VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
OCTOBER 2, 2021 - Vol.15 Issue #7
WELCOME BACK TO VES IN-PERSON LEARNING!
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.
Veterans Elementary School
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:
Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Please call ahead 410-313-1700
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
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 appreciate the patience of our community as we deal with the myriad of issues pertaining to Co-VID 19 and school. As a school principal I do ask for our school community to always remain civil with each other. We have an important job to do in educating our children. Both parents and teachers benefit when they are seen as a united front. I know from time to time there may be a difference of opinion but ultimately, all of us want to see children grow and thrive. Thank you for helping to keep the school community safe. Thank you for taking care of your children and thus also taking care of the staff that works with your children.
October - This is a month, where in the past we have celebrated our annual Children's Celebration. We will not celebrate "Halloween" in school this year. The annual school parade will not occur and parties also will not occur. If you celebrate this day for your children, please find community sponsored activities that are safe for your children.
November- We usually celebrate Veterans Day with a big assembly with guests from the VFW and school community in attendance. This year we will not hold the big assembly on November 11th. We are anxious to get back to this day of recognition of our nations' veterans, however this is not the year to do that. We will encourage our students to write letters of thanks for those who would like to do something.
November- Parent Conferences this year on November 22nd and 23rd will be virtual unless a parent formally requests an in-person conference. More on this in the coming month.
Robert C. Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts !
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
OCTOBER:
2 - NATIONAL CUSTODIAN APPRECIATION DAY
4 & 5 - MCAP ELA: Grade 4 at 1:05pm
5 - PTA Restaurant Night: Chipotle Taco Tuesday 4pm - 8pm
6 & 7 - MCAP ELA: Grade 5 at 9:40am
13- FLU Vaccine Clinic for pre-registered Students (see info link below)
13 - GT Program Parent Academy Elementary Focus 7pm- 8pm
14 - GT Program Parent Academy Secondary Focus 7pm- 8pm
15 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - PD Day (Prof. Work Day)
22 - PTA Outdoor Movie Night
October 13th: Flu Vaccine Clinic at VES
You must pre-register....follow directions on the attached document. You must sign up in advance !
The Howard County Health Department will hold their annual flu vaccine clinic on Weds. October 13th at Veterans Elementary School.
Flu e-mail Eng 2021.docx
flu e-mail SPAN 2021.docx
All students must have a vaccine form filled out using the website. If you have questions, call the Health Room at VES. The Health Room can be reached at 410-313-1704.
Fall Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Math and ELA for Grades 4 & 5
Veterans Elementary
Fall Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Math and ELA for Grades 4 & 5
As part of continued COVID-19 recovery efforts, the Maryland State Department of Education is conducting an early fall student assessment. The results will help educators better understand student needs, so that we can address disrupted education and accelerate learning opportunities for all students. Please see the dates and times below for 4th and 5th grade testing.
Grade 4:
MCAP Math – Tuesday September 28th at 10:45 AM
MCAP ELA – Monday and Tuesday October 4th & 5th at 1:05 PM
Grade 5:
MCAP Math – Wednesday September 29th at 9:40 AM
MCAP ELA – Wednesday and Thursday October 6th & 7th at 9:40 AM
For more information, please access the link: https://help.hcpss.org/grades-testing/mcap-early-fall-2021
Howard County GT Program Parent Academy - October 13 and 14, 2021
HCPSS families interested in the Gifted and Talented (GT) Program are invited to come learn about the advanced-level offerings available and how their students can become involved. The evening will begin with an overview of GT Education Program offerings followed by a question and answer session with Central Office GT Education Program staff. Elementary and Secondary programs will be covered on separate days. Families may attend one or both nights. Registration is required for these events.
Elementary Focus: Wednesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., being held virtually via Microsoft Teams
Secondary Focus: Thursday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., being held virtually via Microsoft Teams
For more information and to register, please visit the HCPSS GT Program Parent Academy announcement.
A Message from the VES Student Support Team:
WORTH REPEATING . . .
Reminder: Proof of Vaccination/Testing Requirements for Visitors and Staff
The COVID staff testing program is scheduled to launch the week of October 4.
Visitors and volunteers will not be asked to show proof of vaccination or testing until the staff testing program is in effect. At that time, proof of vaccination status or a negative weekly COVID test will be required for all parents/guardians and other visitors who enter HCPSS schools to interact with or support students, visit classrooms or conduct observations. Volunteers must also comply with this requirement, which goes into effect simultaneously with the launch of the COVID staff testing program. Parents/visitors who are entering the school briefly, to pick up or drop off their child or for other reasons, will not be required to show proof of vaccination or testing.
