Important Dates
April 22 4pm Report Cards Visible at hcpss.org/connect
May 4 A Day and E Day Student Pictures Taken
MAP Reading – Grade 1 Only
May 5 MAP Reading Assessment (Grades 2-5)
12:30-3:00pm Virtual Student Pictures Taken
May 6 B Day and E Day Student Pictures Taken
May 12 MAP Reading Make-Ups
May 13 No School – Articulation/Professional Work Day
May 18 MAP Math – Grade 1 Only
May 19 MAP Math Assessment (Grades 2-5)
May 26 MAP Math Make-Ups
From the Principal. . .
Dear Phelps Luck Families,
We will be administering the spring MAP assessment in May. Please see the detailed info below and
assist us with ensuring your child is on-line or in-person on these days.
In addition, we appreciate the diligence you have provided with ensuring you perform a symptoms
check on your child each day prior to in-person learning. If your child has any symptoms, please
keep him/her home and call our health room.
We truly appreciate all of your continued support during our hybrid learning!
Sincerely,
Michelle M. Leader
Principal
School News
MAP Assessment:
The MAP Assessment will be given virtually for all students except Group E, who will take it in-person. Please mark the following dates and times on your calendar and plan for your child(ren) in Grades 1-5 to take the MAP Assessment for Reading and Math:
Reading MAP
Grade 1 – Tuesday, May 4, 2021; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades 2-5 – Wednesday, May 5, 2021; 9:15-11:15 a.m.
Reading Make-up for All Grades - Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Grade 1 – 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades 2-5 – 9:15-11:15 a.m.
Math MAP
Grade 1 – Tuesday, May 18, 2021; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades 2-5 – Wednesday, May 19, 2021; 9:15-11:15 a.m.
Math Make-up for All Grades – Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Grade 1 – 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grades 2-5 – 9:15-11:15 a.m.
MAP, or the Measure of Academic Progress, is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote your child's academic growth. Thank you.
Individual School Pictures for both In Person and Virtual Students:
All In-Person and Virtual Students at Phelps Luck Elementary will have individual school pictures taken May 4, 5, and 6, 2021! Virtual Students have the option to sign-up for a time and order picture packages. In Person students will have their pictures taken during the school day and may also order picture packages.
May 4, 2021 A Day and E Day Students - during the school day (no need to sign up)
May 5, 2021 Virtual Students - between 12:30 to 3:00pm at PLES (sign up with link below)
May 6, 2021 B Day and E Day Students - during the school day (no need to sign up)
*Virtual Students may schedule an appointment for their pictures to be taken on 5/5/2021 between 12:30-3:00pm at PLES.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C48AAAE2FA7FFC07-may5th
Picture Information for ALL Families (In Person and Virtual) To order your child’s school pictures please visit www.schoolpix.com. Click the "Preorder Online Portraits Here" button. When prompted, enter the PLES online code: NBJ69862. Follow the prompts to order a package. Attached is the flier with these directions.
School Pictures Pre-Order Info.pdf
Please note that it is not necessary to order a package to have your child’s picture taken! School Pictures, Inc® will follow all recommended safety protocols so that they can assure a comfortable and safe photograph experience for your child(ren).
School Counseling Newsletter:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hotYNlCS78hVPg79maP1v8bgs5sVRG-7pZshOaMYb30/edit?usp=sharing
Updated Front Office Procedures:
Drop off-of instruments, lunches, computers, etc.
Late Arrivals:
Early Dismissals:
Visitors:
Caring for your Chromebook:
It is essential that students do not eat or drink near their Chromebook. Many families have needed their Chromebook swapped out for the food and drinks spilling on the Chromebooks. Please be aware that HCPSS is now charging a fee to fix any damage. In addition, students are asked to not put stickers on or use markers on their Chromebooks. We appreciate your assistance!
Below is the link to more information about caring for your child’s Chromebook.
