I hope this message finds you well. I’m excited to share some wonderful news and updates with you!

Celebrating Academic Success: 28% Gain in Literacy on the MCAP!

We are thrilled to celebrate our students’ outstanding performance on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in literacy! Our 11th-grade students (who took the assessment last year as 10th grade students) have achieved a remarkable 28% increase in performance from the previous test administration, making Quince Orchard the school with the largest gain in Montgomery County Public Schools and the third highest in the state! This incredible achievement is a testament to our school wide commitment to literacy and the dedication of both our students and staff. Let’s continue to foster this culture of excellence!

Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month

As we enter October, we continue to honor both Hispanic /Latine Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month. These celebrations highlight the rich diversity within our community and remind us of the importance of inclusivity and respect for all cultures and identities. Throughout the month, we will be recognizing the contributions of Hispanic and LGBTQ+ individuals and their impact on our school, community, and beyond.

Student ID Reminders

A friendly reminder that all students must wear their student IDs during the school day. Security and administration will be following up with students who need new IDs, and obligations will be issued for any lost IDs. Please ensure that your student has their ID with them at all times to ensure the safety and security of our school.

Honoring Our Senior Student-Athletes – Class of 2025

We are looking forward to celebrating our Class of 2025 senior student-athletes, beginning next week with our first senior recognition on Thursday, October 10. It’s always a special moment to honor the dedication and hard work of our senior athletes, and we are excited to highlight their achievements throughout the year.

Homecoming Success!

A huge thank you to our Student Government Association (SGA) for organizing an absolutely fantastic Homecoming Week! From the events to the decorations to the dance, our students did an exceptional job planning and executing a week full of school spirit and fun. We couldn’t have asked for a better celebration!

Speak Up, Save a Life Video Contest:

This contest challenges teenagers to create an original video to promote awareness about the dangers of illicit opioids, fentanyl and risk of overdose. The video contest is open to all 6th - 12th grade students living in Montgomery County. Top prize is $1,000, second place is $750, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $500 all donated by The Magnolia Companies in honor of two young Montgomery County residents lost to fentanyl; Michael Pisarra and Matthew Loudon. The 2024 contest is now open and accepting entries. For more information, see the link below: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/SAO/other/SpeakUpVideoContest.html All entries are due by midnight on November 8, 2024.

Upcoming Dates and Events

• October 8: Town Hall meetings for 9th and 10th-grade students during the school day. We will have a modified schedule.

• October 16: PSAT Day for our students. Please mark your calendars for this important testing day.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Quince Orchard High School. Let’s keep up the great work and continue to strive for excellence in everything we do! And remember, we can't hide our Cougar Pride!

All the best,

Elizabeth (Beth) Thomas

Principal, Quince Orchard High School

• Tuesday: MSP-Women's Studies Chisme Session- A conversation on Latina experiences. Lunchtime in the Media Center.
• Wednesday: Restaurant Night fundraiser at Taco Bamba. See the flyer below.
• Thursday: Latin dance competition in the courtyard at lunch.
• Friday: Karaoke event in the courtyard at lunch.

As this year we have utilized homerooms and town halls to disseminate grade level information, we noticed some students were not in their grade level appropriate homerooms. This has been rectified and it may have shifted your student's schedule. Please check Synergy on Tuesday, October 8 prior to homeroom to be sure your student goes to the correct location. Thank you. Kirsten Jackson, Assistant Principal

Dear students and caregivers,

Attached is an important letter dated October 3, 2024 to all AP students and their caregivers. Please make sure to read it carefully.

For English - https://tinyurl.com/2zfmytz3

For Spanish - https://tinyurl.com/3wrfku5n

*********************************

Estimados estudiantes y cuidadores,

Se adjunta una carta importante fechada el 3 de octubre de 2024 para todos los estudiantes de AP y sus cuidadores. Por favor asegúrese de leerlo atentamente.

Para español - https://tinyurl.com/3wrfku5n

Para ingles - https://tinyurl.com/2zfmytz3

R.O.A.R. (Reaffirming Our Authentic Relationships) is returning to QO for the second year!

R.O.A.R. is a space to creatively express thoughts about important relationships. Here, you will explore influences on these relationships and learn tools to foster healthy and meaningful experiences. Join us in the lobby during lunch on 10/7 to learn more!

Check out all the great October SSL Opportunities!!

The National Honor Society and National English Honor Society will be briefly re-opening their application window for any students who missed the initial spring application window.

1. The NHS is open to seniors with a GPA of at least 3.5. Students can make a copy of the application found at https://tinyurl.com/593mavnu and return it to Mr. Gifford in Room 228I or email it to him at giffordr@mcpsmd.org. Applications are due 10/11.

2. The NEHS is open to juniors and seniors with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students can apply by completing the Google Form at https://forms.gle/EigUwWREpp541XtA9 by 10/3.

