Owl Observer News
November 17, 2023
A Message from Administration
Greetings DLES Families,
It has been another wonderful week here at Ducketts Lane Elementary School. We wanted to take a moment to thank our PTA and families who volunteered and joined us last Friday night for a fantastic International Night. Together, we were able to sample foods, learn about different countries' clothing, climate, builds, and traditions. It was such a pleasure to connect and learn about some of the various countries and heritages which make our very special community strong. We hope to see more of our countries and heritages represented next year. You don't want to miss tasting some of the best food that we have had in a very long time!
We enjoyed welcoming the parents and guardians that were able to stop in and visit their child's classroom this week as we celebrated American Education Week. We were also able to honor all of our Educational Support Professionals earlier this week. All of us benefit from the support that our paraeducators and support staff do daily to support our students and school.
We were so excited for our kindergarten students who were able to get on a school bus and travel to a local farm. The smiles that we saw on our students when they returned were evidence of the fantastic time they were able to have. Learning and exploring our community is a special opportunity for our students. We thank the chaperones that were able to attend, without these parent volunteers field trips would not be possible.
CHECK THE LOST & FOUND
We decided to wait until Tuesday, November 21st to donate all unclaimed items that remain in the lost and found. When you come to DLES on Monday for your scheduled parent-teacher conference and or to pick up your Joe Corbi orders, please take a moment and check the lost and found for any of your child's missing items.
Family File Updates
Thank you to most of our families for updating Family File earlier in the school year, but we would like to remind you that you can update and change information at anytime. As the weather starts to change and we prepare for the potential of inclement weather, which might result in an early closing, we need you to please make sure that the emergancy contact information for your child is up-to-date and accurate. Additionally, we have had several students become ill while at school and need to be picked up. The health room has found that some of the numbers provided do not work, or the person that has been assigned to support a midday pickup due to illness is not available to come pick up the student. We ask that you try to identify someone who can get to the school within 20 minutes, as a sick child is possibly exposed to other germs in the health room, but the sick child is also exposing the health room staff and other children to illnesses.
Directions on how to update your Family File can be found here:
https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-guide.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-spanish.pdf
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (KOREAN) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-korean.pdf
Thank you for partnering with us to make Ducketts Lane a truly special place to be.
Proudly Serving You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas
Pictures From International Night
Save the Date
November 20- Students dismiss at 12:15pm. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 20- Joe Corbi Order Pick-Up 1:30-6:30pm at DLES
November 21- Students dismiss at 12:15pm. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 22- Schools closed for all students
November 23&24-Thanksgiving Holiday – Schools and offices closed
November 27- Schools Reopen for all students
December 2- Chipotle PTA Spirit Night 4:00-8:00pm
We've Got Spirit
November 21- Pajama Day-Wear your coziest pjs
Spirit for Inclusive Schools Week
December 4- Wear Bright Colors
Decemebr 5- Wear Comfortable Exercise Gear
December 6- Wear Something That Let's Everyone Know About Something You Love
December 7- Wear Tye Dye or Multicolored clothing
December 8- Wear Your Favorite Spirit Gear-School or Team
Related Arts Schedule
Inclusive School Week
WINTER CONCERTS ARE COMING
It's almost concert season at DLES! If your child participates in Band, Orchestra or Chorus, please find specific information about their performances in the flyers linked below (including arrival times and concert dress.)
5th Grade Winter Concert Flyer
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
6:00pm
@ DLES
3rd & 4th Grade Winter Concert Flyer
Wednesday, December 20
6:00pm - 4th Band & Chorus
7:00pm - 3rd & 4th Orchestra
@ DLES
If your child is in need of a white shirt, please let their music teacher know. DLES has been given white polo shirts in several sizes that are available for students in need.
Mrs. McKay (Band & Orchestra)
Mr. Wagner (4th Chorus)
Ms. Abrams (5th Chorus)
Tips for Parent Teacher Conferences
Here are some tips that might help you get the most out of your parent-teacher conference:
- Progress. Find out how your child is doing by asking questions like: Is my child performing at grade level? What do you see as his or her strengths? How could he or she improve?
- Your thoughts about your child. Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about your child. Tell the teacher what you think your child is good at. Explain what he or she needs more help with.
- Support learning at home. Ask what you can do at home to help your child learn. Ask for examples of the work or practice your child would benefit from. The way adults were taught elementary skills may be very different from what your children are being asked to accomplish.
- Support learning at school. Find out what your child may need to do at the school to help them have a succesful day (example-is there a snack I should be sending, does my child appear to be sleepy or rushed in the mornig).
