Owl Observer News
September 19, 2025
🌟 A Warm Welcome from Ducketts Lane Administration
As we close out another great week at Ducketts Lane, we’re proud to share that students across all grade levels have begun their Fall assessments, and differentiated instruction is well underway in classrooms. Our educators are working hard to meet students where they are and help them grow—and your support at home makes a big difference!
🌟 Title I Night – Your Voice Matters! 🌟
We’re excited to host our upcoming Title I Night, but our RSVP numbers are currently very low—and we don’t want you to miss this important opportunity! This event is designed to help families learn more about how our school and students are performing, where we’re headed, and most importantly, to hear from you. As a vital partner in your child’s education, this is your chance to share your hopes for our school and help shape the shared commitments we make for our children’s success.
✅ Spanish interpreters will be available
🍕 Ledo’s Pizza will be provided
📅 RSVP today using the link below—don’t let your voice go unheard!
Please continue to prioritize daily attendance, ask your child to share specific skills they’ve learned or practiced, and check in on homework. Whether it’s reading together, being read to, or practicing number skills, every little bit helps reinforce learning.
📅 Reminder: There is no school for students on Tuesday, September 23rd.
Proudly Partnering with You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, Mrs. Poquette
MONDAY PURPLE SPIRIT DAY
Related Arts Colors
Save the Date
Saturday, September 21st: DLES Fall Clean up 1:00-2:00pm (meet at the flag pole)
Tuesday, September 23rd: Schools are CLOSED for ALL Students
Tuesday, September 30th: Annual Title I Meeting 5:30 - 7:00pm
Looking to boost your Ducketts Lane Spirit Wear this year?
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.
IMPORTANT~Update Your Family File
THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE EVERY YEAR
Did you know that without this being done, students are not allowed to attend a field trip? It's true, complete this task today!
Parents/guardians must verify and/or update emergency information for each child every school year. This is completed online in Family File, which has several new updates, including how and where to access. Full details on updating your Family File are available online.
Click Below to Update Now!
Also IMPORTANT ~ Title I Programming
Title I ~Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs) Program and SO Much More!
HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, which provide families with significant benefits to help save money. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.
Free and Reduced Meals eligibility provides discounts for summer programs, SAT, recreation programs, Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and internet programs. FARMs eligibility can also provide our school with much needed Federal funding.
Families must submit a new application every school year
How to Apply
Please submit only one application per household. We will host some events later in the month for families that need computer or language assistance to apply online. Be on the look out for more information.
Online Applications for the 2025-2026 School Year are available on the new LINQ Connect website. Just click on the button below.
Joe Corbi's Fundraiser!
Our 5th Grade Joe Corbi's Fundraiser has begun! Packets went home in your child's Thursday Folder last week. The sale is open until Friday, October 3rd. Online payment/text-to-pay and direct ship-to-home is available. Go to www.FundPrizes.com to register and share! If you choose to pick up your order, items should be delivered on Monday, November 24th. Please email Jennifer_Abramson@hcpss.org with any questions. Thank you for your support of our DLES 5th Graders!
DLES Afterschool Bridges Program
We are excited to announce that registration for the 2025–2026 DLES Afterschool Bridges Program is now open for selected students!
Registration forms were sent home on September 17, with invited 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students. The deadline to return forms is Tuesday, September 24. If we do not receive your response by then, your child’s spot may be offered to another student and family on the waiting list.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kevin_Anderson@hcpss.org.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we look forward to another year of great experiences for our young people through Bridges.
Kevin Anderson
DLES Bridges Site Coordinator
#WEAREDUCKETTS
Fall Testing Dates
Students in grades 1–5 will participate in the Fall administration of the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment beginning next week. The MAP assessment measures students’ academic achievement and growth over time in reading and mathematics. Combined with classroom-based information, MAP results help teachers make instructional decisions that best support each child’s learning needs. MAP is an untimed, computer-adaptive assessment. As students respond to questions, the test adjusts in difficulty, creating a personalized assessment experience for each child.
