Veterans Elementary Eagle Express
November 21, 2019 - Volume 13, Issue 12
Soar to Excellence!
School Mission
Veterans Elementary School promotes life-long learning by embracing its diversity, providing students with dynamic classroom experiences and exposing them to the cultural arts in a climate that is rigorous, safe, nuturing and respectful.
Veterans Elementary School
Amy Green, Assistant Principal
Derek Lewis, Administrator
School Start and Dismissal Times: 9:25 a.m. - 3:55 p.m.
Email: robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Website: ves.hcpss.org
Location: 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD, USA
Phone: 410-313-1700
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
We currently have several long term substitute teachers in the building. Of course we thank Ms. Hogaboom for her service with Mrs. Pensiero's class. We also have Ms. Ahmed in for Mrs. Kim, Mrs. Gourrier in for Mrs. Seidl , and Mrs. Custer for Ms. Ryan. There is a new regulation regarding the hiring of substitute teachers and that is Maryland House Bill 486 which requires a potential employee to have employment verification from previous employers. The law gives each school system 21 days to collect this information. This means that it may take some additional time to verify a potential employees application to the system. Our Human Resources Department has worked very hard to complete these verifications as efficiently as possible. We will continue to work with our colleagues to ensure that classes are covered by verified substitute teachers.
Next week is Parent-Teacher Conferences, we encourage all of our parents to schedule their conferences prior to this weekend. This is an excellent opportunity to find out just how our children are doing in the classroom. Many teachers may involve your children directly in their conference. This gives each of them a chance to reflect on their own accomplishments and future challenges.
Great attendance is crucial for a successful school year. Please make sure that your children regularly attend school and are only out for illness or emergency family needs. The school system may be sending out communication to the parents of those children who exceed 5%, 10%, and over 15% absentee rates. The State of Maryland does have a compulsory attendance law which extends to all students in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade.
Important Upcoming Dates and Events
November
- 22 - American Education Week - Last Day (Nov. 18 thru Nov 22)
- 22 - HCPSS Connect Online Conference Scheduling Window Closes
- 22 - PTA Fall Book Fair Begins: Mini-Auditorium 22, 25 and 26
- 25 - Annual Turkey Trot (rain date: Nov. 26)
- 25 - 3 Hour Early Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 26 - 3 Hour Early Dismissal - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 27 - Schools Closed - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 28 & 29 - Schools and Offices Closed
HCPSS Connect Online Parent-Teacher Fall Conference Scheduling Window
Opens: Nov 11, 12:01 a.m.
Closes: Nov 22, 11:59 p.m.
Fall Conferences will be with homeroom teachers with the focus on Language Arts.
To schedule conferences, you will need to login to HCPSS Connect.
Here is a link to the HCPSS Connect video on "how to" schedule conference slots:
2019-20 HCPSS Calendar - Monthly Format
Click to download and print the HCPSS calendar in a monthly format. The calendar will no longer be distributed in first day folders. The 2019-2020 School Calendar is available to be printed online: https://www.hcpss.org/calendar/
Next week is American Education Week. This is the week when we invite you in to see what your child is learning throughout the week. November 18-22 is the week in which you can just drop in to observe a class without the usual 24 hrs notice. The primary visit day will be Wednesday, November 20th.
current events
On Monday, November 25, we will be having our Annual Turkey Trot once again in order to prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!
Please feel free to join your child during their Trot time to either cheer them on or run with them! Trot times are as follows:
5th: 9:50 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
2nd: 10:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
4th: 10:50 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
K: 11:20 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
1st: 11:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
3rd: 12:20 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
The more the merrier. The children love to see your support. Please remind your child to wear warm layers and good running sneakers on Monday, Nov. 25. Hope to see you there!
-Mrs. Viguers, Mrs. Hahn, & Mr. Brant
afterschool sponsored activities
HCPSS SCHOOL GUIDE RULES
Volunteer Information
This is an annual requirement and only takes 5 minutes per training.
Food Services
https://hcpss.nutrislice.com/menu/veterans?mode=browse
Please keep your child’s lunch/breakfast accounts up to date:
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home
For information related to setting up your child’s lunch account and how to apply for Free or Reduced Priced Meals, please go to:
https://www.hcpss.org/food-services/
HCPSS Dress Code Standards
PTA FALL BOOK FAIR - November 22, 25 and 26
SCHOLASTIC ARCTIC ADVENTURE BOOK FAIR (Volunteer Opportunity)
The fall “Arctic Adventure Book Fair" is right around the corner and will run from Nov 22-26.
It kicks off with shopping hours before school (for Grades 3, 4, 5) on Friday, November 22.
For your convenience, we also have hours during parent-teacher conferences. Please plan to stop by the mini auditorium and look around for some great books that will be sure to foster your children's love of learning, reading, and imagination!
If you can't stop by or would prefer to shop online, please check out our webpage: http://www.scholastic.com/bf/veteranselementaryschool6.
You can make online purchases from now until Nov 23 or you can sign up for student-shopping e-Wallets (an option if you prefer not to send cash with your student).
Book Fair Hours:
Friday, Nov. 22 - 9:15-9:45 AM*
Monday, Nov 25 - 9:15-9:45 AM* and 1:00-7:00 PM (During Parent-Teacher Conferences)
Tuesday, Nov 26 9:15-9:45 AM* and 1:00-7:00 PM (During Parent-Teacher Conferences)
*Morning hours are for grades 3/4/5 to come shop before school starts
Help is needed to make the book fair a success!
Please consider signing up for a shift or two during book fair hours: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040e4daaab23a57-fall
PTA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - Still Ongoing
Thanks to all who have signed up already! Becoming a member (just $10 per adult) ensures we are an official PTA organization within the national structure and helps support all that we do here at the school.
https://www.veterans-pta.com/online-membership-form.html
Our goal is to get 300 PTA members at VES this year - We are well over halfway there already! Please help us meet our goal.