Dabney Discussion V6I8
School News from the Veterans Park Elementary Principal
Molly's Message...
Wow...this winter has flown by! It is hard to believe that it is already March and we are just four short weeks away from Spring Break! Thank you to all the families and students who adapted and adjusted to taking Chromebooks home nightly during the winter months to be ready for a possible NTI day. Fingers crossed that we are now finally passed Old Man Winter's wrath and only warm spring weather is in the future...although I think he had another plan for today as we are home due to severe weather! As a reminder, the Friday, March 17th calendar date that is a possible makeup day will remain a day off of school.
Events that were scheduled for today have been rescheduled for later this month. Please see the events calendar below for dates.
Upcoming Events
- Read Across America Week -February 27 - March 3
- SPIRIT & Hat Day / Woot Woot Wagon - March 3
Literacy Night - Thursday, March 2 @ 5:30-7:00
Pajama Day - Friday, March 3
Woot/Woot Wagon & Spirit & Hat Day - Friday, March 3
End of 3rd Nine Weeks - Friday, March 3
PTA Meeting - Thursday, March 9 @ 7:45
SPIRIT & Hat Day / Woot Woot Wagon - March 10 (Reschedule)
VPE Winterguard @ TCHS - Saturday, March 11
Chinese Club - Monday, March 13 @ 2:35-4:35
Wellness Wednesday & Family Focus Night - Wednesday, March 15
Intermediate Musical Moana - Thursday, March 16 @ 6:30
No School - Friday, March 17
SBDM Meeting - Monday, March 20 @ 3:00
FCPS Honors Chorus @ UK Singletary Center - Wednesday, March 22
First Grade Spring Party - Friday, March 24
Fourth Grade Puberty Talk - Friday, March 24
Chinese Club - Monday, March 27 @ 2:35-4:35
SBDM Committee Meetings - Tuesday, March 28 @ 3:00
Southern Middle School Scheduling Visit - Friday, March 31 @ 10:00
Fifth Grade Spring Party - Friday, March 31
Pajama Day - Friday, March 31 (Reschedule)
Spring Break - April 3-7
Classes Resume - Monday, April 10
Chinese Club - Monday, April 10 @ 2:35-4:35
PTA Meeting - Thursday, April 13 @ 7:45 am
SPIRIT & Hat Day / Woot Woot Wagon - Friday, April 14
Fourth Quarter Midterm Reports Sent Home - Friday, April 14
Third Nine Weeks, Report Cards & Spring Conferences
Report cards will be sent home with intermediate students on Thursday, March 16th. All primary report cards will be communicated with families during their spring conferences.
VPE PTA Scholarship - Cathy Crum Bell & Amy McVey
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants for the Cathy Crum Bell Scholarship and Amy McVey Scholarship must meet the following requirements:
1. Must be in their senior year in a high school within Fayette County
2. Must have been promoted from the fifth grade at Veterans Park Elementary
3. Once the scholarship is awarded, it must be used the following fall term. The check will be written directly to the college or university.
Criteria for awarding the scholarship
Applications will be evaluated by a committee composed of at least 3 people outside the Veterans Park Community. Two winners will be selected by the committee based on:
● Academic Record/ GPA
● Extracurricular Activities, Achievements, Leadership Abilities
● Clarity of written essay Applicant Submission Applicants should submit the following for consideration.
● This application form (required)
● A 300 – 500-word essay describing a staff member or an event from your time at Veterans Park Elementary that contributed to your success in middle or high school (required)
● Copy of high school transcript: through 7th semester (required)
● Any other information pertaining to extracurricular achievements, demonstration of leadership abilities, etc. (optional but recommended, see criteria)
All applications must be RECEIVED by March 24, 2023 at the address below. Any applications received at the school after March 24, 2023 will NOT be considered. To ensure you meet the deadline please mail in time or drop off your application at VPE before March 24, 2023.
Fourth Grade Puberty Talk
On Friday, March 31st, students in the 4th grade will have the opportunity to participate in a puberty education program called "Always Changing and Growing Up. Additional information will be shared by 4th-grade teachers closer to this event along with a letter including details about this opportunity and the option for opting your child out of this learning session.
