VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
APRIL 30, 2022 - Vol.15 Issue #33
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org
Pamm West, Administrator - pamela_west@hcpss.org
SCHOOL HOURS IN-SESSION
9:25 A.M. - 3:55 P.M.
OFFICE HOURS
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Please call ahead 410-313-1700
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
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
Weekly Message from our Principal
Dear Parents,
First of all, school will be closed all day on Monday May 2nd to allow staff to work on various professional issues.
The VES PTA STEM Fair will be on Thursday May 12th beginning at 7:00 pm. Another important date coming up is the Veterans Chorus Concert which will be on Weds. May 25th at 7:00 pm.
One issue we have been working on is trying to get children to talk to each other about small issues that become bigger issues. We all know that children will be children whether in pre-kindergarten or fifth grade. The fact is many children have never acquired the ability to simply chat about issues that bother them. Our older children rely on social media and believe everything that someone sends to them to the point that all social media represents reliable news. Our technology and media programs educate our students about reliable sources and verifying sources. Teachers discuss this often in their social emotional learning time.
As adults, I know we all strive to set an example for our children. Access to cell phones is also an issue since children can text friends or others almost instantly. Cell phones are not allowed in school and if brought to the building must be in backpacks. Cell phones also should not be used on the bus or anytime during the instructional day. We advise our students to talk with an adult to get assistance. According to the Pew Research Center, most parents (45%) think it's acceptable for kids to have a phone between the ages of 12 and 14. About 28% of parents wait until ages 15 to 17, and 16% think it's fine to let kids as young as 9 have their own phones.
It depends on your family and your child. As adults we also can set limits on cell phones and screen time.
It is our job to help our young people maneuver social media in a responsible manner. This is not an easy job. I thank you for all that you do to assist us.
Robert C Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts!
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
Perform Daily Health Checks
*SEND Rapid and PCR results directly to VES RN: Brenda_Gregor@hcpss.org
RN will provide you with the most current MD-HCPSS guidelines specific to your health status.
*Parents/guardians should keep their children home if they are experiencing symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease, including COVID-19.
Parents/Guardians are to perform daily health checks for COVID-19 symptoms before the student leaves home.
A student should NOT come to school with any of these symptoms:
- fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- sore throat
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- new onset of severe headache (especially with fever), or
- new loss of taste or smell
For persons with chronic conditions such as asthma, the symptoms should represent a change from baseline.
* 4/5/22 Update to HCPSS Proof of COVID Testing Requirements
Students or staff who exhibit COVID-like symptoms, may submit any of the following to show proof of a negative test and return to the building: negative PCR test result, negative rapid test result, or a negative at-home test result. Full details are available online.
HCPSS APPROVED CALENDAR SY2021-22 - * Updated 2/25/2022 :
Chinese - Month view & Chinese - Date list view
MAY: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month/Mental Health Awareness Month
2 - NO SCHOOL for Students: Professional Learning (PD) Day *updated 3/16/22
3 - SCHOOL OPEN *updated 3/16/22
4 - VES Field Day
6 - Spirit Day: WAcKySocks/CrAzYHair Day
10 - PTA Meeting - Virtual 7:00 p.m.
11 thru 13 - PTA Book Fair
12 - Grade 5: Rising 6th Grade Middle School Visit Day
12 - PTA STEM Fair 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
18 - Schools Close 3-Hours Early: VES Dismissal 12:55 p.m.
25 - Chorus Concert - 7:00 p.m.
30 - Schools and Offices Closed: Memorial Day (State mandated holiday)
JUNE:
8 - Schools Close 3-Hours Early: VES Dismissal 12:55 p.m.
15 - Schools Close 3-Hours Early: VES Dismissal 12:55 p.m.
16 - Schools Close 3-Hours Early: VES Dismissal 12:55 p.m.
17 - Schools Close 3-Hours Early: VES Dismissal 12:55 p.m.
20 - Schools and Offices Closed - Juneteenth National Independence Day (observed)
- Monday, May 2: Schools CLOSED for Students. Professional Learning Day for staff.
Offices will remain open. - Tuesday, May 3: Schools OPEN Regular school day.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Last Day of School
MONDAY, AUGUST 29
First Day of School
NEW INFORMATION
Synergy Outage: Saturday
[Published on Wed, 04/27/2022 - 11:12 AM]
The Information Technology Department has scheduled a Synergy outage Saturday, April 30 from noon-2 p.m.
During this time, access to Synergy and Hoonuit will be unavailable for all users. Staff and students will be able to access Canvas. HCPSS Connect will be unavailable for parents/guardians, including Synergy and Canvas.
