<![CDATA[FQMS PTSA - PTA Board]]>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:24:28 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[August 05th, 2026]]>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:02:38 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//august-05th-2026<![CDATA[Welcome Back to School]]>Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:44:49 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//welcome-back-to-schoolWelcoming back the Folly Quarter Staff to school Thursday, August 15.  Staff will be working hard to get the school ready for students on August 26th!   

On Thursday, August 22, new student orientation is at 12:45 pm and open house will be from 4 pm to 5 pm.  Students can come check out their lockers and bring supplies to put in their lockers.  Parents should print out the schedule at home from HCPSS Connect or be ready to pull it up on a cell phone.  Schedule will contain the locker and combination information for your student.  School will not be printing out schedules.  
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Snowballs will be available for purchase after both events and should be consumed outside of the building.  ]]><![CDATA[FQMS PTSA 2024-2025 Board Nominations -]]>Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:58:17 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//fqms-ptsa-2024-2025-board-nominationsNominations are being sought for all positions on the board. Get involved and make a difference in the future of our community. FQMS only benefits from parents getting involved and staying involved. Several members of the board are moving on to high school this year, so we need people to volunteer to keep the PTA going.

Voting will take place at the May meeting where nominations can be taken from the floor. To be nominated, you must be a member of the PTA.

Join at https://fqmsptsa.memberhub.com/store
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Please email fqmspta.president@gmail.com if you want to find out more information or wish to be nominated for a board position.
​]]><![CDATA[HCPSS Budget Cuts - HELP NEEDED!]]>Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:25:04 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//hcpss-budget-cuts-help-neededAttention Parents:
Our kids need your help!  HCPSS is currently in the process of establishing the operating budget for next school year, and we are in danger of having significant cuts to include:
  • Increased class sizes at all levels
  • Reduction of Elementary GT programs
  • Loss of 3rd grade Orchestra
  • Reduction of summer school programs
  • Loss of Media positions and programming
  • Combining High School science paraeducator position with testing assistant into one position
  • Reduction in curricular field trips and sixth grade team building activities
  • Decrease in custodial positions
We need parents to advocate for more funding for our school system!  What can I do?
  1. E-mail the BOE at boe@hcpss.org and ask them to request more money from the county so that we can continue to be a world class school system.  In addition, you can let the Board know what programs are most important to you and ask them NOT to increase class sizes.
  2. Contact the County Executive, Dr. Calvin Ball at executive@howardcountymd.gov and the County Council at councilmail@howardcountymd.gov to request that the county increase the money being allocated to HCPSS.  Let them know more money is needed to avoid cutting necessary services.
  3. Reach out to our state delegates and the governor to ask the state to increase the funding for schools so we can afford the new initiatives put forth by the Blueprint mandates. Let them know that without additional state funding positions and services critical to the operation of our schools and education of our students will be cut. Contact information and more details on advocating for the budget including sample emails can be found in the following document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tSBW3lrFhFOVzIB3wP2AckqtkKPE4UiV-JOeoiYkRSA/edit
  4. Show up to the Budget meetings, bring friends and neighbors, and testify in person if you can.  We need to demonstrate that our school system is important to us!
]]><![CDATA[October 31st, 2023]]>Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:08:53 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//october-31st-2023
The sign at the entrance of FQMS is in a sad state of disrepair.  To honor the 20th anniversary Folly Quarter has served this community, we would like to replace it with an updated electronic sign.  FQMS PTSA is trying to raise $25,000 to pay for the new sign, but we still have a ways to go.
Please consider donating to this endeavor by clicking here.

If you would like to be a corporate sponsor, please contact fqmspta.president@gmail.com.
]]><![CDATA[Thanksgiving Basket Drive]]>Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:04:39 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//thanksgiving-basket-drive
Please consider donating to the Thanksgiving Basket Drive.  Check your email for the canvas announcement sent by Mrs. Bader.  This drive benefits local families in need.  All items are due November 3 to your students homeroom teacher.  Thank you.
]]><![CDATA[FQMS Annual Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest]]>Sat, 07 Oct 2023 20:58:18 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//fqms-annual-pumpkin-carvingdecorating-contest
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FQMS Annual Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest is here!  Submit photos of your decorated or carved pumpkins no later than October 27 to fqmspta.president@gmail.com.  Winners in both categories will be announced October 31 and will receive an Amazon gift card.  Good luck!
]]><![CDATA[Reflections]]>Sat, 07 Oct 2023 20:36:47 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//reflections7685130Picture
This year's theme is  is "I am Hopeful Because.."  Reflections is a Nationwide PTA program that allows students to express themselves through the arts. There are 6 categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Students with special needs may receive special accommodations by entering the special artist division.  Students may submit artwork in one or more categories by  November 17.   Art work will be judged at our local Folly Quarter PTSA level, and the top three winning entries in each category will advance to the PTA Council level. Rules and guidelines can be found on the Free State PTA site https://www.fspta.org/reflections.
Please reach out with any questions and to submit artwork along with the student entry form to Ellen Sowry, our FQMS PTSA Reflections Chair, at ellenbsowry@yahoo.com.  Entry form can be found here.
]]><![CDATA[Fall Dance]]>Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:55:15 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//fall-danceFall Dance will be on September 21.  Please check the PTSA weekly email for details.  Tickets can be purchased through this website.  Click on the join now button on the main page.]]><![CDATA[HCPSS Coat & Winter Gear Drive]]>Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:52:36 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//hcpss-coat-winter-gear-driveEach year Folly Quarter Middle School participates in the HCPSS Coat and Winter Gear Drive to help local families in Howard County.  Please consider donating clean coats, hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves during the drive from September 1 to September 22.  Bins will be located in the front lobby of the school.

