Newsletter 11/18/21

Fri, 11/19/2021 - 8:44am

http://ples.hcpss.org         November 18, 2021

 

follow us on twitter:  @hcpss_ples

    

     Important Dates

November 18                  4:30-7pm Scholastic Book Fair – In-Person in the Media Center

November 19                  Turkey Trot for Grades 3, 4, 5 – No spectators permitted.

November 22                  12:20pm School Dismisses – Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 23                  12:20pm School Dismisses – Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 24-26             No School – Thanksgiving

December 2                    Picture Retake/Make-Up Day (see info below)

 

 

From the Principal. . .

Dear Phelps Luck Families,

 

I wanted to share the following update with you from the Board of Education meeting last week.

In order to provide school-based staff with additional time to address their increased workload and to support employee well-being, the Board of Education approved updates to the current academic year calendar. Three-hour early dismissals now will take place on the following:

  • December 15, 2021
  • January 19, 2022 (previously a 3-hour early dismissal for high school students only)
  • February 16, 2022
  • March 16, 2022
  • April 27, 2022
  • May 18, 2022

The full HCPSS calendar may be viewed online.

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

 

Sincerely,

Michelle M. Leader

Principal

 

School News

Report Card Access: 

Parents/guardians will have access to view report cards as of 5 p.m. on November 10. Parents/guardians may view/download report cards by taking the following steps:

  1. Log in to HCPSS Connect Synergy using parent/guardian credentials
  2. Select More Options from the left panel
  3. Select Report Cards from the middle
  4. Select the report card you wish to access

Parent Conferences:  November 22nd and 23rd:

Please log into HCPSS Connect  to view and select from the time slots provided by the teacher for the conference.  Step-by-step directions are below. If you do not have access to HCPSS Connect, please call the school for assistance at 410-313-6886.

 

Directions to Select a Conference Time:

Login to hcpss.org/connect

Select Conference from the left-side choices

Select Parent Scheduled Conferences at the top right

Select a time slot for your conference.

 

You will have access through Thursday, November 18 at 11:59pm to schedule your child’s conference by logging into HCPSS Connect.

 

Canvas Inbox for Students: Effective November 22, the capability for elementary students to message each other within the Canvas Inbox will be turned off. However, elementary students will be able to continue using the inbox to communicate with their teachers. Since elementary students are back in a face-to-face setting, there is limited need for this use. 

 

Job Opportunity:

If you love children and would like to work at our school as a one-on-one support for a student with special needs, please see the following information to apply with Social Service Consultants to work at Phelps Luck Elementary School: 

 

Robert Tencher
Social Service Consultants Ltd

rtencher@gmail.com
www.socialserviceconsultants.com

 

Family File Information

We have just about all of our Family File info updated!  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 if 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 don’t 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

 

SAVE THE DATE! 

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to PLES! 

Online Shopping: 11/15-28 Book Fair Shopping Link

In-Person Shopping: Thursday, 11/18/21 from 4:30-7pm in the Media Center

Students Only Shopping: 11/22 & 23 during school hours - students can bring money or use the eWallet

This is a fundraiser for MORE BOOKS for the Media Center!

This is YOUR chance to give the GIFT of READING!

 

For any online shopping, use the direct Book Fair Shopping Link

Look for more information coming soon!

 

We need volunteers for the Book Fair! Please see available slots and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4FA4AC2CA4FF2-ples

 

 

Calling for the Watchdogs!

Our school has a fabulous volunteer program for fathers and father figures. It is called WATCH D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students). The WATCH D.O.G.S. Program is an innovative program being used by schools across America, which helps them to be positively impacted by the committed involvement of fathers and father figures in their student's life. Our goal is to have you spend at least one day this year at the school to be a positive male role model and to provide an extra set of eyes and ears. Please contact watchdogs@phelpsluckpta.org for more information from Ms. McGraw (Assistant Principal) or Mr. Wacha (Watchdogs Coordinator).  Thank you!

 

Picture Retake/Make-Up Day:

Our Picture Retake/Make-Up Day will be December 2nd.  If you would like your child to have a retake, please send in the entire portrait envelope with your child.  Your portrait package will be sent home prior to December 2nd.

 

If your child missed our picture day, you can fill out the attached picture form or pick up one from the front office, and send it in that day with your child.

 

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!

 

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 below:

 

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!

 

 

News from the PTA

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

 

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. 

 

December 22

January 26

February 23

March 30

April 27

May 25

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.

 

 

 

          Michelle Leader~ Principal    Connie Fowlkes ~ Assistant Principal    Sandra McGraw ~ Assistant Principal

 

No Doubts… No Limits…