QOHS has over 90 Sponsored Clubs that students can be a part of. Please explore the link below to find out what clubs we have, who the sponsor(s) is/are, and the meeting time of the group: https://bit.ly/QOHSClubs24-25

QOHS info link: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/qohs/news-index/regional--countywide-hs-application-programs/

MCPS info link: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/high/

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

This contest challenges teenagers to create an original video to promote awareness about the dangers of illicit opioids, fentanyl and risk of overdose. The video contest is open to all 6th - 12th grade students living in Montgomery County. Top prize is $1,000, second place is $750, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $500 all donated by The Magnolia Companies in honor of two young Montgomery County residents lost to fentanyl; Michael Pisarra and Matthew Loudon. The 2024 contest is now open and accepting entries. For more information, see the link below: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/SAO/other/SpeakUpVideoContest.html

All entries are due by midnight on November 8, 2024.

Lakelands Park Middle School needs bilingual students to help with translating during their Club Fair and Engagement Expo on October 8th and/or with Parent Conferences on November 25th. Students will earn SSL hours for volunteering. Please see the Sign-Up Genius Links for more information.

10/8 - Lakelands Park MS Club Fair and Engagement Expo

Time: 6:15 - 8:00pm (3 SSL Hours)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D44AEA62EABF85-51752253-lakelands#/

11/25 - Lakelands Park MS Parent Conferences

Time: 1:00 - 6:30pm (7 SSL Hours + dinner provided)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D44AEA62EABF85-51753033-lakelands#/

Quarter 1 Interims will be available starting on October 4th through ParentVUE

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

If your student took school pictures and no longer has the QR code they were given, please scan the one in the photo below to find your school code and purchase pictures.

Also, make-up picture day for students and staff is now Friday, 10/25/24 in the QOHS auditorium.

Please remember students should now be wearing their school ID's at all times.

Registration has ended for this year's PSAT to be held on October 16. If your 9th or 11th grade student opted in to take the test, you should have received an email from Ms. Kirsten Jackson. All 10th grade students are automatically registered and are expected to take the PSAT.

On October 1st and 8th, students will be completing a digital readiness check for the PSAT during school. If you are taking the PSAT, please bring your MCPS charged chromebook to school on Monday, September 30. There is an important update that has been released that needs to be pushed to your computer prior to the digital readiness check. If you are an early college student, or will not be at school on October 1st or 8th, please email Ms. Kirsten Jackson: Kirsten_N_Jackson@mcpsmd.net to make arrangements to complete this digital readiness check.

10/07

Monday

Field Hockey

Kennedy at Quince Orchard 7 pm

10/07

Monday

Golf

MCPS Coed Districts at Crossvines 9 am

10/07

Monday

JV Football

Quince Orchard at Seneca Valley 5:45 pm

10/07

Monday

Pickleball

Quince Orchard at Northwest 3:30 pm

10/07

Monday

Girls Flag Football

Quince Orchard at Winston Churchill 3:30 pm

10/08

Tuesday

Boys Soccer

Quince Orchard at Northwest 7:15 pm

10/08

Tuesday

Girls Soccer

Northwest at Quince Orchard 7:15 pm

10/08

Tuesday

Girls Volleyball

Quince Orchard at Kennedy 6:30 pm

10/08

Tuesday

JV Boys Soccer

Quince Orchard at Northwest 5:30 pm

10/08

Tuesday

JV Girls Soccer

Northwest at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm

10/08

Tuesday

JV Girls Volleyball

Quince Orchard at Kennedy 5:30 pm

10/09

Wednesday

Field Hockey

Quince Orchard at Poolesville 6 pm

10/09

Wednesday

Girls Flag Football

Walter Johnson at Quince Orchard 6 pm

10/09

Wednesday

Golf

Damascus, Blair, Quince Orchard and Gaithersburg at Hampshire Greens 3 pm

10/10

Thursday

JV Field Hockey

Quince Orchard at Magruder 5:30pm

10/10

Thursday

Pickleball

Winston Churchill at Quince Orchard 3:30 pm

10/10

Thursday

Varsity Football

Quince Orchard at Seneca Valley 6:30 pm

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

Registration Information

How to Register
Students must be registered by a parent through the MCPS ParentVue Portal. Students must be registered by Wednesday, November 13th in order to guarantee that their registration will be processed in time for the first day of tryouts.

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 – Winter”.
   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.
5. If you have already registered for All-School Registration, click on that your don’t want to register for a sport during that season so you can continue to register

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 winter sports?
Registration will open on Monday, October 14th. Tryouts/practices will begin on Friday, November 15th. Tryouts and preseason will continue for three weeks, with the first contests beginning on Friday, December 6th.

If a student registered for All-School Conditioning, does the student have to register for the Winter 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 Winter 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 October 21st. Game schedules are posted on www.qoathletics.com .

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.

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.

QO Athletics Full Year, Fall, 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

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

Mental Health Awareness Week Set for Oct. 21–26

MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association will host Mental Health Awareness Week Oct. 21–26 to give youth and families the opportunity to hear from mental health experts on a variety of issues. A Mental Health Resource Fair and Student Forum will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Seneca Valley High School, 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown.

The event is open to students, families and staff and will include MCPS and community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness, as well as a student-lead forum focused on issues impacting Montgomery County youth. Students may earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for participating in the resource fair. For more information, visit the Mental Health Awareness Week website.

