Owl Observer News
August 15, 2025
A Message from Administration
Only One Week to Go — Let’s Start Strong!
The first day of school is just around the corner — Monday, August 25th for our Kindergarten through 5th grade students, and Thursday, August 28th for our Preschool and Prekindergarten students.
Before then, we have an important New Student Orientation and Open House Event on Friday, August 22nd — a perfect chance to meet your teacher, turn in supplies, and get ready for a great start. Details are included below.
With only a week to go, now is the time to help your child build the strong routines that will set them up for success. A strong start means smoother mornings, confident learners, and a positive tone for the year ahead.
Here are simple steps families can take this week to make the transition back to school smooth and stress-free:
Shift Sleep Schedules Gradually
Move bedtime and wake-up times earlier by 10–15 minutes each day to get back to school hours without a shock to the system.
Practice the Morning Routine
Do a trial run — from getting dressed to breakfast — so the first morning feels calm and predictable.
Create a Learning Space at Home
Set up a quiet spot for reading or homework to help your child focus from day one.
Talk About the School Day
Discuss what to expect — new friends, teachers, and exciting learning — to build anticipation and confidence.
Read Every Day
Spend just 10–15 minutes reading together to get their brain ready for learning.
Limit Screen Time Gradually
Replace extra screen time with outdoor play, games, or creative activities to reset attention and focus.
Get Organized Together
Go through supplies, label items, and pack the backpack so everything is ready to go.
Add Light Responsibilities
Reintroduce chores or small tasks to strengthen independence and structure.
Reconnect with the School
Visit the playground, walk by the building, or talk about the route to school to ease any nerves.
Celebrate the Year Ahead
Start a fun tradition — a special dinner, first-day outfit, or countdown calendar — to make the start of school exciting.
We can’t wait to welcome our students back soon! Thank you for partnering with us to help them return ready, confident, and excited to learn. Together, we’ll make this the best year yet.
We will see you very soon!
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, and Mrs. Poquette
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!
Need Help with Family File & Title I FARMs Filing?
Come to our school for help completing these required tasks before school starts and grab a backpack while supplies last!
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.
Save the Date
This is Next Friday
Friday, August 22nd:
- For Parents & Students that attended other schools and will be new to Ducketts Lane and will be in Grades 1-5-join us for a New Student & Family Orientation at 12:45pm
Friday, August 22nd:
- For Parents & Students registered in Preschool, PreKindergarten, Kindergarten join for a meet the teacher and first day of school information session at 1:00-1:30pm
Friday, August 22nd:
- Preschool-Grades 5 Open House between 1:30-2:30pm
- This is an opportunity to drop in and meet your classroom teacher, find your desk, and say hello to a friend, and drop off your school supplies (they can be heavy and you don't want to have to bring them all in on the first day of school)
Monday, August 25th:
- First Day of School for Kindergarten - 5th Grade students
Thursday, August 28th:
- First Day of School for Preschool and PreKindergarten students
Thursday, September 4th:
- Back to School Bash 5:30pm *More Details to Come
School Hours 8:30-3:15 (late bell rings at 8:45)
Don't Be Late-Learning Starts Right Away!
Meeting Your Child at Dismissal?
First Day Drop-Off & Pick-Up for Walkers & Car Riders: What to Expect
As we prepare to welcome students back for an exciting new school year, we want to share an important reminder about arrival and dismissal procedures for the first day of school.
To maintain a safe and secure environment, we will be following our standard safety protocols:
➡️ All visitors must be signed in and scanned at the front office before entering the building.
This means that parents and guardians will not be able to walk students to their classrooms on the first day of school.
We know how special that first day can be — especially for our youngest students — and we want to reassure you that our staff will be present and ready to support your child from the moment they arrive. Starting the year with the same routine your child will follow each day helps build confidence and reduces anxiety. Having a different routine on the first day can actually make the separation more difficult.
