Owl Observer
Community Newsletter
October 4, 2026
Message from Administration
Hello Ducketts!
Wow – It’s October already! It was an absolutely fantastic first 6 weeks of school. Our students continue to bring joy with their warm smiles and contagious energy toward learning, our teachers continue to impress with their dedicated efforts to truly differentiate instruction and engage our students, and our families continue to show out with their involved partnership. Our Ducketts school community is truly special.
Please know that our teaching staff is currently participating in individual instructional meetings with Ms. Van Osdel, Ms. Poquette, and me. These SLO (Student Learning Objective) meetings are collaborative opportunities for our teachers to share with our administrative team specific academic goals that have been established for their students, and to discuss the instructional strategies developed to support, monitor, and evaluate progress toward the identified goals.
In addition to weekly planning and data meetings led by our teachers in their respective grade levels and/or discipline departments, these SLO meetings with our administrative team occur 3x per year.
The level of expertise, intention, reflection, and analysis that are offered by our teachers during these meetings are truly inspiring and are consistently driven by a sense of purpose to enhance the academic experience for all.
Sincerely,
Sean Martin
Principal
Ducketts Lane Elementary School
Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, October 6: Hearing and Vision Testing
Thursday, October 8: Primary Family Night – Literacy
Superhero School Spirit Day
Monday, October 12: Donuts with Dudes
Tuesday, October 13: Hearing and Vision Testing
Thursday, October 15: Kindergarten Field Trip - Sharp’s Farm
Friday, October 16: No School for Students- Staff Workday
Tuesday, October 20: Bus Evacuation Drill – AM Arrival
PTA Executive Board Meeting
Thursday, October 22: Intermediate Family Night - Math Focus
Wear Your Jersey/Numbers Spirit Day
ECSE In House Field Trip
Friday, October 23: 1st Grade Field Trip – Robinson Nature Center
Saturday, October 24: PTA Trunk or Treat
Tuesday, October 27: End of 1st Marking Period
Upcoming Color Day Related Arts Schedule
Please use thsi link for reminders to the color day schedule for related arts: Related Arts Color Days
Family and Community Connection
FINAL DAYS: Please Consider Supporting our 5th Grade Fundraiser
Hello Families! We are in the final days of our 5th Grade Fundraiser! Paper orders MUST be returned to school by next Wednesday, 10/7/26. Online orders will be due by 11:59pm on 10/11/26. If you haven't already done so, please register your student at FundPrizes.com and share with 5 people to help us reach our goal!
Join The Fight For a Cure
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer and the necesity to improve access to timely diagnosis and quality care.
“Every story is unique, every journey matters” recognizes that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a unique journey. Please consider grabbing some pink gear and standing with Ducketts Lane to fight for a cure. Shop Now!
Parent Workshops About Building Resilience: Hosted by Deep Run Elementary
Deep Run Elementary School is hosting a 9 session parent series around building resilience. These sessions are open to all families in the area.The sessions will incorporate a collaborative and supportive space where parents can share and reflect on their own stories, learn how the brain works under trauma, and practice new skills to promote healing, self-regulation, communication, and problem-solving during moments of stress.
Food and Childcare provided. For more information call or text 443-904-6547 or email tyrone@tdpbaltimore.org.
PE News
Welcome to our first edition of PE NEWS:) In September, our PreK–1st graders practiced locomotor skills to explore movement and direction, while 2nd–5th graders worked on key Health-Related Fitness Components (Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Aerobic Fitness, and Flexibility).
During October, we will move into our throwing and catching unit. We encourage you to ask your child about the skills they are practicing in P.E.!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
The P.E. Department
Mr. Anderson & Mr. Abramson
#WEAREDUCKETTS
Tardiness/Early Dismissal as a Component of Attendance
Just as attendance is a crucial component for student success, so is being at school consistently throughout the entirety of school day. Of course, situations arise when it is necessary to be late for school or to be dismissed early. As parents we juggle so many things between our own schedules and those of our children – the occasional late arrival or early dismissal is understood.
However, frequent disruptions in the school day do have impacts upon the student experience.
These impacts could potentially include academic, social, and emotional well-being of our students.
- Academic: Arriving late means students miss important instructions, morning routines, and announcements that help set them up for a successful day.
- Social and Emotional: Frequent tardiness can make it harder for students to feel connected, confident, and ready to engage with their peers and teachers.
We respectfully ask for your partnership with limiting disruptions in the school day and for your continued support in ensuring your children, our students, have the opportunity to maximize the school experience every day.
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 Teresa_Canter@hcpss.org
Front Office/Teacher Secretary Ms. Lynette Carmen_Lynette@hcpss.org
Front Office/Teacher Secretary Mrs. Forman Julie_Forman@hcpss.org
Front Office/Teacher 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