VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
Sept. 3, 2022 - Vol.15, Issue #3
WELCOME TO VES SY2022-2023, NEW EAGLES!
VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexia_redd@hcpss.org
Meaghan Liwosz, Administrative Intern - meaghan_liwosz@hcpss.org
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
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.
From the Principal
Dear Veterans Community,
We were thrilled to have a visit from our Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano on Thursday, he was able to touch base with several classes and students as well as the staff. He shared the message that it was time to get back to the business of school. Our students and staff are doing just that and it is exciting to watch the year unfold.
We had a full first week of school. We continue to iron out issues created due to enrollment and transportation. Our parents have been very supportive of our efforts. This is challenging because all of these issues affect our most precious commodity; our children. We are working hard to get an idea of what your child needs so we can make appropriate placements. We continue to address some transportation issues in this young school year. I continue to ask for your patience as we work through all of these issues.
Included in today's newsletter will be some updates to various school system policies. We need to inform you of those policies early in the school year.
This weekend is our first holiday, we are closed Monday in observance of Labor Day and school will resume on Tuesday September 6th.
A few quick reminders:
- Sorry, parents may not walk their children back to their class. Our staff will help if needed.
- All parents who have business at the school must buzz into the office and gain permission to enter.
- Please communicate with teaching staff through email.
- Students are due in school until 3:55 pm. If you need to sign them out early for an appointment, you must inform the teacher and the office. Please understand that once dismissal begins, it is difficult to transact an early dismissal so these must be initiated by 3:30 pm.
- If your child is in the Before/After Care program, you must enter the school from the side playground door.
- During school entry and dismissal times, do not park in the car lane. Parents may not leave their cars during this time. Please keep the lane moving.
We are thrilled to be back and ready to learn !!!
Lost & Found
HCPSS POLICIES
The school system establishes policies to guide our practices. These are annual reminders to send to parents for your information.
Full policies may be reviewed at the following link:
Public Input. During the development or revision period, comments and suggestions for changes to the policies under review can be submitted via email to policy@hcpss.org and will be shared with the applicable committee chairs prior to the presentation of the proposed policy report to the Board of Education.. After presentation of the proposed policy to the Board of Education, the public are ...
policy.hcpss.org
The HCPSS Student Code of Conduct provides a framework to support behavioral goals and disciplinary policies. While students are expected to be aware of and abide by this Student Code of Conduct, we all play a part in ensuring our school is a safe place where all students can learn. We look to partner together as families and school staff to support the social-emotional skill development of our students. At Veterans Elementary School, we implement programs such as Positive Behavior Intervention Supports to help teach and reinforce school-appropriate behaviors and build community amongst our students and staff. We thank you in advance for your partnership in working together to create a safe learning environment for all of our students. Please learn more about the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct by clicking the link below.
Policy 9260- Search & Seizure- This policy provides guidelines for the school system's authority to safely conduct searches of a student/student's possessions, and to provide uniform procedures for the administration of such searches.
Highlights:
- Those trained as authorized searchers are the only ones permitted to search students or their possessions.
- Parents will be notified of searches but cannot stop searches.
- Depending on nature of search, a phone, car, and/or book bag may be searched.
Policy 9020- Students' Rights & Responsibilities- Provides a summary and overview of the legal rights and responsibilities of students enrolled in HCPSS when on school property.
Highlights:
1. Students have a right to have a 3rd party present during searches.
2. Students have right to assemble.
3. Students have right to be free from discrimination of any kind: race,
identity, orientation, political affiliation.
Policy 1060- Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment & Intimidation- Provide standards for reporting and investigating bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation.
Highlights:
1. All students have the right to be free from all bullying.
2. All types of bullying must be reported.
Policy 8100- Field Trips- Provide guidelines to plan, approve and conduct student field trips off and on school grounds and within the United States.
Highlights:
1. For delayed openings, trips may be canceled or postponed
2. All field trips must have a teacher-in-charge
3. If needed, only a person trained as an authorized search may search
student on trips.
Policy 1050- Alcohol, Drug, & Tobacco-Free Environment- Establish the educational and disciplinary parameters needed to maintain an alcohol, drug, and tobacco-free environment.
Highlights:
1. Tobacco, Drug, and Alcohol policies are now combined in one policy
2. In nearly all offenses of policy, students must be first referred to
SAP program.
3. Please review 1st, 2nd, and subsequent responses to each offense.
Other policies will be reviewed in future editions of the Eagle Express.
VES CURRENT NEWSFLASH!
English Calendar (PDF) Updated 6/27/22
学年行事历 (PDF)
학년도 달력 (PDF)
Calendario Año Escolar
Important Dates for 2022-2023:
Thursday, Sept. 1 First day of school for PreK/RECC
Monday, Sept. 5 Labor Day Schools and offices closed
Wednesday, Sept. 7 Deadline for Band & Strings Registration
Back-to-School Night:
Monday Sept. 12- K/1 6:30-8:00 pm
Tuesday Sept. 13- Grades 2/4 6:30-8:00 pm
Weds. Sept. 14- Grades 3/5 6:30-8:00 pm
Monday, Sept. 26 Schools and offices closed
DEADLINE FOR BAND & STRINGS REGISTRATION
Have YOU decided what you’re going to play this year? Don’t forget to sign up for band or strings by Wednesday, September 7th. We want to make sure you’re included in a fun year of learning to play an instrument!