Robert C. Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.
* Please bring your phone to scan the QR code to sign out the student.
** 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.Early Dismissals must be prior to 3:30 pm
After 3:30pm, students will be dismissed at 3:55pm with the Car Riders. Please plan accordingly. Students are dismissed from class upon parents' arrival after they are signed out from the office.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
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
For absences of up to 3 days per year, the principal may determine whether the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused. This completed form should be submitted to the principal in advance. For absences in excess of three days, the principal in consultation with the administrative directors will determine if the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused. If the request is for 15 consecutive days or more, the written request should be submitted 2 weeks in advance. Students with unlawful absences of 10 consecutive school days or more will be withdrawn from school and may be allowed to re-enroll, provided they meet enrollment requirements, upon their return.
Temporary Employee Positions at Veterans Elementary
We are looking for caring and compassionate individuals to assist students with disabilities who require direct adult supervision throughout the school day. The position works under the daily supervision of the school administration and the direction of a special education teacher and/or a classroom teacher. Some experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred. Below, please are details regarding the position.
· Temporary Employee (TE) position are with Social Service Consultants, Ltd.
· Compensation is $13.00 per hour
· The hours are 9:25 AM – 3:55 PM Monday-Friday.
To apply, please email Robert Tencher at Rtencher@gmail.com to request an application packet. Please specify the school you are interested in. You can also apply using this link.
Please contact Alexcia Redd at alexcia_redd@hcpss.org or at 410-313-1700 when you have competed all parts of the application.
Veterans Elementary Needs SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
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 or Jaime Gittleson at jaime_gittleson@hcpss.org.
when you have competed all parts of the application.
Hey VES Family! Here are some things the PTA is planning for you!
UPCOMING EVENTS
RESTAURANT NIGHT - OCTOBER 5 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Taco Tuesday with Chipotle!
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support Veterans Elementary School PTA. Come in to the Chipotle at 9120 Baltimore National Pike Lot A-1 in Ellicott City on Tuesday, October 5th between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Bring in the attached flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Veterans Elementary School PTA. If ordering online please use code TV2EHZC before checkout in ‘promo’ field. Orders placed on Chipotle.com or through the Chipotle app for pickup using this unique code will be counted towards the fundraiser.
FALL OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: TOY STORY 4 - OCTOBER 22 7:00pm -9:00pm
We are planning an outdoor movie night! Sign up here to attend so we can plan for space! Thank you! https://signup.com/go/cNotaWD
If you would like to help us plan snacks or logistics please reach out to Danyette at danyette227@comcast.net.
SPIRITWEAR: OCTOBER 14 - OCTOBER 29
Get ready to show your VES pride with a new shirt! Email Amie if you would like to help with this committee at amiekhouse@hotmail.com.
Order form and online ordering link coming soon.
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, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.
Submission deadline will be in November and more details to come!
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!
Parents, please join the PTA using the website below or the QR code. Your membership dues allow us to fund all the activities we run!
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
The HCPSS 2021-2022 School Year and HCPSS Help sites provide a wealth of information and answers to dozens of frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on all aspects of the current school year. Check back frequently as new information and FAQs are continually added. Several of the most frequently sought answers are provided below.
Free Flu Vaccines
HCPSS is partnering with the Howard County Health Department and Maryland Partnership for Prevention to offer free flu vaccines at HCPSS schools October 13-28. Parents who elect for their child(ren) to receive the flu vaccination must register and provide consent online before Friday, October 8. Parents may also request a paper consent form from the school nurse.
COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Clinic
Head to Mt. Hebron High School on Thursday, October 7th from 3:30PM-5:30PM to get your Covid-19 vaccine for free! See the flyer for more details. You can register ahead of time or simply show up. PTSA is handing out frozen treats to anyone stopping by!
Puede venir a Mt. Hebron, Jueves, el 7 de Octubre (3:30PM-5:30PM), para recibir la vacuna de Covid-19 sin costo. Puede registrar antes del evento o simplemente venir a la escuela. Ve el folleto adjunto para obtener mas información.
Thursday, Oct 7, 2021, 03:30 PM
Mount Hebron High School, Old Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD, USA
Hello VES Community!! One of our local partners is looking for families to provide food to. Food can be picked up at St. Peter's Episcopal in Ellicott City. If you are interested, please fill out the Pete's Packs Sign Up and we will be in touch with more details. Thank you!!
Julie Chang Wentz, M.Ed, NCC
School Counselor
Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Julie_Wentz@hcpss.org
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.