VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
OCTOBER 23, 2021 - Vol.15 Issue #10
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.
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org
Jaime Gittleson, Administrative Intern - jaime_gittleson@hcpss.org
OFFICE HOURS 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Please call ahead 410-313-1700
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.
Weekly Message from our Principal
We are thrilled to be back at school with your children. They have missed about twelve to eighteen months of instruction from their teachers. This may have impacted your children in a variety of ways. First of all, it is hard to imagine that any child would remember their social interaction skills over a 12-18 month period. At home, your children may have to interact with siblings or relatives but in school they need to interact with many children and adults. Some of our friends will struggle with this concept and we may find ourselves teaching skills we believe we have already taught. The reaction of children to the increased demands of a social situation will vary from child to child. We know, as parents, that we did everything we could but we could not recreate a lunchroom or recess of 150 children, a classroom of 20-25 children, or a bus ride with 50 other students. My point is that many children will have to relearn skills over a period of time.
Secondly, they may struggle academically. This was our biggest concern for so many of our children. Pre-requisite skills may have been missed or virtual learning did not allow every question to be answered. Recovery of these skills will take time. All teachers make use of their planning to address the needs of students. This planning includes so many facets of great classroom instruction. These struggles may manifest themselves as off task behavior or even negative behavior choices. It is important to work with classroom teachers to help your child to refocus on what we know is important. Teachers can then work these focal points into their lesson planning.
As we close out the first quarter on November 3rd and plan for parent-teacher conferences, take stock of what your children have mastered and what has yet to be mastered. Think of school as not only a place to learn but also as a social vehicle where all children learn how to navigate dealing with other children and adults. You parent-teacher conference should focus on a plan on how to get your children from Point A to Point B. Discuss how we can partner to achieve the goals for your children. Let me tell you, your children are trying hard to adapt and to learn both old and new skills. Their efforts convince me that they will recover and create a world of which they can be proud.
Robert C. Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts !
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
OCTOBER:
25 - PTA Read-A-Thon Fundraiser Begins
NOVEMBER:
3 - End of 1st Marking Period
4 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - PD Day (Prof. Work Day)
10 - Report Cards Issued
22 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.: Parent-Teacher Conferences
23 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.: Parent-Teacher Conferences
24 -NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS: Parent-Teacher Conferences
24 - Schools and Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday (State mandated)
25 - Schools and Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday (State mandated)
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: Jan 18 - Feb. 4
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
ELEMENTARY READING SCREENINGS
SCREENING FOR STUDENTS WITH READING DIFFICULTIES:
Parent notification - Spanish
In accordance with Maryland’s Ready to Read Act (2019), COMAR(2021), and the request from the Howard County Board of Education, all Howard County Public School System students in grades kindergarten to 5th grade will participate in a screener for identifying potential reading difficulties.
School Rainbow Representatives
Safe Space Posters
Around our school, you will see some "Safe Space" posters. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a person, or certain group of people, might feel unsafe to show their true colors for fear that others might treat them differently, or refer to them in an unkind way.At HCPSS, it is our priority to make sure every student not only is safe, but also feels safe to be their authentic and true selves. We hope our Safe Space posters serve as a reminder that there is a trusted adult you can go to who is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, who will affirm a student's chosen name and pronouns, and who will not disclose information to others about identity and orientation if a student shares that information. Teachers who have this poster in their classrooms have declared their space a safe space for ALL students.
A Message from the Counseling Office
Holiday gift card drive and raffle
We are going to be doing a holiday gift card drive and raffle this year at VES. We are looking for donations of Amazon, Target, or Walmart gift cards in a suggested amount of $25.
Gift cards that we collect will be given to families in our community who are in need this holiday season. If your family is interested in donating a gift card and have any questions, please contact Julie Wentz (julie_wentz@hcpss.org) or Jessica Wilson-Carr (jessica_wilson@hcpss.org). Please send any gift cards to Youmi Jun in the front office by Monday, December 6, 2021.
If your family is interested in entering the raffle to receive gift cards (to either Target, Amazon, or Walmart), please let us know HERE. While we cannot guarantee that we will be able to support every family who enters the raffle, our goal is to support as many families as we can.
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.
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.
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
FALL CLOTHES GIVEAWAY
Doors will not open til 9:00 a.m.
Masks must be worn inside at all times.
Saturday, Oct 30, 2021, 09:00 AM
Long Reach High School, Old Dobbin Lane, Columbia, MD, USA
Hey, VES Family!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
READ-A-THON STARTS MONDAY!
Join us for our annual Read-A-Thon and fundraiser through Read-A-Fun (formerly Whooo's Reading). Information came home in folders this week! Set up your account this weekend so you can start logging minutes on Monday.
