Owl Observer News

Greetings Ducketts Lane Families,

Research is clear that showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic and social success, starting from kindergarten and continuing through high school. Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school, or even facing social challenges.

• Missing 10% (or about 18 days of a school year) can drastically affect a student’s academic success.

• By the 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that can indicate if a student is at risk for dropping out of high school.

• In the 9th grade, regular and high attendance predicts graduation rates better than 8th grade test scores.

Student attendance is a major point of focus for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, MSDE lowered the chronic absenteeism rate from 20% to 10%, meaning that at 10%, a student should receive support and interventions to improve their absenteeism.

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) believes that attendance is key to student success. Maryland's attendance rate represents the average daily attendance rate of students in grades 1-12, including special education students. The state's proficient standard for attendance rate is 94%, and the advanced standard is 96%."

In support of achieving Exemplary Attendance for all students, we are sharing with you a comprehensive approach to attendance supports and interventions.

• If a student has missed 5% of their monthly attendance days (as few as 1-2 days a month), parents/guardians will receive a Care and Concern Phone Call and letter from their school. This step will allow staff members to coordinate with families to determine how the student can be supported for better attendance.

• If a student has missed 10% of their monthly attendance days (this is defined as chronic absenteeism by MSDE), parents/guardians will receive a 10% Chronic Absenteeism Attendance Letter. Parents/guardians and students may be scheduled for an attendance conference. Other interventions and supports may also be used in an effort to assist the student.

• If a student has missed 15% of their monthly attendance days, in addition to the interventions and supports at 5% and 10%, these students may require an attendance support plan. Students may also be referred to the Central Attendance Team.

• If a student has missed 20% of their monthly attendance days, parents/guardians will receive a 20% Emergency Chronic Absenteeism Letter or Habitual Truancy Letter. Students may be referred to Project Attend and/or the State’s Attorney’s Office for habitual truancy.

With the collaborative effort of HCPSS parents/guardians, staff, and students, we are confident that all students can have successful attendance. This will improve student success in school and future life.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday at 8:30am.

Proudly partnering with you,

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

Humor plays an important role in forging connections between people. Sharing a laugh with someone is a great way to show that you can relate to them and that your share a perspective on a given topic. But humor in any social situation, including here at school also comes with risks.

Peers may not share in your child's sense of humor, and may be bored or confused by what they find funny. One of the bigger risks is that someone will take offense to what your child has said, and find their sense of humor hurtful.

It’s not uncommon for jokes to take the form of teasing, which is sometimes classified as funny, and other times viewed as mean and hurtful. As adults, most of us are able to tell the difference by reading social cues from the people around us, but children often struggle to understand the intention behind the joke.

Children can find it challenging to gage the responses of their peers in order to judge if a joke is appropriate or not. This is because they usually lack an important tool called theory of mind. Theory of mind refers to a person’s ability to perceive someone else’s thoughts, feelings and motivations. Without it, a child cannot tell if a joke they find funny has the potential to be hurtful to someone else.

Explaining this to a child can be particularly challenging. To help keep your child from crossing a line with jokes, here are some tips to help guide the conversation:

1. Talk to your child about the type of jokes that are offensive. Make sure he (or she) is aware that just because something is intended as a joke, does not mean it will be received that way. Make it clear to him (or her) that any joke that uses inappropriate language, or singles out a specific person or group should be avoided. Any joke in this nature goes directly against our student code of conduct.
2. Discuss the situations in which humor is appropriate. Make sure your child knows that in some situations, peers will not be open to humor. If they know someone is upset about a serious subject (a fight with a friend, the loss of a loved one, the learning of new material is more challenging, etc.) then the topic should be addressed in a serious way.
3. Encourage your child to test jokes on someone who knows him well. If there is a joke your child finds particularly funny, it’s a good idea for them to test that joke on you or another close family member. This will give them a chance to find out if the joke has the potential to hurt someone’s feelings without the risk of causing a conflict. Additionally, this will give them the chance to know if the joke is appropriate for school.
4. Share appropriate jokes. If your child enjoys sharing jokes, expose your child to jokes that are universally funny. Try designating a weekly night where everyone in the family shares a joke at dinner. This will give your child an idea of the kind of jokes people enjoy, and will give them another chance for feedback on their own jokes.
5. Stress the importance of apologies. Even people with great social skills and senses of humor sometimes say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Make sure that your child knows that if they say or share a hurtful joke, saying “I’m just kidding” will not undo the damage. Even if they do not understand why their friend or classmate was upset by something they consider funny, apologizing is the right thing to do since their words caused someone’s feelings to be hurt.

