VES Eagle Express Newletter
FEBRUARY 27, 2021 - Vol.14, Issue #26
SY2020-2021: Saturday Weekly Circular
Veterans Elementary Hybrid Schedule 9:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Student Day
VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Amy Green, Assistant Principal - amy_green@hcpss.org
Kelly Ryan, Administrative Intern - kelly_ryan@hcpss.org
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:25 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
Send Student Attendance-related notifications directly to: VESabsence@hcpss.org
(i.e. student will be absent due to illness, appointments, religious, or travel obligations)
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,
As you may know, HCPSS will begin its transition to a hybrid model on Monday, March 1. We are excited to begin welcoming back students in person and look forward to seeing other students virtually. Please know that we will continue to work toward the best interests of every student, no matter whether they are participating in person or virtually.
Families are reminded that all student schedules will change on Monday, for both students returning in-person and those remaining virtual. All school start times will be adjusted to begin 20 minutes later than pre-COVID start times. Students will not change courses/subjects, however class times and lengths will change. You can find the general Veterans schedule online https://www.hcpss.org/2020-2021/hybrid-schedules/ves/
All families should note that effective March 1, there will be new procedures for student meals. Meals for seven days per week will continue to be provided at no cost to students; however, the days and times meals will be provided will change. Students returning in person may choose to receive meals any day they are in school. For all other families, meals will be available for pickup from 7:45-8:45 a.m. at elementary school locations and 9-10 a.m. at middle and high school locations on the following:
- Mondays – Students in Group V and/or non-HCPSS students age 18 and under
- Wednesdays – Students in Groups E, A or B
- Thursdays – Students in Group V and/or non-HCPSS students age 18 and under
Full details on student meals (Links to an external site.) can be found on the HCPSS website.
For students returning in person, please note:
- If you are eligible for, and opted into receiving transportation services, you can now log in to the HCPSS Bus Stop Locator (Links to an external site.) for locations and times.
- You can find the Veterans Readiness Checklist online at https://facilities-checklist.hcpss.org/ves/2021-02-18-checklist
- Families of students in Group E (5 days) should have received confirmation your child is enrolled and will return in person Monday, March 1. If you did not receive this information, please contact Mr. Bruce by email robert_bruce@hcpss.org
- Families of students in Groups A or B (hybrid) will receive communication from Veterans Elementary School beginning Monday, March 1 with your child’s group designation and additional information.
We know families have a lot of questions. Please visit the HCPSS Help Site (Links to an external site.), which features answers to hundreds of frequently asked questions regarding this school year, searchable and sorted by applicable categories. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you,
Robert Bruce
Veterans Elementary School
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Important Dates:
MARCH:
1- New Hybrid Schedule for Student Begin: 9:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
1 - Phase 1 Hybrid: Group E Students Begin In-School Hybrid
8 - Begin SY2021-22 Online Registration for NEW HCPSS and VES Students Grade K&1
15 - Phase 2 Hybrid: Grades PK, K, 1, 2 Students Begin In-School Hybrid
29 - Phase 3: Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 9,12, and ARL Students Begin In-School Hybrid
MARCH Phase-In Model (see below)
APRIL:
2 thru 6 - SPRING BREAK Schools and Offices Closed
12 - Grades 7, 8, 10, 11 Students Begin In-School Hybrid
14 - Schools Close 3-Hour Early Dismissal for Students: End of Q3 Marking Period
22 - Q3 Report Cards Issued
VES CURRENT NEWS AND UPDATES
VES Elementary Hybrid Schedule
VETERANS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Start: 9:45 a.m.
End: 4:15 p.m.
Elementary School Start and End Times Hybrid
Elementary Instruction Blocks Expectations
vesabsence@hcpss.org
Send all Absence notes directly to: vesabsence@hcpss.org
UPDATE: Attendance will be taken daily by HR, ELA, & MATH teachers:
* 9:45 a.m. Homeroom for In-School students only
All students groups for ELA (.5 day) and Math (.5 day) sections
to account for a full school day.
Each HCPSS school now has an attendance email for parents to send notes pertaining to their child missing any time out from school, even during virtual learning
(ie. sick, appointment, travel, etc.)
Please take the time to review: HCPSS ATTENDANCE POLICY
New Student Schedules Go into Effect Monday, March 1
All student schedules will change effective Monday, March 1, regardless of whether the student is returning in-person or remaining virtual. School start times have been pushed back 20 minutes. Schedules for each school are available online. Schools will communicate group placements in the coming days. Additional information and resources to aid families and students in the transition to hybrid and concurrent virtual learning are available online. HCPSS’ Help site also provides answers to hundreds of questions about hybrid learning, health and safety, transportation, and more.
