QOHS Weekly Newsletter
Weekly updates & information for Students, Staff & Families
March 17, 2024
Dear Quince Orchard Students, Staff, and Families,
As we approach the much-anticipated Spring Break, beginning on Saturday, March 23, 2024 until we return on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, there's a wave of excitement and a flurry of activities happening in our school. This newsletter aims to bring you up to speed with recent successes, upcoming events, and important dates.
*A Heartfelt Thank You-
This past weekend's Booster sponsored mulch sale was a resounding success! A big thank you to everyone who organized, volunteered, and supported this event. Your dedication and hard work truly showcased our Cougar Pride. It's heartening to see our community come together and contribute to such successful initiatives. I would also like to thank Ms. Justilien and our Minority Scholars Program student leaders for all the prep that went into facilitating sessions and attending the MSP annual retreat. This years theme, "Re-write the Narrative" was a perfect example of what our young scholars are doing at QO!
*Upcoming Events This Week
SAT In-School Day: Tuesday, March 19
A reminder that this Tuesday will be SAT In-School Day. It is a regular school day for all students. Detailed information has been shared through students' personal email and Remind accounts. For those not testing, activities will be organized in homeroom, including guest speakers and post secondary information sessions.
Junior College Fair- Wednesday, March 20
Our juniors will have the opportunity to explore their post-secondary options at the college fair. It's a great chance to start thinking about future paths and ask questions directly to college representatives.
✍️Update, meeting time is 7 pm: PTSA Meeting - Tuesday, March 19
We invite you to join us for the upcoming PTSA and NAACP Parent Council meetings. It's an excellent opportunity for caregivers/parents, teachers, and students to engage and discuss important issues.
Looking Ahead and Ongoing Monthly Updates- Mark Your Calendars
We are all eagerly awaiting our school's production of "Chicago." The performances will take place after the break on April 5 and 12 at 7 PM, and April 6 and 13 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM. Mark your calendars for what promises to be a fantastic show!
✍️UPDATE: Class of 2025 Junior Class Caregiver Information Night - THURSDAY APRIL 4TH
The Junior Caregiver Meeting originally scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13, is rescheduled for Thursday, April 4 from 6:30-7:30 PM via Zoom. This later date provides alignment to just before the time when the counselors will start conducting their rising senior meetings with students. Other important topics will be covered that are key to know for the Class of 2025, including internships, post-secondary options, college search and applications, financial aid, testing requirements, and additional opportunities for connecting with the QOHS College & Career Center. We hope to see you on 4/4! The Zoom meeting will be recorded and available for later viewing on the QOHS website.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/85820646069?pwd=cUh6VUFLazhGYmp6NjFZelV1T1ltZz09
Meeting ID: 858 2064 6069
Passcode: 138611
*Celebrating Women's History Month
This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” which fits marvelously with our efforts here at QO to build a stronger community. Check out a few of the highlights for thee month:
We’d love for everyone to wear purple in support of women all around the world on each Thursday in March.
Follow our social media accounts for student made content
X - @QOWomensStudies
Instagram - @QOHSWomensStudies
TikTok: @qowomensstudies
Weekly Lunch Discussions & Speakers in the Media Center
3/28 - Ms. Natalie Abegesah, Human Resources, discussing interviewing, resumes, and work
Hygiene product drive for the Family Justice Center, which provides support to victims of domestic violence.
*Music in our Schools Month
The theme of Music in our Schools Month 2024 is "I SEE ME" with "M.E." reflecting how we see ourselves in Music Education. This is a national event to celebrate and raise awareness around the importance of music education for all students and to remind everyone that school is where all students should have access to music. Join us in saying THANK YOU to the dedicated music educators at QO who help our students express their creativity in school! Please let Ms. Kleiner-Vilgos, Ms. Kirchoff, and Mr. Ariano know how much you appreciate them by sending a quick note:
*QO PTSA Needs YOU
QOHS is actively seeking parents & caregivers to be part of the PTSA in leadership roles. We look forward to partnering with our community to celebrate our students and staff, collaborate on learning opportunities for caregivers, and more! Please reach out to me if you have questions or want to learn more.
