SBDM Position

VPE has recently had an SBDM member notify the school that they will need to step down from their role on December 31, 2020.  We therefore will be looking for parent to fill this role starting January 1, 2021. A special called election will be held virtually starting on Monday, November 30 at 12:00 pm and will close on Friday, December 4 at 5:00 pm.  A link to vote will be sent to all families through an infinite campus email. Please find biographies of the two candidates below. Please vote using this link: https://forms.gle/YUtsKR8EMKWsfZMCA

December Spirit Project

Our service project for the month of December is spreading joy and cheer to senior citizens in our community. Throughout this month, students will have the opportunity to write and decorate cards that will then be donated to men and women living in senior care facilities in our area.  Letters/cards may be dropped off in the designated yellow box outside of the front entry door of the school, on any week day between 8AM-3PM from now until December 18th. 

P-EBT Cards

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) has chosen to participate in a second round of the Pandemic EBT, a 100% federally funded program. Each FCPS student who qualified for free-and-reduced school meals in August and September, attends a CEP school, or is in the Virtual Learning Academy should receive a new P-EBT card by the end of November. FCPS families do not need to apply for August and September benefits; a P-EBT card will be mailed to each child at the primary address provided on the student’s school enrollment. Some students at Veterans Park have been receiving these cards even though they are not identified as receiving free and/or reduced meals.  However, due to the quick turnaround needed to submit data, it appears that some students were provided cards that shouldn’t have received them. At this time there is no need to return the cards.  If you  don’t need/want this card we have been told you can do the following:  you can use the card, use the card and then help donate to a local school backpack program or Salvation Army or shred/trash the card. For questions about the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, please contact the CHFS call center at (855) 306-8959 and choose the “food benefits” option. To request an address change, ask to be transferred to the specialized P-EBT queue.   

The P-EBT program provides parents/guardians with benefits equal to the value of breakfasts and lunches their student was not able to receive because of the COVID-19 state of emergency and school closures. Families can use the funds for SNAP-eligible groceries like meat, fresh produce, and dairy items. 

• FAQ 

All questions about P-EBT must be directed to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). The Kentucky Department of Education is not co-managing this project, and Fayette County Public Schools does not have any more information pertaining to P-EBT benefits.

 PTA Book Study

Join us for the PTA book discussion, to be held in January and February via Zoom. The book is Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum, PhD.

PTA is able to provide 24 copies to the school community. You can request a copy by filling out this form (https://forms.gle/mzNKNYPc5rKEXCeM7). Books will be distributed on a first come first served basis, until the supply is exhausted. 

VIRTUAL VETERANS DAY PERFORMANCE

Veterans Park Elementary is proud to be named after our American heroes, the brave Veterans who served to protect America and our freedom! In honor of these heroes, our talented VPE Chorus members in Grades 2-5 submitted recordings of a special Veterans Day song.  We are thankful for our Military soldiers and our Veterans. We are proud to honor these heroes on Veterans Day! 

VPE Virtual Veterans Day Performance

Salvation Army Holiday Assistance

The holiday season is approaching! Please use this link to sign up for gift assistance through the Salvation Army. https://saangeltree.org/ Select "no" at the bottom then enter your zip code to be directed to the sign-up page. The "referral source" is Veterans Park Family Resource Center. If you need assistance filling out the application, please contact edierah.brown@fayette.kyschools.us.

Reflections Winners

Congratulations to the following students for winning the Reflections Contest at VPE:

Literature:

Primary - Josephine Onkst,

Intermediate - Anna Bishop and Molly Norris

Visual Art:

Intermediate - Ethan Ives and Breonna Rawls

November Spirit Project

Our November Spirit Project is partnered with the Lexington Fire Department and the Salvation Army for the annual Toy Drive.  Students are encouraged to donate a new, unopened toy that will be shared with families in our community (the program does not accept stuffed animals).  If you choose to donate a toy, there will be a large designated bin located out front of the school entrance on weekdays from 9AM-3PM throughout the month of November.  Firefighters will be distributing the toys over the holiday season. Thank you for making VPE Shine and bringing smiles to children in need!

