QOHS Weekly Newsletter
Weekly Updates & Information for Students, Staff & Families
March 19, 2023
Dear Quince Orchard Students, Staff, and Families,
I hope you had an enjoyable weekend. Our Quince Orchard Cougars were all over the area showcasing Cougar Pride either with the mulch sale, prep for the spring musical, athletics practices and/or making their voices heard at the annual Minority Scholars retreat. On Friday, we hosted an all school assembly called "Speak Up to Save a Life" which was facilitated by the Maryland States Attorney's Office, parents of young people who passed from the use of Opioids/Fentanyl, and a survivor. It was a powerful assembly with key messages. I encourage you all to talk about what students and staff learned as well as to always remember that when you see something, say something. It can save a life. Thank you to everyone who made these events a success, it is what makes QO a special place.
We are lucky to have a full five day busy week ahead filled with many events such as SAT and Wellness Day on Wednesday 3/22, the start of spring sports competitions all week, a joint NAACP and PTSA meeting Tuesday 3/21 beginning at 6:00 pm in the media center, and opening weekend for Anastasia which begins Friday, 3/24 at 7:00 pm! More details of each event or activity is in the newsletter.
We have heard from a few community members that there are ongoing concerns with students during the day off campus. I have shared with them that we are continuing to enhance our safety and security practices with things such as ongoing safety checks, full implementation of the tardy policy, and enhanced protocols when students are tardy or unexcused absent from class. However, it takes all of us to make a change. We are following up whenever we hear or see issues and our common goal is create a culture where everyone is safe, valued, and welcomed. Being part of the QO school community means that we are always representing Cougar Pride.
As I mentioned earlier, we have the following events/meetings:
*Tuesday, March 21st, NAACP Parent Council meeting at 6:00 pm and PTSA meeting at 7:00 pm. Both in the media center
*Wednesday, March 22nd SAT Day and Wellness Day- SAT exams start at 7:45 am. Students are expected to arrive on time to the school building by 7:30 am. Students who are NOT participating in the SAT have the option to remain home during the morning testing session on this day. Students who chose to come to school that day will need to remain on campus and will report to the cafeteria for the entire testing block. After the SAT is completed, students will have lunch and then report to their first wellness choice activity. Students must be in a wellness activity on time to count for attendance.
SAT School Day Schedule
Activity
Time
SAT Testing (Juniors only)
7:45am â 12:00pm
Lunch
12:00pm â 12:40pm
Wellness Activity #1
12:45pm â 1:35pm
Transition
1:35pm â 1:40pm
Wellness Activity #2
1:40pm â 2:30pm
Dismissal
2:30pm
Students Must Be in a Wellness Activity During the Afternoon Blocks.
*Thursday, March 23rd, Signs of Suicide Lessons during Cougars Connect
*Our Spring Musical Anastasia begins Friday, March 24th!
And looking ahead, the last day of the 3rd marking period is Thursday, March 30th!
Have a wonderful evening and remember, we can't hide our Cougar Pride!
All the best,
Beth Thomas
Principal
Prom Information
Parents - if you want to help set up or clean up, please fill out the Google form. If you have any questions, contact the Junior class sponsor, Mrs. Carter at Samantha_M_Carter@mcpsmd.org
- Prom Information link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1APB9732eHVrFUQyeEuPECEcefi-I2YhUjguRKc7nVaI/edit?usp=sharing
SAT School Day - This Wednesday!!
- Testing Rooms: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rYg9T6y5cweD-yhJBwfaUiSEjD4ScDZAsiamYXWf2Z4/edit
- SAT Day Information: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ELaul8jgJgEPqldZmGcZfw8F78vNidpJ68B2pDWcjKU/edit
For SAT Practice and Preparation materials, please click here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation
Please email Ms. Eberhart-Bliss with any questions or concerns about SAT School Day at elicia_m_eberhart-bliss@mcpsmd.org.
đ Seniors, do you need Edmentum or SSL help?
đ Ms. Bru
đ Ms. Poetzschke
đ Ms. Pintar
đ Ms. Stein
đ Ms. Boettcher
Seniors can work on Social Studies, Science, Math, and English classes on Edmentum or even find ways to meet SSL requirements! Plan to stay ALL day and finish your graduation requirements! See you there!
