VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
Aug. 23, 2022 - Vol.15, Issue #2
WELCOME TO VES SY2022-2023, NEW EAGLES!
VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexia_redd@hcpss.org
Meaghan Liwosz, Administrative Intern - meaghan_liwosz@hcpss.org
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
Ruth Macdonald, Teacher Secretary .5 - ruth_macdonald@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.
From the Principal
Dear Parents,
On Monday, Veterans Elementary School will begin its 16th year. Your children will begin the 2022-23 school year. Amid fresh expectations and some new staff, we are ready for your children. On Wednesday August 24th at about 4:00 pm, parents will be able to view class placements in HCPSS Connect if your child's Family File has been updated. Class placements are primarily decided based on Language Arts instructional levels. On Friday at 10:00 am we invite all new Kindergarten students to come to our Kindergarten Open House. This time is only for Kindergarten students and their parents. Students will enter via our main door and go directly to their child's assigned homeroom. Please carry in any school supplies to be left in the child's homeroom. Again, complete the Family File to find out this information. At 1:30 pm we invite all students that are new to Veterans in Grades 1-5. These students and their parents will come directly to the cafetorium for a presentation, chance to meet some staff, and to get a tour of the building before being guided to their teacher's classroom. From 2:30 pm-4:10 pm, we will have a schoolwide Open House for all K-5 students to come in and find their assigned teachers. Please complete the Family File to get this information before Friday.
We will open school for all Kindergarten-Grade 5 students at 9:15 am. Students are late at 9:25 am. Of course, because of school bus delays and the first weeks of school we are extremely understanding as individuals readjust to the Fall schedule. Our ultimate goal is to have everyone in school and ready for instruction by 9:25 am. This is probably not realistic for the first few weeks. School will dismiss at 3:55 pm each day. We hope to have buses on the road by 4:10 pm but again this will run late for the first week or so. We will keep you updated.
Our Pre-Kindergarten and RECC classes will have an Open House on Tuesday August 30th at 10:30 am in their teacher's classrooms. These classes will begin on Thursday September 1st at 9:25 am.
Reminder: The school serves breakfast and lunch to full day students. The government did not renew the waiver which made meals free last year for everyone. This year prices are as follows:
Student Lunch
Elementary School Lunch – $2.80
Middle/High School Lunch – $3.30
Reduced Price Lunch – $0.00 (Find out how to qualify for FARMS)
Free Lunch – $0.00 (Find out how to qualify for FARMS)
Milk (1/2 pint) – $0.50
If you feel or are unsure whether you qualify for Free or Reduced Priced Meals, fill out the form on the link above. It is crucial to get approved quickly. You will need to pay for meals until your approval through your child's account.
We are excited about the new school year. Please let your children know that we are here to take care of them. We are looking forward to a great year !!!
Sincerely,
Mr. Robert Bruce
Principal
Classroom Teachers for 2022-23
Regional Early Childhood Teachers- Mrs. Jens (Team Leader) , Mrs. Jett, Mrs. Wandell, Mrs. Beaucage, Ms. Kisamore, Mrs. Suterlowe
Pre-Kindergarten- Mrs. Clink
Kindergarten- Mrs. Deppen (Team Leader), Mrs. Grassi, Mrs. Abadir, Mrs. Dorsey, Ms. BentsGrade One- Mrs. Welch (Team Leader), Ms. Alizadeh, Mrs. Seidl, Mrs. Georgetti, Mrs. Nguyen, Ms. Dixon.
Grade Two- Mrs. Kleinow (Team Leader), Mrs. Andersen, Ms. Corba, Mrs. Patel, Ms. Becker, Ms. Lim
Grade Three- Mrs. Menne (Team Leader), Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Dorsey, Mrs. Tong, Ms. Montiel, Ms. Loo
Grade Four- Ms. Getsinger (Team Leader), Mrs. Grady-Johnson, Ms. Jaggarsar, Mr. Pozoulakis, Ms. Shin
Grade Five- Mr. Callaghan (Team Leader), Mrs. Pensiero, Mrs. Graves, Mrs. Butani, Ms. Chong, Mrs. Young
Temporary Employee Positions at Veterans Elementary School
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 under the direction of a special education teacher and/or a classroom teacher. Some experience working with children is preferred. Below are details regarding the position.
