VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
Sept. 10, 2022 - Vol.15, Issue #4
WELCOME TO VES SY2022-2023
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,
Next week will be Back to School Week as we host three meeting nights for our parents to learn what their children will experience over the next year. These meetings are for just parents. The dates and grades are as follows:
Monday September 12th- Kindergarten & Grade One
6:00- Multi-Lingual Program Orientation (ESOL)-Media
6:30- PTA Meeting & Meet Mr. Bruce-Cafetorium
7:00- Meetings for Grades K & 1
Tuesday September 13th- Grade 2 and Grade 4
6:30- PTA Meeting & Meet Mr. Bruce-Cafetorium
7:00- Meetings with Grades 2 & 4
Wednesday September 14th- Grade 3 and Grade 5
6:00- GT Program Orientation- Media Center
6:30- PTA Meeting & Meet Mr. Bruce- Cafetorium
7:00- Meetings with Grade 3 and Grade 5
We look forward to meeting you for this general presentation. Welcome Back !!!
As we plan for events in the future, please understand that we are unable to sponsor our annual Children's Celebration on Halloween. Our school will be exploring other fun activities that we can plan for other times of the year. I know some parents spend a lot of time and money shopping for the right costume for their child, there is no need to do this for school.
We wanted you to know early, we know some children may say that they need a costume for the school parade and that will not be the case.
We are planning a return to our annual recognition of Veterans Day after a two-year hiatus. You will hear more about this activity scheduled for Friday November 11th in the future.
We will also see a return to school field trips. Each team will have their own plan for field trips. This will be a good opportunity to chaperone, please remember if you wish to chaperone, please complete the modules on the school website dedicated to Child Abuse and Confidentiality. Print out the completion certificates and send in to your child's homeroom teacher.
In a section below we will explore additional policies, which we are required to draw your attention to at this time of the year.
Note: Mr. Bruce's messages about Bus Dismissal will be discontinued after next Friday September 16th. We will only send a bus SMS message for buses extremely late. The transportation department has been working hard to refine their runs to a more predictable arrival and departure time. Hopefully, over the next week we will have more predictable runs for you.
Sincerely,
Robert C. Bruce
Lost & Found
HCPSS POLICIES
Dear Parents,
If you reviewed last week's Eagle Express, we included some policies we wanted to make sure you were aware of, please see the policies below:
Policy 10020- Use of School Facilities- This policy provides uniform procedures to establish processes that provide safe, equitable, opportunities for use of school facilities. This policy is currently under review.
Highlights:
- Currently, for profit organizations will not be charged a fee for non-profit activities; when they make a profit, they will be charged a fee.
- Currently, users may be required to have their own insurance when using facilities.
- There will be updates to this policy.
Policy 1020- Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, & Sexual Misconduct-This policy sets clear expectations for behaviors that promote an inclusive and equitable environment and provide guidelines for students, employees, and volunteers in addressing sexual misconduct.
Highlights:
- Title IX Harassment has been added to this policy- see Policy 1025.
- Students, employees, and now HCPSS volunteers are covered under this policy.
- Students, families, or other reporters encouraged.
Policy 1000- Civility- This policy sets clear expectations for civil behavior that support a safe, engaging and supportive environment on school property and at school -related activities.
Highlights:
- Policy enumerates unacceptable behavior on school grounds including rude, insulting, or demeaning language and/or actions. Other behaviors include persistently unreasonable demands, interruptive behavior, displays of temper, and threatening or abusive gestures or behavior.
- Policy applies to the entire community while on school grounds during school hours and/or events.
- Spells out how issues will be resolved.
Policy 1020- Child Abuse and Neglect- Policy establishes guidelines and monitoring requirements for ensuring employees, contractors, volunteers working in their professional capacities recognize and report abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adult students in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Highlights:
- Requires individuals to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect.
- Directs employees not to investigate but leave that to other agencies.
- Stipulates the school system response to investigating agencies.
Entire policies may be accessed at the following link:
Public Input. During the development or revision period, comments and suggestions for changes to the policies under review can be submitted via email to policy@hcpss.org and will be shared with the applicable committee chairs prior to the presentation of the proposed policy report to the Board of Education.. After presentation of the proposed policy to the Board of Education, the public are ...
policy.hcpss.org
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:
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
Monday, Sept. 26 Schools and offices closed
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
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.
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".
PLEASE CHECK YOUR VOICE MESSAGE PRIOR TO CALLING THE SCHOOL FOR ANY MISSED CALLS.
** NOTICE: supervision by HCPSS Staff NOT available before school **
Parent-Guardian is responsible for their child's supervision until the VES school doors open 9:15 a.m. in the morning.
Do not leave your child unattended prior to 9:15 a.m.
*NOTE: HELP US RELEASE YOUR CHILD SAFELY TO AUTHORIZED ADULTS (HCPSS Policy)
HELP US RELEASE YOUR CHILD SAFELY TO AUTHORIZED ADULTS
- * Please be prepared to present your physical, tangible Photo ID
- ** Bring your phone to scan the QR code to sign out student(s) for Early Dismissal.
- Please plan accordingly. Students are dismissed from class upon parents' arrival after they are signed out from the office.
- ***Make sure FamilyFile is updated to indicate non-parent/guardians who VES staff are authorized to release your child to.
- Dismissal requests AFTER 3:30pm will be dismissed at normal 3:55pm time as Car Riders
It is too difficult for staff and students to locate/notify during the school-wide final classroom transitioning at the end of the day.
At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.
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
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
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.
* 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!
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.
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 the PTA
Your membership helps fund events for the kids and staff like the back to school party on September 22! We also use donations to host staff appreciation events, pay for assemblies, host science fairs, cultural fairs and book fairs. We love helping our school be a wonderful community to be a part of. Please join us by becoming a member and donating today! Thank you!
https://veterans.memberhub.store
Paper membership forms will come home soon if you prefer to join by check or cash.
Join a PTA Committee!
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 Namoneh Kande at kandenamoneh@gmail.comif you want to learn more. Read more about all our committees here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1TRDZknWi7rx7Y0eHUp9bNf_9mt9sfX/view?usp=sharing
Next PTA Meeting
Monday September 19th at 6pm (Virtual)
6:00-6:45 - board meeting (all are welcome to join to find out what we are planning & to volunteer to help)
6:45- 7:00 - general membership questions
Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/bdy-fecj-jao
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 Kristine Quinto at kristine.quinto@gmail.com
Mt. Hebron Marching Unit
FUTURE VIKINGS NIGHT
WHO: All musicians (grades 5-8) who will attend Mt. Hebron HS
WHEN: Friday, September 23, 2022 (Report: 6:00pm - Game: 7:00pm)
WHERE: Meet in the Band Room (Room 133)
COST: Free for Future Vikings (Parent admission fee is required - All tickets are sold online!)
*Families are encouraged to attend and can sit in the parent section next to the band. Students should bring $$ for concessions.
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.