*MCPS Culture and Climate Survey
We want to remind everyone about the MCPS Culture and Climate Survey that was recently distributed. Your feedback is essential to us as it helps in assessing our school's environment and identifying areas where we can improve to ensure we are living our vision and cultivating an anti biased/anti racist teaching and learning environment for students and staff. The Survey closes March 15, 2024.
*MCPS Work-Based Learning Opportunities
We will be meeting with 10th and 11th grade students in the next month to share updates to the internship and apprenticeship process for the FY25 school year. Students must be enrolled in a dual enrollment program and/or have a documented internship/apprenticeship to have an early release schedule for FY25. This is a huge change and needs to be shared with students.
*April 22, 2024 is an Asynchronous Day
MCPS has announced that Monday, April 22, 2024 will be an Asynchronous day for students. Please see more details in the body of this newsletter.
As we head into Spring Break, I hope each of you has a fantastic time, whether it's a chance to relax, explore, or simply enjoy time with friends and family. Let's return refreshed and ready to tackle the final stretch of the school year.
Please look out for our next newsletter, which will be sent out on Monday, April 2, bringing you more updates and information about our school's activities and achievements.
Thank you for being a wonderful community and always remember…We can’t hide our Cougar Pride!
All the best,
Elizabeth L. Thomas
Principal
Postsecondary Exploration Day - Tuesday 3/19
Hello QO Students and Families,
On Tuesday, March 19th, Quince Orchard High School College & Career Center will host a Postsecondary Exploration Day for all students. While our 11th-grade students are testing, starting at 9 a.m., we will have a variety of guest speakers visit QOHS to chat with students about college, careers, advice on picking a pathway, and much more!
Our afternoon session will include guest speakers and a postsecondary exploration fair. Students will have the opportunity to speak with over 30 organizations. This is an excellent networking opportunity for all our students, so please encourage them to attend and participate.
Please see a list of guest speakers here. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Romero at Lisa_D_Romero@mcpsmd.org
Join us for a Community MCCPTA & BOE Meeting - 3/20/24 at Clarksburg H.S.
(POSTPONED TO 4/25/24) Calmer Schools: Parent/Caregiver Workshop
April 25, 2024: Workshop 3: Stress versus Anxiety: What’s the Difference? What Can Help? Everyone feels nervous or worried sometimes–these reactions are normal and can even be a helpful motivator. But when the symptoms of stress and anxiety begin to interfere with everyday life, what can be done to alleviate them? We will look at the differences between stress and anxiety to identify techniques and supports essential to managing both.
TBD: Workshop 4: Connecting and Communicating With Your Child–Why a Strong Bond Matters and How to Achieve It The bond between parent/care-giver and child is essential to a child’s social-emotional and physical well-being, as it creates the foundation of a positive future for the child and family. We will share a variety of approaches for developing a strong connection with your child, including tips for effective communication at all ages and stages of development, as we investigate the benefits of this vital relationship.
Spring Testing Updates
SAT Day is This Tuesday 3/19/24!
SAT Day is scheduled for Tuesday March 19th. Please see the image below for an overview of the day's schedule. More information will be shared closer to the date. Also, check out information below on the postsecondary exploration fair happening on SAT Day.
Please review this slideshow for more important information and SAT preparation resources: http://tinyurl.com/QOSATDAY
Bridge to Wellness: Summer Program Survey
Hello QO students! Bridge to Wellness is kindly requesting for you to complete this survey to see what activities we can plan for you all this summer! Please scan the QR code to access the survey.
QO Theatre Presents: "Chicago: Teen Edition!"
QO Theatre is proud to present “Chicago: Teen Edition!” Performances will be on April 5th and 12th at 7pm, and April 6th and 13th at 2pm and 7:30pm.
Chicago: Teen Edition is a sophisticated take on the beloved broadway classic. The story follows Roxie Hart, a murderess who yearns for the spotlight. After landing herself in prison, Roxie goes head to head with fellow murderess Velma Kelly. With the help of hot-shot lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie and Velma must do whatever they can to prove themselves innocent. Brimming with sass, jazz, and a touch of murder, QO Theatre’s production of Chicago: Teen Edition is sure to entertain.
