VES Newsletter EAGLE EXPRESS
JANUARY 29, 2022 - Vol.15 Issue #21
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
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.
Ages 5 - 11yo Student Vaccination Clinic Wednesday, Feb. 2 - Make an appointment
Vaccination Clinic for Students Ages 5-11yo
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, 4-6 p.m.Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia —
in partnership with Soleil PharmacyPfizer (5-11) first dose vaccine
Schedule an appointment and complete the online consent form (Feb. 2)
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/covid-19-vaccine#health-department-vaccination-clinics
Weekly Message from our Principal
Dear Parents,
Thank you so much for your efforts with home health checks and masking. Our students who are able to wear masks have been doing a wonderful job. I wait at the front door almost every morning to ensure that our students are appropriately masked. Our students are doing a great job trying to keep each other healthy.
Last week we sent out a vaccination survey that did not work. In the meantime, the county has established a report connection with the Maryland Immunet Website. If your child got their COVID-19 vaccinations at a Maryland site, then it is reported in this system. I will not have to ask you to complete the survey. If your child is identified as a close contact and does not have their vaccination status in Immunet, we will ask you to prove your child's status in order for them to remain in school and not quarantine for the pre-determined number of days depending on the situation. Otherwise, those unable to prove vaccination or are unvaccinated will have to quarantine for the designated time.
Cases are currently on the decline, this is great news for all of us.The county positivity rate has dropped from 23.97 on Jan 10th to 11.57 on Jan.24th. Now is not the time to let up our efforts. I appreciate this community who have guided their children accordingly. We will continue to monitor the county positivity rate and the number of school cases.
As we wrap up our first semester, your children are learning. I would be remiss if I did not add that many lost ground due to the long period of time of missed direct instruction. Some of that ground is being made up but other areas are challenges. Continue to work with your child's teacher to address any academic weaknesses that may exist.
Traffic- We had a report of a driver driving unsafe in our parking lot. Please be reminded that even if you are in hurry, children are present. They are on sidewalks, on buses, in cars, drive like you know this is the case. Your speed limit should be very low while on school grounds, do not exceed 10 mph.
Robert C Bruce
Principal- Veterans Elementary School
410-313-1700
Every Day Counts!
Connectedness Strategic Responsibility Arranger Intellection
2021-2022 Academic Calendar Updates, Jan. 28, 2022
HCPSS Communications Fri 1/28/2022 12:48 PM
To date, HCPSS has used four of five days allocated in this year’s calendar as inclement weather make-up days. In anticipation of possible future inclement weather days, and in response to the declaration of June 19 as a federal holiday, at its Jan. 27 meeting, the Howard County Board of Education approved several modifications to the 2021-2022 current school year academic calendar:
· Monday, Feb. 21, previously closed for Presidents Day, now will be a full school day, with both schools and offices being open. Earlier this week Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury announced that districts may request permission and use the state-mandated closure on Presidents Day for an inclement weather make-up.
· Monday, June 20, all HCPSS schools and offices will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. A bill signed by President Biden declared June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a US federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African American slaves.
· Wednesday, June 22 was added as an additional inclement weather day, if needed.
As in previous years, the last day of school will be communicated once winter weather is over and inclement weather days have been used. The HCPSS calendar is updated online.
At the Board of Education Meeting on Thurs. Jan. 28th, the Board voted to make Monday February 21st a school day. This day was previously listed as a closed day. We will now be open on Monday Feb. 21st.
The Board of Education has also currently extended the school year until Weds. June 22nd with Monday June 20th as a closed day in recognition of Juneteenth Day.
JANUARY:
28 - Conference Scheduling via HCPSSConnect Opens thru Feb 4
31 - 2nd Quarter Report Cards Issued via HCPSSConnect
Jan. 31 thru Feb.4 - Black Lives Matter At Schools Week
FEBRUARY: Black History Month
1 - No School for Students - Professional Learning Day
4 - Conference Scheduling Closes
4 - Spirit Day: Heart Health - National Wear Red Day
8 - PTA Meeting - 7:00p.m. VIRTUAL
10 - Spirit Day: HIP, HIP, HOORAY it's the 100th Day!
10 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.: Parent-Teacher Conferences
11 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m.: Parent-Teacher Conferences
14 - Spirit Day: Valentine's Day - Wear Hearts, Pink, or Red
16 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early/ Dismissal at 12:55 p.m. for Professional Work Day
18 - CogAT Testing for Grade 5: 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
21 - *HCPSS OPEN: School and Offices in session on President's Day (*updated 1/28/22)
22 - CogAT Testing for Grade 5: 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
22 - CogAT Testing for Grade 3: 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
23 - CogAT Testing for Grade 3: 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
23 - Spirit Day: Pink Shirt Day! Wear Pink - Stand up to bullying
Accessing Quarter 2 Report Cards
Report cards will be accessible via HCPSS Connect Synergy after 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31. Parents/guardians may access them following the instructions for accessing report cards online. Answers to frequently asked questions on grades and testing can be found online.
