VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 - Vol.15 Issue #5
WELCOME BACK TO VES IN-PERSON LEARNING!
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.
Veterans Elementary School
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org
Jaime Gittleson, Administrative Intern - jaime_gittleson@hcpss.org
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Please call ahead 410-313-1700
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
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.
SEPTEMBER:
20 - Back-to-School Night: Grades K & 1 at 6:30pm
OCTOBER:
15 - NO SCHOOL - PD Day (Professional Work Day)
Weekly Message from our Principal
Children are children and as a result have some growing to do. We acknowledge the limits of youth and the perspective that comes with growing older. For those of you with limited exposure to the public school system, please know that children can only solve problems within the limits of the skills they have been taught either at home or at school. Our goal is to help children expand on their ability to solve problems with their skill set and to continue to teach children those skills that will help them become productive citizens. We are the adults and as adults we need to calmly report incidents to the school so we can help everyone to grow.
Of course, if the school does not know about an issue needing to be addressed either by the student or parents, there is nothing we can do about it. Please make sure that if there is an issue; student, curriculum, teacher-related, or any other issue that you contact the school when something out of the ordinary occurs. We always first recommend that you contact the child’s teacher. If this is not possible then please contact a school administrator or even a guidance counselor for help. We are here to work together to help all of our children grow.
Health: Thank you for doing the daily health checks of your children. Please do not send children to school who are exhibiting Co-VID like symptoms. Students do not learn well when they are ill, further sending them to school only serves to possibly disrupt learning for healthy students still at school. If you have any doubt, please keep your child home and call the health room at 410-313-1700 to confer with school health services.
Masks: Students have been doing an excellent job of wearing their masks. I do need parents help in ensuring that you purchase masks that fit snugly over the students nose and mouth. Masks that are an appropriate size for the size of your child’s face is crucial for student comfort and safety.
General Behavior on the bus and at recess: The vast majority of our students truly come to school to learn and make friends. Behavior at recess and on the bus are not issues for the majority of our students. Thank you for all the support you provide reinforcing those points to our children. There are some children for whom this is a work in progress. Thank you for reminding your children of their responsibilities.
Children exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 may not attend school
These students need to be evaluated for COVID-19 or an alternate medical diagnosis by a doctor.
They may not return to school until the School Nurse gives clearance. Parents/guardians should keep their children home if they are experiencing
Any ONE of the following:
- fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- sore throat
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- diarrhea or vomiting
- new onset of severe headache (especially with fever), or
- new loss of taste or smell
Unvaccinated students who have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 must remain in quarantine for the designated period of time.
If vaccinated and showing symptoms, student must be medically evaluated prior to entering the building.
Veterans Elementary Fall Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Math and ELA for grades 4 & 5
Veterans Elementary
Fall Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Math and ELA for grades 4 & 5
As part of continued COVID-19 recovery efforts, the Maryland State Department of Education is conducting an early fall student assessment. The results will help educators better understand student needs, so that we can address disrupted education and accelerate learning opportunities for all students. Please see the dates and times below for 4th and 5th grade testing.
Grade 4:
MCAP Math – Tuesday September 28th at 10:45 AM
MCAP ELA – Monday and Tuesday October 4th & 5th at 1:05 PM
Grade 5:
MCAP Math – Wednesday September 29th at 9:40 AM
MCAP ELA – Wednesday and Thursday October 6th & 7th at 9:40 AM
For more information, please access the link: https://help.hcpss.org/grades-testing/mcap-early-fall-2021
Alexcia Redd
Assistant Principal
Veterans Elementary School
It’s time for Band & Strings Sign-Up!
Band & Strings is back this year and we can’t wait to have you in our in-person classes!
To explore what instruments you can play this year and for program information, visit www.vesbandandstrings.com
Please note: if you participated last year and would like to continue this year, you must still sign-up using our Google form located on the website.
Sign-up deadline is Thursday, September 17th
Classes start September 20th, so sign-up today!
See you soon!
- Mr. Viets, Mrs. McLagan & Mrs. Jacobs
catina_mclagan@hcpss.orgA Message from the VES Student Support Team:
Hello, VES Community! The Salvation Army is organizing their annual Angel Tree.
If your family has a need for support around the holidays, please see the attached flyer.
