As we pause to recognize and celebrate the contributions as well as the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his many words of devotion come to mind. One of the quotes that reflect the foundation of his life's work, comes in the form of a question, "What are you doing for others?" The idea of service to your country, community and others has long been a common thread throughout our society. Sometimes the work done in support of others is sometimes overlooked close to home.

I want to use this opportunity to recognize and applaud the service given to our school community by caring parents/caregivers and other members of the QOHS family. I want to thank the PTSA, Booster Club, NAACP Parent Council and the many volunteers who work tirelessly to support our students and staff.

During the January 15, 2025 Booster Club meeting, it was shared that two of QOHS's former parents have continued to volunteer at sporting events long after their children have graduated. To Pace Prentice and Gordon Henley, we thank you, along with many other parents, caregivers, and community members for your continuous unselfish service to Quince Orchard High School.

Please note the following events and schedule changes for the week:

• Monday - No School for Students & Staff in honor of Dr. MLK Day
• Tuesday:
• UPDATE: 2 hour delay schedule
• PTSA/NAACP Parent Council Meeting @ 6pm in the Media Center
• Wednesday:
• Know your Rights Info. Sessions 9:30 am & 7 pm
• Incoming 9th grade Parent/Caregiver Articulation Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium

More information can be found in the body of the newsletter!

With appreciation,

Dr. Lee Evans

Interim Principal

At QOHS we will always strive to support the families in our community. In an ongoing effort to do so, we will be providing a resource and review session of MCPS procedures regarding immigration. The QOHS family is a community of diverse backgrounds, and it is our responsibility to ensure that all families in our community feel valued and supported. If interested in learning more information, please register for the session using the link below. The sole purpose of registration is to determine how much support may be need for this session. No personal information about registrants will be shared with any other organization or entity.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/3MHrzvKpr6V51f6V6

Student Transfer Application Season Schedule from the first school day in February through the first day in April 2025

ROCKVILLE, Maryland – Montgomery County parents/guardians who wish to request a Change of School Assignment (COSA) for their children from their home school may begin the process during the upcoming transfer season; from February 3 through April 1, 2025.

Students in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are expected to attend the school within the established attendance area in which they reside (home school) or assigned in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students may apply for Change of School Assignment (COSA) from the home school, or the school of assignment through the IEP process, based on the following criteria:

• When a documented unique hardship is shown: Students may apply for a COSA when extenuating circumstances related to their specific physical, mental or emotional well-being or their family’s individual or personal situation could be mitigated by a change of school assignment.

• When a family moved within Montgomery County who wish to continue attending their former home school may request a COSA without demonstrating a unique hardship. Such requests may be considered for a remainder of the current school year only, with the exception that students in Grade 11 or 12 may be granted a COSA to stay through high school graduation.

• When a student seeks to attend the school where a sibling will be enrolled in the regular/general school program, or a special education program, during the year the students wants to enroll.

► When a sibling attends a magnet, language immersion or other application program at elementary level, a COSA may be approved to the regular school program for other sibling on a case-by-case basis. Such approval requires consideration of available classroom space, grade-level enrollment, staffing allocations, or other factors that impact the schools involved.

The criteria above regarding siblings do not apply if a boundary change has occurred or if the sibling is in PreK.

Consideration will be given to school capacity and other issues that impact the ability of the requested school to admit new students.

The transfer process begins in the home school, where parents/guardians may request the Change of School Assignment (COSA) Information Booklet through ParentVue. The booklet describes the process, and provides useful information. Beginning the first week of February 2025, the COSA booklet will be available in both English and Spanish. Exempt countywide programs that do not fall under the transfer guidelines are listed in the booklet.

New for the 2025-2026 school year, parents must submit their request for a change of school assignment (COSA) online through their ParentVue portal. The parent making the request will be copied on an email notification sent to the administrative team of the student's current school shortly after the submission; this will serve as their "receipt" of request and will be sent to the email they entered when completing the online form.

For information about assignments for students residing in the Northeast, Downcounty or Middle School Magnet Consortium areas, please contact the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services

240-740-7800 or visit the website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/schoolchoice.

For more information about the transfer process, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the principal at their home school. Non-english speaking students and parents/guardians who may require assistance may contact ASK MCPS to get the information they need by telephone at 240-740-3000. Telephone operators who speak English and Spanish are available from 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday. Parents who speak languages other than English or Spanish who call the ASK MCPS telephone line and identify their language will have their questions answered through a telephone interpreter.

QO's Student Government Association is honoring MLK week by hosting a Winter Clothing Drive for A Wider Circle. Bring your gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, shoes, or unopened toiletry items to the drive from Tuesday, January 21st through Friday, January 24th.

Students requesting a Quince Orchard High School parking space 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. Remember, you are not guaranteed a parking 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 the Google Form below to apply for a permit. Applications will be accepted from Monday, January 20th to Tuesday, February 4th. An email will be sent to your school mcpsmd.net email account letting you know the status of your application by Friday, February 7th.