It is important to note that our children should refrain from any jokes that are verbal or with the use of hand signs or signals that can be hurtful to even one person here at school. These actions do not align with our expectations here as a school community. We want everyone to feel valued and safe here at school.

As we have shared through our school's data, we all must come together and help our students increase their proficiency in reading and mathematics. As a result, we will share specific ways that you can help your child with reading and or math skills at home.

This week, we are sharing the practice of tracking print. Tracking print is an important tool a beginning reader must learn. Tracking print is when you point to each word as you read it aloud. While reading with your child encourage them to track print as you read aloud or as you're reading together. Tracking prints helps your child learn new words by seeing them and hearing you read them aloud. Tracking print also lets you know if your child is paying attention while listening to a read aloud. Children can track print with their finger, a pencil, or a cool pointer. Modeling how to track print as you read aloud is important too.

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

Last week's trivia with answers:

How many countries are there in Central America? What's the biggest?, What's the smallest?

There are 7 countries in Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala.

The biggest country of Central America is Nicaragua

The smallest country of Central America is El Salvador

Cuantos paises hay en CentroAmerica? Cual es el mas grande?, cual es el mas pequeño?

Hay 7 paises en CentroAmerica: Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala.

El Pais mas grande de CentroAmerica es Nicaragua

El pais mas pequeño de CentroAmerica es El Salvador

This week's new trivia questions:

Where is in Central America the highest mountain located?

¿Dónde se encuentra la montaña más alta de América Central?

Answers will be shared next week.

Happy October! In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Mr. L and Mrs. Barron would like to take this time to educate our DLES community on impacts of bullying, signs of bullying, and how the school counseling program is involved in the prevention of bullying.

Did you know....

...Students who are bullied report more physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, and mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, than other students?

...Students who bully others can also be negatively affected by the behavior with higher rates of physical and emotional health issues?

...Bullying directly affects a student’s ability to learn? Students who are bullied often do not want to go to school. They may find it difficult to concentrate, show a decline in grades, and lose self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth.

The School Counseling program is actively involved in bullying prevention through our classroom lessons, small group sessions, and individual check-ins. Topics and strategies that may be introduced by us that promote peaceful and productive social interactions and conflict resolution are (but not limited to):

• Conflict Resolution Strategies

• Development of cultural competence and acceptance of differences

• Intervention strategies for bystanders

• Effective communication skills

• Cultivating positive staff and student relationships

• Appropriate use of technology and social media

How do you know if your child is a victim of bullying? The definition utilized by HCPSS is unwanted, demeaning behavior among students that meets the following criteria:

1. The behavior is intentional

2. The behavior includes some form of power imbalance (physical, social, emotional, academic power, whether real or perceived, used to control, exclude, or harm other students)

3. Repetitive or likely to be repeated.

If you believe your child is a victim of bullying, please report the behavior in accordance with HCPSS policies. Mr. L and Mrs. Barron can offer a safe space for your student to visit for support if they believe they are the victims of bullying behavior.

Our Student Code of Conduct is our guiding framework that emphasizes instruction and restorative practices rather than punishment for our students. We have shared our overarching commitments to focus on student-centered, relationship-based practices for our students, staff, and family members. This week we bring attention to our wonderful community partners. Together we will help all students achieve more and foster a lifelong commitment to learning and reaching their hopes and dreams.

We continue to partner with our community to:

• Establish and maintain relationships within our community and stakeholders.

• Look for and provide resources (human and financial) to support school initiatives.

• Participate in school-sponsored activities to foster relationships that are supportive and culturally responsive for our students. Help make school a positive, safe, welcoming place. Ideally, our school is our hub for our community.

• Invest in student achievement and well-being.

• Help students and families access both school and community resources, designed to support both academic and personal well-being.

• Partner with school staff, students, and families to bridge communication, listen to needs, and promote healthy conversations between stakeholders.

Next week, we will begin our focus on the different incident violations that are included in our Student Code of Conduct. There are 36 different offenses listed on our code of conduct. We will focus our attention on the offenses most prevalent at our elementary school level. Please note that these 36 offenses are consistent county wide, for all levels- elementary, middle, and high.

