Owl Observer News

It is with a full and grateful heart that I write to you as your proud principal. Serving this incredible community over the past five years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you for partnering with me, for trusting me, and for entrusting your children into my care each and every day.

This departure is not one I saw coming, and I will truly be leaving a piece of my heart behind at Ducketts Lane. Together, we have built something very special. I have witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication of our staff, the deep engagement of our families, and the limitless potential of our students.

I am so proud of the work we have accomplished. We have shown what is possible when a community comes together with a shared belief in children. We have proven just how capable our students are, and that Ducketts Lane is a phenomenal school where every child is supported, challenged, and championed to achieve their goals.

As I continue to process that my time here has come to an end, I want to share that I have been asked to lead another school community. While this transition is bittersweet, I humbly ask for your grace and support. Please know that the lessons, relationships, and love I have experienced here will stay with me always.

At the end of the day, I know who we are. We are a community that rises—always—for our students. That will never change.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. It has been a privilege I will carry with me forever.

Attention families—yearbook order forms were sent home. Be sure to purchase your yearbook soon, as we have a limited number available. Please note that 5th grade students do not need to purchase a yearbook. Don’t miss out—get your yearbook before we sell out!

Way to go, Ducketts Lane!

We are excited to celebrate that several grade levels earned free seating in the cafeteria this week—great work! Let’s keep the momentum going as we head into our final week of school.

We are still striving for a 100% attendance day, and this challenge is part of our ongoing grade-level competition!

Here’s the challenge:
From Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 18, any K–5 grade level that achieves 97% or higher attendance will earn FREE seating in the cafeteria for the day.

Even better:
Any grade level that reaches two consecutive days of 100% attendance will earn an extra recess!

Every day counts, and your classmates are counting on you. Let’s work together to finish the school year strong!

💪 #WeAreDucketts

Monday, June 15th- Full day for students; Last day for half-day pre-K/RECC

Tuesday, June 16th- Students dismiss at 12:15pm

Wednesday, June 17th- Students will dismiss at 12:15pm

Thursday, June 18th-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL. Students dismiss at 12:15pm

This special countdown will bring our school community together in a fun, inclusive way while keeping the focus on learning and end-of-year celebrations.

Get ready for school spirit, community pride, and lots of fun as we celebrate all that makes Ducketts such a special place. We can’t wait to see everyone join in the excitement!

If your child has borrowed an instrument from DLES this school year, the instrument must be returned to DLES by the dates below.

Band Instruments are due by Wednesday, June 10

(Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion)

Orchestra Instruments are due by Thursday, June 11

(Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Marsh (Band) josiah_marsh@hcpss.org or Mrs. McKay (Orchestra) amanda_mckay@hcpss.org

Please have your child look in their room, backpacks, closets, cars and any other location that a book may have been placed and return them to school as soon as possible. All books have were due last Friday.

Families will begin receiving an invoice for the cost of the hardcover book replacement. We will need the book returned or the funds required to purchase the book again. It is important that we all work together to get these books back so that they can be available next year.

If you have any questions regarding an overdue book, please contact Mrs. McAfee at rebecca_mcafee@hcpss.org or Ms. Jean-Louis at esther_jean-louis@hcpss.org

End of Year Medication

If your child has medication in the Health Room at school, please be sure to pick it up during the last week of school. Please contact the school Health Room to arrange a time to pick up medication. Medication is not able to be kept in the Health Room over the summer and may be discarded if not picked up by the last day of school. Please contact the school Health Room to arrange a time to pick up medication.

Annual Health Checkups

As you schedule your child/ren to have an annual health checkup, please remember to send completed forms to the Health Room.

Immunization Reminder

If your child/ren receive any immunizations, please be sure to provide a copy to the Health Room. Each year we must submit data to the State showing we are in compliance with student immunizations. If all required immunizations are not complete your child/ren may be excluded from school within the first few weeks of returning for the 2026-27 school year until immunizations are updated.

Medications in Health Room for 2026-27 school year

Students who require medications to be kept in the Health Room for 2026-27 school year, both Prescription and Over the Counter Medications will need to have new orders provided to the Health Room. New orders must be dated on or after July 1, 2026. We are unable to use orders from 2025-26 school year for next year (2026-27). Medication orders expire at the end of the school year. ALL MEDICATIONS, BOTH PRESCIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER REQUIRE A NEW MEDICATION ORDER EACH YEAR. Please note HCPSS Health Rooms do not provide any medication to students unless provided by Family with proper order form.

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.

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