Owl Observer News

This week was filled with joyful learning, meaningful connections, and the creation of lasting memories across our school community. Classrooms were alive with curiosity and engagement, and it was wonderful to see our students growing both academically and socially each day. We were especially excited to welcome the Okinawan Karate Dojo for a special assembly on our early dismissal day Wednesday—students enjoyed the experience and learned about discipline, focus, and cultural traditions in a fun and engaging way.

As the weather continues to improve, we want to share a kind reminder that students should not be dropped off prior to 8:30 a.m., as we do not have staff available to supervise before that time. We have noticed some students arriving as early as 8:00 a.m., and we want to ensure everyone’s safety by maintaining our established arrival procedures.

As you enjoy the weekend, here are a few simple ways to continue building skills at home:

• Reading: Encourage your child to read for 15–20 minutes each day—this could be independently, with you, or even listening to a story together.
• Writing: Have your child write a short journal entry about their day or weekend plans, or create a story using their imagination.
• Math: Practice math facts, play number games, or involve your child in real-life math like cooking, measuring, or shopping.

We hope you have a wonderful, restful weekend and look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday!

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Ducketts a place where every student learns and grows.

Congratulations to our March Attendance Contest winners! Our winning classes have enjoyed celebrating their success, and we hope their achievement serves as a reminder that being present each day truly matters. Every day in school is an opportunity for learning, connection, and growth.

Since returning from spring break, we have noticed a drop in our average daily attendance, which is currently at 93.4%. This is a trend we must work together to improve. Our goal for the year is to maintain an average daily attendance rate above 95%, and we know this is within reach when we partner as a school community.

Consistent attendance has a direct impact on student success—when students miss school, they miss valuable instruction and experiences that are difficult to replicate. Let’s work together to get back on track by prioritizing daily, on-time attendance. With your support, we can meet our goal and ensure every student has access to the full learning experience they deserve.

Monday, May 25th- Schools Closed-Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 27th- Schools Closed-Eid ul-Adha

The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program, or MCAP for short, is underway here at DLES. For students in 3rd-5th grades, the MCAP assessment helps build students’ career and college readiness skills and provides teachers with timely information to inform instruction and provide student support. This assessment is 8 total days, 4 days of ELA testing and 4 days of Math testing. We encourage students to come to school on time, be well rested, and ready to learn and do their DLES best!

Our MCAP testing schedule for students in grades 3-5 is:

Additionally, some students participate in our Alternate MCAP Assessment - called The Dynamic Learning Map. This assessment is administered one-on-one and will take place during the student’s grade level assigned MCAP dates or a specified time chosen by your child’s teacher.

Howard County Public School's Title I Office receives Title I funds to provide additional support and resources to Title I Schools. The Title I Office supports family engagement through the implementation of its Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Plan and by providing schools with funds to support family engagement. Please take a moment to complete the HCPSS Title I Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Input Survey, providing feedback on the district's Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Plan and parent engagement funds.

La Oficina de Título I de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Howard recibe fondos Título I para proveer apoyo y recursos adicionales a Escuelas Título I. La Oficina de Título I apoya el compromiso familiar mediante la implementación de su Plan de participación de padres, familias y la comunidad y proporcionando a las escuelas con fondos para apoyar la participación familiar. Por favor, dedique un momento para completar la Encuesta de opinión sobre participación de padres, la familia y la comunidad del HCPSS, realizando comentarios sobre el Plan de participación de padres, familias y la comunidad y los fondos para la participación de padres del distrito.

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.

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.

Screen Time Struggles: Navigating Screen Time Challenges with Young Children

April 29, 7 p.m. | Virtual | Register FREE

Excessive screen time is linked to attention difficulties, disrupted sleep and elevated stress in children even before age five. Come ready to connect, learn and leave with a personalized action plan for your family.

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