The keynote speaker is Charles A. Barrett, Ph.D., NCSP, a district-level administrator in Virginia, who practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he trains future school psychologists. The keynote and student forum are set for 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

Applications to High School Regional/Countywide Programs Open Oct. 7, Due Nov. 1

MCPS students have a range of opportunities available at their local high school, as well as regional and countywide application programs. Beginning Monday, Oct. 7, Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to apply for the regional/countywide programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Additionally, students in Grades 9-11 may apply for part-time career-readiness programs at various locations throughout the county. Applications for the upper grades will also be open beginning Monday, Oct. 7. Links to interest forms are below:
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11

Information sessions are going on now for students and families. All dates can be found on the special programs webpage.

The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. Learn more about the programs, eligibility and open house dates.

Share Your Feedback on Upcoming School Year Calendars

MCPS is seeking the community’s feedback as it works to finalize the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school year calendars. Please complete this survey to share your input.

Your feedback represents an important component of the development process. MCPS will consider educational interests, operational needs, mandated school closures by state law, compliance with minimum instructional days and credit hour requirements, contingencies for inclement weather and other emergencies, staff professional days and early release days, alignment with assessment schedules and more.

Both draft calendars for 2025–2026 include the following:

• A new Student Transition Day will be introduced for the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar. This Student Transition Day, on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, will be a re-imagined student orientation day to welcome students in kindergarten, third grade, sixth grade and ninth grade; students in any grade who are new to MCPS or new to a school; those who enroll through International Admissions; and students who receive special education services, language development supports or who are Emergent Multilingual Learners.

• First official day of school for all students: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2026.

• Spring break: Monday, March 30, 2026, through Monday, April 6, 2026.

The primary difference between the two draft calendars for 2025–2026 is the length of winter break—one has an eight-day break and the second has a 10-day break.

The committee is in the early stages of planning for the 2026–2027 calendar and would like feedback on:

• The first week of school.

• Winter break.

• Thanksgiving break.

Take the survey.

Survey in Other Languages

Comentarios sobre el calendario escolar de MCPS (2025-2026 y 2026-2027)

MCPS 校历反馈（2025-2026 和 2026-2027）

MCPS 학교 달력 피드백(2025-2026 및 2026-2027)

Commentaires sur le calendrier scolaire du MCPS (2025-2026 et 2026-2027)

Phản hồi về Lịch học của Trường MCPS (2025-2026 và 2026-2027)

የMCPS ትምህርት ቤት የቀን መቁጠሪያ ግብረመልስ (2025-2026 እና 2026-2027

Teacher and Coach Steffany Lizama: Inspiring Latinas in STEM and Sports

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month—celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15—MCPS is highlighting the contributions and diversity of the many Hispanic cultures across Montgomery County. Steffany Lizama, a STEM educator and girls' flag football coach at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, empowers students to challenge stereotypes. Read more about her story.

Applications Due Oct. 4 for Youth Climate Institute

Applications are due Friday, Oct. 4, for high school students interested in applying for the inaugural chapter of the Youth Climate Institute. This extracurricular program will teach student leaders about climate science, impacts and solutions. Students will receive an introduction to a variety of climate topics, including environmental justice, food waste and fast fashion, as well as attend panel discussions and webinars. They will also work with climate experts to complete action projects in their communities. Meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning on Oct. 15 in person at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton or the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Center in Rockville.

The application is available here.

For questions, email Lee Derby or Liz Bullock.

In Case You Missed It …

MCPS issued updated guidance for student and staff speech and expression. You can read it here. Also, remember to register to attend the social studies curriculum nights to learn more about how social studies is taught.

• 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

• 10/15: NAACP-PC Meeting - 6 pm in the Media Center
• 10/15: PTSA Meeting - 7 pm in the Media Center
• 10/16: PSAT Day
• 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!

Hello class of 2025! Senior sunrise will happen on Friday 10/11 from 7:00am-7:40am at the Cougar Dome. Come take pictures with friends, play a yard game, and have a donut!

Hello class of 2025 support system! Senior Sunrise will be happening on Friday 10/11/24. We are in need of adult volunteers to help set up the event and/or donate. Please use the sign up genius link below to do so.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AA4AC2BAAF8C70-51774575-class#/

Who? Seniors in the Class of 2025

What? Senior portraits

When? 10/9, 10/10, 10/11, 11/19, 11/20, 11/21, 12/9

Where? QOHS Media Center or Auditorium

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

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.

If your student has not received a lanyard to carry their student ID, please have them stop by the main office during lunch.

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.

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

Upcoming meetings/speakers:

• 10/15 – with NAACP, speaker Lisa Romero Lisa Romero, College & Career Information Coordinator (CCIC) at QO (Exact timing TBD)

• 12/11 with Boosters – Greg’s driving school will speak and raffle off a certificate for the driving course worth $425! (Exact timing TBD)

We also still need 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!

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:

• Arrival & Dismissal Bus Routes

• 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