Updated Attendance Procedure
Effective March 1, a student who attends class in person or synchronously Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will be marked present. A student will be marked absent if they do not attend instruction in person or virtually. Additional information, including attendance procedures that apply on Wednesdays, is provided online.
External Bus Cameras to Enhance Student Safety
Through a partnership with the Howard County Police Department (HCPD), HCPSS buses have been equipped with external cameras in order to ensure student safety by discouraging motorists from passing buses illegally. The cameras can capture 180-degrees and up to 8 lanes of traffic with high definition and full color images.
GETTING READY FOR KINDERGARTEN
Overview
New VES Student Registration kickoff for the 2021-2022 school year begins March 8, 2021.
Children must be 5 years old by September 1 in order to enroll in kindergarten. Every child who is 5 years old by September 1 must be enrolled in a kindergarten program this fall or have an approved waiver. HCPSS kindergarten is a full day program.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!
Learning Together Program (LTP)– Prekindergarten
Learning Together Program – Prekindergarten
The Veterans Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) prekindergarten programs are making preparations for classes for the upcoming 2021-22 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 or are already 4 may learn more about the program by reviewing the Learning Together Program (LTP) Flyer (English).
Online applications will be accepted starting February 22, 2021 and priority will be given to applications received by April 1st. Link to application:
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 contact Mary Jens at (410) 313-1700 or mary_jens@hcpss.org .
New Chromebook Care Webpage:
Please be aware of a new webpage for students, Chromebook Care, which includes tips on caring for and transporting Chromebooks, as well as student mobile technology duties and obligations and additional resources.
Opt-In Update:
Dear Families,
The purpose of this message is to update you on the availability of digital tools on HCPSS Chromebooks. Recently an Opt-In letter was sent home requesting parent/guardian consent in order for students to have access to the HCPSS authorized set of digital tools used for virtual instruction.
Update:
The following digital tools do not require consent because they are already available to students in HCPSS computer labs: Book Room, Word Work, Scratch BluBot, Scratch JR, Sketch-Up, Collector Classic, JamBoard, and Google Earth.
These supplemental digital tools are approved by HCPSS and comply with federal, state and Howard County Board of Education student data privacy policies.
Please note that your student(s) will have access to these digital tools when the second semester starts through the Google Play Store icon on the Chromebook when logged in with an HCPSS account.
If your elementary school aged child has not been issued a Chromebook, one can be picked up at a Technology Support Center.
Please note:
HCPSS cannot guarantee that apps are available on devices other than HCPSS Chromebooks.
Teachers may or may not choose to use any or all of these apps during instruction. Students will be notified when a particular app will be used for instruction.
In addition to these Google tools, HCPSS has approved a robust set of supplemental digital tools. Your child’s teacher will notify you of the particular supplemental digital tools being used in each class via email or on their Canvas course page.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Webb at jessica_webb@hcpss.org
HCPSS has developed an extensive School Readiness Checklist to prepare school facilities for the transition to hybrid in-person and concurrent virtual learning. The checklist, which includes 25 individual inspection items, is being used during walk-through inspections to ensure that all preparations are complete before students begin to return on Monday, March 1. Results of the completed inspections are posted on the Facilities Checklist site.
HCPSS REFERENCES
VES PTA NEWS AND UPDATES
Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00pm
via Zoom
[click on image for link]
Meeting ID: 920 5952 2426
Passcode: 169051
News from the PTA
Return to School Supply Donations
A google doc has been sent to staff to start requesting donations that would be helpful for the return to school. Please note this list will continually be updated over the coming weeks. Sign up next to the supply you wish to donate and either mail it to the school or drop it off in the lobby in a labeled bag so the front office can put it in the mailroom. Please do not forget to put the teacher's name on the mail or bag. Thank you VES Community!
Click here to sign up:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QhMIVuFgMNzBcAUZonvHwliMREk78RXap9wqkDxnM2I/edit?usp=sharing
Staff Appreciation
A sign has been put up at school to welcome our amazing staff back to the building. Thanks to Heidi & Bruce Potter for making this sign!
Join a Committee!
Wondering what committees the PTA has here at Veterans? Want to inquire more about one of them? Take a peek and email us if you want to learn more.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1TRDZknWi7rx7Y0eHUp9bNf_9mt9sfX/view?usp=sharing
Congrats to our Trivia Night Winners!
The Noor Family, Nguyen Family & Arrington Family each won a round of trivia night. Hope you all had fun! Next Trivia Night will be announced soon.
Join a PTA meeting - March 9, 7pm
We meet once a month to discuss community building events, fundraising, and county wide school updates. If you are interested in learning more about the PTA, please join us. You must be a member to attend meetings. Need to join, here is the link: https://veterans.memberhub.store
Our next meeting is via Zoom.
