VES Eagle Express Newsletter
MAY 8, 2021 - Vol.14, Issue #36
SY2020-2021: Saturday Weekly Circular
Veterans Elementary Student Day Hybrid Schedule 9:45a.m - 4:15p.m.
VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Amy Green, Assistant Principal - amy_green@hcpss.org
Kelly Ryan, Administrative Intern - kelly_ryan@hcpss.org
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:25 p.m.
Please call ahead 410-313-1700
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
https://www.hcpss.org/schools/emergency-closings/
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
Send Student Attendance-related notifications directly to: VESabsence@hcpss.org
(i.e. student will be absent due to illness, appointments, religious, or travel obligations)
Email: robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Website: ves.hcpss.org
Location: 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD, USA
Phone: 443-864-6808
Send Dismissal Change Notifications by 2:00pm: vestransportation@hcpss.org
Please also cc the homeroom teacher on the email.
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
From The Principal
First of all, a very Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in our school community.
The Board of Education set a deadline of May 7th for families to request adjustments to their hybrid learning situation. We received over 160 requests for adjustments. We are making every effort to resolve these requests by Tuesday May 11th.
You will receive an email from Mr. Bruce either approving or denying your request based on class sizes in Math, ELA, and Related Arts as well as social distancing norms for the cafeteria and bus transportation. While we wish we could approve all requests, there are limits to what we can do at this point in time as we finish out the year.
Many thanks to all of our parents who expressed appreciation to staff during Employee Appreciation Week. Our staff is thankful for all that you and the PTA have done to make this week memorable.
5th Grade Note: Mrs. Webb is organizing a Fifth Grade Memory Book. There will not be a schoolwide yearbook this year.
This week, Classic Photography will be here to take individual student pictures on May 10th and 14th. All A/E Day students will have their pictures taken on Mon. May 10th and all B Day students will have their pictures taken on Friday May 14th. On Weds. May 12th, a sign up system is explained below in order to sign up any virtual learners who would like to come to school to have their pictures taken. All appropriate safeguards will be taken to facilitate school pictures.
Water Containers- Please remember to send to school non-glass water containers for students to refill and use on a regular basis. As it gets hot this is crucial. Our water fountains are closed to direct water fountain drinking and may only be used to fill water containers.
Robert C. Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
SCHOOL CALENDAR
MAY: Mental Health Awareness
MAY:
3 thru 7 - Teacher Appreciation Week
5 - MAP Reading Test: Gr. 1 thru 5, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
11 - PTA Meeting: via Zoom, 7:00 p.m. (see PTA section below for zoom link and code)
12 - MAP Math Test: Gr. 1 thru 5, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
13 - Schools Closed to Students: Professional Learning/Articulation Day
20 - PTA Election Meeting: VES Front Lawn, 7:00 p.m.
31 - Schools and Offices Closed: Memorial Day (State mandated holiday)
JUNE:
8 - Last Day of School for half-day PreK/RECC Students
10 thru 15 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students: Staff Professional Work Days
15 - Last Day for All Student: Staff Professional Work Day
April 2021
May 2021
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.
REMINDER DAILY CHECKLIST TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Parents, remember to send a BACKPACK daily with the following items:
- assigned chromebook
- charger
- headphones
- a refillable water bottle closed tightly
Please remember to send your child to school with a refillable non-glass water container. Due to Co-VID guidelines, bottles may be filled at fountains but students may not drink from the fountains to help limit the spread of germs. With the weather getting hotter in the coming weeks, this is also essential at recess. Thank you for all you are doing with student health checks in the morning.
- child's *MASK for the day
*Reminder to wash these everyday when they come home.
Carloop Etiquette
If you are choosing to drive your child to school and participate in the carloop, we ask that you adhere to the following in order to keep our students safe and keep the line moving along:
· Pull all the way forward
· Parents are to remain in the vehicle at all times
· Children are to exit and enter the vehicle from the passenger side (closest to the curb)
· Children should be able to buckle and unbuckle themselves from car seats/ seatbelts (practice having your child do this at home). If your child is unable to do so, please park in a parking space to unbuckle your child and walk them to the portico
· Stay in line – do not pass to jump in front of other cars while waiting or make a u-turn out of the line
· Avoid blocking the intersection where buses turn into their loop
Thank you for following these guidelines in order to have our carloop run efficiently and safely.
VES CURRENT NEWS AND UPDATES
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Hello VES Families!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
This last year has amplified the importance of focusing on mental health, increasing awareness, and reducing stigma. Staying connected and being intentional about taking care of ourselves and each other is what’s going to see us through life’s challenges. We’ve put together a VES Mental Health Awareness Calendar which has a new self care idea for each day in the month of May. We would love to hear how the ideas work out for you!
