VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
April 15, 2023 - Vol.15, Issue #32
DIRECTIONS FOR TRANSLATING THE NEWSLETTER TO ANOTHER LANGUAGE
When you receive the Eagle Express Newsletter, open the newsletter.
Cuando reciba el boletín Eagle Express, abra el boletín.
Look to the right-hand side and hit the "Translate" button and all languages will drop down. Select your preferred language- "Spanish" and it will translate the newsletter for you.
Mire en el lado derecho y presione el botón “Traducir" (Translate) y el menu de todos los idiomas apecera. Seleccione su idioma preferido: "Español" (Spanish) y traducirá el boletín para usted.
On your phone, you look for "person" icon at the bottom of the screen. Click on the icon and select "Translate", select your preferred language- "Spanish" and it will translate the newsletter.
En su teléfono, busque el icono "persona" (Person) en la parte baja de la pantalla. Haga clic en el icono y seleccione “Traducir" (Translate), seleccione su idioma preferido - “Español" (Spanish) y se traducirá el boletín.
VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org
Keri Golibart, Administrative Intern - keri_golibart@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
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.
Wendy Singleton- VES Staff Member of Year
Gr. 4 Historical Walk
Gr. 4 Historical Walk
From the Principal
Dear Veterans Families,
As part of our school improvement process, we are asking families to provide input about their equity priorities at our school. Please use the link below to complete the HCPSS Indicators of Educational Equity Survey by May 15th. We will use your input, along with other school data, to refine our school improvement plan for next year.
This survey is anonymous and available in multiple languages. If you have children at more than one school, please complete one survey per school.
The data from this survey was crucial in helping us to shape school programs this year. Staff, students, and families are all surveyed to give us a cross section of opinions to allow us to plan to do a better job. As we use this data, please complete the survey.
First of all, a special salute to VES Staff Member of the Year- Mrs. Singleton. Congratulations to her on all her hard work.
This week we salute Grade 4 students who had a fantastic Historical Walk activity on Wednesday.
Discipline-
I often get questions about why a student's explanation of an event does not match the version given by the school when we call. There are many possibilities for this. All of us want to look good in the eyes of our loved ones. We may not give all sides of the story when we reach home. Remember if your child was involved in a discipline issue, chances are there are more than a single perspective on the issue. Administrators and teachers are often cast in the role of a judge to determine the most plausible result based on the information we have gathered. Any goal during a discipline conference is to resolve the issue and if necessary establish consequences. We always try to do what is fair for all children involved, keeping in mind that the county discipline policy has expectations. We are in the business of teaching, even when it comes to dealing with discipline. At the elementary level, there is so much to be gained by teaching students how to behave rather than just administer consequences.
Respect-
I am concerned about a few recess and lunch shifts where some of our students are not great about showing the adults in charge the respect they deserve. Our staff uses all sorts of strategies to gain student attention when they need it. Please reinforce at home the need to show adults who work with our students the respect that is needed in a public setting. We also reinforce the need of children to show their parents respect. Most of our children are working hard to show each other and the adults at Veterans the respect they should receive. A few years back there was a county focus on the word "civility". Learning to deal with other humans with mutual respect is a skill much needed in our world.
3rd Quarter Report Cards will be issued on Tuesday April 18th and visible online at 4 pm.
Next Friday April 21st, school will be closed for students as we have a professional day for staff.
Reminder- WEAPONS
Parents, please understand that weapons of any kind are prohibited from school. Students in possession of a weapon or any item used as a weapon are subject to disciplinary action. The safety of your children is crucial to us. Any information relating to the possession of a weapon will be investigated. Please understand that students who possess items that can be used as weapon as a result of scouting activities and they bring the item to school, is still in violation of our weapons policy. Threats to bring a weapon are also serious. Our students need to feel safe and secure to learn. Parents, please help us to educate your child that in today's environment it is our responsibility to make everyone feel safe and secure.
Lost & Found
VES CURRENT NEWSFLASH!
FIELD DAY 2023 IS AROUND THE CORNER!!!
