Owl Observer News

Greetings Ducketts Lane Families,

We want to thank everyone for a fantastic week. We are looking forward to getting parent input to develop our Title I compact on Thursday, September 26th at 5:30pm. We will provide a light snack and a movie will be played in the gym for DLES students. As shared at our Back-to-School Night, we really want to partner with our parents to support our students academic growth and their goals.

We want to encourage and support our children in their clothing choices, as this is often an opportunity to express themselves. However, we do need to remind parents and students that certain body parts must be covered for all students. Clothes must be worn in a way such that the chest, midriff, pelvic/groin area and buttocks are covered with opaque material.

For more details regarding our dress code policy, you can click here to get more details.

Water Bottles: Many of our students have a habit of bringing a water bottle to school so that they can have easy access to water throughout their learning day. It is important to remember that only water is to be in water bottles. Children can pack a different drink as part of their lunch (energy drinks, juice, milk, soda, or other non-water beverages). However, water bottles used within the classroom need to only have water, as we often have spills and we don't want to stain clothing, learning materials, or our carpets.

Chewing Gum, Candy, & Snacks: Most of our students are doing a nice job remembering that at school we have a learning environment that is different than home. Students are not to be eating or chewing on candy, gum, or other snacks throughout the day. Students in grades that have a schedule snack are allowed to bring a nutritional snack (we ask that you avoid sending cookies or candy) from home that is easy to eat within a short 5 minute window. The snack should not require assistance from an adult to open or any utensils. Please speak with your child about the expectation regarding gum and other items being eaten throughout the day. These items are becoming a distraction because peers want some, and we are not allowed to share any foods. Additionally, children sometimes don't remember to place materials in the trash when done, and we want our building and learning environment to remain clean and without gum and other sticky stains ruining our learning spaces.

In full transparency, we do have some students that have health plans and we partner with their physicians regarding increased eating or drinking habits.

Did you know that we have already had 116 students show up late to school at least one day this school year? We have a tardy percentage of 2.4% of students showing up late this school year, and Friday seems to be the highest tardy day.

Early Dismissals matter and also have an impact. Did you know that we have an early dismissal percentage of 1.8% of students leaving school early this year? This accounts for 85 students having at least one early dismissal this year.

We look forward to seeing everyone back here on Monday at 8:30am and continuing our learning until we dismiss at 3:15pm.

Proudly Serving You,

Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Yerashunas

Sunday, September 22nd-PTA & Community Campus clean-up meet at the flagpole at 1:00pm

Thursday, September 26th- All voices needed for our Title I Annual Meeting 5:30pm

Tuesday, October 1st- Kindergarten only family night 5:30pm RSVP for this great night

Thursday, October 3rd- Schools Closed for all students and staff

Wednesday, October 9- PTA Ledo's Night 4:00-8:00pm

Friday, October 11-PTA Donuts with Dudes 8:00-8:30am in the outside courtyard

Friday, October 18th- Schools Closed for Students

Saturday, October 26th- PTA Trunk or Treat in the bus loop at 4:00pm

Thursday, October 31st- Schools Closed for Students

The Smile Program Mobile Dentist is coming to DLES on October 1st and 2nd and April 2nd and 3rd. If you would like to sign your student up to be seen by the Dentist at school, please submit a paper consent form that was sent home or click the following link: https://www.myschooldentist.com/DLHCMD_sch

The Howard County Health Department and Howard County Public Schools have partnered to provide health care services in the School-Based Wellness Centers operating in certain schools. The School-Based Wellness Centers offer the following health care services by appointment to all enrolled students regardless of health insurance or family income:

1. Physical exams - annual, sport, camp, and college entry

2. Diagnosis and treatment of urgent illness and injuries – Walk-in appointments may be available

3. Management of chronic health problems such as asthma and obesity

4. Prescription medication and routine laboratory tests such as strep throat, urine infections and sexually-transmitted infections

5. Health screenings - behavioral/mental and reproductive health

6. Referrals for services not provided in the school-based wellness center

7. Health education

If you would like to sign your student up for the School Based Wellness Center program at DLES, you can click here to sign up.

Which are the 5 countries that celebrate their Independence day on September 15th?

Cuales son los 5 paises Hispanos/latinos que celebran su independencia el 15 de septiembre?

Answer will be revealed next week.

October 1st is a special night just for our Kindergarten Families. A form was sent home yesterday in your child's Thursday folder for you to RSVP.

Please visit HCPSS Connect to update your Family File for the 2024-2025 school year today! It is mandatory for parents/guardians to complete the Family File every year to ensure that DLES has the most current and accurate information for each year.

Did you know that your child will not be allowed to go on a field trip without this completed?

Parents/guardians will be asked to provide or update the following information…

• Student Information

• Parent/Guardian Contact

• Emergency Contacts

  • Please list multiple emergency contacts!

• Medical Information

• Arrival/Dismissal Procedures and Transportation Options

• Photo Approval

• Data Confidentiality

• Student Creative Work Approval

• PTA/PTSA Directory

Thank you for updating your child’s Family File today in HCPSS Connect!

Helpful Family File Resources:

• FAMILY FILE QUICK REFERENCE CARD (ENGLISH)

• FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH)

• FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH)

• FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (CHINESE)

• FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (KOREAN)

• HOMEPAGE FOR HCPSS CONNECT GUIDES & TUTORIALS

As mentioned, being identified as a Title I school goes well beyond free and reduced meals. This is a support that provides so many invaluable resources that benefit our entire school.

We want to share more at our annual Title I meeting, and provide an opportunity to get feedback from our families so that together we can create our compact, which is an agreement among both families and the school to work together to help close the achievement gap that we have so that we can see our students hopes and dreams come to fruition.

