Owl Observer News

It has been another wonderful and productive week here at school. Our students have been working incredibly hard in their classrooms, and it has been great to see their engagement and effort across all grade levels. I would especially like to recognize our 5th grade students, who demonstrated perseverance and focus this week as they completed their state science assessment (MISA). They approached the assessment with determination, and we are very proud of the effort they put forth.

As part of supporting a positive and respectful school environment, we have also had some important conversations this week with several of our students about the importance of pausing and thinking before speaking or acting. Recently, we have noticed a slight increase in students “joking” while using inappropriate language, hand gestures, or physical “play.” In some instances, students have also shared that they “didn’t know what that meant” when using certain words or gestures.

We reminded students that if they are unsure about the meaning of a word, phrase, or hand gesture, they should avoid using it. Instead, they are encouraged to ask a trusted adult at school or at home if something is appropriate. Our shared goal is to ensure that every student feels valued, respected, and safe at school without having to navigate uncomfortable jokes or behaviors.

We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations at home and encouraging students to make thoughtful choices with their words and actions.

As a reminder, students will not have school on Friday, March 20.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school community a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and safe. We are grateful for your partnership.

By prioritizing school attendance, families help their children get better grades, develop healthy life habits and have a better chance of graduating from high school.

While some absences may be unavoidable, limiting your child’s absences puts them on a path to future success. If your child is missing school, determine the reasons for the absences. Communicate with the teacher or school to take advantage of support services.

By taking simple measures early on, everyone can help set every child on the path to success.

As we finish week 2 of the Attendance Contest, we have both celebrations and areas for growth to highlight. It seems that germs might be making their way through the building, because each day this week there has been at least one grade that has dipped below our target of 95%+ attendance. Keep those kids home to rest, but once they are able, get them back to school and back to learning!

I would like to celebrate Fifth grade for having 100% attendance on Wednesday! Their overall attendance for this week was 98.9%, which is amazing! Way to show up for testing this week Fifth Grade! In addition, Fifth Grade has taken the school-wide lead away from First Grade, with 97.4% overall attendance.

Our grade-level winners after Week 2 are as follows:

Kindergarten - Ms. Zabransky's class

1st grade - Ms. Richmond's class

2nd grade - Ms. Rafferty's class

3rd grade - Ms. Albright's and Mr. Ngo's classes

4th grade - Ms. LaCava's class

5th grade - Ms. Wigglesworth's class

Who will be ahead next week? Will these leaders remain at the top, or will others take the lead? You can support your class and grade by making sure your students are here unless they are sick!

Friday, March 20th: Schools Closed for Students

Monday, March 30th -Friday, April 3rd: Schools Closed for Spring Break

Monday, April 6th: Schools reopen from break

The SMILE Dental Program is coming to DLES on 4/16/26 and 4/17/26. If you would like your DLES student to see the Dentist at school please fill out this link.

El Programa Dental SMILE llega a DLES el 16/4/2026 y el 17/4/2026. Si desea que su estudiante de DLES vea al dentista en la escuela, complete este enlace.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year began Monday, March 2, 2026. Parents/Guardians of children who will be five on or before September 1, 2026, must enroll their children in kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year.

Current HCPSS prekindergarten students do not need to register for kindergarten.

Please visit www.hcpss.org/enroll/. to begin the enrollment process.

Last year’s community school needs assessment highlighted behavior and mental health supports as key areas for growth. Over the next three years, we are committed to expanding these resources for our community. One of our strategies is hosting family nights to connect and share tools.

Our first event is scheduled for March 26th at Ducketts Lane, specifically for 3rd through 5th-grade students and their families. Please see the flyer below for more details!

You can register to attend by clicking HERE

I am thrilled to announce that, thanks to your incredible generosity, we have raised over $1,500 through our recent SchoolStore fundraiser going directly to the school! This achievement is a testament to the strength of our community, and I want to extend a sincere thank you to every family who contributed. Beyond our fundraising goals, I want to emphasize that your partnership in your child's education is our greatest asset. To ensure our students continue to thrive, please remember the importance of consistent attendance. Every day of learning matters—even on days with scheduled delays or early dismissals. Being present and on time ensures your student doesn't miss out on vital instruction and social growth.

We Are Here to Help

If your family is facing any challenges or is in need of extra support, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. As your Community Schools Site Coordinator, my goal is to ensure every student and family has the resources they need to succeed.

From

Natalya De La Cruz-Van Natta, CSSC

Congratulations to Gael Sanchez Molina , Aum Patel and Edison Pineda Pena

Their art is exhibited in the county-wide show "Humor In Art" ! We are so proud of their hard work!

Juliet Stupples will have her "Folk Art Bird" displayed at the Howard County Arts Council exhibit!

We are so proud of our artists at DLES, showing CREATIVITY, PERSEVERANCE, & EXCELLENCE!

~Ms. Mellendick & Ms. Bresky

Our final 5th Grade Fundraiser of the year has begun, and we need your help!
1. Register NOW at https://www.shopfund.com/
2. Share custom student support links with family & friends.
3. Student Goal: 5 Online Supporters.

REGISTER-SHARE-WIN: Sharing gets you tickets for chances to win over $100,000 in instant prizes.

Fundraiser Links:

* How To Videos - (https://vimeo.com/showcase/8752027)
* Kick-Off Videos - (https://vimeo.com/showcase/11797798)
* Parent Letter - (https://grpsvcs.link/SuL9VP)
* Prize Program - (https://grpsvcs.link/3dgVM0)

Fundraising packets went home Thursday afternoon, so please check your student's bag!

