VES Eagle Express Newletter
SY2020-2021 AUGUST 20, 2020 - Volume 14, Issue #1
Veterans Elementary
The building is closed due to the State Superintendent's decision regarding the COVID-19.
jane_pak@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.
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES
SEPTEMBER
2 - Student's assigned Home Room Teacher posted in HCPSSConnect
8 - First Day of School for Student K thru 5
10 - First Day of School for PK/RECC
From the Principal
Virtually Visit Veterans Elementary School
Here Is your chance to take a virtual tour!
New School Year Begins September 8th
I know it is hard to build up the excitement to a virtual start to the school year but I am excited for our students, our staff, and parents. Co-Vid 19 has put a damper on so many aspects of our lives. I am convinced that we must adhere to CDC guidelines and not rush back to school. We need to continue to socially distance, wear our masks, and wash our hands. These are hard situations in which to adapt. Social distancing in an elementary school is a far stretch from what elementary school is all about. Last March-June, we quickly threw together a program for our students and our staff wonderfully delivered that program. It was not ideal. While what we will offer this year is definitely better, it is not ideal either. I ask for your patience as we try to maneuver in this pandemic struck world.
I wanted to make sure you were aware that on Tuesday September 8th, we are once again open for business and teachers will be teaching again. Students will be learning again. I am attaching a link to the Board of Education site that lays out the schedules for each grade. Our PK programs are mostly half day programs while most others are full day programs. Please review the schedule for your children(s) grade level(s). There will be more opportunities for direct instruction by the teacher, small group instruction, and special needs groups. Wednesdays may look like a day off but it is filled with asynchronous (recorded) learning opportunities. Lastly, please understand that work will be graded this time under the same grading policy we had before March 13, 2020.
Teacher assignments will be available via HCPSS Connect by September 2, 2020. Update your family file to get this information. The family file must be updated now. Thank you.
HCPSSConnect Family File Update Directions:
Update your Family File in HCPSSConnect to view Teacher Assignments when they are available!!!
https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions.pdf
https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-spanish.pdf
https://www.hcpss.org/f/connect/family-file-user-instructions-korean.pdf
Looking forward to a great year. It will be what we make it !!!
Q/A about School?
We have scheduled a series of meetings to answer questions for parents of Veterans Elementary School students.
The first two meetings are for parents of any "redistricted students", new to Veterans Elementary School.
Meeting # 1 for Parents of Redistricted Students- Wednesday August 19, 2020 from 6:30-7:30 pm.
meet.google.com/kit-xdjw-ksh
Join by phone
(US) +1 423-657-0169 PIN: 415 014 710#
Meeting # 2 for Parents of Redistricted Students- Thursday August 20, 2020 from 10:30-11:30 am.
meet.google.com/pqy-fpzu-myy
Join by phone
(US) +1 484-886-4056 PIN: 254 738 789#
Meeting #3 is for parents of any Veterans student who have questions for Mr. Bruce
Monday August 24, 2020 from 11:00 am-12:00 Noon.
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 929-238-0836
PIN: 131 185 602#
Supply list can be found here!
ES_Supply_List_2020 (2) (1).pdf
The Howard County School System is acutely aware of how the pandemic has affected family budgets. It has reviewed school supply lists and released one general supply list for families which I am attaching to this special announcement . The number of items have been reduced to the most needed items based on knowledge of curriculum to be covered. I hope you find this helpful.
School NEW STUDENT Enrollment 2020-21
THE REGISTRATION PROCESS for the SY2020-2021 BEGINS ONLINE for all new students Grades PK thru 5. Please use the following link: https://www.hcpss.org/enroll
The school registrations continue throughout summer. At this time, the following registrars are working remotely and available for questions:
jane_pak@hcpss.org
dulce_boyer@hcpss.org
*Once a new registration is filled out online, a school registrar will be in contact with you.
Start Online Enrollment process here, Step-by-Step instructions: https://www.hcpss.org/enroll/
Follow steps 1-4 Online. Step 5, registrar will coordinate a virtual GoogleMeeting to complete the enrollment with you.
* You will need to upload the following documents during online registration:
Birth certificate, birth registration or passport
Current immunization record - must be from the pediatrician and signed
Deed or Lease to your residence
Current utility bill
Photo ID of registering parent/guardian - this MUST be shown during virtual meeting at time of registration.
Address Change: 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.
-- - - - - - - - - -
*Parents/guardians who have already registered online, please remember that registration is not complete until a registrar reviews/verifies uploaded required documents (see list below). A registrar will coordinate a virtual GoogleMeeting with the parent/guardian to complete the enrollment.
It is crucial that if you know anyone moving into our school district that they register as quickly as possible. Please direct them to the HCPSS main website or enrollment link for guidance.
Central Office reviews our enrollment throughout the summer to ascertain whether we need additional staff. It is better to be counted earlier than later in the summer.
When positions run out then the school will have to determine classes in the best way possible.
COMMUNITY NEWS
COMCAST Internet
2020 Census
Several HCPSS programs rely on funding based on accurate census information. For this and several other reasons, all families are encouraged to participate in the 2020 census, which may be completed online. Learn more.
Meals & Nutrition Assistance Program
- The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) recently expanded its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is possible that families may qualify now for SNAP benefits, based on the economic downturn due to COVID-19. Visit the DHS website to learn more. All children in households already receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.
- All Maryland students who qualify for FARMs are eligible for the new P-EBT program, or Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer, which provides benefits on a debit-style EBT card to help families with children purchase healthy food during the school closure. Families can apply for the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMs) program until June 1, 2020. Visit the HCPSS web site to learn more about the opportunities and how to apply.
Howard County Library Resources
- Created While Isolated: Students ages 13 and up and adults are invited to share photographs, art, music, creative writing, and personal stories from this unprecedented time in acollaborative creativity journal.
- TumbleMath is a fun and engaging way to learn math concepts through stories. Students can access this and many other learning resources with their A+ student accounts throughhcpss.me by selecting HC Library.
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.
worth repeating...
Order a SY2019-2020 Veterans Yearbook!
Place your order by going to the following link:
https://www.treering.com/validate?PassCode=1015071348503280
This will get you to the Veterans Elementary account page. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one, but it opens to the page where you can login with an existing account or sign up.Then feel free to order your yearbook.