QOHS Weekly Newsletter
May 22, 2022
QOHS Weekly Newsletter 5/22/22
Dear Quince Orchard Students, Staff, and Families,
What do you think the numbers 5, 4, 8,11, 19, and 242 represent? Let me tell you what they mean to me:
-5 more school days for the Class of 2022
-4 celebrations of student excellence this week
-8 schools in our cluster that have continued to prepare our QO students prior to their arrival at QO
-11 more sleeps until graduation day for the Class of 2022
-19 more school days until the end of the year for grades 9-11
-242 staff members at QO who are committed to creating the conditions for all students to experience excellence.
And every single student, staff member, family member, caregiver, and community member in the QO community has helped us get t0 this moment. We could not do it without each other and this is what makes QO a special place.
There are several items this week to elevate for your attention so please take a moment to read the entire newsletter for updates:
1. It's the final countdown for our Class of 2022 seniors! This week the senior class wraps up their final moments at QO and we have a modified schedule for them this week along with important updates about distribution of caps, gowns, cords, etc.
2. We have state testing makeups this week, students will be contacted by Mr. Yarborough and/or Ms. Eberhart-Bliss with detailed information.
3. Honor Society inductions will occur in person on tomorrow night, May 23rd at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.
4. Rho-Kappa inductions are Tuesday, May 24th in the cafeteria at 6:00 pm.
5. The Senior Awards night is Wednesday, May 25th beginning with a reception at 6:00 pm in the main lobby. Awards presentations begin at 6:30 pm.
6. Athletic Awards night is Thursday, May 26th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.
7. Our second AAPI assembly is Tuesday, May 23rd. Students will view the assembly in their social studies classes.
8. We will have a modified schedule on Thursday for a special assembly for our 9th and 10th grade students. Seniors do not report until 6th period and juniors will have an extended Cougars Connect block.
9. Friday, 5/27 is the last day of our second annual instrument drive. As a result of last years drive, we were able to put instruments in the hands of students in our local elementary schools. Please help again this year!
Be well and remember, "We can't hide our Cougar Pride!"
All the best,
Elizabeth (Beth) Thomas
Principal
Senior Class Reminders & Final Week Schedule
Important Senior Schedule & Reminders
- Click here for the Senior Schedule for this week May 23-27!
- Senior fees were due April 29. If you have not paid yours, it has become an obligation. You will not receive your tickets to graduation if you have obligations; please see Ms. Ayers in the Financial Office to clear your obligations.
- Graduation rehearsal on June 1 is mandatory! It starts at 7:45 am at QO and runs until about 11:30/12:00. You will receive your tickets at the end of rehearsal.
- Graduation will be held at 2:30 pm on June 2nd at UMBC. Visit the Graduation 2022 webpage on the QO website for more details and all senior/graduation information.
Purchase the Senior Class Photo
The senior class photo was taken on Wednesday 2/23/22. This image can be purchased as a 10"x30" panoramic photo for $19 by ordering online at mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID: MJ041028T0.
Join the Senior Reminder Account for Important Updates: To join, please text the following code to 81010:
Last names A-G: text qosr22ag to 81010
Last names H-M: text qosr22hm to 81010
Last names N-S: text qosr22ns to 81010
Last names T-Z: text qosr22tz to 81010
MCAP/HSA Testing
Makeup testing for MCAP/HSA will be this week. Please see the makeup testing days below and which assessments will be given. Testing rosters with locations will be updated by Monday, May 23rd and can be found posted in the main lobby. Students that need to take a makeup for Alg 1, Government, or MISA will also receive an email reminder about testing. Please ask your child to check their synergy email and to review our testing makeup list to know their testing locations. Testing will take place in the auditorium and the media center this week. Students must bring their charged MCPS Chromebook to take all of the MCAP/HSA tests this spring. Students may not use their own devices.
Tuesday: MCAP Alg 1
Wednesday: HSA Government
Thursday: HAS MISA
If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Yarborough Assistant Principal Phillip_A_Yarborough@mcpsmd.org or Ms. Eberhart-Bliss, Acting Assistant Principal Elicia_M_Eberhart-Bliss@mcpsmd.org.
End-of-Year MCPS SSL Information
Follow the links below for important information and updates on the MCPS SSL program:
- 2021-2022 End-of-Year MCPS SSL Information
- MCPS Form 560-51: Student Service Learning Activity Verification
Forms for the 2021-22 school year should be turned in to our SSL Coordinator Ms. Shelhorse by June 3, 2022. Please email Tammy_K_Shelhorse@mcpsmd.org if you have any questions.
Tony Hoffman Special Assembly
AAPI Virtual Assembly and Courtyard Activities
Your Story Matters Forum - May 31st!
