Sandra Anderson, Assistant Principal

Kelly Grenzer, 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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Urdu

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Emergency preparedness is one of the many routines we take care of at the beginning of the year. We work hard to teach our students the importance of being prepared for any emergency situation at school. Teachers share emergency procedures and instructions in a student-centered manner that is developmentally appropriate for that age group. Last week, we had our first evacuation drill (fire drill). This week, we had our first modified lockdown drill. We will continue to have emergency drills throughout the school year.

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. We all must be prepared at any time for the challenges an emergency might cause. How we prepare for and react to situations as adults will help reassure and keep our children safe. As stated last week, please be sure to keep your Family File up-to-date and communicate your instructions to your child.

We encourage you to visit ready.gov and take advantage of the many planning resources for families. Their theme this year is Take Control in 1, 2, 3. Additionally, please review how we prepare for a variety of emergency situations below as a school community.

For a complete list of dates and events visit ples.hcpss.org/calendar.

September

• 11 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
• 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
• 18 - Professional Workday and Wellness Day, Schools dismiss 3 hours early, 12:15 p.m.
• 19 - Multilanguage Learner Information Parent Night, 6:00 p.m.
• 26 - Hispanic Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

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.

Calendario en español

西班牙语日历

스페인어로 된 달력

Protective actions below are used in times of emergency.

Shelter-In-Place – The purpose of a shelter-in-place emergency response is to protect the inhabitants of a building from dangerous fumes or other environmental poisons that are outside the building. This means moving students into the school building if they are outside. In some situations, the school’s HVAC system would be shut down, and doors and windows would be sealed and locked.

Shelter-in-place emergency procedures would be initiated in the event of a hazardous materials spill in the area (especially with our close proximity to MD Route 29 or 32) or in the event of some type of bioterrorism in the region.

Modified Lockdown – This command would be given if there were a potential for violent or criminal activity but not an imminent threat to our school. The day-to-day operation of the school would continue but with modifications. Students would not be permitted to go outside for recess or physical education, and classes in the portable classrooms would be relocated.

Lockdown – This emergency command would be given in the most extreme and threatening situation, such as violence or criminal activity inside the school or in the surrounding area. All doors in the building are locked during a lockdown. Students, staff, parents, and any visitors to the building are expected to stay where they are and follow the instructions given.

Duck, Cover, and Hold On - The “Duck, Cover, and Hold On” command would be given in the event of an explosion (bomb, mechanical malfunction), severe winds (tornado, extreme weather), earthquake, or other situations that might cause significant structural damage to the school. Students, staff, parents, and any visitors to the building should drop to the ground where they are and cover their heads until the extreme activity subsides.

Off-Site Evacuation – In the event that our building is no longer safe, we may determine that we need to evacuate the students. We have designated locations for our off-site evacuation. If necessary, transportation to those sites may be provided by HCPSS. Students will be released to parents or other individuals listed on the student's emergency form.
Please keep in mind that no student is released to any individual who is not specifically listed on the student's emergency form including an older sibling.
All adults must show photo I.D. when picking up a student.

Parents can help by:

• Giving and updating the most accurate, up-to-date health and emergency information on your child to our school office and your child’s teacher.
  
• Ensuring your own safety.
  
• Do not call the school during an emergency situation; it jams the phone lines.
  
• Do not rush to the school to pick up your child in the event of an emergency. It creates congestion, which can delay the tasks of emergency responders and school staff in responding to the emergency.
  
• Tuning in to local radio and television stations and checking the HCPSS website.
• Keep your Family File up to date throughout the year, especially when information changes.

The Howard County Public School System seeks new members for the GT/Advanced Programs Advisory Committee. Curriculum advisories serve as a forum for sharing ideas, information, and concerns, as well as suggesting initiatives for continuous improvement and academic excellence in HCPSS.

By Sept. 13, please complete the interest form if you are interested in serving on this advisory committee. All applicants will be contacted by October 1. If you have any questions, please reach out to Debbie Blum, Coordinator, Gifted and Talented Education, at debbie_blum@hcpss.org.

Always Check-In with the Front Office

Please be reminded that it is essential to report to the front office before dropping off any items or visiting your child, even if they have a class in a portable.

This practice ensures the safety and security of our students and staff. By checking in at the front office, we can provide you with the most up-to-date information and assist you as needed.

Food Delivery Not Allowed

Students are not permitted to order food to be delivered during the school day. This includes but is not limited to: using UberEATS, Grubhub, Door Dash or any other food delivery service. School deliveries from outside unknown resources are considered a Student Safety Risk and Violation/School Disruption (Policy 1040). Delivery will be refused as we do not have the capability to process this during the school day. If a parent would like to bring their child’s lunch to the school, we ask that you do so prior to the start of your child’s lunch shift. Please make sure the student's are aware their lunch was dropped off and know to come to the office to pick it up. Parents will need to leave the lunch with our Front Office staff.

