VES Eagle Express Newletter
April 16, 2020 - Volume 13, Issue #32
Veterans Elementary
The building is closed due to the State Superintendent's decision regarding the COVID-19 virus. We can still be reached by contacting our principal at robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Email: robert_bruce@hcpss.org
Website: ves.hcpss.org
Location: 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD, USA
Phone: 443-864-6808
FOOD SERVICE: HCPSS Grab-N-Go Meal Information Link
DISTANCE LEARNING: Continuity of Learning Resources - Information Link
FAQS: Answers to frequently asked questions
SPECIAL EDUCATION: Continuity of Learning
COVID-19: Coronavirus COVID-19 - Information Link
Mr. Bruce and Spirit say Hello!
From the Principal
We know that during this difficult time, some of you may need to chat with the school guidance counselor or school psychologist. Our wonderful staff members will be providing office hours if you need their help and direction. Please email the staff member and let them know you would like to talk with them and they will arrange a time to get in contact with you.
Guidance Counselors
Ms. Wilson (School Counselor K and 4th) & Ms. Wentz (School Counselor 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th): student appointments 9:30am - 11:30am and 12:00pm - 1:00pm; staff and parents please reach out to schedule consultation time.
School Psychologists
Ms. Moniodis (School Psychologist RECC and I&T): Monday - Friday 12:00pm - 1:00pmMs. Boyers (School Psychologist Intern RECC): Monday - Friday 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Dr. Burkhouse (School Psychologist K-5) and Ms. Gosnell (School Psychologist Intern K-5): Monday - Friday 1:00pm - 2:00pm for staff, student, and parent appointments.
Google Classroom Sessions
We are excited about beginning Google Check In sessions next week. Please make sure your child signs into their sessions through their teacher's Canvas page. Teachers have been advised not allow anyone to enter the Check In Session from a private email address, this is for everyone's safety and security. My expectation is that students will be on their best behavior during screen time with their classmates and teacher(s). Please be advised that if any student does anything inappropriate during a class session, then the teacher may eliminate the student from instruction. Further violations will result in a phone call to parents from an administrator. We are hopeful that everyone will take advantage of this learning time.
2020 Census
Several HCPSS programs rely on funding based on accurate census information. For this and several other reasons, all families are encouraged to participate in the 2020 census, which may be completed online. Learn more.
Technology Update:
Howard County Public School System will no longer deliver learning devices from meal sites. If you have requested a device on the Technology Survey, the device will be delivered via FedEx. An email will come to you to explain the delivery process. Any questions can be directed to Mr. Bruce.
Veterans Yearbook:
Great News from Mrs. Webb - There will still be a Veterans yearbook this year.
Place your order by going to the following link:
https://www.treering.com/validate?PassCode=1015071348503280
This will get you to the Veterans page. You will need to create an account if you do not already have one, but it opens to the page where you can login with an existing account or sign up.Then feel free to order your yearbook.
2020-21 School Enrollment
Registration of all new students for next school year Grades PK - Grade 5, should be started online. Please use the following link:
worth repeating...
Message from the VES Counseling Office
Hello Students!
We hope you’ve been doing well and look forward to reconnecting with you!
On Tuesday, April 14, VES School Counselors office hours became available by appointment daily from 9:30am - 11:30am and from 12:00pm - 1:00pm.
Counselor chats will happen virtually, via google meet or over the phone. Please email us at the addresses below to request an appointment with us.
The School Counseling Department will also be making announcements and posting content on Canvas in the upcoming weeks.
We look forward to talking with you in the upcoming days and weeks. Please know that we are still here to talk with you. Stay safe and well.
Julie Wentz (Grades 1, 2, 3, & 5) - julie_wentz@hcpss.org
Jessica Wilson (Grades K & 4) - jessica_wilson@hcpss.org
Tabitha Brown (Counseling Intern) - tabitha_brown_intern@hcpss.org
*please note that Mrs. Wentz will be joining Ms. Brown’s chats.
Guidance Counselors
Ms. Wilson (School Counselor K and 4th) & Ms. Wentz (School Counselor 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th): student appointments 9:30am - 11:30am and 12:00pm - 1:00pm; staff and parents please reach out to schedule consultation time.
School Psychologists
Ms. Moniodis (School Psychologist RECC and I&T): Monday - Friday 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ms. Boyars (School Psychologist Intern RECC): Monday - Friday 1:00pm- 2:00pm
Dr. Burkhouse (School Psychologist K-5) and Ms. Gosnell (School Psychologist Intern K-5): Monday - Friday 1:00pm - 2:00pm for staff, student, and parent appointments.
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.
International Families: Interpreter Services & Student Technology Survey Support Available
Starting this past Monday, our student services staff and school administrators began reaching out to families, with a specific focus on families who may require interpretation services or may not have internet access to complete the survey online. The county will have print copies at meal distribution sites available, if needed.
Please complete the Student Technology Survey in English, using the Chinese, Korean and Spanish language translations as reference. If you need support in filling out the survey, please contact the Call Center:
- Chinese: 410-313-5920
- Korean: 410-313-1592
- Spanish: 410-313-1591
For assistance in all other languages, please contact Monica Ranta at 410-313-7102.
Message from the Media Center
Do you have VES Media Books that are currently checked out that are with you at home?
Please take good care of the books and return them to VES as soon as school reopens.
Thank You!
School Supplies
Limited quantities of pens, pencils and notebooks will be available at the Hammond, Long Reach and Oakland Mills high school Technology Distribution sites, which students/families may pick up if supplies are needed for continuity of learning at home. Prepare for Success has donated its inventory of school supplies, which will soon be available at meal distribution sites. Please stay tuned as we gather this inventory this week and prepare for a wider distribution beginning next week.