Owl Observer News

We had a wonderful full week of school, and the warmer weather certainly made its presence known at the start of the week! I also want to take a moment to celebrate our 5th grade musicians, who did a fantastic job at our Spring Concert on Tuesday night. We are so proud of their hard work and performance.

As we move into these final weeks, we are encouraging all students to stay focused and engaged in learning. We have noticed that some students are continuing to wear hoodies with their hoods up and sharing that they are feeling tired. We ask for your support in having a conversation at home about the importance of “locking in” during the school day, as we still have important learning ahead. To help maintain a safe and engaged learning environment, students are expected to keep their hoods down so staff can see their faces and support their participation.

We are also excited to share that we have a fun day planned for Tuesday! Simply being present gives students the opportunity to have their name selected from our random prize wheel—an added incentive to be here and engaged.

Next Friday will be a big day for our 5th grade students as they host their annual Student Congress Hearing (SCH). We look forward to welcoming judges from across our community to hear our students showcase their learning about government.

Thank you for your understanding in our decision to move Field Day to June 5 in an effort to avoid predicted inclement weather.

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, May 25. We look forward to seeing everyone back and ready to learn on Tuesday, May 26!

Attention families—yearbook order forms were sent home. Be sure to purchase your yearbook soon, as we have a limited number available. Please note that 5th grade students do not need to purchase a yearbook. Don’t miss out—get your yearbook before we sell out!

We’re excited to make Tuesday, May 26th a fun-filled day at school with raffles, surprises, and extra excitement for all students who attend.

We know the schedule may feel a bit different with school closed on Monday, May 25th and Wednesday, May 27th, but Tuesday is still an important learning day—and a great opportunity for students to be here, have fun, and stay on track. Plus, every student who attends will have a chance to be part of the day’s special activities!

Strong attendance is one of our school improvement goals, and your support helps us build consistent routines and maximize learning for every child.

Let’s make it a great day and week—we can’t wait to see everyone there!

Monday, May 25th- Schools Closed-Memorial Day

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

Tuesday, June 2nd- Spirit Days to Summer Starts

Friday, June 5th- Field Day

Monday, June 8rh- Coffee & Conversation 9:00am here at Ducketts Lane

Please join us for Coffee & Conversation on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM till 10:00 PM in the DLES cafeteria.

This informal gathering is an opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversation while enjoying coffee and light refreshments. We value your partnership and look forward to spending time together in a relaxed setting.

Whether you stop by for a few minutes or stay for the entire time, we would love to see you there!

Please register with this LINK.

We heard your feedback—and we’re excited to make our countdown to summer even more meaningful and fun! Instead of many separate spirit days, we are streamlining the celebration into one exciting event: our “We Are Ducketts” Spirit Countdown!

This special countdown will bring our school community together in a fun, inclusive way while keeping the focus on learning and end-of-year celebrations. We’re giving you plenty of time to get ready so that every student can participate and feel included.

📅 The countdown kicks off on Tuesday, June 2nd!

Get ready for school spirit, community pride, and lots of fun as we celebrate all that makes Ducketts such a special place. We can’t wait to see everyone join in the excitement!

#WEAREDUCKETTS Day (Friday June 5th) is almost here! Thank you to our amazing community—over 80 parents have signed up to volunteer.

For the day we are encouraging families to have students bring: a water bottle, sunglasses, and a towel (we’ll have water stations), and apply sunblock at home. Students will receive a snowcone and an freeze pop—please let us know of any restrictions.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership, as we hope this will be the best day of the year for our young people and school community!

As always if you should have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out:

The P.E. Dept

Kevin_Anderson@hcpss.org

Robert_Ambramson@hcpss.org

Our Spring Concerts are right around the corner! If your child is in Band, Orchestra or Chorus, please review the concert flyers linked below.

4th Grade Spring Concert

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 @ DLES

*PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION

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

• 4th Grade Orchestra

• 4th Grade Band

• 4th Grade Chorus

If your child is in need of a white shirt, black pants or black shoes please contact their music teacher. DLES has a small closet of donated concert clothes available for students in need.

Mrs. McKay (Orchestra) amanda_mckay@hcpss.org

Mr. Marsh (Band) josiah_marsh@hcpss.org

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

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

If you have any concert clothes (shirt, pants/skirt, shoes) that no longer fit your child, please consider donating them to the DLES Concert Closet for another student to wear.

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.

VOTE: Join the PTA meeting in the cafeteria at 5:30 on May 28th. Learn more and vote for new members of the executive board.

To stay up-to-date on all of our upcoming events, visit our website and Facebook page.

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