Summer Ignite
Here is a brief overview of the Summer Ignite program being offered. Please look for information to be posted when parents can express interest in Session 1. All incoming Kindergarten students will be invited to a transition day and families will be communicated with the specifics once they are finalized.
Session 1
In a hub model, 14 campuses* will host students for summer learning, though students from any elementary or middle school will be considered for participation. Focus areas will include kindergarten readiness for preschoolers and extra support in reading and math for grades K-8. Programming will also include Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons as well as fine arts and STEM enrichment activities.
Participants will be determined from a student interest survey and in consultation with our schools.
Dates: June 12-29, Monday through Thursday both weeks, excluding the Juneteenth (June 19) holiday. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
- Elementary hours: 8 a.m. to noon
- Middle hours: 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
High school efforts, which begin June 5, will focus on credit recovery.
Please watch your email and school websites for more details about Summer Ignite.
* Hub Sites:
Elementary
- Clays Mill Elementary
- Glendover Elementary
- Coventry Oak Elementary
- Mary Todd Elementary
- Millcreek Elementary
- Garrett Morgan Elementary
- Tates Creek Elementary
- Garden Springs Elementary
- Booker T. Washington Elementary
- Yates Elementary
Middle
- Leestown Middle School
- Crawford Middle School
- Tates Creek Middle School
- Winburn Middle School
Students from the Rise STEM Academy for Girls, Carter G. Woodson Preparatory Academy, Maxwell Spanish Immersion Magnet Elementary and SCAPA at Bluegrass will attend a hub site based on their family's address.
Multiple factors went into consideration for hub sites, including but not limited to, geographical location, transportation, and qualification for summer meals.
Session 2
Dates: July 31 through Aug. 3
All campuses will host their transition-grade students. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
Please watch the weekly Flash and school website for updates.
VPE Spring Musical - Disney's Moana
March SPIRIT Project
Young Achievers Info
Now accepting applications!
Due – March 24th, 2023
33rd Annual – Young Achievers
This year, the Lexington Young Achievers Program, will sponsor the 33rd Annual “Young Achievers” in cooperation with the International Leadership Network (ILN). The purpose of this program is to honor 5th and 8th graders in our community who serve as positive role models and to provide positive recognition at an early age. This program gives younger children more positive role models to look up to among their peers.
The local “Young Achievers” program has been affiliated with the International Leadership Network since its inception, with Holifield Photography beginning the local program in 1990. In 2022 over 360 students were nominated to the local program from 43 elementary and middle schools in Fayette County. “Young Achievers” has been an approved program by the National Association of Secondary School Principals since 1990.
At Veterans Park, all 4th graders are eligible for Young Achievers for the next year. Packets are available in the office or online at https://www.centralky.youngachiever.us/apply/. Parents may nominate their own child, teacher recommendation is not required.
Extended School Program Summer Camp @ Veterans Park Summer 2023
- Registration will start for camp at 10am on Monday, March 6. Registration is all by email through the ESP Website. https://www.lexingtonky.gov/esp-summer-fun-camp-0.
- The application is a fillable PDF. Applications are only taken by email at ESPRegistration@lexingtonky.gov (please do not drop at school)
- ESP will allow parents who have already registered for other ESP camps to make the switch to Veterans during the week of March 6 – 10 only.
- Parents can sign up for 1 week up to all 8 weeks.
- Parents have up until May 19 to drop any weeks they do not wish to attend and they will not be charged for those weeks as long as they meet the deadline.
Spring Break is Coming!
Calling All Volunteers
NEW KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten and New Student Registration is happening this spring. The February enrollment window has closed however if you have rising Kindergarten students and haven't registered we would love to get you registered. Please contact the VPE office at 859-381-3161 to set up a time to come in and get registered!
To enroll a new, first-time student, families may begin the process online here. Items to bring with you are:
Deed and/or Current Lease
Utility Bill
Birth Certificate (Official Copy)
Current Immunization Certificate
Proof of child’s recent preventative health care exam
Proof of an eye exam (due by Jan. 1)
Proof of a dental exam (due by Jan. 1)
Court documents pertaining to your child, if applicable
Please note that Patriot Place openings for incoming Kindergarteners is now on a lottery system. Please read below for more information on Patriots Place Registration.
