Owl Observer News
March 22, 2024
A Message from Administration
Greetings DLES Families,
We certainly enjoyed a great week here at Ducketts Lane and that is largely due to the amazing partnership we have with you. Our students and staff have been working so hard over the last few months, and it is a great time to allow everyone to enjoy the warmer weather and build memories over this spring break.
We will certainly miss the laughter while schools are closed, but we look forward to hearing about all of the fun our students are able to have next week. We encourage all of our students to set a goal of reading and practicing their math for at least 30 minutes each day. For our students in 3rd-5th grade, MCAP testing will be fast approaching once we return from the break, and this little practice each day will help to keep learned skills sharp for testing. Additionally, our 1st and 2nd grade students will again be taking MAP testing later this year, and we want to make sure we are able to see all the new learned skills when they complete their assessments.
SCHOOL BUS STOP SAFETY: We have had several concerned citizens reach out to us asking that we share with you the concerns that they are seeing at various bus stops. As the weather has started to get warmer, students are arriving at bus stops up to 30 minutes early and playing in and around the streets. Children are often unsupervised and often will not respond to adults that are around asking them to stop behaviors that could result in harm. We ask that students arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled bus arrival and stay out of the streets. This is not a good space or time to engage in a game of chase or soccer.
Just a friendly reminder that schools will be closed Monday, March 25 - Monday, April 1st. As such, it is important to note that the next Owl Observer Weekly News will not be sent out until Friday, April 5th.
We wish everyone a wonderful and safe spring break and we will see everyone back on Tuesday, April 2nd.
Proudly Serving You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas
Girls on the Run's Spring 2024
We first need to thank Ms. Quezada and Ms. Wigglesworth for volunteering to coach this season. Without them this would not be available!
Registration for Girls on the Run's Spring 2024 Season opened on February 18, 2024 at noon. Girls on the Run® inspires participants in grades 3-5 to be joyful, healthy, and confident by using running to teach valuable life skills. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion. Ducketts Lane will meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:45pm The season ending 5K for Howard County will be on Sunday, June 2 at 8:00 a.m. The program registration fee is $185, which includes lessons, all program materials, 5K and program shirts, water bottle, and more. Financial assistance available! Visit www.gotrcentralmd.org for a list of program sites and to register. Questions? Call 443-864-8593.
Related Arts Schedule
Save the Date
March 25-April 1: Schools Closed for Spring Break
April 2: Schools reopen
April 5: PTA Family Game Night 6:30-8:00pm
April 8-12: Career Week
April 9: End of the 3rd Quarter
April 10: Schools Closed for Students
April 16: Family Fitness & Fun Night 5:30-7:30pm
April 17: Reports Available for Parents
April 18: Spring Individual Picture Day
Reading Rewards Program
Ducketts Lane Elementary will be participating in a Reading Rewards Program that is sponsored by Bengie's Drive In! All students will receive a reading tracking bookmark during their next Media Day. Students will keep track of their reading on the bookmark starting at any time. Once completed they can show it to any staff member who will sign the bookmark which can then be turned in at Bengie's for a free child movie admission!
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 😀
Boys on the Run
Our "Boys DLES Run Club" spring season is approaching! The first session will be Thursday, April 11. Registration is now open. Click on the link below to register and additional run club information! With only 25 spots available, registration will be first come first serve
DLES Run Club registration 2.0 Spring 2024 - Google Forms
Thanks,
P.E. Dept
Optional #WeAreDucketts Day T-Shirt Dale
This year, we are offering students and adults the opportunity to purchase a #WeAre Ducketts Field Day T-Shirt. The design will be specific to Field Day, but the color will still match the grade-level identified color. All students will continue to be encouraged to wear their grade level color during #WeAreDucketts Day.
Ordering Instructions!
To order, click the link here or scan the QR Code Below:
Pick your grade, color, and size:) To note these are optional for field day, not required.
PTA NEWS
Hersheypark Early Bird Discount Ticketsre 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.
Save the date for the Silent Auction & Raffle on April 19th from 6:30-8 pm in the cafeteria. Our Silent Auction Committee has been working behind the scenes to secure a ton of amazing items to auction and raffle off. Check out our website and Facebook page for more information coming soon!
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