Owl Observer News
June 9, 2023
Upcoming Dates
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Related Arts Color Days
A Message from Administration
What a fun week of celebrating our students and the hard work that they have done this school year. The days can feel long but the year always feels fast. We are so proud of our students accomplishments. However, we would be silly if we did not take a moment to thank you for your partnership becasue without you our students would not have been able to accomplish all that they have done.
On Tuesday, we were able to host a small breakfast to thank our community partners who have provided a variety of supports for our school community. A few of these supports have included providing over 100 backpacks full with supplies, over 100 new jackets and shoes to students, supporting over 100 families during the holdiays, volunterring at our events, and organizing food and clothing drives throughout the year. This list is not complete, but we hope that this highlights the amount of support that has been gifted to us by our amazing partners.
This week we celebrated our PreK students who have demonstarted that they are ready for Kindergarten in the fall. Speaking of kindergarten, we also took some time to recognize our kindergarten students first full year of school here at Ducketts Lane and have learned all the letter names and sounds, have begun their reading journey and are ready to flourish as first graders.
Yesterday, as a school we took time to celebrate our 5th graders and celebrated the end of their elementary school years. Our students are ready for middle school and we are certain that they have all the tools and knowledge to be successful and reach their goals in the future.
We also took time this week to celebrate Pride week, by having everyone take pride in who they are and those that they love for the unique qualities that make each of us special.
Next week is the last week of school and we want to remind you that schools close 3 hours early for all students and there is No half-day PreK.
Mrs. Caroland & Mrs. Folks
End of School Year Health Room Steps
End of Year Medication
If your child has medication in the Health Room at school, please be sure to pick it up during the last week of school. Please contact the school Health Room to arrange a time to pick up medication. Medication is not able to be kept in the Health Room over the summer and may be discarded if not picked up by last day of school. Please contact the school Health Room to arrange a time to pick up medication.
Annual Health Checkups
As you schedule your child/ren to have an annual health checkup, please remember to send completed forms to the Health Room.
Immunization Reminder
If your child/ren receive any immunizations, please be sure to provide a copy to the Health Room. Each year we must submit data to the State showing we are in compliance with student immunizations. If all required immunizations are not complete your child/ren may be excluded from school within the first few weeks of returning for the 2023-24 school year until immunizations are updated.
Medications in Health Room for 2022-2023 school year
Students who require medications to be kept in the Health Room for 2023-24 school year, both Prescription and Over the Counter Medications will need to have new orders provided to the Health Room. New orders must be dated on or after July 1, 2023. We are unable to use orders from 2022-23 school year for next year (2023-24). Medication orders expire at the end of the school year. ALL MEDICATIONS, BOTH PRESCIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER REQUIRE A NEW MEDICATION ORDER EACH YEAR. Please note HCPSS Health Rooms do not provide any medication to students unless provided by Family with proper order form.
Pictures
Individual pictures were sent home with your student's two weeks ago. Please keep the pictures you wish to purchase and return any unwanted pictures to the school.
You may pay for the pictures you are purchasing online at www.strawbridge.net using the code that is indicated on your student's pictures, or place cash or check (made payable to Strawbridge) in the envelope provided and return the payment to the school.
Math Matters Winner
A special drawing was done and Nevin in 2nd grade was the lucky winner. As a result his class and him have earned an extra recess.
Look forward to new opportunities next school year.
Rising 6th Grade School Schedules
Dear families of students currently in grades 5-11,
Your child’s 2023-2024 courses are available to view in HCPSS Connect Synergy on Thursday, June 8 from 9:00 am through Friday, June 16 at 4:00 pm.
It is recommended that you and your child review the courses. If there is an error or you would like to adjust a course, please contact your assigned school for the 2023-2024 school year. Please note this is not the final schedule, and there may be future adjustments due to course availability and/or staffing.
Parents/guardians may view/download scheduled courses for the 2023-2024 school year by taking the following steps:
Log in to HCPSS Connect Synergy using parent/guardian credentials.
Select “More Options” from the left panel.
Select “2023-2024 Scheduled Courses” from the middle. The scheduled courses will be displayed.
HCPSS Pre-K Program
The HCPSS Pre-K program is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year with expanded eligibility criteria! Families of children aged four or five by September 1, 2023, may apply. The HCPSS Pre-K program is free to families; some locations are full-day. Families can submit a completed application to hcpss_pk@hcpss.org or their local elementary school. For an application, information about the program, and eligibility guidelines, please visit the HCPSS website or contact Early Childhood Programs at 410-313-6836.
