Dear Quince Orchard Students, Staff, and Families,

This is the week the Class of 2023 has been counting down to, the last week of their high school career. Seniors last day is Friday, May 26th and it is very important that the class of 2023 attends Cougars Connect on Tuesday, May 23rd to hear information in preparation for graduation and make sure to clear all financial obligations and return Chromebooks to be able to pick up graduation regalia. I have additional reminders of events that I will share when I outline the week below.

Also this week, we will wrap up state testing with MCAP ELA for all 10th grade students on Tuesday, May 23rd and Wednesday, May 24th. As a result, there will be a modified schedule both of those days.

Please see this week's events below:

Monday, May 22nd

Regular Schedule

Pay obligations all week

Return Chromebooks all week

Rho Kappa Induction 6:00 pm

Tuesday, May 23rd*

MAP-M and MCAP ELA- Section 1 & 2 7:45-10:40 am

Class of 2023 Cap and Gown Distribution 7:45-10:15 and During Lunch in portables 1&11

Modified Schedule:

1st 10:45-11:30

Lunch 11:35-12:15

3rd 12:20-1:00

Cougars Connect 1:05-1:45

7th 1:50-2:30

National Honor Societies Inductions 6:00 pm in the Auditorium

Wednesday, May 23rd*:

MCAP ELA Sections 3 & 4- 7:45-10:40 am

Class of 2023 Cap and Gown Distribution 7:45-10:15 and During Lunch in portables 1&11

Modified Schedule:

2nd 10:45-11:30

Lunch 11:35-12:15

4th 12:20-1:00

6th 1:05-1:45

8th 1:50-2:30

*Obligations need to be cleared before pick up.

Senior Awards Night Ceremony and Reception. Reception begins at 6:00, ceremony begins promptly at 6:30 pm

Thursday, May 25th-

Regular Schedule- NOT a Cougars Connect Schedule

QO Senior Athletics Signing Day for all students playing a sport in college during lunch in the Cougar Dome.

Athletics Awards Night- 7:00 pm in the Auditorium

Friday, May 26th:

Friday Bell Schedule

Last Day for Seniors

*Any student who does not participate in testing will report to the cafeteria for study hall and student service learning (SSL) opportunities for the duration of testing. Attendance in class after testing is mandatory.

Looking ahead,

Graduation Rehearsal begins at 7:45 on Thursday, June 1st. Students must attend rehearsal to participate in graduation.

Thursday, June 1st Class of 2023 Senior Sunset Event in the Cougar Dome 6-9 pm

Friday, June 2nd- Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am at UMBC. This is not a school day for students so that staff, seniors and families may attend graduation.

Have a wonderful evening and remember, we can't hide our Cougar Pride!

All the best,

Beth Thomas

Principal

Please return all textbooks, books, borrowed materials, uniforms, instruments and chromebooks to school. Students are expected to return MCPS textbooks, library materials, and other instructional materials, supplies, and equipment, in good condition. All obligated items can be returned to the Financial Services window (across from the cafeteria). All obligations must be cleared before you pick up your graduation cap and gown.

If you need to go to the Financial Services window to pay any outstanding fees, remember that you must bring exact change and ONLY cash will be accepted. It is an ongoing process to input/clear obligations, we encourage students to return items as soon as possible.

Students with outstanding obligations must clear them before they pick up:

1) Graduation gown & cap

2) Graduation tickets

3) Diplomas

If you have any questions, please reach out to senior administrator, Edith Lee (Edith.u.Lee@mcpsmd.net)

Thank you for your continued support.

We’d like to congratulate our fantastic QO Theatre department for their Cappies award nominations. The Cappies program is a student critic program in which students evaluate and vote on other schools’ performances. Quince Orchard’s theatre program has been selected for 12 different nominations for their spring musical, “Anastasia” and their student critic team. These nominations include:

• Best Critic Team
• Maryland Theatre Guide Returning Critic (McKenzie Phelan)
• Bill Strauss Graduating Critic (Hayley Asai)
• Marketing & Publicity (Hayley Asai)
• Sound (Zach Fischer, Arin Langholt Annabelle Water)
• Lead Actor in a Female Role in a Musical (Giorgia Dallasta)
• Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Musical (Hayden Polsky)
• Supporting Actor in a Female Role in a Musical (Maren Lewis)
• Comic Actor in a Female Role in a Musical (Ava Turley)
• Featured Actor in a Male Role in a Musical (Patrick Barrett)
• Dancer in a Male Role (Nate Kauffman)
• Best Musical

With these nominations, our cast has the opportunity to perform at the Cappies Gala at the Kennedy Center on June 12th. We congratulate our talented performers, crew and pit on this monumental accomplishment.

