the school year with these important links:

• MCPS Student Handbooks (Code of Conduct, Rights & Responsibilities etc.)

• QOHS events calendar can be found on the myMCPS Classroom webpage.

• Arrival & Dismissal Bus Routes

• QOHS Website

• QOHS 2024-25 Student Handbook (Here you'll find our lunch policy, ID policy & much more.)

• QOHS Bell Schedules

• Traditional School Year Calendar 2024-25

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