VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
FEBRUARY 5, 2022 - Vol.15 Issue #22
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org
OFFICE HOURS
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Please call ahead 410-313-1700
SCHOOL IN-SESSION HOURS
9:25 A.M. - 3:55 P.M.
Youmi Jun, Principal Secretary - youmi_jun@hcpss.org
Jane Pak, Teacher Secretary - jane_pak@hcpss.org
Maria Martinez, Teacher Secretary - maria_martinez@hcpss.org
Dulce Boyer, Teacher Secretary .5 - dulce_boyer@hcpss.org
Email: robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Website: ves.hcpss.org
Location: 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD, USA
Phone: 443-864-6808
INTERNATIONAL AND FAMILY SERVICE LINKS:
Para información y apoyo adicionales, por favor, llame al 410-313-1591.
欲知详情或想获得更多支持,请电 410-313-5920.
보다 자세한 문의와 지원을 원하시면, 410-313-1592 로 연락 주시기 바랍니다.
For all other language needs please contact Monica Ranta at 410-313-7102.
Perform Daily Health Checks
Parents/guardians should keep their children home if they are experiencing symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease. In addition, parents/guardians are to perform daily health checks for COVID-19 symptoms before the student leaves home.
Weekly Message from our Principal
Dear Parents,
Next week most of our teachers will guide you through Math conferences for their students. Take advantage of this opportunity to ascertain what skills your child is working on and where they are headed for the second half of the year. Only Kindergarten will hold "general" conferences. County COVID cases continue to dwindle but our schoolwide mask mandate is still in effect. Your children are wonderful about wearing their masks and even ask for them when they forget to bring them from home. Thank you for continuing to do those morning health checks.
We try to stress to all children the need to be patient and understanding of their classmates, especially during times like recess and riding the bus. Some of our friends do a fantastic job, others need many reminders. Help us to set the tone for helping our children to resolve conflict peacefully. Help them to understand that all of us learn differently and we need to understand each other before we can effectively solve problems.
We thank all of parents for the reinforcement you give to your children. We know when they are successful it is the result of your hard work and the guidance of our staff. All of you are appreciated.
Robert C Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts!
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
At the Board of Education Meeting on Thurs. January 28, the Board voted to make Monday,
February 21 a school day. This day was previously listed as a closed day. We will now be open on Monday, February 21.
The Board of Education has also currently extended the school year until Wednesday, June 22 with Monday, June 20 as a closed day in recognition of Juneteenth Day.
As we continue to celebrate and support cultures, we‘d like to focus this month on Black History.
Both HCPSS and NEA have released proclamations in support of Black History Month.
FEBRUARY: Black History Month
1 - No School for Students - Professional Learning Day
4 - Conference Scheduling CLOSES: Conference Scheduling via HCPSSConnect
4 - Spirit Day: Football Team Jersey Day - Wear your favorite team jersey, hat, or colors!
8 - PTA Meeting - 7:00p.m. VIRTUAL
10 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.: Parent-Teacher Conferences
11 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.: Parent-Teacher Conferences
14 - Spirit Day: Heart Health Day & Valentine's Day - Wear Hearts, Pink, or Red
15 - 100th DAY OF SCHOOL!
16 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m. for Professional Work Day
18 - CogAT Testing for Grade 5: 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
21 - *HCPSS OPEN: School and Offices in session on President's Day (*updated 1/28/22)
22 - CogAT Testing for Grade 5: 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
22 - CogAT Testing for Grade 3: 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
23 - CogAT Testing for Grade 3: 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
NEW INFORMATION
Accessing Quarter 2 Report Cards
Report cards will be accessible via HCPSS Connect Synergy after 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31. Parents/guardians may access them following the instructions for accessing report cards online. Answers to frequently asked questions on grades and testing can be found online.
National School Counseling Week: Feb. 7 thru 11
Please join us in showing our VES counselors, Mrs. Julie Wentz and Mrs. Jessica Wilson-Carr, how much we appreciate them for all the amazing support they continue to provide our VES community, especially over the course of the pandemic. Thank You for all you do!
