Veterans Elementary Eagle Express
December 5, 2019 - Volume 13, Issue 13
Soar to Excellence!
School Mission
Veterans Elementary School promotes life-long learning by embracing its diversity, providing students with dynamic classroom experiences and exposing them to the cultural arts in a climate that is rigorous, safe, nurturing and respectful.
Veterans Elementary School
Amy Green, Assistant Principal
Derek Lewis, Administrator
School Start and Dismissal Times: 9:25 a.m. - 3:55 p.m.
Email: robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Website: ves.hcpss.org
Location: 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD, USA
Phone: 410-313-1700
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
DECEMBER
- 3 - Gr.3 & Gr.5 CogAT Assessments: Tues., Dec.3 thru Thur, Dec.5
- 10 - Classic Photography Picture Makeup & Re-Take Day
- 10 - PTA Board Meeting: Media Center, 7:00 p.m.
- 11 - UNO Fundraiser
- 11 - Gr.3 Winter Chorus Concert: Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.
- 12 - PTA Holiday Shop: Gym, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- 13 - Q2 Interim Reports Issued
- 16 - Spirit Day: WackyTacky Day
- 17 - Spirit Day: Twin Day
- 17 - Winter Band Concert: Cafeteria, 7:00 p.m.
- 18 - Spirit Day: Hat and Scarf Day
- 18 - Winter Strings Concert: Cafeteria, 7:00 p.m.
- 19 - Spirit Day: Sport Theme Day
- 20 - Spirit Day: Pajama Day
- 23 - Schools and Offices Closed: Winter Break Dec. 23 thru Dec. 31
JANUARY
- 1 - Schools and Offices Closed: New Year's Day 2020
- 2 - Schools and Offices Resume
2019-20 HCPSS Calendar - Monthly Format
Click to download and print the HCPSS calendar in a monthly format. The calendar will no longer be distributed in first day folders. The 2019-2020 School Calendar is available to be printed online: https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
HCPSS SCHOOL GUIDE RULES
New HCPSS Website and System for Emergency Closings:
Effective December 1, HCPSS is launching a color-coding notification system for emergency and other non-scheduled school closings, including for inclement weather. The new system standardizes the school system’s operational status to five possibilities to enhance consistency while promoting the safety of HCPSS students and staff, and adhering to negotiated agreements on staff availability.
If Howard County public schools open two hours late, there is no morning Pre-Kindergarten/RECC.
The HCPSS operating status will be identified on a new website: https://status.hcpss.org/. The HCPSS operational color code options are:
- Code Green – Normal Operations (in accordance with the HCPSS calendar)
- Code Red – Schools and Offices Closed
- Code Orange – Schools Closed; Offices Open with Liberal Leave in Effect
- Code Blue – Schools Open Two Hours Late
- Code Yellow – Schools Dismiss Early
All notifications regarding emergency closings will include both the code and operating status.
The emergency notification sources are:
- HCPSS status website
- HCPSS homepage
- Email/text alerts
- HCPSS Information Hotline (410-313-6666)
Please note: HCPSS cable TV is no longer a source for inclement weather closings.
CURRENT EVENTS
Classic Photography - Tuesday, Dec. 10 (make-up & retakes)
Parents, students participating on Photo Retake Day should be aware of the following:
1. If a student was absent on the initial picture day, they will have their picture taken on the retake day (make-up). The photo will be used in the yearbook.
2. If you aren't happy with your photo and would like your child’s picture retaken, the student should bring the original photo package, including original envelope and all picture products, to turn into the photographer when they come to sit for a new picture. They do not need to fill out a new order form.
Hosting Bethel "Prime Timers" at the Gr.3 Winter Concert
Please go to UNO’s and help out VES!
AFTERSCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES
RETRO VIDEO GAME NIGHT...Kid's Nights Out! Friday, Dec 13
Register NOW for Kid's Night Out! hosted by our business partner, The Okinawan Karate Dojo.
Retro Video Game Night on Dec 13th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. will be a night of fun, old-school video games! Leave yours at home! The dojo will have plenty of gaming stations and consoles (Nintendo Classic, SNES Classics, Nintendo 64, XBox 360, Nintendo Wii, etc.)! Prizes and Contests for individual and team high scores! For Questions or Registration into either/both events, visit www.okdkarate.com and click on "Camps and PNOs", or call 443 574 8999. Ages 6-13.
PTA HOLIDAY SHOP - December 12
The PTA Holiday Shop is scheduled for December 12, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. This is a fun event hosted by the PTA that gives your children an opportunity to shop for holiday gifts in secret. This year we’ve moved into the gym, giving us more room and hopefully speeding up that shopping/purchasing process. Volunteer sign up coming soon!
PTA CHAIRPERSONS NEEDED - Please consider donating your time
The following PTA positions are still open and in need of being filled. We need volunteers to help keep amazing events happening at VES.
Chairpersons need to be members of the PTA and committed to seeing their responsibilities through from beginning to end, but you don’t have to do it alone! Our current officers are here to help and guide, and we have many resources available. In addition it’s possible to co-chair most programs and events - you get to work with friends and share some of the load.
Cultural Celebration -
Evening event where students and parents showcase their cultures through costume, performance, presentations and more. Chair(s) are responsible for organizing, advertising, and running the event. Don’t worry, you’ll get help!
Time Commitment - MEDIUM: 2-3 hours a week in month leading up to this spring event, 4-5 hours night of event, and attendance at monthly PTA meetings
Membership - Still need someone to step into this position for next year
Chair(s) are tasked with collecting and processing membership forms, helping to staff PTA Booths at PTA events, and developing ideas to help grow membership. This drive is mostly over for this year, but we are seeking to fill the position for next year.
Time Commitment - LOW: 2 hours a week during membership drive in fall, can primarily be done at home, and attendance at monthly PTA meetings
Webmaster -
Help to update website and post current information about PTA events and initiatives.
Time Commitment - LOW: 1-2 hours a month year long, done at home, and attendance at monthly PTA meetings.
If you’d like to know more, please contact PTA president Heidi Potter (heidi@shmoo.com) or plan to attend the next PTA Board Meeting on December 10, 7:00 p.m. in Media Center.
Volunteer Information
This is an annual requirement and only takes 5 minutes per training.
Food Services
https://hcpss.nutrislice.com/menu/veterans?mode=browse
Please keep your child’s lunch/breakfast accounts up to date:
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home
For information related to setting up your child’s lunch account and how to apply for Free or Reduced Priced Meals, please go to:
https://www.hcpss.org/food-services/