MRA Survey: We Want to Hear from YOU!
FAMILIES: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/quince-orchard-high-school/families
STUDENTS: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/quince-orchard-high-school/student
STAFF: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/quince-orchard-high-school/staff
Gender Neutral Restrooms & Student Gender Identity Guidelines
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is committed to ensuring every student experiences equitable access to the educational opportunities designed to maximize the student’s academic success and physical, psychological, and social/emotional well-being. At Quince Orchard High School, we want to remind our students and community that gender-neutral student restroom(s) are available for students to use. This restroom is located on the second floor in the red hallway. Please understand that this designated gender-neutral restroom is specifically for the purpose of creating an accepting environment at QO and is in alignment with the MCPS Guidelines for Student Gender Identity. All students are expected to honor the intent of these designated restrooms and adhere to the expectations of the Student Code of Conduct.
MCPS has developed these guidelines to help achieve goals with respect to student gender identity:
- Support students, so they may participate in school life consistent with their asserted gender identity, including students who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming.
- Reduce stigmatization and marginalization of transgender and gender-nonconforming students.
- Foster social integration and cultural inclusiveness of transgender and gender-nonconforming students.
- Respect the right of students to keep their gender identity or transgender status private and confidential.
- Provide support for MCPS staff members to enable them to appropriately and consistently address matters of student gender identity and expression.
Discrimination undermines our school district’s long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity, inclusion, and acceptance for all. Some examples of discrimination include acts of hate, violence, insensitivity, harassment, bullying, disrespect, or retaliation. The Board prohibits the use of language and/or the display of images and symbols that promote hate and can be reasonably expected to cause substantial disruption to school or district operations or activities. For more information, please review Montgomery County Board of Education Policy ACA: Nondiscrimination, Equity, and Cultural Proficiency. This policy specifically prohibits discrimination, stigmatization, and bullying based on gender identity, as well as sex, gender, gender expression, and sexual orientation, among other personal characteristics.
COVID-19 Updates - Visit our webpage & continue to report positive cases
Please visit the MCPS COVID-19 INFORMATION section at the top of our QOHS webpage for important updates, and don't forget these important reminders:
- Continue to report positive cases: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfs2RqaGzagPTfOg-HJEUXEbIcH-zyADhFZRS7ifjAf21wPBw/viewform
- Keep children home if they have any symptoms of illness and get them tested for COVID-19.
- Say Yes to the Test - Parents must give their permission for in-school testing and they can do so by completing this form. For more details, please visit our "Say Yes to the Test" website.
Updates from our College & Careers Center
Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) is excited to invite 2022 graduating seniors from your school district to our Next Gen Next Level Summer Bridge FREE event on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at Kossiakoff Center at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab,
“SURVIVING LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL” WORKSHOPS (listed below), COLLEGE/CAREER FAIR, and more to help them no matter their future plans and even if they are still undecided!
Event includes lunch, chances to win great prizes, giveaways, and special guest star appearance by Yvng Swag, millennial hip-hop artist, dancer, comedian and entertainer.
For your convenience in posting, please copy/paste the info below, attached flyers, and registration forms to share with your graduating seniors and their families.
EVENT: “Next Gen Next Level – Surviving Life After High School” FREE Summer Event for 2022 Maryland High School Graduates
LOCATION: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd., Laurel, MD 20723-6099
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 (9am-4pm)
FOR: 2022 MD High School Graduates
INFO: Attend our COLLEGE/CAREER FAIR and experience 6 workshops with tips/tricks to survive life after high school, lunch included, plus chances to win awesome prizes, giveaways, and more!
SPECIAL GUEST STAR: Yvng Swag, (Hip-Hop Artist, Dancer, Comedian & Entertainer seen on MTV’s Wild ‘n Out
COVID POLICY: All visitors to event must be fully vaccinated or test negative within 72 hours of arrival.
INTEREST FORM: https://forms.gle/wMzhbgLtLBjEyf6g8
(Please complete the interest form using the link above to indicate that you are interested in the event and the required registration forms to attend the event will be sent via email. Parents signature required on forms for students under the age of 18. Upon receipt of the completed registration forms, your spot will be confirmed for the event. Limited spots available on a first come, first serve basis.)
QUESTIONS/SEND REGISTRATION FORMS TO: Carrie Pannone, MBRT State Program Manager (carrie@mbrt.org or call 1-443-233-6944)
2022 Art Show "Better Days"
We are very excited to celebrate all our Art and Music students this week through a series of events. Please take the time to visit our annual juried Art Show – Better Days – presented digitally again this year. The students and staff have been working hard to create some beautiful pieces, check www.qohs.org for the link to the show! We will also be celebrating our AP Studio Art students and the culmination of 4 years of hard work and inspiration when we display their work during Senior Awards night, May 25th in the Auditorium.