2022 Summer Programs Registration Open
2022 Summer Programs Registration Open Through February 15 at 6 p.m.
Online enrollment requests for currently enrolled HCPSS students is open now through Tuesday, February 15 at 6 p.m. Please reference the HCPSS News posting. Families can find up-to-date course information and enrollment directions on the Summer Programs web page.More News | Events | Reminders
2021-2022 Academic Calendar Updates
In anticipation of possible future inclement weather days, and in response to the declaration of June 19 as a federal holiday, the Board of Education has approved several modifications to the 2021–2022 current school year academic calendar:
- Monday, Feb. 21 - Schools and offices OPEN (previously closed for Presidents Day)
- Monday, June 20, - Schools and offices closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
- Wednesday, June 22 - Added as an additional inclement weather day, if needed.
Congrats to our own 3rd Garder, Shlok Kashalkar!
Shlok was a top 3 finisher at the Howard County level of the PTA Reflections Art Contest in the Music Composition category. He will now move on to compete at the state level.
VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT - February 18 - 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30pm
Join us for a Scavenger Hunt Virtually - see sign up for details! You must sign up ahead of time to participate. Click on the link below to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094AA5AF23A2F85-ptascavenger
Email doctorcia@gmail.com with questions or if you want to help host game nights.
Bingo Night (Virtual)- coming soon- Save the date: March 25 - 7pm
Save those bingo cards! Sign up coming soon!
JOIN US FOR A PTA MEETING (Virtual) - Tues, Feb 8 - 7pm
Interested in learning more about the officer positions that help our PTA run? We need new officers for next year. Please join us and we will allow time at the end of the meeting for any questions you may have. Or email Cara at doctorcia@gmail.com if you want more info.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://discovery.zoom.us/j/98093284149?pwd=QWptQXUxN2xxMWhrRXh2T0c5ZTJtZz09
Meeting ID: 980 9328 4149
Passcode: 094353
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,98093284149#,,,,*094353# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 980 9328 4149
Passcode: 094353
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
Are you great with numbers? Do you know how to do taxes? We are in need of a treasurer for the PTA next school year. Reach out if you would be interested in chatting with our current treasurer about this opportunity. Email Kim at Kimberlydavis410@gmail.com for more info.
Use this link to see your other volunteer options.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0549A5A62EA4FE3-ptacommittee
VES REMINDERS: Worth Repeating . . .
Below are the SY2021-22 standardized testing window dates:
Grade specific dates and testing details are communicated in advance of each assessment. Dates subject to change.
Grades 1-8 MAP Reading/Math: Oct. 18 - Nov. 5
Grades 3 & 5 CogAT:
Grade 3 - February 22nd & 23rd at 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Grade 5 - February 18th and 22nd at 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Grades K-5 Access for ELLS: Jan. 10 - Feb. 18
Grade 5 MISA: March 14 - 25
Grades 1-8 MAP Reading/Math: April 4 - April 29
Grades 3-5 MCAP ELA/Math: May 4 - June 3
CogAT for Grade 3
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:
Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 3rd grade.
Grade 3 - February 22 & 23 at 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
4th Grade GT Math Placements from February 14 to March 4th - we plan to administer CogAT to all 3rd grade students. Placements for 4th grade GT Math will be made following the CogAT administration and will include all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education.
If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teacher.
CogAT for Grade 5
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:
Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 5th grade.
Grade 5 - February 18 and 22 at 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Middle School GT Class Recommendations
Although the CogAT administration may be delayed, all 5th grade students will be considered for potential placement in 6th GT classes using all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education. This includes data from students’ 3rd grade CogAT administration in December 2019, if available.
From February 14th to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to any 5th grade students who do not have a prior CogAT score as well as all students in 5th grade GT Math. The data will assist with identification for Accelerated GT Math and provide an aptitude measure for students who had no previous CogAT test.
From February 8 until February 22, families will be able to review course recommendations and may request a course placement that is different from the school’s recommendation through HCPSS Connect.
If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teacher.
We are seeking substitute teachers to work with our students
We are seeking substitute teachers to work with our students when teachers are absent. Below, please find some details regarding the position.
The Substitute Teacher instructs students during the absence of a regular teacher. Substitute Teachers are expected to maintain a professional attitude toward their work and support the mission and goals of the school system. Substitute Teachers are assigned on an as needed basis and are temporary employees.
Substitute Teachers hours are 9:05 AM - 4:10 PM each day.
Daily Rate of Pay
Non-degreed (Minimum of 60 credits) $100.00 per day
Degreed (Bachelors or higher) $110.00 per day
Retired Teacher (Must provide verification) $125.00 per day
Long-Term Pay
Non-degreed (Minimum of 60 credits) $125.00 per day
Degreed (Bachelors or higher) $135.00 per day
Retired Teacher (Must provide verification) $135.00 per day
Communication, initiative, and flexibility are important attributes for those filling the position(s).
