Owl Observer News
March 15, 2024
A Message from Administration
Greetings DLES Families,
It was another fantastic week here at Ducketts Lane. It was such a pleasure to see all of the students and families that were able to join us last night for our math night. Game play is such a fun way to practice math skills. Thank you to all of the teachers who worked so hard to make this event a true success for all.
We continue to schedule and welcome rising Kindergarten families who registered for the upcoming school year. If you or a neighbor will have a child who is going to be in kindergarten in the fall, please contact the front office at 410-313-5050 for support to ensure your child is registered and ready to start in the fall.
Our lost and found table is getting crowded. We will be getting rid of any unclaimed items at the end of the day on March 22nd. Encourage your child to check the lost and found if they are missing any items. Parents are welcome to come check the lost and found, but must check in with the front office prior to visiting the lost and found area.
We would like to acknowledge that for some members of our community are fasting as part of Ramadan, and this will continue through Tuesday, April 9, 2024. We wish a meaningful and blessed month to all who observe.
Ramadan is a time for reflection, family, community, and charity. We understand some students may choose to fast, either fully or partially, during this time. To support their needs, students may choose to spend the lunch shift in the Media Center, engaging in a book or other quiet activity.
If your child is fasting and you would prefer this alternative lunch setting, please email your child's teacher.
We wish everyone a wonderful weekend.
Proudly Serving You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas
Related Arts Schedule
Save the Date
March 25-April 1: Schools Closed for Spring Break
April 2: Schools reopen
DLES Family Fun & Fitness Night
Save the date: April 16th
Dear DLES families,
What: We are looking to gauge interest and are happy to announce the first DLES Family Fun & Fitness Night, and we want your family to join us! This event is open to everyone - students, staff, and parents - and promises a night filled with fitness activities, games, and fun throughout the building. Think cornhole, bean bag golf, bowling, giant Jenga, Uno, and more!!:)
When: Tentatively, April 16th, 2024, 5:30—7:30 PM.
*But, we need your help to make this event a success. Your participation is essential, and we kindly ask you to register your family ASAP to show interest.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to bond with your family and the entire school community while staying active and having fun.
Click or Scan the QR code to register your family today 🙂
Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you there 😀
TVMS is hosting a Parent Info Night
TVMS is hosting a Parent Info Night, and we would like to extend an invitation to the parents/guardians of students that will be joining us for the 2024-25 school year! This is ONLY intended for parents/guardians of students who will be attending TVMS next year.
Kindergarten Registration is Open
We need your help in spreading the word regarding new Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year.
Registration for incoming kindergarteners and newly enrolled first graders opened on Monday, 3/4. As we prepare for our upcoming school year, it is important to have your child registered to ensure we have the correct amount of teachers for our students. Please do not delay! Help us with the process by registering your new kindergartner or first grader as soon as possible.
Children must be 5 years old by 9/1/24 in order to enroll in kindergarten next school year. Every child who is 5 years old by this date must be enrolled in a kindergarten program this fall or have an approved waiver. HCPSS kindergarten is a full day program.
Please make certain you are on the screen for 2024-2025 if registering for the next school year.
Parents or guardians are to register students at the school serving the address where the child’s parent or guardian resides. Information on neighborhood schools can be found through HCPSS School Locator.
Complete your child’s registration online by providing the documents listed below. The registration process will be more efficient if you upload the required documents during online registration. Otherwise, you will be asked to submit the required documents via email as pdfs, or you may contact the office to make arrangements to bring the documents in and we will copy them for you. The following documents are needed for registration and should be submitted during the online registration process: Click here for a checklist for registration.
Child’s evidence of birth (i.e. birth certificate, baptismal certificate)
An authorized record of immunizations
Proof of residency in the form of your entire signed lease/deed including signature pages.
