QOHS Weekly Newsletter
October 10, 2021
Dear Quince Orchard Students, Staff, and Families,
Last week was filled with celebrations, state testing, advocacy, and exciting learning experiences. Our students continue to showcase their Cougar Pride in multiple ways and that was evident in the Dig Pink volleyball game, Junior Poms clinic, and in multiple classroom settings.
I would be remiss if I didn't say a huge thanks to all of our students who joined me in a town hall format on Friday to elevate their voice and perspectives on recent comments about the dress code. Our students have a powerful voice and they continue to remind us all that their voices must be heard and elevated if we want to make any change.
Wrapping up the week we celebrated our newest class of QOHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. It was a great weekend of celebration and testament to the legends that have laid the foundation of excellence at QO.
This week, Students will be receiving updates on academic progress when interims are closed tomorrow. It is extremely important that students are doing everything they need to demonstrate excellence in every class. We want students to be able to participate in all activities for the year however, eligibility will be counted at the end of first quarter. Any student in 10th, 11th , or 12th grade who is ineligible after the first marking period will lose their ability to participate in any extracurricular activities.
State testing began last week and will continue throughout this week. Please see the schedule with information about PSAT, SAT, and MCAP testing dates.
Please read the information under each category heading carefully. We will continue to use this format for information throughout the year. And remember, we can't hide our Cougar Pride!
Make It a Great Day,
Elizabeth L. Thomas
Principal
A message from our Security Team
Updates from the College and Career Center
Seneca Valley High School Part-Time Programs for School Year '22-'23
Current Sophomores!!
Seneca Valley will be expanding its Part-Time programs next year. Seneca Valley plans to offer the following pathways on a Part-Time basis (2 periods of classes at SVHS each day) for those students who will be JUNIORS next year:
- Construction Management and Architecture
- Construction Design and Management (similar to Architecture)
- Carpentry
- HVAC
- Construction Electricity
- IT/Cyber
- Networking
- Cybersecurity Pathway
- Cybersecurity Capstone (only need to take 1 year and not 2 like the other programs. Must have the Prereqs in order to take the class).
- Hospitality and Tourism Management Program
- Law Enforcement and Leadership Program
- Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Program (Open to 10, 11, or 12th graders)
For some basic information on the programs at Seneca Valley, please visit their Google Site:
https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/svhsparttimeprograms/home
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please join their Virtual Open House for the Part-Time Programs on Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 6 -8 pm:
Zoom Link: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/s/88618027966?pwd=c0NRREg4d0psUnNIZlpqNXczMFg3Zz09
Passcode: 240926
Additionally, MCPS has updated the information for all Grade 9-11 Special Programs on their webpage (https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/high/). The application went live on Friday, October 8, 2021.
Reach out to your student’s School Counselor if you have any further questions.
College Visits for the week of October 11th
Cougars, we are happy to announce that we will be partnering with Damascus High School with some of our Virtual Visits. Please make sure that you are checking out our College Visits Website to stay up to date on colleges that we have available.
Here are the schools that we have coming this week:
Monday 10/11:
The Ohio State University (Virtual) – 8:41 am
Loyola University of Maryland (Virtual) – 9:30 am
James Madison University (Virtual) - 10:23 am
University of Lynchburg (Virtual) – 12:50 pm
Tuesday 10/12
University of Maryland Baltimore County (In Person) – 9:30 am
Springfield College (In Person) – 10:20 am
Trinity Washington University (In Person) – 11:15 am
U.S. Marine Corps (Virtual) – 12:50 pm
Wednesday 10/13
Alvernia University (In Person) – 12:00 pm
Friday 10/15
Carnegie Mellon University (Virtual) - 9:32 am
Elizabethtown College (Virtual) – 10:20 am
Wake Forest University (In Person) – 1:42 pm
Please make sure to register for your college visits in Naviance!
Counseling Corner
Gaithersburg Holiday Giving Project
If your family has financial needs during the November and December holidays and could use food for the holidays, please fill out the linked google form.
This particular project is only for food at Thanksgiving and the December holiday.
Please note: Before filling out the form, you need to know your Quince Orchard student’s ID number.
Link: https://forms.gle/b3WHyanB7nvEpfSk8
Si su familia tiene necesidades financieras durante las vacaciones de noviembre y diciembre y podría usar alimentos para las fiestas, complete el formulario de Google vinculado.
