QOHS Weekly Newsletter
October 17, 2021
Dear Quince Orchard Students, Staff, and Families,
I keep hearing the song "Celebration" playing in my head as I thought about the ending of the week. We completed state testing and it is a huge relief to know that we can return back to a sense of normalcy with a regular schedule. We still have make-up testing for students who missed, but 85% of our students are done with fall testing. Thank you to our staff and students for their commitment to making the best of everyday and rallying to support the testing process.
We also had a great celebration of LatinX heritage month on Thursday with a "fiera" in the courtyard. Seeing our students and staff celebrating, laughing, and sharing their culture with the school was inspiring.
This week's newsletter has important information about AP exams, updates about meetings for the new Crown High School, college and career center information, and so much more.
In addition to our weekly athletic events, we have the following meetings this week that I would like to bring to your attention:
Tuesday, 10/19-
QOHS NAACP Parent Council Meeting 6:00 pm- see link below
PTSA Meeting 7:00 pm- see link below
Wednesday 10/20-
Booster Parent Meeting 7:00 pm- see link below
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
QOHS NAACP Parent Council Meeting 10/19/21
PTSA Meeting 10/19/21
Join us for our monthly PTSA meeting on Tuesday, October 19th at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be held virtually. You may use the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85680489460
Meeting ID: 856 8048 9460
Booster Club Meeting Info & Concession Stand Sign-up
Booster Club Meeting
Join us this Wednesday, October 20th at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be held virtually. Please use the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81955533189?pwd=aDlDazVVbDlOckhUQzhac0grNEJGdz09
Meeting ID: 819 5553 3189
Passcode: 211466
Concession Volunteers Needed!
As we near the end of the fall season we see an urgent need to request volunteers for the remaining regular season and playoff concessions spots. We need more help!
The Booster Club generates a great deal of money through concessions. These fundraising efforts directly support Quince Orchard sports teams and clubs by providing money for uniforms, equipment, and upgrades to facilities. The commitment to help is a couple of hours. The benefits for our students are widespread!
If you have not already signed up, please take a look at the signup genius and find a volunteer time that works for you. We will continue to add playoff games as they are scheduled.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4daca62babf85-qohs2
Thank you so much for your help and support!
Congratulations to our Amazing Yearbook Team!
Josten’s awarded last year's yearbook the 2021 National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award at the Bronze Level. Kudos to last year's editor-in-chief, Alexa Linchuck (QO Class of 2021 and now a student at the University of Tampa), and this year's editor-in-chief, Baile Beck (QO Class of 2022). Congratulations to you both! QO recognizes your hard work and dedication!
Crown High School - New School Project Schematic Design Meetings
Crown High School Design Meeting Information
Crown High School Meeting Dates
Important Reminders from our Attendance Office & Security Team
Please review these important attendance reminders:
- If a student is late to school for any reason they must stop by the attendance office to sign in. This also applies if a student needs to sign out early with parent permission or parent pick up. An accurate sign-in/out time must be recorded in the system. (Please note: If a student does not stop by the attendance office then anything that the student is marked absent for will stay in the system).
- Please make sure whoever is signing the student out is on their emergency pick-up contact list in Parent VUE & is at least 21 years of age.
- Any notice sent for a student to sign out early must be submitted in writing - this can be emailed to Stephanie_S_Bradley@mcpsmd.org
Also, please remember that all parents/guardians and visitors are required to show ID upon entering our building.
Updates from the College and Career Center
College Visits for the week of October 18th
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 10/18:
Washington College (In Person) – 10:20 am
Shenandoah College (In Person) – 11:15 am
Tuesday 10/19
Virginia Tech (In Person) – 1:40 pm
Wednesday 10/20
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (Virtual) – 8:40 am
Montclair State University (In Person) – 9:32 am
Kent State University (In Person) – 10:20 am
Randolph – Macon College (In Person) – 12:50 pm
Georgia State University (Virtual) – 1:40 pm
Thursday 10/21
Miami University, Oxford (Virtual) – 9:19 am
Virginia Commonwealth University (In Person) – 1:48 pm
Friday 10/22
Gettysburg College (Virtual) – 7:45 am
Delaware Valley University (Virtual) – 8:41 am
Please make sure to register for your college visits in Naviance!
Thomas Edison Applications are NOW open!
Students are you interested in studying Auto Tech, Healthcare, Construction, Cybersecurity, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, or Graphic Design? Check this out!
Students are now able to apply for one of eighteen highly acclaimed Career and Technology education programs available to them throughout the county. Students who are accepted into these programs have the opportunity to earn certifications and licenses in one of these Career and Technical programs, as they work to earn their diploma.
You can learn more about the application process as well as these various programs if you follow this link:
Montgomery County Public Schools: Special Programs - High School (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)
Additionally, Thomas Edison High School will be having a Virtual Open House on October 20th, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Come out and learn more about all the various programs offered at their school that are available to our students.
