The Panther Post
Pride and Possibility: Writing Our Stories Together
Week of October 21st
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Dear Laurel Woods Community,
What a fun week we had at Laurel Woods last week!
We kicked off the week with our Primary S’more Reading Night, where students and families enjoyed engaging in reading activities they can do together at home — and ended the night with warm, gooey s’mores!
On Thursday, families, staff, and community members came together for the PTO’s Trunk or Treat. The trunks were amazing, and it turned out to be a beautiful evening filled with fun — everyone ended the night dancing!
Finally, on Friday, we wrapped up the week with musical auditions, where our talented students showcased their incredible skills.
It was truly a week full of learning, laughter, and community spirit!
With Pride,
Dr. Burks, Ms. Braxton, & Ms. Lee
Having fun with Smores
Families understanding DIBELS data
Students engaged in learning reading strategies
Fall Picture Day- This Thursday! 📸😄
Individual student pictures will be taken this Thursday, October 23, 2025. All students will have their picture taken for the yearbook. Students who are absent will have an opportunity to have their picture taken at a later date. Order forms were sent home with students last week. Orders may be placed online at mylifetouch.com using our school code: EVTHPC9RB or by returning the order form with payment in the attached envelope on picture day with your student.
Click here to view the flyer.
🎉 Calling All 3-5 Families! 🎉
Do you have a student in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade?
Then you won’t want to miss our cozy and exciting Intermediate S'Mores Reading Night!
📚✨ Come in your comfy PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal for a night full of reading data, reading strategies, smiles, and snuggly fun!
📅 Date: October 22, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Laurel Woods Elementary School
Apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals by Oct. 31
Families may be eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, program fees and many others. Details on the Free and Reduced Meals program, including a link to apply, are available online.
PLEASE complete the FARMS application.
Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year.
COMPLETE YOUR FAMILY FILE TODAY!
Please visit HCPSS Connect to update your Family File for this school year. Parents must complete the Family File every year to ensure that we have the most current and accurate information for each and every student.
Parents must complete the Family File every year to ensure that we have the most current and accurate information for each and every student. 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
Resources:
🐾 Community Corner! 🐾
Stay in the loop with all the exciting events hosted and organized by our Family Resource Center — you won’t want to miss what’s coming up! 👀📅
Click on the link below! 👇
LWES Open Feedback Form
We truly value input from our families and community partners as we strive to grow and improve. Your feedback helps us better serve our students—so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with our LWES administrative team. Your response can remain anonymous, or you can provide your name for a follow-up phone call.
Related Arts Color Days for this Week
PTO Panther Tracks
Support our PTO by grabbing dinner at Red Robin
8640 Snowden River Hwy
Wednesday, October 22nd!
Kids eat half off
Upcoming Dates and Events
October
- 10/22: PTO Dine Out @ Red Robin (kids eat half off); 5:00-6:00 Mobile Library; 6:00-7:00pm 3rd-5th Grade Intermediate Reading Night
- 10/23: Fall Picture Day 📸
- 10/29: Dental Clinic; 2nd Gr Field Trip-Robinson Nature Center
- 10/30: Dental Clinic
- 10/31: 12:15pm Schools Close 3 Hours Early - Professional Work Day, End of 1st Quarter
November
- 11/04: Vision & Hearing Screening
- 11/06: Wizard of Oz Rehearsals; 5:30-7:30 Attendance Night
- 11/07: Connect opens to Schedule Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 11/12: 12:15pm Student Early Dismissal, 12:15pm; PTO Dine Out @ Chuck E. Cheese
- 11/17-11/21: 🎓 American Education Week
- 11/19: 5:00-6:00 Mobile Library
- 11/20: 3:15-5:30 Wizard of Oz Rehearsals; 7:00-8:00 PTO Meeting (Virtual)
- 11/24-11/25: 12:15 pm Early Dismissal, Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 11/26-11/28: Schools Closed, Thanksgiving Break
For a complete list of dates and events visit https://lwes.hcpss.org/events
In case you missed it...
Happenings around Town
Mental Health Advisory Council (MHCAC)
The Mental Health Advisory Council (MHCAC) is a group of community members who seek to remove barriers and build awareness for behavioral health support in Howard County for our children and families. Check out this flyer for more information.
HCHD Flu Vaccines
The Health Department will not be administering the flu shot at schools this year. Below is a list of other opportunities for getting the flu shot.
Wed. Oct. 22
4pm - 7pm
Elkridge Branch Library
6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075
Wed. Oct. 29
6pm - 7:30pm
Homewood Center Trunk or Treat
10914 MD-108, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Sun. Nov. 2
12pm - 1:30pm
Chin Bethel Church Elkridge
6801 Douglas Legum Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075
Sat. Nov. 15
8am - 4pm
Howard County Health Department
8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045
Sun. Nov. 16
8am - 4pm
Howard County Health Department
8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045
Walk-ups are accepted at all Health Department flu clinic events. No pre-registration is required. Additional dates for walk-up flu vaccination at the Health Department will be announced later in the fall.
The Howard County Health Department will offer FREE flu shots at various community events this fall. Below please find more information about the flu vaccines available: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/seasonal-flu
- Many local healthcare providers and pharmacies also have flu and other fall respiratory vaccines available. Contact your preferred location directly for more information.