Esto es solo para comida en Acción de Gracias y las vacaciones de diciembre.
Antes de completar el formulario, debe conocer el número de identificación de estudiante de Quince Orchard.
Local and State Testing Information and Schedules
Testing at a glance for your information and understanding:
MCAP
Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) is an umbrella for annual statewide assessment for ELA/Literacy/Mathematics and Science. The English Language Arts (ELA) test is a computer-based and paper test (for designated students) which focuses on reading and understanding literature and informational text, as well as writing effectively when analyzing texts. The mathematics exam will focus on applying skills and concepts, understanding multi-step problems that require abstract reasoning and modeling real-world problems. The Science (MISA) will focus on the ability to demonstrate the essential knowledge and understanding of Science and Engineering.
The Mathematics (MCAP) exam which consists of two sections (Section 1: 20 minutes – non-calculator; Section 2: 45 minutes – calculator) will be administered on Tuesday, October 12th.
Students in grade 9 who took Algebra 1 last year in middle school will take the Algebra 1 exam.
Students in grade 9 that took Geometry last year in middle school will take the Geometry exam.
Students in grade 9 that took Algebra 2 in middle school will take the Algebra 2 exam.
All other ninth graders will take the Math Grade 8 exam.
Students in grades 10 – 12 that have “not taken” or “not met” Algebra 1 state requirements will take the Algebra 1 exam
2. The English Language Arts (MCAP) exam which consists of two sections (Section 1 – 70 minutes; Section 2 – 70 minutes) will be administered on Thursday, October 14th and Friday, October 15th.
All students in grade 9 will take the ELA Grade 9 exam.
Students in grades 10 – 12 that have “not taken” the ELA 10 exam will take the exam on the aforementioned dates.
***Important Reminder: Students MUST use their MCPS issued device to complete these exams.
MCAP Modified Testing Schedule and PSAT/SAT -
October 11, 2021 through October 18, 2021
Regular Schedule Monday 10/11
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Warning Bell 7:40
Cougars Connect- 7:45 - 9:15 (90)
MCAP Math
Period 4 9:20 - 9:53 (33)
Period 3 9:58 - 10:31 (33)
Period 2 10:36 - 11:09 (33)
Period 1 11:14 - 11:47 (33)
Lunch 11:52 - 12:36 (44)
Period 6 12:41 - 1:14 (33)
Period 7 1:19 - 1:52 (33)
Period 8 1:57 - 2:30 (33)
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
PSAT/SAT School Day 7:45 - 11:40
(9th, 10th, and 11th Grades ONLY)
Lunch 11:45 - 12:30 (All Students)
Period 6 12:35 - 1:10 (All Students)
Period 7 1:15 - 1:50 (All Students)
Period 8 1:55 - 2:30 (All Student)
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Warning Bell 7:40
Cougars Connect- 7:45 - 9:15 (90)
MCAP ELA
Period 4 9:20 - 9:53 (33)
Period 3 9:58 - 10:31 (33)
Period 2 10:36 - 11:09 (33)
Period 1 11:14 - 11:47 (33)
Lunch 11:52 - 12:36 (44)
Period 6 12:41 - 1:14 (33)
Period 7 1:19 - 1:52 (33)
Period 8 1:57 - 2:30 (33)
Friday, October 15, 2021
Warning Bell 7:40
Cougars Connect- 7:45 - 9:15 (90)
MCAP ELA
Period 4 9:20 - 9:53 (33)
Period 3 9:58 - 10:31 (33)
Period 2 10:36 - 11:09 (33)
Period 1 11:14 - 11:47 (33)
Lunch 11:52 - 12:36 (44)
Period 6 12:41 - 1:14 (33)
Period 7 1:19 - 1:52 (33)
Period 8 1:57 - 2:30 (33)
PSAT/SAT
PSAT/SAT testing locations have been shared with students/families via Synergy. Please check your Synergy messages. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Edith Lee, Assistant Principal: Edith_U_Lee@mcpsmd.org
All 10th and 11th graders can take the PSAT. Tests has been ordered for all 10th and 11th graders. MCPS covered the cost of all of these tests. Students in grade 10 and 11 are highly encouraged to take the PSAT. Grade 9 and 12 students only had PSAT and SAT tests ordered if they indicated "Yes" on the PSAT/SAT interest form (shared in September).