CONGRATULATIONS to the Music Department!
Congratulations to the Orchestra led by Mrs. Kirchhoff, they scored all superior ratings on Tuesday, this is the seventh year in a row they have scored all superior ratings! They also hosted the MCPS Festival, thank you for your hospitality to all of the orchestras around the county.
The combined A Capella and Chamber Singers group scored all superior ratings on Wednesday and a perfect score on the sight reading part of the evaluation. Congratulations to the students from both groups who came together under Mrs. Kleiner-Vilgos direction to achieve at the highest level.
The Wind Ensemble led by Dr. Sedatole continued the streak of excellence by scoring all superior ratings at their festival on Thursday! Congratulations to all these talented and dedicated students and directors!
Anastasia Performances
QO Honors Women's History Month!
March is Women's History Month
March is Womenâs History Month, a time to honor the lives and achievements of incredible women throughout history â women who inspire future generations to make their own impact. QOHS is hosting the following events in the main lobby each Wednesday during lunch this month and invite students and staff to wear purple on these days: 3/1 - Womenâs History Month kickoff 3/8 - International Womenâs Day celebration 3/15 - Equal Pay Day 3/22 - Consent Matters 3/29 - Scholarship / Future Day
Nominate a staff member to show your appreciation!!
March is Women's History Month. To celebrate the dynamic impact of the women who work at QO, please nominate a staff member to show your appreciation! Your nominee will be acknowledged in the morning announcements during the month of March. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnGL4dsfR1gojKacDdbVYraxhNhwRdYz9Vo80YGyTHhtTxFw/viewform¥Marzo es el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer! Para celebrar el impacto dinåmico de las mujeres que trabajan en QO, nomina a una mujer del personal para mostrar tu agradecimiento. Tu nominada serå reconocida en los anuncios de la mañana durante el mes de marzo. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnGL4dsfR1gojKacDdbVYraxhNhwRdYz9Vo80YGyTHhtTxFw/viewform
MoCo Family Justice Center Foundation Hygiene Drive
See the flyer below for details!!
Signs of Suicide
All students in Grades 6 through 12 will participate in the Signs of Suicide Âź (SOS Âź ) Prevention Program. The program will be implemented at Quince Orchard High School on Thursday, March 23, 2023, during Cougars Connect. Students also receive handouts that include the Act to Save a Life student newsletter and a list of school, local, and national resources that are available on mental health needs. A copy of the resource list is attached. If you have any questions or concerns about this program, please do not hesitate to contact Douglas Rivera, Resource Counselor at Douglas_A_Rivera@mcpsmd.org.
Please take time to review these valuable resources:
Signs of Suicide (SOS) Parent Newsletter
Career Center, College & Counseling Updates
Game Changers Conference
There will be an essay writing competition for students to improve their writing skills and better prepare for school and college essay writing. Students are encouraged to write and submit a 300-word essay based on the theme, "The World is Shifting! Being Focus Forward is a Game Changer." Students participating in the Essay Contest must submit their essay no later than Thursday, March 23, 2023 via email, aimhighinlife@aol.com.
USG is located at 9630 Gudelsky Dr. in Rockville.
MCPS/NACAC National College Fair
Save the date! The largest college fair on the east coast takes place on April 18 & 19th at the Maryland Soccerplex. See the flyer above for more info or click the links below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibtSbgLDbxw
Apply for College Scholarships NOW!
Now is the time to apply for scholarships to help you pay for the school you plan to attend in the fall. Many of these outside scholarships can be received at any university. Donât miss out on these opportunities - apply now! Click the links below to see available scholarships:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1abz-9cx8m20zN6Wej55kOU4BUhwGsvId?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1D-gIMWpz8ysVekdmybUCgrNQkqV5wTp6sbPiyZEkrHg/edit?usp=sharing
Senior Transcripts
Please make sure that you are using the Google link to request your transcript and that you are submitting your request on time to meet college application deadlines (open link to view submission deadlines).
Transcript Request Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea7PAtFZcWyKswyC7uRJ0VgPOQARgD1RcfKeGHnwnVWd3_pw/viewform.
Reminder - The 2023-24 FAFSA Application is available now! Please contact Briana Jones in the College & Career Center if you need assistance.