Tickets can be purchased with cash or check at the door. They will also be available through GoFan with a small service fee! It is $8 for QO students, $12 for adults, and $10 for everyone else.
We advise all audience members that our production of Chicago: Teen Edition is rated PG-13.
SSL Opportunities & Updates
Spring Break is a Great Time to Earn SSL Hours!!
- Montgomery County Public Schools Girls Summit (March 9, 2024, 9AM-1PM) - Session topics include healthy relationships/dating violence, social media use and mental health, identifying symptoms of depression and anxiety, Narcan training, and much more!
- Students may earn 4 SSL hours for attending and learning this important information so that they can help to spread awareness about these topics and participate in Narcan training to support in the case of an emergency.
- To learn more, please click here.
- MCPS National History Day (March 9, 2024, 8:00am - 2:00pm) - For MCPS Students 18+ - MCPS is looking for HS students 18+, to judge student projects at the National History Day County Competition on March 9, 2024, at Loiederman Middle School!
- Students will receive 6 SSL hours and lunch on the day of the event.
- To learn more, please visit this link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=877333
- Annual Youth Voice Roundtable (March 12, 2024, 6:30-8:30 PM) - The Montgomery County Commission on Children and Youth is hosting a virtual opportunity for middle and high school students to share their perspectives on the following issues: civic engagement, career readiness resources, and LGBTQIA+ support.
- Students may earn 2 SSL hours for participating in this dialogue with the council.
- To learn more, please click here.
- The Keeping It Safe Student Video Contest (Deadline: March 31, 2024) is now open! Students may earn 5 SSL hours for quality video submissions. Interested students may view the contest rules and additional information at this link.
- The Living Organ Donor Video Contest (Deadline: March 31, 2024) is now open! Students may earn 10 SSL hours for quality video submissions. Interested students may view the contest rules and additional information at this link.
- C&O Canal and Potomac Riverside Cleanup - April 13, 2024 (9 AM - 12 PM) - Join us as we work together to clean up the Potomac River and its huge watershed area! Some of the many cleanup sites in our region are in your backyard!
- Students may earn 3 SSL hours for participating.
- Interested students may view additional details and sign up at the following link.
- Earth Day SSL Opportunity (April 22, 2024, 9:30am - 2:00pm) - Build the first MCPS farm, and earn SSL hours while giving back to the Earth!
- Students may earn 4.5 SSL hours for participating. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation will be provided.
- To learn more, please click here.
- Student-to-Student Extracurricular Series - 10 SSL hours -- VIRTUAL/REMOTE – MCPS is seeking students interested in developing a video presentation with either a leadership moment or extracurricular skill to inspire, teach, and share with their MCPS peers and the greater MCPS community. Students may earn 10 SSL hours for successful submission of all items identified in the Student-To-Student Extracurricular Series Form.
Also please see the MCPS SSL Hub For Students & Families: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ENnmsEJdDWftWW3cUV87y8lR3QwFNFCYS4M8vJqI5co/edit#gid=0
Deadline for seniors to earn Certificate of Meritorious
Any high school senior who has submitted documentation to show the completion of 240 SSL hours or more by April 5, 2024, will earn the Certificate of Meritorious Service along with a purple tassel for graduation.
- All SSL forms (MCPS Form 560-51: Student Service Learning Activity Verification form - https://bit.ly/SSLReflection) should be emailed or turned in to the school’s SSL coordinator (kelly_p_miller@mcpsmd.org) by the required deadline of April 5, 2024, to be considered for this award.