Starting Monday, May 22, Ms. Taylor will begin Chromebook collection from Seniors and students not returning to QOHS next year. Below is the information about the collection.

• Date: Monday, May 22 – May 26
• Location: Main Lobby
• Time: 7:30 am – 8:30 am & Lunch Time

Greetings Quince Orchard High School Families,

This message is to let you know that your child’s Individual Score Report(s) for the Spring 2022 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) English Language Arts and/or Math assessments have been delivered to the Post Office. In addition to the school reports, you will receive a guide to assist you in understanding your student’s score on the assessments. Please allow at least one week for delivery from receipt of this message. If you have any questions about your student’s ELA and/or Math scores, please contact Mr. Phillip Yarborough, Assistant Principal.

Buenas noches, familias de Quince Orchard High School:

Este mensaje es para informarles que los Informes de puntuación individual de su hijo para las evaluaciones de artes del lenguaje inglés (English Language Arts‒ ELA) y/o matemáticas del Programa de evaluación integral de Maryland (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program - MCAP) de primavera de 2022, se han entregado a la oficina de correos. Además de los informes escolares, ustedes recibirán una guía para ayudarles a comprender el puntaje de su estudiante en las evaluaciones. Esperen al menos una semana a partir de la recepción de este mensaje para la entrega del informe. Si tienen alguna pregunta sobre los puntajes de ELA y/o matemáticas de su estudiante, comuníquense con el subdirector, Sr. Phillip Yarborough.

QO’s yearbook staff has some exciting news that will help us to create the most inclusive yearbook ever! This year we are using Yearbook Plus – a digital extension of our printed yearbook that lets students contribute their own images and choose how they will be remembered.

To contribute photos, students can:

• go to YBKPLUS.com, or
• simply scan the QR code below and on posters around the school.
• Students must register using their MCPS email addresses.

Photos are moderated and approved by yearbook editors and staff. No apps, no comments, no likes. Positive vibes only! When the yearbook and Spring supplement come out, purchasers will scan a QR code in the supplement and then snap a photo of images with the QO Cougars icon to unlock everyone’s favorite memories from the school year. Scan the QR code below to get started and to learn more about Yearbook+.

Summer School:

If your child is looking to take a class for the first time and earn original credit, you will need to register for central summer school courses through ParentVue.

If your student failed a class and they need to recover credit, they can also register through the county for online courses OR register for our local summer school program for in-person classes. This PDF (<--click here) has more information.

This website (<--click here) also provides more information. You can reach out to your child's counselor if you need help with registration. Our local summer school program for credit recovery has limited seats. Priority will be given to students who are graduating in June 2024. Registering does not guarantee enrollment, please email your child's counselor to confirm that your child is enrolled in the local summer school program.

LOCAL and CENTRAL courses will run in two summer sessions:

Session 1: June 28 - July 18 (3 weeks)

Session 2: July 20 - August 8 (3 weeks)

This month we celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. Students have the opportunity to gain SSL hours by creating slides that celebrate achievements, history, and culture. Click on each flyer below for more details. Slides should be submitted to Ms. Burdette: jessica.s.burdette@mcpsmd.net.

Dear MCPS Community,
The safety and well-being of all MCPS students is the top priority for the school system.
As part of safety enhancements announced in an April 12 districtwide message, MCPS is launching a Vape Detection System Pilot Program that will involve six (6) high schools chosen from a variety of areas across the district.

The purpose of the pilot program is to detect and discourage the use of vape devices especially in the use of illicit substances in school restrooms. The program also provides substance use intervention services and prevention outreach and information to students who may engage in using these devices.

Three separate vaping detection systems have been identified and their devices will be used as part of the pilot to assess the effectiveness of the devices and their ability to aid in reducing student tobacco and drug use.

The high schools selected for the pilot program include the following:
John F. Kennedy
Northwood
Paint Branch
Quince Orchard
Richard Montgomery
Walt Whitman

As an important reminder: Illegal drugs of any kind (opioids, marijuana, etc.), vaping devices and tobacco products are not allowed on school grounds. Bringing and using these devices may result in disciplinary actions in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct.

The pilot program will be implemented in stages over the next two weeks, and it will run through the end of the school year.
Once the pilot is concluded, an assessment will be made regarding the need and feasibility to continue this school safety measure systemwide.
We want to thank you for your cooperation.

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. Don’t 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:

1. 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.
2. Visit Naviance.com and enter their login information.