So please, take those first-day photos, give the extra hugs at home, and send your child off with a big smile and lots of encouragement. We’ll take great care of them — rain or shine!
For families with walkers or car riders, please take a moment to review our arrival and dismissal procedures to help us maintain a smooth and safe process for everyone.
👉 Walker & Car Rider Arrival & Dismissal Proceduers
Additionally, if your child will be walking to and from school, we encourage you to practice the walking route together now. This helps both you and your child feel more confident and prepared for the first day and beyond.
Please note:
🚶♀️ Preschool through Kindergarten students will not be released to walk home without an adult present at the walker zone.
It is essential that arrangements are made to ensure our youngest learners are met by a trusted adult each day.
⏰ All staff leave the building at 3:30 p.m., and we are not equipped to provide child care after dismissal. We appreciate your support in ensuring all students are picked up promptly and safely.
Some Changes to Staff
We have said goodbye to Ms. Elcy but are Welcoming Mrs. Palmer
Dear Ducketts Lane Families
This message is to let you know that I will not be the Hispanic Achievement Liaison at Ducketts Lane School for this school year. I have decided to take on a new challenge and have accepted the position as the Hispanic Achievement Liaison at Atholton High School.
The good news is that Ms. Lorena Palmer will be the new liaison who will be supporting you in the future.
I want to thank you for all the trust you have placed in me over the years.
I wish you and your students the best.
~Ms. Elcy
We are thrilled to introduce our new Hispanic Achievement Liaison, Mrs. Lorena Palmer. Mrs. Palmer has served in this role within Howard County and brings a wealth of experience. She is eager to get to know our families and join in the great work happening here.
We’ve shared with her just how special our community is, and we’re looking forward to a wonderful year ahead.
You can contact Mrs. Palmer by calling the school at 410-313-5050 or by emailing lorena_palmer@hcpss.org. She will also be at our events next week — please take a moment to introduce yourself and say hello!
We have said goodbye to Mrs. Medine but are welcoming Mrs. De La Cruz-Van Natta
A Farewell from Mrs. Medina
It is bittersweet to share that I have been transferred to serve as the Community School Site Coordinator at Deep Run Elementary School. I have truly enjoyed building connections and friendships here at Ducketts Lane — this is such a special school and community.
You are in amazing hands with the staff and your new Site Coordinator, Mrs. De La Cruz-Van Natta. Thank you for a wonderful year, and I wish you all continued success.
— Mrs. Medina
We are excited to welcome Mrs. Natalya De La Cruz-Van Natta as our new Community Schools Site Coordinator at Ducketts Lane Elementary School!
Mrs. De La Cruz-Van Natta brings a wealth of experience to our community, having served as a Title I Point of Contact, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison, grade-level instructional team leader, union representative, martial arts instructor, and program coordinator. She has also led and facilitated numerous community events, always keeping equity at the heart of her work.
A child of immigrants herself, Mrs. De La Cruz-Van Natta is passionate about serving and supporting families, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Towson University and her Master’s in Curriculum Instruction for Social Justice from Loyola University.
She currently resides in Carroll County with her husband and is eager to connect with our families. Please feel free to reach out to her at ndelacruzvannatta@hcpss.org with any questions.
We’re thrilled to have her join our Ducketts Lane family — be sure to say hello at upcoming events!
Bus Riders
Bus pickup/drop off times and bus stop locations will be available prior to the first day of school.
It is important that your child be at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to the posted bus arrival times and that for our preschool-kindergarten aged students that there is an adult there to greet them at the bus stop in the afternoon, as our youngest learners are not allowed to be left at a bus stop without a trusted adult there to get them home safely.
Happening Around Town
HCPSS Kickoff to Build on School/Family/Community Relationships, Aug. 16, 2025
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) will host a Family Academy Kickoff on Saturday, Aug. 16 from 9 a.m.-noon at Guilford Park High School, 8500 Ridgelys Run Road, Jessup. 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.
Health Fair for Latinos
All are welcome. Here is a link for more information.
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
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