Important Dates
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 we prepare for the end of the year, please note the procedures below for Chromebooks. Letters will be sent home with your child regarding this info.
PK – Keep Chromebooks at home
K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th – Keep Chromebooks at school
5th – Chromebooks will be sent home. Your child is to bring it to middle school on August 29th.
Please note, if your child is attending an HCPSS summer program such as Academic Intervention or ESY, your child will keep their Chromebook to use during the summer program and return it to PLES when we return in the fall.
You may be aware, we have acquired a lot of items in our Lost and Found. On Wednesday, June 8th, which is a half day of school, we will have tables out front of the school with all of the lost items. The items will be put out starting at 1pm and will be out until 3pm. If you believe your child has lost an item, please come up to school to look. After 3pm, all leftover items will be donated. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Michelle M. Leader
Principal
School News
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.
NEWS FROM THE MEDIA CENTER!
CALLING ALL BOOKS!
Tuesday, May 31st was our last day to check out books from the Media Center. Please help your kiddos find and return their school library media books so that we can get them ready for next year! We will send home reminders to help you locate the book. Where could they be? Look under beds, in the refrigerator (it has happened!), behind a couch cushion, in the car. Maybe even in the BACKPACK!! ????
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: stephanie_greene@hcpss.org and lisa_anderson@hcpss.org
Thank you EVERYONE for your help and make sure to KEEP READING!
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.
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!!!
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!
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
Order Your Back-to-School Supplies starting June 2nd!!
Would you rather spend a summer day driving from store to store to purchase school supplies or get everything you need in one easy box? Great news! We are offering a prepackaged school supply program this year. Supply orders include the exact colors, quantities, and brands your teachers have approved for class. Get your back-to-school shopping out of the way early and enjoy a summer day! Orders will be delivered directly to your child's classroom in time for Open House! Perfectly easy! Stay tuned for order forms coming home with your student!
Simply place your order by June 20 (paper) or June 24 (online)
Order online at www.shopttkits.com.
Enter our school’s account number: 88608.
Or, print a copy of the order form at the link below and send in to school with a check made out to PLES PTA:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L2fh-bh1MCV7IEW92MM_dRUhnwnZDZn9/view?usp=sharing
Questions? Contact Ann Wacha at vp2@phelpsluckpta.org
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
Howard County Family Wellness Day
When: Sunday, June 19th, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Centennial Park
What: Free family fun at Family Wellness Day. HCPSS joins with other leaders in challenging our community to incorporate healthy food choices and physical activity into your daily life.
There will be lots of interactive booths, take part in the annually CPR “Pump-A-Thon” at noon and watch the internationally acclaimed “Kangaroo Kids: demonstration at 1:00 pm. Visit www.familywellnessday.org
From the BBMS PTA:
The BBMS PTA is in need of volunteers!! Please email Michelle Horner at michellebbmspta@gmail.com with ANY interest as soon as possible. Thank you!
URGENT roles that need to be filled for the 2022-2023 school year:
-President
-Hospitality/Staff Appreciation (there is someone to help whoever decides to volunteer)
-Social Committee
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 Storm water Dos & Don'ts | Howard County Storm water (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
MHHS Soccer Camp:
Camp Dates: Monday, June 27th to Friday, July 1st
Camp Hours: 9:00AM-12:30PM
Ages: Boys & Girls entering 1st Grade through 9th Grade Fall 2022
Camp Cost: $175.00
Camp Location: Mt. Hebron High School Stadium Turf Field
Camp Registration is Online at: https://vikingbackers.org/summer-camps
Camp Director: Tim Deppen
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.