Also, we would like to remind the community that we are here for you if you need support. Sometimes, life gets hard. If you need to talk, please let us know!
Julie Wentz and Jessica Wilson-Carr
School Counselors
Spring MAP Testing
On Wednesday May 5th and 12th students in grades 1-5 will take the Measured Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. The data from the MAP assessment will help schools and teachers measure your student’s academic progress. The MAP test does not affect grades and the difficulty adjusts depending on how your child responds. It is normal for students to only answer about half the questions correctly. To learn more about the MAP assessment, please visit: https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/common-questions-families/
The reading test will be offered on May 5, 2021.The math test will be offered on May 12, 2021. If your child is unable to attend, makeup testing will be offered during asynchronous learning times. Teachers will share Google Meet information and your student’s testing group as we get closer to the May dates.
Dunloggin Middle School Virtual Student Visit Day May 17, 2021 at 10:00 am
Dunloggin Middle School
Virtual Student Visit Day
May 17, 2021 at 10:00 am
The DMS team is excited to welcome our incoming students and families for the 2021-22 school year. We have been hard at work preparing for our newest Dragons! This has been an unprecedented year and we are looking forward to the return to full in-person learning. As we gear up for the for the 2021-22 school year, we want to invite all our elementary feeders to our Virtual Student Visit Day on Monday, May 17, 2021 from 10:00 to 10:45 am.
During the virtual visit, our newest Dragons will be introduced to our staff, will learn about programs and activities available in our school, as well as hear information about our intramural and co-curricular activities, and other opportunities offered at DMS. Ultimately, we want to share our school spirit with you.
Students will join the Google Meeting link that is assigned to their school. See meeting links below in bold. All students must join using their HCPSS credentials.
· Meeting Link (VES): DMS-newdragons-1
· Meeting Link (NES): DMS-newdragons-2
· Meeting Link (SJLES/THES/HSES/new students): DMS-newdragons-3
If your student is not able to make the Virtual Student Visit Day on Monday, May, 17, 2021 from 10:00 to 10:45 am, at the scheduled time, the presentation will be accessible on our school website dms.hcpss.org.
We’re incredibly proud of Dunloggin Middle School, and we couldn’t be more excited to have you join us next year. Please do not hesitate to email me should you have any questions, at Antoinette_Roberson@hcpss.org.
Sincerely,
Antoinette Roberson
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.
VES PTA NEWS AND UPDATES
Join a PTA Meeting - May 11 - 7pm
We meet once a month to discuss community building events, fundraising, and county wide school updates. If you are interested in learning more about the PTA, please join us. You must be a member to attend meetings. Need to join, here is the link: https://veterans.memberhub.store
Our next meeting is via Zoom
Tuesday May 11 - 7pm
https://zoom.us/j/95718525632?pwd=dTRHNUYzKzlHeU1nR3JPNmNETFRKUT09
Meeting ID: 957 1852 5632Passcode: 173491
PTA Elections - May 20 - 7pm - Front Grass outside school -
All PTA members please attend
All positions are open for nominations. You may nominate yourself. We particularly need a 2nd PTA Delegate. We will train you. Just need 1-2 hours/ month.
Descriptions are below. If interested or just want to learn more please contact kimberlydavis410@gmail.com.
PTA Delegate
As a delegate, you would attend the monthly Howard County PTA meeting (usually the first Monday night of every month from 7-9pm) and relay the information back to the VES PTA at our monthly board meeting. There are two VES delegates so you can take turns attending the monthly meetings which makes this position very flexible to fit your schedule. If interested or just want to learn more please contact kimberlydavis410@gmail.com.
Join a Committee!
Wondering what committees the PTA has here at Veterans? Want to inquire more about one of them? Take a peek and email us if you want to learn more.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1TRDZknWi7rx7Y0eHUp9bNf_9mt9sfX/view?usp=sharing
5th Grade Activities
Thank you for your t-shirt orders, we will be in touch once the t-shirts are ready for pick up. We are hoping to have them by mid May.
If you would still like to donate please do so by clicking on the link below
Donation Link:
https://veterans.memberhub.store/store?category=5th%20Grade%20Committee
If you have any questions/concerns or would like to have your payment confirmed please email Tina David tdavid981@gmail.com.
Thank you!