Parent Teacher Conferences May Be Scheduled from Now Until Friday Feb. 4th at 4:00 pm
February Conferences will occur on Thursday Feb. 10th and Friday Feb. 11th. School will close 3 Hrs. Early to allow teachers to participate in Parent/Teacher Conferences. This means students will come home at 12:55 pm . Some teachers may elect to conference into Thursday evening and if they do, they will not have Friday conferences.
This year February Conferences for Kindergarten will be general homeroom conferences. For all other grades, Grades 1-5 will be Math Conferences. Please keep in mind you are setting up conferences in Grades 1-5 with your child's Math teacher.
Parents may sign up for their conference anytime between now and Friday Feb. 4th at 4:00 pm. Directions are attached. SYN073 Parent Conference Parent-1 (1).pdf
Black Lives Matter At Schools Week of Action: Jan. 31-Feb. 4
Year of Purpose
2022
A WEEK OF ACTION.
A YEAR OF PURPOSE.
A LIFETIME OF PRACTICE.
Below are the SY2021-22 standardized testing window dates:
Grade specific dates and testing details are communicated in advance of each assessment. Dates subject to change.
Grades 1-8 MAP Reading/Math: Oct. 18 - Nov. 5
Grades 3 & 5 CogAT:
Grade 3 - February 22nd & 23rd at 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Grade 5 - February 18th and 22nd at 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Grades K-5 Access for ELLS: Jan. 10 - Feb. 18
Grade 5 MISA: March 14 - 25
Grades 1-8 MAP Reading/Math: April 4 - April 29
Grades 3-5 MCAP ELA/Math: May 4 - June 3
CogAT for Garde 3
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:
Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 3rd grade.
Grade 3 - February 22 & 23 at 1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
4th Grade GT Math Placements from February 14 to March 4th - we plan to administer CogAT to all 3rd grade students. Placements for 4th grade GT Math will be made following the CogAT administration and will include all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education.
If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teacher.
CogAT for Grade 5
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Testing:
Due to anticipated staff and student COVID-19 related absences, we will be postponing the January census administration of CogAT in 5th grade.
Grade 5 - February 18 and 22 at 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Middle School GT Class Recommendations
Although the CogAT administration may be delayed, all 5th grade students will be considered for potential placement in 6th GT classes using all available performance and assessment data in accordance with Maryland COMAR for Gifted and Talented Education. This includes data from students’ 3rd grade CogAT administration in December 2019, if available.
From February 14th to March 4th, we plan to administer CogAT to any 5th grade students who do not have a prior CogAT score as well as all students in 5th grade GT Math. The data will assist with identification for Accelerated GT Math and provide an aptitude measure for students who had no previous CogAT test.
From February 8 until February 22, families will be able to review course recommendations and may request a course placement that is different from the school’s recommendation through HCPSS Connect.
If you have any questions about GT placement, please contact our school’s GT Resource Teacher.
Board Games Donations - Thank you!
THANK YOU for your game donations over the last two months!! Between our VES community and the PTA’s recess budget, 87 games were donated for indoor recess! The PTA could not have done this without your support and generosity.
Thank you to Ms. Brown, Ms. Redd and Kim Davis for coordinating the game drive. We'd also like to thank the following families for game donations: Holly Baroody, Nate and AJ Borries, Yan Cai, Hedgi Chao, Kelly Chase, Kim Davis, Danielle Finney, William Jee, Sivakumar Kaviyappa, Charlene Linkous, Ana Maldonado, Rahul Mazumdar, Michael McGarvey, Kim Meah, Lauren Oviatt, Heidi Potter, Erin Randall, Janet Shim, Parithosh Tungaturthi, Heather Wheeler, Amiee Winchester, Cara Adornetto.
JOIN US FOR A PTA MEETING (Virtual) - Tues, Feb 8 - 7pm
Interested in learning more about the officer positions that help our PTA run? We need new officers for next year. Please join us 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
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,98093284149#,,,,*094353# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
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
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VES REMINDERS: Worth Repeating...
We are seeking substitute teachers to work with our students
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 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.
Weather Guidelines/Recess
Exercise outdoors is healthy and is strongly encouraged. It provides a break from the regular school routine, a chance to get some outside air, and an opportunity to burn off excess energy. If conditions preclude the full recess time, even a five minute break can revitalize children and prepare them for more sitting and academic learning. Children are expected to wear clothing appropriate for forecasted conditions when participating in recess or outside activities.
The decision to go out or stay in for recess is the decision of the administrator at individual schools. On rare occasions due to extreme weather, a decision may be made at the school system level.
The following factors are considered in determining if recess is to be held outside:
- Temperature and humidity
- Wind chill
- Heat index and air quality
- Age of students
- Length of time outdoors
- Adequacy of the children’s clothing
- Condition of the playground
- Falling precipitation (more than a sprinkle or mist)
- Thunder and lightning
Generally, it is assumed that students will be outside for recess when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit or the heat index reading is less than 95. Children with certain health conditions may need special accommodations during extremely hot or cold weather. Parents of those children should provide medical documentation and may be consulted to determine if other arrangements are necessary. During hot weather, teachers should provide students a water break before and after recess. Additionally, any student who shows signs of heat exhaustion or overheating should be allowed a water break during recess.
