VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
JANUARY 15, 2022 - Vol.15 Issue #19
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org
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.
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.
Weekly Message from our Principal
Dear Veterans Community,
Staffing a school of this size can be a challenge, especially in these times when acquiring substitute employees is almost impossible.
The staff tries to address the myriad of needs of our student population as best as they can. Please understand that this means supervisory coverage for your children may look a little different than what you are used to seeing here at Veterans. We once again encourage anyone who is qualified to substitute teach to please fill out an application at the school system Human Resources website. Let us know once approved so we can invite you in to sub at our school.
We welcome the newly hired Fourth Grade Teacher, Ms. Megan Shin, who has taken the place of
Mr. Oh. As you may know Ms. Solla's last day was Friday, January 14th. We will make every attempt to cover this classroom position. We do have someone in mind for the position and they are being processed by our Human Resources department and we hope they will clear hiring expectations within a few weeks. We will keep you posted on this position.
As you know, COVID-19 cases are still being reported here at Veterans by our parent (for students) and staff community. Continue the home health checks, wearing a high quality and effective mask, washing hands, and socially distancing whenever possible.
Understanding the ES Report Card: A reference sheet has been developed to support families in understanding the Elementary School Report Card.
School is closed on Monday, January 17th to celebrate the birth and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School will also close 3 hours. early on Wednesday, January 19th to enable staff to take care of professional responsibilities. Next Friday, January 21st is the end of the 2nd Quarter. School is open a full day on January 21st but we will be closed on Monday, January 24th for staff to complete end of semester responsibilities.
All parents are asked to review our Policy on Student Discipline and share your expectations with your children. The policy is located : https://policy.hcpss.org/9000/9200/
The Howard County Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, engaging, and supportive school environment. The Board believes that the teaching of expected school behaviors is the shared responsibility of Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) staff, parents, and community members.
Robert C. Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts!
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
JANUARY:
17 - School and Offices Closed: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
18 - Ellicott Mills MS Rising 6th Grade Info Night 6:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. VIRTUAL
19 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m. for Professional Work Day
20 - Dunloggin MS New Student/Family Orientation 7:00p.m.- 8:00p.m. VIRTUAL
21- End of 2nd Quarter
21 - Spirit Day: #EaglePride - Wear VES Spirit Wear or school colors
24 - No School for Students - Professional Work Day
28 - PTA sponsored Bingo Night - 7:00p.m. VIRTUAL
31 - 2nd Quarter Report Cards Issued via HCPSSConnect
FEBRUARY:
1 - No School for Students - Professional Learning Day
4 - Spirit Day: Heart Health - National Wear Red Day
8 - PTA Meeting - 7:00p.m. VIRTUAL
10 - Spirit Day: HIP, HIP, HOORAY it's the 100th Day!
10 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.: Parent-Teacher Conferences
11 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.: Parent-Teacher Conferences
14 - Spirit Day: Valentine's Day - Wear Hearts, Pink, or Red
16 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m. for Professional Work Day
18 - CogAT Testing for Grade 5: 9:45a.m. - 11:15a.m.
21 - School and Offices Closed: President's Day
22 - CogAT Testing for Grade 5: 9:45a.m. - 11:15a.m.
22 - CogAT Testing for Grade 3: 1:45p.m. - 3:15p.m.
23 - CogAT Testing for Grade 3: 1:45p.m. - 3:15p.m.
23 - Spirit Day: Pink Shirt Day! Wear Pink - Stand up to bullying
Below are the SY2021-22 standardized testing window dates:
Grade specific dates and testing details are communicated in advance of each assessment. Dates subject to change.
Grades 1-8 MAP Reading/Math: Oct. 18 - Nov. 5
Grades 3 & 5 CogAT:
Grade 3 - February 22nd & 23rd at 1:45PM - 3:15PM
Grade 5 - February 18th and 22nd at 9:45AM - 11:15AM
Grades K-5 Access for ELLS: Jan. 10 - Feb. 18
Grade 5 MISA: March 14 - 25
Grades 1-8 MAP Reading/Math: April 4 - April 29
Grades 3-5 MCAP ELA/Math: May 4 - June 3
CogAT for Garde 3
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:
Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 3rd grade.
Grade 3 - February 22nd & 23rd at 1:45PM - 3:15PM
4th Grade GT Math Placements
From February 14 to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to all 3rd grade students. Placements for 4th grade GT Math will be made following the CogAT administration and will include all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education.
If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teacher.