Managing Parental Stress and Virtual Learning

A virtual support group for caregivers who may be experiencing increased stress during this time as they navigate multiple responsibilities, including assisting children with virtual learning.

WHO:  Any parents, grandparents, or other caregivers that are caring for children or assisting with virtual learning.

WHEN: Begins October 15 (Will meet virtually every other Thursday)

WHERE: https://newvista.zoom.us/j/97366563235?from=msft

TIME: 5:00pm - 6:00pm

COST: FREE

CONTACT: Call our 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-928-8000 for more information.

Click here to view the flyer: Virtual Parent Support Group

First Friday of the Month - SPIRIT Event

This upcoming month on Friday, December 4 we will be celebrating the “First Friday of the Month” by wearing red/white/blue and VPE Spirit gear.  Please join in on our spirit day and share your “VPE Spirit” photos with us by emailing Jessica.ault@fayette.kyschools.us Please note by sharing photos you agree to them being posted in VPE social media and/or the VPE yearbook.

2019-2020 Yearbooks

The VPE office still has 2019-2020 yearbooks for sale.  You are welcome to stop by the office between 8:00-3:30 daily to purchase a yearbook.  The cost of a yearbook is $15.oo and cash or checks made payable to VPE PTA are accepted.

We need you! Join the PTA!!

The Veterans Park Elementary PTA is working hard to ensure this year will be great for our virtual learners. Please consider joining today. All are welcome to join: parents/caregivers, grandparents, community members, and businesses. Our membership website is https://vpe.new.memberhub.store.  With the processing fees, it's $5.68 per individual member. Your dues will go toward advocacy at the local, state, and national level as we speak up and out regarding the best interests of our students. Our goal is the same as always -- 1 member per student enrolled at VPE. The advocacy of the PTA is crucial right now as decision makers navigate safety and other standards in our COVID-19 world. PTA has a seat at many tables, and by supporting PTA, we're ensuring we have a voice there too.

Backpack Food Program

The backpack food program is underway! Sign up to receive a weekly bag of nonperishable food here https://forms.gle/Zkw7gXvsyW2u6HQ56 

After signing up, you have the option to pick up your bag curbside at Veterans Park Elementary, Wednesday or Thursday between 8am-3pm. Just call the front office when you arrive and your bag will be brought out to you (859)381-3161. If you are unable to pick up your bag, it will be delivered to your home on Friday.

LIVE Homework Help

The Lexington Public Library will be offering free, live homework help and tutoring from 2:00-11:00p.m. everyday.  You must have a library card and/or a student success card to access.  These were passed out to students last year.  If a child doesn’t have an account, they can request one online. Check out this flyer for more information! 

Got Books?  VPE Library Curbside Pick Up Available

Curbside pick up will begin on Thursday, August 27th. Please review these directions on how to place a hold at the VPE library. Please review these directions on how to pick up your holds.  

New to VPE? 

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year!  We are excited to kickoff a wonderful year of learning with you! If you are new to VPE, please watch our virtual tour to become acclimated to the buidling and to meet the staff.  We are glad you're here! 

Technology Help

The FCPS Office of Instructional Technology has created a help desk call line just for families!

Technology Help Desk for Families -- call 859-381-4410

Summer Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Reenvisioning, Reimagining, and Renewing

Please review the Reenvisioning, Reimagining, and Renewing booklet from FCPS for information and guidance on the opening of school for the 2020-21 school year. 

VPE app

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Well, now you can with the free Veterans Park app available for download on ITunes or Google Play. To sign up as a parent, you need the passcode 3813161 (our school phone number).  The VPE app will also help in providing calendar information, specials rotation day, PTA updates, classroom/club information and much more.  Please make sure to click for push notifications to help us in providing information to families such as school closing/delays, VPE events, and other family-focused information.