Falcon Newsletter 10/7/21
Thu, 10/07/2021 - 3:14pmImportant Dates
October 7 6:00-7:30pm Food Pantry
October 13 5:00-10:00pm PTA Victoria’s Dine Out Night
October 14 6:30-7:30pm Watch Dogs Pizza Kick-Off
October 15 No School – Professional Work Day
October 22 PLES Field Day – See info below!
October 28 6:30-7:30pm PTA Trunk-or-Treat
October 29 PLES Field Day – Rain Date
November 3 7:00pm PTA Meeting
November 4 6:00-7:30pm Food Pantry
From the Principal. . .
Dear Phelps Luck Families,
We have many great events during the month of October! Please see the dates above and info specific to these events below.
We currently have 77% of our Family File updates completed! We need 100%! If you haven’t updated your child’s emergency info, please see the section below and update it ASAP! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Michelle M. Leader
Principal
School News
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!!!+
Opting In to Text Messages:
Text Messaging
How can I opt-in to receiving text messages?
Text the work “YES” to 67587 from the wireless device you wish to receive texts on.
I received a text message that says if from SchoolMessenger? What does it mean?
An opt in invitation message was sent by HCPSS using SchoolMessenger from 67587 and said:
Howard County Public Schoosl alerts. Reply Y for aprx 5 msgs/mo. Txt HELP 4 info. Msg&data rates may apply. See schoolmessenger.com/tm
To continue receiving text messages, reply with Y. If you don’t reply, you will not receive any future text alerts from SchoolMessenger, the HCPSS News service provider. Text alerts include weather-related closings and emergency information.
Calling for the WATCH D.O.G.S.!
WATCH D.O.G.S. is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family, and community engagement, organizations in the country. In 1998, the very first WATCH D.O.G.S. program launched at Gene George Elementary in Springdale, AR. Today, more than 6,800 schools across the country have launched a WATCH D.O.G.S. program of their own. Each school year hundreds of thousands of fathers and father-figures make a positive impact on millions of children by volunteering millions of hours in their local schools through this amazing one-of-a-kind program.
Our school's PTA will be sponsoring the WATCH D.O.G.S. program again this year. Our WATCH D.O.G.S. Top Dog with be Richard Wacha. Please mark your calendars for the WATCH D.O.G.S. Pizza Kickoff on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at 6:30pm. We are inviting our fathers/father-figures to register with your children for the kickoff. Please look for the flyer that will come home with your child.
Field Day – October 22nd:
We will be holding our annual Field Day on Friday, October 22nd with the rain date being Friday, October 29th. We felt this would be a great way to continue to build community within our classes. Each grade will participate in field day activities outside for half of the day. We are in need of parent volunteers for this event. Be on the lookout for the volunteer sign-up!!!
CAR LOOP Information:
Parents, you will notice car signs coming home with your child. Please place the car signs on your dashboard for the staff in the car loop to see. Each grade has its own color so if you have more than one child, please place all the car signs on your dashboard. For security, when not using the signs, please turn the sign over or place out of sight.
In addition, please do not park along High Tor Hill and then walk up to get your child. This is adding to the congestion and people are walking in the street without crossing at the crosswalk. We are worried about safety. Thank you!
Community Center Next to PLES:
We are working diligently to shorten the time of our drop-off and pick-up. We know that it has been very backed up but the process gets shorter each day! Please do not park in the community center next PLES. This is not part of our school property and the people using the facility have been unable to find parking there. We appreciate your assistance!
Free and Reduced Meals Information:
Each year, families are required to complete the Free and Reduced Meals application. Information can be found at the link below:
https://www.hcpss.org/food-services/farms/#opportunities
NEWS FROM THE MEDIA CENTER:
Dear 5th Grade Families! We are so excited to announce the 5th Grade Battle of the Books sponsored by the HC Library! Look for information to come home in the Thursday folder. Students will learn about the program during their Media class starting 9/23. Information on the HC Library website will be updated soon.
SPECIAL FAQs: Students form a team of 3-5 other PLES 5th Grade students to read a preselected/provided set of 10 books. Students will need to find a family grown-up to coach and coordinate their book club. If your student is interested but needs help finding a team, please ask them to talk to Mrs. Greene or Mrs. Anderson in the Media Center (and fill out their interest form). If YOU are willing to coach or would like more information, please attend the virtual meeting (zoom link on the HC Library website coming soon) on October 19th @7pm. Please remember, this book club is FOR FUN and optional. Let the Battle Begin!
PLES Partners:
The HCPSS Educational Partnerships 2020-2021 Annual Report has just been released. Each school’s partners are listed, as well as system wide (at-large), curricular and program office partnerships. The report demonstrates how partners work to make Howard County a thriving community that cares for all of its members. Thank you to our PLES partners!
BSAP Saturday Math Academy Fall 2021 Program Registration
Register online Saturday, September 25, 9 a.m.-noon
Families of students in grades 3-12 are invited to register online for this virtual enrichment program, being held on Saturdays between October 16 and November 20. Families can request enrollment by registering their child(ren) for the program in HCPSS Connect. Space is limited, and notification will be emailed to families whose registration request was accepted. Additional program and registration information is available online.