ABC Countdown is underway
Summer Curriculum Resources
The elementary curriculum offices have compiled several activities and strategies for students to enhance their learning during the summer. The resources can be found on the Canvas Parent Pages and can be viewed by grade level and subject. Additional resources and suggestions can also be found on the Parent Pages. These resources include games, strategy instruction tips, field trip suggestions and much more.
Summer Reading Adventures! (Ages 0-10) (Jun 01 - Aug 31)
Participate your way and track your progress in Howard County Library System's (HCLS) Summer Reading program!
Read, play fun educational mini-games, and find missions full of activities. Discover HCLS eResources along the way. Earn points and unlock badges!
Read Books, including eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, and more.
Do Activities. Activities may be adjusted as appropriate for each child.
Win Prizes!
A new Mission will be added weekly starting June 1st. Earn 1 point for each Mission you complete or book you log. Missions may be completed in any order. Each book logged as part of a mission earns 1 bonus point.
When you reach a total of 10 points, you have officially completed Summer Reading. Finish summer reading and come into any library branch during the month of August to get a book or toy prize. (While supplies last)
Find more details at hclibrary.org/summer
Sponsored by Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System.
Summer Reading Adventures! (Ages 11-17) (Jun 01 - Aug 31)
Join Howard County Library System's (HCLS) program to track your reading, play educational mini-games, and complete missions! Complete 6 Missions to earn a finisher's prize. Discover HCLS e-resources along the way.
Every Monday, a new Mission will be added so you can earn points and unlock badges as you go.
Missions may be completed in any order and are worth 1 raffle ticket each. You can log each book you read as a bonus mission to earn an additional raffle ticket!
To redeem your Missions for raffle tickets and earn prizes, visit any HCLS branch.
You may adjust activities as appropriate for you.
Each mission for Teens (11-17) will feature a 10 to 20-minute activity that will help you celebrate all things summer. For our special reading missions, you are welcome to choose your own book, graphic novel, or magazine as long as it relates to the mission!
Message from our PTA President
As we close on another productive and fun year at Ducketts, I wanted to make an announcement regarding next year’ Ducketts Lane PTA Executive Board. After serving my current two year term as President of the DLES PTA (4 years total), I decided not to run again and enjoy my son’s final year at DLES as just a parent. Tanya Eaton, who served as my vice-president also decided not to seek reelection. With that being said, I am very excited to announce that last month, at our general membership meeting, Klara Jenkins was elected President and Janelle Davis was elected vice-president. They will join Laura Brehm, Katie Cabrera, and Alison Hamer, who are returning as treasurer, corresponding secretary and recording secretary, respectively. Joining them on committee assignments are Jessie Ambler with weighs and means, and Bethany Lightcap with hospitality.
Klara is a mother of two boys, the youngest of which is a preschooler at DLES. She is a biologist with the federal government by day and a crafter in her spare time. Kalra has been active with several PTAs and is currently DLES PTA’s representative to the Howard County PTA. She is also a member of other community organizations. She is enthusiastic, spirited, and has a great vision for the future of DLES PTA.
Janelle is another very involved and motivated parent. She is the parent to Matthew, a rising sixth grader, and M’Leah, who is a rising kindergartner. She too is a crafter in addition to being an entrepreneur, hairstylist, and event planner! She looks forward to stepping into her role as vice-president of the DLES PTA. She loves making people smile and interacting with parents. She looks forward to bringing new and different ideas to the executive board.
Please join me in welcoming our new and returning board members.
It has been a pleasure to serve on the board. I want to thank all of my fellow members for your support and guidance. It was an easy task being President when I have an amazing team beside me. I also want to thank the supportive staff and administration at Ducketts Lane. You all work tirelessly everyday to educate and care for our children. Your partnership helps us accomplish the goal of making sure every student is supported.
Sincerely,
Chris Lawrence, outgoing DLES PTA President.
Happenings Around Town
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. Folks Shateya_Folks@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
Health Room, Ms. Rocha Diann_Rocha@hcpss.org
Counselors, Ms.Diggs Jerrica_Diggs-Kissi@hcpss.org , Mr. Leisawitz Alexander_Leisawitz@hcpss.org, Ms. Plotkin Ryann_Plotkin@hcpss.org