College Visits
We are excited to welcome college admissions representatives to Quince Orchard this fall to share more information about their university with students. Information regarding college visits can be found on Naviance.com. Naviance can easily be accessed through the following methods:
- Students can access Naviance from their Chromebooks by clicking on MCPS Resources in the top left-hand corner, then click Clever Portal, and then by clicking the Naviance icon.
- Visit Naviance.com and enter their login information.
View all the QO College Visits here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ao7_Pz2v_nRpbtWqXkC-UT-MENBE7VgH1cFawJf4Mw4/edit?usp=sharing
Find valuable resources and get in touch with your counselor by visiting the QOHS Counseling webpage!
Edmentum Help on SAT Day
If you're not signed up to take the SAT on May 22, use the time to finish your Edmentum or SSL requirements for graduation! The following teachers are ready to help you in Room 321: đ Ms. Bru đ Ms. Poetzschke đ Ms. Pintar đ Ms. Stein đ Ms. Boettcher.
Seniors can work on Social Studies, Science, Math, and English classes on Edmentum or even find ways to meet SSL requirements!
Plan to stay ALL day and finish your graduation requirements! See you there!
Senior Dues & Graduation
Stay up to date on all the Senior Things:
- Graduation will be held Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10 am, at the UMBC event center.
- Important dates and information can be found here!
- Senior dues are $90. Payment must be submitted by April 30th. Click the link for more info.
MCPS Tutoring at Quince Orchard
For additional support, a limited amount of QO staff members serve as MCPS tutors who help students with content recovery, IEP goals & preparation for upcoming learning in their classes. The best candidates for this program are those who are available after school for an hour 2-3 times a week (provided we have a tutor available).
MCPS provides free online homework help through FEV and Tutor Me, platforms that run through Clever and have 24/7 access. Students can book virtual sessions with certified tutors with or without cameras to get their questions answered.
Note: MCPS tutoring is not homework help. Students can obtain homework help from our external vendors Tutor Me and FEV. These vendors are open 24/7, so they are a great option for students who canât typically meet with a tutor after school. They can also help across subject areas, whereas our QO tutors only tutor in the subject areas that they teach or support, so a general referral cannot be honored by our in-house structure.
Please contact Skyra Blanchard or Melissa Brown know if you have any questions.
Yearbook
Our Yearbook is featured in the Jostens Look Book!
Our yearbook was one of 489 yearbooks selected to be recognized for excellence and featured in the Jostens Look Book 2023, celebrating the best-of-the-best in yearbook design and inclusivity. The Jostens Look Book is a collection of outstanding yearbooks and their creative themes, cool covers, beautiful designs, relevant coverage of school events, meaningful storytelling, and stunning photography. Along with design excellence, the annually published Look Book honors the work of the students who create the yearbook over the course of 6-12 months. Through it, they chronicle the experiences, stories, and achievements most relevant to students and that academic year.
Mrs. Krisit Mangan and the Tracks yearbook staff received a copy of the Jostens Look Book 2023 with a plaque and banner from Jostens to recognize their outstanding achievement.
The Jostens Look Book is rated as the #1 resource by Jostens yearbook advisers and staffs seeking creative design and coverage ideas, trends and inspiration (Jostens, 2020). The Look Book complements www.YearbookAvenue.com and www.facebook.com/JostensAdviserandStaff, Jostens online destinations for yearbook creation ideas.
Congratulations!!
Last Chance for Early Bird Discount
The last batch of yearbooks available at discounted prices is going fast! A limited number of yearbooks is still available at $95. Once these books are gone, the price will increase. ORDER TODAY to have the best chance of getting the best deal! https://tinyurl.com/ds75ads7
Booster & PTSA Updates! - NAACPPC & PTSA Meetings Tuesday!
March NAACPPC & PTSA Meetings
The March NAACPPC & PTSA Meetings will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6 pm and 7 pm. Hope to see you there!
- Hybrid Delivery(In-Person & Virtual)
- In-Person: Media Center at Quince Orchard High School
- Virtual: Zoom Link - Meeting ID: 825 3171 6199 Passcode: 203001
JOIN THE TEAM!
The PTSA needs your help! If you are interested in joining the team please email us at qohsptsa@gmail.com.