Applications are being accepted from September 14 through September 24.
Parents/Volunteers and Proof of Vaccination:
Will parents and other visitors entering the school be required to show proof of vaccination or testing?
Update: September 2, 2021
Parents and visitors who are entering the school for a brief visit to pick up or drop off their child, or for other reasons, are not required to show proof of vaccination or testing. They are, however, required to be masked regardless of their vaccination status.
Parents are not permitted to eat lunch in the school cafeteria with students at this time. Parents who are conducting classroom visits or observations must provide proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test (within seven days of the current date) to school administration when they check in at the front office. Visitors should perform a COVID-19 health check every day before coming to an HCPSS building and should stay home if they are experiencing any symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease.
Will school volunteers who work with students be required to show proof of vaccination or testing?
Update: September 2, 2021
Effective Monday, Sept. 20, all volunteers who enter HCPSS schools to interact with or support students must provide proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test (within seven days of the current date) to school administration when they check in at the front office.
Volunteers must be masked regardless of their vaccination status. Volunteers may be able to access the free weekly testing offered within school and office buildings, subject to availability of tests. Volunteers should perform a COVID-19 health check every day before coming to an HCPSS building and should stay home if they are experiencing any symptom(s) associated with any communicable disease. Additionally, all volunteers must complete a Confidentiality Training Course about protecting the privacy of our students, staff, and schools, and the Child Abuse and Neglect Training about reporting any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to Howard County Department of Social Services.
HCPSS to Acquire 4,600 HEPA Filters to Further Enhance Classroom Air Quality
September 3rd, 2021
During the September 2, 2021, Board of Education meeting, Howard County Public Schools Superintendent Michael J. Martirano announced his intention to make an emergency purchase of 4,600 HEPA filter units to be installed in all classrooms in every HCPSS school. Board members endorsed the emergency acquisition, which will provide an additional layer to the multiple mitigation efforts HCPSS already has in place to ensure a healthy in-person school learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The units are expected to be delivered to all classrooms by the end of September. Installation will begin immediately upon receipt, starting with elementary school classrooms and congregant spaces.
“Our commitment to a safe reopening has been driven by a singular goal – to return to normalized instruction and do everything possible to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 so that our students can continue receiving in-person instruction and supports,” said Martirano. “Earlier this week, I met with industry experts in ventilation and air quality who affirmed that the measures we have already taken demonstrate a strong commitment to air quality and proper ventilation. These experts recommended the use of HEPA filters in all of our classrooms to provide an additional layer of protection and we will be moving forward with this recommendation. I appreciate the support of our
Board in supporting this extra precaution to safeguard the well-being of our students and staff.”
At the onset of the pandemic, HCPSS installed MERV-13 filters in all buildings wherever possible, and have continued to perform maintenance to ensure all HVAC units operate at peak efficiency.
VES: WORTH REPEATING . . .
At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.
* Please bring your phone to scan the QR code to sign out the student.
** Please also be prepared to present your ID
Early Dismissals must be prior to 3:30 pm. After 3:30pm, students will be dismissed at 3:55pm with the Car Riders. Please plan accordingly. Students are dismissed from class upon parents' arrival after they are signed out from the office.
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
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
For absences of up to 3 days per year, the principal may determine whether the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused. This completed form should be submitted to the principal in advance. For absences in excess of three days, the principal in consultation with the administrative directors will determine if the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused. If the request is for 15 consecutive days or more, the written request should be submitted 2 weeks in advance. Students with unlawful absences of 10 consecutive school days or more will be withdrawn from school and may be allowed to re-enroll, provided they meet enrollment requirements, upon their return.
Parent Drop Off and Pick Up Reminders:
- Please do not block intersections at traffic lights or at STOP signs. In particular, the STOP sign at school where buses turn to enter the Bus Loop. We need room for buses to maneuver by so we can begin to get our bus riding students here on time and leaving at a reasonable time.
- Please make sure that you pull as far down the curb as space allows when you pull up to the school. Our line often extends back to Montgomery Rd. This helps to keep traffic flowing.
- Please ensure that school buses and school system vehicles have a way around you. We are asking buses to pull around other traffic if it is safe to do so.
- Follow the directions of any staff member directing traffic.