Help QOHS Celebrate Women's History Month - Wear Purple on Thursday's
- Join us for these events in the QO lobby at lunch
- 3/1 - Women’s History Month kickoff
- 3/8 - International Women’s Day celebration
- 3/15 - Equal Pay Day
- 3/22 - Consent Matters
- 3/29 - Scholarship / Future Day
- 3/1 - 3/31 --> Product Drive for Family Justice Center --> 1st period classrooms
- Flyer that lists items to donate: moco family justice center foundation.png - Google Drive
- The classroom on each floor with the most donations through 3/31 wins a breakfast party
- A donation box is also located in the main office for staff without a first period/non-instructional staff
- Women's History Resources --> Ideas for your classroom and personal learning
College and Career Center Updates
NACAC College Fair - Field Trip for 11th Graders - This Wednesday!!!
Attention 11th grade families, register your student to attend the NACAC College Fair on March 20th.
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) College Fair allows students to meet with over 600 college admissions representatives. It's a great opportunity to explore universities near and far, and learn about their degree offerings, extracurriculars, financial aid opportunities, and more.
Click the link to begin the registration process: https://forms.gle/LUiiLqtoKhHb3qex5
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Romero, College & Career Information Coordinator at (240) 740-3670 or Lisa_D_Romero@mcpsmd.org
Kappa Youth & Community Foundation Scholarship
Attention QO Seniors: The Kappa Youth & Community Foundation has released their annual scholarship opportunity! Any African American male who will be attending college next year are encouraged to apply! There are 8 available scholarships for 1,000-1,500 up for grabs! The deadline to apply is April 20th, 2024. Start your application NOW! https://kycf-grock.org/scholarship-portal
2024 College Visits
Spring College Visits are happening now! Students - register for the following college visits on Naviance. Visits are open to juniors and seniors. Please stop by the College and Career Center if you have any questions.
- Click the link below to view upcoming college visits: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1scndfuG1BKl-yD1VYV4B07NijAr-q2q2NZN1u7JNNMQ/edit?usp=sharing
Find QOHS College & Career Updates on Social Media
Follow our X (formerly known as Twitter) & Instagram page for information/resources about College and Career readiness from the College and Career Center at Quince Orchard High School!
- X: qohs_ccic
- Instagram: qohs_ccic
- We are also on Remind! Add our class code 38hbcae
QO Athletics Information
Schedule for the Week of 3/18/24
3/21/2024 3:30 PM Boys Varsity Tennis Whitman Away
3/21/2024 7:00 PM Boys Varsity Volleyball Rockville Home
3/21/2024 5:30 PM Coed Varsity Volleyball Rockville Home
3/21/2024 3:30 PM Girls Varsity Tennis Whitman Home
3/21/2024 3:45 PM JV Baseball Wootton Home
3/21/2024 3:45 PM JV Softball Whitman Away
3/21/2024 3:45 PM Varsity Baseball Wootton Away
3/21/2024 3:45 PM Varsity Softball Whitman Home
3/22/2024 5:30 PM Boys JV Lacrosse Sherwood Home
3/22/2024 7:15 PM Boys Varsity Lacrosse Sherwood Home
3/22/2024 5:30 PM Girls JV Lacrosse Sherwood Away
3/22/2024 7:00 PM Girls Varsity Lacrosse Sherwood Away
3/23/2024 10:00 AM JV Baseball B-CC Away
3/23/2024 10:00 AM JV Softball Wheaton Home
3/23/2024 2:00 PM Varsity Baseball B-CC Home
3/23/2024 2:00 PM Varsity Softball Wheaton Away
2023-24 Spring Season Passes are On-Sale!
Spring Season Passes for the 2023-24 school year are now on sale through GoFan. 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 check. All Season Tickets will be sold through GoFan.
Please see this link below!
https://gofan.co/app/school/MD24824
Athletic Website Domain Change
Our athletic website address has changed to www.qoathletics.com . Please bookmark this on your computer to see schedules, information and updates on QO Athletics all year!
MCPS Things to Know
March 14, 2024
English / español / 中文 / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ
1. BOE Launches Search for Next Superintendent
The Montgomery County Board of Education has launched a nationwide search for the next superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, who will assume the role on July 1, 2024. In its commitment to secure the best candidate to lead the school system and prepare students for success in college, career and community, the Board will hire a search firm to recruit and vet the candidates. While the Board selects the firm, it will begin a conversation with the community about the most important characteristics in a new superintendent.