Temporary Employee (TE) positions are with Social Service Consultants, Ltd.
Compensation is $15.00 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 that you are interested in working at Veterans Elementary School. Contact Alexcia Redd at alexcia_redd@hcpss.org when you have completed all parts of the application.
VES CURRENT NEWSFLASH!
English Calendar (PDF) Updated 6/27/22
学年行事历 (PDF)
학년도 달력 (PDF)
Calendario Año Escolar
Important Dates for 2022-2023:
Weds. August 24- 22-23 Class Lists to be shared in Synergy
Friday August 26- Kindergarten Orientation-10:00 am
New Student Orientation Gr. 1-5 1:30 pm
Open House- 2:30 pm-4:10 pm
Monday August 29- First Day of School
Tuesday August 30-PreK Orientation -10:30 am
MARK YOUR SEPTEMBER CALENDAR - VES BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS!
Back-to-School Night:
Monday Sept. 12- K/1 6:30-8:00 pm
Tuesday Sept. 13- Grades 2/4 6:30-8:00 pm
Weds. Sept. 14- Grades 3/5 6:30-8:00 pm
Presentations***
6:00pm-6:25pm - ESOL and/or GT Presentation
6:30pm-6:45pm - PTA Meeting
6:45pm-7:10pm - Principal's Message
7:10pm-8:10pm - Grade Level Back to School Night
SCHOOL DAY FOR VES STUDENTS: 9:25a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
Note regarding Late Arrivals by car-riders:
Beginning at 9:25 a.m., Parent/guardian must sign-in the student(s) "TARDY".
FAMILY FILE: Parent Access to Student Information & Classwork
[Click on image to be directed to the main HCPSS website]
* In early August, you will receive an email asking you to complete your Family File.
Please be on the lookout for this important email and complete it in a timely manner.
HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Regardless of virtual or in-person learning, parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child. Parents/guardians can complete or update Family File by logging in to HCPSS Connect, selecting the More Options tab on the left and then Family File in the center column. Family File guides are available online.
HEALTH CARE FORMS FOR ENROLLMENT
[Click on image to be directed to the main HCPSS website]
Note: The following forms require completion by the student’s doctor and dentist for well check visits. These will need to be submitted to the school within 60 days from the first day of school:
🔲 Record of Physical Exam Form (student’s pediatrician) https://www.hcpss.org/f/files/form_health_physicalexam.pdf
🔲 Dental Health Form https://www.hcpss.org/f/files/form_health_dentalexam.pdf
🔲 Lead Test Form https://www.hcpss.org/f/files/form_health_lead.pdf
Stay Informed:
Transportation :
Intent for Transportation for 2022-2023 School Year
HCPSS posted online and emailed all families a request that they indicate their transportation intentions for the 2022-2023 school year. This information will help guide transportation initiatives, hiring of drivers, planning routes and more.
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.
HCPSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT SUPPLY LIST SY2022-2023
Additional Enrollment Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Enrollment and Registration
See Policy 9000, Student Residency, Eligibility, Enrollment and Assignment
For additional information or questions, please contact your anticipated school of enrollment.
PREPARE FOR THE FIRST DAY:
Helping Your Child Get Ready for Kindergarten
Kindergarten teachers are prepared for children to enter school with varying abilities, strengths and needs. Each child is taught at their appropriate level through differentiated instruction. Learn more what your child will learn in kindergarten.
Review the 2021 Road to Kindergarten slideshow for information about kindergarten readiness, the kindergarten program, and registering your child for school. Prior to kindergarten there are many things parents can do to support their child’s transition to school. From making sure appropriate documentation is gathered, to playing with, reading with and listening to their child, the year before kindergarten is a great opportunity to develop school readiness!
VES PTA NEWS AND UPDATES
Join a PTA Committee for next year!
