The Falcon Flier
Vol 51, Issue 17 - December 8, 2023
Phelps Luck Elementary School
Sandra McGraw, Assistant Principal
Jennifer Stairs, Assistant Principal
Website: ples.hcpss.org
Location: Phelps Luck Elementary School, Old Stone Court, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: 410-313-6886
Facebook: facebook.com/phelpsluckelementary
Twitter: @hcpss_ples
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Spanish
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Urdu
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From School Administration
A School Culture that Welcomes Every Child
“Our diversity won’t be a barrier but rather a reason for our success” -Unknown
Do you remember being in elementary school? Did you ever go back to your old elementary school? How did you feel entering your child’s school for the first time? I can recall all those feelings, and as principal, I am committed to ensuring that every child has positive memories of their school-age experiences. Unfortunately, the reality across our nation is that not every school or classroom welcomes diverse learners. As for this school, we measure excellence in how we form relationships and connections with each child and their family. To be a school of excellence, there must be a focus on the development of the whole child. As a result, a strong academic culture results and, ultimately, our student’s success.
School culture is critically important. The culture and climate of a school is visible, and it is felt.
A positive school culture says, “I am growing smarter every day.” “I belong here.” In addition, by focusing on high academic standards, students have goals that they can and want to achieve.
For example, our vision at Phelps Luck ES is, “Every student and staff member embraces diversity and possesses the skills, knowledge, and confidence to positively influence the larger community." In this process, students and teachers can clearly see the goal and work together to fulfill this vision.
This past week was Inclusive Schools Week. It was one week where we highlighted and celebrated our continued commitment to every child every day throughout the entire school year. Phelps Luck Elementary School is that place of inclusivity. The place where every child is valued. The place where every child is respected. The place where every child is loved. The place where every child is welcome.
This December is already flying by, with just ten more days of school until the winter break,
we encourage you to follow normal routines, be consistent with your expectations, and remind your child to stay focused on school. It is easy to lose focus during the holiday hustle and bustle.
Please remember that Wednesday, December 13, is a half-day, and students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Have a great weekend and a fantastic next week!
Mr. Cosentino, Principal
Calendars and Important Dates
For a complete list of dates and events, visit ples.hcpss.org/calendar.
December
- 12 - Dental Clinic
- 13 - Dental clinic
- 13 - Red Robin School Fundraiser
- 13 - Schools close 3 hours early - Professional work and wellness day, 12:15 p.m.
- 14 - Vision and Hearing Rescreening
- 14 - Dental clinic
- 14 - PTA Winter Workshop (see PTA section below for details)
- 15 - School spirit day - Hoodie Day
- 22 - School spirit day - Pajama Day
- December 23 through January 1 - Winter Break
January 2024
- 2 - School reopens
To subscribe to the PLES calendar on your smartphone, electronic device, or email system, click the plus sign + at the bottom right-hand corner of the Google Calendar or click this link.
December 2023
HCPSS Calendar
December 2023
Related Arts Color Caledanr
New Information
Registration for BSAP Saturday Math Academy:
The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program Saturday Math Academy Fall Session is approaching!
This year, the BSAP Saturday Math Academy will offer an in-person enrichment program for Howard County Public School System students in all levels of math for grades 3-12 based on course availability. Registration will take place online Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 9:00 a.m.- until capacity is reached. Class space is limited. Families can register by accessing the HCPSS Connect Website
For more information, please visit: https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2023/12/black-student-achievement-program-bsap-saturday-math-academy-spring-2024-program/
Flyers for distribution:
BSAP SMA Spring 2024 Flyer (English)
BSAP SMA Spring 2024 Flyer (Spanish)
BSAP SMA Spring 2024 Flyer (Chinese)
Red Robin Restaurant Night
Take a break from making dinner! Support PLES and have a Red Robin dinner!
PTA News and Information
Winter Workshop Volunteers Needed
We would love to have a few volunteers for the Winter Workshop on 12/14 to help set up the craft tables (6-6:15) or clean up after the event. If you are able to help out, please email winterworkshop@phelpsluckpta.org. Thanks in advance!
DEI Committee Meeting December 12th
We will be holding our next DEI meeting virtually on Tuesday, December 12th at 7:00 PM. Use the PTA Meeting Zoom link to join. Contact: dei@phelpsluckpta.org
Red Robin Dine Out December 13th
On Wednesday, December 13th Red Robin will give 20% of food sales back to the PLES PTA. Show the flyer or mention PLES when dining in or add the “Fundraiser” item to your online order.
Community News and Information
Winter Activity Guide Now Available
If you haven’t heard, Recreation & Parks’ 2024 Winter Activity Guide is now available online! With hundreds of great programs, activities and events to choose from, there is something for everyone to help chase those winter blues away.
Remember, online registration for Howard County residents begins December 6th at 6:00 p.m., with in-person, over-the-phone and mail-in beginning the following day at 8:00 a.m. For out-of-county residents, online registration for you begins the following week, December 13th, at 6:00 p.m.
County residents, be sure to keep an eye out on your mailbox for your print copy. You can also pick up a hard copy at Recreation & Parks' headquarters, located at 7120 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, at any one of our community centers or your local library branch.
Howard County Office of Children and Families Workshops & Resources
Parenting Apart: Navigating Co-Parenting through the Holiday Season and Beyond
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness for many families, but they can also be reminders of who and what we have lost. For those co-parenting during or in the aftermath of divorce, the holidays can bring unique challenges and disruptions to the usual routine. This presentation is tailored to parents who are going through divorce or separation and are eager to create a parenting plan that minimizes conflict and promotes stability and harmony for your children. Explore essential considerations when creating an access schedule that prioritizes your children's well-being throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. Gain insights into effectively managing common co-parenting issues that can arise. Learn valuable communication and co-parenting strategies to navigate this period of transition, and as well as resources for ongoing support and assistance.
Monday, December 4, 7:00 p.m. Free Virtual Workshop. Register here
Information Worth Repeating
Girls On The Run Food Drive
The PLES Girls on the Run team has organized a food drive for the month of December. Please consider donating shelf-stable food items (not expired) that can be donated to Columbia Community Cares. A bin will be located at the front of the school for donations.
Recess and Cold Weather Reminders
We have entered the colder season of the school year. Even though the temperatures get colder, our students still go outside for recess. Recess is a very important time for students to take a break from their academic classes to get fresh air, exercise, and socialize with their peers. Recess is so important that the Howard County Public School System has a policy requiring elementary schools to provide students with 30 minutes of recess daily. Outdoor recess will occur during the
cold months as long as the “feels like” temperature is at least 20 degrees and it is not
raining or snowing.
Please be sure your children are prepared for outdoor recess. They should have coats, mittens/gloves, and hats. Please put your child’s name on these items. Doctors’ notes are required for students to miss recess. The note should list the dates the student cannot attend recess. If a doctor requires a student to stay in from recess when the rest of the students go out, the student will go to the front office. Let us know if your child needs any winter wear. We have some donations for needed items.
The below community notices are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the HCPSS.