- Talk to your child. The parent–teacher conference is all about your child, so don’t forget to include him or her. Share with your child what you learned. Show him or her how you will help with learning at home. Ask for his or her suggestions.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING FOCUS AT SCHOOL
Questions that students can ask themselves or you can ask them so that they can better understand social awareness:
- What is one way that you can respect someone who has a different culture or background?
- What is something about your family culture or background that makes you proud?
- Have you ever felt like you don't belong?
- What is something you wish someone had done to make you feel like you did belong?
Greetings Family Involvement Team Members and Future Members!
It is time to hear your voice! Parents, staff, families, and stakeholders please join us on the first Fridays of the month at 8 am for our Family Involvement Team meeting. We will continue to discuss our focus for the 2023 - 2024 school year and the upcoming Family Reading Night. We need your input to help us plan what our families would find useful at home for us to work together to build a stronger learning environment at Ducketts Lane Elementary School.
The Family Involvement Team is composed of DLES staff across all grade levels and includes Related Arts and Student Support Services staff as well. The GOAL of the team is to:
Help create positive home-school connections
Increase family involvement
Maintain effective communications with families
Plan family events and programs
Please consider joining us for one of our meetings either VIRTUALLY or in person the first Fridays of the month at 8:00 am. Our next meeting of the school year is this Friday, 12/1/23, and we would LOVE to have you join us!
Below is our running Agenda for the school year. Feel free to take a glance to stay in touch with topics we will be discussing. We also welcome input on topics for future meetings. Please email annemarie_chairs@hcpss.org with topic suggestions.
DLES Family Involvement Team Meeting Agenda
To join the meeting Virtually, please use the link below:
Google Meet joining link: https://meet.google.com/gep-chki-ymu
Or dial: (US) +1 219-379-3433 PIN: 445 884 084#
To join us In Person please arrive at school and go to Ms. Carothers’ first grade classroom B130
We welcome your VOICE as part of the TEAM!
Want to Know More About Title I and Our School?
Ducketts Lane continues to be a school within our county that is receiving Title I supports and funds. This is determined based on the economic needs of our families and students. This is one of the reasons we ask for our parents to reapply for FARMs (as seen above), as we need this information so that we can make certain that we are able to best support our students and families.
So what is Title I?
Title I is a federally funded program designed to close the achievement gap and ensure all children
have an opportunity to access a high quality education. Title I federal funding is used to support and enhance the school program and provide additional academic support. For additional information, visit the HCPSS Title I Program web page.
Who is the Ducketts Lane Title I team?
Alison Black: Title I Point of Contact, Reading Specialist alison_black@hcpss.org
Lisa Falsetti-Hopkins: Reading Specialist lisa_falsetti-hopkins@hcpss.org
Alyssa Pearson: Math Specialist, 3rd Grade Math Teacher alyssa_pearson@hcpss.org
Bridget Ritchie: Math Specialist bridget_ritchie@hcpss.org
Annie Chairs: Family Involvement Annemarie_Chairs@hcpss.org
DLES Family Compact and Calendar of Events
DLES Family Compact and Calendar of Events
DLES Family Compact and Calendar of Events (Spanish)
DLES Family Compact and Calendar of Events (Spanish)
PTA NEWS
Staff Conference Dinner: Fall Conferences are next week! We are planning an elaborate salad bar spread for staff on Monday, November 20th. Please consider signing up to donate one or more items from the sign-up here. Thank you so much for always supporting the DLES PTA and Staff!
Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser is wrapping up and we need your help! Every purchase makes a difference and we appreciate your support! Register online at registercw.com. Our Organization ID is 26189. The PTA will still receive credit on all orders placed through December 4th. Please note orders placed by December 2nd will receive delivery by December 24th.
Winter Vendor Fair: On Saturday, December 9th, from 12-3 pm the PTA is hosting a Winter Vendor Fair in the cafeteria. Come out and shop local vendors! If you own a business you would like to promote or have handmade crafts to sell, sign up to be a vendor by emailing duckettslanepta@gmail.com. Vendor registration is $25 and includes a 6ft table and 2 chairs. Student vendors are also encouraged. The student vendor registration fee is $5 and includes a desk-size table and chair.
Chipotle Spirit Night: Join us for a Guacin' time on Saturday, December 2nd from 4-8 pm at the Chipotle in Columbia (6181 Old Dobbin Ln Ste 100). Use code 9TKRR3M if ordering online or show the flyer in the restaurant. The DLES PTA will receive 33% of all sales!
To stay up-to-date on all of our upcoming events, visit our website and Facebook page.
Don't Forget about your Joe Corbi orders
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. 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