Early Dismissals must be prior to 3:30 pm
* Please bring your phone to scan the QR code to sign out student(s) for Early Dismissal.
** Please also be prepared to present your Photo ID
At this time, we can't allow students to take a different bus other than their assigned bus due to COVID.
After 3:30pm, students will be dismissed at VES normal 3:55pm dismissal with the Car Riders.
* 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!
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.
2021-2022 Academic Calendar Updates, Jan. 28, 2022
To date, HCPSS has used four of five days allocated in this year’s calendar as inclement weather make-up days. In anticipation of possible future inclement weather days, and in response to the declaration of June 19 as a federal holiday, at its Jan. 27 meeting, the Howard County Board of Education approved several modifications to the 2021-2022 current school year academic calendar:
Monday, Feb. 21, previously closed for Presidents Day, now will be a full school day, with both schools and offices being open. Earlier this week Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury announced that districts may request permission and use the state-mandated closure on Presidents Day for an inclement weather make-up.
Monday, June 20, all HCPSS schools and offices will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. A bill signed by President Biden declared June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, a US federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African American slaves.
Wednesday, June 22 was added as an additional inclement weather day, if needed.
As in previous years, the last day of school will be communicated once winter weather is over and inclement weather days have been used. The HCPSS calendar is updated online.
HCPSS COVID Dashboard Update HCPSS COVID dashboard
Staff and Student Vaccine and Booster Shot Clinics
Through a partnership with the Howard County Health Department and several local pharmacies, HCPSS students and staff have the opportunity to receive the Pfizer booster, or first or second dose vaccine, at these upcoming clinics.
Identify Device Needs
Due to supply chain shortages and delivery issues, HCPSS does not have a laptop for every student in the school system. In the event of a shift to virtual instruction, students with an HCPSS-issued device and who have a personal device available may be asked to return their HCPSS device so that it can be issued to students in need. All families—regardless of whether your child currently has an HCPSS device or not—are asked to complete a brief questionnaire indicating your child’s technology device needs.
Updated Quarantine Protocols for 12 and Older
The Howard County Health Department recently updated its quarantine protocols, requiring anyone 12 or older who has completed the primary series of recommended vaccines but not received a booster when eligible, to quarantine for five days. This change impacts all age-eligible students who are not up to date with their booster, requiring them to remain home from school and not participate in extracurricular activities for five days if they are identified as a close contact. Please visit the HCPSS website for more information on isolating and quarantining. Information on receiving a COVID vaccine or booster may be found on the HCHD website.
At-Home COVID Test Kit Distribution
During the week of Feb. 7, HCPSS will distribute one at-home COVID-19 rapid test kit to every student and staff member. Each test kit contains two tests and is intended to support diagnostic testing at home when students or staff are experiencing COVID-like symptom. Regardless of the outcome of the test, individuals who are symptomatic should refrain from entering HCPSS buildings. Students and staff who receive a positive test result should follow the family reporting or staff reporting procedures available online.
Upcoming COVID Vaccine Clinic
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 a clinic being held Saturday, Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Florence Bain Center in Columbia, can be found online and will be updated as new clinics become available.
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.
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Please visit the HCPSS website Community News and Programs site for upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY POSTS
SIGN UP FOR CRICKET!!!!! IT IS THE BEST!!!!!
BEST Cricket League
Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world. Howard County students can learn to play the game by participating in the BEST Cricket League, which is the first elementary school cricket league in the USA. Wickets will be 16 yards apart, and tennis balls covered with electrical tape will be used. No protective gear is required. The program is designed to maximize participation for all players and will provide a fun learning experience for everyone.
Introduction To Cricket: First there will be an introductory program from 3 – 28 January to teach the kids the basics of the game. There will be 5 one-hour sessions conducted during the week:
Group 1: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Group 2: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Winter Indoor T10 League: Next, the students will participate in the Winter Indoor T10 league, which will be conducted from 31 January to 28 February at SuperOver Cricket Academy, 9050 Red Branch Road, Unit C, Columbia from 6pm – 8pm every Monday. All practices and matches will be conducted during the week. Each team will have a roster of 13 players.
To register your son or daughter for the BEST Cricket League, please send an email with the following information to cricket@bbgc.com:
Name of School:
Student’s name:
Grade:
Gender: Boy or Girl
T-Shirt Size: (Adult/Youth, Large/Medium/Small)
Parent’s Name:
Parent’s Email Address:
Parent’s Phone Number:
Questions: If you have any questions or need further information, please send an email to Sham Chotoo, Cricket Commissioner, Bowie Boys & Girls Club,
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
EE ARCHIVE - Previous Issues SY2021-22
Issue #18 - January 8, 2022
Issue #17 - December 17, 2021
Access complete archive on the main school website: VES.hcpss.org