The Falcon Flier

Dr. Holden, Principal

Dr. Anderson, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Grenzer, Assistant Principal

Website: ples.hcpss.org
Location: Phelps Luck Elementary School, Old Stone Court, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: 410-313-6886
Facebook: facebook.com/phelpsluckelementary
X: @hcpss_ples

Dear Phelps Luck Families,

The Phelps Luck staff are excited to welcome all of our students and families to a new school year!

It was wonderful to see so many families at our Open House today. As we prepare for the start of school, please review the important back-to-school information from our administrative team. This information includes important procedures, reminders, and expectations to help ensure a smooth start to the school year.

To stay informed throughout the year, please keep an eye out for our weekly Falcon Flier communication. It will include important dates, updates, and school- and county-related information to help you stay connected and engaged.

Open House Pictures

We’re looking forward to an amazing school year, and we’re so glad you’re here!

Enjoy the weekend, and we’ll see you on Monday!

Warmly,
Dr. Holden, Principal

Dr. Anderson, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Grenzer, Assistant Principal

Arrival & Morning Drop-Off Reminders

• Doors Open at 8:30 a.m. – Students may begin entering the building at this time.
• Late Bell Rings at 8:45 a.m. – Instruction begins promptly at 8:45 a.m.
• No Supervision Before 8:30 a.m. – PLES staff are not available to supervise students before 8:30 a.m. Please do not drop off students early.
• Bus Loop Closed to Vehicles (8:30–8:50 a.m.) – Please do not enter the bus loop during this time. Vehicles may enter once directed by staff.

Kiss and Go

• Kiss and go...say goodbyes, give kisses and hugs to your child at the bus stop or before they enter the building. We are certain your child will be excited to share details about their learning day. Thank you for permitting PLES staff to get students acclimated to their new schedule and routine.

Traffic

• To ensure student safety and help reduce congestion around the school during drop-off, please follow our designated traffic pattern when driving or walking your child to school. Please refer to the detailed Car Loop Procedures map below.

Car Riders

• Car Loop Opens at 8:30 a.m. – Students may exit vehicles at 8:30 a.m.
• Stay in Your Vehicle – Adults should remain in their vehicles. Staff will assist students with exiting.
• Exit on the Curb Side Only – Students must exit from the right side of the vehicle.
• Follow Staff Directions – Please drive slowly, remain patient, and follow staff instructions to keep traffic moving safely.
• Keep the Bus Loop Clear – Do not block the entrance or exit of the bus loop.
• Backpack Tags – Each student will receive a backpack tag indicating their afternoon dismissal plan. Please notify the office if your child’s dismissal plan changes.
• Consider Bus Transportation –Families living in an eligible transportation zone are strongly encouraged to use bus transportation.

Walkers

• Doors Open at 8:30 a.m. – Walkers may enter through the back entrance by the blacktop.
• Staff Support – Staff will be stationed on the blacktop to welcome students and guide them into the building. Additional staff will be available throughout the building to help students locate their classrooms and get settled.
• Walker Tags – Each walker will receive a colored “walker tag” attached to their backpack loop. This helps staff quickly and accurately identify walkers at dismissal.
• Staff will be available throughout the building to assist students with locating their classroom.

Afternoon Dismissal

• Dismissal – Walkers, car riders, and after-care students will be dismissed at 3:10 p.m.
• Staff Support – PLES staff will escort students to their designated dismissal areas.
• Walkers – Families should meet walkers on the blacktop.
• Car Riders – Students will wait inside the building and be escorted to their vehicles by staff. Parents/guardians should remain in their vehicles and use the car loop. For your child’s safety, adults who walk up to the building will be asked to return to the car loop. Thank you for understanding.
• Bus Riders – Students will be dismissed by grade and escorted by staff to their designated buses.
• First Few Days – Dismissal may run a few minutes behind schedule during the first few days of school. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we establish our routines.
• Early Dismissal - If your child requires an early dismissal, please ensure they are picked up no later than 2:45 p.m. Check in at the main office to sign your child out. A photo ID is required for verification.