9th graders, an email was sent to all students, parents and caregivers to make the $14 online payment. If your 9th grader did not complete the September interest form, a test was not ordered. If you are not sure, please send Edith Lee an email to confirm. Please use this online link if you have not already paid the fee: https://bit.ly/QOHSPSAT2021
12th graders who completed the September interest form had a test ordered. If you are not sure if your 12th grader has had a test ordered, please email Edith Lee.
Testing Accommodation Info
Testing Accommodations for the College Board Tests (AP, SAT, PSAT)
In order to receive accommodations on these tests, a student must request the accommodations by submitting a Student Eligibility Form. The form must be completed by both parents and school officials and then mailed to the College Board at least seven weeks in advance of the student taking the first test.
The criteria established by the College Board for granting testing accommodations differs
significantly from those used by Montgomery County Public Schools. Students who have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan are not guaranteed that the College Board will provide accommodations. The College Board requires current neuropsychological testing (within the past three years) which documents the specific need for each requested accommodation. Please contact Mr. Douglas Rivera in the Counseling Office (240-740-3620) in order to obtain the forms and to ask questions about this process.AP Registration & Payments
Beginning in the 2019-20 school year, the AP® Program introduced new resources and processes designed to help students earn college credit and placement. Students are now required to register for AP Exams in the fall. The exams will still take place in May. If your AP course doesn’t start until after the fall registration deadline, you can register later in the year. For help registering, talk to your child’s AP teacher, counselor, or your school’s AP coordinator.
To begin the registration process, students need to have a College Board account. All College Board programs (PSAT®, SAT®, or College Board Opportunity Scholarships) are connected through one account. If your student already has a College Board account, please make sure they know their username and password as they will need it to register for their exam(s). If your student has never signed up for an account, please have them create a College Board account. If you have any issues with your student’s account please contact the College Board at 866-315-6068.
Students will be required to register for AP Exams in the fall, however AP Exams will continue to be given in May. All students who are registered for an AP course are expected to take the AP exam. The registration period will close Friday November 12, 2021. Most students have already registered with the help of the AP teachers, but please check in with your child. The exam fee this year will be $96. If your student registers for their AP exam AFTER the November deadline, there will be a $40 late registration fee charged in addition to the $95 exam fee. Additionally if students register for the exam and later decide not to test, there will be a $40 cancellation fee.
Payments can be through the Online School Payments system, which can be accessed through the “School Store” link on the QO website. In order to have a test ordered students must pay AT LEAST a $40 deposit for each test they wish to take by November 12th. If students do not pay by the 12th, a test will not be ordered for them and they will have to pay a $40 late fee in addition to the $96 exam price in order to take the test.
You will also find a Fee Waiver Application Form (English / Spanish) that lists additional requirements that may qualify your student for a reduced exam fee based on your family income. If you meet one or more of the guidelines listed on the Fee Waiver Application form linked above, please fill out the application and submit it by December 1, 2020. Once you have completed the Fee Waiver, you are eligible to pay the exam fee of $15 listed in Online School Payments. We understand that some families may not be eligible for the fee waiver but may be experiencing extreme financial hardship. If you would like to request financial considerations please fill out this form.
If you have any questions regarding AP Testing, please reach out to Ms. Nicholson at Jennifer_R_Nicholson@mcpsmd.org.
Students & Staff join us every Wednesday in the Courtyard for Mindfulness Meditation!
ACT-SO
Students create projects following the appropriate rubric and receive support at monthly seminars. Students are encouraged to share projects with a teacher before submission. ACT-SO may provide mentors to students submitting projects. Projects are presented at a local competition and are adjudicated by specialists. The mission of ACT-SO is to prepare, recognize and reward youth who exemplify scholastic and artistic excellence as well as develop public speaking, time management, and other life-building skills.
Important Dates: All ACT-SO applications, short bios (200 words or less), and photos (headshot preferred; selfies are acceptable) should be returned by November 15, 2021. Final due date for projects and applications is January 15, 2022.
Additional Information: Projects and applications should be submitted via email to actsomoco@gmail.com. Applications and projects will be acknowledged via email within 72 hours. For additional information contact ACT-SO Chairs Ms. Pat Price (actsomoco@gmail.com) or Ms. Laura Dennis (Ldennis99@comcast.net).
