QOHS Weekly Newsletter
October 3, 2021
Dear Quince Orchard Students, Staff, and Families,
We had such an awesome homecoming week while showcasing our Cougar Pride. Representing school spirit each day made the outfit planning fun and easy! Thanks to the SGA and Boosters for helping to plan a fun week which included our first pep rally, spirit themed days, and a night to remember as we danced under the lights...and stars! Everyone looked stunning and had a great time enjoying snacks, dancing, and time together. I am so thankful that it was a safe and celebratory weekend for all!
On Thursday, October 7th we continue our testing season with the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA). The Science (MISA) consists of one 60 minute section and all students in grade 9 will complete the MISA 8 exam which they were not able to take during their eighth grade year. Students in grades 10 – 12 that are not in biology and have not previously taken the MISA will also test on this date. Almost our entire school is required to participate in this assessment. This is a participation only assessment however it is required. Again, this is a participation only required assessment.
On Friday, October 8th, we have an early release at 12:00 pm so staff may have time to complete interims reporting student academic progress. 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.
In the remainder of the newsletter you will see MCPS' response to and update about the recent "tik-tok" challenges that have been posted. One dangerous trend is a challenge called 'Devious Licks,' which encourages children toward destructive, dangerous and potentially illegal behavior. This challenge asks students to post videos of themselves stealing, vandalizing or showing off items they've stolen, primarily from their school. Other challenges also encourage violence, theft and harassment.
The safety of our school communities is a priority, and these types of behaviors are harmful, dangerous, disrespectful and threaten the safe environment of our schools. They will not be tolerated. Any student who engages in these activities jeopardizes the safety of their fellow students and of our schools and will be subject to appropriate discipline as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.
There are additional updates about the "Leader In Me" survey, ACT-SO information, athletics, and more.
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
MCPS Community Update - TikTok Challenge
October 1, 2021
Dear MCPS Community,
Students are part of the digital age. The internet can be an excellent resource for information and connects people in ever-changing ways, such as social media. It can also be a point of vulnerability for children if they don't use it safely. At home and at school, it is our mutual responsibility to impress upon our children the importance of appropriate behavior and how to be safe and respectful digital citizens.
One dangerous trend online, specifically on the social media platform TikTok, is a challenge called 'Devious Licks,' which encourages children toward destructive, dangerous and potentially illegal behavior. This challenge asks students to post videos of themselves stealing, vandalizing or showing off items they've stolen, primarily from their school. Other challenges also encourage violence, theft and harassment.
The safety of our school communities is a priority, and these types of behaviors are harmful, dangerous, disrespectful and threaten the safe environment of our schools. They will not be tolerated. Any student who engages in these activities jeopardizes the safety of their fellow students and of our schools and will be subject to appropriate discipline as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.
We recognize that the majority of our students are exceptional role models and demonstrate respectful behavior at all times. These acts are not a reflection of our MCPS core values of Learning, Respect, Relationships, Excellence and Equity—values that our students should understand and embrace.
All students have the right to a school environment that is safe, positive and respectful in order to promote student learning. Please speak with your child(ren) and help them understand the severity of this type of behavior and encourage them to operate online sensibly and safely. We've included valuable resources below to help you work with your child and to understand the MCPS Student Code of Conduct and A Student’s Guide to Rights and Responsibilities.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Helpful Resources:
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 Science (MISA) which consists of one 60 minute section will be administered on Thursday, October 7th. All students in grade 9 will complete the MISA 8 exam which they were not able to take during their eighth grade year. Students in grades 10 – 12 that are not in biology and have not previously taken the MISA will also test on this date.
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.
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 4, 2021 through October 18, 2021
Regular Schedule Monday 10/4, Tuesday 10/5, Wednesday 10/6, and Friday, 10/8
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Warning Bell 7:40
Cougars Connect- 7:45 - 9:15 (90)
MISA/HS MISA (Science)
Period 1 9:20 - 9:53 (33)
Period 2 9:58 - 10:31 (33)
Period 3 10:36 - 11:09 (33)
Period 4 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)
Regular Schedule Monday 10/11
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Warning Bell 7:40
Cougars Connect- 7:45 - 9:15 (90)
MCAP Math
Period 1 9:20 - 9:53 (33)
Period 2 9:58 - 10:31 (33)
Period 3 10:36 - 11:09 (33)
Period 4 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 1 9:20 - 9:53 (33)
Period 2 9:58 - 10:31 (33)
Period 3 10:36 - 11:09 (33)
Period 4 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 1 9:20 - 9:53 (33)
Period 2 9:58 - 10:31 (33)
Period 3 10:36 - 11:09 (33)
Period 4 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)
Leader In Me School Survey
Our school is implementing a whole-school transformational process called the Leader in Me, which teaches 21st-century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.
Our school will be conducting surveys to learn more about key areas of strength and areas of needed growth in our school. In order for us to have a holistic picture of what is going on in our school, we are asking all full-time staff members, families, and students participate.
Family Participation
If you decide to participate, you will be asked to complete a survey (without sharing your name or other identifying information) that will be available through the weblink below. The survey is completely voluntary, but we do hope to get feedback from one member of every household.