Lend a hand! We need help with Whooo's Reading, the fall Book Fair, organizing Restaurant Nights, planning in person school parties, reserving assemblies for the kids, the Science Fair and lots of other ideas, Want to inquire more about one of them? Take a peek and email Kim Davis at kimberlydavis410@gmail.com if you want to learn more.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1TRDZknWi7rx7Y0eHUp9bNf_9mt9sfX/view?usp=sharing
Join the PTA:
https://veterans.memberhub.store
Follow us on Facebook:
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Please note: Bus routes for the 2022-2023 school year will not be published until mid-August.
Parents of students who will be riding the bus are invited to check the Bus Locator tool on the HCPSS website. To use the tool, type in your home address. The cross on the map represents your child’s bus stop. On the left-hand side of your screen, you will see the bus stop location, contractor information, bus number, and morning arrival/afternoon drop-off times for your child’s bus. This tool will also tell you if your address falls in our walk zone.
Families of students who receive specialized transportation will receive information about your child’s bus schedule directly from the bus contractors.
Diversity of Student Population
HCPSS is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free from discrimination, fosters equitable opportunities, and values diversity and commonality. Policy 1010 Anti-Discrimination prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, immigration status, religion, physical, mental, or educational disability, pregnancy, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or socioeconomic status.
HCPSS ensure the safety, comfort, and healthy development of LGBTQIA+ students.
Here at Veterans Elementary School, we celebrate the diversity of our students and are here to support students’ healthy and happy social and emotional well-being.
Any questions or concerns? Please contact your child’s school counselor and/or administrator.
For more information on HCPSS policy and supports, please visit: https://www.hcpss.org/supports/lgbtqia-youth/#supports
Find Answers to Questions Online
HCPSS’ Help site provides answers to hundreds of questions about hybrid learning, health and safety, transportation, and more.
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
Safeway Foundation's 6th Annual School Spirit Campaign
Veterans Elementary is partnering with Safeway Foundation and the Safeway store at 4370 Montgomery Rd., Ellicott City, MD to raise funds to support our school projects and supplies.
During the month of August, you can show your school spirit by making a monetary donation at this Safeway location. All funds raised by Safeway Foundation and this store will be donated to Veterans Elementary.
FOOD ACCESS
2022-2023 HCPSS Meal Service
Families are reminded that the federal government has not extended waivers allowing free meals for all students. Consequently, for the 2022-2023 school year, students whose families do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will be required to pay the daily meal price.
Many HCPSS families are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) program, which provides children with a wide range of benefits including free or discounted college tuition, testing and application fees, academic and athletic program fees and many others in addition to free or discounted meals.
Families are urged to check their eligibility and complete a FARMs application as soon as possible. Families must submit a new application every school year.
Details on the Free and Reduced Meals program, including a link to apply, are available online.
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
ADDRESS CHANGE FORM: https://www.hcpss.org/f/schools/change-of-address-form.pdf
MOVING AWAY/ Withdraw from VES: https://www.hcpss.org/f/aboutus/withdrawal-request-form.pdf
Please initiate the process by filling out the HCPSS Withdrawal Form and email it back to the registrar.
Three Years Old Learning Together Program Peers
Will your child be 3 years old by September 1, 2022?
Do they want to go to Veterans Elementary School, just like their siblings and neighbors?
Learning Together Program – Prekindergarten
The Veterans Elementary Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) prekindergarten programs are making preparations for classes for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. These classes include children with and without disabilities. The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills. Parents of children who will be 3 by September 1st( born between 9/2/18– 9/1/19 ) may learn more about the program by reviewing the Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (English).
- Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (Chinese)
- Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (Korean)
- Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (Spanish)
If you need assistance to complete the application, please contact Early Intervention Services at earlyinterventionservcies@hcpss.org or at 410-313-7017.
HCPSS is committed to providing instruction based on the statewide Early Learning Standards which are in alignment with Kindergarten Readiness. The fees listed in the application will be collected monthly regardless of the learning model determined by HCPSS throughout the upcoming school year (virtual, hybrid, or in person). If you have any additional questions, please email Mary Jens at mary_jens@hcpss.org
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.