Celebrating Our QOHS Cougars!
QO Artists
QOHS Student Booktalks
QO Staff Luncheon
QO Varsity Soccer
QO Girls Volleyball
QOHS Athletic Hall of Fame Wall
Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15! - Last week for poster contest
Hispanic Heritage Month: Poster Project
In celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, we are asking that students create virtual posters that reflect the history, contributions, and information about influential Latinx/Hispanic people.
Please include:
Who they are
Country of background
Profession
Accomplishments
What makes them stand out
Special contributions, awards, recognition.
Please include why they are important in Hispanic/Latinx heritage.
You may also do a digital poster and it may include:
A video
Their artwork, music, poetry, performances, etc. if you choose an artist/performer
Links to information websites
PowerPoint
Word
Canva
Nearpod
Be creative! Be educative! Consider past and present influencers. Teach our school community about Hispanic/Latinx Heritage.
Students will earn 5 SSL hours per poster and 3 for the digital poster. If you have questions about your person/topic please feel free to contact Mrs. Shelhorse, SSL Coordinator or Ms. Najera, Assistant Principal.
Please submit posters to Mrs. Shelhorse Tammy_K_Shelhorse@mcpsmd.org or Ms. Najera Vilma_C_Najera@mcpsmd.org. .
Saturday School
The virtual doors of The George B. Thomas. Sr. Learning Academy, Inc. - Saturday School opened for its 35th year of service on Saturday, September 25th. Online registration started on September 1st and we have adequate space for additional students.
Classes will be offered in subject areas for grades 9-12 through May of 2022. We will also have a special center for our ELL students and families. Our dynamic programming will include weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, recreational activities and academic acceleration with opportunities for enrichment. In addition, we are offering a Crash Course to college application process class along with SAT/ACT prep and AP/IB courses.
Program fees are $40 for FARMS students and $85 for all other students. These fees cover the ENTIRE year of tutoring. Weekly attendance is strongly encouraged as students that attend regularly outperform students that do not.
Please review the attached documents with your families and registration can be found at www.saturdayschool.org. If you would like to offer special programming for special groups of students at your school please contact me at your earliest convenience
QO Theatre
QO Theatre is still selling T-Shirts! Each shirt is $15, and you can order them here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JlYjNbc4EcLwwz_i8NBe7sqx2WCLpFHrQY6xqFkEqac/edit
Athletic Season Passes
The QO Athletic Season Passes for the 2021-22 seasons are still on sale! The ordering process is easy! Simply complete the order form below and return with payment (Cash or Check made out to Quince Orchard High School). Passes will be available at the gate of home games. Season passes are only valid for home regular season contests for the designated season(s) at Quince Orchard High School and passes are non-transferrable.
To order, please complete the form at the link below, make sure that you neatly print all first and last names, incomplete orders will take longer to process and may not be available before the first game. Passes can also be ordered online, if you are ordering online, please follow-up with an email to Ms. Adams including the names you would like on each of the passes.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pvq30tUZ3tMn_6acJUp0DdinGfdg-eSGM7NdtfvGqsE/edit
Athletics Game Schedule & Community Updates
Game Schedule for the Week of 10/11
All games played in the Main Gym and Stadium will have an Admission Charge.
Adults- $5, Students- $3, Child- $1. CASH ONLY is accepted.
10/11/2021MondayField HockeyB-CC at Quince Orchard 7 pm
10/11/2021MondayGirls VolleyballQuince Orchard at Wootton 6:30 pm
10/11/2021MondayJV Field HockeyB-CC at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/11/2021MondayJV Girls VolleyballQuince Orchard at Wootton 5:30 pm
10/12/2021TuesdayBoys SoccerQuince Orchard at Seneca Valley 7:15 pm
10/12/2021TuesdayGirls SoccerSeneca Valley at Quince Orchard 7:15 pm
10/12/2021TuesdayJV Boys SoccerQuince Orchard at Seneca Valley 5:30 pm
10/12/2021TuesdayJV Girls SoccerSeneca Valley at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/13/2021WednesdayField HockeyDamascus at Quince Orchard 6 pm
10/13/2021WednesdayGirls VolleyballWhitman at Quince Orchard 6:30 pm
10/13/2021WednesdayJV Girls VolleyballWhitman at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/13/2021 Wednesday Cheerleading at 4pm
10/14/2021ThursdayBoys SoccerB-CC at Quince Orchard 7:15 pm
10/14/2021ThursdayGirls SoccerB-CC at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/14/2021ThursdayJV FootballQuince Orchard at Gaithersburg 5:45 pm
10/15/2021FridayGirls VolleyballSpringbrook at Quince Orchard 6:30 pm
10/15/2021FridayJV Girls VolleyballSpringbrook at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/15/2021FridayVarsity FootballQuince Orchard at Gaithersburg 6:30 pm
10/16/2021SaturdayBoys SoccerQuince Orchard at Poolesville 10 am
10/16/2021SaturdayGirls SoccerQuince Orchard at Poolesville 12 pm
10/16/2021 Saturday Cross Country at Gunpowder Falls Invitational 10am
QO Spectator Guidelines for Athletic Events
Please see the link below for the Spectator Guidelines for Indoor and Outdoor Athletic Events.
