VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
FEBRUARY 26, 2022 - Vol.15 Issue #25
NO WALK-IN VISITORS DURING THIS TIME
Robert Bruce, Principal - robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Alexcia Redd, Assistant Principal - alexcia_redd@hcpss.org
OFFICE HOURS
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Please call ahead 410-313-1700
SCHOOL HOURS IN-SESSION
9:25 A.M. - 3:55 P.M.
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
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.
Weekly Message from our Principal
Dear Veterans Community,
Effective Tuesday March 1st, students and staff will still need a mask with them if they use a school bus or public transportation and if they visit our healthroom. All other times, when they are outside, at lunch, in class, in the hallways, etc. students and staff will have the option in regard to wearing a mask. Again students will need a mask on the school bus and when they go to the healthroom for any reason.
At its meeting on Feb. 24, 2022, the Howard County Board of Education voted to make face coverings optional, effective March 1, based on the Maryland State Department of Education’s off-ramp option one for school districts to lift mask requirements.
Effective Tuesday, March 1, the universal indoor masking in HCPSS buildings will no longer be required. Any student, staff or visitor may choose to wear a mask, and should feel comfortable doing so. Schools and offices will continue to have additional masks available as needed.
Parents should be very specific with their child(ren) in regard to your directions requiring wearing of masks. Everyone has waited with anticipation for this decision. This allows us to take one more step toward normalcy. Please keep in mind should the situation worsen, the Board may decide to reinstitute masking as a health precaution. The metrics are looking positive at this time and we are so glad to see this happening. Veterans, as well as other schools are still reporting isolated cases so there is still a need to remain cautious and perform morning health checks.
Effective Tuesday March 1st, plexiglass dividers will no longer be placed on cafeteria tables, however students will still need to eat at assigned tables. There is a need to maintain cafeteria and classroom seating charts at this time. Outdoor dining will continue to be an option.
In regard to contact tracing, when a case is identified by or for the school, close family contacts will be identified. The school system will no longer identify students in close proximity to a student or staff member with COVID-19.
Students identified as testing positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate for 5 days and when they return to school will need to wear a mask for 5 additional days. The Howard County Health Department will continue to work with the school system to identify outbreaks. Families will be notified if their child is part of an outbreak. Students and staff who are not vaccinated will be asked to quarantine.
We ask our families and staff to continue to do morning health checks as we continue to come out of the pandemic. We also ask that if your child tests positive that you continue to inform the school. No individual should come into a school if they are experiencing symptoms associated with any communicable disease, including COVID-19. We respect the choices that families will make regarding the wearing of masks.
Robert C Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts!
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
MARCH:
2 - National Read Across America Day!
4 - Spirit Day - Super Heroes: Dress up as your favorite Super Hero
7 - Kindergarten and New Grade 1 Registration OPENS SY2022-2023
8- PTA Virtual Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
14 - 17: MISA Testing for Grade 5
16 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.
25 - Spirit Day - Maryland Day: Wear Maryland colors - red, black, yellow
25 - PTA Virtual BINGO Night - 7:00 p.m.
31 - Spirit Day - Baseball Day: Wear your favorite baseball team colors, jersey, or hat
HCPSS APPROVED CALENDAR SY2021-22 - * Updated 2/25/2022 :
Chinese - Month view & Chinese - Date list view
- Monday, May 2: Schools CLOSED for students. It will be a Professional Learning Day for staff and offices will remain open.
- Tuesday, May 3: Schools OPEN Regular school day.
EARLY DISMISSAL PICK-UP MUST BE Before or 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.
NEW INFORMATION
Science Assessment for Grade 5 (MISA)
The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is administered to all students in fifth grade, eighth grade, and high school every spring. MISA will take place for our 5th grade students on March 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th. Parents/Guardians do not need to do anything to prepare for this assessment as all preparation will take place at school. Parents/Guardians can help by ensuring their student has a healthy breakfast and a good night's sleep.
Please contact Mrs. Redd at alexcia_redd@hpcss.org or 410-313-1700 if you have any additional questions.
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.
* 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.
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
Contest Topic:
Over the past 250 years, Ellicott City has had a rich history. Write an essay on an aspect of life in historic Ellicott City. Some possible topics include, but are not limited to: the founding specific to the Ellicott’s involvement, interactions with Native Americans; B & O railroad; Thomas Isaac Log Cabin; the Civil War, the National Road, current and past restoration efforts; influence of past and current immigrants, advances in communication, transportation, or technology.
Contest Rules:
· Entries MUST address a historical aspect of Ellicott City.
· The essay must be written in English
· The title of the essay and division level should be on the top of the first page
· Length of submissions for each division are: Elementary: 1-3 pages; Middle School: 5-7 pages; High School: 8-10 pages
· For the elementary division, students may dictate and have an adult type; however, it should not be altered or edited by the adult.
· Entries must be saved in a document file or in a pdf.
· Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, April 19th.
· Entries should be submitted at: https://tinyurl.com/250-essay
Prizes:
There will be three winners for each division with the following prize money:
· Elementary School: 3-$100 prizes
· Middle School: 3-$200 prizes
· High School: 3-$350 prizes
Sponsored by Historic Ellicott City, Inc.
Flyer attached
Questions?
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.
Learning Together Program – Pre-Kindergarten
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.
Applications will be available and accepted in mid February and priority will be given to applications received by April 1st.
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
Gifted and Talented (GT) Summer Institutes for Talent Development
The Gifted and Talented (GT) Summer Institutes for Talent Development offers additional advanced-level instruction and enrichment experiences not regularly available during the academic school year for students entering grades 1-8. Rigorous instruction focusing on talent development is offered in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, technology and fine arts.