• August 24 – First Day of School (Grades K-12)
• August 27 – First Day of School (RECC/Pre-K)
• September 2 – 1st & 2nd Grade Back to School Night
• September 7 – Schools and Offices Closed – Labor Day
• September 8 – Virtual PTA Meeting at 7PM
• September 9 – GT Information Session at 5:45PM
• September 9 – 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades Back to School Night at 6:15PM
• September 11 – PTA Back to School Picnic
• September 15 – Hearing and Vision Screening
• September 17 – Flag Day – Represent your country by wearing or bringing your flag colors
• September 21 – Schools and Offices Closed – Yom Kippur
• September 24 – Favorite Hispanic Figure Day – Dress like your favorite Hispanic figure
• September 28 – Hispanic Parent Meeting at 6PM
• September 30 – Schools close 3 hours early – Staff Professional Day

Kindergarten

• Will be rescheduled, date and time will be shared soon

Grades 1 & 2

• Wednesday, September 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Grades 3-5

• Wednesday, September 9, 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Advanced Academic Programs/GT

• Wednesday, September 9 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Please log into www.hcpss.org/connect to update your Family File (electronic emergency card) for each child, 48% have been completed.

Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child and can do so by logging in and selecting the “More Options” tab on the left and then clicking on “Family File” from the list. Please update/provide the information as soon as possible so we have the most up to date details to start the school year. This information must be updated for each child each school year. If you need assistance, please contact the front office staff at 410-313-6886.

Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following:

• Student Information
• Parent/Guardian Contact
• Emergency Contacts
• Medical Information
• Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
• Photo Approval
• Data Confidentiality
• PTA/PTSA Directory

https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-quick-guide.pdf

FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions.pdf

FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH) - https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-spanish.pdf

Phelps Luck has a School-Based Wellness Center

• School-based clinics are located in 10 schools in HCPSS, including Phelps Luck!
• The program is offered through a partnership between the Howard County Health Department and HCPSS and is designed to help keep students healthy, in school, and ready to learn.
• Learn more about the program by visiting: howardcountymd.gov/health/school-based-wellness-centers
• Enroll your student for free HERE.

• Many HCPSS families may qualify for the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides much more than free or reduced-price school meals. Eligible students may also receive benefits such as reduced or waived fees for college entrance exams and applications, academic and athletic programs, and other educational opportunities.
• Families are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and submit a new FARMs application each school year, even if they qualified previously.
• Additional information, eligibility guidelines, and the online application are available on the HCPSS website. We encourage eligible families to apply as soon as possible to ensure access to these valuable benefits.
• Apply online
• Apply by mail: Paper applications will be available at all school front offices. Applications can be returned to the school or mailed to HCPSS Food & Nutrition Services, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
• Daily meal prices for students whose families do not qualify for free or reduced meals have increased by $0.20 per meal this school year.

The online HCPSS bus stop locator is available. Eligible families can access bus stop locations, and pickup/dropoff times. Please be sure to check your child's bus stop location, bus time, and bus number as they may have changed from last year. Please be sure to arrive at your bus stop at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. https://www.hcpss.org/schools/transportation/

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MA1kQ7ZgyGcr1pm9RkEfURiYZwvbrsq2YV1h1xVePds/edit?usp=sharing

• Parents can email PLESabsence@hcpss.org to report a student’s absence. Please include your child(ren)’s full name, the date your child(ren) was absent and the reason.

Local Discretionary Absence Requests:

• HCPSS students are granted 3 days a year to use at their discretion for scheduled family trips, civic engagement, and other special events.

• Such absences may not occur during exams or state-mandated testing periods unless authorized by the principal/designee.
• A written request for such absences to be lawful/excused should be submitted at least one week in advance.
• For families requesting local discretionary absences, please complete PDF fillable Discretionary Absence Form and email it to PLESabsence@hcpss.org. The form is also available in Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.

• For your planning needs, please see the link below which details dates/holidays for HCPSS this coming year, including Winter break, Spring break, and professional learning days. Click here: https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/#print

• HCPSS Related Arts Calendar

These classes provide fun, structured, educational, and enriching activities for students on site at Phelps Luck ES, benefitting both the child(ren) and parents!

1. Please see the Attached PDF flier Phelps Luck ES Spring 2025 Before & After School Classes Flier

2. Families can register for before/after school classes offered at Phelps Luck ES by HCRP: Phelps Luck ES Registration Page.