Winter Clothing Drives
Donations accepted - various dates and locations
Clothing pick up:
Saturday, October 16, 1-3 p.m., North Laurel Community Center
Donations of coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and mittens are being accepted at winter clothing drives to help keep Howard County families warm this winter. Any family in need may receive donated items. The drives, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. and the MultiService Center (MSC), will help to serve families supported by the HCPSS Pupil Personnel office.
ALL ABOUT GT:
Curious about what is going on in GT at PLES? Follow us on twitter!
Howard County GT Program Parent Academy, October 13 and 14, 2021
HCPSS families interested in the Gifted and Talented (GT) Program are invited to come learn about the advanced-level offerings available and how their students can become involved. The evening will begin with an overview of GT Education Program offerings followed by a question and answer session with Central Office GT Education Program staff. Elementary and Secondary programs will be covered on separate days. Families may attend one or both nights. Registration is required for these events.
Elementary Focus: Wednesday, October 13, 7 – 8:00 p.m., being held virtually via Microsoft Teams
Secondary Focus: Thursday, October 14, 7-8:00 p.m., being held virtually via Microsoft Teams
For more information and to register, please visit the HCPSS GT Program Parent Academy announcement.
GREEN SCHOOL:
PLES became a certified GREEN SCHOOL on Earth Day this year! We are so proud of our school and excited for what green efforts are to come. We are planning many projects, one of which is to work with the Community Ecology Institute to add a pollinator garden! Ms. Jones and team look forward to working with the students and families to continue our GREEN practices!
News from the PTA:
PLES Spirit Wear!!!! – DEADLINE EXTENDED!!!!
Get your PLES gear! Use the link below to order gear for the whole family. Adult and kid sizing. All items get shipped directly to your home. Proceeds go to the PLES PTA! Shop until October 8th!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PTA TRUNK-OR-TREAT
Hello Falcons! Our annual PTA Trunk-or-Treat is coming up the evening of Thursday, October 28th. Volunteers are needed from 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Volunteer to come, decorate your own trunk and hand out candy. OR volunteer trunk space, Halloween decorations, decorating skills, and/or candy. Please email vp2@phelpsluckpta.org if you are interested in volunteering.
Clothing Bin:
Our Clothing Bin is still accessible all year long! 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
Columbia Community Care:
Columbia Community Care is here to help families right within our own community. Sites are open weekly to offer food and personal items to anyone who needs them. If you are able to donate to help your neighbors in need, donations are gladly accepted, and very much needed.
The 3 CCC sites are open for food distribution and donation drop-off at the following locations and times:
Site Hours:
Saturdays – 10:00 am – Noon (Volunteers and donation drop-off begins at 9:00 am). To volunteer at a site, please go to http://columbiacare.live for sign-up information.
Site Locations:
- Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, 21044
- Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia, 21045
- Long Reach Village Center, 8775 Cloudleap Court, Suite 109, Columbia, 21045
Website: http://columbiacare.live/
Form for food:
OMHS Food Pantry:
The OMHS Food Pantry is from 3:00—5:00 pm on the dates below. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please come to our contact free pickup at 9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia. All you need to bring is a photo ID.
October 27
November 17
December 22
January 26
February 23
March 30
April 27
May 25
June 29
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.
Boy Scout Project:
My name is Thomas Shupps, and I’m a life scout in Troop 361, working on my eagle project. I was a Phelps Luck student. This project is focused on creating little libraries. These little libraries will be designed to provide a variety of books geared towards elementary-middle school aged children in the Phelps Luck Community, to encourage a love for reading. This is especially important for those who can’t keep an extensive personal library at home. These little libraries will be placed in popular areas near schools, to allow anyone to walk up and grab a book. They will hopefully allow people who struggle to get books/entertainment to be satisfied. We are also collecting books for elementary aged students that can be dropped off at Phelps Luck Elementary School during business hours. If you care to help fund this project, you can make donations through PayPal at https://scoutsales.org/.885.96.8764
Thank you,
Thomas Shupps
School’s Out Ninja Day Camps!
HCPSS will be closed Sept 7 & 16, Oct 15, Nov 4, and Dec 23. Make sure to reserve your child’s spot with our business partner - The Okinawan Karate Dojo! The OKD’s "School’s Out Ninja Day Camp" has you covered from 9 AM to 4 PM...or...8 AM to 6 PM (with available before/after care)! OKD's year-round camps are action-packed, tons of fun, and will keep your kids happy, entertained, challenged and moving all day! Not only that, they are licensed as a Child Care Provider by the state of Maryland. The staff is highly trained and certified to give your child a safe, enriching, AWESOME, COVID-safe camp experience! Voted #1 Martial Arts School in HoCo and one of the best ChildCare Providers in 2021, this will be OKD's 22nd annual camp season! 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.
Come learn about Cub Scouts with Pack 678
Is your child interested in outdoor activities, learning new skills, and going on adventures with friends? If so, come learn about Cub Scout Pack 678 during PLES Back to School nights, and then join us for our big recruiting event at 7pm on September 29 at Phelps Luck Elementary School. Pack 678 meets most Wednesdays at the PLES cafeteria and accepts boys and girls from kindergarten through 5th grade. We have a fun year ahead of us filled with hiking, camping, and the always popular Pinewood Derby. We can’t wait to meet you! Email scoutpack678@yahoo.com if you have any questions.