5th Grade Committee
Join the PTA:
https://veterans.memberhub.store
Follow us on Facebook:
HCPSS REFERENCES
HC DrugFree Updates for Parents/Guardians:
Free Parenting Classes: HC DrugFree and the Howard County State's Attorney's Office, partnering with HCPSS and the Health Department, will once again provide evidence-based classes for families to gain skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will engage in risky behaviors including using drugs. This 4-class series for parents of 9-14 year olds will be held on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, May 4, 11 and June 1, 8. Parents/guardians must register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCDrugFreeSpring2021 If you have questions, email Joan Webb Scornaienchi, HC DrugFree’s Executive Director at Admin@hcdrugfree.org
Find Answers to Questions Online
HCPSS’ Help site provides answers to hundreds of questions about hybrid learning, health and safety, transportation, and more.
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) posts the definitions of classroom and school-wide COVID-19 outbreaks on its website along with school outbreak data for the state. A state-defined outbreak does not automatically necessitate closure of a classroom or school. HCHD monitors all positive cases and will notify HCPSS if a school or classroom closure is warranted. All outbreak data related to HCPSS schools is being tracked and posted on the MDH website.
2020-2021 End of Year Updates
The end of the school year is rapidly approaching, with the last day of school for students being Tuesday, June 15. Details about graduations, grades, testing, and more are available online to help you plan ahead.
Superintendent’s Plan for Fall Return
In this recent statement, Superintendent Martirano reiterated his support for fully in-person, five days per week instruction for all students for the entire 2021-2022 school year.
Public Hearings: FY 2022 Operating and Capital Budgets; Pupil Transportation and Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Policies
Thursday, May 6, 7 p.m., and Tuesday, May 11, 7 p.m., hybrid sessions
The Board will hold the following public hearings during upcoming Board meetings. Learn about pre-registration and testimony. Specific directions will be emailed to each registrant prior to the public hearing.
- May 6: FY22 Operating & Capital Budgets & FY23–27 Capital Improvement Program. Register by May 3
- May 11: Policy 5200 Pupil Transportation. Register by May 7
- May 11: Policy 9020 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities. Register by May 7
Optional Pronoun Settings
Students, staff and parents/guardians are now able to identify the pronouns they wish to have used to refer to themselves in various Canvas pages.
Provide Consent for Voluntary Student COVID-19 Testing
HCPSS now offers a voluntary K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program that provides free tests for students and school-based staff who develop COVID-like symptoms or are identified as close contacts while they are in a school building. Parents/guardians of students under age 18 can provide consent via HCPSS Connect. Students age 18 years or older are considered “eligible students” and must complete a print version of the consent form.
Health and Communications Protocols
HCPSS has developed protocols for responding to positive cases in schools in conjunction with the Howard County Health Department. These protocols outline how parents should communicate with school staff in instances of suspected or confirmed exposure, as well as how staff communicate with their school communities in those instances.
Early Admission to Pre-K
Applications for early admission to pre-kindergarten will be accepted starting April 1. Children must be 4 by September 1 and meet other eligibility criteria.
Kindness Pantry Partnership
HCPSS’ new partnership with The Kindness Pantry will increase access to school supplies for teachers and students. The non-profit organization will coordinate the collection and distribution of school supplies and snacks by establishing online wish lists, working with community members and organizations to fulfill school requests, conducting school supply and snack drives, and organizing and distributing donated supplies.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT CENTER
In addition to a location at Old Bushy Park Elementary School, a new support center will open at the nearby Old Cedar Lane building in Columbia.
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
Mobile Testing Sites
Howard County is dedicated to expanding COVID-19 testing to residents in our community who many not have adequate access. First Call Urgent Care and Centennial Medical Group are implementing four mobile testing units in the following locations:
- Long Reach Village Center (Monday, 3pm-7pm)
- North Laurel Community Center (Tuesday, 3pm-7pm)
- Recreation and Parks Headquarters (Thursday, 3pm-7pm)
- The Elkridge 50+ Center (Friday, 3pm-7pm)
Rapid testing and PCR testing will be available to residents at no cost. These new testing sites will help us promote more equitable healthcare and ensuring our most vulnerable populations have access to COVID-19 testing.
Message from Media Center:
- Thursday April 29 is the last day for virtual students to pick up book requests in the vestibule.
- Please return any media books you have at home to the media center as soon as possible.
- Books from last year are no longer listed on your child's account, but we still need them returned. If you find a VES media book, please drop it off in the bin in the vestibule any day of the week.
- Hybrid students can return books any day of the week and do not need to wait for their media day.
If you have any questions, please email your media specialist, Carolee_Kinloch@hpcss.org.
Howard County Library Resources
- Created While Isolated: Students ages 13 and up and adults are invited to share photographs, art, music, creative writing, and personal stories from this unprecedented time in acollaborative creativity journal.
