VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS

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

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

Dear Parents,

We thank all of you who visited the school this week to observe your children learning. We are thrilled that about 125 parents were able to make it in. On Monday and Tuesday, parents will have their conferences with teachers. I urge you to work to nurture or develop a great working relationship with your child's teacher. We sincerely hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. There will not be an Eagle Express next week, the next one will be on December 3rd.

Candy & gum- Students have been bringing excessive amounts of candy and gum to school, as part of their lunch. Please know that candy and gum are not allowed in school. Good nutrition can help with good study habits. There are issues caused by candy & gum in school, including the fact that these are not nutritious for children, some children react with heightened activity levels, candy/gum is often distributed to children whose parents do not want them to have it, often wrappers and even the candy/gum is left on the floor or on furniture. Candy and gum should be left at home where parents can supervise what is right for their children.

Reminder- Check the Lost and Found table when you come in on Monday, this will be the last opportunity before items will be donated to charity. Again, I want to remind all parents to label their child's garments so we have half a chance of being able to return the item to you.

Don't forget to visit the PTA Book Fair.

School Picture retakes will be on Tuesday November 29th,

Students who were absent, students who enrolled after 10/18/22 and students whose parents are requesting a retake will take their pictures on the picture retake day.
The student should bring the original photo package, including original envelope and all picture products, to turn into the photographer when they come to sit for a new picture. They do not need to fill out a new order form.

file:///C:/Users/rbruce/OneDrive%20-%20Howard%20County%20Public%20School%20System/Pictures/Individual%20Only%20-%20Fall%202022.pdf

Sincerely,

Robert C Bruce- Principal

Getting to Class On Time

The schedule says that class begins at 9:25 am. This means that every student should come into the school, stop and pick up breakfast, if buying, and then go directly to class. Monday is October 10th, every student should know their way to class. It is not necessary for any students to walk siblings to class. If an adult is needed for this, staff will assist. It is important for everyone to be in their class and ready to go at 9:25 am. Now, if a bus is late, that is understandable but all children should enter and be in homeroom by 9:25 am.

Lost & Found

The picture above was updated as of Thurs. 11/17/22 .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.

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.

Important Dates for 2022-2023:

November 2, 2022 Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. End of 1st marking period.

November 7, 2022 - Conference Scheduling opens at 8 am and closes November 17, 2022 at 4 pm.

Conference Scheduling Directions

November 8, 2022 Election Day – Schools and offices closed.

November 21, 2022 VES Turkey Trot 2022

November 21, 2022 Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. ES/MS Parent/Teacher Conferences; HS Professional Learning

November 22, 2022 Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 23, 2022 Schools closed for students. Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 24–25, 2022 Thanksgiving Holiday – Schools and offices closed***

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.

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".

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

HELP US RELEASE YOUR CHILD SAFELY TO AUTHORIZED ADULTS

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


ARRIVAL DOORS OPEN AT 9:15AM 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. Late Arrivals by car-riders: Beginning at 9:25 a.m., Parent/guardian must sign-in the student(s) "TARDY".	* Notify by 2:00PM At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID. Please send any dismissal changes for the day no later than 2:00 p.m. to VEStransportation@hcpss.org.** Include 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). * cc the homeroom teacher on the email.	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. Must submit copies of doctor/appointment excuse note if absent for more than 5 days. HCPSS EXTENDED or DISCRETIONARY STUDENT ABSENCE FORM

ARRIVAL DOORS OPEN AT 9:15AM

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.

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

* Notify by 2:00PM

** At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.
Please send any dismissal changes for the day no later than 2:00 p.m. to VEStransportation@hcpss.org.
Include
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).

* cc the homeroom teacher on the email.

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.
Must submit copies of doctor/appointment excuse note if absent for more than 5 days.
HCPSS EXTENDED or DISCRETIONARY STUDENT ABSENCE FORM

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.

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

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!

PTA News

sor a Staff Dinner during student conferences - More Info to come

The VES Fall 2022 ReadaFun Read-a-thon (formerly, Whooo’s Reading), Starts Next Tuesday

Get those reading skills ready! We are about to jump into our favorite read-a-thon and fundraiser for the school. It will run from November 1st through the 15th.

Parents: Teachers will email log in information so you can help your child set up his/her account. Please help them do this by November 1st.

Fundraising is not necessary to participate. We want everyone reading!

Students will be able to see what their friends are reading, how much they are reading, and be able to communicate with their friends through the Readafun website. This is a great way to stay connected and bond over an interest in reading.

If you have any questions about the read-a-thon fundraiser, please do not hesitate to reach out to Nelly Sai-Palm, our ReadaFun Read-a-thon Committee Chair at 732-266-0640 or nellyaw@yahoo.com.

Sponsor a staff dinner for $10! More info to come!

Join the PTA!

We have 175 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!

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

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


Photo With Santa Dec. 1 & 2 @ 5:30 pm	Winter Dance Concert Dec. 1 & 2 @ 7 pm

Photo With Santa

Dec. 1 & 2 @ 5:30 pm

Winter Dance Concert

Dec. 1 & 2 @ 7 pm


Okinawan Karate For information, contact info@okinawankaratedojo .com Ph# 443/574-8999 website	Girl Scouts For more information, contact Lauren Oviatt at VeteransGS@gmail.com	Cub Scout Pack#305 For information, please contact Kristine Quinto at kristine.quinto@gmail.com

Okinawan Karate

For information, contact

info@okinawankaratedojo .com

Ph# 443/574-8999
website

Girl Scouts

For more information, contact Lauren Oviatt at VeteransGS@gmail.com

Cub Scout Pack#305

For information, please contact Kristine Quinto at kristine.quinto@gmail.com

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 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

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: 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.

Accessibility

Robert Bruce

VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS

Nov. 19, 2022 - Vol.15, Issue #14

VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS

Nov. 19, 2022 - Vol.15, Issue #14

VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

From the Principal

Getting to Class On Time

Lost & Found

VES CURRENT NEWSFLASH!

ATTENTION VES COMMUNITY!!!! IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN!!!

HAVING LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILD

Important Dates for 2022-2023:

Temporary Employee Positions at Veterans Elementary School

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

** NOTICE: supervision by HCPSS Staff NOT available before school **

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

ARRIVAL DOORS OPEN AT 9:15AM

* Notify by 2:00PM

VESabsence @hcpss.org

ARRIVAL DOORS OPEN AT 9:15AM

* Notify by 2:00PM

VESabsence @hcpss.org

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

No Transportation Changes can be accommodated During Dismissal

* ATTN: PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE RESTRICTED FROM BOARDING SCHOOL BUSES *

Stay Informed:

Additional Enrollment Questions

Helping Your Child Get Ready for Kindergarten

VES PTA NEWS AND UPDATES

PTA News

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Find Answers to Questions Online

LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS

Photo With Santa

Winter Dance Concert

Photo With Santa

Winter Dance Concert

Okinawan Karate

Girl Scouts

Cub Scout Pack#305

Okinawan Karate

Girl Scouts

Cub Scout Pack#305

FOOD ACCESS

2022-2023 HCPSS Meal Service

HCPSS COUNSELING SERVICES for Students, Families, and Staff

Residents

COMCAST Internet

Three Years Old Learning Together Program Peers

Perform Daily Health Checks

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

NOTICE: supervision by HCPSS Staff NOT available before school

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