Please stay tuned as the next couple weeks may be the most helpful to understand the offenses we are seeing in our school and administrators’ next steps in determining appropriate disciplinary action.

Team 2 will be taking Math MAP the week of 10/7-10/11. Additionally, make ups will begin to ensure all students have completed this required assessment . Our fall MAP testing window closes 10/17 for all students.

Please reach out to Mrs. V or Mrs. Yerashunas with any questions

Thank you to the students who joined our first fall Breakfast Club of the school year. For those who have registered for our fall session meets on Tuesday mornings from 8:00 to 8:30 in the DLES gym.

As a reminder, for our up-and-coming Ducketts Lane Elementary, 3rd - 5th-grade young men, the “Breakfast Club” will offer an opportunity for a new community, pathways, self-awareness, and positive experiences. We will listen, enhance, and help build a toolbox for our young men to navigate the journey to their future best selves.

If you have not done so and want to register your student, please click the link below.

Fall 2024 Breakfast Club

*To note registration is limited

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out:

Kevin_Anderson@hcpss.org

#WEAREDUCKETTS

Help us understand your Family's Needs, Family Event and Volunteer Interest by filling out this SURVEY.

Ayúdenos a comprender las necesidades de su familia, su evento familiar y su interés como voluntario completando esta ENCUESTA.

Not a member yet? Join the DLES PTA today at https://duckettspta.givebacks.com/store! When you become a member you are supporting the students and teachers at DLES, as well as the nation. Each voice makes the PTA louder when advocating for what they need.

Ledo's Spirit Night- Join us for a spirit night on Wednesday, October 9th from 4-8 pm at Ledo Pizza in Elkridge. Mention you are supporting DLES and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to DLES!

Donuts With Dudes- On Friday, October 11th from 8-8:30 am, all students and their dad, stepdad, grandpa, uncle, or special father figure are invited to a donut breakfast. During breakfast, we will have a special presentation about our WATCH D.O.G.S. program. You DONUT want to miss this!

Charleston Wrap Fundraiser- Our Fall fundraiser begins next week on October 10th and we need your help! Register online at https://www.registercw.com/. Our Organization ID is 26189. Orders placed using your participant link by October 31, 2024 will be credited to you and help you win cool prizes! Every purchase makes a difference and we appreciate your support!

Trunk or Treat- Our 4th annual Truck or Treat is on Saturday, October 26th from 4-5 pm. If you would like to decorate your trunk and pass out candy or volunteer at the event, visit our sign-up page here.

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

HCPSS has been awarded an opportunity to work with the Parent Education Program (PEP) to offer a free 8-week virtual program for parents and caregivers. Parents who engage in at least 5 classes and complete the evaluation session will earn a $50 gift card (one per household) The program provides an opportunity to strengthen parenting skills and connections to better support children’s mental wellness and resiliency. Sessions can be offered in English or Spanish. Register at https://dev.pepparent.org/frp-hcpss/.

* For assistance with registering, call 410-313-2273 (voice/ relay) or email children@howardcountymd.gov

* To request sign language, interpreter or other accommodations to attend, call at least one week in advance.

Building Resilience and Coping Skills
A growth mindset in children helps them view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Learning how to manage stress and deal with life’s ups and downs is a process that continues throughout our entire lives. Learn strategies to help your child prepare, regulate and deal with small to big life transitions, overwhelming and uncomfortable emotions, worries, disappointment, failure, criticism, and sadness. For ages 2 to 8. Monday, October 7, 7:00 p.m. Free virtual workshop, register here

Nurturing Your Child’s Temperament
Every child is unique in their own special way and are born with distinct ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Some may be curious while others are more cautious, some may be outgoing while others are timid. This ‘wiring’ is called temperament and it’s an important part of how your child interreacts with the world. Learn how to tailor your parenting approach to support your child's growth and nurture their strengths while fostering a positive and supportive environment for their individual needs. This workshop will be geared towards caregivers of children birth to five years old. Tuesday, October 8, 6:30 p.m.
Free virtual workshop, register here

