Owl Observer News
January 19, 2024
A Message from Administration
Greetings DLES Families,
The winter has come in full force. We hope that everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful coating of snow and stayed warm. We have missed our students and look forward to creating new learning moments and fun memories for all in the coming week.
Friendly reminder that there is no school on Monday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday.
Proudly Serving You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas
Save the Date
January 19: NO half-day Pre-K students come to school
January 22: Schools are closed for Staff Professional Learning and Work Day
January 25: PTA Read-a-Thon Begins
January 26: SPIRIT DAY-Wear Bright Colors to show how kindness can be a bright spot in someone else's day
February 1: Class Picture Day
February 7: Students dismiss at 12:15. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 8: Students dismiss at 12:15. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 9: Countywide Professional Learning Day – Schools closed for all students
February 19: Presidents Day – Schools closed for all students and staff
Related Arts Schedule
Is your child on the road to kindergarten?
If you are the parent of a child who will be five years old by September 1, 2024, save the date for one of the Howard County Public School System's (HCPSS) Road to Kindergarten parent information sessions.
Each session will cover:
- Expectations for school readiness; receive a Ready for Kindergarten toolkit;
- Details about the HCPSS kindergarten program;
- Information about kindergarten registration; HCPSS website; support for families and children during the transition to kindergarten.
Sessions will be held at the following date/time/locations:
- January 18, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. / Centennial High School**
- January 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. / Hammond High School*
- January 31, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. / Wilde Lake High School*
* A Spanish interpreter will be present at these sites.
** Chinese, Korean and Spanish interpreters will be onsite.
Childcare is available for children ages two and older; the information session is designed for adults only. The program will include information regarding kindergarten readiness, program components and registration applicable to all HCPSS schools. Specific school information will be shared by schools after registration is finalized. For more information, visit HCPSS online or call 410-313-5693 (voice/relay).
Learning Together Program – Prekindergarten
The Ducketts Lane Elementary School Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) prekindergarten programs are making preparations for classes for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. These classes include children with and without disabilities. The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills. Parents of children who will be 3 or 4 by September 1st, applications will be available and accepted in mid February.
In alignment with Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, a limited number of new applications for students turning 4 by September 1 will be available. The Howard County Public School System continues to offer a prekindergarten program for income eligible children who will be four years old by September 1. For additional information contact the school or visit: https://www.hcpss.org/schools/pre-k-programs/
HCPSS is committed to providing instruction based on the statewide Early Learning Standards which are in alignment with Kindergarten Readiness. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly regardless of the learning model determined by HCPSS throughout the upcoming school year (virtual, hybrid, in person, or class quarantine). If you have any additional questions , please contact Alexis Rape or Terri Canter at (410)-313-5050.
Attention Current 5th Grade Parents
Please note the make up date Jan 30th
.
PTA NEWS
Get ready for our Read-a-thon beginning Thursday, January 25th! To activate your reader's account, register online here.
We hope to see you at our next General PTA meeting on Thursday, February 1st at 7 pm in the cafeteria!
The PTA is providing a build-your-own trail mix bar for all DLES Staff to fuel them during the upcoming Winter Conferences. If you would like to donate any items, please visit our sign-up page https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090B49ACA628AAFC1-47290303-winter. Donations can be sent to the school with your student or dropped off at the front office by Tuesday, February 6th. Please label all donations "DLES PTA."
Join us for Family Movie Night on Friday, February 16th at 5:30 pm. Bring your family, a blanket, and wear your pajamas. Each student will receive one free snack and drink. Additional snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
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