Owl Observer News
October 31, 2025
Students Dismiss at 12:15pm TODAY
News and Notes from Ducketts Lane Administration
We had a wonderful week at Ducketts Lane filled with learning, laughter, and lots of engagement across classrooms! Today marks the end of the first quarter—what an exciting milestone. As a friendly reminder, don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour when you go to bed on Saturday night. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday for another full week of learning and growth!
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping to make Ducketts Lane a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow!
We are thrilled to announce that Morgan State University’s Marching Band will be joining us on Wednesday, November 12th, for two special performances.
Grades 3 – 5: 9:30–10:15 AM &
PreK – Grade 2: 10:40–11:10 AM
To learn more or to be part of this incredible experience as a performance guest. Please scan the QR code here. We hope to celebrate this amazing opportunity with our entire school community — it’s going to be a performance to remember! #WEAREDUCKETTS
🎺🎵 If you have any questions, please contact Kevin_Anderson@hcpss.org.
Our time is now. #WeAreDucketts
Proudly Partnering with You,
Mrs. Caroland, Mrs. Van Osdel, Mrs. Poquette
Attendance Matters at DLES!
Related Arts Colors
Save the Date
Friday, October 31st: Students are dismissed at 12:15-no preschool classes
Thursday, November 6th: Picture Makeups
Monday, November 10th: Report Cards Issued
Wednesday, November 12th: Students are dismissed at 12:15-no preschool classes
Friday, November 14th: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Monday, November 17th-Friday, November 21st: American Education Week
Monday, November 24th: Students are dismissed at 12:15-no preschool classes/In-Person Parent:Teacher Conference
Tuesday, November 25th: Students are dismissed at 12:15-no preschool classes/Virtual Parent:Teacher Conference
Wednesday, November 26th-Friday, November 28th: Schools Closed For Students
Monday, December 1st: Schools reopen from fall break
Community School Connection
Mark your calendars: We will celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on Friday, November 14th! This annual event honors Ruby Bridges, who in 1960 became the first Black child to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. She faced angry crowds and daily threats, yet walked to school with strength and determination that changed history. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day celebrates her living legacy by encouraging students to walk to school and take part in conversations about courage and kindness.
HCPSS Policy 9460: Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment & Intimidation
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 states that bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are prohibited in HCPSS. Our administration and staff have been trained and made aware of this policy as well as preventative and responsive measures.
We know how important your role is in not only supporting your children, but also reporting possible incidents as you become aware of them. The Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation (BCHI Reporting Form should be used to report all alleged incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation that occur at school or have a connection back to the school setting that create a risk of harm to other students while they are at school, or interfere with the educational environment. An online version is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. Hard copies of this form are available in the main office, staff workroom, school counseling office, media center, and health services office. If you believe your child has been bullied, please complete and submit this form as soon as possible and/or assist your child in doing so.
Once the form is submitted, school administrators will ensure the parent/guardian of both the alleged target and alleged offender are aware of the report and will begin an investigation within two school days of receiving the report. Parents/guardians can expect a school administrator to reach out to them during the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, parents/guardians will be provided written notice of the outcome of the investigation within fifteen days of receiving the compaint, excluding extenuating circumstances.
There are times when incidents of peer conflict or code of conduct offenses may occur that may not be bullying, but may need follow up action. If you become aware of something that falls under conflict and/or a code of conduct offense, please notify a school administrator via email or phone call so that they can become aware and follow up as needed.
Lastly, I want to take a moment to specifically lift up cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying using electronic media like computers, cell phones, and game systems. Our digital interconnectedness makes bullying different and more damaging than it’s ever been before. It allows hatred and publicly humiliating gossip or photos to be instantly far-reaching and inescapable as electronic media is everywhere. It can NOT simply be ignored. In October 2013, the State of Maryland enacted Grace’s Law, making misuse of interactive computer services a criminal offense. Its purpose is to prohibit anyone from using electronic media (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) to maliciously engage in conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor and/or places that minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. A person who is found guilty of violating this law is subject to imprisonment and/or fines.