QOHS Summer School
Quince Orchard High School will offer a FREE local Summer School program for both credit and non-credit bearing courses this summer. Summer school is open to all QOHS students as well as students from other MCPS high schools. The current dates for summer school are as follows - Session 1: June 29th – July 15th & Session 2: July 18th – August 5th. We are offering classes in-person, blended, or through a hybrid model or any combination of these models. (In-person courses may be hosted at either Lakelands Park Middle School or Quince Orchard High School). Determination of which courses are offered will depend on a combination of student need and teacher availability. Please use the Summer School Registration document to register for classes.
Should you have any questions about the Quince Orchard High School Summer School Program please contact Mr. Yarborough, Assistant Principal Phillip_A_Yarborough@mcpsmd.org.
MCPS Central High School Summer Program
CTE Summer School Program
Greetings MCPS parents and high school students,
Are you interested in earning your Tech Ed credit, starting or completing a CTE program of study or completing an Internship experience to build your resume and strengthen your college application? The regional CTE Summer School program at Seneca Valley and Wheaton/Edison High Schools are offering the following CTE courses for original or credit recovery. Courses are free, will be in a hybrid format and central transportation will be provided on the days in-person learning is scheduled.
Foundations of Technology
- Earn your Tech Ed credit for graduation
Introduction to Engineering Design
- Earn your Tech Ed credit and start the Project Lead the Way Engineering Program
Summer Internship or Apprenticeship
- Build your resume and strengthen your college application by working for an employer in the career field of your interest.
Entrepreneurship and Business Management
- Start the Business, Accounting & Finance or Marketing CTE Program of Study
Guided Research for Law, Government, Public Safety and Administration
- Gain valuable legal research skills, experience the Paralegal studies program at Montgomery College and/or use this course to complete the Justice, Law and Society CTE program.
Foundations of Medical and Health Science
· Credit recovery for the Healthcare Professions CTE programs.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
· Credit recovery and certification preparation for CCMA students
Visit the CTE Summer School Website for details and register today through ParentVUE: 2022 Central High School Summer Program Registration Instructions
A copy of the CTE Summer School Flyer is attached. Contact Ms. Latrice Curtis, CTE Summer School Program Manager at Latrice_C_Curtis@mcpsmd.org for questionsMCPS Community Update - 5/19/22
Here are five things to know for Thursday, May 19. They include reminders about COVID-19, an upcoming mental health fair, online mental health and wellness resources, and an award recognition.
COVID-19 Case Rates Are Up
Positive cases as reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Montgomery County Health and Human Services dashboard have increased. As of Wednesday, May 18, the county had more than 364 cases per 100,000 residents, putting our community in the “moderate” risk category. The Department of Health and Human Services has strongly encouraged (not required) that you wear a mask when out in the community, physically distance when you can, wash your hands frequently and stay up-to-date with your vaccines and boosters. Doing these simple things will help keep you healthy.Masks Are an Important Tool in Classes with Three or More Positive Cases
Consistent with Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services recommendations, it is strongly recommended that all staff and students wear masks while indoors in schools and offices. While masking remains optional systemwide, in response to increased cases, specific classes, grade levels or schools may be required to remask for periods of time to reduce transmission. Our goal is to keep students, staff and our communities healthy and maintain in-person instruction.Letters about positive cases that include advice about mask use are sent home as necessary. MCPS is also sending additional take-home rapid tests and masks to impacted schools. Students and staff who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters may be required to quarantine per guidance from the CDC, Maryland Department of Health and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.
REMINDER: Report any positive COVID-19 case via this link.
Mental Health Fair Set for May 31
MCPS is hosting a mental health forum for families and students from 6:15–8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31 at Seneca Valley High School. The event will include a chance for parents to learn about mental health resources and services the school district has available to students. There will also be a resource fair, and breakout sessions on a range of topics, including signs of suicide and suicide prevention, anxiety and depression in students, restorative justice, trauma and its impact on the brain, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness and meditation.Seneca Valley is located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown.
Find Mental Health and Wellness Resources Online
MCPS is committed to the physical, social and psychological well-being of its more than 160,000 students and 24,000 employees. You can find valuable district information and community resources for students, staff and families on the MCPS homepage. Learn more about the important positions that support mental health and wellness in MCPS and the investments made to support that work.- MCPS Homepage
- MCPS Search
- MCPS Mental Health and Wellness Resources by School
Argyle Middle School Principal Wins Maryland Principal of the Year Award
James Allrich, principal of Argyle Middle School, has been named the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) Principal of the Year 2023. MASSP recognizes outstanding Maryland middle level and high school principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession.Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle level or high school principal to represent their state. From these state winners, three finalists are named as contenders for the National Principal of the Year award.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
QOHS Instrument Drive - Drop off Friday May 27th 3-6 pm
Updates to the QOHS Tardy Procedures - PLEASE REVIEW
Quince Orchard High School Tardy Procedures
Being on time to school and class is important because we know that every minute spent learning is helping our students get one step closer to a goal. Learning from the first minute is important. Being on time signals that there is a shared commitment to our collective vision of excellence. Thus, we must collectively work together to welcome students and staff into the learning community.
