Owl Observer News

It has been a fantastic week here at Ducketts Lane. Students across the grades were busy working together, learning new skills, and laughed while creating memories along the way.

We would like to thank Mr. L and & Mrs. Barron for organizing a wonderful career week. The fun spirit day and great guest speakers brought such enthusiasm for our students' bright future.

This week provided us with the opportunity to thank our custodians Ms. Tanya, Mr. Joe, Mr. Joey, Ms. Jessica, and Ms. Monica on Wednesday which was national custodial day. Our school is amazingly clean and ready each day because of the hard work and effort of our amazing crew. We would be lost without them!

This week we also had the opportunity to thank all of our paraeducators, and support staff on Thursday. These dedicated staff, too many to list, are the only way our school runs each day, truly! Ask your child to name some adults besides the teachers and these are the adults that make sure school is safe, loving, and fun each day. Additionally, these dedicated staff find special ways to make learning meaningful for students who just might need a little extra help.

This morning, we will give a special thank you to Mrs. McAfee in honor of School Librarian day.

As you can see, we have so much and so many to be thankful for! We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday.

Proudly serving you,

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

Did you know April is Math Month? You are invited to your child’s math class during Math month to play a math game with your child on the dates/times below. You will learn a game at school and then take it home so you can play at home again and again. Your child’s math teacher will send you a Talking Points message; please let them know if you will be coming when you receive the message. We look forward to seeing you!

PreK April 25, PreK 10:00 - 11:00, MINC PreK 10:00 - 10:45, MINC PS/PreSchool 10:00 and 2:00

K April 29, 9:00 - 10:00

1st April 29, 12:00 - 1:15

2nd April 25, 9:45 - 11:00

3rd April 10 9:45 - 10:15

4th April 29, 1:00 - 2:15

5th April 30, 10:55 - 12:10

Thursday, April 10th- Individual Spring School Pictures

Monday, April 14th- Monday, April 21st -Schools Closed for Spring Break

Tuesday, April 22nd- Schools reopen for all students

TUESDAY, April 8th- National Love the Zoo Day-Dress like an animal or wear your favorite animal print

Individual Student Photos will be taken on Thursday, April 10, 2025. There is no need to preorder photos. You will receive a package of your student's photos in 3 weeks at which time you will have the option to purchase the entire package or any number of the photos received. Instructions on how to pay for photos will be included in the package. All photos not purchased must be returned to DLES. You are not obligated to purchase any photos.

Yearbook order forms were sent home in student Thursday folders yesterday. Yearbooks are $12.00 each. Students in Fifth Grade do not need to purchase a Yearbook, each fifth grader will be provided a Yearbook. All payment information is listed on the order form. Yearbooks will be given to students the last week of school. We have a limited number of Yearbooks so please place your order early.

You can use the code to order your yearbook as well.

Take a moment to see all of the amazing options available to show your Ducketts Lane spirit and pride.

Click here to see all the options and deals!

THANK YOU to everyone who joined and supported our 2nd Annual Family Fun & Fitness Night! We hope you had a fantastic time, made wonderful memories, and enjoyed the experience.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a few moments to share your feedback at the link below. Your input helps us make future events even better.

DLES Family Fun & Fitness Night feedback

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership.

As part of a grant from the State of Maryland’s Connected Devices Program, our school is partnering with the Bright Minds Foundation and the Howard County Government to continue to provide qualifying families with one free Chromebook and charger per household. This free new HP Chromebook can be used to connect with schools, access community services, for personal work purposes or for any other reason that benefits your family.

In order to qualify for a free Chromebook and charger, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your family has not already received a free device from one of these organizations: Community Action Council of Howard County, Howard County Office of Children and Families, or Making Change;

• You are the parent or legal guardian of a student currently enrolled in HCPSS;

• You meet one of the income qualifications outlined on the application form; and,

• The application form is fully completed.

If you qualify for a Chromebook and have completed the Google Form application, you will be notified by Ms. Alejandra Medina when the device is available for pick up. At that time, an adult family member will need to come to the school to receive the device. When you pick up the device, you will receive information about setting up the device and how to access technical support. These are not HCPSS devices, and will not come loaded with any HCPSS educational applications. HCPSS is not responsible or liable for the operation, loss, or repair of your Chromebook or charger. Families will be responsible for their own internet service. Families will have 5 days to exchange any non-functioning devices.

Please read the instructions and complete the Free Chromebooks for Eligible HCPSS Parents or Guardians Google Form at this link. If you have any questions, please contact us at 410-313-5050 and ask for Alejandra Medina or you can email her at alejandra_medina@hcpss.org.

