Owl Observer News

Maryland winter has certainly shown its strength, and this storm will be one for the record books, bringing several unexpected school closures. I hope this newsletter finds you safe and warm.

During this time, our custodial crew has been working tirelessly—shoveling, breaking up ice, and navigating challenging conditions, even when machines struggled under the weight of the snow and ice. Mrs. Van Osdel and I were grateful for the opportunity to stop by on Wednesday to deliver a warm lunch and personally thank Ms.Tanya, Mr. Joe, Mr. Joey, Ms. Jessica, and Ms. Monica for their incredible hard work and dedication. Our custodial team truly loves our students, misses having them in the building, and is working alongside the rest of our county to ensure all areas are safe and ready for our return.

We ask that families continue to look out for one another in our neighborhoods by helping ensure children have safe places to walk and stand at bus stops. With roads narrow in many areas, extra caution and reminders to our children go a long way in keeping everyone safe.

It’s hard to believe that just a week ago we were all enjoying the PTA Glow Dance! A huge thank-you to DJ Claw and our PTA for hosting such a fun and memorable evening. From dancing to singing along, it was a night filled with joy and school spirit.

Speaking of school spirit and talent—don’t miss the opportunity to sign up for a spot in our 2nd Annual Talent Show! We can’t wait to celebrate the amazing talents of our students. More information can be found below.

With the unexpected school closures due to challenging weather, it is more important than ever that students are present every day school is in session. State testing will not be postponed, and we want to ensure all students have the opportunity to showcase the tremendous progress we have seen in their learning. We ask families to partner with us by avoiding vacations and appointments on school days, using our planned days off in the coming months for travel when possible. Let’s make the most of our learning in the second half of the year—we can do this!

Tuesday, February 3rd-Vision and Hearing Screening 👀

Wednesday, February 4th-No School for Students

Thursday, February 5th-All Students Dismiss at 12:15-Parent/Teacher Conferences. No half-day PreK/RECC

Friday, February 6th-All Students Dismiss at 12:15-Parent/Teacher Conferences. No half-day PreK/RECC

Tuesday, February 10th- Vision and Hearing Screening 👀

Thursday, February 12th-Class Pictures 📷

Monday, February 16th-No School for Students

Tuesday, February 17th-No School for Students

Our next Coffee and Conversation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 9-10 AM in the Ducketts Lane Cafeteria.

Please register using the link below:
2/9/26 Coffee and Conversation Registration Link

DLES is excited to hold its second annual Talent Show on Friday, March 6th! The performance will take place from 5:30-7:00 in the DLES cafeteria. All students who want to share a talent with our community are welcome to participate!

To register your performer, please fill out this form by Friday, February 6th. Performance slots will be first-come, first-served.

Supporting your child in developing math skills at home can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially if it’s been a while since you last used your own math skills or if the strategies look different from how math was taught when we were in elementary school. The good news is that math learning can happen naturally through everyday activities, games, and conversations.

Below are a variety of ideas you can choose from based on what your child is working on in the classroom. If you’re unsure of your child’s current focus, please feel free to email your child’s math teacher—they are always happy to share and support.

🧮 Computation

• Count orally by twos, fives, or tens (increase the challenge by skip counting by 3s, 7s, or 9s)

• Complete connect-the-dot pictures or math fact color sheets

• Create a number book (one page per number) using magazine or newspaper pictures to represent each quantity

• Count and pair household objects and determine whether the total is odd or even

• Review math facts during everyday downtime (in the car, waiting in line, etc.)

• Pose mental math challenges:
  “Start with 5, add 6, multiply by 3, subtract 3, divide by 5—what’s the answer?”

• Identify percentages on signs, ads, or nutrition labels

• Use nutrition labels to calculate the percent of specific nutrients

📏 Measurement

• Teach your child how to set a kitchen timer while cooking

• Draw an analog clock and ask your child to write the time shown

• Sort household items by size, weight, or volume using comparison words (taller, heavier, more, less, etc.)

• Measure objects around the home using rulers, tape measures, or scales

• Discuss which measuring tools are used for different tasks

• Review equivalent measurements (e.g., cups in a pint)

• Encourage everyday use of fraction language (whole, halves, thirds, fourths)

🧠 Problem Solving

• Solve real-life problems together:
  “We have 1 can of soup and need 5—how many more do we need?”

• Ask equal-sharing questions:
  “Seven children share 49 cards. How many does each get?”

• Compare populations or land areas of cities or states and discuss what you notice

🔢 Algebraic Thinking

• Count and discuss numbers in the environment (house numbers, swings, exits)

• Look for patterns in rugs, tiles, clothing, or buildings

• Ask your child to show a number in different ways (e.g., 18 as 9×2, 20–2, 10+8, etc.)

🎲 Games to Support Math

• Yahtzee – number sense and mental math

• UNO – number recognition and strategy

• Dominoes – counting, addition, and patterns

• Monopoly / Monopoly Jr. – money skills and problem solving

• Connect Four – patterns and logical thinking

• Math Dice – mental math practice

Small, consistent practice adds up! Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s math growth at home.

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.

Join 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.

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

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

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