2023 field day volunteer sign up
FIELD DAY IS COMING! Before you head out on your Spring Break adventures, why not sign up to volunteer on FIELD DAY?!?! It’s BACK! The VES P.E. Department is proud to announce the return of FIELD DAY!!! BUT! WE NEED YOU!! We need energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us ...
MARYLAND COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Dear Parents/Guardians
The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) provides information to educators, parents and the public on student progress towards proficiency on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. Through a strong assessment system, stakeholders gain an understanding of how schools are performing and where assistance can be directed to support student growth and achievement. MCAP data among other resources are used to engage in school improvement efforts.
Here are some suggestions you can do to help your child be ready on assessment days:
Ensure your child arrives at school on time.
Have your child each a healthy breakfast at home or at school.
Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep.
Encourage your child to do their best.
Please note the following dates for VES MCAP assessments.
RECESS UPDATE
Recess Update: The Office of School Safety and Security and Risk Management, in collaboration with School Management and Instructional Leadership, reviewed county wide practices regarding school visits and it has been determined that parents are not able to attend recess. Parents can continue to eat lunch with their child(ren) if they complete the following:
- Go to the HCPSS Web site to review information about the school system volunteer process.
- Review the “Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Procedures Online Training” PowerPoint.
- Sign the Certificate of Completion for the “Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Procedures Online Training” form and provide it to the school when signing in.
- Review the "Confidentiality Training for Volunteers" PowerPoint
- Sign the Confidentiality Agreement and provide it to the school when signing in.
- Sign in at the front office using the Lobby Guard sign-in system (a valid photo I.D. must be provided).
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
HAVING LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILD
English Calendar (PDF) Updated 6/27/22
学年行事历 (PDF)
학년도 달력 (PDF)
Calendario Año Escolar
April-May MCAP TESTING FOR GRADES 3-5 (SEE ABOVE IN VES CURRENT NEWS FLASH FOR DATES)
April 17 & 18 Spring School Pictures (click on link to view class picture days)
April 18 Report Cards Issued (viewable in Parent Portal at 4 pm)
April 21 PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY (SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR STUDENTS)
April 25 Strings Spring Concert 7 pm
April 26 Band Spring Concert 7 pm
April 27 STEM FAIR
Immediate Temporary Paraeducator Position available until Mid-January
Work with Special Needs students to meet requirements of their IEP plan, under the direction of a Special Education Team Leader. Some experience working with children or disabilities is preferred. Some college coursework is helpful in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology or related fields. Please contact Miss. Golibart or Mrs. Redd on 410-313-1700 for more information. Use this link to begin your application.
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.
Note regarding Late Arrivals by car-riders:
Beginning at 9:25 a.m., Parent/guardian must sign-in the student(s) "TARDY".
** NOTICE: supervision by HCPSS Staff NOT available before school **
Parent-Guardian is responsible for their child's supervision until the VES school doors open 9:15 a.m. in the morning.
Do not leave your child unattended prior to 9:15 a.m.
*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
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
CAR LOOP SAFETY & REMINDERS
Greetings!
Please take a moment to review our car loop procedures below.
All cars entering our car loop lane are expected to follow the procedures outlined below. Additionally, parents should not park in the car loop line or walk their child through moving traffic. Please insist that your child exit and enter your car on the passenger side only so that he/she never crosses between cars. If you have ever used our car loop, you know everyone must act with care and patience. Please follow the directions of the staff and kindly abide by our safety practices for everyone’s sake. Thank you for your support!
Drop off & Pick-up Rules and Courtesies
It is crucial that parents picking up students adhere to the following rules in order to maintain the highest level of safety for the students and courtesy to those behind you:
When approaching the carloop, please stay in a single lane (the right lane) until you reach the school parking lot. We need our buses to pull out of the lane when given the opportunity.
If you intend to get out of your car, please use a parking space. If you are in the line, stay in your car. The adults on duty at carloop are there to support you. Feel free to ask them for help.
Wait until you are in the loop to drop off or pick up your student(s). You can drop off your child(ren) at any point once you enter the car loop. You do not need to wait until they are close to the door.
Mind the gaps. Pull all the way to the end of the loop before loading, out of courtesy to those behind you.
ALWAYS pay attention to what’s happening around you/your car.