CogAT for Grade 5
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:
Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 5th grade.
Grade 5 - February 18th and 22nd at 9:45AM - 11:15AM
Middle School GT Class Recommendations
Although the CogAT administration may be delayed, all 5th grade students will be considered for potential placement in 6th GT classes using all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education. This includes data from students’ 3rd grade CogAT administration in December 2019, if available.
From February 14th to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to any 5th grade students who do not have a prior CogAT score as well as all students in 5th grade GT Math. The data will assist with identification for Accelerated GT Math and provide an aptitude measure for students who had no previous CogAT test.
From February 8 until February 22, families will be able to review course recommendations and may request a course placement that is different from the school’s recommendation through HCPSS Connect.
If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teacher.
Ellicott Mills Middle School Rising 6th Grade Information Night (VIRTUAL)
January 18 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The snow date will remain the same (1/25/22)
WELCOME TO ELLICOTT MILLS!!! We are so excited to have you and your student/students to be joining the Ellicott Mills family as 6th Graders for the 2022-2023 school year. On Tuesday, January 18th from 6pm-7pm (snow date Monday, January 25th from 6pm-7pm) EMMS will be hosting a virtual information session for parents and guardians to discuss the middle school transitions, course offerings and requirements, and to answer any questions you may have. "See" you soon! Again... Welcome to The Mill!
DMS 6th Grade Student/Parent Orientation (VIRTUAL)
DMS New Student Orientation
Due to a conflict with the elementary schools TCOE celebration, DMS has moved our 6th Grade New Student/Family Orientation to 7:00 p.m.
Dunloggin Middle School will be hosting our annual 6th Grade New Student/Family Orientation and GT Information Night on Thursday, January 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Please join us for this event as we welcome our new students and their families to DMS. Parents, you will have an opportunity to meet the staff and become familiar with your child's new school, learn about school programs, and hear ways you can get involved.
The agenda, New Student Orientation Presentation and google meeting links will be accessible on our school website: dms.hcpss.org next week.
Agenda
7:00pm – Welcome/6th Grade New Student Orientation Presentation
7:25pm – Questions & Answer Session
7:40pm – GT Information Session
Please note! You will need to be logged in with your child's HCPSS account to access these Google Meets.
The meeting code: DMS Orientation
BINGO NIGHT - VIRTUAL - January 28 - 7:00p.m.
Keep an eye out for Bingo cards coming home with your students! We will host a virtual bingo night on Friday January 28 at 7:00p.m.
Prizes will be awarded to winners!
Let's have a little winter fun together! Teachers and staff are welcome to join us!
Sign up here so we can email you the link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094AA5AF23A2F85-ptafamily3
NEW GAME DONATIONS NEEDED AT VES - INDOOR RECESS
Veterans ES needs some help replenishing games used for indoor recess located in each grade level's game closet. The PTA will use its full recess budget to purchase some of the games, but does not have enough to cover the cost of all the games needed. Please see sign up for more information and to see the game list. This is a request for new games. If you have used games you would like to donate, please reach out to your child's teacher directly.
Please drop off or mail by: January 21, 2022.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0549A5A62EA4FE3-vesindoor
JOIN US FOR A PTA MEETING (Virtual) - Tues, Feb 8 - 7:00p.m.
Interested in learning more about the officer positions that help our PTA run? We need new officers for next year. Please join us 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.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://discovery.zoom.us/j/98093284149?pwd=QWptQXUxN2xxMWhrRXh2T0c5ZTJtZz09
Meeting ID: 980 9328 4149
Passcode: 094353
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,98093284149#,,,,*094353# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 980 9328 4149
Passcode: 094353
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
Are you great with numbers? Do you know how to do taxes? We are in need of a treasurer for the PTA next school year. Reach out if you would be interested in chatting with our current treasurer about this opportunity. 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
Follow us on Facebook
VES REMINDERS: Worth Repeating...
Weather Guidelines/Recess
Exercise outdoors is healthy and is strongly encouraged. It provides a break from the regular school routine, a chance to get some outside air, and an opportunity to burn off excess energy. If conditions preclude the full recess time, even a five minute break can revitalize children and prepare them for more sitting and academic learning. Children are expected to wear clothing appropriate for forecasted conditions when participating in recess or outside activities.
The decision to go out or stay in for recess is the decision of the administrator at individual schools. On rare occasions due to extreme weather, a decision may be made at the school system level.