The Board is hosting three in-person town halls the first week of April:
April 2–Seneca Valley High School, 6 p.m.
April 3–Richard Montgomery High School, 6 p.m.
April 4–Wheaton High School, 6 p.m.
A virtual forum is being planned. A date and time have not yet been finalized.
Watch message from Board President Karla Silvestre.
2. Kindergarten Registration Opens Monday, March 18
Kindergarten registration opens on Monday, March 18 for the 2024-2025 school year. Children who will be five by Sept. 1, 2024 are eligible. Based on community feedback, current kindergarten classes will not be canceled to hold orientations this year. Schools will determine appropriate options to welcome incoming kindergarten students and families.
Registration will be online through the ParentVUE portal. If your family is new to MCPS, you will need to create a ParentVue account here. For more information about eligibility and the registration process, visit the MCPS Kindergarten Enrollment webpage or contact your local elementary school.
3. Join a Virtual Interactive Session on the Community Engagement Officer Program Starting March 18
The MCPS Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management invites high school families to join us for an interactive virtual community engagement session to delve into the MCPS Community Engagement Officer (CEO) 2.0 program. CEOs are sworn officers from the Montgomery County Police Department who work directly with schools. This session offers an opportunity to learn about the program, ask questions and engage in meaningful conversation. Meetings will take place via Zoom from 6–7 p.m. on March 18, 19 and 20 on assigned dates for each high school cluster. Click here to review the flyer and register for a session here.
4. Update On Districtwide Approach to Educating, Preventing and Addressing Hate-Bias
MCPS convened an action team to work with internal and external stakeholders to develop a Districtwide Approach to Educating, Preventing and Addressing Hate-Bias to build on the district’s foundation to combat incidents of hate-bias. This framework and group’s work will be shared with the Board of Education on Tuesday, March 19. Click here to watch a video message providing a brief overview.
5. A Chance to Let Your Voice Be Heard: Districtwide Survey Deadline Extended
MCPS is inviting ALL students, staff and parents/caregivers to share your experiences and thoughts on academics, communication and overall satisfaction with your school and the district and/or experience working at MCPS.
The deadline to complete surveys has been extended to Friday, March 22.
Click here for more information and to access the survey.
MCPS students will receive time during the school day to fill out their surveys.
6. Upcoming Events, Reminders and Resources
Reminder: Register for the Upcoming National College Fair
The 2024 Montgomery County National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) National College Fair will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19 and 20, at the Maryland SoccerPlex and Adventist Healthcare Fieldhouse in Germantown, from 9:45 a.m.–1 p.m. for students in Grade 11. On Tuesday, the fair is open to all high school students and their families from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. Read more.
Career Day For Students Set For April 10
MCPS will host a “Grow Your Own” career day from 9 a.m.–noon on Wednesday, April 10, at Northwest High School when students are off from school. High school students are invited to learn about job opportunities and careers available in Montgomery County and take advantage of on-the-spot job interviews. Please RSVP by April 1.
Visit the Out-of-School-Time website to learn more about opportunities offered through the year.
Come Out to the Next Youth Climate Summit April 10
Attention middle and high school students! MCPS is hosting the 3rd annual Youth Climate Summit from 8:30 a.m.–3:35 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Tilden Middle School. Read more.
Game Changer Conference Set for April 20; Essay Contest Deadline: April 10
Calling all parents/caregivers of young male students Grades 4-12! Register your student for the spring 2024 Game Changer conference and help empower and ignite their path to success. The conference will be held on Saturday, April 20, at the Universities at Shady Grove, 8 a.m–2 p.m. Transportation may be available through MCPS from your area. Registration closes Wednesday, April 3. Spaces are limited.
7. MCPS News
Three Finalists Selected for Supporting Services Employee of the Year
Three supporting services employees have been named finalists for the 2024 Supporting Services Employee of the Year. This year’s annual awards are recognizing Chaula Butterworth, paraeducator, Farmland Elementary School; Robin McCue, administrative secretary III, Department of Athletics, and Bruno Smith, building service manager III, Mill Creek Towne Elementary School.