Thank you!
]]><![CDATA[Message from Mr. Babe, FQMS Principal]]>Mon, 10 Jul 2023 15:14:28 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//message-from-mr-babe-fqms-principalDear Folly Quarter families and community,
I am excited to join the Folly Quarter community as principal.  For the past several weeks, I have worked closely with Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Hewitt to ensure a smooth transition. I have also met with PTA President: Lisa Hirrlinger and Mrs. Hewitt and we have planned the 2023-2024 year full of fun events and activities for our kids, families, and staff.  
I have learned that one of the greatest attributes about Folly Quarter is the people: the excellent students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. I want to share that there will be a few opportunities for “Meet and Greets” this summer. These events are a chance for you to meet me but also for me to learn from you about Folly Quarter. 

Tuesday, July 25: Mr. Babe and Mrs. Hewitt will be at the Howard County Living Farm Museum (12985 Frederick Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794) for Food Truck Tuesday from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. There will be a food truck for families to choose to purchase dinner. Look for us wearing a Folly Quarter shirt. 
Wednesday, August 2: Mr. Babe will have an additional meet and greet with anyone who wants to stop by Folly Quarter at 6:30 PM.
There may be an additional “Meet and Greet” opportunity and it will be shared later this summer.

Also, feel free to let me know your thoughts about what makes Folly Quarter amazing and what is a growth opportunity to make our school even better. Survey here. 
I look forward to meeting you, supporting your child, and leading our fantastic school. I hope you have a restful summer.

Sincerely,
Mike Babe, Principal
Folly Quarter Middle


]]><![CDATA[Student Drug Use Information Session]]>Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:40:40 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//student-drug-use-information-session
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]]><![CDATA[Folly Cultural Festival]]>Wed, 15 Mar 2023 02:03:06 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//folly-cultural-festivalJoin us on Tuesday, March 21 for the Folly Cultural Festival for a wonderful evening of food, culture and adventure as our community comes together to celebrate and explore the many diverse cultures in our community.
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]]><![CDATA[St Patrick's Day Spiritwear Sale]]>Wed, 15 Mar 2023 02:01:24 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//st-patricks-day-spiritwear-sale
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]]><![CDATA[Spiritwear Sale on Hoodies]]>Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:35:52 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//spiritwear-sale-on-hoodies
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]]><![CDATA[Folly Quarter Cultural Festival - NEW DATE]]>Thu, 09 Feb 2023 23:06:18 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//february-09th-2023
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]]><![CDATA[Spiritwear Sale - Feb 10-12]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2023 21:16:36 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//spiritwear-sale7300246
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]]><![CDATA[FQMS PTSA Meeting Feb 6]]>Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:45:35 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//fqms-ptsa-meeting-feb-6Join us on Monday, February 6 at 7 pm for the PTSA meeting.  See school email for virtual meeting details.]]><![CDATA[Spiritwear Sale - January 30 - February 3]]>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:58:00 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//spiritwear-sale-january-30-february-3
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]]><![CDATA[Red Bird Bar and Grille Fundraiser - Jan 17]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2023 21:44:31 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//red-bird-bar-and-grille-fundraiser-jan-17
Join us on Tuesday, January 17 from 4pm to 9pm at the Red Bird Bar and Grille to support FQMS PTSA.  
]]><![CDATA[Spiritwear Sale - 10% off Fleece - Jan 19 -24th]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2023 21:43:09 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//spiritwear-sale-10-off-fleece-jan-19-24th
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]]><![CDATA[Snowflake Dance - January 25th]]>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 21:01:24 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//snowflake-dance-january-25thPicture
Snowflake Dance - Come have fun at the Snowflake dance on January 25, from 2:30-4:30 pm.   Tickets are only $10 and include 2 slices of pizza and a drink.   Only ​250 tickets will be sold.  The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, January 20, or until the dance is sold out -- so hurry and purchase now!   Click here to purchase tickets.   Volunteers and donations are also needed for this event -- click here.
]]><![CDATA[Spiritwear Sale!]]>Wed, 04 Jan 2023 21:00:09 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//spiritwear-sale3423320
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]]><![CDATA[December 16th, 2022]]>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:49:49 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//december-16th-2022]]><![CDATA[Reflections Contest]]>Fri, 16 Dec 2022 15:48:41 GMThttp://www.follyquarterpta.org//reflectionsPTSA is happy to announce the winners of this year's FQMS PTSA Reflections Contest!  

First place for Visual Arts goes to Suhani C for her watercolor piece titled "A Girl Reflecting on Future"

In the category of Literature we have the following winners:
    First Place - Lamiah A for "The Sumatran Elephant"
    Second Place - Cayden T for "New Found Power"
    Third Place - Alexa O for "Us Against the World"

All four of these pieces have been sent on to the county level for judging in January.  Congratulations and good luck!  ]]>