VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
FEBRUARY 12, 2022 - Vol.15 Issue #23
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
SCHOOL IN-SESSION HOURS
9:25 A.M. - 3:55 P.M.
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,
First of all, we welcome Ms. Qasuri as our long term Grade 4 Substitute Teacher. Ms. Qasuri will be with us for the rest of the school year.
Many of you participated in your Parent/Teacher Conference on Thursday or Friday. We appreciate your interest and support in your child's educational program. Thank you for stressing the need for your children to always give their best effort. Our staff is working hard to keep your children safe and to ensure they are focused on their academics. We hope you will continue to discuss with your children the need to be civil and to follow directions on their way to school, in school, and on the way home from school. When situations arise which require us to investigate situations this will pull children from their studies. Children will be children, while we may not always get to the real facts of the case, our goal is to reduce the tension of any situation so your child can return to learning. The school is a unique social situation with different combinations of human beings trying to get along. Most of our community do a great job and our students are fantastic school citizens. Our goal is for all students to appreciate each other so they can discuss things with civility. We must set that example for our children. School is about growth in very different surroundings than they find at home. We appreciate your support in our endeavors.
Reminders-
Wednesday February 16th- School Closes at 12:55 pm. Please be prompt if picking your children up from school.
Monday February 21st is now a full school day. Parents who made previous plans for this day should report their absence to vesabsence@hcpss.org
Have a great Super Bowl Weekend!
Robert C Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts!
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
Academic Calendars Approved
Academic calendars were approved for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. The 2022-2023 school year will begin for students on Monday, Aug. 29 and on Thursday, Aug. 18, for school staff. Winter break will be December 26-30, with schools reopening on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Spring Break will run from April 3-10. The last day of school is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13. Five days at the end of the school year are designated for potential use to make up inclement weather closing days.
As we continue to celebrate and support cultures, we‘d like to focus this month on Black History.
Both HCPSS and NEA have released proclamations in support of Black History Month.
FEBRUARY: Black History Month
14 - Spirit Day: Heart Health Day & Valentine's Day - Wear Hearts, Pink, or Red
15 - 100th DAY OF SCHOOL!
16 - Wellness Wednesday - wear workout or comfy clothes
16 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m. for Professional Work Day
18 - CogAT Testing for Grade 5: 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
21 - *HCPSS OPEN: School and Offices in session on President's Day (Related Arts: RED Day)
22- 2/22/22 :)
22 - CogAT Testing for Grade 5: 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
22 - CogAT Testing for Grade 3: 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
23 - CogAT Testing for Grade 3: 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
NEW INFORMATION
Parent Car Loop Drop-Off/ Pick-Up SAFETY REMINDER
Please adhere to school safety procedures regarding student drop off!
Several parents bypassed the Parent Drop Off Lane and let their children out in other parts of our parking lot. This is inappropriate and a safety issue for your children. I know the car line is long but many of our parents are patient and wait their turn to ensure their child is safe. Thank you to these parents. Please make sure if you are dropping your children off to join the Parent Drop Off Lane or park your car in a legal spot, get out with your child (regardless of age) and walk your child to the school sidewalk in a safe fashion.
February 16 - VES WELLNESS DAY!
Good morning VES Community! This coming Wednesday, Feb 16, is Wellness Day at VES! Please make sure to wear your wellness outfit to school (workout/comfy clothes). This year, we are teaming up with one of our community partners - The Okinawan Karate Dojo (owned by Stanley Crump) - to provide additional wellness opportunities for students. Teachers will be discussing a variety of wellness topics with their students in class. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will have an opportunity to sign up to participate in Sensei Crump’s ‘Power in an Hour (or less)’ workout for kids during related arts. More information below:
Get Power in an Hour (or less!)... Led by Sensei Stan (owner of business partner - Okinawan Karate Dojo), The POWer Hour will be an energetic, group workout (with the personal attention of a private trainer) that will take place in an hour (or less) and will target the full-body. It'll be safe, rewarding, and modified for ALL fitness levels! It's best described as a fusion of warm-up, cardio, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility/agility training, and cool-down/stretching...all wrapped into a few, FUN, results-oriented minutes! Whether you are a Spartan athlete, new to exercise, or somewhere in between...all Participants will find their time to be worthwhile. You CAN do it!!
Learning Together Program – Pre-Kindergarten
The Veterans Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) pre-kindergarten 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 3yo by September 1st or are already 4yo may request an application.
Applications will be available and accepted in mid February and priority will be given to applications received by April 1st.
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, in person, or class quarantine).
If you have any additional questions, please contact Mary Jens at (410) 313-1700
Mary_Jens@hcpss.org
2022 Summer Programs Registration Open
2022 Summer Programs Registration
Open Through February 15 at 6 p.m.
Gifted and Talented (GT) Summer Institutes for Talent Development
The Gifted and Talented (GT) Summer Institutes for Talent Development offers additional advanced-level instruction and enrichment experiences not regularly available during the academic school year for students entering grades 1-8. Rigorous instruction focusing on talent development is offered in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, technology and fine arts.
No testing nor prior GT coursework is required for enrollment in these enrichment offerings.
Students may attend for Session 1, Session 2, or both sessions. While the program is half-day, before and after care is available on site via Howard County Recreation and Parks.
For more information, please visit the HCPSS Summer Programs page.
Registration is through HCPSS Connect Parent Vue.
Contact: GTSummer@hcpss.org or 410-313-6671More News | Event | Reminders
2022-2023 Middle School Course Registration Now Open
Current 5-7th grade students can view their teachers’ course recommendations and submit course placement requests for the 2022-2023 school year through Feb. 22. Full details on middle school course registration are available online.
Updated Spectator Limits at Athletics Events and Fine Arts Performances
Capacity limits of spectators at athletics contests and fine arts performances have been lifted. The allowable spectator limits at these events will now be 100% of the capacity for the facility, which are posted at each location.
The Board-approved calendars are available online.
Academic calendars were approved for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. The 2022-2023 school year will begin for students on Monday, Aug. 29 and on Thursday, Aug. 18, for school staff. Winter break will be December 26-30, with schools reopening on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Spring Break will run from April 3-10. The last day of school is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13. Five days at the end of the school year are designated for potential use to make up inclement weather closing days.
The 2023-2024 school year is scheduled to begin for students on Monday, Aug. 28 and on Wednesday, Aug. 16 for school staff. Winter break will be December 25-29 with schools reopening on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Spring Break will run from March 25-April 1. The last day of school is scheduled for Friday, June 7.
REMINDERS
Universal Indoor Masking Remains in Place
Families are reminded that the universal indoor masking requirement in HCPSS schools, offices and on school buses remains in place based on guidance from the Howard County Health Department, Maryland Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Upcoming COVID Vaccine Clinics
Through a partnership with the Howard County Health Department and several local pharmacies, HCPSS is providing students and staff opportunities to get vaccinated and/or receive a booster, including at some clinics hosted in HCPSS schools. Information about upcoming clinics, including one for ages 12+ from 3-6 p.m. today at Long Reach High School, can be found online and will be updated as new clinics become available.
2021-2022 Academic Calendar Updates
In anticipation of possible future inclement weather days, and in response to the declaration of June 19 as a federal holiday, the Board of Education has approved several modifications to the 2021–2022 current school year academic calendar:
- Monday, Feb. 21 - Schools and offices OPEN (previously closed for Presidents Day)
- Monday, June 20, - Schools and offices closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
- Wednesday, June 22 - Added as an additional inclement weather day, if needed.
The HCPSS calendar is updated online.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT - February 18 - 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30pm
Join us for a Scavenger Hunt Virtually - see sign up for details! You must sign up ahead of time to participate. Click on the link below to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094AA5AF23A2F85-ptascavenger
Email doctorcia@gmail.com with questions or if you want to help host game nights.
PTA OFFICER PROFILE: What does the Treasurer do?
Did you know the VES PTA is a 501(c)(3) organization. We need a treasurer each year in order to maintain our organization. Here is what our treasurer does: has custody of all funds of local PTA, keep account of receipts and expenditures, reconciliation of the bank statement each month, give monthly report of expenditures at monthly meetings, make disbursement as authorized by the president or board of directions of local PTA in accordance with the approved budget adopted by the PTA, present a written financial statement at every meeting of the executive committee, responsible for preparing and filing all necessary tax forms.
If you would like to learn more about the Treasurer position, please reach out to our current Treasurer, Tomi at tomiadebo@gmail.com.
Bingo Night (Virtual)- coming soon- Save the date: March 25 - 7pm
Save those bingo cards! Sign up coming soon!
JOIN US FOR A PTA MEETING (Virtual) - Tues, March 8 - 7pm
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
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
VES REMINDERS: Worth Repeating . . .
Accessing Quarter 2 Report Cards
Report cards are accessible via HCPSS Connect Synergy.
Parents/guardians may access them following the instructions for accessing report cards online. Answers to frequently asked questions on grades and testing can be found online.
Understanding the Elementary Report Card (English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean)
We are seeking substitute teachers to work with our students
We are seeking substitute teachers to work with our students when teachers are absent. Below, please find some details regarding the position.
The Substitute Teacher instructs students during the absence of a regular teacher. Substitute Teachers are expected to maintain a professional attitude toward their work and support the mission and goals of the school system. Substitute Teachers are assigned on an as needed basis and are temporary employees.
Substitute Teachers hours are 9:05 AM - 4:10 PM each day.
Daily Rate of Pay
Non-degreed (Minimum of 60 credits) $100.00 per day
Degreed (Bachelors or higher) $110.00 per day
Retired Teacher (Must provide verification) $125.00 per day
Long-Term Pay
Non-degreed (Minimum of 60 credits) $125.00 per day
Degreed (Bachelors or higher) $135.00 per day
Retired Teacher (Must provide verification) $135.00 per day
Communication, initiative, and flexibility are important attributes for those filling the position(s).
Interested applicants can go to the following link below to begin the application process. Contact Alexcia Redd at alexcia_redd@hcpss.org when you have competed all parts of the application.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
Okinawan Karate
Girl Scouts
For more information, contact Lauren Oviatt at VeteransGS@gmail.com
Cub Scout Pack#305
For information, please contact Heidi Potter at heidi@shmoo.com
EE ARCHIVE - Previous Issues SY2021-22
Issue #22 - February 5, 2022
Issue #21 - January 29, 2022
Issue #20 - January 22, 2022
Access complete archive on the main school website: VES.hcpss.org