Read more about the finalists.
Girls’ Summit
More than 1,000 attendees participated in the second annual Girls’ Summit. Girls from sixth through twelfth grades and their parents/caregivers took part in workshops on mental health, physical wellness, healthy eating, self-esteem, relaxation, creative arts therapy and more.
Families Enjoy STEM/Math Night at Brookhaven Elementary School
More than 350 students and parents attended a STEM and Math Night at Brookhaven Elementary School last week. Families also participated in activities, gathered valuable information and connected with vendors.
MCPS and MoCo EmpowHER Host Leaders Luncheon
The MCPS Student Leadership & Extracurricular Activities Unit and MoCo EmpowHER held the first EmpowHER Leaders Luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day. Read more.
Students Shine at Montgomery County History Day Competition
More than 350 students from 35 MCPS middle schools and five high schools took part in the Montgomery County History Day competition last week at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School. Read more.
Takoma Park Middle School won first place in the 2024 Real Food for Kids Culinary Challenge. Takoma Park was the only MCPS school to compete this year; it was their fifth time winning first place in the last six years.
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org
©1995–2024 Montgomery County Public Schools
Booster, NAACP Parent Council & PTSA Info & Updates
March PTSA Meeting - This Tuesday!!
Join us for the March PTSA Meeting on March 19th at 7pm. Antoinette Silvera, QOHS Media Specialist will talk about Digital Citizenship and controlling social media use with your teens!
Date: March 19, 2024
**Updated Time: 7:00pm
Location: QOHS Media Center or Zoom
Meeting ID: 825 3171 6199 Passcode: 203001
**There will not be a QOHS NAACP Parent Council meeting on Tuesday.
Greg's Driving School/QOHS PTSA Fundraiser
Support QOHS PTSA when you sign your emergent driver up for drivers education classes. Greg’s Driving School has two methods to credit the QOHS PTSA. Use this link: www.gregsdrivingschool.net/QO or enter the "QO" fundraiser code when signing up for class.
Cluster Coordinators Needed!
It is that time of Year, QOHS Community! We need nominees for Cluster Coordinators for the Clarksburg, Northwest, Quince Orchard or Seneca Valley! There can be up to 3 Cluster Coordinators per cluster. We also need nominees for West Area VP. All you have to be is a member of a PTA. That’s it!
Position Details: Each coordinator does what they can in this position. It doesn’t have to a lot, or it can be. It depends on you. Is there something really important you want to champion, fix or add to your schools? Being a Cluster Coordinator means you get to meet with the Area Associate Superintendent and the Principals. You also get a guaranteed slot to testify in front of the Board Of Education.
The QOHS PTSA Needs YOU!
The QOHS PTSA is in need of officers for the 2024-2025 School Year! If you are interested in serving on the PTSA Board, email Sue Kravitz at skravitz@are.com
"After School Special" at Laperaux
All local students, faculty, and staff are invited to Laperaux French Bistro (18056 Mateny Rd, Germantown, MD 20874) to take advantage of the "After School Special" every Tuesday through Friday from 3 pm-5 pm (available for takeout only). The "After School Special" includes Peppered Steak Frites Skewer, Three-Quarters of a pound of Famous Duck Fat Fries, Steak Sauce, and Iced Tea, all for $10.00 plus tax. Call (240)912-3100 to place your pick-up order or go to https://www.laperaux.com/.
QOHS PTSA Facebook page invitation
Connect with the Quince Orchard High School PTSA on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100033143782758
Membership, Volunteer & Donation Info.
Our PTSA, NAACPPC, 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, as well as bring families together!
Important Reminders
Mark your calendars for the Asynchronous Learning Day - April 22, 2024
On Monday, April 22, all MCPS students will have asynchronous learning. This will be a professional development day for teachers. Students will work independently from home. QOHS will share more details in mid-March about this asynchronous learning.