You do not need to do anything special to prepare your child for the MAP assessment other than ensuring they get a good night’s rest the night before testing. Please look out for an announcement from your child’s teacher for specific testing dates. Please make every effort to have your child present on their assigned testing days. The testing window is as follows:
In addition to MAP, fall testing is in full swing here at Ducketts. Students in Kindergarten - 5th grade are currently being screened with DIBELs. The DIBELS screener, which stands for the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, is an evidence-based assessment system for monitoring reading development and identifying early reading difficulties.
Kindergarten students will participate in the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, This assessment, also known as KRA, evaluates a child’s skills and behaviors in the first few weeks of kindergarten.
Lastly, our students in 3rd-5th grade will be taking the CommonLit Assessment. This assessment is administered three times a year to track growth and proficiency with literacy standards.
Please be on the lookout for more specific information and dates coming from your child’s teacher.
Smiles Dental Program Clinic is coming to DLES
The Smiles Dental Program Clinic is coming to DLES on October 7, 2025, and October 16, 2025. A licensed Dentist and Hygienist will be on-site to provide dental exams and cleanings for students. Consent forms will be sent home with your child. To authorize your child’s participation, you may complete the paper form or sign up online using the link below: https://www.myschooldentist.com/DLHCMD_schsrm
We want to hear from you!
Please take a few moments to fill out the survey below. Your feedback will help us better understand your family’s needs, the types of family events you would like to attend, and your interest in volunteering at Ducketts Lane. We truly value your input and look forward to working together this year to strengthen family engagement—something research shows has a positive impact on students’ academic success.
2025 DLES Family Needs, Family Events and Volunteer Interest Survey
Fall After School Classes Here at DLES
Howard County Recreation & Parks is offering a variety of after-school classes this fall right here at Ducketts Lane! Each course has both a minimum and maximum enrollment requirement, so spots may fill quickly. Take a moment to review the flyer and see if your child might be interested in one of these engaging opportunities.
- The Attached PDF flier is below or can be seen here: Ducketts Lane ES Fall 2025 Before & After School Classes Flier.
- This link will take you to the specific location where you can register for before/after school classes offered at Ducketts Lane ES by HCRP: Ducketts Lane ES Registration Page.
PTA NEWS
JOIN THE PTA
Join the DLES PTA 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.
Fall Clean-Up- Come out and help clean up the school grounds on Sunday, September 21st from 1-2 pm. We will be meeting by the flagpole in front of the school. We will provide trash bags.
Happening Around Town
Click here for more information on the BSAP Math Academy.
Parents can register via HCPSS Connect: hcpss/org/connect/
HCPSS Kickoff to Build on School/Family/Community Relationships, Sept. 27, 2025
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will host a Family Academy Kickoff on Saturday,Sept. 27th from 9 a.m.-noon at Oakland Mills High School, 9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia. The districtwide event is open to all HCPSS families and will feature:
- An informative session with HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes
- Resource tables hosted by HCPSS offices and local organizations
- Information on programs, resources, and services available throughout the school year
Childcare and language access will be provided.
Registration is encouraged via online form listed below.
- Register in English
- Inscripción al evento 2025
- 家庭学校 2025 年开学典礼注册
- 2025 HCPSS 가족 아카데미 출범 행사 등록
- Event Flyers
For more information about the event or to get involved, contact Dr. Shereé Tilley-Whitaker at sheree_tilley-whitaker@hcpss.org or 410-313-6804.
CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE PROGRAM 2025
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program is designed to offer a little extra help to families in need during the holiday season. If your family could benefit from support this year, we encourage you to review the attached information to see if you qualify.
📅 Applications are due by September 30th.
📎 Please click on the attachment for details on how to apply.
Your Voice is Important
Please click on the Feedback Form to share your thoughts with how we can make DLES the best for everyone.
We are here to help!
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