HC DrugFree Updates for Parents/Guardians:
Free Parenting Classes: HC DrugFree and the Howard County State's Attorney's Office, partnering with HCPSS and the Health Department, will once again provide evidence-based classes for families to gain skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will engage in risky behaviors including using drugs. This 4-class series for parents of 9-14 year olds will be held on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, May 4, 11 and June 1, 8. Parents/guardians must register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCDrugFreeSpring2021 If you have questions, email Joan Webb Scornaienchi, HC DrugFree’s Executive Director at Admin@hcdrugfree.org
Drive-thru Medication, EpiPens, Needles, and Syringes Collection in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot: Bring your expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication and “sharps” to HC DrugFree's convenient drive-thru collection on Saturday, April 24 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Wilde Lake Village Center parking lot near the Swim Center and The UPS Store. Medication will be guarded and transported by the Howard County Police and the DEA. Safe distancing. Masks worn. No need to remove labels or get out of vehicle. Sharps must be in appropriate sharps containers. Separate sharps from meds. Looking for adult volunteers to assist at the event and medically-trained adults to assist with the medication collection. Go to https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/
Receive HC DrugFree's Free Newsletter: To receive HC DrugFree's free electronic newsletter packed with information for parents and opportunities for students, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/
PLEASE COMPLETE: Family File Information:
Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File (electronic emergency card) for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect and selecting the “More Options” tab on the left and then clicking on “Family File” from the list. If your child was in an HCPSS school in previous years, you only need to update any changes. Please update/provide the info ASAP. Thank you!!!
Telemedicine During Virtual Learning:
On January 4, the School Based Wellness Centers (SBWC) Telemedicine Program reopened. The program focuses on children who do not have health insurance and/or a medical provider. Since the children and students are in their homes, we will not have the use of the telemedicine carts and will be unable to examine ears or perform throat cultures. Parents and guardians may call our office or send an email and program staff will determine if the health complaint can be safely evaluated and if not, assist them in finding a medical provider to see the child in person. There will be no charge for any of the SBWC Telemedicine visits. However, children must be enrolled or willing to enroll in the SBWC Program.
Student Absences:
If your child needs to be absent, please send an email to PLESAbsence@hcpss.org and include the
child’s first and last name, date of absence, and reason for absence. Like when we are in the school building, an absence note is required for all absences. Thank you!
Computer Support:
If you are experiencing issues with your child’s Chromebook, please use the link below to submit the issue to our PLES staff. A staff member will contact you to support you with the issue.
Link: PLES Technology Support
2nd HoCo VIRTUAL Rainbow Conference
Please join us virtually to learn more about how to be better advocates for the LGBTQ+ Community at our second HoCo Rainbow Conference. With over 24 concurrent sessions and local as well as national speakers, we have a full day of fun and learning lined up for Saturday, May 15, 2021. Session speakers include Jane Clementi and Joshua Patel of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, Rae Sweet of the It Gets Better Project, Maryland House Majority Leader, Eric Luedtke, Kevin Naff of The Washington Blade, Ying Matties and Robyn Page of Community Allies of Rainbow Youth (CARY), and many more! Registration for this FREE conference will go live on Friday, April 2nd. Until then, you can browse our conference website to learn more about the sessions and view the conference schedule here. We hope many of you will join us!
PLES Lunch Bunches:
During this unprecedented time, many of our students are in need of additional social interactions. If you feel your child could benefit from a lunch bunch with Mrs. Jones, School Counselor, or Mrs. Croushler, Social Emotional Learning Lead Teacher, please feel free to email them with your request. These lunch bunches would be a time for a few students to “hang out” together, talk and relax with other students from their grade. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Croushler will work with you to determine a time that best fits your schedule and your child's needs. We know that our students are seeking these interactions and we are here to help! Please email them at jessica_jones@hcpss.org or sarah_croushler@hcpss.org if you wish to schedule one for your child!
PLEASE COMPLETE: Free and Reduced Meal Application: Once you have completed your Family File Information, a screen will pop up asking you to complete the Free and Reduced Meal application. Please complete the FARM application if you think you will qualify or if you have qualified in the past. Qualifying for FARMs provides benefits for meals, reduced Comcast internet fees and much more! Please find the FARM application here.