Membership Information
Our PTSA and Boosters Organizations are key to our success. This year our amazing organizations are offering a joint membership option that allows for a 20% discount. Membership forms can be found below or at qohsboosters.com and at https://qohsptsa.memberhub.com/store. I urge you to support these worthy organizations which do so much to support our school and help us provide the best education possible to our students. You will find your involvement with one of our parent groups will help increase your studentâs sense of belonging and pride in Quince Orchard High School.
Booster/PTSA Membership Form - Sign up for both and get a 20% discount on the PTSA Membership
Booster/PTSA Membership Form - Spanish - RegĂstrese para ambos obtenga un 20% de descuento sobre la membresĂa de PTSA
5 Things to Know from MCPS - Thursday 3/16/23
1. Next Family Fentanyl Forum is Set for March 25
Montgomery Goes Purple, in partnership with MCPS, is hosting a third Family Forum on Fentanyl from 9 a.m.ânoon on Saturday, March 25, at Paint Branch High School. This forum will focus on in-depth learning opportunities with dozens of sessions, as well as Narcan training, resource tables and opportunities for fitness. The forum will include sessions for youth and adults, individually and jointly, in English and Spanish. Discussion topics will include:
- Starting a conversation with your child
- Starting a conversation with your parent
- Mental health care
- Finding and accessing resources, healthy boundaries with friends and much more
Paint Branch is located at 14121 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville.
2. Prekindergarten/Head Start Registration Now Open
Registration is open for Prekindergarten and Head Start for the 2023-2024 school year. Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023, and families must be income eligible to apply. Families can register their children online or in person. For families who want to register in person, weekday and weekend locations are open through March 31. Registration is also still open for the current 2022-2023 school year.
For more information about eligibility guidelines, required documents and how to register online, call 240-740-4530 or visit the MCPS website.
When and Where to Register, 2023-2024
3. Register Now for the Game Changer Mentoring Conference
This free mentoring conference is geared toward Black or African American and Latino or Hispanic male students in 4th through 12th grades at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Parent workshops will be held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Participants are asked to register in advance.
Students are encouraged to write and submit a 300-word essay based on the conference theme, âThe World is Shifting! Being Focus Forward Is a Game Changer.â The essay should answer the following questions: How will you pursue excellence? Why is this vital to your success at home, in school and in the community? Students participating in the Essay Contest must submit their essay no later than Thursday, March 23, 2023 via email, aimhighinlife@aol.com.
USG is located at 9630 Gudelsky Dr. in Rockville.
Registration
4. 51 Years (Really 52) Later, Sherwood High Schoolâs Rock ân Roll Revival is Still Rocking
Now in its 52nd year, Sherwood High Schoolâs Rock ân Roll Revival has run continuously since 1971, with the exception of 2021, when it was produced virtually because of COVID. With no possibility of a live performance that year, what would have been Rock nâ Roll 50 was instead dubbed Rock ân Roll 49.5. Check out the photo story.
5. MCPS Students Win Big at Documentary Contest
Parim Shah and Nimay Sharma, sixth-grade students at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, won the grand prize in this yearâs C-SPAN 2023 StudentCam documentary competition. They will receive $5,000 for their documentary, âWhereâs My Data? Data Privacy and its Real World Impact.â Students were asked to create a documentary on the theme, âIf you were a newly elected member of Congress, which issue would be your first priority and why?â Congratulations to all other MCPS students who participated and won second place, third place and honorable mention prizes.
Watch the winning documentary.
Full list of winners
For the latest information and news, visit the MCPS News Center.
