Falcon Newsletter 9-15-22

Wed, 09/14/2022 - 10:57am

Important Dates

September 15                    5:45-6:15pm GT Back-to-School Night (Updated Time)

6:30pm Grade 5 Back-to-School Night

September 26                    No School - Rosh Hashanah

September 29 6:00pm Food Pantry 6:15pm ESOL Night

October 4                          6:30pm Watch Dogs Kick-Off Pizza Party

October 5                          No School - Yom Kippur

October 12                         7:00pm Virtual PTA Meeting

October 13                         6:30pm Hispanic Parent Meeting

October 18                         Individual Picture Day

October 20                         6:00pm Food Pantry

October 21                         No School - Professional Work Day

October 24                         No School - Professional Learning Day

October 27                         6:00pm PTA Trunk-or-Treat

November 2                       End of 1st Quarter - 3 Hour Early Dismissal

 

From the Principal. . .

Dear Phelps Luck Families,

 

It has been great to see so many parents/guardians during our Back-to-School Nights this week! All powerpoints will be posted on our website in the next few days. Thank you to our staff for sharing important information about your child’s learning!

Please make note of the dates above. As always, please contact me at michelle_leader@hcpss.org if you have any questions!

Sincerely,

 

Michelle M. Leader Principal

 

School News

 

Back-to-School Nights:

Our last BTSN is tonight for Grade 5. We will also have a GT info session. More details are below. Our BTSNs are being held in person. We will post the powerpoints on our website after

September 15th if you are unable to attend. Limited childcare is available. We look forward to seeing you!

 

GT Back-to-School Night:

Please join us for our Gifted and Talented Back-to-School Night presentation on Thursday, September 15th in the cafeteria from 5:45-6:15pm. Find out how your child can participate in our GT Enrichment and Extension opportunities at PLES:

 

  • Primary Talent Development (PTD) in K and 1
  • Curriculum Extension Units (CEUs) in 2-5
  • Instructional Seminars (recess seminars) in 2-5
  • GT Math in 4-5

 

 

Family File Information:

Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File (electronic emergency card) for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. The Family File for this year is now available. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect and selecting the “More Options'' tab on the left and then clicking on “Family File” from the list. If your child was in an HCPSS school in previous years, you only need to update any changes. Please update/provide the info ASAP. Thank you!!!

 

Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:

 

  • Student Information
  • Parent/Guardian Contact

 

  • Emergency Contacts
  • Medical Information
  • Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
  • Photo Approval
  • Data Confidentiality
  • PTA/PTSA Directory

 

Free and Reduced Priced Meals:

Please complete the form at the link below to apply for free or reduced priced lunch for your child. We will continue to have free breakfast for everyone this year, however, lunch is not free anymore unless you qualify. Lunch will cost $2.80 this year.

https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

 

School Lunch Update:

We wanted to highlight that there are many new menu items this year. In addition, the salad bar is open again which includes various fresh fruits and vegetables. One change is that pizza is NOT an option every day like it has been in the past. Be sure to check out the menu at https://hcpss.nutrislice.com to assist your child with knowing the choices. Please note, that due to various food shortages, adjustments may have to be made to the daily choices. It is a good idea to discuss a first choice and second choice with your child in case one of the noted choices is not available that day.

 

GT Update:

Information about GT Recess Seminars in Grades 2-5 went home this week!! Be sure to check your child's folder!

 

Come Work at PLES!

We have an opening for a Lunch/Recess Monitor position working three hours a day. If you are looking for a part-time job and would like to work 15 hours a week for the remainder of the school year, please call Ms. McGraw or Ms. Stairs at 410-313-6886.

We also have an opening for a student support position working one-on-one with students. If you are looking for a part-time job and would like to work 8 to 10 hours a week for the remainder of the school year at $15.00/hour, please call Ms. McGraw at 410-313-6886.

 

Student Clothing, Lunchboxes, and Water Bottles:

Each year, we have many items in our Lost and Found. At times, the pile is HUGE! As you help your child get ready for the school year, please consider labeling all of their clothing, lunchbox and water bottle. This helps us to return items to the children. Thank you for your assistance!!!

 

HCPSS Calendar

Please use the links below to access the HCPSS calendar for the year. It includes all days that students do not attend school.

 

https://www.hcpss.org/f/news/calendars/calendar-202223.pdf

 

 
 

 

 

 

Opting In to School Text Messages

If you wish to “opt-in” to receive PLES and HCPSS texts with emergency information or reminders, please follow the directions below:

Send a text to the number: 67587 Text “Yes” in the message.

Reply “Yes” when prompted if you want to “opt-in”.

 

Student Absences

Just a reminder that parents/guardians must turn in a note if the child is absent. The note needs to include the student’s name, date absent, reason for absence, and parent/guardian signature. We also accept these notes through an email address. Please email PLESabsence@hcpss.org with the same information if you prefer this format. All notes need to be submitted/turned in within 2 days of the student returning to school.

 

Outdoor Eating

HCPSS will have outdoor eating again this year. If you wish for your child to eat outdoors when weather and supervision permits, please email Mrs. Leader at michelle_leader@hcpss.org. We add students to begin on Mondays.

 

PLES School Counselor Support

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 Request for Counseling Services form . We are here to support your students 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 and 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.

 

HCPSS Code of Conduct

The HCPSS Student Code of Conduct provides a framework to support behavioral goals and disciplinary policies. While students are expected to be aware of and abide by this Student Code of Conduct, we all play a part in ensuring our school is a safe place where all students can learn. We look to partner together as families and school staff to support the social-emotional skill development of our students. We thank you in advance for your partnership in working together to create a safe learning environment for all of our students. Please learn more about the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct by clicking the link below:

 

HCPSS Student Code of Conduct

 

News from the PTA:

 

Clothing Bin:

Our Clothing Bin is still accessible all school 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

Here is a list of resources for you to access:

 

Columbia Community Care:

This group gives out food at the Long Reach Village Center, Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, and Oakland Mills Middle School on Wednesdays from 5-8pm and Saturdays 10:30am-1:30pm. If you need food delivered fill out the form for food and they can deliver or you may have someone pick up for you as well.

Website: http://columbiacare.live/

 

Form for food: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJIRfYmnGVs1KNEvq0mfqL8qoOJtlVkOo8utBVyKeoEbxA7g/vie wform?vc=0&c=0&w=1

 

OMHS Food Pantry

The OMHS Food Pantry is open the last Wednesday of the month unless otherwise noted, from 3:00 - 5:00pm. You will need to bring a photo ID. Please do not arrive prior to 2:30pm to allow for student dismissal. Also, please remain in your car and a volunteer will come to your vehicle. More info can be found at the link below: https://omhs.hcpss.org/student-services/food-pantry

 

The Food Pantry will be open on the following dates:

 

  • September 28, 2022
  • October 26, 2022
  • November 16, 2022
  • December 21, 2022
  • January 25, 2023
  • February 22, 2023
  • March 29, 2023
  • April 26, 2023
  • May 31, 2023
  • June 23, 2023
  • July 26, 2023

 

Come Learn About Cub Scouts with 678

Is your child interested in outdoor activities, learning new skills, and going on adventures with friends? If so, come learn about Cub Scout Pack 678 during PLES Back to School nights, and then join us for our big recruiting event at 7pm on September 28 at Phelps Luck Elementary School. Pack 678 meets most

 

Wednesdays at the PLES cafeteria and accepts boys and girls from kindergarten through 5th grade. We have a fun year ahead of us filled with hiking, camping, and the always popular Pinewood Derby. We can’t wait to meet you! Email scoutpack678@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

 

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.