Owl Observer News
September 22, 2023
A Message from Administration
Grreetings DLES Community,
We continue to be so proud to serve the most dynamic school community in our county. We have all adjusted to the new school hours with ease and we know that together we can continue to support our students and help them along their journey as they strive towards various goals this year and well into the future.
This week brought our start to honoring and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Students will have an opportunity to learn various facts about a variety of countries that are encompassed within Hispanic Heritage Month across different parts of their school day over the next month. We are fortunate enough to have a diverse school community and this provides us with the opportunity to learn our Hispanic Heritage from students, parents, and staff.
We are looking forward to coming together as a school community for our Back to School Bash. We will be outside on the blacktop and bus loop area from 5:30-7:00pm. This is NOT an event for children to attend alone-an adult must be present and stay for the event. Please look below for the order form for pizza and party pack options. All orders must be turned in by September 26th.
Students in 4th and 5th grade have been given their MCAP performance reports for parent/guardian review. We are very happy to share that DLES assessment performance grew in both math and reading in comparison to the last few years. We knew our students could achieve great things. This continued pattern of growth will require all of us to have a sense of urgency and maintain high expectations for a safe and engaging learning environment.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have had a couple students bring in glass water bottles or containers. Unfortunately, some of these items have been dropped and broken with glass shattering across the floors. We ask that you instead send your child to school with plastic containers and water bottles, so that we can minimize the risk of injury to students and staff.
We look forward to welcoming all students back on Tuesday, September 26th. Doors open at 8:35am. The late bell will ring at 8:45am and we will dismiss all students at 3:15pm.
Proudly Serving You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas
Helping Out 5th Grade
Carloop Support
A couple of things that will help if your child(ren) must be a car rider:
1. All children should be exiting on the passenger side and never on the driver side-This is a SAFETY RISK
2. Drivers and other adults within the car should not be getting out of the car to assist children
3. Practice teaching your children how to undo their seatbelts and be fully ready to exit the car
4. Once your children have exited the car and you door is closed, pull forward and exit, please do not wait there and watch your child walking into the building
5. Avoid turning right out of the parking lot as that is an active crosswalk and this stops all walkers and car traffic
Ideally, we strongly suggest that you have your child arrive to school in the manner that they are assigned, either as a bus rider or a walker.
At 8:45am, all staff head into the building as instruction begins. If you find that your child(ren) are still in the car at this time, you will need to walk your child(ren) into the building and sign them in as a late arrival.
Save the Date
September 25- Schools Closed
September 26- Ledo's Night at Elkridge 4-8, proceeds will support out PTA
September 28- Back to School Bash 5:30-7:00pm This is a parent and child event-not a drop off
October 3- Parent Canvas information night for grades 3-5 6:00pm-details were sent home with students.
October 9- Schools closed for students
October 13- 8:00am Donuts with Dudes, sponsored by PTA
Related Arts Schedule
Back to School Bash Pizza and Party Pack Order Form
Attachments of this order form can be found at the very bottom of this newsletter (past all the blue buttons)
We are looking forward to a wonderful Back to School Bash this year.
Title I Benefits Beyond School Lunch/Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS)
Breakfast and lunch are served daily for all students at DLES. Daily meal prices apply to students who do not qualify for free and reduced meals. The cost of lunch is $2.80. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Parents/guardians must submit an application every year to maintain their student’s eligibility. All families are asked to use this link to apply. **This application must be completed each year.** Any family who has not filled out an application up to the 30th school day will have their prior status changed to full pay status until a new application is received.
PTA NEWS
Join the DLES PTA today at https://duckettspta.memberhub.com! When you become a member you are supporting the students and teachers at DLES, as well as the nation. Each voice makes the PTA louder when advocating for what they need.
If you would like to help volunteer at any of our events, please fill out this form.
We hope to see you at our upcoming events:
Ledo's Pizza Spirit Night- Join us at Ledo's Pizza in Elkridge on Tuesday, September 26th from 4-8 pm. Use the online code: Fundraiser, show the flyer on your phone, or just mention you are supporting the DLES PTA's fundraiser.
Fall Clean-Up- Come out and help clean up the school grounds on Saturday, September 30th from 1-2 pm. We will be meeting by the flagpole in front of the school. Be sure to wear comfy clothes, gloves, and bring a trash grabber (can be found at the dollar store). We will provide trash bags.
To stay up-to-date on all of our upcoming events, visit our website and Facebook page.
Hispanic Heritage Trivia Fun Fact
What country of Central America uses the dollar as their currency?
En que pais de CentroAmerica se usa el dolar como la moneda?
We will share the answer to this question on the morning news Tuesday morning.
Boys Breakfast Club
We are excited to open registration for the DLES Fall 2023 Breakfast Club, which will begin October 10th! For those new to Ducketts, The Breakfast Club is an initiative for 3rd - 5th grade young men offering additional support beyond the classroom. We meet on Tuesday mornings, from 8:05 a.m. to 8:35 a.m., in the Gymnasium at DLES beginning October 10th and concluding October 31, 2023.
This opportunity creates connection, community, and positive experiences while helping students build a toolbox to navigate a journey to their best selves. Each week, we will focus on one of our six core principles, with a special invited guest to share insights and experiences.
Registration is required. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Fall 2023 Breakfast Club Registration
Kevin Anderson, P.E. Teacher
DLES Boys Run Club
The time has come and our DLES BOYS RUN CLUB is almost here! We would love to have your student come and join us for this great experience.
Registration will be from: 9/14/23 - 9/29/23.
When & Where: Practice will be on Monday’s at DLES from 3:20 - 4:20!
Dates: 10/2, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/5, 11/13
Final Run: We will have culminating run on Friday, 11/17 (pizza to follow)
Who: Open to 3rd and 5th-grade boys.
Cost: This will be FREE and the Run Club will be limited to 25 runners!
Please click the link below to register!
Thank you,
P.E. DEPT
Your Voice is Important
Please click on the Feedback Form to share your thoughts with how we can make DLES the best for everyone.
We are here to help!
Principal, Mrs. Caroland Molly_Caroland@hcpss.org
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Van Osdel Amy_Van_Osdel@hcpss.org
Leadership Intern, Mrs. Yerashunas Brianna_Yerashunas@hcpss.org
Principal Secretary, Mrs. Canter Teresa_Canter@hcpss.org
Registration Support, Secretary Ms. Lynette Carmen_Lynette@hcpss.org
Attendance, Synergy and Family File Support, Secretary Mrs. Forman Julie_Forman@hcpss.org
Counselor Mr. Leisawitz Alexander_Leisawitz@hcpss.org