Semester 2 Parking Permit Application: https://forms.gle/fKbWcPzn1tREDukf7

The Minority Scholars Program (MSP) is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival in conjunction with Documentary Film Experts, Listen Tell Media. Cash Prize Awards up to $300 will be given to the top three films, as judged by a panel of professional filmmakers. Students can use their cell phones to create “Street Documentaries” as a method to push for change within their schools and communities. If you have any questions, please see Ms.Justilien in Rm. 232 or rosie_justilien@mcpsmd.org or Mr. Carter in counseling or gregory_a_carter@mcpsmd.org.

ALL STUDENTS!

This is your chance to nominate teachers for superlatives in the 2025 yearbook, SUCH AS:

• Chillest teacher
• Trendiest teacher
• Most likely to be mistaken for a student
• Most likely to become your friend as an adult

AND MORE!

Complete the Google Form to submit your nominations!

Please complete by Friday, 1/24! Don’t miss out!

SENIORS: don't miss out on your opportunity to submit a senior quote to the 2024-2025 yearbook! Quotes must be 90 characters or less and are due by Monday, 1/27. To submit your quote, please complete this Google form: https://forms.gle/EUcn98x8y4WnokMYA

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.

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

QO Theatre is back again with our Cabaret on February 21st with auditions on February 12th!

For your audition, please prepare a song that is high school appropriate, Musical Theatre style, and performance ready. Please note this is what you will be performing at the Cabaret.

Auditions will take place February 12th after school from 3:00-4:50. To sign up for an audition time slot, fill out our sign-up genius in our link tree (In our insta bio).If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Vogel or us here at QO Theatre. Can't wait to see you there!

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.

The 2025 HBCU Fair Registration is Open!

Representatives from more than 40 HBCUs will share information and answer questions from students and parents about admissions, financial aid, testing, majors, and more. The event will also feature a college preparation workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, FAFSA completion assistance, scholarship information, and more.

It's free to attend and is open to students in grades 8-12. You may register to attend by clicking the link here: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/familysupport/hbcu/

Contact Ms. Romero in Room 103 or email Lisa_D_Romero@mcpsmd.org with any questions.

ATTENTION 10th and 11th grade students!

Want to learn about a career during the summer? Student registration for the 2025 Summer RISE program will open at 8AM on Monday, January 13, 2025 and will close at 5PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 and can be accessed at http://bit.ly/SummerRISE2025. This FREE program gives you a chance to learn about a career during the summer. To learn more about the Summer RISE program, sign up for a Parent/Guardian and Student Information Session, visit the Summer RISE website at www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org, and be sure to visit with program staff here at school to learn more about the program.

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

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

Proposed FY 2026 Operating Budget Spreadsheet Available

Earlier this week, Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor released an expanded version of the Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Operating Budget spreadsheet. This document represents a commitment to increased transparency in the budgeting process and is available online for the Montgomery County community here.

The updated spreadsheet builds upon the budget initially shared on Dec. 18, and provides greater detail of budget changes across various areas of the proposed operating budget. The budget is organized by the following categories: school revenue, changes to the base budget, non-discretionary requirements, non-discretionary requirements with Blueprint and discretionary expenditures. Each line item has exhibits which provide further details.

The Montgomery County Board of Education is hosting community meetings to explain the MCPS budget process. Join Board President Julie Yang and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor for a presentation and Q&A about the 2026 operating budget and how it reflects the Board's priorities.

Community Meetings Schedule:

• Wednesday, Jan. 22 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Seneca Valley High School (RSVP)

• Tuesday, Jan. 28 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Paint Branch High School (RSVP)

• Thursday, Jan. 30 – 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Virtual Meeting (RSVP)

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

• Public Hearings: Today, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 27.

• Work Sessions: Thursday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 30.

The Board will tentatively adopt the operating budget at its business meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4, with final adoption expected at its business meeting on Tuesday, June 10.

Read more and learn more about the proposed FY 2026 budget on this website.

Working Together to Create a Safe and Welcoming School Community

As we begin the second half of the school year, we want to remind students and their families of the many resources available to support everyone. These resources also reflect our shared commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.

Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse
MCPS is committed to fostering civic engagement and civil discourse among our students. These are essential skills and strategies that empower young people to navigate a diverse world with respect and confidence.

• The MCPS Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Google Site provides centralized resources for staff and is easily accessible via the MCPS Resources tab in Google Chrome. The website provides resources to support creating an environment where students can participate productively, engage safely, and experience uniform rule application across the district.

• Strategies concerning political engagement, including guidelines for students.

Supporting Our Diverse Community
Our diversity is a huge strength for us, and it’s our duty to ensure every individual feels valued and supported. Please keep the following resources in mind:

• Immigration Resources for students and families

• MCPS Immigration webpage with more resources

Addressing Hate-Bias and Antiracism
MCPS tiered protocols are critical for addressing hate and bias incidents, ensuring we respond thoughtfully and effectively when these situations arise.

