Owl Observer News

Thank you for a wonderful week! I especially appreciate everyone’s flexibility and cooperation during Monday’s unexpected early dismissal due to the threat of extreme weather. I’m grateful that all of our students and staff were able to get home safely—your partnership makes all the difference.

It’s hard to believe we are just one week away from spring break! Please remember that schools will be closed March 30 through April 3, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, April 6.

As we move into this final stretch before the break—and beyond—our focus remains strong. Together, we will continue partnering to ensure every student is growing, learning, and reaching their full potential. Thank you for your continued support in making our school community such a special place.

CONGRATULATIONS ELEMENTARY HONORS ORCHESTRA PARTICIPANTS!

On Saturday, March 14, 5th graders Chigo N. (violin) and Brady C. (bass) represented DLES in the annual Howard County Elementary School Honors Orchestra Concert. This Orchestra is made up of two students from every elementary school in HCPSS. We are so proud of their efforts and their enthusiasm for playing their instruments in Orchestra!

To ensure the safety and accountability of all students, we want to remind families of our late arrival procedures. If your child arrives at school after 8:45 a.m., a parent or guardian must accompany them into the building and sign them in at the front office.

This process allows us to confirm that an adult is aware of the late arrival and helps us accurately determine whether the tardy is excused or unexcused. Students should not enter the building alone after this time.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and organized start to the school day for all students.

Our attendance percentages were impacted by Monday's severe weather forecast, causing many families to leave their kids at home. We are sympathetic to the families that chose to do so, but now it is extra important to get to school all 5 days next week to bring our attendance percentages back to our goal of 95% or greater for March!

Fifth grade remains in the lead with 95.3% for these first 3 weeks of March! As of today, they are the only grade over 95%, but all other grades have a chance to bring it back up next week! Only 5 days until spring break; our students can do it!

Our grade-level winners as of today are as follows:

Kindergarten - Ms. Zabransky's class

1st grade - Ms. Richmond's class

2nd grade - Ms. Rafferty's class

3rd grade - Mr. Ngo's classes

4th grade - Ms. LaCava's class

5th grade - Ms. Wigglesworth's AND Ms. Davis's classes

Only 1 week left to help your class and grade be the winners!

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

Thursday, April 9th: Individual Student Pictures (more information to come)

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.

Join in the fun this last week before Spring Break!

We need your help! Our FINAL 5th Grade Fundraiser of the year ends next Friday, March 27th. You can support 5th Grade in two ways!

1. Register NOW at https://www.shopfund.com/ and share custom student support links with family & friends. Sharing gets you tickets for chances to win over $100,000 in instant prizes!

OR

2. Shop directly here

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

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

Our DLES Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser is under way and we have already raised $1,411.00! Thank you all who have participated! There is still time to register and donate!!! Fundraiser ends 3/27.

When: Now - 3/27

Donation Options: Online only

Scan or Click the link below for gifts and how to register:

Ducketts Lane Kids Heart Challenge Page

If you have any questions please contact Robert Abramson (P.E. Dept) at robert_abramson@hcpss.org

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

As we move further into the school year, students will continue demonstrating their learning through classroom assessments as well as district and state testing. Families play an important role in helping students feel confident, prepared, and supported.

One of the most impactful ways to support your child is by continuing to revisit the information and feedback already shared throughout the year—during conferences, on returned assignments, report cards, and through communication from your child’s teacher. These insights highlight both strengths to celebrate and skills that may benefit from continued practice.

As we also look ahead to spring break, we encourage families to begin planning now for simple, consistent learning opportunities at home. Even small moments of practice can help students maintain their skills and return to school feeling confident and ready to learn.

Here are a few ways to support your child:

• Revisit and reflect: Continue reviewing returned work and teacher feedback together. Encourage your child to explain their thinking and reflect on their progress.

• Keep reading routines strong: Set aside time each day for reading and engage in conversations about what your child is reading.

• Incorporate writing naturally: Encourage journaling about daily activities, writing notes to family members, or creating lists and plans together.

• Make math part of everyday life: Practice math facts and involve your child in real-life problem solving such as cooking, budgeting, or planning activities.

• Stay connected: Reach out to your child’s teacher for additional strategies or clarification on skills to practice.

• Build confidence: Remind your child that growth comes from effort, and every opportunity to practice helps them improve.

When schools and families work together, students feel supported, capable, and ready to succeed. Thank you for your continued partnership in making every moment—both in and out of school—a meaningful learning opportunity.

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.

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