This link below is a compiled list of all of the visits we have scheduled for Quince Orchard. Please note that this list will be updated with any changes and/or updates. Naviance will always have an updated list of college visits on the home page, in the “What’s New” table. It is strongly encouraged that students register for the college visits, but are still able to attend the visit if they did not have an opportunity to register, prior. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Jones at Briana_C_Jones@mcpsmd.org.

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!

Senior Night Presentation

Class of 2023 and family,

Please view the Graduation Info/Important Dates Presentation video (← Click Here). The presentation slides (← Click Here) also provide important information for you to review. All of these resources are posted on the school website.

• To ask a question, use this Google Form (← Click Here)

These request forms for additional tickets closed on Friday, April 28th. Please email Kimberly Menefee, senior sponsor, or Edith Lee, senior administrator if you have any questions.

Clase de 2023 y familia,

Por favor vea el video de Presentación de Información de Graduación/Fechas Importantes (← Haga clic aquí). Las diapositivas de la presentación (← Haga clic aquí) también brindan información importante. Todos estos recursos se publicarán en el sitio web de la escuela.

• Para hacer una pregunta, use este Formulario de Google (← Haga clic aquí)

Estos formularios de solicitud se cerrarán el viernes 28 de abril. Se enviará un correo electrónico de seguimiento a principios de mayo.

Envíe un correo electrónico a Kimberly Menefee, patrocinadora principal o Edith Lee, administradora principal si tiene alguna pregunta.

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. If payment was not submitted by April 30th, it has now become and obligation. Click the link for more info.

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1066851/Quince-Orchard-High-School/?error=true&errorFile=no-product-error-specific.htm&errorProductName=Cap-and-Gown-Unit

Visit http://qocougarcubs.weebly.com/ for registration information or scan the QR code below.

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 student’s 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 - Regístrese para ambos obtenga un 20% de descuento sobre la membresía de PTSA

PTSA Membership Information

PTSA Volunteer Information

Booster Welcome Letter

Booster Sponsorship Form 2022-23

Schedule for the Week of 5/22/23

Friday 5/26 to Saturday 5/27 Tennis State Championships at Frederick HS/Baker Park

Friday 5/26 to Saturday 5/27 Track and Field State Championships at PG Sports Plex

Links to Important Upcoming Events

Please See the Links below to Important Upcoming Events!

https://qocougars.com/2023/05/18/qo-athletics-senior-signing-day-information/

https://qocougars.com/2023/05/18/qo-athletics-awards-ceremony-information/

https://qocougars.com/2023/05/18/qo-athletics-incoming-freshman-night/

https://qocougars.com/2023/05/19/fall-sports-registration-opens-on-monday-july-10th/

MCPS Athletics Safety Plan

Please see the MCPS Athletics Safety Plan in place for ALL athletic events!

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments/publicinfo/Athletics%20Safety%20Plan-v1.pdf

Go Cougars!

Dear QOHS students, staff and families,

In light of the continued safety concerns and disruptive behaviors that have taken place off school property, QOHS will actively be enforcing our lunch policy. This will begin Friday 3/24/23 and we will not waver from the implementation of this policy. Please review the information below.

Quince Orchard High School Lunch Policy

At Quince Orchard High School, we are committed to creating the conditions for all

students to experience excellence. This is supported by our commitment to shining the light on what is working and not working to create an anti-biased/antiracist school community.

Quince Orchard High School has a Closed Lunch Policy for all students in Grades 9 and 10. Students in Grades 11 and 12 may leave QO property for lunch. They must have a student ID card that reflects their 11th and 12th grade status. If an 11th or 12th grader wants to leave campus during lunch, they MUST show their current year school ID card to school staff. No exceptions.

Students are reminded that when they leave campus and enter the surrounding community, they must follow the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. Open lunch is a privilege. Permission to leave campus during lunch can be revoked.

For 11th or 12th graders leaving campus for open lunch, students must:

• show their current year school ID card to check out with staff at either of these two exits:

• the tennis court/Safeway exit, or

• the bus loop/QO library exit.

• not access vehicles and/or leave campus in a vehicle without staff permission.

• return to the building and arrive to class on time.

• use the crosswalk and sidewalks only.

• follow staff directions when crossing the street.

• behave courteously and respectfully to staff, to other students, to the public, and to the business locations in our community.

Students who attempt to use another person’s pass for open lunch privilege will result in the revocation for both students. Visitors are not allowed in the lunchroom or other areas throughout the school without permission and must be clearly identified with a visitor badge. As a reminder, students are not allowed to have off-campus food delivered to the school. Any food delivered will be kept by the welcome center and available for pick up at the end of the school day.

