The Falcon Flier

Sandra Anderson, 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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Korean

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Chinese

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Urdu

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We are entering our second of four, five-day weeks in a row on Monday before Spring Break. On that note, this is a great time to review our behavioral expectations and reinforce expectations both at school and at home. We find that children need those reinforcements and reminders at this time of the school year. Please take the time to review our behavioral expectations below (PBIS). By reiterating the importance of our behavioral expectations, we can maximize our children's time in school and in their classes with limited or no disruptions related to behaviors. This helps maintain a positive and productive teaching and learning environment for everyone.

Thank you for continuing to be great partners in education!

Mr. Cosentino, Ms. Anderson, and Ms. Stairs

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

March

• 1 - First Day of Women's History Month
• 1 - School Spirit Day - Wear Pink
• 4 - Kindergarten registration beings
• 6 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 p.m. (Virtual)
• 10 - Daylight Savings begins
• 13 - School closes 3 hours early, 12:10 p.m.
• 14 - School Spirit Day Pi Day Wear numbers
• 21 - EMPOWER Family Engagement Night for Reading, 6:00 pm. at PLES
• 22 - School Spirit Day - Decades day
• 23 through April 1 - Spring Break - Schools closed

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.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

You can now begin the online registration process for students new to Howard County! It is recommended that you work on a laptop or desktop to complete registration. Cell phone registration is not recommended. For details about registration and enrollment, visit www.hcpss.org/enroll/. Please call our PLES front office at 410-313-6886 or email Mrs. Self or Ms. Sutkaytis with questions.

If you have a child currently attending an HCPSS PreK program, there is no need to re-register your student for Kindergarten. Also, if your child is a current HCPSS student at PLES or any other HCPSS school, please DO NOT re-register your student.

Kindergarten is mandatory in Maryland, so if your child turns 5 by September 1, 2024, you must register your child for the 2024-25 school year. Parents or guardians are to register students at the school serving the address where the child’s parent or guardian resides. Information on neighborhood schools can be found through School Locator https://hcpss-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b1d3153921514fbead0abb0f92090217 on the school system web site or by calling the Public Information Office at 410-313-6682.

Step 1: Register Online Here: https://sisparents.hcpss.org/PXP2_OEN_Login.aspx

Step 2: Complete registration online by providing the documents listed below. The registration process is easier if you upload them during online registration. Otherwise, you will be asked to submit them via email as pdfs. I-phone users can scan documents through your notes app. (Images must be clear.)

The following documents are needed for registration:

• Child’s evidence of birth (ie: birth certificate, baptismal certificate)

• Evidence of parental relationship (child’s birth certificate or court document)

• An authorized record of immunizations

• Proof of residency in the form of a signed lease or deed, including signature pages

• Current utility bill

• Photo ID of parent/guardian

• Proof of custody (if applicable)

If you do not own or rent your home and have a multi-family living arrangement, an appointment with our PPW, Ronda Lennon, is required. A representative of the host family and guest family must be present for the appointment. Email ronda_lennon@hcpss.org for more information.

Health Forms should be completed by your child's pediatrician and dentist and emailed to our school nurse Aimee Carlesi aimee_carlesi@hcpss.org, before the first day of school or as soon as your child has their 5-year check-up.

PBIS – POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS

What is PBIS? PBIS is a research-based behavior system that uses incentives and acknowledgments to motivate students to make positive choices. Each PBIS school identifies three to five easy-to-remember behavioral expectations for students which are communicated frequently and reinforced with student acknowledgments. Staff members make it a point to call attention to moments when a student demonstrates desired behaviors. This positive reinforcement is for all students and also provides an excellent model for students who need extra encouragement in making appropriate choices.

PBIS is an important aspect of Phelps Luck. The staff of Phelps Luck Elementary School is committed to working with students and their families to promote a safe and nurturing environment in all school settings.

Below are the guiding principles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS):

• PBIS is a behavioral support system to promote and recognize positive behavior.
• The program rewards students for exhibiting positive behavior.
• Expectations, language, and consequences concerning behavior are consistent throughout the school.
• The program promotes the development of intrinsic motivation.
  