If you experience any system issues after this change, please contact Technology Support at 410-313-7004 or send an email to techsupport@hcpss.org.
MAY 4th - It’s BACK! The VES P.E. Department is proud to announce the return of FIELD DAY!!!
It has been a while! We are working very hard to make this the very best Field Day ever!
BUT! In order to make that happen, WE NEED YOU!!
We need energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us run the stations so that each child can get active and have a fun-filled day.
Field Day is going to be held on Wednesday, May 4th with a rain date of the next day, May 5th. If you would like to volunteer, please carefully read the following information that is required of HCPSS and Veterans ES:
Volunteer Responsibilities and Expectations:
Complete the required volunteer information for HCPSS and print/sign/return certificate to front office.
Review the Child Abuse powerpoint and print/sign/return the certificate to the front office
Follow the Rules!
We will provide the rules, expectations and safety considerations for each station. Please make sure that you review these and do your best to hold students to these expectations.
Stick to Your Station!
You are volunteering for a very fun-filled day to support all ~900 students in our school. Although we know that you want to see your child(ren) throughout the day (and you will!), we really need you to be committed to taking care of your station that you are assigned to for the time that you are here. The stations need to be covered appropriately in order to ensure safety and fun for everyone.
Sign up for 1st, 2nd or All day Shift! (and All day is really only 3.5 hours)
1st Shift: 10:30am - 12:10pm
2nd Shift: 12:10pm - 1:55pm
All Day: 10:30am - 1:55pm
Choose your spot at Volunteer Sign Up
We really appreciate you taking the time to complete all requirements thoroughly and look forward to seeing you. May the Fourth Be With You.
Mrs. Viguers, Mrs. Hahn, & Mr. Brant
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
These last few years have amplified the importance of focusing on mental health, increasing awareness, and reducing stigma. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. Staying connected and being intentional about taking care of ourselves and each other are more important than ever. 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! Any student who completes the entire calendar will receive a prize. Simply complete the activity on the calendar each day and check it off. Turn in your completed calendar to the counseling office (with name :-) to redeem for a reward.
We would also like to share Children’s Mental Health Matters’ Self Care for Families. We hope these resources are helpful. As always, we are here for our students when in need of support. Please feel free to reach out to us :-).
Mrs. Julie Wentz, School Counselor
Mrs. Jessica Wilson-Carr, School Counselor
Dr. Kristen Marsico, School Psychologist
Survey of Educational Equity Survey
As part of our school improvement process, we are asking families to provide input about their equity priorities for our school. If you have not done so already, please use the link below to complete the Indicators of Educational Equity Survey by Friday May 27th. We will use your input, along with other school data, to refine our school improvement plan for next school year.
The survey is anonymous and available in multiple languages.
If you have children at more than one school, please complete one survey per school:
2022 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) for ELA: Grades 3, 4, & 5
Please see the dates and times below for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade testing.
Policy 1050 – Tobacco-Free Environment
The purpose of this policy is to specify criteria for the HCPSS to maintain a tobacco-free, smoke-free, and nicotine-free environment, to help prevent the use of tobacco and nicotine products by students, employees, and visitors. The HCPSS also supports cessation efforts, and delineates the consequences for violations of this policy. This policy includes the use of ENDS products including but not limited to; e-pens, vaping pens, e-pipes, etc. Please know that any student in violation of this policy shall be subject to the Student Discipline Policy.
HCPSS Visitors and Volunteers
All volunteers and chaperones who interact with students, as well as current HCPSS students who attend a field trip or volunteer at a different school during the school day are required to comply with by the HCPSS policies in place by complete the following:
HCPSS Volunteer link Information steps:
1. Confidentiality Training Course
2. Certification of Completion
3. Register to Volunteer
VES REMINDERS: Worth Repeating . . .
*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.
EARLY DISMISSAL PICK-UP MUST BE By 3:30PM prior to final class transition time
* CAR LOOP ISSUES:
We still have several parents who insist on pulling their cars into the 2nd or 3rd row of the school parking lot, sometimes blocking traffic from departing. This is an unsafe practice which complicates driver's leaving the car loop lane. Unless you can find an actual parking spot in the 2nd or 3rd row of parking then you must join the car loop lane for parent pick up if you are here to retrieve a child. You may not park or stop in front of parked cars to wait for your child. You also create a dangerous situation for your child and yourself.
Our school is very busy. We are sorry the Parent Pick Up Lane sometimes moves slowly but this is necessary for student safety. Most of our children are bus riders. The pandemic has increased the car ridership at Veterans. Join the Parent Pick Up Lane to retrieve your children. You have someplace to get your child to after school, that is fine, so do many other parents. If this is the case, arrange for an early dismissal before 3:30 pm if you can not wait. Please know that rainy or snowy weather makes this lane move even slower.
