VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS

Dec. 17 , 2022 - Vol.15, Issue #17

(click on image) Come Along to Visit VES Virtually!

For security reasons, individuals must log onto their child's Canvas page to access virtual tour.

VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org

Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org

Meaghan Liwosz, Administrative Intern - meaghan_liwosz@hcpss.org


Please call ahead 410-313-1700


***PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK FOR A VOICE MESSAGE PRIOR TO CALLING SCHOOL FOR A MISSED CALL.***


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

4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD, USA robert_bruce@hcpss.org 443-864-6808 ves.hcpss.org
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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.

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Pokemon Cards and other card collectibles!

We have noticed an increase in the number of collectible cards at school. Students trade and even sell these cards at school. This causes a number of issues for staff. Collectible cards such as Pokemon cards are considered a "toy" and therefore are not allowed at school or on the school bus. Staff may take your child's cards and turn them into the office. We will call home and ask what you would like us to do with the items. Please let your children know that these items should remain at home. This is the best way to keep collectible cards safe and minimize disruption to the instructional program.
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From the Principal

Dear Parents,


First of all we want to congratulate eleven of our students who were recognized by the Council of Elders of Howard County for their magnificent achievement last school year. Those individuals were recognized at a virtual event last Monday . Those individuals are: Oluwakorede Adebo, Abigail Akanbi, Gabriella Alvarez, Emma David, Mati Diriba, Sienna Hamlin, Zephaniah Okoh, Ula Parker, Saverio Tsadick, Christopher Young, and Ebenezer Zeleke. Our congratulations to all of you for SOARING like a Veterans Eagle.


After this week we will bid a fond farewell to Mrs. Liwosz, who has served as our Leadership Intern. Mrs. Liwosz has built many relationships here at Veterans in her short tenure. We will miss her immensely. We do welcome Ms. Keri Golibart as our new Leadership Intern and we look forward to her starting right after winter break.


A hearty congratulations to our 3rd Grade Chorus and 3rd Grade Strings program who had a few outstanding performances this week.


On Tuesday December 20th , 4th and 5th grade Orchestra will perform at 7:00 pm. On Wednesday December 21st, 4th and 5th Grade Band will perform at 7:00 pm.


Our students came up with a great idea for a celebration we all could enjoy. We will have a Pajama Parade on Friday December 23rd, the last hour of the day. We look forward to our mascot, Spirit leading our parade. It should be a fun event before we dismiss for the Winter Break.

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Lost & Found

The picture above was updated as of Friday 12/16/22 . A new collection of Lost & Found has begun and we already have some new items. We kindly ask all parents to please label the belongings of your children, regardless of age. We were able to track down two students due to labeling. This is especially true for jackets and coats as we get to the unpredictable temperature season. These are the current items on our Lost & Found stand. If something looks familiar, please claim it. Any items not claimed by Thanksgiving Break, Spring Break, and the end of the year will be donated to an area charity.

VES CURRENT NEWSFLASH!

PAJAMA PARADE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23rd!!!

Hello VES Community! We are planning on having some fun next Friday, December 23 before going on winter break. Students are invited to wear their favorite pajamas (and accessories should they wish) and be prepared to show them off during an indoor parade. We will have music going and have invited Spirit to participate. We’re calling this event a Pajama Parade (see link). Get ready to wear your PJs and have some fun!

VES WINTER CONCERTS

Tuesday, December 20th

4th/5th Grade Strings evening concert at 7 p.m.


Wednesday, December 21st

4th/5th Grade Band evening concert at 7 p.m.

PAJAMA PARADE

FRIDAY, DEC 23rd

Winter Break Fun at VES!!! Show off your favorite pajamas!!

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HAVING LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILD

HAVING LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILD

We ask that parents make a reservation at least 24 hrs in advance with the school office and have completed the 2 Volunteer Trainings online. Upon arrival, you will be asked to show your identification and provide the 2 signed certificates from the training. Please do not arrive at the school without identification and a reservation, you will be asked to return another day. This reservation is for lunch only and not for recess. You are asked to exit through the office when you depart after lunch.
HAVING LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILD
SY2022-2023 HCPSS APPROVED CALENDAR

2022-2023 Academic Calendar Monthly Format English Calendar (PDF) Updated 6/27/22 学年行事历 (PDF) 학년도 달력 (PDF) Calendario Año Escolar

Important Dates for 2022-2023:

Important Dates for 2022-2023:

December 5th-11th - Computer Science Week


December 6th, 7th and 8th at 10:45AM - 12:05PM

Grade 5 CogAT Testing


December 12th, 13th & 16th at 2:30PM - 3:50PM

Grade 3 CogAT Testing


Dec. 14, 2022 - Professional Work and Wellness Day

Schools close 3 hrs early. no half-day Pre-K.


Wednesday, December 14th

3rd grade Chorus Winter Concert at 7 p.m.