As a school, we are committed to welcoming students into our learning spaces each day. Students, we ask that you read through and follow the parameters below.
Plan and Process
Staff will implement a “No Pass the First/Last 10 minutes of the Period Rule” within reason. Teachers will use their professional judgment if a student requires or needs a pass within these parameters.
Staff will utilize a pass process for all students.
The following process will be implemented:
First tardy: the teacher verbally addresses the lateness with the student and documents in a teacher-created log.
Second tardy: written documentation in the contact log after contact with the student’s family.
Third tardy: teacher-developed “reflection time” is implemented. The timeframe and location will be determined by the teacher. If the student does not attend the “reflection time” with the teacher, the teacher will share the student’s name and prior information with the grade level administrator who will follow up with the student.
Fourth tardy: teachers will request that the grade level administrator provides additional support.
Together we can create the conditions for all students to experience excellence. Please see our website @QOHS.ORG or Canvas for bell schedules.
Students & Staff join us every Wednesday in the Courtyard for Mindfulness Meditation!
Celebrating Our QOHS Cougar Students and Staff
QO Representing at the Pride Town Hall!
Lead em Up student luncheon
Celebrating our QOHS program completers!
Dream It Be It
MSP Class of 2022 Celebration
Congrats to Mr. Rivera ELD Leader of the Year!
Athletics Schedule for the Week of May 23rd, 2022
Congratulations to Noah Lewis who won the 4A West Region II Championship! He will play in the MPSSAA State Tournament starting on Friday, May 27th!
Track and Field to States!
Congratulations to Manie Mevo, Roberto Terrell, Xavier Suggs and Avin Jackson for qualifying for the 4A MPSSAA State Track and Field Meet! The meet will take place on Saturday, May 28th at 9am at the PG Sports and Learning Complex.
Senior Signing Day
We will have our Spring Signing Day on Thursday, May 26th at 11:30am in the Cougar Dome! Along with the following athletes, we would like all seniors that are playing sports in college to be there for a group picture!
Johnnie Castro, Football- Stevenson University
Chris Djadja, Boys Soccer- Lycoming College
Darius Ellis, Football- Shepherd University
Leo Fogam, Boys Soccer- Lycoming College
Shepherd Koffie, Boys Soccer- Washington College
Kenneth Kouassi, Boys Soccer- Lycoming College
Manie Mevo, Track and Field- Towson University
Elijah Mills, Football- Westminster College
Reese Owens, Girls Soccer- Rhodes College
Mariana Ruiz, Cheerleading- Stevenson University
Sam Smith, Football- University of Pennsylvania
Christian Woobay, Boys Soccer- Lycoming College
QO Athletic Awards Night
The QO Athletic Awards Night will be held on Thursday, May 26th at 7pm in the QO Auditorium. Here is some important information for the night.
- All student-athletes, parents and coaches are invited to attend.
- We will recognize our Ernie Ceccato 4-year Senior Athletes with a graduation cord.
- We will recognize all fall, winter, and spring award winners. The spring season winners will receive their plaques that night.
- We will award our Boys and Girls Team of the Year, Cougar Team of the Year and Most Improved Team.
- We will award our Boys and Girls Coaches of the Year and Assistant Coaches of the Year.
- We will award the Jerry Link Scholarship.
- We will recognize our SALC Representatives for the 2021-22 School Year.
- We will award our first ever Student Service Award to Athletics.
- We will award our Boys and Girls Athlete of the Year, Dan Shea Scholar Athlete Award and Michael Lanahan AD Award.
MCPS Volunteer Vaccinations
Montgomery County Public Schools requires school volunteers and partnership agencies to complete certain compliance measures in order to volunteer within our school district.
- Online Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Training via their myMCPS Classroom/Canvas account
- Background check (dependent upon the type of volunteer service, per the Volunteers regulation and FAQ)
- COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation - NEW!
Beginning September 20, 2021, volunteers will be required to upload their Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination to remain on the volunteer roster.
Please review the Volunteer/Contractor Vaccination Attestation Update for details on this process.Important Reminder - Please Review Lunch Process and Norms
Important Links:
Stay connected throughout the school year with these important links:
Elizabeth L. Thomas
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