FREE Grab-and-Go Meals
All families should note that effective March 1, there will be new procedures for student meals. Meals for seven days per week will continue to be provided at no cost to students; however, the days and times meals will be provided will change. Students returning in person may choose to receive meals any day they are in school. For all other families, meals will be available for pickup from 7:45-8:45 a.m. at elementary school locations and 9-10 a.m. at middle and high school locations on the following:
Full details on student meals (Links to an external site.) can be found on the HCPSS website.
News from the Media Center!
*We are so excited to start checking out books to our "at school" kids! If students bring them home, please help them remember to bring back the book so they can check out a new one on their next in school Media day. A great way to help them remember is by keeping the book in their backpacks when they are not reading them.
**If you have a book from last year or from another school, please return it. There is a return bin just inside the building so that you can feel safe while returning it. We would really like to check out these books to other students. Thanks!
***We are continuing our Contactless Book Check Out! The directions are here: Check Out Directions We also have the directions in Canvas as an Announcement for all Media Classes. Families need to help students attach their Synergy ID number to their Media Accounts by following the directions included. Thank you for helping!
KEEP READING
News from the PTA:
Clothing Bin:
Our Clothing Bin is still accessible during the school closure. Please feel free to donate any items to our Clothing Bin in our school parking lot. This is a fundraiser and supports our PTA! Please place all items in a closed trash bag before placing the bag in the bin. Thank you!!!
From the Community
Here is a list of resources for you to access:
COVID 19 Rent Assistance:
Beginning October 5, 2020, Howard County residents may contact one of the participating providers to complete an application for assistance to pay past due rent and/or mortgage payments and/or to prevent eviction. Maximum assistance per household is 3 months of housing expense. Click here for details.
LRHS Food Distribution:
There will be a food distribution at LRHS each Saturday from now through April 24th from 10am-12pm. The food will be given out in the bus loop. No forms need to be completed. Just come to the school to get a box of fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat.
OMHS Food Pantry
OMHS Food Pantry will be open next week for distribution. For the foreseeable future, we will be distributing on the last WEDNESDAY of every month from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Our upcoming dates are:
Wednesday, April 28
Wednesday, May 26
Columbia Community Care:
This group gives out food at the Long Reach Village Center, Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, and Oakland Mills Middle School on Wednesdays from 5-8pm and Saturdays 10:30am-1:30pm. If you need food delivered fill out the form for food and they can deliver or you may have someone pick up for you as well.
Website: http://columbiacare.live/
Form for food:
Howard High School Summer Camp Info:
The Lions' Pride Booster Club is proud to announce their summer camp lineup for the summer of 2021. Registration and details of each camp can be found here: http://www.howardlionspride.org/summer-sports-camps.html Come out and learn about your favorite sports from the Howard H.S. athletic coaches. We look forward to working with you!
Okinawan Karate Dojo-Summer Camp!
Summer Camp?? You BET!! Every summer, our business partner - The Okinawan Karate Dojo - hosts their very popular Fitness Ninja Camps. THIS summer will be no different--Fitness Ninja Spring/Summer Camps 2021 are happening, COVID-safe and in and/or outdoor. Voted #1 Martial Arts School in HoCo and one of the best ChildCare Providers in 2021, this will be OKD's 21st annual camp season! These weekly camps are a great way for your kids, ages 5 to 13, to stay active, entertained and educated on health, wellness, sports, fitness, and karate this summer. As a licensed childcare provider, OKD will meet/exceed all state, local, and CDC recommendations related to COVID-19.
Dates: June 21st to August 27th, from 9am to 4pm each day. Before/After care available. Find additional information about the camp, online registration, and OKD's COVID safety policy at: OKDkarate.com. Space is Limited. Questions? Call: 443 574 8999 or Email: info@okinawankaratedojo.com.
New HCPSS Community News and Programs Site:
In response to community requests for resources, HCPSS’ new Community News and Programs website makes it easy for families to find educational and recreational resources, events and after-school programs beyond the school day by non-profit organizations. Community organizations requesting their announcements be shared in school newsletters should visit community-programs.hcpss.org for more information. Questions should be directed to the Public Information Office at publicinfo@hcpss.org.