Tuesday, December 20th

4th/5th Grade Strings evening concert at 7 p.m.


Wednesday, December 21st

4th/5th Grade Band evening concert at 7 p.m.


Friday, Dec. 23rd - Pajama Parade for Staff and Students (during school)


Dec. 26-Jan. 2 - WINTER BREAK - SCHOOLS AND OFFICES CLOSED

Important Dates for 2022-2023:

Immediate Temporary Paraeducator Position available until Mid-January


Work with Special Needs students to meet requirements of their IEP plan, under the direction of a Special Education Team Leader. Some experience working with children or disabilities is preferred. Some college coursework is helpful in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology or related fields. Please contact Mrs. Liwosz or Mrs. Redd on 410-313-1700 for more information. Use this link to begin your application.

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.

SCHOOL DAY FOR VES STUDENTS: 9:25a.m. to 3:55 p.m.

VES welcomes students to enter the school building beginning at 9:15 a.m. and must be present in their classroom seats by 9:25 a.m. for teacher's daily attendance.


Note regarding Late Arrivals by car-riders:
Beginning at 9:25 a.m., Parent/guardian must sign-in the student(s) "TARDY".

SCHOOL DAY FOR VES STUDENTS: 9:25a.m. to 3:55 p.m.

** 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)

*NOTE: HELP US RELEASE YOUR CHILD SAFELY TO AUTHORIZED ADULTS (HCPSS Policy)

HELP US RELEASE YOUR CHILD SAFELY TO AUTHORIZED ADULTS

  1. * Please be prepared to present your physical, tangible Photo ID
  2. ** Bring your phone to scan the QR code to sign out student(s) for Early Dismissal.
  3. Please plan accordingly. Students are dismissed from class upon parents' arrival after they are signed out from the office.
  4. ***Make sure FamilyFile is updated to indicate non-parent/guardians who VES staff are authorized to release your child to.
  5. 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.

*NOTE: HELP US RELEASE YOUR CHILD SAFELY TO AUTHORIZED ADULTS (HCPSS Policy)

***DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLES UNATTENDED IN THE CAR LOOP AND PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR***

No Transportation Changes can be accommodated During Dismissal

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.

No Transportation Changes can be accommodated During Dismissal

* 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.

REPEAT...
PARENTS/GUARDIANS, YOU DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO BOARD SCHOOL BUSES.

See an Administrator or Front Office Secretary for assistance!

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

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!

Helping Your Child Get Ready for Kindergarten

VES PTA NEWS AND UPDATES


Upcoming Events:


Reflections Art Contest - All submissions in by 12/16th



REFLECTIONS NATIONAL ART CONTEST


"Show Your Voice”... is the 2022-2023 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 " Show Your Voice”


Categories include: Dance Choreography, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.

The Submission deadline will be December 16th.

Submission forms were sent home last week.

If you would like to participate, but art supplies are a financial burden please reach out to the PTA at reflectionsves@gmail.com.



Join the PTA!

We have 178 members so far! We are over 1/2 of our way to our goal of 300!

Your membership helps fund events for the kids and staff like the back to school party!

https://veterans.memberhub.store

Paper membership forms already came home. Turn those into your child's teacher if you want to pay by cash or check.


Join a PTA Committee!

Lend a hand!

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45ABA72DA4F5C43-ptacommittee


Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PTAatVES


Support us on Amazon Smile:

Search Veterans Elementary School PTA to assign us as your charity

Smile.Amazon.com

Select "your account". Select "change charity"

Search for our name.

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.

Find Answers to Questions Online

Find Answers to Questions Online

HCPSS’ Help site provides answers to hundreds of questions about hybrid learning, health and safety, transportation, and more.

Find Answers to Questions Online

LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS

FOOD ACCESS

2022-2023 HCPSS Meal Service

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.

2022-2023 HCPSS Meal Service
FARMS Applications: Applications for the Free and Reduced Meals program for the school year 2022-2023 are available online in multiple languages and paper copies are available at all meal sites, effective 9/8/20. Please use this document for strategies for increasing FARMs awareness and participation.

SNAP BENEFITS

SNAP Benefits-Emergency Allotments Flyer-English

Apply for SNAP Benefits today-Flyer-English

Apply for SNAP Benefits Today-Flyer-Spanish

Grocery Delivery Flyer-English

Grocery Delivery Flyer-Korean

Grocery Delivery Flyer-Spanish

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Hello VES Families! Welcome back to school! One of our community partners provides weekly food for students whose families request it. Food would be delivered to your child's classroom each Thursday in a bag that your child can bring home in their backpack. Please let us know if you are interested in this opportunity HERE. Thank you!


Julie Wentz and Jessica Wilson-Carr

School Counselors

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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

COMCAST Internet

To help connect more families to the internet at home, Comcast is offering two months of free internet to new Internet Essential customers. more information
COMCAST Internet
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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.

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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).

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

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.

Perform Daily Health Checks