Important Dates
January 17 No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 19 3 Hour Early Dismissal – Students Dismiss at 12:20pm
January 20 6pm EMMS Virtual Parent Orientation – more info below
7pm BBMS Virtual Parent Orientation – more info below
January 21 End of Quarter 2
January 24 No School – Professional Work Day for Staff
January 27 6-7:30pm Food Pantry
January 31 Reports Cards available at hcpss.org/connect
From the Principal. . .
Dear Phelps Luck Families,
Thank you for your support with ensuring your child comes to school with a mask each day. We are working very hard to keep our school safe!
In addition, we continue to monitor the weather and if the weather will be 20 degrees or above with the wind chill, students will go outside for recess and outdoor lunch if they are signed up. Please send your child to school with layers in case we do go outside. If your child needs a coat or hat, please let their teacher know. We have many in the office!!!
Sincerely,
Michelle M. Leader
Principal
School News
Bonnie Branch Middle – 6th Grade Orientation:
BBMS will hold their virtual parent orientation on Thursday, January 20th at 7pm. More details are provided in the flier at the link below:
Incoming 6th Grade Virtual General Meeting and GT Overview
Ellicott Mills Middle -6th Grade Orientation:
WELCOME TO ELLICOTT MILLS!!!
We are so excited to have you and your student/students to be joining the Ellicott Mills family as 6th Graders for the 2022-2023 school year. On Thursday, January 20th from 6pm-7pm (snow date Monday, January 25th from 6pm-7pm) EMMS will be hosting a virtual information session for parents and guardians to discuss the middle school transitions, course offerings and requirements, and to answer any questions you may have. "See" you soon!
Again... Welcome to The Mill!
Rising 6th Grade Parent Night Flyer: https://www.canva.com/design/DAE0m2_5MkE/uj-2xv_bIwKb2Jdt9ig9kg/view?utm...
Carpool Reminders:
Just a reminder that school starts at 8:55am. If you are driving your child, please ensure you are at school prior to 8:55am so your child is on time. Also, please remain in the line of cars and do not pull around cars. This helps everyone to stay safe. We appreciate your support!!!
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!
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).
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
ALL ABOUT GT
Curious about what is going on in GT at PLES? Follow us on twitter!
News from the PTA
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?u...
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 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJIRfYmnGVs1KNEvq0mfqL8qoOJtlV...
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.
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.