If you decide to park your car to drop off or pick up your child, please park in a parking space. For everyone's safety, please refrain from double parking or blocking the lane in the parking lot.
Safety and courtesy will be maximized if all drivers follow these rules. Staff on duty are happy to help your student(s) exit or enter the car. Also, please remember that the instructional day starts at 9:25AM.
***DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLES UNATTENDED IN THE CAR LOOP AND PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR***
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.
* ATTN: PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE RESTRICTED FROM BOARDING SCHOOL BUSES *
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!
Stay Informed:
IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
Intent for Transportation for 2023-2024 School Year
HCPSS posted online and emailed all families a request that they indicate their transportation intentions for the 2023-2024 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!
VES PTA NEWS AND UPDATES
Upcoming Events:
Spirit Wear Sale - Coming Soon
STEM Fair - April 27th
Staff Appreciation Week - 5/8th-12th
Book Fair - 5/10th-15th More details coming soon
PTA Meeting - Monday, 4/17th at 7pm Zoom Link below
VES PTA Online Spirit Wear Store - Coming Soon!
You asked and we listened! Our new online spirit wear store is launching in mid-April. Students, families and staff will be able to design their own items and place spirit wear orders 24/7, 365 days a year – and all items will ship directly to your home!
Email coming soon!
Raise Money for our PTA via Givebacks
Givebacks is a new feature from MemberHub where 25,000 local and national businesses automatically donate cashback to your school and families when they shop!
Each time you make a purchase with one, they will donate back to our school and give you cash back as well. Sign up for Givebacks at https://veterans.memberhub.com/givebacks and select Veterans ES PTA as your cause. You can then add the Givebacks extension to your internet browser and monitor your donations and cashback via the Givebacks app.
Monthly PTA Meeting - 2nd Monday at 7-8pm
NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, 4/17TH
Topic: Veterans PTA Zoom Bridge
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wbd.zoom.us/j/96489896426?pwd=REF0UGlGMXNiNmpETjk5UlR0M0plZz09
Meeting ID: 964 8989 6426
Passcode: 927705
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,96489896426#,,,,*927705#US (Washington DC)
+16469313860,,96489896426#,,,,*927705#US
Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/PTAatVES
Rising Dunloggin MS families:
Dunloggin Middle School PTA is looking for incoming families to join!
They have a few openings and are always looking for helping hands to build their school community. For more information, please email Karen Biederman vp1@dunlogginmspta.org
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Please note: Bus routes for the 2023-2024 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.
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
YMCA PROGRAMS/CAMPS FOR WHEN SCHOOL IS NOT IN SESSION!!
OKINAWAN KARATE DOJO
SUMMER CAMPS @ MT HEBRON HIGH SCHOOL
Mt. Hebron Viking Backers Summer Camp Registration Now Open!
The Mt. Hebron Viking Backers are excited to announce online registration for Summer Camps is OPEN! Click this link to see all of the details and to register your student now.
We kick-off the summer camp season in early June while school is still in session, and new camps will be offered each week until early August. Please note, the volleyball and football camps in early June will be conducted in the evenings.
We welcome campers entering kindergarten through 9th grade for the 2023-2024 school year (check our website for specific camp requirements), and we invite "Future Vikings" as well as students that will attend other high schools to sign up. Varsity coaches will run the camps, and each camper will receive a 2023 summer camps t-shirt. Details are also available on our website regarding a sibling discount as well as a discount for HCPSS staff with campers in their household.
Specific Camp Questions? Each coach's email address is listed on the Viking Backers website, and to receive the quickest response we request camp-specific questions be sent directly to them. Any general questions about camps can be sent to summercamps2023@vikingbackers.org.
Other Questions? If you are interested in learning more about the Mt. Hebron Viking Backers, or if you are interested in getting involved right now, next year, or beyond ... in any way ... small or big ... please don't hesitate to visit our website or email Zack Rose at president@vikingbackers.org.
The Garden Ice House in Laurel, MD
The Garden Ice House in Laurel, MD
Okinawan Karate
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
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 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
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, 2023?
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 2023-24 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 9/2/19– 9/1/20 ) 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.