Owl Observer News
February 9, 2024
A Message from Administration
Greetings DLES Families,
What a fantastic week at Ducketts Lane and we have now passed 100 days of school. This week has been national school counselor week. We should do a better job of acknowledging our amazing counseling crew more consistantly. However, we did take a moment and celebrated Mr. Leisawitz otherwise known as "Mr. L" and Mr. Smith. Our school community is so lucky to have two counselors that are available to support and encourage our students to reach their goals. In addition to celebrating our school counselors, we were also able to thank and acknowledge our crossing guard for helping every morning and afternoon.
Thank you to all of our families that were able to participate in conferences this week. If you were not able to meet with your child's teacher, but you have questions regarding their progress, please do not hesitate to contact them and they would be happy to find a time that works to continue this partnership.
This is a friendly reminder that there is no school today. We wish everyone a great weekend and look forward to welcoming all of our students back on Monday.
Proudly Serving You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas
Attention for Parents of Student Bus Riders
We have begun to notice that students are trying to use the incorrect bus to and from school. This is a safety risk. Each bus has a known roster, and in the event of an emergency we use this roster to identify students on the bus. Students who ride a bus that is not correct may not be accounted for in this instance. Additionally, bus rosters are created based on your home address and bus capacity.
Please remind your child that they are to only ride the bus that they have been assigned to ride to and from school. If you are wondering what your child's bus number is, please click here for specific information.
Special Thank You
We would like to thank all the parents who supported our PTA with providing a custom Trail Mix bar for staff this week. It was just the right amount of snack to allow staff to keep their energy up while holding conferences. We are so lucky to have such an amazing PTA and parent community.
Save the Date
February 9: Countywide Professional Learning Day – Schools closed for all students
February 12-16: Kindness Week-see below to join in each spirit day
February 19: Presidents Day – Schools closed for all students and staff
Related Arts Schedule
Kindness Week is Coming
Random Acts of Kindness Week takes place for one week each year. It's a week dedicated to kindness and taking that extra, conscious step to brighten somebody’s day. This year Kindness Week is February 12th - 16th. There are so many ways that you can join in, spread some kindness and positivity and possibly make someone's day!
Although we are always teaching our students how to be kind, we will be specifically focusing on ways to show kindness to others and ourselves during this special week!
Kids Heart Challenge
IT’S COMING !!!!!!
Our DLES Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser is coming soon! Fundraising papers will be sent home in Thursday folders on February 22.
What is the Kids Heart Challenge?
Building on key learnings from nearly 45 years in America’s schools, the Kids Heart Challenge focuses on whole body wellness, helping students improve their own health and better their character while raising life-saving donations for the American Heart Association to help kids facing heart-health issues
When: Fundraiser activities at home: February 22 – March 22
Donation Options: Online only
Click the link below for gifts and how to register:
2. I nstrucciones en español para el Desafío del Corazón para Niños
Kindergarten Readiness Newsletter
Click here to learn ways to support your child who will be starting kindergarten in the fall.
PTA NEWS
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, hotdogs, and drinks will be available for purchase.
The PTA is in need of additional volunteers for the Silent Auction. If you are interested in helping, please email us at duckettslanepta@gmail.com.
Discounted Hershey Park Ticket forms are coming! We all love a great discount and helping our students! Be on the look out for order forms to be coming in Thursday folders soon.
Looking for Special Cookies?
There are limited ways in which the school administration can find fun and creative ways to thank our teachers and staff for their continued effort and dedication each day. Back in July, I reached out to Custom Cookies by Karen, and asked if she would be willing to donate cookies as a token to thank our amazing staff for what they do. Karen was so responsive and more than happy to create custom DLES cookies that we were able to surprise our staff with yesterday. Not only were they amazing to look at, but they were also amazingly delicious.
If you are ever looking for a special treat and want to support a small local business that supported our staff, consider Custom Cookies by Karen.
4th Grade Art Showcase
Happening Around Town
Get Ready for Summer Camps
Registration for Recreation & Parks’ Summer Camp Guide Begins this Week
Howard County residents don’t forget! Online registration for our Department of Recreation & Parks' 2024 Summer Camp Guide opens this Wednesday, January 31st at 6:00 p.m., with all other registration methods (i.e., over-the-phone, mail-in and in-person) beginning this Thursday, February 1st morning. From art, chess, Lego, magic and sports camps, there is something to keep your child’s mind and body active during the summer months.
For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins for you next Wednesday, February 7th at 6:00 p.m. and all other methods the following day.
Free Family & Parent Workshops
Click here to view this month's Free Family Workshop & Parent Pages Newsletter.
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