Consequences for violating the lunch policy:

• 1st violation: a reminder and administrative documentation

• 2nd violation: same as above and parent notification

• 3rd violation: same as above and referral and restorative lunch tutoring that the student must attend

• 4th violation: open lunch revoked (if applicable)

We are not going to waver from this policy and need everyone's support. This policy requires a shared commitment by everyone. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your students' grade-level administrator or myself.

Respectfully,

Elizabeth L. Thomas

Principal

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Estimados estudiantes, personal y familias de QOHS,

A la luz de las continuas preocupaciones de seguridad y los comportamientos disruptivos que han tenido lugar fuera de la propiedad escolar, QOHS hará cumplir activamente nuestra política de almuerzo. Por favor, revise la información a continuación.

Política de Almuerzo de la Escuela Secundaria Quince Orchard

En la Escuela Secundaria Quince Orchard, estamos comprometidos a crear las condiciones para que todos estudiantes a experimentar la excelencia. Esto está respaldado por nuestro compromiso de arrojar luz sobre lo que funciona y lo que no funciona para crear una comunidad escolar antiparcial y antirracista.

La escuela secundaria Quince Orchard tiene una política de almuerzo cerrado para todos los estudiantes de los grados 9 y 10. Los estudiantes de los grados 11 y 12 pueden salir de la propiedad QO para el almuerzo. Deben tener una tarjeta de identificación de estudiante que refleje su estado de grado 11 y 12. Si un estudiante de grado 11 o 12 quiere salir del campus durante el almuerzo, DEBE mostrar su tarjeta de identificación escolar del año actual al personal de la escuela. Sin excepciones.

Se recuerda a los estudiantes que cuando salen del campus y entran a la comunidad circundante, deben seguir el Código de Conducta Estudiantil de MCPS. El almuerzo abierto es un privilegio. Se puede revocar el permiso para salir del campus durante el almuerzo.

Para los estudiantes de 11th o 12th grado que salen del campus para el almuerzo abierto, los estudiantes deben:

• muestre su tarjeta de identificación escolar del año actual para registrarse con el personal en cualquiera de estas dos salidas: la cancha de tenis/salida de Safeway.

• la salida de la biblioteca de bus loop/QO.

• no acceder a los vehículos y/o salir del campus en un vehículo sin el permiso del personal.

• regresar al edificio y llegar a clase a tiempo.

• use el paso de peatones y las aceras únicamente.

• siga las instrucciones del personal al cruzar la calle.

• comportarse cortés y respetuosamente con el personal, con otros estudiantes, con el público y con los establecimientos comerciales de nuestra comunidad.

Los estudiantes que intenten usar el pase de otra persona para el privilegio de almuerzo abierto resultarán en la revocación de ambos estudiantes. No se permiten visitantes en el comedor ni en otras áreas de la escuela sin permiso y deben estar claramente identificados con un gafete de visitante. Como recordatorio, a los estudiantes no se les permite recibir alimentos fuera del campus en la escuela. Cualquier comida entregada se mantendrá en el centro de bienvenida y estará disponible para recogerla al final del día escolar.

Consecuencias por violar la política de almuerzo:

• 1st infracción: un recordatorio y documentación administrativa

• 2nd infracción: igual que la anterior y notificación a los padres

• 3rd violación: igual que arriba y referencia y tutoría de almuerzo restaurativo a la que el estudiante debe asistir

• 4th infracción: almuerzo abierto revocado (si corresponde)

No vamos a renunciar a esta política y necesitamos el apoyo de todos. Esta política requiere un compromiso compartido por todos. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes, comuníquese con el administrador del nivel de grado de sus estudiantes o conmigo mismo.

Respetuosamente,

Elizabeth L. Thomas

Principal

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 can’t 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.

In collaboration with MCPS, the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is offering free English language learner classes for MCPS parents. The classes will be held virtually and in person, and there will be options for all levels of English speakers. They are available to any MCPS parent for whom English is not their first language. Parents can complete this interest form to receive a placement test: https://mcpsweb.wufoo.com/forms/english-classes-for-mcps-parents/ This form is available in multiple languages. Parents with questions regarding the availability of classes and sign up process should contact Kevin Ralph from LCMC at kevin@lcmcmd.org or call 240-665-0471.

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

Stay connected throughout the school year with these important links:

• QOHS Website

• Traditional School Year Calendar 2022-23

• QOHS Bell Schedules

• QOHS 2022-23 Student Handbook

• MCPS Student Handbooks (Rights, Code of Conduct & Religious)

• Arrival Bus Routes & Times 2022-23

• Departure Bus Routes & Times 2022-23

• Student Drop-off Procedures