https://qocougars.com/2021/09/02/qo-spectator-guidelines-for-athletic-events/
IMPORTANT 10/8 MCPS Athletics Update
Please see the MCPS Athletics Return to RAISE Update for Friday, October 8th HERE . Beginning Monday, Nov. 15, the start of the winter sports season, all high school and eligible middle school student-athletes will be required to submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to participation. This requirement applies to the winter and spring sports seasons, as well as all out-of season activities conducted through MCPS Athletics
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.Quince Orchard HS Quarantine Instructional Process Plan
Quince Orchard High School will provide opportunities for students to engage in learning and receive needed support. If needed, students and families should review the process below and reach out to the school if you have any additional questions (240) 740-3600.
INSTRUCTION
Teachers will post work in Canvas while a student is out.
Assignments missed during the quarantine period should be made up.
Students who are able/well enough to complete work while in quarantine are encouraged to do so. They can access their work in Canvas.
Students may email teachers to ask questions related to assignments. More guidance about seeing teachers is provided below.
SUPPORT
MEALS for breakfast and lunch can be provided. Please email the cafeteria manager, ShuChin_Lai@mcpsmd.org and copy the school business administrator, Judy Yu at Judith_C_Yu@mcpsmd.org to arrange meal pick up.
If your student needs TECH SUPPORT please contact Cindy Taylor at Cynthia_T_Taylor@mcpsmd.org or call the main office at (240) 740-3600.
If your student needs to speak to someone during quarantine or upon their return to school, our school COUNSELORS are available to support. Please contact the school for assistance.
Quarantine Live Check ins
All QOHS teachers will have a designated period for live check-ins posted on Canvas. Students/families should reach out to the grade level administrator if you are unable to access the Zoom link on their Canvas page..
If students have questions about assignments, they should email the appropriate teachers and join the Zoom meeting.
Student schedules can be found in StudentVue and ParentVue.
We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of the entire Quince Orchard High School community.
Our process and plan is also highlighted in the presentation shared at Back to school night: Google Slides ←Click here
Make Up Picture Day
Class of 2022
Follow Up from the Senior Parent Meeting Night on 9/24:
- The October 13 SAT testing is available only for current Grade 12 students who did not take the SAT in 2020-2021 as a result of the pandemic.
- For the Government testing requirement, there are associated contingencies based upon if and when a student completed the required NSL course. Students will be individually notified as to whether they need to take the test and of their test administration date, if applicable. The Government test will be administered in January 2022 and May 2022.
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
Senior fees: senior fees include your cap and gown and other expenses related to graduation. You will be able to pay your senior fees online through the school store with a credit card beginning in late August.
August -October 31: $65
November 1-January 31: $75
February 1-April 30: $85
Important Reminder - Please Update Your Student Emergency Information
Please remember that any adult picking a student up from school must be on their emergency contact list. It is VERY important that the school has accurate contact & emergency information for each student. The process outlined below replaces the yellow cards that were traditionally sent home and MUST be completed by each family, as soon as possible.
Student Emergency Information should be updated through ParentVUE. Each year parents/guardians are required to complete the Annual Verification of Information through the Online Registration portal (in the right corner of your ParentVUE home screen). We highly recommend that you complete this as soon as possible. It is critically important that we have accurate parent contact information on file with the school and system as soon as possible.
Here are links to the ParentVUE Support Guide and directions for completing the annual verification of information.
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