Everything can be handled online with direct ship-to-home options. Thank you so much for your support!

If your student is in 4th grade Band, Orchestra, and/or Chorus, please take note of the following date change for the Spring Concert.

4th Grade Spring Concert - June 4th, 2026 @ DLES

6:00pm Concert (students arrive at 5:30pm)

• 4th Grade Orchestra

• 4th Grade Band

• 4th Grade Chorus

  
  

Note: The 5th Grade Spring Concert will still be on May 19th @ DLES at 6:00pm (no change) for all 5th grade Band, Orchestra, and Chorus students.

Mrs. McKay (Orchestra) amanda_mckay@hcpss.org

Mr. Marsh (Band) josiah_marsh@hcpss.org

Miss Eng (4th Chorus) taylor_eng@hcpss.org

Ms. Abrams (5th Chorus) hana_abrams@hcpss.org

Welcome back and hope you are having a great year. The spring season of the DLES Running Club is approaching. This will allow students to come together, engage in physical activity, and have fun.

Registration: February 26 - March 12. Scan the QR code below to register! Registration will be first come, first serve, with only 25 roster spots available!

When & Where: Practice will be on Wednesday’s at DLES from 3:20 - 4:20!

Dates: 3/18, 3/25, 4/8, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13

Final Run: We will have culminating run on Tuesday, 5/19 (pizza to follow)

Who: Open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade boys.

Cost: This will be FREE and the Run Club will be limited to 25 runners!

For more information, please contact:

Robert_abramson@hcpss.org

Register here for Girls on the Run Spring 2026 Season! Girls on the Run® inspires participants in grades 3-5 to be joyful, healthy, and confident by using running to teach valuable life skills. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion. Ducketts Lane GOTR meets Tuesday and Thursday 3:15-4:30 pm March 17- June 2. The season-ending 5K for Howard County will be on Saturday, May 30, 8:00 a.m. The program registration fee is $210, which includes lessons, all program materials, 5K and program shirts, a water bottle, and more. Financial assistance is available! Visit www.gotrcentralmd.org to register. Questions Email info@gotrcentralmd.org

Our DLES Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser is coming soon!

Be on the lookout: Fundraising papers were sent home in Thursday folders on March 5th.

What is the Kids Heart Challenge?

Building on key learnings from nearly 45 years in America’s schools, the Kids Heart Challenge focuses on whole body wellness, helping students improve their own health and better their character while raising life-saving donations for the American Heart Association to help kids facing heart-health issues

When: Fundraiser activities at home: March 5 – March 27

Donation Options: Online only

Want to get started early??? Click the link below for gifts and how to register:

1. Sign Up: http://www2.heart.org/goto/DuckettsLane and download the free “AHA Schools” app.

2. Raise funds to help kids with special hearts.
3. Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!

Kids Heart Challenge (and en espanol)

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Abramson (robert_abramson@hcpss.org

As we move further into the school year, students will continue demonstrating their learning through classroom assessments and district or state testing. Families play an important role in helping students feel confident and prepared. One of the best ways to support your child is by reviewing information that has already been shared throughout the year.

At home, we encourage families to revisit the feedback and resources that have already been provided. This includes information shared during parent–teacher conferences, work that has been sent home for review or practice, feedback noted on report cards, and any individual communication from your child’s teacher about areas of strength and skills that may need additional practice.

Here are a few ways you can support your child at home:

• Review returned work together. Ask your child to explain how they solved a math problem or how they arrived at an answer in reading. Talking through their thinking strengthens understanding.

• Practice reading daily. Encourage your child to read for at least 20 minutes each day and ask questions about the story such as the main idea, characters, or what might happen next.

• Strengthen math fluency. Practice basic math facts, number sense, and problem-solving strategies that have been introduced in class.

• Use teacher feedback. Look at comments on graded work or report cards to identify specific skills your child can continue practicing.

• Stay connected with your child’s teacher. Teachers are always happy to share suggestions or strategies you can use at home to reinforce learning.

• Encourage effort and confidence. Remind your child that assessments are simply one way to show what they know and that trying their best is what matters most.

When families and schools work together, students feel more confident and supported in their learning. Thank you for partnering with us to help your child continue to grow and succeed.

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.

Our DLES PTA has been working hard to plan an amazing book bingo and Silent Auction/Raffle night on Friday, March 13 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Every student will receive a book and a free raffle ticket! Some of the awesome prizes include baskets and experiences donated from our wonderful teachers and staff, PLUS sports and concert tickets, an electric guitar, gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses, a 3-month family membership to The Y in Ellicott City, and so much more!! We hope to see everyone there for a fun evening!

Read-A-Thon

Ducketts Lane Elementary School has decided to hold a Read-A-Thon this year! Read-A-Thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.

Our Read-A-Thon starts Monday March 9, 2026 and ends March 27th.

We encourage you to activate your reader's account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/dbHkbl/1?utm=email and following the simple instructions.

We've chosen Read-A-Thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.

Prizes will be awarded for the top 10 readers!

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.

CrossLife Community Church invites you to an Easter EGGstravaganza on Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 am at DLES. The egg hunt and games are FREE. Pre-registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcome. Easter EGGstravaganza — CrossLife Community Church

We strive to be a school that actively partners with our students, staff, families, and surrounding community members. We welcome your feedback.

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