- It helps if students exiting or entering vehicles are on the right hand side or passenger side of the car. This allows for students getting in and out of vehicles next to the curb.
- Do not block the parent pick up lane or bus circle anytime from 8:45-9:45 am and 3:30- 5:00 pm.
- It is crucial that the office is informed of transportation changes before 2:00 pm. Parents arriving at dismissal time to pick up their child without prior notice greatly disrupts the school dismissal process. Buses are held to get children off the bus and children will not be located in their classrooms so the process of getting the student at this busy time is more complicated. Of course, emergencies are understandable but this should not happen often.
We can all help each other by following the rules which should help with Student Pick Up and Drop Off. As soon as you feel comfortable allowing your child to ride the bus, this will help as well. Until that time, patience is key as there is increased traffic at arrival and dismissal times.
FAMILY FILE: Parent Access to Student Information & Classwork
[Click on image to be directed to the main HCPSS website]
HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. 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.
Temporary Employee Positions at Veterans Elementary
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.
Veterans Elementary Needs SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
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 or Jaime Gittleson at jaime_gittleson@hcpss.org.
when you have competed all parts of the application.
Welcome Back To School VES!
Hey VES Family!
Here are some things the PTA is planning for you!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
RESTAURANT NIGHT - OCTOBER 5 Taco Tuesday with Chipotle!
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support Veterans Elementary School PTA. Come in to the Chipotle at 9120 Baltimore National Pike Lot A-1 in Ellicott City on Tuesday, October 5th between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Bring in the attached flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Veterans Elementary School PTA. If ordering online please use code TV2EHZC before checkout in ‘promo’ field. Orders placed on Chipotle.com or through the Chipotle app for pickup using this unique code will be counted towards the fundraiser.
FALL OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT - OCTOBER 22
Since our Annual Ice Cream Social is not able to happen this year, we are planning an outdoor movie night! If you would like to help us plan snacks or logistics please reach out to Danyette at danyette227@comcast.net.
SPIRITWEAR SALES- Coming in October!
Get ready to show your VES pride with a new shirt! Email Amie if you would like to help with this committee at amiekhouse@hotmail.com.
REFLECTIONS NATIONAL ART CONTEST
"I Will Change the World By"... is the 2021-2022 Contest Theme
Veterans Elementary will participate in this year's "Art Reflections Contest led by the National PTA. All students are encouraged to explore and express themselves using the theme "I Will Change The World By...
Categories include: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.
Submission deadline will be in November and more details to come!
If you would like to participate, but art supplies are a financial burden please reach out to the PTA at reflectionsves@gmail.com.
If you would like to join the Reflections Committee, we will need 2-3 more parents to help us judge the artwork and send it into the county level. Email reflectionsves@gmail.com if interested.
JOIN THE PTA! Our Goal is 300 families!
Parents, please join the PTA using the website below or the QR code. Your membership dues allow us to fund all the activities we run!
Follow us on Facebook
The HCPSS 2021-2022 School Year and HCPSS Help sites provide a wealth of information and answers to dozens of frequently-asked questions (FAQs) on all aspects of the current school year. Check back frequently as new information and FAQs are continually added. Several of the most frequently sought answers are provided below.
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
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
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
Cub Scout Pack 305 Open House
Contact Heidi Potter at heidi@shmoo.com with any questions or if you are unable to attend but would still like to hear about scouting!
School’s Out Ninja Day Camps!
Make sure to reserve your child’s spot with our business partner - The Okinawan Karate Dojo! The OKD’s "School’s Out Ninja Day Camp" has you covered from 9 AM to 4 PM...or...8 AM to 6 PM (with available before/after care)! OKD's year-round camps are action-packed, tons of fun, and will keep your kids happy, entertained, challenged and moving all day! Not only that, they are licensed as a Child Care Provider by the state of Maryland. The staff is highly trained and certified to give your child a safe, enriching, AWESOME, COVID-safe camp experience! Voted #1 Martial Arts School in HoCo and one of the best ChildCare Providers in 2021, this will be OKD's 22nd annual camp season! Find additional information about the camp, online registration, and OKD's COVID safety policy at: OKDkarate.com. Space is Limited. Questions? Call: 443 574 8999 or Email: info@okinawankaratedojo.com.
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.
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.