While all of this information will be reviewed with students at school, we are asking you to do the same at home. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring all of our students feel a sense of safety and belonging in their school communities! More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.
2026 Young Authors’ Contest is Coming Soon!
We are excited to announce the 2026 Young Authors’ Contest is coming soon!
The Howard County Literacy Association invites students in grades 1-5 to submit their original poems and/or short stories to the annual writing contest called The Young Authors' Contest. Please see the attached Young Authors’ Contest Guidelines in English or Spanish for information about the rules and guidelines. Stories and poems must be typed and saved as a Word Doc or Googledoc. All entries must have a completed YAC Cover Sheet (English/español) sent as a PDF. Submissions may be emailed to Keri Esposito by December 15, 2025. Contact Keri Esposito (keri_esposito@hcpss.org) and/or Casey Sawyer (casey_sawyer@hcpss.org) with any questions. All Young Authors’ Contest information can be found on the HCLA website.
Howard County Literacy Association welcomes parents as members. Visit the HCLA Welcome Page for information about joining.
Reading Specialists have visited classrooms and shared information about the contest with students! Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Attention 5th Grade Parents
Register for Battle of the Books!
Attention 5th Grade Parents!
It's not too late to register for Battle of the Books! More information here. https://hclibrary.org/battle-of-the-books/
Register here. https://live-howardcounty.pantheonsite.io/event/battle-books-2026-mandatory-coaches-meeting-online-342613
See Mrs. McAfee if you have any questions of concerns.
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.
Partnering Together for Student Success
Helping Families Understand What Your Child is Learning by Grade Level
Our children have a lot to learn each year and our curriculum offices have provided a great resource for families to help you understand the material and provide suggestions on how you can support learning at home.
Take a moment to look at each of the of the different grade level Family Community Canvas pages. Make sure you click on the yellow bar in the right corner, to find specific information on each curriculum area.
PTA NEWS
PTA Membership Raffle
Not a member yet? Join the DLES PTA today for your chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! We'll have one lucky teacher/staff and one lucky family winner! Drawing will be held on 11/24. Sign up today at https://duckettspta.givebacks.com/
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.
Jason's Deli Spirit Night
Join us for a delicious way to support our PTA at Jason's Deli (8874 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD 21045) on November 12th, from 5-9 pm.
Order in person and show the flyer, or skip the line and order online for pickup using code FUND20.
Staff Conference Dinner
We’re excited to host a Staff Conference Dinner on November 24th to show our appreciation for all the hard work and dedication from the teachers and staff at DLES.
This year’s menu will include a fresh garden salad and a baked potato bar with all the fixings.
We’re asking for a few donations to help make the evening extra special. If you’d like to contribute, please sign up using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080549A8A92BAAFB6-59961816-staff
Book Fair
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to DLES from November 17th to November 24th! This is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to discover new books, build home libraries, and share the joy of reading.
We’re looking for volunteers to help make the Book Fair a success — from setup and sales to cleanup. If you can lend a hand, please be on the lookout for additional volunteer information!
General PTA Meeting & Game Night
Join us for our next PTA General Meeting and Game Night on November 14th from 6-8 pm in the Cafeteria!
We’ll kick things off with a brief PTA meeting to share updates and upcoming events, followed by a fun-filled Game Night for families. Bring your favorite board games—or enjoy some of ours—and spend an evening connecting with other families in our school community.
To stay up-to-date on all of our upcoming events, visit our website and Facebook page.
Fall After School Classes Here at DLES
Howard County Recreation & Parks - Fall 2025 Before & After School Classes – Session 2 is offering a variety of before & after classes this fall right here at Ducketts Lane! Each course has both a minimum and maximum requirement, so spots may fill quickly. Take a moment to review the flyer and see if your child might be interested in any of these engaging opportunities.
These classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for students benefiting both the child(ren) and parents!
Sign up today! Ducketts Lane ES Registration Page.
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