The family survey takes about 12 minutes to complete and will ask questions about your child and about their experience in our school. If you have more than one child attending the school, you will be asked to think about the oldest child's experiences as you answer questions related to their growth.
Survey: English version SurveyMonkey Powered Online Survey
Survey: Spanish version SurveyMonkey Powered Online Survey
Please complete the survey by: Friday, October 8, 2021
English Spanish
Students & Staff join us every Wednesday in the Courtyard for Mindfulness Meditation!
The Prowler is Calling all Creative Writers
Do you want to see your poetry, short story, or song lyrics published in the October 15 edition of our student newspaper, The Prowler? (You can be published with your name, with your initials, or anonymously.) Submit all creative work by Monday night, October 4 at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGZVkUYJBOClybCSFW83nomaOz6THKTMAadREC4M4HNpvLsg/viewform
Juniors & Seniors - Last week to apply for the National English Honor Society
Do you love reading, writing, listening AND speaking? If you are a Junior or Senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher, you may apply to be a member of the National English Honor Society. Applications are due by October 8th Use this application link:
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!
Homecoming Hallways
First Pep Rally of the Year!
Homecoming Pep Rally
QOHS Homecoming 2021
QOHS Homecoming 2021
QOHS Homecoming 2021
Join QOHS in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15!
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 - Family Meet & Greet
QO Theatre will be having a Meet & Greet for all parents of QO Theatre members. It will be held on Wednesday, October 6th from 6-7 pm outside the Main Entrance of QO. This is a great opportunity to see what QO Theatre has to offer your students, meet our production staff, and see how you can get involved in order to help QO Theatre come back stronger than ever
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 9/27
All games played in the Main Gym and Stadium will have an Admission Charge.
Adults- $5, Students- $3, Child- $1. CASH ONLY is accepted.
10/04/2021 Golf Districts at Poolesville Golf Course 9am
10/04/2021MondayField HockeyNorthwest at Quince Orchard 7 pm
10/04/2021MondayGirls SoccerQuince Orchard at Clarksburg 7:15 pm
10/04/2021MondayJV Field HockeyNorthwest at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/04/2021MondayJV Girls SoccerQuince Orchard at Clarksburg 5:30 pm
10/05/2021TuesdayBoys SoccerClarksburg at Quince Orchard 7:15 pm
10/05/2021TuesdayCross CountryClarksburg at Quince Orchard (at Smokey Glen Farm) 3:30 pm
10/05/2021TuesdayJV Boys SoccerClarksburg at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/06/2021WednesdayGirls SoccerQuince Orchard at Northwest 7:15 pm
10/06/2021WednesdayGolfQuince Orchard, Winston Churchill, Richard Montgomery and B-CC at Hampshire Greens 3 pm
10/06/2021WednesdayJV Girls SoccerQuince Orchard at Northwest 5:30 pm
10/07/2021ThursdayBoys SoccerNorthwest at Quince Orchard 7:15 pm
10/07/2021ThursdayField HockeyQuince Orchard at Winston Churchill 5:15 pm
10/07/2021ThursdayGirls VolleyballNorthwest at Quince Orchard 6:30 pm
10/07/2021ThursdayJV Boys SoccerNorthwest at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/07/2021ThursdayJV Field HockeyQuince Orchard at Winston Churchill 3:45 pm
10/07/2021ThursdayJV Girls VolleyballNorthwest at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
10/08/2021FridayVarsity FootballRichard Montgomery at Quince Orchard 6:30 pm*
10/09/2021SaturdayJV FootballRichard Montgomery at Quince Orchard 10 am
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 10/1 MCPS Athletics Update
Please see the MCPS Athletics Return to RAISE Update for Friday, October 1st 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
PSAT/SAT
Prior to PSAT or SAT administration on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 (7:45am), there is a two-part pre-administration session. First, to save time during the actual test administration, certain information about your child will be provided to the College Board (the provider of the PSAT and SAT), in advance of the testing date. This information covers basic information such as name, school, state, student ID, grade, gender, and date of birth. In addition, MCPS shares information with College Board regarding students who qualify for a fee waiver, which is utilized solely for that purpose and is not otherwise tracked or maintained by College Board.
Second, your child will have the opportunity to participate, with your consent, in the optional Student Data Questionnaire. The College Board gives students and families complete discretion regarding any voluntary information they provide as part of the Student Data Questionnaire. Information gathered is used for group reporting, for analysis to ensure that the exams are fair for all groups, to connect your child with potential colleges or scholarship opportunities, and for research. Read more about the Student Data Questionnaire on the second page.
To provide consent for your child to participate in the optional Student Data Questionnaire, you must return the signed consent form to the main office by October 1, 2021. Whether or not you consent for your child to participate in the optional Student Data Questionnaire, your child will still be able to participate in the PSAT or SAT School Day. Quince Orchard High School staff will be working with your student over the next several weeks to prepare for administration, and we will be communicating important details before test day.
All 9th graders who want to take the PSAT 8/9 test must make an online payment of $14 using the online payment store. The link is below:
https://bit.ly/QOHSPSAT2021 (ßclick here)
If you have any further questions, please contact Mrs. Edith Lee, assistant principal (Edith_u_lee@mcpsmd.org).
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
Updates from the College and Careers Center
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.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