Stories, Explore and Play
Join us at the Family Support Center for a four-week series of classes for you and your child age 2 to 4 years. Enjoy stories, songs and activities and learn how to support your child with The Basics to make the most out of everyday moments. Conclude with free play and exploration in the child development space. Participants will receive a FREE take-home gift during the series. Wednesdays: October, 9, 16, 23, 30: 10:00 a.m., Family Support Center 9790 Patuxent Woods Dr/ Free, register here

Fall Bilingual Story Time Join us at the Family Support Center to meet other families and enjoy seasonal story times, snacks and activities. For children 0 to 5 years of age.
Friday, October 11, 10 a.m., Family Support Center, 9790 Patuxent Woods Dr., Columbia. Free. To register, call Carmen 410-313-1434 or Helen 410-313-0035

Mindful Snacking for the Family
Join us for an interactive webinar on mindfulness and healthy snacking. Explore how mindful eating can help you create balanced snacks and develop lifelong healthy eating habits that seamlessly fit into your daily routine. Empower yourself to make smarter food choices and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for the whole family. Tuesday, October 22, 1:00 p.m. Free virtual workshop, register here

Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors
The Pyramid Model is a comprehensive, research-based approach that considers all factors that impact a child, family and a child's behavior. Learn how to help decrease negative behaviors from happening and/ or what to do when they do occur. Ask questions and leave with skills and resources that you can use immediately to help you feel more confident in your parenting. For children ages two to eight.
Thursday, October 24, 1:00 p.m. Free virtual workshop, register here

Calm in the Chaos: Tools to Increase the Peace in your home

In today’s fast-paced world, family schedules can become overwhelming, turning home life into a whirlwind of chaos. Join us for a transformative workshop designed to equip you with essential tools for navigating emotional turbulence. Discover the neuroscience behind emotional awareness and regulation, and learn how to foster a sense of calm in both children and adults. Explore techniques that enhance emotional regulation and resilience and leave with a personalized plan to empower you to create a more peaceful family dynamic.
Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 p.m. Free virtual workshop, register here

The Howard County Family Support Center (FSC) offers free, community-based programs for parents and caregivers of children age birth to five. Located at 9790 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, FSC programs highlight child development, parent education and health information. Upcoming programming below. For more information on programming, contact Ovan Shortt, oshortt@howardcountymd.gov, 410-313-1453 (voice/relay)

Drop-in Play Groups | Tuesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22. 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Families with children ages 2 to 4 are welcome to come explore, play and have fun in the child development room! Parents must stay with their children. Register here

Training with Dad: Superhero Fitness Adventure | Wednesday, October 2, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.,
Suit up, capes on! Dads and their mini sidekicks leap like Spider-Man, Hulk-smash imaginary obstacles, and flex their superhero muscles. Crime-fighting? Optional. Fun? Mandatory! Free, register here

Doulas and Dads | Thursday, October Oct 10, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Preparing for baby and birth- practical tips from doulas on getting your home ready for baby, how to assist your partner throughout labor, father’s role in the birth plan, how to set boundaries with family and friends, and much more. Doulas are trained professionals that support clients and families during pregnancy, birth and postpartum to help them achieve a healthy and happy birth experience. Come learn how Doulas and Dads can work together during birth and beyond! Dinner will be provided. Register here.

Healthy Little Cooks

Hispanic Heritage Cooking Party. Monday, October 7, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Register HERE

Spooky Food. Monday, October 28, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Register HERE

Engage your 2 to 4-year-olds in interactive healthy cooking and nutrition education class facilitated by Healthy Little Cooks! Tailored for a parent and child, these sessions focus on promoting healthy eating habits through cooking, reading, movement, and kindergarten readiness skills. Each class typically includes 1-2 quick recipes alongside fun activities like crafts, physical activities or coloring pages.

The Basics Howard County
Research shows that 90% of brain growth happens by age five. The Basics provide five simple areas parents can focus on to make the most of these early years. Parents in Howard County can receive free tips directly to their phone to support their child by signing up for Basics Insights. These weekly text messages provide suggestions based on your child’s developmental stage, from birth to age five (available in English or Spanish). https://www.howardcountymd.gov/children-families/basics

Howard County Parent Pages Newsletter

Sign up for the Parent Pages, a newsletter created by the Howard County Office of Children and Families for parents, caregivers and agencies working with families. Each monthly issue features information to help parents and caregivers learn how to promote positive parenting for children’s development. It highlights workshops, local resources, events, parenting information, and agency programs targeted to help families grow and thrive in Howard County.

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