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 states that bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are prohibited in HCPSS. Our administration and staff have been trained and made aware of this policy as well as preventative and responsive measures.

We know how important your role is in not only supporting your children, but also reporting possible incidents as you become aware of them. The Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation (BCHI Reporting Form should be used to report all alleged incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation that occur at school or have a connection back to the school setting that create a risk of harm to other students while they are at school, or interfere with the educational environment. An online version is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. Hard copies of this form are available in the main office, staff workroom, school counseling office, media center, and health services office. If you believe your child has been bullied, please complete and submit this form as soon as possible and/or assist your child in doing so.

Once the form is submitted, school administrators will ensure the parent/guardian of both the alleged target and alleged offender are aware of the report and will begin an investigation within two school days of receiving the report. Parents/guardians can expect a school administrator to reach out to them during the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, parents/guardians will be provided written notice of the outcome of the investigation within fifteen days of receiving the complaint, excluding extenuating circumstances.

There are times when incidents of peer conflict or code of conduct offenses may occur that may not be bullying, but may need follow up action. If you become aware of something that falls under conflict and/or a code of conduct offense, please notify a school administrator via email or phone call so that they can become aware and follow up as needed.

Lastly, I want to take a moment to specifically lift up cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying using electronic media like computers, cell phones, and game systems. Our digital interconnectedness makes bullying different and more damaging than it’s ever been before. It allows hatred and publicly humiliating gossip or photos to be instantly far-reaching and inescapable as electronic media is everywhere. It can NOT simply be ignored. In October 2013, the State of Maryland enacted Grace’s Law, making misuse of interactive computer services a criminal offense. Its purpose is to prohibit anyone from using electronic media (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) to maliciously engage in conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor and/or places that minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. A person who is found guilty of violating this law is subject to imprisonment and/or fines.

While all of this information will be reviewed with students at school, we are asking you to do the same at home. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring all of our students feel a sense of safety and belonging in their school communities! More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

The following are summaries of policies related to student responsibilities and behavior and can be found in the HCPSS Student Handbook - Student Responsibilities and Behavior/Policies

The most current copies of the policies are available at www.hcpss.org/board/policies/ or through the Policy Office at 410–313–8954.

Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco-Free Environment (Policy 1050)

The possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and other drugs on school premises or at school-related or school-sponsored activities is prohibited. Prescription medication and over-the-counter products require written medication orders and are to be administered in accordance with school system Health Services procedures. Legal searches and seizures related to this policy may be conducted on school property. Confidentiality is guaranteed for students who seek counseling for drug or alcohol abuse problems.

It’s time to sign up for band and orchestra!

Students in 3rd and 4th grade will be attending assemblies about the band and orchestra instruments that they can learn to play this year. Students in 3rd grade may participate in orchestra, and students in 4th and 5th grade may participate in band or orchestra. Enrollment forms are going home this week, but if your child would like to play an instrument, you can also sign them up online here. Please make sure to read the informational letter before enrolling in these classes! The deadline to sign up is September 11. Please contact Ms. Strawley if you have any questions, (karissa_bryant@hcpss.org).

Please find the Spirit Day Schedule for the year below. We hope this helps in the planning and participation in our fun spirit days this year.

School-based clinics are located in 10 elementary, middle and high schools in the Howard County Public School System including Phelps Luck Elementary School. They are made possible through a partnership between the Howard County Health Department and Howard County Public School System. The goal of the program is to keep kids in school, healthy and ready to learn. All student in Phelps Luck are eligible to be part of the School-Based Wellness Center. In order to do that, your child(ren) must be enrolled in the School-Based Wellness Center.

We are very excited that, as a school with a Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC), PLES has been allocated a Learning Together Program (LTP) for this school year!

RECCs provide special education services for preschoolers with disabilities in classes that also include children who do not have disabilities. This program enables all young children to play with each other, develop long-term friendships, and benefit from a diverse and stimulating environment. The purpose of the Learning Together Program (LTP) is to include children who do not have disabilities in the RECC classes located within elementary schools.

We are accepting applications for LTP Peers (students without disabilities) with birthdates from 8/31/2020 through and including 9/1/2021.

A limited number of openings are available for children without disabilities. Children are selected based upon screening information given on the application form and space availability. If necessary, a lottery process is conducted. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly regardless of the learning model determined by HCPSS throughout the upcoming school year (virtual, hybrid, or in person).

Please click on the link below for detailed information about the program and a link to the application:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uLv1R3GIFWJTForGglkqdsBGaSkW0Rb7o5OZLR4OHog/edit?usp=sharing

To qualify for Free and Reduced Meals, families will need to apply for that benefit.

HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, which provides families with significant benefits to help save money. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Those eligible for reduced-price lunch pay $0.10 and breakfast is free.

Free and Reduced Meals eligibility provides discounts for summer programs, SAT, recreation programs, Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and internet programs.