There have been three inclement weather closures so far this year, with provisions for virtual makeup days. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides the ability to repurpose certain days as virtual school days, including inclement weather days and staff professional learning days. MCPS has a built-in contingency plan that allows for two emergency school closures needed to make up the third emergency school closure day. MCPS Community Message ← click here
Reminder - Parking Permits MUST be Displayed
Parking permits must be displayed in the vehicle on the rear-view mirror with the number facing out. Permits are non-transferable and will be revoked if used by vehicles other than the registered student.
Permit holders are expected to follow the following regulations, which will be strictly enforced. Activities listed below are prohibited.
1. Exceeding reasonable speeds or otherwise driving recklessly.
2. Leaving school grounds without permission and not signing out/in with the attendance office.
3. Unauthorized transporting other students off school grounds during the school day.
4. Parking in spaces designated for staff, visitors, marked as reserved, or the bus lane.
5. Parking a vehicle without a current parking tag properly displayed.
6. Accessing a parked vehicle without permission from an administrator.
7. Parking in a designated handicapped parking spot without an official handicap permit.
8. Littering.
9. Parking anywhere on school grounds not designated as a student parking space.
10. Violations of the school discipline policy.
In addition, student vehicles will be issued "violation stickers" starting on Tuesday, January 16th along with additional consequences for violating the aforementioned regulations. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Mr. Yarborough or Ms. Eberhart-Bliss in the main office at (240) 740-3600.
REMINDER - Visitors Must Have ID
All visitors must present their actual state issued ID when entering our school building. Our security system will not scan new electronic ID's. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring the safety and security of our students.
Mental Health Resource Guide
Lunch Process and Norms
Quince Orchard High School's lunch policy varies according to a student’s grade level:
Students in Grades 9 and 10 must remain on QO property for lunch. They cannot leave QO property unless they are signed out by a parent/guardian/caregiver via the attendance office.
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 level 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.
All students must follow lunch procedures as outlined below:
1. Students have the option to purchase lunch in our cafeteria or bring food from home.
2. Students may sit in the following areas to enjoy their lunch:
- Cafeteria
- On the designated side of most hallways
- In a classroom with a staff member, if given permission and supervised
- Outside near the main entrance, tennis courts, basketball courts, or backfield area
Students may NOT eat in their cars, auditorium, gymnasiums, the Cougar Dome, or stairwells.
3. 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.
4. For 11th or 12th graders allowed to leave campus for open lunch, students must:
show their current year school ID card to check out with staff at the designated exit
Students may ONLY exit campus at the bus loop/QO library exit along Quince Orchard Rd. (NOTE: this is a change from the 22-23 school year)
not leave campus or attempt to leave campus anywhere except the designated exit
not access vehicles and/or leave campus in a vehicle without staff authorization
Students with abbreviated schedules must show staff their schedule to leave campus in a vehicle
Students who have been signed out in the attendance office must show documentation to staff to leave in a vehicle
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
5. Students who attempt to use another person's ID card for open lunch privilege will result in the revocation for both students and/or other consequences as determined by the MCPS Code of Conduct.
6. Visitors are not allowed in the lunchroom or other areas throughout the school without permission. All visitors must sign in at the welcome center and wear an issued visitor badge sticker.
7. 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.
The full 2023-24 lunch policy is linked here and is available in the student handbook. Each family should thoroughly review and become familiar with the lunch procedures and policies.
Testing Accommodations for the College Board Tests (AP, SAT, PSAT) and ACT
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.
Please review the criteria established by the College Board for requesting testing accommodations:
https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/request-accommodations/request
Please follow the link below to identify the process for submitting a request for ACT Test Accommodations and English Learner Supports:
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html
**Please note that students who have an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan are not guaranteed that College Board or ACT will provide accommodations. The College Board requires current neuropsychological testing (within the past three years) which documents the specific need for each requested accommodation.
All IEP students should work with Ms. Samantha Carter to complete the accommodation request(s) and students with a 504 Plan should work with Ms. Rossini or Ms. Jessica Conter.
Please contact Ms. Jessica Conter, Resource Counselor in the Counseling Office (240-740-3620) if you have any further 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