VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
APRIL 2, 2022 - Vol.15 Issue #30
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org
Pamm West, Administrator - pamela_west@hcpss.org
SCHOOL HOURS IN-SESSION
9:25 A.M. - 3:55 P.M.
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
*SEND Medical Rapid and PCR results directly to VES RN: Brenda_Gregor@hcpss.org
RN will provide you with the most current MD-HCPSS guidelines specific to your health status.
*Parents/guardians should keep their children home if they are experiencing symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease, including COVID-19.
Parents/Guardians are to perform daily health checks for COVID-19 symptoms before the student leaves home.
A student should NOT come to school with any of these symptoms:
- fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- sore throat
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- new onset of severe headache (especially with fever), or
- new loss of taste or smell
For persons with chronic conditions such as asthma, the symptoms should represent a change from baseline.
Weekly Message from our Principal
Dear Parents,
School is an institution of learning. As such we strive hard to establish relationships with our students. It is through these relationships that academic learning can thrive. Our school requires students to cooperate and collaborate so that learning can occur for all of our students. As we enter the fourth quarter, this is your child's opportunity to learn and grow. We appreciate our parents who stress that school is a place to learn and grow. School is a place to appreciate and collaborate with others, especially since we are all so different. We share one common element- the school.
Thank you for helping our students to grow.
Robert C Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts!
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
EARLY DISMISSAL PICK-UP MUST BE By 3:30PM prior to final class transition time
*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.
HCPSS APPROVED CALENDAR SY2021-22 - * Updated 2/25/2022 :
Chinese - Month view & Chinese - Date list view
APRIL: Arab American Heritage Month
1 - End of 3rd Marking Period
1 - Schools Close 3-Hours Early: VES Dismissal 12:55 p.m.
4- Begin 4th Marking Period
4 & 5 - Picture Days: Spring Portrait (more info to follow)
5 - PTA Virtual Meeting: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
8 - Spirit Day: tbd
8 - PTA-sponsored Club Day at VES! (see info in PTA section) 2:30 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
11 thru 18 - Schools and Offices Closed: SPRING BREAK
22 - Spirit Day: #EarthDay - Wear green or blue to celebrate Earth Day
22- PTA Virtual Trivia Night 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
27 - Schools Close 3-Hours Early: VES Dismissal 12:55 p.m.
MAY: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
2 - Schools Closed for Students: Professional Learning (PD) Day *updated 3/16/22
3 - SCHOOL OPEN *updated 3/16/22
4- VES Field Day
12 - Grade 5: Rising 6th Grade Middle School Visit Day
12 - PTA STEM Fair 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
16 - 20 - PTA Book Fair
18 - Schools Close 3-Hours Early: VES Dismissal 12:55 p.m.
30 - Schools and Offices Closed: Memorial Day (State mandated holiday)
To better align with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, schools now will be closed for students Monday, May 2 and open on Tuesday, May 3.
- Monday, May 2: Schools CLOSED for Students. Professional Learning Day for staff
Offices will remain open. - Tuesday, May 3: Schools OPEN Regular school day.
*Updated 3/16/2022
FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Last Day of School
NEW INFORMATION
Claim Lost-and-Found Items by Friday, 4/8 sending to local charity!
FIELD DAY IS COMING!
It’s BACK! The VES P.E. Department is proud to announce the return of FIELD DAY!!!
It has been a while! We are working very hard to make this the very best Field Day ever!
BUT! In order to make that happen, WE NEED YOU!!
We need energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us run the stations so that each child can get active and have a fun-filled day. Field Day is going to be held on Wednesday, May 4th with a rain date of the next day, May 5th. If you would like to volunteer, please carefully read the following information that is required of HCPSS and Veterans ES:
Volunteer Responsibilities and Expectations:
Complete the required volunteer information for HCPSS and print/sign/return certificate to front office.
Review the Child Abuse powerpoint and print/sign/return the certificate to the front office
Follow the Rules!
We will provide the rules, expectations and safety considerations for each station. Please make sure that you review these and do your best to hold students to these expectations.
Stick to Your Station!
You are volunteering for a very fun-filled day to support all ~900 students in our school. Although we know that you want to see your child(ren) throughout the day (and you will!), we really need you to be committed to taking care of your station that you are assigned to for the time that you are here. The stations need to be covered appropriately in order to ensure safety and fun for everyone.
Sign up for 1st, 2nd or All day Shift! (and All day is really only 3.5 hours)
1st Shift: 10:30am - 12:10pm
2nd Shift: 12:10pm - 1:55pm
All Day: 10:30am - 1:55pm
Choose your spot at Volunteer Sign Up
We really appreciate you taking the time to complete all requirements thoroughly and look forward to seeing you. May the Fourth Be With You.
