VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
AUGUST 28, 2021 - Vol.15 Issue #2 - BACK TO SCHOOL
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
SCHOOL DAY FOR VES STUDENTS: 9:25a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
Late Arrivals by car-riders:
Beginning at 9:25 a.m., Parent/guardian must sign-in the student(s) "TARDY".
Send Dismissal Change Notifications by 2:00pm: vestransportation@hcpss.org
Please send any dismissal changes for the day no later than 2:00 p.m. to vestransportation@hcpss.org.
Include the 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).
* Please also cc the homeroom teacher on the email.
Send Student Attendance-related notifications directly to: 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.
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.
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.
BUS TRANSPORTATION: Bus Routes for the 2021-2022
Step #1 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.
Step #2 After you access the HCPSS Bus locator, take that information (bus number) and go to our VES website main page for specific VES Bus Routes/timing.
Families of students who receive specialized transportation will receive information about your child’s bus schedule directly from the bus contractors.
AUGUST:
30 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Grades K thru 5
SEPTEMBER:
1 - Back-to-School Night: Grades K & 1 at 6:30pm
2 - PK/RECC FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
6 - SCHOOLS AND OFFICES CLOSED: LABOR DAY (state mandated holiday)
7 - SCHOOLS AND OFFICES CLOSED
13 - Back-to-School Night: Grades 2 & 4 at 6:30pm
14 - Back-to-School Night: Grades 3 & 5 at 6:30pm
16 - SCHOOLS AND OFFICES CLOSED
OCTOBER:
15 - NO SCHOOL - PD Day (Professional Work Day)
Weekly Message from our Principal
Welcome Back-
We have not been in full session here at Veterans Elementary School since March 13, 2020. We are so happy to be greeting our students on Monday August 30th. Arrival begins at 9:15 am.
Mitigation Efforts- While the school will try to meet the recommended 3 feet social distancing in as many situations as possible, classroom arrangements just won’t allow that to happen for our students and staff. Mask wearing is crucial. Handwashing is so important and when handwashing is not convenient, the use of hand sanitizer is being used throughout the school. Teachers have increased supplies of sanitizer and wipes in the classroom. Our HVAC system is constantly monitored and MERV-13 Air Filters are installed on all our HVAC units.
As we open please understand that delivery of cafeteria table plexiglass dividers and our outside tent have been delayed. Vendors have given us sometime this week as delivery dates. A carbon dioxide monitor will help us to assess the quality of indoor airflow in our cafeteria. All students will have assigned seats in the cafeteria. Once dividers arrive, that will give additional protection. Outdoor seating will allow us to sit our most vulnerable students outside on days when weather and staffing will allow us to do that safely. Requests must go to Jaime_gittleson@hcpss.org Some parents have asked if they may sign their child out for lunch/recess and of course you may if that gives you peace of mind. Students may not leave before lunch begins and must return by the conclusion of the their recess period.
We ask our parents who bring their child to school to wish them a great day on the outside of the school. To limit the number of individuals in the building, parents will not be allowed inside the building. Pre-planned visits can be arranged at a later date with the school office.
- The most important responsibility for all parents is to do morning screenings of your school aged children. Screenings for Illness: HCPSS will continue its process of self-diagnostic screenings. Parents/guardians also are reminded to conduct health checks each day before their children leave home. Details on health checks and when students should stay home can be found online.
These screenings are crucial for your child and to the health of our school community.
I can not guarantee that there will not be Co-VID cases in our school building this year. I know that we have procedures in place to arrange for quarantine depending on the situation. We are taking as many precautions as we can in hopes of minimizing issues.
Information related to the 2021-2022 school year can be found online. Answers to many frequently asked questions also are available online. Both sites are being continually updated as new information becomes available.
MARK YOUR SEPTEMBER CALENDAR - VES BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS!
SEPTEMBER:
1 - Kindergarten and Grade 1
13 - Grades 2 and 4
14 - Grades 3 and 5
Back to School Nights 2021-
Our first Back to School Night is this Wednesday September 1st for Grades Kindergarten and Grade One at 6:30 pm.
Mr. Bruce will post his informational presentation to the school website by Wednesday morning September 1st. English To Speakers of Other Languages and our Gifted & Talented department will also post presentations to the website. This will be done to minimize whole group meetings as we begin the school year.
In-person Back to School Nights will consist of direct visits to the classroom beginning at 6:30 pm. These nights are curriculum information nights and are not meant for students. Parents will go directly to your child’s classroom. Administration will be available in the front lobby for any questions you may have for them. Schedule is as follows:
Wednesday September 1 - 6:30 pm Kindergarten and Grade One
Monday September 13 - 6:30 pm Grades 2 and 4
Tuesday September 14 - 6:30 pm Grades 3 and 5
I urge all of our parents to be attentive to the work of our fantastic PTA. They will have a table set up at each Back to School Night and there will be a vote on the budget at our last Back to School Night on Tuesday Sept. 14th via an outdoor meeting session that evening. Please join and support the PTA, they represent your interests and offer many support activities for our children and staff.
FAMILY FILE: Parent Access to Student Information & Classwork
[Click on image to be directed to the main HCPSS website]
HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. 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.
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.
News for the Opening of Veterans Elementary School:
General cleaning and disinfecting will be conducted throughout school buildings in compliance with CDC guidelines.
· Universal Masking: All students and staff will wear masks inside unless they are eating or drinking.
· Student Meals: Meals will be provided at no cost to students. Lunch will be eaten in the cafeteria and breakfast will be eaten in classrooms. These meals will continue to be of the “grab & go” variety. Elementary school students will have an assigned seating chart for lunch in order to provide data should a close contact situation arise. We will also use plexiglass
dividers on indoor cafeteria tables.
We are making plans for some ability to have outdoor seating on fair weather days.
These students will also have assigned seats. We will be able to sit approximately 30 children in a tent on the modified recess grounds. Obviously not all students will be able to eat outside, so we will will prioritize our outdoor seating based on the needs of our student population. More details will come on this.
· PPE Supplies:
HCPSS will maintain an inventory of PPE supplies, including face masks and disinfectant wipes, for student and staff needs. o Hand sanitizer stations will remain in place throughout school buildings. o Parents should send their students with face coverings.
· Additional Care: Plexiglass currently in place will remain.
Health Rooms will continue to have a designated isolation area.
· Halls, stairwells, and fountains:
· All traffic patterns will return to pre-closure patterns.
· Water fountains may still only be used for filling water containers. Students are encouraged to bring water containers.
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:
HCPSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT SUPPLY LIST SY2021-2022
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
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: 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.
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
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!
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