* ATTN: PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE RESTRICTED FROM BOARDING SCHOOL BUSES *
BUS STOPS and Riding Privileges
Please understand that if children experience problems on the bus that the driver has the authority to write a bus referral that can result in the denial of bus riding privileges for a given period of time. Parents also need to understand that sometimes children experience difficulties at the bus stop with other individuals who ride the bus. Parents need to supervise their children at the bus stops. Often there are issues which start out as playing then become more serious. Parents may even wish to discuss having rotating responsibilities of supervising their children at the bus stop.
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.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS, YOU DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO BOARD SCHOOL BUSES.
See an Administrator or Front Office Secretary for assistance!
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.
ARRIVAL DOORS OPEN AT 9:15AM
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.
Submit copies of doctor/appointment excuse note here as well.
HCPSS EXTENDED or DISCRETIONARY STUDENT ABSENCE FORM
Stay Informed via HCPSS News and Text Alerts
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.
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.
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 the direction of a special education teacher and/or a classroom teacher. Some experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred. Below, please are details regarding the position.
· Temporary Employee (TE) position are with Social Service Consultants, Ltd.
· Compensation is $13.00 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 the school you are interested in. You can also apply using this link. Please contact Alexcia Redd at alexcia_redd@hcpss.org or at 410-313-1700 when you have competed all parts of the application
Upcoming PTA Events
Upcoming PTA Events
May 4 - Field Day (sign up link in different section of Eagle Express)
May 12 - STEM Fair*
May 11-13 - Book Fair*
June 9 - Picnic & Popsicles End of Year Party/ PTA Elections*
Variable dates: Media center volunteers*
*Additional information below
Field Day - Wednesday, May 4
All day Outdoor Sporting Event
If you would like to volunteer choose your spot at Volunteer Sign Up
VES STEM Fair Thursday, May 12, 7:00-8:00pm - Cafeteria/Gym
Everyone is invited to the STEM Fair!
Roam the aisles of 90 amazing projects from our amazing kids, play STEM Fair bingo for prizes, and take a selfie in the Mad Scientist Photo Booth!
If you signed up, please check your email for directions for the night of the event.
If you are available to volunteer, please sign up for a 30 min slot using the link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d4fa4a62da75-vesstem
You can check out details on our website. veterans.memberhub.com
Questions? Email Cara at doctorcia@gmail.com
Book Fair - May 11-13 SPRING BOOK FAIR COMING SOON - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Book Fair - May 11-13
SPRING BOOK FAIR COMING SOON - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Spring Book Fair will run May 11-12. Please plan to stop by the mini auditorium and look around for some great books that are sure to foster your children's love of learning, reading, and imagination! Money raised at the Spring Fair goes towards buying books and other materials for VES classrooms.
Book Fair In Person Hours:
Wednesday, May 11
- 9:15-9:45 AM for Grade 3, 4, and 5 students
- 5:00-7:00 PM for Family Shopping
Thursday, May 12
- 9:15-9:45 AM for Grade 3, 4, and 5 students
- 5:00-8:30 PM for Family Shopping (Overlaps with the STEM Fair)
Help is needed to staff the fair!
Please consider signing up for a shift or two:
Online Shopping - May 10-23:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/veteranselementaryschool5
- Make online purchases if you prefer - books ship to your home and shipping is free for all book-only purchases over $25.
- You can also sign up for student-shopping e-Wallets (best for students in grades 3/4/5 doing morning in-person shopping).
PTA OFFICERS NEEDED: What is the time commitment needed?
PTA OFFICERS NEEDED: What is the time commitment needed?
Delegate - 2 hours per month (attends 2 meetings per month)
NOMINATION TIME - seeking new officers for next year's board. Without officers we cannot run the PTA. We need new volunteers. We will train you. Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles are all welcome to volunteer. Contact Kim if you have questions at Kimberlydavis410@gmail.com
Parent Volunteers in School
Volunteer in the Media Center: Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094AA5AF23A2F85-inschool
You must complete 2 trainings (child abuse & confidentiality), print the completion certificates and turn them into your child's teacher or the front office.
Trainings on this webpage (at bottom): https://ves.hcpss.org/support
JOIN US FOR A PTA MEETING (Virtual) - Tues, May 10 - 7pm
Please join us at our meeting and we will allow time at the end of the meeting for any questions you may have. Or email Cara at doctorcia@gmail.com if you want more info. (meetings are usually 1hr long)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://discovery.zoom.us/j/98093284149?pwd=QWptQXUxN2xxMWhrRXh2T0c5ZTJtZz09
Meeting ID: 980 9328 4149
Passcode: 094353
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR AN EVENT COMMITTEE!