• Procedures for reporting and responding to hate-bias incidents.

BOE Seeks Comment on Workforce Excellence Policy

The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking public comment for Policy GAA, Workforce Excellence, an updated policy, developed to build thoughtful, strategic and continuous professional growth processes for MCPS employees. The policy prioritizes effective onboarding and skill development for an employee's current position, as well as planning for skill development for career growth within MCPS. These strategies draw out and build employees’ skills, retain talent and increase MCPS capacity to respond imaginatively to unfamiliar or challenging situations—all hallmarks of a resilient organization.

The policy has been available for comment since Jan. 10, 2025, and the public comment period will remain open through Monday, Feb. 3.

Review Policy GAA.
Submit comments.

The Board is also seeking public comment on Policy GCB, Investigation of Allegations of Employee Misconduct, a new policy, developed to comply with the recommendations of the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General to establish the Board’s core principles guiding MCPS investigations of employee misconduct, and the purpose and approach MCPS shall take to investigating misconduct. This comment period has been available since Dec. 10, 2024, and is also open through Feb. 3, 2025.

Review Policy GCB.
Submit comments.

Summer RISE Student Registration Now Open

Student registration for Summer RISE 2025 is open until Feb. 18.

Summer RISE offers a hands-on, career-based learning experience with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. The program is open to high school sophomores and juniors who want to gain real-world experience over the summer.

Participating students will be matched with career hosts based on their industry preferences for a minimum of 50 hours of in-person, virtual or hybrid opportunities from June 23 through July 25. This program allows students to:

• Explore careers and workplace expectations.

• Develop essential professional and technical skills.

• Make informed college and career decisions.

• Build a network of mentors to guide their career paths.

To learn more, join one of our Student & Parent/Guardian Information Sessions or visit www.MCPS-SummerRISE.org.

Registration closes on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Wootton High School Student Goes Viral with Music, Breaking Barriers

Max Nguyen, a junior at Thomas S. Wootton High School, gained viral attention after his impromptu performance of "Stick Season" was shared by musician Noah Kahan on Instagram, reaching over 2 million followers. Born with cerebral palsy, Nguyen has overcome physical challenges to pursue music, starting with piano as a form of therapy and later learning guitar with the help of a supportive teacher. Now a passionate musician and aspiring biomedical engineer, Nguyen is using his experience to inspire others, creating guitar lessons for beginners and performing at local gigs. Read the full story of his inspiring journey!

Marking Holocaust Remembrance Day, Black History Month

The following events are open to students, staff and community members. Students can earn up to two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours per event.

Annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day Webinar
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration and Extermination Camp
Thursday, Jan. 30, 5-6:30 p.m.
Registration Link
Flyer

The Struggle for Black Freedom: Black Communities in Montgomery County Post Civil War to Today
Featuring Celeste Winston, Author of How to Lose the Hounds: Maroon Geographies and a World Beyond Policing
Thursday, Feb. 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
Registration Link
Flyer

MoCo History Day Competition Looking for Judges

Calling community members and would-be historians: local students need your help! The 2025 Montgomery County History Day competition will be held on Saturday, March 8.

Middle and high school students have been conducting research, diving into primary sources and creating presentations. The competition is seeking volunteers at least 18 years old and older to serve as judges in evaluating student work. The goal is to encourage and foster a passion for history.

The event is from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on March 8 at Sligo Middle School, 1401 Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring. Prior experience is not necessary. Sign up to be a judge.

Students selected to represent their schools compete at the county event; top entries chosen by the judges advance to the Maryland History Day state contest at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in May.

For more information, email Kelli Champagne, pre-K–12 social studies content specialist, or Abbie Lamb, teacher at Walt Whitman High School.

Don’t Miss …

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

Upcoming Student Events and Opportunities

The 2025 Gaithersburg Book Festival’s annual poetry contest is open for submissions. This year’s theme is “Civic Duty.” This contest is open to high school students. The deadline is midnight on Friday, Feb. 21. First, second, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $250, $100, $50 and $25, respectively. Winners will be announced at the festival on Saturday, May 17. 2025 GBF Poetry Contest Flyer

The Division of Sustainability and Compliance is holding its annual poster contest to increase awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability, energy conservation, waste reduction and responsible recycling. All MCPS students and staff are invited to participate, and to vote online to determine the winners in the spring. The deadline is Friday, April 4.

2025 Sustainability Poster Contest Entry Form
Contest Guidelines

Student Service Learning (SSL) Opportunities in January

Summer Camp Registration Opens Tuesday, Jan. 21: Montgomery County Recreation is hosting safe, fun and exciting summer camps. Camp registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21 for county residents. Explore the digital program guide ahead of registration day.

Applications are being accepted for 2025 Rec Assist, which provides eligible residents the opportunity to receive a scholarship for recreation programs. For more information about summer camp registration, visit the website or call 240-777-6840.

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