Para Español Noticias de MCPS.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
©1995â2022 Montgomery County Public Schools
Athletics
Schedule for the Week of 3/20/23
03/21/2023 Coed Volleyball Damascus at Quince Orchard 7 pm
03/21/2023 Girls Lacrosse Richard Montgomery at Quince Orchard 7 pm
03/21/2023 Girls Tennis Quince Orchard at Wootton 3:30 pm
03/21/2023 JV Baseball Poolesville at Quince Orchard 3:15 pm
03/21/2023 JV Boys Lacrosse Quince Orchard at Richard Montgomery 5:30 pm
03/21/2023 JV Girls Lacrosse Richard Montgomery at Quince Orchard 5:30 pm
03/21/2023 Varsity Baseball Quince Orchard at Poolesville 3:45 pm
03/22/2023 JV Softball Poolesville at Quince Orchard 3:45 pm
03/22/2023 Outdoor Track Quince Orchard at Clarksburg 3:30 pm
03/22/2023 Varsity Softball Quince Orchard at Poolesville 3:45 pm
03/23/2023 Boys Tennis Quince Orchard at Winston Churchill 3:30 pm
03/23/2023 Girls Tennis Winston Churchill at Quince Orchard 3:30 pm
03/23/2023 JV Baseball Quince Orchard at Blake 3:45 pm
03/23/2023 Varsity Baseball Blake at Quince Orchard 3:45 pm
03/25/2023 Boys Lacrosse Northwest at Quince Orchard 12 pm
03/25/2023 Girls Lacrosse Quince Orchard at Northwest 12 pm
03/25/2023 JV Boys Lacrosse Northwest at Quince Orchard 10 am
03/25/2023 JV Girls Lacrosse Quince Orchard at Northwest 10 am
03/25/2023 JV Softball Quince Orchard at Blake 10 am
03/25/2023 Varsity Softball Blake at Quince Orchard 2 pm
MCPS Athletics Safety Plan
Please see the MCPS Athletics Safety Plan in place for ALL athletic events!
Season Passes
Season Passes for the 2022-23 school year are now on sale through GoFan. You can purchase Season Passes for the Full Year, Fall, Winter or Spring. Click on the type of season pass you would like to purchase and from there you can select Adult (ages 19-62) and/or Student (ages 11-18). All season passes are good for REGULAR SEASON HOME GAMES ONLY!
This method will be the ONLY way to purchase season passes. We will not accept cash or checks. All Season Tickets will be sold through GoFan.
Please see this link below!
https://gofan.co/app/school/MD24824
Please contact QO AD Jeff Rabberman at Jeffrey_L_Rabberman@mcpsmd.org with any questions!
Go Cougars!
Student Safety and Ticket Warning
Please Review these Important Lunch Expectations & Rules
Lunch Policy
It's important that students and families review the following rules & expectations:
- 9th and 10th-grade students are not permitted to leave campus during lunch. There are still many outdoor options (tennis courts, basketball court, courtyard & in front of the school), but leaving campus is a direct violation of our QOHS lunch policy and will result in disciplinary action.
11th and 12th-grade students leaving the QO campus during open lunch are expected to:
ALWAYS use the crosswalk when leaving school grounds. Safety is a priority and we can't control traffic but the crosswalks are there to support a safe transition.
Show their student ID when leaving campus.
Always showcase Cougar Pride and know that they represent QO in all settings.
Return to school prior to the start of 6th period (or at the end of the lunch block when schedules are changed) and must be in their next class on time.
Students are not permitted to sit in their car, nor can they drive off in a car during lunch. Students with a half-day schedule that are leaving campus for the day, may not drive others off campus for lunch. Students permitted to leave campus for open lunch must walk.
A number of community merchants have expressed their concern regarding stealing, skipping & disrespect. These behaviors are unacceptable, do not showcase our Cougar Pride, and will result in a loss of open lunch privileges.
Our purpose is to inform and explain these norms so open lunch will be a positive and safe experience for everyone: students, staff, parents, merchants, and the community. Always remember, open lunch is a privilege, not a right. It will be taken away from students who do not adhere to norms or showcase Cougar Pride. Students who have been assigned lunch detention are to remain on campus. Parents or Guardians may rescind their childâs open lunch privilege. However, remaining on campus is the responsibility of the student just as attending class is the responsibility of the student. If the student is found off campus, parents will be notified and consequences will be applied.
Ordering Food During the School Day
Free English Language Learner Classes for MCPS Parents
Saturday School Information
Saturday School provides academic tutoring and instruction with certified teachers in a nurturing and supportive environment. The program is aligned with the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) curriculum.
The fee for the entire year of Saturday School remains the same at $40 for FARMS students and $85 for all others.
Each Saturday morning, we have motivational sessions that focus on mindfulness and wellness within each center. In addition, students will have two additional hours with the MCPS curriculum (Benchmarks and Eureka) for additional support or acceleration. Each center serves the entire cluster of schools, but students have the capability of attending the center of their choice or participating virtually.
For more details and the Saturday School calendar please click here. Information is available in multiple languages.
To register visit: saturdayschool.org
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