Interested applicants can go to the following link below to begin the application process. Contact Alexcia Redd at alexcia_redd@hcpss.org when you have competed all parts of the application.
Stay Informed via HCPSS News and Text Alerts
HCPSS electronic School Messenger
Once you have created an HCPSS Login Account/ ParentVue upon completing the student registration, you will automatically be part of our email communication, School Messenger.
We are “green” and do not send hard copies of newsletters and other notices, so your electronic connection to the school is important even over the summer.
Email & Text Alerts
HCPSS News emails and text alerts keep families up-to-date on news and events, and deliver real-time notices of emergency closings and information. All HCPSS News subscriptions are generated from the information provided in Family File. Parents/guardians of previously enrolled HCPSS students do not need to sign up for, or manage an HCPSS News account. Parents/guardians who are new to the system are automatically enrolled for email notification and must opt in to text alerts.
Emergency Notifications
In times of emergency situations, information will be shared with the community through our website, social media, text, email and weather hotline. All parents automatically receive email messaging and new parents need to opt in to text messaging (see above). Unsubscribing from any school or district email or text will unsubscribe a user from all messaging, including emergency notifications.
Early Dismissals must be prior to 3:30 pm
* Please bring your phone to scan the QR code to sign out student(s) for Early Dismissal.
** Please also be prepared to present your Photo ID
At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.
After 3:30pm, students will be dismissed at VES normal 3:55pm dismissal with the Car Riders.
* ATTN: PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE RESTRICTED FROM BOARDING SCHOOL BUSES *
For the safety and security of the children - parents/guardians are not allowed to board and pull their child/children from a school bus at any time, especially during our dismissal.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS, YOU DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO BOARD SCHOOL BUSES.
See an Administrator or Front Office Secretary for assistance!
No Transportation Changes can be accommodated During Dismissal
*Please reserve any last minute requests for
EMERGENCIES ONLY*
~Help us keep your children safe ~
Making these requests causes confusion and leaves a lot of room for errors during the mass exodus!
Any transportation changes made after 3:30pm is disruptive to the VES dismissal process.
Please do not call or enter the school building requesting a staff member to pull your child from their normal dismissal plan.
ARRIVAL DOORS OPEN AT 9:15AM
Late Arrivals by car-riders:
Beginning at 9:25 a.m., Parent/guardian must sign-in the student(s) "TARDY".
* Notify by 2:00PM
** At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.
Please send any dismissal changes for the day no later than 2:00 p.m. to VEStransportation@hcpss.org.
Include
student's name, date(s), and the details of the changes
(ex: will be a car rider instead of the bus, early pick-up, etc).
* cc the homeroom teacher on the email.
VESabsence@hcpss.org
Send Student Attendance-related notifications directly to: VESabsence@hcpss.org
when student will be absent due to illness, appointments, religious, or travel obligations.
Submit copies of doctor/appointment excuse note here as well.
HCPSS EXTENDED or DISCRETIONARY STUDENT ABSENCE FORM
ADDRESS CHANGE FORM: FILLABLE_Change_of_Address.pdf
MOVING into VES: FILLABLE_VES RequestforRecords.pdf
We can assist you to obtain student records from their prior school by filling out the
Request for Records form and emailing it back to the registrar.
MOVING AWAY/ Withdraw from VES: FILLABE_Withdrawal form
Please initiate the process by filling out the HCPSS Withdrawal Form and email it back to the registrar.
HCPSS COUNSELING SERVICES for Students, Families, and Staff
The COVID-19 pandemic has made this an especially stressful time for many, especially those already impacted by mental health concerns. Find information about local and online resources for counseling and mental health supports for you and your family on our website.
Volunteer/Observer Vaccine Requirements
All volunteers and chaperones who interact with students, as well as current HCPSS students who attend a field trip or volunteer at a different school during the school day, are required to use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination at least five school days in advance. This requirement does not apply to HCPSS students who are going to another school as part of their academic schedule. Vaccination and testing requirements for other community stakeholders are outlined online.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
Okinawan Karate
Girl Scouts
For more information, contact Lauren Oviatt at VeteransGS@gmail.com
Cub Scout Pack#305
For information, please contact Heidi Potter at heidi@shmoo.com
EE ARCHIVE - Previous Issues SY2021-22
Issue #21 - January 29, 2022
Issue #20 - January 22, 2022
Access complete archive on the main school website: VES.hcpss.org