Current utility bill with your name and address that has been issued within the last 45 days. (cellular device bills not accepted)
Photo ID of parent/guardian
Additional Documents to bring if applicable to your child:
Proof of custody - only if there is information the school must adhere to during school hours (full document including the signature pages)
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for Special Education Services
504 plan
Psychological report or related services reports/plans
English Language Learner (ELL) plans or previous assessments
These forms should be completed by your child's pediatrician and dentist and emailed to our Health Room prior to the first day of school or as soon as your child has their 5 year check-up
It is recommended that you work on a laptop or desktop to complete registration. Cell phone registration is not recommended. Please call our front office at 410-313-5050.
Social Emotional Learning
A Focus on Social Awareness
In order for our students and your children to have Social Awareness they must have the ability to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. This includes the capacities to feel compassion for others, understand broader historical and social norms for behavior in different settings, and recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.
What does Social Awareness LOOK like:
Perspective taking
Empathy
Appreciating Diversity
Respect for Others
What does Social Awareness sound like:
I wonder how that made ____ feel?
How would I feel if I were in that situation?
What is ____ thinking?
They seem sad right now. Maybe I should _______.
Thanks for sharing! My family does it this way.
What can you do at home to help promote Social Awareness:
Read books with your kids and talk about how the characters are feeling and reacting. Identify the emotions and then talk about why the character feels that way or how you know.
Talk about your own emotions with your kids. Label your feelings explain what made you feel that way. If you have negative emotions, talk about what would help you to feel better.
If a conflict arises, ask your child to think about how the other person might be feeling. For example, if your child takes a toy away from their sibling, ask “how would you feel if your sibling took your favorite toy away from you?”
Identify a neighbor who might be going through a difficult time. Think of ways you might be able to help. For example, pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor or write a letter to a neighbor who is living alone and might be feeling isolated.
For older children, talk about reading body language and using perspective-taking to determine if someone is hiding their real feelings. Explain how sarcasm and figurative language are ways the people may say one thing but mean something else.
Kids Heart Challenge
YOU ARE DOING AWESOME DLES !!!!!!
Our DLES Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser is under way and we have already raised $2,586! Thank you all who have participated! There is still time to register and donate!!! Fundraiser ends 3/22.
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:
If you have any questions please contact Robert Abramson (P.E. Dept)
PTA NEWS
Spring Clean Up: Come out and help clean up the school grounds on Sunday, March 17th from 1-2 pm. We will meet at the flagpole in front of the school. Trash bags will be provided.
Hersheypark Early Bird Discount Tickets are still available for 2024 (valid during the full season, 03/30/2024-01/01/2025). A second order will be placed on April 23rd. We hope you enjoy your time at the Sweetest Place on Earth!
Family Game Night: Let the games begin! Join us for some family fun on Friday, April 5th, from 6:30-8pm in the cafeteria. We will have card games, board games, and more! Feel free to bring your own family's favorite games to share.
Happening Around Town
Free Virtual Workshops through Howard County Office of Children and Families:
Growing young readers
March 21, 7 to 8 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Parents are a child’s first and best teacher. Learn how to develop a young child's literacy skills at home to build a foundation for a lifelong love of reading.
The Howard County Office of Children and Families Free Workshops:
Parent’s guide to challenging behaviors
March 27, 7 to 8 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Learn how to help decrease negative behaviors from happening and/or what to do when they do occur. For children ages two to eight.
Join CrossLife Community Church
You are invited to an Easter Eggstravaganza (egg hunt, games, moon bounce) on Saturday, March 23 at 11 am. Event will be held at Ducketts Lane ES (sponsored by CrossLife Community Church, www.crosslifeonline.com). Click on link for more information.
Popup Free Outdoor Pantry
PEP Family Resiliency Program
A FREE 8-week program for parents & caregivers of children ages 5 to 18. Classes are in English or Spanish.
Register today!
Use the QR code or tinyurl.com/2w4k2sxp
Let's Connect
What: Community Building Circle
Where: Elkridge Branch
When: Tuesday, April 30th from 5:00-7:30 (dinner will be served from 5:00-5:30)
How: Register through HCLS with the QR code on the flier
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