Falcon Newsletter May 20, 2022

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 12:00pm

   

        Important Dates

May 24                             Grade 1 Trip to the Library (2 classes)

                                        4th/5th Grade Spring Concert

May 25                             Grade 1 Trip to the Library (3 classes)

3rd Grade Spring Concert

May 26                             Grade 4 Trip to Living Farm

May 30                             Memorial Day – No School

May 31                             6-7pm Grade 3 Social Emotional Learning Night

June 1                              7pm Virtual PTA Meeting

June 2                              4-5pm PK/K Library Book Mobile

June 3                              Grade 5 Trip to DC

June 8                              3 Hour Early Dismissal Day – Students Dismiss at 12:20pm

June 14                             9:15am Kindergarten Celebration

June 15                             3 Hour Early Dismissal Day – Students Dismiss at 12:20pm

June 16                             3 Hour Early Dismissal Day – Students Dismiss at 12:20pm

                                        2pm Fifth Grade Promotion on the Blacktop

June 17                             LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - 3 Hour Early Dismissal– Students Dismiss at 12:20pm

 

From the Principal. . .

Dear Phelps Luck Families,

As you know, we had an unexpected early dismissal on Monday.  If you did not receive the text alert from HCPSS and then from PLES, please see the directions below on how to sign up for text alerts.  This is the main communication that HCPSS uses in case of inclement weather.  Please call the office if you need assistance with signing up.

Congratulations to our fifth graders for doing a great job with their Simulated Congressional Hearings!  Their knowledge and poise were commendable!!!  Thank you to our fifth grade teachers and PLES staff for their amazing support of our students!!!

Sincerely,

Michelle M. Leader

Principal

 

School News

Summer Curriculum Resources

The elementary curriculum offices have compiled several activities and strategies for students to enhance their learning during the summer. The resource can be found on the Canvas Parent Pages and can be viewed by grade level and subject. Additional resources and suggestions can also be found on the Parent Pages. These resources include games, strategy instruction tips, field trip suggestions and much more.

Free Summer Meals

HCPSS will continue providing free meals to all HCPSS students and any children aged 18 and under, weekdays from June 27-Aug. 12, with the exception of July 4 and 19. Full details, including site locations, can be found online.

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 and several of our neighbors have been blocked in when they are trying to leave for work.  Thank you for your help!!!

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!

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

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

HHS Spring Fest

Howard High School is hosting Spring Fest this Saturday, May 21st from 12-4pm at the school. Come out to join the community in games, music, entertainment, food, and more!  $5 for parking, free if you walk or get dropped off.  Additional costs for select booths and games.

 

From EMMS PTA

Dear Future EMMS Parents,

 

The PTA is still looking for members to fill spots on the PTA Executive Board for SY 2022-2023. We have the following spots open:

 

1) President

2) Treasurer

3) Delegate 1 (PTA of Howard Co, PTAHC)

4) Delegate 2 (PTA of Howard Co, PTAHC)

 

I'd emphasize that the time commitment is manageable. This is a productive way to be a part of the fun activities for the children and also to work with some of the school's staff. Please e-mail me (Ricky Rambharat, rrambharat@gmail.com) if you have interest as we are trying to fill these spots for the next school year. Again, please consider joining the Board and getting to know our very special EMMS community.

 

Storm Drains Near PLES:

Checkout the newly detailed storm drains near Phelps Luck Elementary school!  Cub Scout Pack 678 has been working hard to raise awareness of Howard County’s storm water solutions by stenciling the storm drains along High Tor Hill in the Village of Long Reach.  They are sending the message that “Only rain should go down our drains!”  As you drive along High Tor Hill, you may see scouts continuing to stencil the drains throughout the month of May.  For more information on the Storm Drain Stenciling Project, check out this website Stormwater Dos & Don'ts | Howard County Stormwater (cleanwaterhoward.com).

 

Trans Day of Visibility

In honor of International Transgender Day of Visibility, we have opened up registration for our next virtual FAMILY Read the Rainbow book club for Calvin by JR and Vanessa Ford on Tuesday, June 7th at 6pm. It is open to all. The first 50 families receive a free copy of the book. Please see the attached flier.

If you would like to register, here is the direct link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSet-DUHWVjTjKoFehA0OIcvI3QWhBAWhNse81URj4CrqtvW0w/viewform

School’s Out/Ninja Day Camps & Family Events!  

On the days that schools are closed (spring, summer, and fall), 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" operates from 9am to 4pm (before/after care available) and is action-packed!  Camp agendas are designed to keep kids happy, entertained, challenged and moving all day!  Not only that...OKD is a licensed Childcare Provider by the state of Maryland; they have been voted #1 Martial Arts School in HoCo (2020 and 2021); and this will be OKD's 23rd annual camp season! Find additional camp information/registration, details about their upcoming Annual Spring Carnival (5/28), and more at: OKDkarate.com. Questions? Call: 443 574 8999 or Email: info@okinawankaratedojo.com

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/kids-on-campus/pages/koc-course-finder.html.  Registration started 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!

Lions’ Pride Booster Club Summer Camps

The Lions' Pride Booster Club is proud to announce their summer camp lineup for the summer of 2022.  We have boys and girls basketball, lacrosse, track and field, cross country, and soccer. We also have boys baseball, girls softball and girls field hockey. New this year we have boys and girls Intro to Programming through Scratch and Robotics. 

 

Registration and details of each camp can be found here: http://www.howardlionspride.org/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!

RHHS Boosters Camp:

River Hill Boosters Presents a Great Summer Camp Opportunity!

WHAT: Video Production Camp

WHEN: 9am-12pm Monday to Friday; weeks of 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, and 8/1

WHO: Budding filmmakers, aspiring YouTubers, and hobbyists ages 9 to 17

WHERE: River Hill High School media center
HOW: Go to https://bit.ly/hcpssfilmcamp and find the date of your choice

WHY: Because it will be a lot of fun!

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/1FAIpQLScJIRfYmnGVs1KNEvq0mfqL8qoOJtlVkOo8utBVyKeoEbxA7g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

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. 

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.