VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
Aug, 2022 - Vol.15, Issue #2 - Back To School Edition
WELCOME TO VES SY2022-2023, NEW EAGLES!
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
Summer Office Hours:
Monday thru Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 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
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
Please update each child's Family File now, thank you to the 75% of our parents who have completed this important part of the new school year process.
Welcome to the 2022-23 school year. Each new year brings challenges and this year is no exception. While many schools have multiple staff positions to fill, we have one certified vacancy which we are working to fill even over the weekend. We also have a few classified positions to fill and are working to fill these as well. These are in our special education department. We know staff vacancies catch everyone off guard and we are sorry. There is no way to be prepared for when and how these will occur. Over the last several years, multiple grades have been impacted by vacancies. I can only guarantee we are working to fill these vacancies.
Monday begins a whole new year and we are excited. Please scroll down to find our BUS LOCATOR tab so you can be aware of your child's bus arrangements. School opens at 9:15 am and the first few days we expect students may run a little late, however please know that students will be marked late at 9:25 am. after the first few days. Parents will need to sign their child in if arriving after 9:25 am.
Our car line will run on the left side of the main sidewalk leading to the school, form a single file line and watch for the staff to wave you forward. Please do not exceed 10 mph while on the school lot and please listen to our staff monitors, they are only trying to keep everyone safe. You will then leave via a side aisle back out to the main road. Please do not block the intersection.
For Day 1 and Day 1 only parents may walk their students who are new to our school to their classroom and will be directed to depart by 9:35 am. From Day 2 forward, please say your goodbyes in front of the school. Parents will not be allowed to enter. Staff will be on hand to assist throughout the week.
We had a chance to meet so many of you on Friday and it was wonderful to see the smiles and anxious faces. We hope everyone has a smooth opening on Monday. Our RECC and Pre-Kindergarten programs will begin on Thursday September 1st. The Open House for these students will occur on Tuesday August 30th at 10:30 am. Our doors will open for your visit at 9:45 am.
Please remember that entry to our RECC program is determined if your child has special educational needs and if your family meets the income requirements. Otherwise you are placed on a waiting list for our peer program. We get hundreds of applications for these seats. It is not possible to honor them all. RECC stands for Regional Early Childhood Center.
A reminder that free meals will no longer exist for HCPSS students so please if you feel you qualify for Free and Reduced Meals, fill out the application as soon as possible, it takes a couple of days to approve these and in the meantime students must pay full price for meals. This is true for both lunch and breakfast. This year recess will occur before lunch for all K-5 students.
Have a great Monday !!!
Sincerely,
Mr. Robert Bruce
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.
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:
Weds. August 24- 22-23 Class Lists to be shared in Synergy
Friday August 26- Kindergarten Orientation-10:00 am
New Student Orientation Gr. 1-5 1:30 pm
Open House- 2:30 pm-4:10 pm
Monday August 29- First Day of School
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
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".
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.
HCPSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT SUPPLY LIST SY2022-2023
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 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:
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 Heidi Potter at heidi@shmoo.com
Safeway Foundation's 6th Annual School Spirit Campaign
Veterans Elementary is partnering with Safeway Foundation and the Safeway store at 4370 Montgomery Rd., Ellicott City, MD to raise funds to support our school projects and supplies.
During the month of August, you can show your school spirit by making a monetary donation at this Safeway location. All funds raised by Safeway Foundation and this store will be donated to Veterans Elementary.
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.
Lunch and Classroom Visits
Following Back to School Night for your grade level, we will once again resume pre-planned visits to observe your child's class. This must be prearranged at least 24 hours ahead of time with the classroom teacher who will then inform the office so you are on a visit list. We ask that you identify for the teacher what class you wish to observe and arrange the time. Again, you are asked to depart through the office once you have observed. These are observations, please do not expect a conference with a teacher, they will be involved with teaching responsibilities.
Parents are reminded that photographing children is not allowed when you visit school.