June 17 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - 3 Hour Early Dismissal– Students Dismiss at 12:20pm
August 18 5pm Kindergarten Playdate on the PLES Playground
August 24 6pm PK Orientation
August 25 6pm Kindergarten Back-to-School Night
August 26 1:30pm Kindergarten Open House
2:00pm School-Wide Open House
August 29 First Day of School – Grades K-5
September 1 First Day of PK
September 12 6:30pm Grades 1 & 2 Back-to-School Night
September 13 6:30pm Grades 3 & 4 Back-to-School Night
September 15 6:00pm GT Back-to-School Night
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.
Sincerely,
Michelle M. Leader
Principal
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.
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!
June is PRIDE Month and it is our chance to show our support for our LGBTQIA+ friends, families and neighbors. Please take a moment to look at the link below, which displays some of the events that are being planned for our community in the next week.
Please note that Friday, June 10th is HCPSS Wear the Rainbow Spirit day. All students, staff and community members are encouraged to wear a rainbow to show support and allyship for those in our community who identify as part of the Rainbow Community.
Please feel free to reach out to Andrea Stremmel, our School Counselor, if you have any questions or would like help finding resources to talk to your children about acceptance and inclusion.
Hope to see you at some of these great events!
Students will not have access to DreamBox this summer. Access will be turned off on June 30, 2022.
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.
Prekindergarten
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
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.
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!!!
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!
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
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
Curious about what is going on in GT at PLES? Follow us on twitter! @PLES_GT_Team
PLES PTA Roma Dine Out Fundraiser
Where: Roma's Pizza, Deli and Italian Market, 5325 Phelps Luck Drive, Columbia MD 21045
When: Tuesday, June 14 from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Eat in, carryout or delivery
Order at https://romasmd.com or 410-740-2009
Just mention this fundraiser when ordering or show this flyer: https://tinyurl.com/bp97z5n6
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?u...
Questions? Contact Ann Wacha at vp2@phelpsluckpta.org
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...
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!!!
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
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
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).
Let's end on a high note - We will be announcing our next read the rainbow book club which will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd with Benjamin Alire Saenz! The book that will be discussed is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. This should be a fantastic book club! I hope that some of you will be able to attend! Registration can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmR73NofkdlEjB1Ln2HrgHfLmrg9Va...
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
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.
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 started January 27th.
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!
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!
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 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.
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.
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.