Owl Observer News
March 1, 2024
A Message from Administration
Greetings DLES Families,
We had a fantastic week here at Ducketts Lane. We have many congratulations to extend to students and staff this week.
We first would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of several fourth grade students who gave up their free time over the last couple of months to research and present on an innovator of change at this year's Unheard Perspective Showcase. This group of students, with the support of Mrs. Schmitt and Dr. Doyle, presented their research to a panel of judges. These students also had to be prepared to answer any follow up questions that the judges had following their presentation. All of our students were well prepared and represented themselves, and Ducketts Lane is a fantastic way. All three of our groups earned a GOLD award for their hard work. Congratulations go to the following students; Taliah B., Jaxson C., Krista I., Harrison L., Anaelle D., Hannah G., Darwin H.L., Oreofeoluwa J., Naveeth S., Colette B., Yasmina K., Raheemah O. and Kya V.
This year, Ducketts Lane had their first young author's submissions and we are excited to announce that Naveeth in 4th grade won at the county level and will go on to represent Howard County at the state level. Good Luck, Naveeth! We are already so proud of you. Never stop writing!
We would also like to take a moment to thank all of the students and staff that made our Black History Month Assembly possible. It was so wonderful to learn from our students and staff in a variety of ways during a live performance and assembly. We are so lucky to have the dedicated staff (past and present) that continue to find ways to make learning meaningful for all of our students!
Lastly, a small group of teachers and students came together and submitted a packet to nominate Mrs. Misty Shappell for ESOL Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Shappell works endless hours to not only support her multilingual students, but she is always finding different ways to support all stakeholders in better supporting multilingual learning. We are so lucky to have her on our team! We think she should win this award, but we hope she knows that she is already the winner in our minds!
We wish everyone a wonderful weekend and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday.-TWIN DAY.
Proudly Serving You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas
Tissue Drive
Tissues are an essential resource in our classrooms, ensuring that our students have access to the comfort they need during cold and flu season, as well as throughout the year. However, maintaining an adequate supply can sometimes be a challenge.
That's why we are reaching out to you, our supportive school community, to help us ensure that our classrooms are stocked with tissues to keep our students feeling cared for and supported.
We invite you to participate in our Tissue Drive by donating boxes of tissues. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
Feel free to drop off your donation at the front office or send in the donation with your student.
Save the Date
March 4: Kindergarten registration for rising Kinder students begins
March 4-March 8: DLES SEL SPIRIT WEEK
March 13: Professional Workday-Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K
March 14: Family Math Night 5:00-6:30pm
March 25-April 1: Schools Closed for Spring Break
April 2: Schools reopen
Related Arts Schedule
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Spirit Week
To celebrate National SEL day on Friday March 8th, we have decided to make all of next week a spirit week to recognize the importance that SEL and learning behaviors place in our daily learning and lives.
Attention 5th Grade Families
Starting on Monday, our 5th grade students will complete the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) and will test one time each day March 4-March 8 at 11:00am. This is an assessment that all 5th, 8th grade, and high school students complete. The MISA is aligned to the Maryland Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The grade 5 MISA assesses the Elementary Grade NGSS for grades 3, 4, and 5. The assessment includes disciplinary core ideas from life science, physical science as well as Earth and space science.
On Friday, our 5th grade students will complete the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Maryland School Survey. The survey provides students with the opportunity to provide input on their perceptions, experiences, attitudes, and activities in school in four topic areas: safety, environment, engagement, and relationships. Our students responses on these topics will provide valuable information about how they view our learning environment.
Career Day is Coming
The Ducketts Lane Elementary school counseling team is looking for volunteers to speak to classes for Career Day on Tuesday, April 9th.
Please complete this form if you are interested in coming in to share more about your career. You will be asked to share about your occupation/career in an approximately 15-minute presentation and answer questions that students may have. After gathering responses from interested speakers we will contact you to schedule specific times for your presentation on April 9th (different grades will be presented to at different times throughout the day).
Thank you for your time and consideration!
~The DLES Counseling Team
Family Math Night is Coming
Please be on the look our for your RSVP form to come home. This is sure to be a night where together we can celebrate and enjoy math. A little extra practice can support all of our students reach their math goals.
Noche familiar de matematicas
presentado por titulo I
14 de Marzo 2024 5:00-6:30pm
Se proporcionara refigerio
Kindergarten Registration Starts Monday
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 opens 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.
Kids Heart Challenge
IT’S HERE!!!!!!
Our DLES Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser is here! Fundraising papers were sent home in last week's Thursday folders.
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
PTA NEWS
Hersheypark Early Bird Discount Tickets are available for 2024 (valid during the full season, 03/29/2024-01/01/2025). For delivery before Spring Break, return your completed form with payment to the school by March 8th. A second order will be placed on April 23rd. Thank you for your continued support of the DLES PTA. We hope you enjoy your time at the Sweetest Place on Earth!
Happening Around Town
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.
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