Zoom meeting info:
https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82572207509?pwd=MmFsVllBTGJ2c2FMZGl4MUJVbzFEZz09
Meeting ID: 825 7220 7509
Passcode: 514888
On-Site Admission for Salisbury University
Hi Seniors,
If you are applying to or interested in applying to Salisbury University, please take advantage of this opportunity. On November 3rd, we will have our Admission's Counselor from Salisbury University who will be hosting an On-Site Admission session at Quince Orchard High School.
What does this mean to you?
As long as you have submitted an application for Fall 2022 Admission to Salisbury University, you will be scheduled to meet with our Rep and they will let you know on the spot whether or not you will be accepted into the University.
What would you need?
- -A submitted application to Salisbury University prior to November 3rd
- -Transcripts
- -Test Score (if applicable)
If you are interested, please fill out this interest survey and we will get back with you on a time that you have been scheduled to meet with the rep on November 3rd, 2021.
https://forms.gle/BK2RmEUXnMNJgowC9
Interested in learning more about the Army and Navy?
Cougars,
We will have a representative from Army and Navy outside the cafeteria next week. Please stop by to learn more about their program.
- Navy – Monday, October 18th
- Army – Wednesday, October 20th
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:
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.
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 Cougar Students and Staff
LatinX Dance Competition Winners
Celebrating LatinX Heritage and Culture
Celebrating at the feira!
Mental Health Awareness
Yoga with Ms. Capone
Girls Varsity Soccer Senior Night
Varsity Boys Soccer Senior Night
Varsity Field Hockey Senior Night
Boys Cross Country
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 10/18
All games played in the Main Gym and Stadium will have an Admission Charge.
Adults- $5, Students- $3, Child- $1. CASH ONLY is accepted.
10/18/2021MondayGirls VolleyballQuince Orchard at Sherwood 6:30 pm
10/18/2021MondayJV Girls VolleyballQuince Orchard at Sherwood 5:30 pm
10/19/2021TuesdayField HockeyQuince Orchard at Wootton 6 pm
10/20/2021 Wednesday Varsity Cheer Competition at Marriott's Ridge HS 4pm
10/20/2021WednesdayBoys SoccerNorthwood at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/20/2021WednesdayGirls SoccerNorthwood at Quince Orchard 7:15 pm
10/21/2021ThursdayField HockeyPoolesville at Quince Orchard 6 pm
10/21/2021ThursdayGirls VolleyballQuince Orchard at Paint Branch 6 pm
10/21/2021ThursdayJV FootballQuince Orchard at Northwest 5:45 pm
10/22/2021FridayVarsity FootballQuince Orchard at Northwest 6:30 pm
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 10/15 MCPS Athletics Update
Please see the MCPS Athletics Return to RAISE Update for Friday, October 15th 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
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY, 10/8
Online registration for participation in the Quince Orchard HS winter sports season is scheduled to go live Monday, October 18th, 2021. If your student wishes to participate in winter sports at QOHS you MUST register via ParentVue.
All students need a current sports physical (MCPS form SR-8 with Covid supplement) to participate. You MAY NOT participate without a current physical and completed online registration.
This is the only form accepted by MCPS for participation in high school sports. https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments/athletics/health/SR-8%20Physical%20Form%20with%20Covid%20Supplement.pdf
Also of note that MCPS requires student athletes to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in sports. They must be fully vaccinated before they can participate. You will upload proof of vaccination during the registration process.
Practices are scheduled to begin November 15th for most sports. Tryout dates and times will be posted by the end of October.
- If you have questions regarding individual sports practices/tryouts, please contact the head coach listed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O80iTn-FnokoecYOEkd4MN6Qo57BWc9KSx4JWHPBiNU/edit
- If you need assistance with accessing your ParentVue account please contact the school registrar Shirley_J_Gregg@mcpsmd.org or Media Specialist Jennifer_R_Nicholson@mcpsmd.org
- DO NOT show up November 15th with paper copies. You will not be permitted to participate.
- There is usually a 24hr turnaround to clear a student to participate. Make sure you are registered no later than Saturday, November 13th.
- Impact concussion testing information will be sent out to you students mcpsmd.net address in November. Do not schedule it privately and it does not need to be completed by the tryout date.
Online registration via ParentVue is scheduled to go live on October 18th sometime during the day. You will not see the link before then. It will remain open through December.
DO NOT send forms to coaches or the school for winter sports. They will be uploaded during the online registration process.
QOHS Winter sport offerings:
Varsity and JV Boys Basketball
Varsity and JV Girls Basketball
Varsity Allied Bocce
Varsity Boys and Girls Swim & Dive
Varsity Boys and Girls Indoor Track
Varsity and JV Coed Wrestling
Please see the QOHS Athletics Website for more information and follow @QOAthletics on twitter.
You can also email Athletic Director Jeffrey_L_Rabberman@mcpsmd.org with questions.
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