PLES Newsletter 3-31-22

Fri, 04/01/2022 - 12:09pm

Important Dates

March 31 4:00-5:00pm PK & K Book Mobile in PLES Parking Lot

6:00-7:30pm Food Pantry

April 1 End of Quarter 3 – Dismiss 3 Hours Early at 12:20pm

April 2 9:00-11:00am Spring Clothing Give-Away at LRHS in the gym

April 5 Vaccine Clinic During the School Day – Dose #2

April 6 7pm Virtual PTA Meeting

April 8 Report Cards Available at hcpss.org/connect

April 9-18 Spring Break

April 19 School Reopens after Spring Break

PK Registration Begins!

April 21 6:00-7:30pm Food Pantry

April 27 3 Hour Early Dismissal – School Dismisses at 12:20pm

April 28 Class and Individual Picture Day

April 29 7:00pm Grade 5 Battle of the Books at Merriweather Post Pavilion

May 2 No School – Professional Learning Day

May 4 7:00pm Virtual PTA Meeting

May 5 6:00pm PLES ESOL Night

May 7 9:00am PTA 5K/1 Mile Fun Run at LRHS – see info below

May 12 Grade 5 Middle School Visits

6:00-7:30pm Food Pantry

May 13 Grade 5 Virtual Simulated Congressional Hearings

May 14 PTA 5K/1 Mile Fun Run – RAIN DATE

 

 

From the Principal. . .

Dear Phelps Luck Families,

This Friday marks the end of the 3rd quarter. Time is going fast! We have many special events scheduled between now and the end of the year. Please make note of the dates above.

Sincerely,

Michelle M. Leader

Principal

 

School News

Lost and Found

We have accumulated many items in our Lost and Found. It is located inside the front doors of the school in our vestibule. With the fluctuating temperatures, we seem to have more students misplacing items than usual. While we try to return items to students, there are many items still in the Lost and Found. To assist us with returning items to students, please make sure their name is written in permanent ink on the inside. Parents are welcome to come up to the school during the day to look for any lost items.

 

Parking in the Neighborhood

We know that many families choose to park close to the school and walk their child to the building. If you choose to do this, please be mindful not to block any of our neighbor’s driveways. We have been informed this has been happening in the courts near the school. Thank you for your help!!!

 

Calling for the Watchdogs!

Our school has the WATCH D.O.G.S. program, which is a fabulous volunteer program for fathers and father figures. Please contact watchdogs@phelpsluckpta.org for more information from Ms. McGraw (Assistant Principal) or Mr. Wacha (Watchdogs Coordinator). Thank you!

Outdoor Lunch Volunteers Needed!

We still need parent volunteers to help us with outdoor eating. A text is sent out when outdoor lunch is cancelled due to the weather or lack of staff. If you are already on the schedule, please know that we still need you. If you have flexibility in your schedule, please let us know so we can have enough people each day. If you are not on the schedule and would like to sign up to help one to three hours during the lunches, please send Ms. McGraw an email at sandra_mcgraw@hcpss.org letting her know the day and time slot(s) that you are available to help. 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!

 

Green School Recycling Collection:

Girl Scout Brownie Troop 2293 is leading a recycling drive for #2 and #5 recyclable materials! This effort aligns with our Green School initiative and collected materials will be used to create raised garden beds for schools! Cleaned items may be dropped in the collection bin located inside the front doors of the school building until April 8th. Thanks for your support!

 

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 it’s 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

 

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! @PLES_GT_Team

 

News from the PTA

PLES PTA 5k/Fun Run

Please join our Phelps Luck community for our 6th annual Phelps Luck 5k and one Mile Fun run on Saturday May 7th, 2022 at Long Reach High School. For More information and registration go to https://runsignup.com/ples

 

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

HCC Kids on Campus:

The 2022 Howard Community College "Kids on Campus" Summer Enrichment Programs brochure is now available! The programs run from June 22 to August 19 with 1/2 and full day options. The program offers "many unique and imaginative summer courses" that cover a wide variety of subject areas for ages 6-17. In addition, there are before and after care options as well as scholarships for qualifying students. Please see Mrs. Fleck for a brochure if you are interested or check out the course finder online at https://www.howardcc.edu/programs-courses/continuing-education/courses/k.... Registration starts January 27th.

 

Summer Camp Opportunity:

Come out to sports camp the week of June 27 and/or July 18 at Reservoir High School. Camp is hosted by Lime Kiln teacher and Reservoir Coach Phil Ranker as well as other certified elementary and middle school teachers in the county and state. The camp is open to current K-8th graders and features many different sports and activities every day. If your child likes PE, they will love camp. Campers are split into age and ability groups to ensure that everyone has a fun and productive time. Full day and half day options available. For more information, please visit http://rankerssportscamp.weebly.com or email phillip_ranker@hcpss.org for questions!

 

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.

 

April 27

May 18

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.