Roadrunner's Digest

Dear Farquhar Families and Staff,

I hope you had the opportunity to appreciate the first sunny weekend in a long while! I'm excited to announce that Mr. Katzel is returning from paternity leave tomorrow. Mr. Katzel is our assistant principal supervising 6th grade students with last names M-Z, and all of 8th grade, and he is eager to serve our students, families, and staff. I also want to share a HUGE thank you to Ms. Kristina Mason on behalf of the entire FMS community for her dedication as acting assistant principal during this time. Ms. Mason will be returning to her role as teacher and Science Content Specialist as of tomorrow as well. We are fortunate to have a wealth of devoted leaders on the FMS staff!

We have multiple opportunities coming up for families to engage with us at Farquhar. This month, we have our first virtual PTA meeting, the social studies CWT night, our first ever Hispanic Heritage Night, Open House, as well as a special event during the day for Mental Health Awareness Week. I hope you are able to join us for at least one of these so that we can strengthen the meaningful partnerships between Farquhar families and staff for our Roadrunners.

As we approach tomorrow, marking the anniversary of the tragic attacks in Israel, we recognize that such moments of remembrance can bring a range of emotions. Our hearts go out to those in our community who may be affected. We stand together in solidarity, sending our thoughts and support to all who may be grieving or reflecting on this day.

At Farquhar, we remain committed to fostering a space where kindness, understanding, and unity prevail. Let’s continue to lead with empathy and show one another compassion during this time and always. Wishing you all a peaceful week ahead.

In this newsletter you will find:

• This week's bell schedules
• This week's Roadrunner Shout Outs
• After School Activities Schedule
• FMS Counseling Updates
• NEW: Peace Poster Winners!
• TIMELY: Social Studies CWT Night 10/9
• TIMELY: Come to Hispanic Heritage Night @ FMS 10/10
• TIMELY: RSVP for Open House Day 10/14
  
• NEW: Support Mental Health Awareness Week
• 8th Grade: Springbrook HS Interest Meeting
• NEW: Councilmember for a Day
• Support Performing Arts @ FMS
• Outdoor Ed Update: Male Volunteers Needed
• MCPS Things to Know

PTA Corner:

• Our first meeting is 10/8!
  
• Volunteers needed
• MCPS Board of Education Candidate Forum 10/9
• Black and Brown Coalition Town Hall with Dr. Taylor 10/23
• Support Restaurant Night 10/24
• Join the PTA

Thank you to the following Roadrunners who have made a positive impact on our learning community!

• The Latina Legacy Girls - Melany, Kimberly, Sally, Paola, Adrianna, Aileen, Jhordana, Valery, Nataly, Yosmary, Sofia, Melanie, Aerys
• Mr. Green
• Zena Bochkarev
• FMS Staff
• Ms. Mason
• Ms. Pignone
• Mr. Lichvar
• Dr. Abreu
• Matt Green
• Mimi Feghali
• Elliot Wang
• Lauren Yoon
• Mrs. Page
• Mr.McNaboe
• Eden Z.
• Edom Z
• Liana T.
• Annaleise C.
• Olivia Verna
• Ava Nguyen
• Sophie Em
• Ms. Hussain

Would you like to recognize a student or staff member?

Submit a SHOUT-OUT!

Thank you for taking a moment to thank a Roadrunner who has made a meaningful difference.

Activities end at 4:15 and students must be picked up no later than 4:30. Students should take the activity bus if they cannot be picked up by 4:30, as the main office closes at this time.

Please check out the School Counseling Website for information regarding community events, SSL opportunities and mental health resources.

Congratulations to our Roadrunners who were selected as the top 6 Peace Poster entries, and will be going on to represent FMS in the Lions Club contest. These students will have the chance to win $25-$5,000! We wish you the best of luck!

October 9, 2024 is Common Writing Task (CWT) Night at Farquhar! Come and learn how to support your student with this assignment. We will be meeting in the Media Center at Farquhar from 5:00 - 6:00pm.

We are excited for our Inaugural Hispanic Heritage Night celebration on Thursday, October 10th! Come to Farquhar MS from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. This event is FREE and will provide opportunities for students and families to enjoy:

• Food trucks
• Storytelling
• Wax museum historical presentations
• Dance performances
• Recipe exchange, and more!

We hope you can join us for a wonderful of highlighting, elevating, and celebrating the rich culture of our Hispanic students and communities.

On Monday, October 14, parents and caregivers are invited to observe some of their student's classes. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by Friday, October 11. We are hosting parents/caregivers for two sessions:

• 9:00am - 11:00am
• 12:30pm - 2:30pm

There is also an optional principal's welcome in the staff lounge at 8:30am and 12:00pm, respectively. Thank you for submitting one form per adult, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

We will be recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Week at Farquhar MS October 21 - 25, 2024. During ROCK Time on Friday, October 25 (9:55 - 10:25am), we inviting families to host an activity table to promote positive choices for self-care, mental health and fun!

