PLES Newsletter 12-15-21
Thu, 12/16/2021 - 3:25pm
Important Dates
December 16 6:30pm PTA Virtual Secret Shop (see info below)
December 20 Spirit Day: Warm Hat Day
December 21 Spirit Day: Winter Activity Day
December 22 Spirit Day: Pajama Day
December 23 - January 2 Winter Break
January 5 7pm PTA Meeting
January 6 9:15-10:15am Virtual Family Involvement Team Meeting (see info below)
January 13 6-7:30pm Food Pantry
January 17 No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19 3 Hour Early Dismissal – Students Dismiss at 12:20pm
7-9pm Winter Concert at HHS
January 21 End of Quarter 2
January 24 No School – Professional Work Day for Staff
From the Principal. . .
Dear Phelps Luck Families,
As the year 2021 comes to a close, I would like to thank our wonderful parents for their partnership
with us as we work together for each child’s success. I know this school year has been different from
what many of us expected. I feel fortunate to be a part of this amazing Phelps Luck community. I
would also like to thank all of our teachers and staff. We truly have the best staff in Howard County
who work tirelessly for our students! I am genuinely proud to work at Phelps Luck every day and appreciate all of their efforts!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Michelle M. Leader
Principal
School News
Family Involvement Team Meeting:
We have our first Family Involvement Team meeting January 6, 2022 from 9:15-10:15 am. Please join us to discuss the topics below.
• Family Programs
• Parent Conference Feedback
• Input Opportunity
This will be a virtual event. Use the code:
meet.google.com/okh-cxzm-ocp
Let us know you are participating by completing the RSVP form. Hope to see you!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
If you have moved or plan to move, please notify the office of your new address. You will need to bring your new lease/deed and a current utility bill to the office in order for your child’s record to be updated.
If you receive a phone call from the school, please listen to the message before calling back. Most times the front office staff are unaware of who has made the call. This assists us with helping you in the quickest way possible. Thank you!
Community Center Next to PLES
Please do not park in the community center next PLES during morning drop off or afternoon pick-up. This is not part of our school property and the people using the facility have been unable to find parking there. The community center has alerted us that they will begin ticketing and towing cars. We appreciate your assistance!
Impact Aid Forms:
Parents/guardians who work on a federal property in Maryland and/or are a member of a uniformed service can qualify to receive additional federal funding by completing an Impact Aid form by Dec. 31. Impact Aid supplements the HCPSS operating budget to enhance the teaching and learning that takes place in Howard County classrooms.
PLES Multicultural Survey:
PLES Families, we would like to recognize and provide a place for all of the cultures within our building. Students love to see their culture represented at school and we are hoping to display the flags of the countries that showcase their backgrounds. Please fill out the one question survey so we can continue to enhance the diversity at Phelps Luck! If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrea Stremmel (andrea_stremmel@hcpss.org) or Jessica Kempner (jessica_kempner@hcpss.org). Please complete the survey at the link below by January 3rd, 2022! Thank you!
https://forms.gle/4WAc4XJwUi63GT8d9
GT Program Highlighted by HCPSS!!!
Our own Kelly Fleck, PLES G/T Resource Teacher, was highlighted along with some of our students in a recent article about GT Primary Development and Instructional Seminars. #PLESProud
Young Author’s Contest:
The Howard County Literacy Association invites writers in Grades 1 - 5 to submit an original short story or poem for the Elementary School Young Authors’ Contest 2021-22! Submissions, along with a cover sheet, are due by January 20, 2022. For more important details, contact your child’s teacher or Mrs. Carolyn Williams, PLES Reading Specialist (carolyn_williams@hcpss.org).
Canvas Inbox for Students:
Effective November 22, the capability for elementary students to message each other within the Canvas Inbox was turned off. However, elementary students will be able to continue using the inbox to communicate with their teachers. Since elementary students are back in a face-to-face setting, there is limited need for this use.
Job Opportunity:
If you love children and would like to work at our school as a one-on-one support for a student with special needs, please see the following information to apply with Social Service Consultants to work at Phelps Luck Elementary School:
Robert Tencher
Social Service Consultants Ltd
rtencher@gmail.com
www.socialserviceconsultants.com
Family File Information
Please help by ensuring your child’s emergency information is up-to-date at all times. If you ever have any changes, please update your info by going to HCPSS Connect and updating that particular section. 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 Schools alerts. Reply Y for approx. 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 do not reply, you will not receive any future text alerts from School Messenger, the HCPSS News service provider. Text alerts include weather-related closings and emergency information.
School Counselor Update:
This year, the counseling team is providing the opportunity for you to refer your student to talk to a school counselor. If your student is experiencing something at home, struggling with school, or could just use an adult connection, please feel free to complete the form below. We are here to support your student with anything that may be getting in the way of their learning and being the best falcon they can be. Once the form is completed, counselors will connect with your student, as they are able. Please feel free to contact Andrea Stremmel, School Counselor, at 410.313.6886 or andrea_stremmel@hcpss.org with any questions or concerns. https://forms.gle/5aN15LfPxvcfhQXu6
Calling for the Watchdogs!
Our school has a fabulous volunteer program for fathers and father-figures. It is called WATCH D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students). The WATCH D.O.G.S. Program is an innovative program being used by schools across America, which helps them to be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father figures in their student's life. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day this year at the school to be a positive male role model and to provide an extra set of eyes and ears. Please contact watchdogs@phelpsluckpta.org for more information from Ms. McGraw (Assistant Principal) or Mr. Wacha (Watchdogs Coordinator). Thank you!
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: https://www.hcpss.org/food-services/farms/#opportunities
Early Dismissal Procedures:
If you need to pick up your child early for an appointment that is close to the end of the school day, please do so before 3:00pm. After 3:00 pm, it is very difficult for our front office staff to get students while assisting with dismissal procedures. We appreciate your assistance with this! Thank you!
ALL ABOUT GT
Curious about what is going on in GT at PLES? Follow us on twitter!
News from the PTA
Holiday Secret Shop
Sign up for some holiday/winter themed crafting fun! The PLES tradition will be held virtually this year on Thursday, December 16th at 6:30pm. Craft supplies will be provided (available for pickup in the lobby starting 12/13) and participants will learn to make four holiday crafts. A zoom link will be provided to those who are registered (limited to 75 students). Follow link to register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4FA4AC2CA4FF2-secret1
SHOP WITH SCRIP
Starting right now, you can earn fundraising dollars for Phelps Luck PTA by participating in our new Scrip program! This easy-to-use program means you earn fundraising dollars by purchasing electronic gift cards to an extensive list of large businesses (Target, Amazon, Giant, Old Navy, Lowes, etc.) and a percentage of that sale is returned to the PTA as fundraising dollars. This program is starting up just in time for holiday shopping and will continue year-round. Visit https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/GetStarted and select “Join a Scrip Program” under the heading For Families. Our Enrollment Code is BRWAATM9HK7P.
See more details on this fundraising program in our PTA flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dk4C34r2OTSYVUyAzUv3bd7vGoRPtPtb/view?usp=sharing
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
Read the Rainbow with Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Join this virtual event on Saturday, January 8th 2022 @ 1:00pm to meet author team Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, who will read and discuss their book, And Tango Makes Three. This is a FREE book club and open to ALL (students, parents, educators, and community members). The first 50 families registering with preschool and/or elementary aged children will receive a free copy of the book!
To join, please complete the following registration form: https://forms.gle/Q7W1tcH1eNUbNsKUA
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.
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.
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Michelle Leader~ Principal Connie Fowlkes ~ Assistant Principal Sandra McGraw ~ Assistant Principal
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