PATRIOT PLACE REGISTRATION
Playground Grant Application and Local Community Support
PLAYGROUND FUNDRAISER
Dear Veterans Park Elementary Families and Community Partner,
At Veterans Park Elementary we are committed to making sure that our students have a wonderful environment in which they can learn, grow, and play. We are excited to announce that after 25 years, we are getting a new playground that will be safer and more accessible for all children.
By April of 2023, we need to raise $100,000 to meet our fundraising goal which will allow us to include additional playground equipment, sunshades and a Pour-N-Play Rubber Bond surface in the playground construction. This surface option will allow our playground to be handicap accessible, and be a safer solution for all children that will last for 30+ years.
This is where you come in! Will you join us in working toward this goal? A donation of any amount will help us ensure that the playground at Veterans Park Elementary is a safe place for students to play for many years to come. Families and community partners have the opportunity to be a part of the playground forever through sponsorship. Sponsors will be recognized at the groundbreaking event upon playground completion, and be included on a plaque that will remain on the playground for years to come. Sponsorship will be recognized at the following donation levels:
Platinum - $10,000 +
Gold - $5,000 +
Silver - $2,500 +
Bronze - $500
Your involvement makes a difference! When partners make an investment in local schools like Veterans Park Elementary, the entire community benefits. Please consider helping us lay the foundation for a safe place for students to play. If you are interested in donating, please contact Molly Dabney, VPE Principal or Heather Robbins, VPE PTA Representative and we can discuss next steps.
We hope to hear from you soon, and look forward to partnering with you to make a difference at Veterans Park Elementary!
Sincerely,
Molly Dabney
Veterans Park Elementary Principal
859-381-3161
molly.dabney@fayette.kyschools.us
Heather Robbins
PTA Representative
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Just a reminder that when we have parents in the building we need to following the following protocol:
Parents and guardians do not need to be approved volunteers to eat lunch with their child, attend conferences, performances, etc.
Parents DO need to be approved volunteers to go on field trips, help with classroom parties, assist with teams or clubs, etc.
SPRING PICTURE DATE: APRIL 11 (ALSO TAKING CLASS PHOTOS THAT DAY)
CAFETERIA UPDATES
Negative Balances
Please remember that VPE is no longer a free feeding site and students who have not applied for free and reduced lunch will be charged for all meals (breakfast and lunch). When students accrue a negative balance families will be receiving letters indicating the amount owed. If you have questions please reach out to Britney Hafer our cafeteria manager at britney.hafer@fayette.kyschools.us or if you need help to apply for free and reduced lunch contact Nicole Love our Family Resource Director at nicole.love@fayette.kyschools.us
Lunch With Your Student
Families & Parents are welcome to join their students for lunch this school year. So as not to displace a student from his/her class, we ask that parents eat at the round tables (in the cafeteria or front hallway) with only their child. Please note that VPE’s wellness policy does not allow fast food lunches or soft drinks for you or your child in the cafeteria. Please help us promote healthy living by not bringing in outside fast food. Finally, for safety’s sake, strollers may not be in the cafeteria during lunch.
Paying for Lunch
Send lunch money to school in a labeled envelope. Lunch accounts may be accessed at My School Bucks - https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home Accounts can be paid and monitored from this site.
INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL
Did you know that parents can access Parent/Campus Portal to update telephone numbers and emergency contacts? This is also a great way, once your student is in 4th grade or above, to follow their grades and assignments!
Visit: Infinite Campus / Overview for information on how to sign into and set up Parent/Campus Portal. There is also an app available for your smartphone.
Direct link to the FAQ’s:
Transportation Safety
Transportation is one of the biggest worries for a teacher and making sure students arrive and get home safely. We are welcoming & dismissing over 700 students on a daily basis and we need to ensure that every child gets to school and their home safely. Please help us by following these procedures:
Do not make unnecessary afternoon transportation changes, and only make changes during the school day in the case of an emergency.
