Owl Observer News
February 16, 2024
A Message from Administration
Greetings DLES Families,
It has been a fantastic week here at Ducketts Lane. We hope that everyone was able to enjoy each of our spirit days as we celebrated the positive impact that kindness has on everyone. Although we have had a range of temperatures, we are still in the middle of winter and we wanted to remind parents and students about the expectations around outdoor recess.
We follow the HCPSS guidelines regarding outdoor play and engagement. Generally, students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is for this reason, that we ask your child to remember to dress in layers and bring a coat to school to be prepared to play for 30 minutes outside each day. Don't forget to label your child's jacket, as they sometimes leave them behind and often forget where they may have last seen their coats.
We would also like to remind parents and students about the expectations regarding dressing for P.E. In order to help us keep your child safe and able to participate during class, on days your child has P.E. please make sure to send your students with appropriate attire. If your child is not wearing the appropriate attire they will not be allowed to participate during class. The following are the Guidelines from Howard County for appropriate dress for P.E.
Appropriate athletic and supportive footwear is needed for safety, protection, and performance. Students should wear an athletic shoe that can be tied or velcroed. *Fashion footwear (crocs, boots, chunky heels, clogs sandals) are NOT allowed*
No attire on/around the neck (necklaces, lanyards, garments).
No dangling clothing (scarves or clothes that are baggy). Exceptions are made for religious garments.
No jewelry, with the exception of stud earrings, medical bracelets, and fitness trackers, may be worn during physical activity.
We hope to see many of you tonight for our PTA sponsored Movie Night at 5:30pm. This is NOT an event where students can be dropped off to attend. Each student must have an adult present during the entire event.
On behalf of all of the staff at Ducketts Lane, we want to thank all of our families and students for the sweet treats and cards that were given to us on Wednesday. It was so kind and thoughtful for you to take the time to think of someone who works here. It truly is sweet to work here with you.
Friendly reminder that there is no school on Monday. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and we look forward to welcoming all of our students back on Tuesday, February 20th.
Proudly Serving You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas
Save the Date
February 19: Presidents Day – Schools closed for all students and staff
March 4: Kindergarten registration for rising Kinder students begins
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
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
SEL Corner
This week we were able to celebrate kindness and Friendship Day. As such, this is a perfect opportunity to bring another social emotional learning skill-Relationships.
What can you do at home to help your child with Relationship Skills?
You can help your children develop their social skills by giving them plenty of opportunities to interact with family, friends, and other adults. When problems occur, help your children understand what happened and what they may want to do differently in the future. It’s only by participating in relationships that your children learn the intricacies of making them work.
Relationship skills include:
Initiating contact with others and cultivating friendship
Sharing one’s thoughts and feelings (appropriately)
Communicating effectively
Developing positive relationships
Demonstrating cultural humility
Practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving
Resolving conflicts constructively
Approaching relationships with positive presuppositions
Resisting negative social pressure
Resisting stereotypes
Standing up for the rights of others
Showing leadership in groups
Seeking or offering support and help when needed
What does Relationship Skills look like:
Communication
Social Engagement
Relationship Building
Teamwork
What does Relationship Skills sound like:
When you ___ it made me feel ______.
Can you explain what you mean by that?
I disagree with you because ____.
What did you mean by ______?
Honor a Special Teacher & Help Our School Win
Do you think that our school has a teacher who is deserving of being named Rack Room Shoes Gives Teacher of the Year?
Our Rack Room Shoes Gives Teacher of the Year contest will celebrate great teachers by asking our customers, which of your or your child’s favorite teachers has inspired you or your child to succeed in school and why they/you appreciate their teacher’s influence.
Teachers can be nominated by uploading a photo with 500 characters or less story about that teacher. Please visit: https://2024rrsteacherofyear.cmpgn.page/g62WSr
The prize for the Top 5 teachers:
- $10,000 Technology Grant for their school
- $500 Rack Room Shoes gift card for each of the winning teachers
Nominations will be accepted February 18th – March 10th.
Voting will take place March 18th – April 5th.
The winning teachers will be notified the week of April 15th.
Visit rackroomshoes.com for additional details.
Kids Heart Challenge
IT’S COMING !!!!!!
Our DLES Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser is coming soon! Fundraising papers will be sent home in Thursday folders on February 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:
2. I nstrucciones en español para el Desafío del Corazón para Niños
PTA NEWS
Join us for Family Movie Night TONIGHT, February 16th at 5:30 pm. Bring your family, a blanket, and wear your pajamas. Each student will receive one free snack and drink. Additional snacks, hotdogs, and drinks will be available for purchase.
The PTA is in need of additional volunteers for the Silent Auction. If you are interested in helping, please email us at duckettslanepta@gmail.com.
Discounted Hershey Park Ticket forms are coming! We all love a great discount and helping our students! Be on the look out for order forms to be coming in Thursday folders soon.
4th Grade Art Showcase
Happening Around Town
Get Ready for Summer Camps
Registration for Recreation & Parks’ Summer Camp Guide Begins this Week
Howard County residents don’t forget! Online registration for our Department of Recreation & Parks' 2024 Summer Camp Guide opens this Wednesday, January 31st at 6:00 p.m., with all other registration methods (i.e., over-the-phone, mail-in and in-person) beginning this Thursday, February 1st morning. From art, chess, Lego, magic and sports camps, there is something to keep your child’s mind and body active during the summer months.
For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins for you next Wednesday, February 7th at 6:00 p.m. and all other methods the following day.
Free Family & Parent Workshops
Click here to view this month's Free Family Workshop & Parent Pages Newsletter.
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