The Falcon Flier

Dr. Holden, Principal

Dr. Anderson, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Grenzer, Assistant Principal

Website: ples.hcpss.org
Location: Phelps Luck Elementary School, Old Stone Court, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: 410-313-6886
Facebook: facebook.com/phelpsluckelementary
X: @hcpss_ples

Dear PLES Community,

What an amazing first week of school! Our students came in ready to learn, our staff brought energy and care, and our families helped make the transition smooth and positive. The building has been filled with smiles and a strong sense of community.

We enjoyed visiting classes and talking with students. It was wonderful to see everyone engaged, excited, and building strong routines.

We have started reviewing our behavioral SOAR expectations with students. Classes are revisiting what it looks like to show Self Control, Organization, Accountability, and Resilience in all areas of the school. Discussing and reinforcing these expectations early helps ensure a positive, consistent, and safe learning environment for everyone.

Thank you for following our arrival and dismissal procedures. Your support helps keep our students safe. Your partnership is greatly appreciated!

Warmly,

Dr. Holden, Principal

Mrs. Grenzer, Assistant Principal

Dr. Anderson, Assistant Principal

• Doors Open at 8:30 a.m. – Students may begin entering the building at this time.
• Late Bell Rings at 8:45 a.m. – Instruction begins promptly at 8:45 a.m.
• No Supervision Before 8:30 a.m. – PLES staff are not available to supervise students before 8:30 a.m. Please do not drop off students early.
• Bus Loop Closed to Vehicles (8:30–8:50 a.m.) – Please do not enter the bus loop during this time. Vehicles may enter once directed by staff.

• September 2 – 1st & 2nd Grade Back to School Night at 6 PM
• September 4 - SPIRIT DAY - Football Friday - wear your favorite football gear
• September 7 – Schools and Offices Closed – Labor Day
• September 8 – Virtual PTA Meeting at 7 PM
• September 9 - Kindergarten Back to School Night from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
• September 9 – GT Information Session at 5:45 PM
• September 9 – 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades Back to School Night at 6:15 PM
• September 11 – PTA Back to School Picnic from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• September 15 – Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
• September 15 – Hearing and Vision Screening
• September 17 – SPIRIT DAY - Represent a Hispanic country by wearing or bringing your flag colors
• September 21 – Schools and Offices Closed – Yom Kippur
• September 24 – SPIRIT DAY - Favorite Hispanic Figure Day – Dress like your favorite Hispanic figure
• September 28 – Hispanic Parent Meeting from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
• September 30 – Schools close 3 hours early – Staff Professional Day

Kindergarten

• Wednesday, September 9, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Grades 1 & 2

• Wednesday, September 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Grades 3-5

• Wednesday, September 9, 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Advanced Academic Programs/GT

• Wednesday, September 9, 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

We had a fantastic first week of school! Our students have done a wonderful job settling into routines, building classroom communities, and diving into learning. We are so proud of the positive energy and teamwork we have seen throughout the building.

To keep the excitement going, we’re kicking off our first Spirit Day of the year!

Students and staff are encouraged to wear their favorite football gear, team jerseys, shirts, or school colors to celebrate the start of the season

HCPSS is instituting a no visitors at lunch policy this year. The following was included in the 8/19 HCPSS News email: "Parent lunch visits are no longer permitted at any HCPSS school. Limiting access during the school day ensures safe and secure school communities by removing unnecessary access to students and school buildings, reducing disruptions, supporting student routines, and minimizing non-essential traffic in student areas.

• School-based clinics are located in 10 schools in HCPSS, including Phelps Luck!
• The program is offered through a partnership between the Howard County Health Department and HCPSS and is designed to help keep students healthy, in school, and ready to learn.
• Learn more about the program by visiting: howardcountymd.gov/health/school-based-wellness-centers
• Enroll your student for free HERE.

• Did you know that you must OPT IN to receive text messages from our school and HCPSS? Text "yes" to 67587 now from the cell phone listed on your Family File to opt in!

• In accordance with Maryland’s Ready to Read Act (2019), COMAR (2026) and the direction from the Howard County Board of Education, all Howard County Public School System students in kindergarten to grade 5 will participate in the 2026 - 2027 administration of the Amplify mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition universal screener to identify potential reading difficulties during the following windows

• All free/reduced accounts from the 2025-2026 school year will expire in October if a new application is not updated for this school year. Changes to federal law may have impacted students’ Free and Reduced Meals Program (FARMs) eligibility for the 2026-2027 school year, and families that previously received direct certification this year may not be automatically enrolled. All families should complete a FARMs application, available online or via paper form TODAY!

The Importance of Showing Up Every Day:

Research is clear: attending school regularly has a powerful impact on a student’s academic and social success, from pre-kindergarten through high school. Did you know?

• Missing just 10% of the school year (about 18 days, or 2 days per month) can significantly affect a child’s learning at every grade level.
• By 6th grade, chronic absenteeism is one of the top three indicators that a student may be at risk of dropping out of high school.
• By 9th grade, strong attendance is an even better predictor of on-time graduation than 8th grade test scores.

Together, we can build a strong culture of attendance. Please help us support your child’s success by making every day count!

• Parents can email PLESabsence@hcpss.org to report a student’s absence. Please include your child(ren)’s full name, the date your child(ren) was absent and the reason.

• For your planning needs, please see the link below which details dates/holidays for HCPSS this coming year, including Winter break, Spring break, and professional learning days. Click here: https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/#print

• HCPSS Related Arts Calendar

Date: Friday, September 11

Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Location: On the Blacktop

There will be a DJ, free popcorn and snacks. Feel free to bring your own blanket and dinner.

Hope to see you there!

These classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for students on site at Phelps Luck ES, benefitting both the child(ren) and parents!

1. Please see the Attached PDF flier Phelps Luck ES Spring 2025 Before & After School Classes Flier

2. Families can register for before/after school classes offered at Phelps Luck ES by HCRP: Phelps Luck ES Registration Page.