  

We have three school expectations that are reinforced daily.:

Our expectations are:

• Respect Self
• Respect Others
• Respect Property

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

Students are taught the school rules for classroom and non-classroom settings. All students are told what the expected behaviors or tasks are in each classroom. If a child does not exhibit the expected behavior, any of the following strategies may be used to help redirect and reteach that behavior:

• Individual verbal warning with an explanation about expected behavior.
• Time out in the classroom.
• Time out in a different classroom.
• Students are given an opportunity to calm down using a Self-Calming Kit.
• Incident Report/Reflection Form (IR) is completed and sent home to parents/guardians to be signed and returned the following day.
• If the behavior still does not improve, an administrator will be called in to intervene.

*Certain actions, such as fighting, using inappropriate language, harassment and threats warrant immediate administrative involvement.

We recognize students may have situations or incidents at school that require consequences. As adults, it is our responsibility to help teach children acceptable and appropriate behavior in our school setting. These are teachable moments to reiterate and reinforce our expectations in a school community of learners. Overall, this helps to create a positive learning environment and maximize children's opportunities to learn. We know a strong home and school connection will help reinforce those expectations.

How Can You Help at Home?
Please review the information on this page with your child.

• Ask your child to tell you the school rules.
• Ask your child to discuss ways that he or she can use these rules to help them to learn and participate at school.
• Ask your child how his/her behavior affects others.
• Discuss ways that your child can be a helpful and kind classmate.
• Discuss ways that these rules can be used at home and in the community.

If you have any questions about our PBIS Program, please ask your child's teacher, Mrs. Stremmel, Mrs. Salapata, Ms. Anderson, Ms. Stairs, or Mr. Cosentino.

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe, engaging and supportive learning environment. HCPSS policies and regulations emphasize instruction and restoration rather than punishment. They are designed to foster a sense of belonging, affirm positive behaviors, and ensure all students are college, career, and community ready. HCPSS strives to enforce all policies equitably.

The HCPSS Student Code of Conduct provides a framework for behavioral goals and disciplinary policies. All students are expected to be aware of and abide by this Student Code of Conduct. Parents/guardians are encouraged to read the Student Code of Conduct carefully and to discuss the information with their children. HCPSS employees will follow HCPSS Policies and Student Code of Conduct when supporting students and determining consequences for violations. Students and parents will be informed of the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct and the provisions of Policy 9200 Student Discipline on an annual basis.

5K Save the Date

Get your running shoes ready: the PLES PTA 5k will be Saturday, May 11th at 9 AM at Long Reach High School.

Multicultural Night

Multicultural Night will take place Friday, April 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the PLES Cafeteria. Mark your calendar for a night of fun!

RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054AAEAB28ABF85-48092373-rsvp

Sign up to be a Country Ambassador: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054AAEAB28ABF85-48013846-ples

Donate to help fund Multicultural Night performances: https://phelpsluckpta.memberhub.com/store/items/992025

Clothing Bin Fundraiser

In January we collected 982 lbs of clothing and raised $108.02 for our PTA programs! The donation bin is located near our car loop, look for a large white bin. Please make sure to enclose items in a sealed bag (any size). Items donated can be in ANY condition. Our bin can collect the following CLOTH items:

• All Clothing (New and Used Women’s, Men’s and Children’s Clothing, Coats, etc.)
• All Footwear (Shoes, Sneakers, Boots, Cleats, etc.)
• Textiles (Bedding, Sheets, Blankets, Towels)
• Accessories (Handbags, Backpacks, Gloves, Scarves, Jewelry, Wallets)
• Toys (Stuffed Animals)

Columbia Community Care:

This group gives out food at the Long Reach Village Center, Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, and Oakland Mills Middle School on Wednesdays from 5-8pm and Saturdays 10:30am-1:30pm. If you need food delivered fill out the form for food and they can deliver or you may have someone pick up for you as well.

Website: https://columbiacommunitycare.org/

Form for food:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJIRfYmnGVs1KNEvq0mfqL8qoOJtlVkOo8utBVyKeoEbxA7g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

OMHS Food Pantry

The OMHS Food Pantry is open the last Wednesday of the month unless otherwise noted, from 3:00 - 5:00pm. You will need to bring a photo ID. Please do not arrive prior to 2:30pm to allow for student dismissal. Also, please remain in your car and a volunteer will come to your vehicle. More info can be found at the link below:

https://omhs.hcpss.org/student-services/food-pantry