Owl Observer News

It was another great week of learning and opportunities to create lasting memories across our school community! Later today, two of our grade levels will be heading out on field trips—exciting experiences that help bring classroom learning to life in meaningful and engaging ways.

We’re also proud to share that our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students have completed their Reading MCAP assessments. In the weeks ahead, they will begin their Math MCAP assessments. These assessments require a great deal of focus, stamina, and perseverance, and we are so proud of the effort our students have shown.

A special thank you to our PTA for supporting students through this time by creating engaging student “reward stores.” Students are able to earn feathers to redeem for showing effort and perseverance during these challenging assessments. While assessment results are not immediate, these incentives help reinforce the importance of strong learning habits and encourage students to give their very best.

We also took time this week to celebrate our amazing secretaries. They truly are the glue that helps keep our school running smoothly each and every day. Whether you’re connecting with them on the phone or visiting the school, we encourage you to take a moment to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

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.

We want to acknowledge and truly appreciate your efforts to support strong daily attendance between now and June 18. Being present at school each day is one of the most impactful ways to help your child reach their learning goals—simply being here matters.

At the same time, we want to share an important trend we are noticing. There has been an increase in the number of students arriving late to school or leaving early. While this may not count as a full-day absence, it does impact instructional time, and we closely monitor these patterns.

Currently, about 3% of students arrive late on average over the course of the year. This month, that number has increased to 3.3%, which equates to roughly 19 students arriving late each day. We are seeing a similar pattern with early dismissals.

Even small amounts of missed time add up quickly. Missing just 5 minutes a day results in 25 minutes of lost learning in a week—and that time is often during key instruction or transitions.

We ask for your partnership in helping ensure students arrive on time and remain at school for the full day whenever possible. Let’s work together to finish Quarter 4 strong and make this our best attendance quarter yet.

Monday, May 25th- Schools Closed-Memorial Day

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

Get ready—this coming Monday is the FINAL Monday of Math Month, and we’re ending with a fun twist!

Grab a friend (or two!) and dress the same to show off your skip counting skills!

Twins = counting by 2s
Triplets = counting by 3s
…and so on!

Let’s fill the school with matching teams, big smiles, and math spirit as we celebrate all the learning and fun we’ve had this month!

We can’t wait to see your creative combinations—let’s make this a fun, exciting, and memorable Math Month send-off!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges for our 5th Grade Simulated Congressional Hearings (SCH)—one of the most exciting and meaningful learning experiences of the year!

This is a powerful opportunity to see our students bring their social studies learning to life as they take on the role of constitutional experts—presenting, defending ideas, and engaging in thoughtful dialogue. It’s a moment they remember long after they leave elementary school!

📅 Event Date: Friday, May 29th
📍 Location: Ducketts Lane Elementary School

Your presence truly makes this experience authentic and impactful for our students.

👉 Interested in volunteering as a judge?
Click HERE be sure to select Ducketts Lane when completing the form.

Thank you for supporting our students and helping make this experience so special! 💙

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.

Later today, families will be able to access their child’s report card. We encourage you to take some time to review it together and use it as a meaningful tool to understand how your child is progressing toward grade-level standards taught and assessed this past quarter.

To support you in interpreting the report card, this link provides additional background on how grades are determined and what they represent. We hope it serves as a helpful guide as you review your child’s progress.

This is also a great opportunity to set goals with your child—identify an area for growth and talk about what steps can help them continue to improve. Checking in regularly makes a difference. Ask your child about what they’re learning each day—what felt fun, what felt challenging, and what they’re most proud of.

We invite you to partner closely with us during this final quarter. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher for specific skills or strategies that could benefit from additional practice at home.

As the weather warms up and spring activities pick up, it can be harder for students to stay focused. At the same time, this is an important stretch of the school year. There is still significant learning ahead, and these next weeks play a key role in ensuring students are prepared for the expectations of the next grade level.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s growth—we are in this together.

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 us for a special morning on May 11 from 8-8:30 am as we celebrate all the moms, grandmas, aunts or any special guest of honor! Enjoy delicious muffins, warm smiles, and quality time together before the school day begins.

We look forward to sharing this sweet moment with you!

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.

Program Overview

The GBI2 Pilot Program will provide selected households with $500 per month for 12 months. In addition, $500 per month will be set aside in a savings account and released in July 2027 upon completion of a financial literacy program delivered by a CAC partner. This flexible financial support is designed to help families meet their most pressing needs, including housing, food, transportation, education, and healthcare.

Eligibility Criteria (High-Level)

To qualify, applicants must:

• Reside in Howard County
• Have at least one child under age 17 in the household
• Have a household income between 150% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Not receive income-based housing assistance (e.g., Housing Choice Voucher, BRHP, MIHU, or tax credit housing)
• Be able to participate in monthly check-ins and complete a financial literacy program by June 2027

Application Window

• Opens: April 24, 2026, at 8:00 AM
• Closes: May 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM

Selection Process

All eligible applicants will be entered into a lottery, with participants randomly selected in early June. Selected households will be required to submit documentation within 14 days to confirm eligibility.

*This information is neither sponsored nor endorsed by HCPSS, but serves to extend resources for students and families.

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