We look forward to partnering with the Bright Minds Foundations, Howard County Government, and you for this incredible opportunity!

Are you still confused about the difference between HCPPS Connect and Canvas? Did you receive a new Chromebook and are unsure how to use it? Have you forgotten your HCPSS password? If you need any computer assistance, we are here to help you feel confident in accessing your student's grades, emailing a teacher, seeing attendance records, making a parent teacher conference, and downloading the Canvas app on your phone.

If you answered YES to any of these questions, please sign up on this Computer Assistance Request Form. A Ducketts Lane Liaison will then reach out to you to set up a time to meet for Computer, Chromebook, HCPSS Connect or Canvas assistance.

We are here to help you learn how to access HCPSS information on your computer or phone for you to support your student's success.

¿Aún tiene dudas sobre la diferencia entre HCPPS Connect y Canvas? ¿Recibió una Chromebook nueva y no sabe cómo usarla? ¿Olvidó su contraseña de HCPSS? Si necesita asistencia con la computadora, estamos aquí para ayudarle a acceder con confianza a las calificaciones de su estudiante, comunicarse con un maestro, ver los registros de asistencia, programar una reunión de padres y maestros o para descargar la aplicación Canvas en su teléfono.

Si respondió SÍ a alguna de estas preguntas anteriores, complete este Formulario de solicitud de asistencia informática con la computadora. Un enlace de Ducketts Lane se pondrá en contacto con usted para programar una reunión con ellos para obtener asistencia con la computadora, HCPSS Connect o Canvas.

Estamos aquí para ayudarle a aprender a acceder a la información de HCPSS en su computadora o teléfono para que pueda apoyar el éxito de su estudiante.

Congratulations to all of our readers who participated in our Read-a-thon! We read 10,131 minutes and raised over $2,000!!! Thank you for your support. We will be passing out rewards to the top readers soon.

Hersheypark Early Bird Discount Tickets are available for 2025 (valid during the full season, 04/05/2025-01/04/2026). If you need an additional order form, please email us at duckettslanepta@gmail.com. For the earliest ticket delivery, return your completed form with payment to the school by March 25th. A second order will be placed on April 25th, for any forms received after March 25th. We hope you enjoy your time at the Sweetest Place on Earth!

Silent Auction and Raffle/Book BINGO

Get ready for a night of fun! Join us on Thursday, April 10th, from 6:30-8:00 PM in the cafeteria for our Silent Auction and Raffle. Every student gets a free raffle ticket! During the event we will also be playing Book BINGO! Come out to support the DLES PTA and have the chance to win some amazing items. You won’t want to miss it!

PEP (Parent Encouragement Program) Family Resiliency Classes are being offered FREE of charge Classes will meet 1 night a week for 8 weeks starting the week of April 22, 2025. For parents/caregivers of children ages 5-18 yrs. Classes will meet online via Zoom, with a video presentation followed by a group discussion led by a PEP facilitator.

Each participant who attends at least 5 sessions and the evaluation session (week 8) will receive a $50 gift card (limit one per family/household). Classes are offered in English, Spanish, and

Amharic. Classes are limited to 25 participants each. Please visit https://pep-frp.org/ for more information and to register. Contact is FRP@PEPparent.org or (301) 929-8824.

PEP also offers many other classes FREE on critical topics on parenting. Explore the topics HERE

CrossLife Community Church invites children in fifth grade and under to attend an Easter Egg Hunt at Ducketts on Saturday, April 12, at 11:00 am. The rain date is Sunday, April 13, at 1:00 pm. Please pre-register for this free event at www.crosslifeonline.com/events/easter-egg-hunt.

La Iglesia Comunitaria CrossLife invita a los niños de quinto grado o menores a asistir a la Búsqueda de Huevos de Pascua en Ducketts el sábado 12 de abril a las 11:00 a. m. Si llueve, la fecha es el domingo 13 de abril a la 1:00 p. m. Inscríbase con anticipación para este evento gratuito en www.crosslifeonline.com/events/easter-egg-hunt.

Howard County's new on-demand rideshare service offering fast and convenient transportation along theRoute 1 Corridor, including parts of Elkridge, Hanover, Columbia, and Jessup. Rides are just $2 per trip and are free for Howard County public school students, Howard County Community College students, and seniors 60+ with valid ID. Service operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Download the HoCo RapidRide app to book your ride, or call 443- 348-9572 for assistance. Enjoy free rides until April 17, 2025 https://city.ridewithvia.com/rapidride

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

• Counselor Mrs. Baron Krista_Baron@hcpss.org

• Community School Coordinator Ms. Medina Alejandra_Medina@hcpss.org