Parents/Guardians would prepare and set up an activity for interested students to stop by and participate. Activities could include Legos, crafts, knitting, juggling, yoga, dance, board games, crafts etc. If you are interested in hosting a table for our Roadrunners on October 25, please complete the interest form below!

Do you have an 8th grade student who is interested in learning more about Springbrook High School's Academic Pathways and Signature Programs? Please fill out this Google Form to express interest in your child attending an interest meeting!

On behalf of Councilmember Jawando, all middle and high school students are invited to participate in the 9th Annual Councilmember for a Day Challenge! Video essay submissions are due by Thursday, November 7, 2024.

The Councilmember for a Day Challenge is an opportunity for middle and high school students in Montgomery County to share their vision for a better community through digital storytelling. The winner of the video essay challenge will be honored at Council with a proclamation and serve as an honorary councilmember for a day.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Current middle school or high school students who live and attend school in Montgomery County (this includes MCPS, independent schools, and homeschool students in the equivalent 6-12 grades).
• Create and submit a digital video essay highlighting a public policy opportunity by the deadline.
• The winner must be available for Councilmember for A Day events on Tuesday, November 19th.
• Videos should be no more than 5 minutes.

Prizes

• The winner is honored with a proclamation, a $100 gift card, and joins the Council as an honorary councilmember on Tuesday, November 19th.

Dates & Deadlines

• November 7 - Deadline to submit video essay.
• November 12 - The winner is announced.
• November 19 - The winner participates in the Council session and is honored with a proclamation and prize. Friends, family, and school representatives are welcome.

Students can submit a video essay at https://cmjawando.link/CMForADay. The deadline is Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Hello Parents and Students,

I’m excited to share that I’ve created an Amazon Wishlist filled with essential items for our FMS music classroom, including extra strings for violins, violas, and cellos, tuners, reeds, and more. Your contributions can make a significant impact on our performing arts program.

By donating items from the wishlist, you’ll help ensure that our students have the resources they need to thrive and express their creativity. Thank you for your support in enriching our music community!

Warm regards,

Dr. Christine Higley

Attention Caregivers,

Thank you to all the caregivers who have volunteered to chaperone a session of Outdoor Education! We are still in need of male volunteers to round out the needed support for our program. Any individuals interested in chaperoning Outdoor Education this year should reach out to Mr. Eisenhower, 6th grade Team Leader, at Mark_A_Eisenhower@mcpsmd.org. You will follow the MCPS fingerprinting process and MCPS Volunteer training.

Session Details:

• Session 1 (Last Names A-K): November 11-13
• Session 2 (Last Names L-Z): November 13-15

Thank you for your support!

All families of sixth grade students are invited to our Outdoor Education parent info meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 6:30 - 7:15pm.

• This meeting will be in HYBRID format. Come in-person to the Cafeteria, or join us on Zoom (link forthcoming)
• Spanish translation will be available in person
• Learn about the curriculum and experiences of Outdoor Ed
• Participate in the Q&A session

Each week, MCPS shares a community message with helpful system-wide information, reminders, and invitations to events. Though they are sent out via email, we will always link them here.

Our first full (virtual) PTA meeting on Tuesday, 10/8 at 7pm. Please join using the Zoom link below. We look forward to seeing you there!

https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82900066450?pwd=ejWtvcUJiphww5jm1AWmB6ufM990Zz.

VOLUNTEERS: Our FMS staff is AMAZING and we are in need of volunteers to support with snacks for the upcoming staff meetings. Please sign up here. The next staff meeting is Monday, October 7th and we need a volunteer!

Three seats on the MCS Board of Education are up for election! This is an incredibly important time of change in MCPS, and your engagement in this process is critical. Please consider attending the upcoming MCPS Board of Education Candidate Forum where you will hear from all six candidates.

• When: Wednesday, October 9 @ 7:00pm
• Where: 15 W Gude Dr. Rockville, MD

The Black and Brown Coalition for Education Equity & Excellence is hosting a town hall event with MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor on October 23rd at 6pm.

We will have our first Restaurant Night scheduled at Chipotle on Nov. 4th from 4-8pm. Check out the flyer below for details.

Direct donations to the FMS PTA are our primary source of fundraising! Help us avoid sales-based fundraisers!

• If you have already joined, but have NOT made a tax-deductible donation, we encourage you to do so. Any amount is appreciated!
• If you have not yet joined, please join, and donate, today!

Your direct donations help the PTA fund:

• Math, English, and STEM materials
• Counseling and wellness initiatives
• Field trips
• Arts, music, and athletic activities,
• Staff appreciation
• Parent/family resources

Feel free to contact me anytime and follow Farquhar on Twitter!

Email: Angelica_L_Smith@mcpsmd.org
Phone: 240-740-1200
Twitter: @farquharms