Tuesday March 9 - 7pm
https://zoom.us/j/92059522426?pwd=czMyekpsek5JYVhYclptTEkxQURJZz09
Meeting ID: 920 5952 2426
Passcode: 169051
Join the PTA:
https://veterans.memberhub.store
Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/PTAatVES
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
Council of Elders/BSAP Workshops:
TCOE Workshops: (The Council of Elders)
- March 13 9-10:30 a.m. – TCOE Community Academy– Suicide Prevention & Substance Abuse
- March 20 9-10:30 a.m. -Family Financial Education Series
BSAP Workshops: (Black Student Achievement Programs)
- March 6 6:30-8:00 p.m. – Re-Entry to School (more details to follow)
- March 20 6:30-8:00 p.m. - BCAP CCON Webinar – Virtually Expanding Your Horizons – Jumpstart (more details to follow)
If you have any questions regarding any of these TCOE/BSAP events, please contact
Nicole Brown, nicole_brown@hcpss.org.
We would like to make our community aware of several temporary positions that will be available.
CLASSROOM MONITOR- If a teacher is unable to return to teaching in person due to health issues, a monitor would be hired to supervise the classroom of 6-7 students while the teacher continues teaching virtually.
LUNCH/RECESS MONITOR- These individuals supervise students at lunch and/or recess, under the supervision of VES staff.
These are temporary employment positions with no benefits except for Sick and Safe Leave. The normal rate is $11.75 but this will be increased during this hybrid period to $14.25 per hour for LRM's and Classroom Monitors.
If interested please file an application at the Human Resources, https://www.hcpss.org/employment/
Application Process. Individuals applying for positions must complete all sections of the online employment application and submit a completed application before the closing date (if applicable) in order to be considered for the position.
While an application must be on file, please email Mr. Bruce if you are interested or have any questions. robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Message from Media Center:
CONTACTLESS CHECKOUT BEGINS DECEMBER 2!
Your child will be able to check out from our Media Center with no contact.
Wednesdays 11AM - 3PM.
All the information about the procedures, how to set up your child's account, how to request books, and how to see if books are ready for pick up are in your child's Canvas Media Course in the module named Check Out.
If you have any questions, please email your media specialist, Carolee_Kinloch@hpcss.org.
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.
FLYER with COUPON
Click on image to access printouts
BOOKS and "BUNDTS" Reading Program 1/15/2021 thru 3/31/2021
READING TRACKER SHEET
BOOKS and "BUNDTS" Reading Program 1/15 thru 3/31/2021
Who: Pre-K thru Elementary School Students
What: Students will receive a FREE Bundtlet for each month that they read for 400+ minutes.
When: January 15, 2021 - to - March 31, 2021
Why: Reading at an early age enriches children's brains, increases vocabulary and test scores, introduces readers to the world around them, and helps develop their imaginations.
A Youth Reading Program by Nothing Bundt Cakes
Columbia, MD Location
10730 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 587-0670
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
FOOD ACCESS
2021 Meal Service Adjustments
Meals are provided at no cost to any HCPSS student or any child under age 18. More information about 2020-2021 meal services is provided online.
COMCAST Internet
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.
VES School Psychologists
We are here to help you!
Debra Moniodis (School Psychologist, Infants and Toddlers): debra_moniodis@hcpss.org
Michal Boyars (School Psychologist, RECC): michal_boyars@hcpss.org
Katie Burkhouse (School Psychologist, K-5): katie_burkhouse@hcpss.org
Kristen Marsico (School Psychologist Intern, K-5): kristen_marsico@hcpss.org
School psychologists are available for parent and staff consultation by level. Please reach out via email to schedule an appointment!
VES School Counseling Department
School Counselors:
Ms. Wilson (K and 4th): jessica_wilson@hcpss.org
Ms. Wentz (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th): Julie_Wentz@hcpss.org
We are available to support the school community.
Please reach out to schedule consultation time.
If you have an immediate need for help with depression, suicidal thoughts, or other serious
mental health issues, please contact:
Grassroots Crisis Intervention at 410-531-6677
The Maryland Crisis Hotline: Dial 211 and then choose option 1
The Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 and a trained counselor will respond.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255
Support Child Wellbeing Workshop: 9:00am - 10:30am March 6
On Saturday, March 6 from 9:00 to 10:30 am, parents of HCPSS pre-K - 12 students are invited to attend a zoom session entitled Support Child Wellbeing. Here are some of the details:
- Guidance, coping strategies, and resources will be shared for supporting your child’s social emotional needs.
- Panel discussion with HCPSS staff and community agencies will be held.
- Question and answer breakout sessions available in Chinese, Korean and Spanish.
Registration encouraged but not required:
SY2020-21: EAGLE EXPRESS NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
[Go to VES webiste, for complete archive]
Click to review information presented in previous Issues: