VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS

OCTOBER 16, 2021 - Vol.15 Issue #9

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

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

Hello Veterans Community,


First of all school is going well despite a few hiccups along the way. We do an excellent job of providing coverage for our staff when they must be out of the building. There may be days when my staff is stretched so thin and it is difficult to get substitute teachers, on these days we may need to sprinkle students into their grade level classes. We will always strive to secure a substitute so classes may remain together but I wanted to make you aware that this is not always possible. Our hope is that our substitute pool will grow as Co-VID wanes.


A number of children bring a wide variety of fidgets to school. Unfortunately the number is so large that students have been selling and trading them which causes friction during the academic day. These objects are considered toys and as such should not be coming into the building. If a child has these items written into their 504 or IEP, the items will be provided by the school.

Other items such as balls, cars, etc. are all toys and should not come to school. Please inform your child that these items must be left home or in their backpack if they use them on their way to or from school.


There will not be interim or progress reports issued this year. Report Cards will be issued on November 10th.


Robert C. Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700

Every Day Counts !
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection

OCTOBER:

18 thru 25 - MAP TESTING Week

21 & 22 - Fall Picture Day - Individual Photos ( Home Room teacher will provide the schedule)

22 - PTA Outdoor Movie Night


NOVEMBER:

4 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - PD Day (Prof. Work Day)
22 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early: Parent-Teacher Conferences
23 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early: Parent-Teacher Conferences

24 - No Schools for Students: Parent-Teacher Conferences
24 - Schools and Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday (State mandated)
25 - Schools and Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday (State mandated)

Fall MAP Testing

VES will administer the MAP test to all students in 1st through 5th grades in Reading and Math beginning the week of 10/18 and concluding the week of 10/25. MAP testing is administered using your child’s Chromebook. Please send them to school each day with a fully charged Chromebook. First graders will be provided with VES Chromebooks if their HCPSS-issued Chromebooks have not yet arrived by the time of testing. The HCPSS website contains detailed information about MAP testing here. If you have questions about MAP testing at VES, please contact Jaime Gittleson at Jaime_Gittleson@hcpss.org.

Below are the SY2021-22 standardized testing window dates:

Grade specific dates and testing details are communicated in advance of each assessment. Dates subject to change.

Grades 1-8 MAP Reading/Math: Oct. 18 - Nov. 5

Grades 3 & 5 CogAT: Jan 18 - Feb. 4
Grades K-5 Access for ELLS: Jan. 10 - Feb. 18

Grade 5 MISA: March 14 - 25

Grades 1-8 MAP Reading/Math: April 4 - April 29

Grades 3-5 MCAP ELA/Math: May 4 - June 3

ELEMENTARY READING SCREENINGS

SCREENING FOR STUDENTS WITH READING DIFFICULTIES:
Parent notification - Spanish

Parent notification - Chinese

Parent notification - Korean


In accordance with Maryland’s Ready to Read Act (2019), COMAR(2021), and the request from the Howard County Board of Education, all Howard County Public School System students in grades kindergarten to 5th grade will participate in a screener for identifying potential reading difficulties.

Fall Picture Day - Individual Photos

Picture Day is Coming

Don’t Miss Out!

Veterans Elementary
10/21 & 10/22/2021

Skip the Order form &

Pre-order Before Picture Day

https://classicphotographyimaging.simplephoto.com/search/veterans21

-- Pre-order access will expire 48 hours after picture day

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We are committed to your student’s safety!

Click Here to view our 2021 COVID Picture Day Process

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Questions?

(800)869-9515 x112

No Transportation Changes can be accommodated During Dismissal

~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.

*Please reserve any last minute requests for EMERGENCIES ONLY*

Early Dismissals must be prior to 3:30 pm

* Please bring your phone to scan the QR code to sign out the student.

** Please also be prepared to present your Photo ID


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.

At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.

A Message from the VES Student Support Team:

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Howard County Coats & Clothing Giveaway UPDATE: * COATS ONLY at Laurel

Saturday, Oct. 16th, 1-3pm

9411 Whiskey Bottom Road

Laurel, MD

10/7/2021 UPDATE
re: The Howard County Coats & Clothing Giveaway

*COATS ONLY Giveaway at North Laurel Community Center

MHHS The Pancake Breakfast Is Back!

Please join us on Saturday, October 16th from 7:30am - 10:30am for breakfast in front of the school as we kick off an exciting day of Homecoming events celebrating our Viking Football, Marching Band, Cheer, and Lancer Programs.

Tickets will be $8 in advance, or $10 at the door. Children 5 and under are free.
MT. HEBRON HS TICKET PURCHASE LINK


While we remain vigilant with the continued impact of Covid-19 on our community, we look forward to celebrating our amazing young people and our amazing community safely. We will follow all protocols required by the Howard County Public School System and the Howard County Health Department. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up in the outside eating areas and in the cafeteria. All persons in attendance who enter the building will be required to wear a mask at all times. Masks will not be required outside, however, as recommended by the CDC, unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to wear a mask.

Thank you for your support of the Mt. Hebron Football Program

GO VIKINGS!!!

WORTH REPEATING . . .

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.

https://www.applitrack.com/hcpss/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Substitute%2fTemporary+Employment&all=cat

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Hey, VES Family!

UPCOMING EVENTS:


SPIRITWEAR - TODAY - 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 go live next week.

Consider buying a sweatshirt to donate to a VES staff raffle! Email Amie if your purchase is a donation.

https://veterans.memberhub.com/store


FALL OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT - TOY STORY 4 - OCTOBER 22 - 7-9pm

We are planning an outdoor movie night! Free popcorn and glow sticks provided.

Sign up here to attend so we can plan for space!

https://signup.com/go/cNotaWD

So far we have 42 families joining the fun!

It is not required to sign up to attend. It just helps us with planning.

Bring your own blanket or chairs. You may also bring your own food and drink.

Feel free to arrive any time after 630 to set up your spot.

Please use masks when walking around others. They are not required while sitting with your family.

If you would like to help us plan snacks or logistics please reach out to Danyette at danyette227@comcast.net.


STAFF WISH LIST

VES PTA is launching the staff wish list again! Click on the link and sign up to donate supplies if you wish. Staff can put requests on the list over the next 2 weeks. A drop off bin will be available in the school lobby. Please put donations in a bag labeled with the teachers/staff name. You may also directly ship supplies to the staff at school.

Our community is so generous! Thank you in advance for being so dedicated to our school.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QhMIVuFgMNzBcAUZonvHwliMREk78RXap9wqkDxnM2I/edit?usp=sharing

Contact Cara Adornetto at doctorcia@gmail.com if you have any questions.


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, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.

Submission deadline will be November 22

Submission forms will be sent home next week and are attached below.

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.


WHOOO'S READING is now READ-A-FUN!

Join us for our annual Read-A-Thon and fundraiser. Information coming home next week!

Get ready to read, connect with your friends, and decorate your owl!


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! We hit over 150 this week!

Parents, please join the PTA using the website below or the yellow form sent home with your child. Membership dues allow us to fund all the activities we run! You do not have to volunteer when you join. Questions: Email Kim Davis at kimberlydavis410@gmail.com


veterans.memberhub.com/store


Follow us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/PTAatVES

LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS

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.

Elementary Reading Screenings

All HCPSS students in grades K-5 will be screened for reading disabilities. Students will be screened three times during the school year, with the first screening taking place between October 25 and November 5. Screening results will be used to help determine whether students would benefit from additional reading support.


HCPSS Connect Outage

Please be advised of two upcoming technology outages:

  • Thursday, October 14 from 5–6 p.m. During this time, parents/guardians will not be able to access HCPSS Connect Synergy and Canvas. Students will be able to access Canvas.
  • Saturday, October 16, 3 p.m. through Sunday, October 17, 11 a.m. During this time, parents/guardians will not be able to access HCPSS Connect Synergy and Canvas. Students will be able to access Canvas. Additionally, the Event Management System (EMS), which facilitates the scheduling of the use of schools by community groups and agencies, will not be accessible.


Updated Volunteer/Observer Vaccine Requirements

Effective Monday, October 25, all volunteers and chaperones who interact with students, and parents/guardians who are conducting classroom observations will be required to use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination at least five school days in advance. The requirement also applies to students who volunteer or mentor at another HCPSS school during the school day, but not to students who go to the ARL or another school as part of their class schedule. Learn how to access and use the PinPoint VaccineCheck platform.


COVID-19 Self-Screenings

All parents/guardians are to perform a COVID-19 health check every day before your student leaves home. Students are not to come to school if they are experiencing any symptom(s) associated with COVID-19 or other communicable disease.


EVENTS

HCPSS Flu Shot Clinics

October 13-28, HCPSS schools

HCPSS is partnering with the Howard County Health Department and Maryland Partnership for Prevention to offer free flu vaccines for HCPSS students and staff. Parents and community members are not eligible for flu shots at these clinics. Students and staff may register only for the clinic held at their school. (Anyone who previously registered for a vaccine at a different school should cancel their appointment.) Online registration is open until four days before a scheduled clinic.


Upcoming Public Hearings

Tuesday, November 2, 7 p.m., hybrid hearing

The Board will hold the following public hearings during its November 2 meeting. Register to testify by Friday, October 29. Specific directions will be emailed to each registrant prior to the public hearing.


REMINDERS

Bus Driver Hiring Fair

HCPSS is hosting a bus driver hiring fair Friday, October 15 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School. This is a great opportunity for individuals looking for a flexible schedule and summers off. Bus drivers must be age 21 and older with a clean driving record and clean criminal background. Registration is not required and masks must be worn. Learn more about the bus driver fair.


Virtual Coffee and Conversation with the Board

Community members are invited to meet virtually and informally with Board of Education members on Saturday, October 23 from 9:30-11 a.m. Register by emailing aharrison@hcpss.org or calling the Board office at 410-313-6600. Space is limited. Registrants will receive a Zoom meeting link prior to the session.


COMMUNITY NEWS

Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.

FARMS Applications: Applications for the Free and Reduced Meals program for the school year 2020-2021 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.

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

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

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.

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EE ARCHIVE - Previous Issues SY2021-22

Issue #8 - October 9, 2021
Issue #7 - October 2, 2021

Access complete archive on the main school website: VES.hcpss.org