- TumbleMath is a fun and engaging way to learn math concepts through stories. Students can access this and many other learning resources with their A+ student accounts throughhcpss.me by selecting HC Library.
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
FOOD ACCESS
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
2021 Meal Service Revisions for Week of May 10 - 14
2021 Meal Service Revisions for Week of May 10 - 14
With schools being closed for students on Thursday, May 13, adjustments to meals pickups are in effect for next week. There will be no meal service on May 13 and additional meals will be available prior to the closure.
Meals are provided at no cost to any HCPSS student or any child under age 18. More information about 2020-2021 meal services is provided online.
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.
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.
VES School Psychologists
We are here to help you!
Debra Moniodis (School Psychologist, Infants and Toddlers): debra_moniodis@hcpss.org
Michal Boyars (School Psychologist, RECC): michal_boyars@hcpss.org
Katie Burkhouse (School Psychologist, K-5): katie_burkhouse@hcpss.org
Kristen Marsico (School Psychologist Intern, K-5): kristen_marsico@hcpss.org
School psychologists are available for parent and staff consultation by level. Please reach out via email to schedule an appointment!
VES School Counseling Department
School Counselors:
Ms. Wilson (K and 4th): jessica_wilson@hcpss.org
Ms. Wentz (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th): Julie_Wentz@hcpss.org
We are available to support the school community.
Please reach out to schedule consultation time.
If you have an immediate need for help with depression, suicidal thoughts, or other serious
mental health issues, please contact:
Grassroots Crisis Intervention at 410-531-6677
The Maryland Crisis Hotline: Dial 211 and then choose option 1
The Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 and a trained counselor will respond.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255
Learning Together Program (LTP)– Prekindergarten
Learning Together Program – Prekindergarten
The Veterans Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) prekindergarten programs are making preparations for classes for the upcoming 2021-22 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 or are already 4 may learn more about the program by reviewing the Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (English).
Online applications will be accepted starting February 22, 2021 and priority will be given to applications received by April 1st. Link to application:
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 contact Mary Jens at (410) 313-1700 or mary_jens@hcpss.org .
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 Elementary Hybrid Schedule
VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Start: 9:45 a.m.
End: 4:15 p.m.
Booklet: HCPSS Bridge to Normalized Instructions
Elementary Instruction Blocks Expectations
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT CENTER
- Old Bushy Park Elementary School, Room E2 (door to the left of the front entrance), 2690 Route 97, Glenwood (Building is between Glenwood Middle School and Bushy Park Elementary School)
- Old Cedar Lane, Gymnasium (door on the left side of the building; follow the signs), 5451 Beaverkill Road, Columbia (Building shares a parking lot with Harper’s Choice Middle School)
Devices may be picked up, exchanged or returned at either of the following Technology Support Centers:
Note! Both locations are in old school buildings that are not located at the same sites as the new schools with similar names. Anyone seeking assistance should go to the locations listed above and not go to or call the current schools regarding the Technology Support Center.
Hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 2-5 p.m. Please note that Technology Support Centers are closed any day that HCPSS offices are closed.
VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION and TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS
New Chromebook Care webpage:
Please be aware of a new webpage for students, Chromebook Care, which includes tips on caring for and transporting Chromebooks, as well as student mobile technology duties and obligations and additional resources.
The following digital tools do not require consent because they are already available to students in HCPSS computer labs:
Book Room, Word Work, Scratch BluBot, Scratch JR, Sketch-Up, Collector Classic, JamBoard, and Google Earth.
These supplemental digital tools are approved by HCPSS and comply with federal, state and Howard County Board of Education student data privacy policies.
Please note that your student(s) will have access to these digital tools when the second semester starts through the Google Play Store icon on the Chromebook when logged in with an HCPSS account.
If your elementary school aged child has not been issued a Chromebook, one can be picked up at a Technology Support Center.
Student Headphones
These may go back and forth to home with the child.
Please note:
- HCPSS cannot guarantee that apps are available on devices other than HCPSS Chromebooks.
- Teachers may or may not choose to use any or all of these apps during instruction. Students will be notified when a particular app will be used for instruction.
- In addition to these Google tools, HCPSS has approved a robust set of supplemental digital tools. Your child’s teacher will notify you of the particular supplemental digital tools being used in each class via email or on their Canvas course page.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Webb at jessica_webb@hcpss.org
HCPSS Employment Application Link
SY2020-21: EAGLE EXPRESS NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
[Go to VES webiste, for complete archive]
Click to review information presented in previous Issues:
Issue #36 - May 8, 2021
Issue #32 - April 10, 2021
Issue #31 - April 3, 2021