The middle-school G/T Program in Howard County offers a number of instructional seminars that are open to all students. Below is a summary of some of the ones being offered at FQMS this school year:

BOOK CLUB (grades 6-8) - Every middle school in Howard County has a book club. We all read the same book each month. There are in-school meetings to discuss the book. Each month, there is also a county-wide book club meeting in the evening at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, where representatives from all of the middle schools come together to discuss the book. Each month, one school is in charge of leading the discussion, asking questions that the students have worked on with their G/T Resource Teacher. If a student likes to read, this is the right place to be!

DEBATE TEAMS (grades 6-8) - Debaters will learn how to research controversial topics and then present their findings in a convincing way. Debate is a very valuable skill to have, both in school and later in life. The club should be a lot of fun, so students who like to argue to convince people of their viewpoints should consider joining!

CRYPTOLOGY (grades 6-8) - Studying the fascinating world of codes and ciphers is not only fun, but it also helps with math and analytical skills. Some of the ciphers will be relatively easy, but others will have you wondering if a career as a spy is really for you. Come find out what it's all about!

PHILOSOPHY (grade 8) - Some questions have stumped the greatest thinkers in history. In this instructional seminar, 8th-graders will tackle these questions and delve into them with courage and depth. This will certainly help to develop both critical thinking skills and debating skills.

BLACK SAGA (grades 6-8) - This instructional seminar researches and learns about African and African-American history, and it ends with a state-wide competition with other schools at the end of the year. FQMS has had Black Saga groups in the past that have done extremely well. Students who are interested in history and like academic competitions should consider trying out for Black Saga.

STOCK MARKET GAME (grades 6-8) - Students are divided into teams and given a sum of (make-believe) money. They learn the basics and some of the finer points of investing. This is a competition between teams to see which ones can do the best with their money in the course of the school year.

GREEN SCHOOL INITIATIVE (grades 6-8) - This year we will continue the process of having FQMS certified by the state of Maryland as an official "green school." This involves a lot of work and documentation, but students who care about the environment, their school, and the world in general should consider joining this group!

MATH OLYMPIAD (grades 7-8) - Teachers recommend students who are especially strong in and interested in math. There are five monthly competitions, each consisting of five questions. This is a national competition, and students can win certificates, medals, and trophies, as well as the honor that comes with doing well.

TV PRODUCTION - (grades 7-8; grade 6 starting in third quarter) - The morning TV show is one of the main modes of communication in the school. Students can work as anchors or behind the scenes in the tech areas. Students who like being on camera and/or working with high-tech instruments should consider this seminar.