VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 - Vol.15 Issue #6
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.
Weekly Message from our Principal
As a heads up for the community, our afternoon bus transportation dismissal has improved. We have one bus who has additional runs which arrives to school around 4:30 pm. Some days the arrival is at 4:25 pm, some days at 4:35 pm. This situation continues to improve. I do not expect it to return to normal departure times due to the large bus driver shortage.
Parents are also reminded that if you have concerns about a bus driver or a student who rides the bus, do not get on the bus and approach the driver or student. Please call the school and express your concern.
We had a few parents come up to school in the morning during entry time unannounced to speak with a teacher or administrator, please make an appointment or call the school. When you come to the school you distract individuals who have supervisory duty during student entry time. It is important for individuals to have their full attention on their assigned duty. All staff members have assigned responsibilities. We want to address your concern but we need to give you our full attention as you explain the situation to us. All staff are also available by email. The same is also true for dismissal time.
We ask parents who pick up children at dismissal to either wait in the pick-up line or park in a designated parking space. Please make sure your child is informed they are being picked up in the car line at the beginning of the day and please inform the office. Last minute pick-ups should be rare.
We thank all of you for your calm and supportive approach as we help our children to grow.
SEPTEMBER:
28 - MCAP Math: Grade 4 at 10:45 AM
29 - MCAP Math: Grade 5 at 9:40 AM
OCTOBER:
4 & 5 - MCAP ELA: Grade 4 at 1:05 PM
5 - PTA Restaurant Night: Chipotle Taco Tuesday 4pm - 8pm
6 & 7 - MCAP ELA: Grade 5 at 9:40 AM
15 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - PD Day (Prof. Work Day)
22 - PTA Outdoor Movie Night
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
Reminder: Proof of Vaccination/Testing Requirements for Visitors and Staff
The COVID staff testing program is scheduled to launch the week of October 4.
Visitors and volunteers will not be asked to show proof of vaccination or testing until the staff testing program is in effect. At that time, proof of vaccination status or a negative weekly COVID test will be required for all parents/guardians and other visitors who enter HCPSS schools to interact with or support students, visit classrooms or conduct observations. Volunteers must also comply with this requirement, which goes into effect simultaneously with the launch of the COVID staff testing program. Parents/visitors who are entering the school briefly, to pick up or drop off their child or for other reasons, will not be required to show proof of vaccination or testing.
Robert C. Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
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.
A 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.
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 Photo 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.
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
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.
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.
Update on Instructional Supports During Quarantine
Beginning the week of September 27, the HCPSS Evening School program will offer virtual grade-level academic support sessions for eligible elementary and middle school students who must quarantine or who are struggling academically. These sessions will be available on Google Meet each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6-8 p.m., and consist of parallel small group sessions in elementary English and math; and middle school English, math, science and social studies. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child.
Schools will contact the families of students designated as eligible to participate. Parents also may request that their child participate by contacting the school principal.
These sessions build on the existing cadre of supports for quarantining students, which include grade-level materials packets for elementary students, assignments and instructional materials posted on teachers' Canvas pages for all levels, and the availability of weekly virtual check-in sessions. Comprehensive information about the instructional supports available are provided on the HCPSS Students in Quarantine website.
As a reminder, parents/guardians will be notified by the school when their child must quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 or identified as a close contact at school. It is important to note that close contact or quarantine does not indicate that those students or staff have tested positive.
Only unvaccinated students and adults who are identified as close contacts must quarantine. Vaccinated students and staff are not required to quarantine unless they receive a positive test or are displaying symptoms, but will need to monitor their symptoms closely for the 14 days. Criteria for identifying close contacts and quarantine requirements are established by the Maryland Department of Health and apply to all school systems.
Update on HEPA Filter and Cafeteria Tent Installation
HCPSS is acquiring and installing HEPA filtration units in all classrooms, and outdoor tents at all elementary schools, to provide a further layer of protection to the multiple mitigation efforts already in place.
- Approximately 2,460 of the total 4,600 HEPA filter units ordered have been received, which are being installed as quickly as possible in order of school capacity utilization, beginning at the most densely populated elementary school, and finishing with the least crowded high school. Vendor delivery of all remaining units is expected by October 1.
- Vendor delivery of all tents is complete as of today, and staff are working as quickly as possible to install them at all elementary schools, starting with the most densely populated schools. As of yesterday, 22 tents have been installed.
Reminder: Proof of Vaccination/Testing Requirements for Visitors and Staff
The COVID staff testing program is scheduled to launch the week of October 4. Visitors and volunteers will not be asked to show proof of vaccination or testing until the staff testing program is in effect. At that time, proof of vaccination status or a negative weekly COVID test will be required for all parents/guardians and other visitors who enter HCPSS schools to interact with or support students, visit classrooms or conduct observations. Volunteers must also comply with this requirement, which goes into effect simultaneously with the launch of the COVID staff testing program. Parents/visitors who are entering the school briefly, to pick up or drop off their child or for other reasons, will not be required to show proof of vaccination or testing.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
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.