Remember:
- If you participated last year, you must register again to participate this year.
- Strings is for 3rd/4th/5th graders and band is for 4th/5th graders.
- The registration form and other program information can be found at www.vesbandandstrings.com
See you in class!
-Mrs. McLagan, Mr. Viets, and Mr. Hamilton
MARK YOUR SEPTEMBER CALENDAR - VES BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS!
Back-to-School Night:
Monday Sept. 12- K/1 6:30-8:00 pm
Tuesday Sept. 13- Grades 2/4 6:30-8:00 pm
Weds. Sept. 14- Grades 3/5 6:30-8:00 pm
Presentations***
6:00pm-6:25pm - ESOL and/or GT Presentation
6:30pm-6:45pm - PTA Meeting
6:45pm-7:10pm - Principal's Message
7:10pm-8:10pm - Grade Level Back to School Night
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".
FAMILY FILE: Parent Access to Student Information & Classwork
[Click on image to be directed to the main HCPSS website]
* In early August, you will receive an email asking you to complete your Family File.
Please be on the lookout for this important email and complete it in a timely manner.
HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Regardless of virtual or in-person learning, parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child. Parents/guardians can complete or update Family File by logging in to HCPSS Connect, selecting the More Options tab on the left and then Family File in the center column. Family File guides are available online.
HEALTH CARE FORMS FOR ENROLLMENT
[Click on image to be directed to the main HCPSS website]
Note: The following forms require completion by the student’s doctor and dentist for well check visits. These will need to be submitted to the school within 60 days from the first day of school:
🔲 Record of Physical Exam Form (student’s pediatrician) https://www.hcpss.org/f/files/form_health_physicalexam.pdf
🔲 Dental Health Form https://www.hcpss.org/f/files/form_health_dentalexam.pdf
🔲 Lead Test Form https://www.hcpss.org/f/files/form_health_lead.pdf
Stay Informed:
Transportation :
Intent for Transportation for 2022-2023 School Year
HCPSS posted online and emailed all families a request that they indicate their transportation intentions for the 2022-2023 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
Join the PTA
Your membership helps fund events for the kids and staff like the back to school party on September 22! We also use donations to host staff appreciation events, pay for assemblies, host science fairs, cultural fairs and book fairs. We love helping our school be a wonderful community to be a part of. Please join us by becoming a member and donating today! Thank you!
https://veterans.memberhub.store
Paper membership forms will come home soon if you prefer to join by check or cash.
Join a PTA Committee!
Lend a hand! We need help with Whooo's Reading, the fall Book Fair, organizing Restaurant Nights, planning in person school parties, reserving assemblies for the kids, the Science Fair and lots of other ideas, Want to inquire more about one of them? Take a peek and email Namoneh Kande at kandenamoneh@gmail.comif you want to learn more. Read more about all our committees here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1TRDZknWi7rx7Y0eHUp9bNf_9mt9sfX/view?usp=sharing
Next PTA Meeting
Monday September 19th at 6pm (Virtual)
6:00-6:45 - board meeting (all are welcome to join to find out what we are planning & to volunteer to help)
6:45- 7:00 - general membership questions
Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/bdy-fecj-jao
Follow us on Facebook:
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Please note: Bus routes for the 2022-2023 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.
Diversity of Student Population
HCPSS is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free from discrimination, fosters equitable opportunities, and values diversity and commonality. Policy 1010 Anti-Discrimination prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, immigration status, religion, physical, mental, or educational disability, pregnancy, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or socioeconomic status.
HCPSS ensure the safety, comfort, and healthy development of LGBTQIA+ students.
Here at Veterans Elementary School, we celebrate the diversity of our students and are here to support students’ healthy and happy social and emotional well-being.
Any questions or concerns? Please contact your child’s school counselor and/or administrator.
For more information on HCPSS policy and supports, please visit: https://www.hcpss.org/supports/lgbtqia-youth/#supports
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
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
Mt. Hebron Marching Unit
FUTURE VIKINGS NIGHT
WHO: All musicians (grades 5-8) who will attend Mt. Hebron HS
WHEN: Friday, September 23, 2022 (Report: 6:00pm - Game: 7:00pm)
WHERE: Meet in the Band Room (Room 133)
COST: Free for Future Vikings (Parent admission fee is required - All tickets are sold online!)
*Families are encouraged to attend and can sit in the parent section next to the band. Students should bring $$ for concessions.
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 Community!! One of our local partners is looking for families to provide food to. Food can be picked up at St. Peter's Episcopal in Ellicott City. If you are interested, please fill out the Pete's Packs Sign Up and we will be in touch with more details. Thank you!!
Julie Chang Wentz, M.Ed, NCC
School Counselor
Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Julie_Wentz@hcpss.org
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, 2022?
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 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 3 by September 1st( born between 9/2/18– 9/1/19 ) 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.