Important Dates
May 5 6:00pm PLES ESOL Night
May 6 Grade 2 Trip to Port Discovery
Spirit Day: Wear Green for Children’s Mental Health Month
May 7 9:00am PTA 5K/1 Mile Fun Run at LRHS – see info below
May 12 Grade 5 Middle School Visits
Kindergarten Trip to the Farm
6:00-7:30pm Food Pantry
May 13 Grade 5 Virtual Simulated Congressional Hearings
May 14 PTA 5K/1 Mile Fun Run – RAIN DATE
May 16 1-2pm Family Involvement Team Meeting – see info below
May 17 6-7pm Incoming Kindergarten Orientation
May 18 3 Hour Early Dismissal Day – Students Dismiss at 12:20pm
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 15 3 Hour Early Dismissal Day – Students Dismiss at 12:20pm
June 16 3 Hour Early Dismissal Day – Students Dismiss at 12:20pm
June 17 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - 3 Hour Early Dismissal– Students Dismiss at 12:20pm
From the Principal. . .
Dear Phelps Luck Families,
As we move into the month of May, our staff is busy making plans for the 2022-23 school year. If you
wish to share any information with me about your child that is important to his/her class placement for
next year, please send me an e-mail. Your perspective on how your child learns best in school is
essential. Please do not make teacher requests but include your child’s strengths and needs.
Our PTA will be creating a yearbook for the year. If you indicated that your child’s picture cannot be photographed for events, etc. please email Maxine_thompson-burroughs@hcpss.org to give permission for your child’s picture to be in the yearbook. Ordering info was sent home this week.
Sincerely,
Michelle M. Leader
Principal
School News
Family Involvement Team Meeting:
We have our next Family Involvement Team meeting on May 16th from 1:00-2:00pm. Please join us to discuss the topics below.
• Summer Connections
• Family Programs & Planning
•Input Opportunities
This will be a virtual event. Use the code:
Let us know you are participating by completing the RSVP form at the link below. We hope to see you!
https://forms.gle/HU3uhMczxdyguZ8J7
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.
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
PLES PTA 5k/Fun Run
Please join our Phelps Luck community for our 6th annual Phelps Luck 5k and one Mile Fun run on Saturday May 7th, 2022 at Long Reach High School. For More information and registration go to https://runsignup.com/ples
PTA Yearbook
We need pictures of our school community for the yearbook! We cannot offer photo credits, but your pictures may live on in our books and our hearts. :) Please send a brief message to explain what the pictures are of (classroom learning, a field trip, Science Night, etc.). We want the highest resolution possible. Sharing pictures as a Google Drive or as an attachment would be the best way. It should not be something like a child's off-campus birthday party; we want pictures that were taken in class/on school grounds, at school events (like Science Night or the 5k fundraiser), or at off-campus school activities (field trips). We currently have NO pictures at all and have under 3 weeks to submit the yearbook -- so anything and everything will be greatly appreciated! I may not be able to publish everything I receive, but this is a great chance to help your kids get featured! We may receive photo submissions through Friday, May 6. Thank you in advance to everyone who can help us out! Send submissions to: yearbook@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
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
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 starts 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!
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:
Website: http://columbiacare.live/
Form for Food
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.
May 18
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.