Mrs. Viguers, Mrs. Hahn, & Mr. Brant
Survey: Educational Equity
We encourage our school community to complete the Educational Equity Survey distributed by the school system. We take all input seriously as we plan our program for the following year.
IEES Survey Links:
Parent Survey: Special Education MSDE
Each year the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) surveys parents of children receiving special education services in the state. The purpose of the survey – The Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey – is to hear from parents about how well they think their child’s school is partnering with them and promoting parent involvement in their child’s education. More information can be found in this flier and on the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey site.
Virtual Academic Supports through Evening School:
The virtual academic supports being provided through the Evening School Program will conclude for this school year on April 7.
Spring Picture Day April 4!
Pre-Order Online: www.classic-photo.com
Access Code: Veterans22
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 the direction of a special education teacher and/or a classroom teacher. Some experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred. Below, please are details regarding the position.
· Temporary Employee (TE) position are with Social Service Consultants, Ltd.
· Compensation is $13.00 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 the school you are interested in. You can also apply using this link. Please contact Alexcia Redd at alexcia_redd@hcpss.org or at 410-313-1700 when you have competed all parts of the application
Upcoming PTA Events
April 5 - PTA meeting (Virtual)
April 8 - Club Day at school*
April 22 - Virtual Trivia Night*
May 2-6 - Staff Appreciation Week (we may move it to April 25)
May 4 - Volunteers help run Field Day (look for email from PE Dept)
May 12 - STEM Fair* (sign up deadline April 1)
May 16-20 - Book Fair
June 9 - Picnic & Popsicles End of Year Party/ PTA Elections*
*Additional information below
NOMINATION TIME - seeking new officers for next year's board. Without officers we cannot run the PTA. We need new volunteers. We will train you. Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles are all welcome to volunteer. Contact Kim if you have questions at Kimberlydavis410@gmail.com
PTA OFFICERS NEEDED: What is the time commitment needed?
Secretary - 1 hour per month (takes notes at monthly meeting)
Treasurer - 3 hrs per month time commitment (bookkeeping)
Delegate - 2 hours per month (attends 2 meetings per month)
Parent Volunteer Training
We are about to launch parent volunteers back into the school! This is so much fun! Sign up sheet to come out soon. You must complete 2 trainings (child abuse & confidentiality), print the completion certificates and turn them into your child's teacher or the front office.
Trainings on this webpage (at bottom): https://ves.hcpss.org/support
CLUB DAY at VES - April 8 - 2:30-3:50pm
Calling all our talented parents! Do you have a hobby you would like to share with the kids? We need parent volunteers to host different "clubs" for kids to have a fun time at the end of the quarter. The club will be 1 hour long. The school & PTA can help obtain supplies. Examples could be: origami, yarn, drawing, dojo, dance, chess, etc. You can choose any grade and the club could be hosted indoor or outdoor. Email Ms. Redd if you would like to host one. Alexcia_Redd@hcpss.org
TRIVIA NIGHT - VIRTUAL
Join us for one last virtual event this year! So excited to say that!
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094AA5AF23A2F85-ptafamily5
Prizes awarded for each round winner!
VES Night of Innovation STEM Fair Thursday, May 12, 7:00-8:00pm.
SIGN UP NOW. DEADLINE was April 1, exceptions can be made, but do it quick! Your child, alone or with friends, can present a science, technology, engineering, or math project at the fair. Please remember that even if your child is working in a group, each child must register individually.
Registration is available online: https://forms.gle/DkdFD4UwdEsjQRps5
You can check out details on our website. veterans.memberhub.com
Questions? Email Cara at doctorcia@gmail.com
JOIN US FOR A PTA MEETING (Virtual) - Tues, April 5 - 7pm
Please join us at our meeting 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. (meetings are usually 1hr long)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://discovery.zoom.us/j/98093284149?pwd=QWptQXUxN2xxMWhrRXh2T0c5ZTJtZz09
Meeting ID: 980 9328 4149
Passcode: 094353
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR AN EVENT COMMITTEE!
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
HCPSS Visitors and Volunteers
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 comply with by the HCPSS policies in place by complete the following:
HCPSS Volunteer link Information steps:
1. Confidentiality Training Course
2. Certification of Completion
3. Register to Volunteer
VES REMINDERS: Worth Repeating . . .
Chromebooks Return to School:
As we move into semester 2 of the school year, we will be making a shift in how and where Chromebooks will be stored. Students in grades 2-5 will be keeping their Chromebooks and chargers at school. This shift will help reduce the wear and tear of the transport of devices and allow for consistent use in instruction during the school day. Students will still be using the Chromebook assigned to them throughout the day. If a student has a specific need for the device to go home each day, special permissions may be granted. Students are expected to abide by the HCPSS Code of Conduct and Policy 8080 Responsible Use of Technology. Please continue to talk with your child about the appropriate use of technology in and out of the classroom. Your teacher will be making this shift around March 28th.