Email Kim at Kimberlydavis410@gmail.com for more info.
Use this link to see your other volunteer options.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0549A5A62EA4FE3-ptacommittee
More News | Event | Reminders
Health & Safety Reminders
Families are reminded to follow all HCPSS health and safety protocols and conduct daily at-home health checks. Answers to health and safety frequently asked questions are available online.
Parent Survey: Special Education MSDE
Each year the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) surveys parents of children receiving special education services in the state. The purpose of the survey – The Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey – is to hear from parents about how well they think their child’s school is partnering with them and promoting parent involvement in their child’s education. More information can be found in this flier and on the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey site.
Survey: Educational Equity
We encourage our school community to complete the Educational Equity Survey distributed by the school system. We take all input seriously as we plan our program for the following year.
IEES Survey Links:
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.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS & LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
5/7/22 Wilde Lake High School Jazz Cabaret, 7:00PM TICKETS GOING FAST!
Join us for an evening with your Wilde Lake friends and family to enjoy live music with the Award Winning Jazz Ensemble. Witness Wilde Lake's Main Street transformed into a timeless Jazz Cabaret! You won't want to miss the return of this annual event!
Light Food & Beverages available for purchase
May 7th, 2022
Doors open at 6:30 pm, Concert begins at 7:00 pm
Wilde Lake H.S. - Main Street
$10 Adults, $12 at the door
$5 Students & Seniors, $7 at the door
No smoking or alcoholic beverages on HCPSS premises
Questions?? Please contact Co-chairs Lisa Shaw or Christine Sheeler : WLHSBANDBOOSTERS@GMAIL.COM
Jazz Cabaret Ticket Order Form: https://forms.gle/8rVYiiFCX24ms6v78
This event has limited seating and tends to sell out, so please get your tickets soon!
Wilde Lake HS Band Boosters
Lions’ Pride Booster Club Summer Camps
The Lions' Pride Booster Club is proud to announce their summer camp lineup for the summer of 2021. We have boys' and girls' basketball, lacrosse, track and field, cross country, and soccer. We also have boys' baseball, girls' softball, and girls field hockey. New this year we have boys and girls Intro to Programming through Scratch and Robotics.
Registration and details of each camp can be found here:http://www.howardlionspride.org/sports-camps.html
Come out and learn about your favorite sports from the Howard H.S. athletic coaches. We look forward to working with you!
After our past two COVID-canceled summers, we're back in action!
Our MHHS Summer Camp registration website is open!
Questions? Call: 443 574 8999 or Email: info@okinawankaratedojo.com.
Fall 2022-2023 New Kindergarten & New Grade 1 Student - Online Registration
Kindergarten registration for families of children who will be 5 by September 1, 2022.
Parents can begin the enrollment process online, after which your child’s school will contact you to complete the registration process.
NOTE: HCPSS Current Pre-Kindergarten students do not need to be re-registered for kindergarten because they are already enrolled as an HCPSS student.
PreKindergarten Enrollment Information - Opens April 19
PreKindergarten Program Information guidelines
The HCPSS prekindergarten program is a high-quality, half-day prekindergarten program. Students must be four years old by September 1, 2022 to be considered for enrollment in fall 2022. The comprehensive curriculum taught by certified staff supports early learning and school readiness and provides experiences that foster children’s academic, social, emotional and physical development.
Is my child eligible for the program?
Students must be four years old by September 1.
The Maryland State Department of Education requires that the pre-K program be made available first to students who meet first priority criteria: income eligible, homelessness and foster care.
At this time, families that qualify for first priority criteria are placed first into pre-K and second priority applicants are placed on the waitlist. The Office of Early Childhood Programs will monitor countywide enrollment trends and space availability at pre-K sites to determine if the second priority criteria applicants can be considered for placement into pre-K.
Step 1: Complete the fillable application - * Regular PreK Program applications (*available Apr. 19) and upload along with all other required documents including proof of family income (refer to application form) during the online registration process;
Step 2: Register Online starting April 19 - Pre-K Registration Opens on the HCPSS website.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Mary Jens at (410) 313-1700
Mary_Jens@hcpss.org
EE ARCHIVE - Previous Issues SY2021-22
Issue #30 - April 2, 2022
Issue #29 - March 26, 2022
Issue #28 - March 19, 2022
Issue #24 - February 19, 2022
Issue #23 - February 12, 2022
Issue #22 - February 5, 2022
Access complete archive on the main school website: VES.hcpss.org