No testing nor prior GT coursework is required for enrollment in these enrichment offerings.
Students may attend for Session 1, Session 2, or both sessions. While the program is half-day, before and after care is available on site via Howard County Recreation and Parks.
For more information, please visit the HCPSS Summer Programs page.
Registration is through HCPSS Connect Parent Vue.
Contact: GTSummer@hcpss.org or 410-313-6671More News | Event | Reminders
The Board-approved calendars are available online.
Nominations for Educator Recognition Due March 4
Through March 4, families and students have the opportunity to recognize a G/T Resource Teacher, content or classroom teacher, or administrator who has enriched the educational experience of advanced-level learners. All educators for whom submissions are received will be recognized. Additional information and submission instructions are available online.
Updated Spectator Limits at Athletics Events and Fine Arts Performances
Capacity limits of spectators at athletics contests and fine arts performances have been lifted. The allowable spectator limits at these events will now be 100% of the capacity for the facility, which are posted at each location.
HCPSS Minimum Wage Raised to $14 per Hour
The Board of Education voted to raise the minimum wage for hourly HCPSS staff to $14 per hour. The new wage will be implemented this month, and will be funded as part of the HCPSS FY22 Operating Budget. All staff, including elementary lunch and recess monitors, who currently receive hourly wages below $14 will receive the increase.
2022 Summer Programs Registration
Online enrollment requests for currently enrolled HCPSS students will reopen Tuesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. for the following programs:
- BSAP Summer Institute (Entering Grades K–9)
- Gifted and Talented Summer Institutes for Talent Development (Entering Grades 1–8)
- Innovative Pathways High School (Entering Grade 9 and Current Grades 9–12)
- STARTALK Chinese Language Summer Camp (Grades 3–8)
Enrollment requests for tuition-based programs can be made by a parent, guardian, school counselor or achievement liaison online via HCPSS Connect Synergy.
REMINDERS
Universal Indoor Masking Remains in Place
Families are reminded that the universal indoor masking requirement in HCPSS schools, offices and on school buses remains in place based on guidance from the Howard County Health Department, Maryland Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Upcoming COVID Vaccine Clinics
Through a partnership with the Howard County Health Department and several local pharmacies, HCPSS is providing students and staff opportunities to get vaccinated and/or receive a booster, including at some clinics hosted in HCPSS schools. Information about upcoming clinics, including one for ages 12+ from 3-6 p.m. today at Long Reach High School, can be found online and will be updated as new clinics become available.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT - BINGO! - March 25 - 7pm
Special Guest Host - Mr. Viets!
See sign up for details. We will not be reprinting cards for the whole school. Please use the cards you have or use the site in the sign up to print new ones at home.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094AA5AF23A2F85-ptafamily4
Email doctorcia@gmail.com with questions or if you need a new pre-printed bingo card.
5th Grade Families:
5th Grade T-Shirt forms were sent home last week. Please return the form and payment or use memberhub link to purchase by Friday, March 11th.
If you have any questions please email Tina David tdavid981@gmail.com
VES Night Of Innovation STEM Fair Thursday, May 12, 7:00-8:00pm.
A registration form for the 2022 STEM fair will be coming home in your child’s Thursday Folder soon. Your child, alone or with friends, can gain a better understanding of STEM topics and can explore, in depth, a question they have about their world! Please remember that even if your child is working in a group, each child must register individually. The fair will be hosted in the cafeteria, gym and blacktop of the playground depending on the number of participants.
Registration is available online: https://forms.gle/DkdFD4UwdEsjQRps5
The handbook is available <here>. Please tick the box on the registration form if you would like a printed copy.
Please let me know if you have any questions - Cara at doctorcia@gmail.com
You can check out details on our website. veterans.memberhub.com
We will need volunteers to help with this event. Sign up to come out soon.
PTA OFFICER PROFILE: Recording Secretary
Record minutes at all meetings of local PTA, read meeting minutes from previous meetings, file all records, have current copy of bylaws, maintain current membership list. Nicole Tsang is our current secretary. She has also been a Delegate and committee chair in the past. Please reach out to Nicole if you would like to chat more about filling this role for us next year at nrbosch@yahoo.com. We need more volunteers to join the board next year.
JOIN US FOR A PTA MEETING (Virtual) - Tues, March 8 - 7pm
Interested in learning more about the officer positions that help our PTA run? We need new officers for next year. Our PTA is losing board members with their kids moving to middle school. 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.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://discovery.zoom.us/j/98093284149?pwd=QWptQXUxN2xxMWhrRXh2T0c5ZTJtZz09
Meeting ID: 980 9328 4149
Passcode: 094353
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!
Are you great with numbers? Do you know how to do taxes? We are in need of a treasurer for the PTA next school year. Reach out if you would be interested in chatting with our current treasurer about this opportunity. 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
VES REMINDERS: Worth Repeating . . .
We are seeking substitute teachers to work with our students *RATE REVISION
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) $125.00 per day
Degreed (Bachelors or higher) $138.00 per day
Retired Teacher (Must provide verification) $157.00 per day
Long-Term Pay
Non-degreed (Minimum of 60 credits) $157.00 per day
Degreed (Bachelors or higher) $169.00 per day
Retired Teacher (Must provide verification) $169.00 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 when you have competed all parts of the application.
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.
* ATTN: PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE RESTRICTED FROM BOARDING SCHOOL BUSES *
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!
Volunteer/Observer Vaccine Requirements
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 use the PinPoint platform to show proof of full vaccination at least five school days in advance. This requirement does not apply to HCPSS students who are going to another school as part of their academic schedule. Vaccination and testing requirements for other community stakeholders are outlined online.
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.
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
After our past two COVID-canceled summers, we're back in action!
Our MHHS Summer Camp registration website is open!
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