Greetings QOHS Community,

I hope this message finds you well after an enjoyable weekend. Please note this will be the last newsletter of 2024. We hope you enjoy the holiday season and take time to rest and reset during winter break. As a reminder, students and staff are on winter break from December 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025. See you all in the New Year on Thursday, January 2, 2025!

In the December 11th joint Booster Club and PTSA meeting, it was clear that QOHS is surrounded by a caring community. It was also evident that safety is a priority. Throughout my tenure as an administrator in MCPS, I have learned that a key component of any successful school is a safe environment in a community of caring adults. This mindset is shared by our staff and central office staff as well. On Thursday, December 12, members of our administration and security team met with central office supervisory staff to conduct a security walk-through of the campus.

As a result of this meeting and walk-through of the entire campus, specific action items were initiated. This included the following items: an audit of camera needs and placement; a road study request to Montgomery County Department of Transportation; placement of alarms on specific identified doors in certain locations; and a mapping project in collaboration with the Montgomery County Police Dept. that will provide a more accurate picture and identification of all locations in the building and on the school campus.

While school safety and security is a paramount concern, it is important to note that achieving measurable success in this area does not take place without the full cooperation and participation of all stakeholders. This includes, staff, students, caregivers, parents and community partners. In the future, we will be reaching out to all of our stakeholders for their input on this very important topic. Please join us in this effort to enhance the safety of our school campus that will ensure a positive environment for teaching and learning.

Last week, we kicked off the Winter sports season with some outstanding contests. Also, winter testing is now underway. Students will be contacted individually prior to their testing window.

Taking a look at the week ahead, please note some of the following events and updates in the body of the newsletter:

• Alumni Panel - Monday in the College & Career Center
• Winter Music Concerts - Tuesday & Wednesday @ 7pm in the Auditorium
• Music Spectacular - Friday @ 10 am in the Auditorium
• Blood Drive this Friday (details in the newsletter)
• MP2 Interim Grade Reports available Friday

Sincerely,

Dr. Lee Evans

Interim Principal

Thank you to everyone who has donated, especially this past week. We are still in GREAT need of assistance to reach our goal, we are looking to fill 90 more slots for this year's tree. We are extending the sign-up deadline to Sunday and the Gift collection to Monday, 12/16. If you are able to, PLEASE consider donating to help support one of our QO families. All the families and individuals selected are part of the QO community and this is the only service that they are signed up for, they are not receiving gifts or food items from other holiday groups. It is the last few days to contribute to the Giving Tree! Please check the Sign-up Genius (https://tinyurl.com/QOGivingTree2024) to identify families still in need. Each year we help over 50 of our own QO community members have a happier holiday season. We ask that gifts and gift cards are returned by MONDAY, December 16th so that they can be organized and distributed to families with enough time for families to shop. If you do not have time to go out and get a gift card, but would like to help support with a monetary donation, please contact colleen_m_adams@mcpsmd.org.

Reminder of how it works:

• Community Members select a gift card from our Sign-Up Genius. We are looking for donations of the following types:
• Specific Gifts
• $25 Amazon, Target, and Walmart Gift Cards - for Gifts
• $25 Giant and Safeway Gift Cards - to provide each family with a holiday meal

• When returning gift cards, please follow these guidelines:
• Drop-off at school - PREFERRED METHOD
• Place gifts in a bag with the gift receipt (in case it doesn’t fit) and make sure to include the Gift Code and your name or email address
• Place cards in an envelope or ziploc bag and label the envelope or bag with the Gift Code and your name or email address
• Deliver gifts and cards to Ms. Adams in:
• Room 123B before school & at lunch - her office is across from the Art windows in the yellow hallway.
• Mail to school (please mail EARLY so they arrive by December 8th) -
• Label all cards with the Gift Code and your name or email address
• Mail to: Colleen Adams, ℅ Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Timeline of Events:

• NOW - Sign-Up Genius is live with family requests - closes Monday, December 9th
• NOW - Card Collection - DUE MONDAY, December 16th - All Gifts and Gift Cards are due back to QOHS

If you have any questions or want to help, please email colleen_m_adams@mcpsmd.org.

Join us for a showcase of student talent on January 10th in the QO Auditorium! Doors will open at 6 PM and the show will begin at 6:30 PM. Tickets will be available to purchase at the door for $5.

Who: QO Science National Honor Society, the American Red Cross, and QO staff and students

What: Blood drive

Where: Small gym

When: Friday December 20, 8 am - 2 pm

Why: Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages--accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Your donation will make a difference to someone's life.

In order to make a donation appointment, you must

• Be at least 16 years old or older

• Meet certain height and weight requirements (doc)

• Complete an information sheet and signed parental/legal guardian consent form regardless of your age (per MCPS policy)

• English (PDF)

• Spanish (PDF)

• Turn the information sheet and signed consent form into Ms. Haase in room 331 or drop it off in the Blood Drive tray in the main office. You will be scheduled for an appointment. We will email you at your @mcpsmd.net account with the time of your appointment. We will deliver a Blood Drive pass to you the week of December 15.

On the day of your donation:

• Get a good night's sleep

• Eat a good breakfast and a good lunch

• Stay hydrated!

• Bring a photo ID that has proof of age OR be able to pull up StudentVue on your phone as proof of age

For more information:

• Red Cross Information for student donors (link)

• How to prepare for your donation (PDF)

• Stop by the twice-weekly information tables in the main lobby at lunch time

• See Ms. Haase in room 331

Follow the link below to view details about Work Based Learning and to complete the interest form.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nr9xxzxRUapgdbXDvDz313VPZ8nMk3Ef/view?usp=sharing

QO Theatre's caregiver meeting will be on, Monday 12/16 at 6:30 in the auditorium. Caregivers whose students are in the production are strongly encouraged to attend to receive important information.

Senior Logan Paschall was selected as First Chair Trumpet for the Maryland All-State Senior Band. He will be representing QO at the All State Senior Band Festival on March 9th in Baltimore, Maryland. Logan was one of 11 trumpets selected from the entire state and earned the highest score in his audition making him the first chair Trumpet. This is Logan's first All State selection during his time here at QO.

Logan plans to major in Music Performance after he graduates and is currently in his audition cycle at many music programs around the country.

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

Dear Quince Orchard Families,

Ms. Coleen Djouha, the Career Advising Coach, is seeking professionals from various fields to participate in our upcoming "Meet A Pro" career exploration events. These events provide students the opportunity to learn about different career paths directly from experts in their fields. We are currently looking for professionals in the following areas:

• Engineering
• Business
• Medicine (Doctor)
• Law
• Athletics
• Art Education
• Cosmetology
• Culinary Arts

Yearbooks are for sale NOW! Visit jostens.com/buyyearbk or scan the code to purchase.

Join the College & Career Center on Monday during 4th period to meet Quince Orchard High School alumni and learn about their post-graduation journeys. This is a fabulous opportunity to gain insight into life after high school and learn helpful tips to prepare you for what's to come.

Registration is required. Please sign up with Ms. Romero in room 103.

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

Families, please encourage your students to sign up for college visits at Quince Orchard High School. For instructions on how to sign up for a college visit or to view a list of colleges coming to Quince Orchard High School, please click on the link below: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/qohs-counseling/the-college-career-center/visits?authuser=0

The Holiday Giving Project has provided Thanksgiving and December holiday assistance to qualifying households for over 30 years. If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred for possible assistance for the holiday season, please complete this referral form provide the required information. Resources are limited: please apply only if you and your family are truly in need. Families can only be referred once; please do not complete a referral if you have already been referred from another school or agency. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow. If you need help completing the form please contact Ms. Ruiz Miller at 240-447-8963.

Referral form: https://forms.gle/QC4GCL39awvfbLHa9

El Holiday Giving Project ha brindado asistencia para el Día de Acción de Gracias y los días festivos de diciembre a los hogares que califican durante más de 30 años. Si usted y su familia están en necesidad y les gustaría ser referidos para una posible asistencia durante la temporada de festividades, complete este formulario de referencia para proporcionar la información requerida. Los recursos son limitados: solicite solo si usted y su familia realmente lo necesitan. Las familias solo pueden ser referidas una vez. Por favor no complete este referido si ya le han referido de otra escuela o agencia. Si bien una referencia no es una garantía de asistencia, el Proyecto ayuda a tantas familias necesitadas como lo permitan las donaciones. Si necesita ayuda para completar el formulario, comuníquese con la Sra. Ruiz Miller al 240-447-8963.

formulario de referencia: https://forms.gle/QC4GCL39awvfbLHa9

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

Stay Informed About Weather-Related Changes

With winter weather just around the corner, updates to school schedules and operations may sometimes need to be made. To receive the latest information on delays, closures and operational changes, Stay Connected, subscribe to Alert MCPS, and monitor our color-coded status system.

Keep Your Contact Information Current

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

New MealViewer Shows School-Specific Menus, Nutritional Info and Food Allergens

The Division of Food and Nutrition Services (DFNS) has made it easier to view school menus. MCPS students, parents and community members can now view school menus with MealViewer, providing increased access to:

• School-specific menu offerings with photos.
• Nutritional information for each meal.
• The top nine allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat and sesame), helping you make informed choices based on your child’s dietary needs.

MealViewer can be accessed on a computer browser, through the MealViewer app on Android and iPhone, or using any browser on a smartphone. No sign-in or passwords are required to view menus. It is also possible (but not required) to rate food items, star favorite items, use a nutrition calculator and create a profile. Check out your school’s menu today. Learn more in this video (English) and (en Español).

Visit the Division of Food & Nutrition Services website for how-to videos, quick tips and additional resources.

MealViewer Infographic

Tune in Live Dec. 18 to the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget Presentation

Superintendent Thomas Taylor will present his Fiscal Year 2026 Recommended Operating Budget on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to watch the presentation live on the MCPS website or on the MCPS-TV YouTube channel.

Public hearings are scheduled as follows.

• Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – Operating Budget Work Session
• Jan. 16, 6 p.m. – Operating Budget Public Hearing
• Jan. 23, 10 a.m. – Operating Budget Work Session
• Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – Operating Budget Public Hearing
• Jan. 30, 10 a.m. – Operating Budget Work Session (if needed)
• Feb. 4, noon – Business Meeting with Tentative Adoption of the Operating Budget

Maryland Report Card Shows 93.6% of Schools Score 3 or Higher

Earlier this month, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released its 2024 Maryland Report Card, which measures the success of schools and identifies areas for improvement for state, district and school-level results in the state of Maryland.

MSDE included 202 MCPS schools in its 2023-2024 school year performance evaluation. Of the MCPS schools evaluated, 50% obtained a 5-star or 4-star rating, representing an increase of 1.8% over the 2022-2023 school year. More than 93% of MCPS schools earned three or more stars, exceeding the statewide average of 83%.

Read more.

Save the Dates—Special Education Resource Fair Is Jan. 15; HBCU Fair Set for Feb. 14

Mark your calendars for upcoming events for MCPS students and their families:

The Special Education Resource Fair will be held from 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. Registration opens Friday, Dec. 13. More information

FAFSA/MHEC One Application Completion Event: Also 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

Apply Now to be an MCPS Summer RISE Host

It might seem early, but summer is right around the corner!

The MCPS Department of Partnerships is seeking Montgomery County businesses, government agencies and nonprofits to participate as hosts for the 2025 Summer RISE program. Registration is now open through Friday, March 7.

Summer RISE provides rising MCPS juniors and seniors with career-based learning experiences and helps employers to cultivate a talent pipeline. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning opportunities related to their field of interest. The program runs for five weeks, from June 23–July 25, with a minimum of 50 hours of in-person, virtual or hybrid opportunities..

More information on the Summer RISE program is available here.

Reflecting on 20 Years of Strathmore Magic

Watch Video

For the last 20 years, more than 240,000 second graders have visited the Music Center at Strathmore for free concerts performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra. In this video story, MCPS alumni reflect on the impact those concerts had on their lives and careers.

Blake Students Chosen as All-State Dancers for Maryland

Neive Carr and Niambi Mills, students at James Hubert Blake High School, have been accepted as All-State Dancers for Maryland. They were selected from 108 dancers who auditioned at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

The pair will perform at the Maryland State Dance Festival and Showcase in January, a first for both. Read more.

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

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

The PTSA still needs volunteers to help with the following:

• Recognition of our Students Academic Achievements
• Focused outreach to our families who have not been engaged, specifically our Hispanic/Latin families
• Active engagement of our student leadership as part of the PTSA
• Advocacy for building upgrades/enhancements

If you know anyone who has experience with or interested in any of these areas please have them contact the PTSA! Thank you!

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