Get ready to read, connect with your friends, and decorate your owl!
Read-A-Thon runs October 25 - November 14
Contact Nelly if you have any questions at Nellyaw@yahoo.com
SPIRITWEAR - OCTOBER 14 - OCTOBER 29
Show your VES pride with new spiritwear!
https://veterans.memberhub.com/store
Paper order forms went home last week. Online ordering link is live now.
Consider buying a sweatshirt to donate to a VES staff raffle or give to a grandparent for a special occasion! Orders may arrive before Thanksgiving or by early December at the latest.
Click below to view order form in color (may print and send in with child).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12kgkzflqQ3ZyVjATRE_4nwumJJk0xWDD/view?usp=sharing
Email Amie if your purchase is a donation or if you have any questions amiekhouse@hotmail.com
STAFF WISH LIST - LIVE NOW
Take a peek at the link and see if your teacher needs any supplies for the kids.
A drop off bin is available in the school lobby or send supplies in with your kids. Please put donations in a bag labeled with the teachers/staff name. You may also directly ship supplies to the staff at school.
Our community is so generous! Thank you in advance for being so dedicated to our school.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QhMIVuFgMNzBcAUZonvHwliMREk78RXap9wqkDxnM2I/edit?usp=sharing
Contact Cara Adornetto at doctorcia@gmail.com if you have any questions.
REFLECTIONS NATIONAL ART CONTEST
"I Will Change the World By"... is the 2021-2022 Contest Theme
Veterans Elementary will participate in this year's "Art Reflections Contest led by the National PTA. All students are encouraged to explore and express themselves using the theme "I Will Change The World By...
Categories include: Dance Choreography, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.
Submission deadline will be November 22
Submission forms were sent home last week or can be printed from here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wx6eT9iFTuDJhffi31XPc94wBeoREO7x/view?usp=sharing
If you would like to participate, but art supplies are a financial burden please reach out to the PTA at reflectionsves@gmail.com.
If you would like to join the Reflections Committee, we will need 2-3 more parents to help us judge the artwork and send it into the county level. Email reflectionsves@gmail.com if interested.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
We have committee openings to help plan events for the kids!
Use this link to see your options.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0549A5A62EA4FE3-ptacommittee
JOIN THE PTA! Our Goal is 300 families! veterans.memberhub.com/store
Parents, please join the PTA using the website above or the yellow form sent home with your child. Membership dues allow us to fund all the activities we run! You do not have to volunteer when you join.
Questions: Email Kim Davis at kimberlydavis410@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
In this brief video, Superintendent Martirano and Student Board Member Peter Banyas talk about important actions for everyone to keep schools and communities safe and healthy environments for teaching, learning and growth.
Elementary Reading Screenings
All HCPSS students in grades K-5 will be screened for reading disabilities. Students will be screened three times during the school year, with the first screening taking place between October 25 and November 5. Screening results will be used to help determine whether students would benefit from additional reading support.
Updated Volunteer/Observer Vaccine Requirements
Effective Monday, October 25, all volunteers and chaperones who interact with students, and parents/guardians who are conducting classroom observations will be required to use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination at least five school days in advance. The requirement also applies to students who volunteer or mentor at another HCPSS school during the school day, but not to students who go to the ARL or another school as part of their class schedule. Learn how to access and use the PinPoint VaccineCheck platform.
COVID-19 Self-Screenings
All parents/guardians are to perform a COVID-19 health check every day before your student leaves home. Students are not to come to school if they are experiencing any symptom(s) associated with COVID-19 or other communicable disease.
EVENTS
HCPSS Flu Shot Clinics
October 13-28, HCPSS schools
HCPSS is partnering with the Howard County Health Department and Maryland Partnership for Prevention to offer free flu vaccines for HCPSS students and staff. Parents and community members are not eligible for flu shots at these clinics. Students and staff may register only for the clinic held at their school. (Anyone who previously registered for a vaccine at a different school should cancel their appointment.) Online registration is open until four days before a scheduled clinic.
Upcoming Public Hearings
Tuesday, November 2, 7 p.m., hybrid hearing
The Board will hold the following public hearings during its November 2 meeting. Register to testify by Friday, October 29. Specific directions will be emailed to each registrant prior to the public hearing.
- Register for hearing on Policy 3030 Research Involving Employees and Students
- Register for hearing on Policy 6010 School Attendance Areas
- Register for hearing on 2022–24 Proposed Academic Calendars
COMMUNITY NEWS
Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
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.
COMCAST Internet
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
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.
Stay Informed:
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.
EE ARCHIVE - Previous Issues SY2021-22
Issue #8 - October 9, 2021
Issue #7 - October 2, 2021
Access complete archive on the main school website: VES.hcpss.org