* CAR LOOP ISSUES:
We still have several parents who insist on pulling their cars into the 2nd or 3rd row of the school parking lot, sometimes blocking traffic from departing. This is an unsafe practice which complicates driver's leaving the car loop lane. Unless you can find an actual parking spot in the 2nd or 3rd row of parking then you must join the car loop lane for parent pick up if you are here to retrieve a child. You may not park or stop in front of parked cars to wait for your child. You also create a dangerous situation for your child and yourself.
Our school is very busy. We are sorry the Parent Pick Up Lane sometimes moves slowly but this is necessary for student safety. Most of our children are bus riders. The pandemic has increased the car ridership at Veterans. Join the Parent Pick Up Lane to retrieve your children. You have someplace to get your child to after school, that is fine, so do many other parents. If this is the case, arrange for an early dismissal before 3:30 pm if you can not wait. Please know that rainy or snowy weather makes this lane move even slower.
* ATTN: PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE RESTRICTED FROM BOARDING SCHOOL BUSES *
BUS STOPS and Riding Privileges
Please understand that if children experience problems on the bus that the driver has the authority to write a bus referral that can result in the denial of bus riding privileges for a given period of time. Parents also need to understand that sometimes children experience difficulties at the bus stop with other individuals who ride the bus. Parents need to supervise their children at the bus stops. Often there are issues which start out as playing then become more serious. Parents may even wish to discuss having rotating responsibilities of supervising their children at the bus stop.
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.
Fall 2022-2023 New Kindergarten & New Grade 1 Student - Online Registration
Kindergarten registration for families of children who will be 5 by September 1, 2022.
Parents can begin the enrollment process online, after which your child’s school will contact you to complete the registration process.
NOTE: HCPSS Current Pre-Kindergarten students do not need to be re-registered for kindergarten because they are already enrolled as an HCPSS student.
PreKindergarten LTP - Learning Together Program:
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.
LTP PreK Applications will be available and accepted in mid February and priority will be given to applications received by April 1st.
HCPSS LTP PreK Flyers including Chinese, Korean, & Spanish
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
* Regular PreK Program applications will be available on April 19 on the HCPSS website.
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.
More News | Event | Reminders
Calendar Reminders
Families are reminded of the following upcoming 2021-2022 calendar items:
- Friday, April 1: Schools close three hours early. There is no half-day pre-K/RECC.
- Monday, April 11 - Monday, April 18: Spring Break; schools closed with no meal service. (Offices open April 11–14)
- Wednesday, April 27: Schools close three hours early. There is no half-day pre-K/RECC.
Update to Vaccination and Testing Requirements
Unvaccinated staff no longer are required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, and visitors/volunteers no longer are required to provide proof of vaccination when entering a school building. Please note that public health agencies continue to recommend vaccines as a primary means of protection against severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Technology Support Center Update
Students and staff may visit the Technology Support Center at the Old Cedar Lane Gymnasium, 5451 Beaverkill Road, Columbia. The hours of operation have been adjusted to Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Fridays, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Elementary School Outdoor Tents
Tents that were in place in the fall for outdoor eating at elementary schools will be reconstructed within the coming weeks to better facilitate outdoor dining. Regardless of whether a school has a tent installed or not, students will continue to have the option to eat outside during their scheduled lunch period, as weather and staff coverage permit.
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.
Updated Mask and Health & Safety Measures
Face masks now are optional in HCPSS buildings and on buses, with the exception of health rooms where they are required. Schools and offices will continue to have masks available for students and staff. Updated information on contact tracing, quarantining, and isolation and other COVID-19 mitigation strategies is available online.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
Free Student Bus Passes
HCPSS has partnered with Howard County Government and the Regional Transit Authority of Central Maryland (RTA) to provide free RTA bus passes to students that can be used through Sept. 12. Students may pick up a free bus pass in the school office.
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
Essay Contest to Celebrate Ellicott City’s 250th Anniversary!
In honor of the 250th Anniversary of Ellicott City, students are invited to participate in an essay contest.
There will be three divisions:
· High School- students in grades 9-12
· Middle School- students in grades 6-8
· Elementary School- in grades PreK-5
· Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, April 19th.
· Entries should be submitted at: https://tinyurl.com/250-essay
To learn more about Ellicott City’s 250th Anniversary celebration, visit: https://ec250.com. For additional questions, please contact Kim Eggborn at KimEggborn@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
After our past two COVID-canceled summers, we're back in action!
Our MHHS Summer Camp registration website is open!
Questions? Call: 443 574 8999 or Email: info@okinawankaratedojo.com.
EE ARCHIVE - Previous Issues SY2021-22
2022 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) for ELA: Grades 3, 4, & 5
Please see the dates and times below for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade testing.