Owl Observer
Community Newsletter
November 6, 2026
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Message from DLES
At Ducketts Lane, our staff is committed to applying the Student Code of Conduct consistently to ensure fair and equitable discipline practices for every student. Daily, we work to teach and model our core school values: being determined learners who are embracing and safe.
As part of our School Improvement Plan (SIP), our goal is to continuously reduce the overall number of Incident Reports (IRs) across all grade levels. We are pleased to share our multi-year Quarter 1 data with our school community below.
Quarter 1 Highlights & Communication
Incident Total: 23 disciplinary violations resulted in Incident Reports during Quarter 1.
Repeat Incidents: 4 students had more than one Incident Report written during the quarter.
Family Notification: Whenever an Incident Report is generated, parents/guardians are notified directly by either the completing staff member or school administration.
Partnering with Families Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing our values at home. Please talk with your child about seeking help from a trusted adult at school rather than retaliating when a problem occurs. Together, we can teach our students to navigate challenges and resolve conflicts safely, respectfully, and peacefully.
With You in Partnership,
Mrs. Amy Van Osdel
Assistant Principal- Ducketts Lane Elementary School
Important Dates
November: Native American Heritage Month
Friday, November 6th: Report Cards available online at 4pm
Wednesday, November 11th: PTA Reflections Art Workshop
Thursday, November 12th: PTA International Night
Monday, November 16th-Friday, November 20th: American Education Week
Monday, November 16th-Monday, November 23rd: PTA Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, November 23: Students are Dismissed at 12:15; no half day PreK, In- Person Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, November 24: Fall Fun Run, Students are Dismissed at 12:15; no half day PreK, Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences
Monday, November 30: Dental Clinic
Reminders and Actions Items
DLES FALL FUN RUN EVENT
We hope you have had a great start to the school year, we are planning to celebrate with students by doing a FALL FUN RUN EVENT on Tuesday (November 24th). During this event, students will be trying their best to run around the entire DLES property. Our amazing PTA will be offering each child a snow cone as the special treat. If you do not want your child to have a snow cone, please send a message to your child's teacher, otherwise, we will offer them a snow cone. As part of this fun day, we are inviting parents/guardians to come out and run or cheer on their student as they participate. If you would like be a part of this special day please fill out the form below and we hope to see you there!
Dental Clinic🦷
Ducketts Lane Elementary School is partnering with a mobile dental program to offer dental cleanings, preventative and limited restorative care* for students at school beginning on November 30, 2026! (*Restorative services may vary between districts and counties based upon legal agreements.)
Parents can enroll their student(s) to take advantage of this opportunity online or by completing and signing a paper permission form and returning it to school by November 27th, 2026.
🔗 Enroll online here: https://www.myschooldentist.com/DLHCMD_schsrm
Need Help or Have Questions? Parents or guardians who need help with enrollment, updating information, opting out, or deciding if the program is a good fit should contact the Patient Support Call Center at:
📞 (800) 409-2563
🕒 Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET
🕒 Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Related Arts Colors
Please use this link for reminders to the color day schedule for related arts: Related Arts Color Days
Student Success and Resources
Math Spotlight: Talking Through the Math!
In our classrooms, real math learning happens when students do the heavy lifting. They are explaining their thinking, trying out strategies, and talking through problems together. You can bring this same "math talk" home! You don't need to have all the answers to help your child grow as a mathematical thinker. Just by asking them to explain how they solved a problem builds deeper understanding.
Try These Questions at Home:
- "What do you notice about this problem?"
- "How did you figure that out?"
- "Is there another way to solve it?"
For grade-specific math concepts and skills, check out the HCPSS What Your Child Will Learn Guides from last weeks newsletter and the MSDE Family Guides for Student Success.
Report Cards ⭐📈
With the conclusion of the first quarter on Tuesday, Quarter 1 report cards will be available to view and download online starting TODAY at 4pm.
How to access your child's report card once available:
Log in to HCPSS Connect Synergy using your parent/guardian credentials.
Select More Options from the left panel.
Select Report Cards from the middle menu.
Choose the report card you wish to access.
For additional guidance, detailed instructions are available on the HCPSS Help Center.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support!
Parent Teacher Conference
Important Scheduling Info:
Sign-up Opens: Today, November 6 at 8:00 AM
Sign-up Closes: Thursday, November 19 at 4:00 PM
Directions: How to sign up from HCPSS
We can’t wait to chat about your child’s progress and growth!
Family and Community Connection
Howard County Office
Navigating Howard County Housing Resources
December 3, 6:30 p.m. | Free virtual workshop
Are you looking for affordable housing in Howard County, having issues with your landlord or looking for ways to pay down your debt? This session guides you through resources and support available in the county. Learn about housing options, consumer rights, financial assistance programs, including eviction prevention, and how to access the right agency for your specific needs.
SNAP Changes
Starting November 1, 2025, Maryland expanded federal SNAP work requirements to include more adults aged 18–64 who do not have dependents under 14. To keep receiving food assistance for more than three months, affected residents must document at least 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, or approved job training. You may be exempt if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or care for a child under age 6, but previous exemptions for veterans and those experiencing homelessness have been removed.
Residents should check their status and upload proof of work through the state's new " One Stop Shop" Maryland Benefits Portal (formerly MD THINK) which allows you to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and energy assistance all in one place, typically in under 30 minutes. Or call 1-800-332-6347 for assistance.
Important Links & Reference
Official Guide: SNAP ABAWD Frequently Asked Question
HCPSS Community Action Council
- Community Action Council offers utility, eviction prevention, and first month rent assistance. Complete application packets required.
PTA News
International Night: The PTA is hosting international night on Thursday, November 12th from 6:30- 8pm in the cafeteria. They are looking for families to volunteer, join in the fun, and share their culture with our community. If your family would like to represent your culture, reserve a table today using this SignUpGenius!
Book Fair: November 16- 23 the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to DLES. The PTA is looking for volunteers to help make the Book Fair a success — from setup and sales to cleanup. If you can lend a hand, please use SignUpGenius to volunteer
Reflections: "What My Culture Means to Me" The National PTA reflections program invites students to explore their creativity and share their unique voices through the arts. All Ducketts Lane students are encouraged to participate. Students can submit original entries in visual arts, photography, literature, music composition, dance, or film production.
- Optional Art Support Workshop: Monday, Nov. 11 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Work directly with our art teachers!) Sign Up coming soon.
- Submission Deadline: Dec. 1, To submit your entry: English / Español
More information about program: visit PTA of Howard County website
Questions: email duckettslanepta@gmail.com
Boost Your Ducketts Lane Spirit Wear this Year🎉
Contact Information
We are here to help!
Principal, Mr. Martin Sean_Martin@hcpss.org
Assistant Principal, Mrs. Van Osdel Amy_Van_Osdel@hcpss.org
Assistant Principal , Mrs. Poquette Laurie_Poquette@hcpss.org
Principal Secretary, Mrs. Canter Terri_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