All changes in transportation must be in writing and before 1:30 pm….please don’t email your child’s teacher with changes because they can’t be honored. Please email vpetransportation@fayette.kyschools.us to make a transportation change.
Parents please stay in your cars during arrival/dismissal and allow for staff to help students in and out. It is for your safety too!
Be a good role model and only cross at the crosswalk!
Do not drop students on Clearwater Way and please wait until you reach the sidewalk to allow students to get out of the car on the sidewalk side only.
We can not have cars in the bus loop until after all buses have arrived which is typically at 7:20ish therefore, if dropping students prior to 7:20 please use the parking lot side to drop off students and only turn left into the parking lot.
Morning Car Line: Please know that our number one priority is keeping students and staff safe during morning drop-off. We have had multiple complaints in the past few weeks of parents not following the traffic flow patterns we have established. Please remember when dropping off or picking up, you can ONLY turn right into the bus loop and ONLY turn left into the parking lot. We also ask that when leaving the bus loop you only turn left and when leaving the parking lot you only turn right.
A helpful hint….there isn’t a line in the car line at 7:20 but tends to be one at 7:40! Come early to keep from having a tardy!
Absences/Tardy- Excused?
Two Steps to an Excused Absence!
If your child is absent, please call the school at 381-3161 before 7:30 am. An automated absence call will go out to all absent students at 10am.
For an absence to be excused, it must be followed up with a hand written excuse within 3 days and sent to VPE Office. FCPS Board Policy does not allow us to accept notes after this time and absences will remain unexcused. Remember, when you take your child to a doctor or dentist, get a note.
See all the details in the FCPS Code of Conduct.
What is an Excused Absence/Tardy?
Death of an immediate family member
Illness of Student: Parents have a total of 10 notes to write for student's illnesses. After 10 cumulative absences due to illness students are required to present a written statement from a medical professional for each additional absence for the school year in order to be excused.
Religious Holidays & Practices
Medical & Dental Appointments
Family Emergencies: limited to three cumulative absent events per school year, as approved by the Principal.
Family Vacations & Trips are NOT Excused Absences!
Detailed Attendance Policy
Excused Tardies and Absences
Students who are absent from school are required to have a legitimate excuse as defined by the Student Code of Conduct. Please call the office at 381-3161 before 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the absence. Families must ALSO, within three days of a student’s return to school, present a note signed by his/her parent/guardian or a doctor for an absence to be excused. If a note is not received within three days, the absence shall be deemed unexcused.
Excused Absences
• 6 excused absences – Letter from the principal will be sent with a reminder that a child can only have 10 parent notes
• 10 excused absences – Letter from the principal will be sent to families that they must have a doctor’s excuse for any further absences or they will be unexcused.
Unexcused Tardies
• 6 unexcused tardies – Letter from the school principal will be sent.
• 9 unexcused tardies – Letter from the school principal will be sent.
• 12 unexcused tardies -- Letter from the school principal will be sent.
When a student is determined to have 12 unexcused tardies, a final notice letter from the school shall be sent to the parent/guardian specifying the legal consequence of the accumulated unexcused tardies and delivered in a home visit by the school and/or district.
After any additional unexcused tardies, school personnel shall make a truancy call to the Pupil Personnel Office at IAKSS.
Unexcused Absences
• 3 unexcused absences -- Letter from the school principal will be sent.
• 6 unexcused absences – Final notice that the child is identified as habitually truant is mailed and delivered in a home visit by the school.
After any additional unexcused absences school personnel shall make a truancy referral to the Pupil Personnel Office at IAKSS.
PTA MEETINGS - IN PERSON OR ZOOM
This year we will be offering PTA meetings on two platforms - in person and on Zoom. They are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month at 7:45 AM in the VPE Library or using the following Zoom link: https://fcps-net.zoom.us/j/99018941544
WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED…
Twitter - @vpepatriot
Instagram - vpeinaction
Infinite Campus - Attendance, weather calls & more! https://fayetteky.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/fayette.jsp
Email: molly.dabney@fayette.kyschools.us
Website: http://www.veterans.fcps.net/
Location: 4351 Clearwater Way, Lexington, KY, USA
Phone: 859-381-3161
Twitter: @vpepatriot