Owl Observer News

What a fun and full week it has been! Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for ELD Family Night and the kickoff to our Winter Concert Series—your participation made these events extra special.

It’s hard to believe we only have 8 more school days (counting today) before the calendar year wraps up, ending with a full day of school on December 23rd. Let’s finish the year strong, filled with fun, new learning, and memorable moments that we can carry into January!

Our December Attendance Challenge is well underway, and your child’s grade is so close to taking home the prize… but we need everyone to help us win!

To keep our momentum going, we’ve planned Monday Spirit Days all month long and a schoolwide attendance competition. It’s simple: just come to school!

Each grade level that earns 100% attendance on Fridays in December will celebrate with a Movie Matinee during lunch on Friday, January 9th. And don’t worry—we won’t penalize a grade for any excused absences.

Regular attendance matters! Coming to school every day has a huge impact on your child’s daily learning and overall success for the school year. When students are present, they don’t miss important lessons, and our whole school community benefits from everyone learning together.

What a fun way for our kids to compete, celebrate, and grow—and we know we can count on YOU to help make it happen! Let’s finish the year strong! 💙📚✨

Wednesday, December 24th-Friday, January 2nd: Schools Closed for Winter Break

The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 1-5 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. Please see the attached Young Authors’ Contest Guidelines in English or Spanish for information about the rules and guidelines. Stories and poems must be typed and saved as a Word Doc or Googledoc. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet (English/español) sent as a PDF. Submissions may be emailed to Keri Esposito by December 15, 2025. Contact Keri Esposito (keri_esposito@hcpss.org) and/or Casey Sawyer (casey_sawyer@hcpss.org) with any questions. All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website.

Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members. Visit the HCLA Welcome Page for information about joining.

Reading Specialists have visited classrooms and shared information about the contest with students! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Our Winter Concerts are right around the corner! If your child is in Band, Orchestra or Chorus, please review the concert flyers linked below.

4th Grade Winter Concert - December 17, 2025

6:00pm Concert (students arrive at 5:30pm)

• 4th Grade Orchestra

• 4th Grade Band

• 4th Grade Chorus

If your child is in need of a white shirt, black pants or black shoes please contact their music teacher. DLES has a small closet of donated concert clothes available for students in need.

Mrs. McKay (Orchestra) amanda_mckay@hcpss.org

Mr. Marsh (Band) josiah_marsh@hcpss.org

Ms. Abrams (4th Chorus) hana_abrams@hcpss.org

Ms. Eng (5th Chorus) taylor_eng@hcpss.org

If you have any concert clothes (shirt, pants/skirt, shoes) that no longer fit your child, please consider donating them to the DLES Concert Closet for another student to wear.

As we approach the end of the month and look forward to the holidays and new year, we’re excited to share what our students have been learning in Physical Education.

Our Pre-K students have been practicing jumping and landing skills and exploring movement in both personal and general space.

Our K–5 students have been working on dance and jump rope skills, learning about beats and rhythms, and seeing how these concepts connect across many activities. K–2 students focused on beginner jump rope skills, while 3–5 students learned a variety of skills and collaborated with partners to create their own jump rope routines.

Throughout this unit, students also practiced perseverance and teamwork—important life skills that help them grow and succeed.

We encourage families to support students in staying active at home and continuing to show Determination, Commitment, and Collaboration.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

The P.E. Department

Mr. Anderson & Mr. Abramson

#WEAREDUCKETTS

Developing writing skills is an important part of every child’s growth—from learning how to form letters in the early grades to crafting complete stories and clear explanations by 5th grade. Writing not only helps students express their ideas, but it also strengthens reading comprehension, as students learn to organize their thinking, make connections, and understand how stories and information are structured.

Here are a few simple ways families can support writing at home:

📘 For Our Youngest Writers (PreK–2):

• Practice letter formation using sidewalk chalk, markers, or tracing in sand or shaving cream.

• Have children label pictures they draw—names, objects, or feelings.

• Use everyday moments (grocery lists, birthday cards, notes to family) as chances to write together.

📚 For Growing Writers (Grades 3–5):

• Encourage your child to keep a short daily journal about something they learned, enjoyed, or wondered.

• After reading together, ask them to write a quick summary—Who was in the story? What happened? Why was it important?

• Invite them to write a letter, email, or short story, focusing on complete sentences and clear ideas.

💡 Why Writing Matters for Reading:
When students write, they practice using vocabulary, organizing ideas, and understanding story structure—skills that directly support their ability to comprehend texts. Strong writers become stronger readers!

A few minutes of writing at home each week can make a big difference. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s growth as a reader and writer!

Sign up here- A Day With a Dude Volunteer Sign Up

Show your DLES pride and let everyone know you’re part of one of the best school communities! Check out our new school spirit wear store—new weekly deals are added regularly, so be sure to check back often.

Get into the holiday spirit with us at the Ducketts Lane Elementary Winter Vendor Fair!

Join us for a cheerful day of shopping, unique gifts, and festive fun — all while supporting local vendors and our school community.

📅 Saturday, December 13th
⏰ 12:00 – 3:00 PM
📍 DLES
💰 FREE Admission!

What to look forward to:
☕ Free Hot Chocolate
🚚 Delicious Food Trucks
🛍 Local Crafters & Vendors
🎄 Unique Gifts & Holiday Finds
…and so much more!

Bring your family, invite a friend, and come support our local creators while checking off your holiday shopping list. We can’t wait to see you there! ❄️💚

The Reflections Program allows our students to express themselves through their gifts & talents in the Arts! Each year Maryland students participate in Reflections and produce amazing entries in all six Reflections arts areas.

The 2025–2026 PTA Reflections Arts Program has a new theme, "I Belong!", which is intended to inspire students to express their creativity while embracing their unique perspectives.

Entries due before December 15th. Visit https://www.fspta.org/reflections to view the Reflections hand book and more.

Help us spread joy and appreciation to the amazing teachers and staff who support our students every day!

We are collecting donations and gift cards to create winter gift bundles — big or small, every contribution makes a difference. Donations may be dropped off now through December 12th.

🛍 How to Give:
• Donate an item or gift card in person at the office labeled PTA (drop-off through 12/12)
• Shop directly from our Amazon Wish List for easy delivery

Join the DLES PTA today at https://duckettspta.givebacks.com/shop! 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.

Together, we can wrap our school community in warmth this season. Thank you for giving, supporting, and sharing kindness! ✨

This link is where families can register for before/after school classes offered at Ducketts Lane ES by HCRP: Ducketts Lane ES Registration Page.

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. Poquette Laurie_Poquette@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

• Synergy and Family File Support, Secretary Mrs. Haque Puna_Haque@hcpss.org

• Counselor Mr. Leisawitz Alexander_Leisawitz@hcpss.org

• Counselor Mrs. Barron Krista_Barron@hcpss.org

• Community School Coordinator Mrs. De La Cruz- Van Natta ndelacruzvannatta@hcpss.org