The following factors are considered in determining if recess is to be held outside:
- Temperature and humidity
- Wind chill
- Heat index and air quality
- Age of students
- Length of time outdoors
- Adequacy of the children’s clothing
- Condition of the playground
- Falling precipitation (more than a sprinkle or mist)
- Thunder and lightning
Generally, it is assumed that students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index reading is less than 95. Children with certain health conditions may need special accommodations during extremely hot or cold weather. Parents of those children should provide medical documentation and may be consulted to determine if other arrangements are necessary. During hot weather, teachers should provide students a water break before and after recess. Additionally, any student who shows signs of heat exhaustion or overheating should be allowed a water break during recess.
Early Dismissals must be prior to 3:30 pm
* Please bring your phone to scan the QR code to sign out student(s) for Early Dismissal.
** Please also be prepared to present your Photo ID
At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.
After 3:30pm, students will be dismissed at VES normal 3:55pm dismissal with the Car Riders.
* 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!
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
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.
Updated COVID Mitigation Efforts in HCPSS Schools
Last week, a message was sent to the community with several updates related to health mitigation efforts in place in HCPSS schools. Today, we want to provide more information related to:
- Quarantining and contact tracing
- Face masks
- COVID testing
- Health mitigation efforts in cafeterias
- Virtual instruction
- Impact on extracurricular activities
A comprehensive update can be found online.
Keeping schools healthy, safe and open for in-person instruction remains our top priorities because we know that the school environment is most conducive to student learning and support. Thank you for your continued understanding and partnership as we all work together to maintain healthy and thriving school communities.
Early Dismissal for All Students on Jan. 19
To provide staff with additional time to address their increased workload and to support employee well-being, the Board of Education approved several 3-hour early dismissal days during the remainder of the school year. The next early dismissal day is Wednesday, Jan.19.
HCPSS Hiring Fair
HCPSS is hosting a hiring fair on Monday, Jan. 24 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School for anyone interested in employment as a bus driver, custodian, food services worker, lunch and recess monitor, or paraeducator. Attendees wishing to be interviewed should complete an online application prior to the event; prospective bus drivers may apply on site. No registration is needed to attend the event. Masking is required.
HCPSS COVID Dashboard Update
Due to HCPSS students and staff being out for winter break and inclement weather days, quarantine numbers will not be updated on the HCPSS COVID dashboard this week. Those numbers will next be updated Wednesday, Jan. 12 by 11:00 a.m.
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.
HCPSS Emergency Closing Notifications
In times of emergency/weather closings or delays, information is shared through our website, email and text, Twitter and the HCPSS weather hotline. The school system’s operating status can always be found on the HCPSS Status website. More information about emergency closings and information sources is provided online.
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.
Stay Informed:
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.
Volunteer/Observer Vaccine Requirements
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 use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination at least five school days in advance. This requirement does not apply to HCPSS students who are going to another school as part of their academic schedule. Vaccination and testing requirements for other community stakeholders are outlined online.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
SIGN UP FOR CRICKET!!!!! IT IS THE BEST!!!!!
BEST Cricket League
Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world. Howard County students can learn to play the game by participating in the BEST Cricket League, which is the first elementary school cricket league in the USA. Wickets will be 16 yards apart, and tennis balls covered with electrical tape will be used. No protective gear is required. The program is designed to maximize participation for all players and will provide a fun learning experience for everyone.
Introduction To Cricket: First there will be an introductory program from 3 – 28 January to teach the kids the basics of the game. There will be 5 one-hour sessions conducted during the week:
Group 1: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Group 2: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Winter Indoor T10 League: Next, the students will participate in the Winter Indoor T10 league, which will be conducted from 31 January to 28 February at SuperOver Cricket Academy, 9050 Red Branch Road, Unit C, Columbia from 6pm – 8pm every Monday. All practices and matches will be conducted during the week. Each team will have a roster of 13 players.
To register your son or daughter for the BEST Cricket League, please send an email with the following information to cricket@bbgc.com:
Name of School:
Student’s name:
Grade:
Gender: Boy or Girl
T-Shirt Size: (Adult/Youth, Large/Medium/Small)
Parent’s Name:
Parent’s Email Address:
Parent’s Phone Number:
Questions: If you have any questions or need further information, please send an email to Sham Chotoo, Cricket Commissioner, Bowie Boys & Girls Club,
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
EE ARCHIVE - Previous Issues SY2021-22
Issue #18 - January 8, 2022
Issue #17 - December 17, 2021
Access complete archive on the main school website: VES.hcpss.org