What is the purpose of a Title I Annual meeting?

• The purpose of a Title I Annual meeting is to share what it means to be a school-wide Title I school, get input on the Title I Compact & Plan. This will also be the first of many opportunities to become involved in your child’s education, and start to build a sense of community.

Please join us on September 26th at 5:30pm in the cafeteria. Your ideas and thoughts are important to us.

Our Student Code of Conduct is our guiding framework that emphasizes instruction and restorative practices rather than punishment for our students. This week we will take a deeper dive into its overarching commitments for our staff.

For our staff, including administrators, teachers, and support staff, we hold high expectations and values to ensure our students are achieving success. Some of these values include:

• Plan and implement high quality, engaging instruction that meets the needs of our diverse learners using the Maryland College and Career Readiness standards and HCPSS curriculum.

• Create and establish a positive school culture rooted in relationships that honors and accepts all students’ identities and differences. Staff will support all students’ social emotional needs by providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

• Ensure students receive required ESOL and special education services, Section 504 accommodations, and other necessary supports to address diverse learning needs of our students.

• All staff are knowledgeable and adhere to HCPSS policies and will communicate with families in a timely manner when situations arise.

• When responding to challenging situations, staff will apply de-escalation strategies and provide time and space for students to reset. Staff will provide opportunities to re-establish relationships when harm occurs.

Our focus next week is on family commitments that help students do their best. 😀

Recently, Bridges registrations and reminders have been sent to selected and invited students and families of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. This initial registration period closes on September 24th and will be limited to a first-come, first-served basis. At that point, available slots will be forwarded to another student and family.

Additionally, to clarify, students can participate in Girls on the Run, Boys Run Club, and Bridges. After practice and on days when there is no practice, students are welcome to join Bridges.

If you should have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Kevin Anderson

Kevin_anderson@hcpss.org

DLES Bridges Site Coordinator

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computerized adaptive assessment that measures your child’s knowledge of reading and math. All students are asked the same number of questions, but the difficulty of each question is based on how well the student has answered previous questions.

MAP Testing for the Week of 9/23-9/27:

• 2nd Grade: ELA

• 3rd - 4th Grade: Both ELA and Math

• 5th Grade: Math

Your child’s teacher will be communicating specific dates assigned for your child’s MAP test.

MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program) reports were sent home in yesterday's Thursday folder of students in 4th and 5th grade that were here at DLES last year. If you did not have a chance to look at the folder, this is a report that shares how your child performed to show last year grade level expectations on reading and math.

Mrs. Barron and Mr. L have enjoyed reconnecting with students and getting to know some new faces throughout the first few weeks of school. As we have visited classrooms in all grades we have reminded students of the purpose of school counselors and how we serve as a resource for them each day they come to school.

As a part of our counseling program at Ducketts Lane we go into each classroom to deliver counseling lessons on a range of topics based on the county's counseling curriculum and grade-level student needs. In the first few weeks of the school year we have delivered content on the following topics:

Kindergarten: Identifying different emotions

1st: Coping strategies for big emotions (with emphasis on anger/frustration)

2nd: Coping strategies for big emotions (with emphasis on anger/frustration)

3rd: Kindness towards peers

4th: Reflecting on things we carry in our minds and showing empathy towards others

5th: Reflecting on things we carry in our minds and showing empathy towards others

We look forward to continuing our work with your students and appreciate your partnership along the way.

Mrs. Barron + Mr. Leisawitz (Mr. L)

Order forms have been sent home in Thursday folders. Funds used help support some of the special 5th grade activities that take place throughout the year.

Join the DLES PTA today at https://duckettspta.givebacks.com/store! When you become a member, you support the students and teachers at DLES and the nation. Each voice makes the PTA louder when advocating for what they need.

Come out and help clean up the school grounds on Sunday, September 22nd from 1-2 pm. We will be meeting by the flagpole in front of the school. Be sure to wear comfy clothes, gloves, and close-toed shoes. Trash bags will be provided.

To stay up-to-date on all of our upcoming events, visit our website and Facebook page.

Last year we supported close to 70 students each week. The needs in our community are great and your support allows us to assist our neighbors in need. Thank you!

The boy's run club is an excellent way for your student to engage in physical activity, fun, and teamwork, all while learning to have an appreciation for running as a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Registration: 9/12/24 - 9/27/24. Registration will be first come, first serve, with only 25 roster spots available!

Click the link below to register:

DLES Run Club registration FALL 2024 - Google Forms

When & Where: Practice will be on Wednesday’s at DLES from 3:20 - 4:20!

Dates: Wednesday: 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13

Final Run: We will have culminating run on Thursday, 11/21 (pizza to follow)

Who: Open to 3rd and 5th-grade boys.

*NOTE: Bridges students are welcome to join as well!

Cost: This will be FREE and the Run Club will be limited to 25 runners!

For more information, please contact:

Robert_abramson@hcpss.org

Empower your girl’s next chapter by signing her up for Girls on the Run at DLES. Through movement-based activities, group discussions, and community impact projects, participants gain the confidence to stand up for themselves and others. 92% of participants said that because of Girls on the Run, they feel they can speak up and share their opinions. Click here to secure her spot: “Sign-up! Girls on the Run at DLES.”

DLES GOTR will be on Tuesdays and Thursday beginning Sept. 24th and ends the week of December 9th, with our season ending 5k events on Saturday, December 7th in Howard County.

Hashtags: #girlsontherun #girlsontherunissomuchfun #girlempowermentprogram

#socialemotionallearning #afterschool #afterschoolprograms #community #running #girlpower

We strive to be a school that actively partners with our students, staff, families, and surrounding community members. We welcome your feedback.

Please click on the Feedback Form to share your thoughts with how we can make DLES the best for everyone.

• 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