Springfield
Springfield is home to our flagship school, Veritas Prep Charter School (VPCS), which was launched in 2012. Since its founding, VPCS has continued to provide a rigorous education that fosters scholars' social-emotional and academic success. VPCS students graduate ready for high school, on a path to college or career, and poised to achieve amazing things!
Why choose Veritas Prep?
Hear from our students and families!
Enrollment FAQs at VPCS
We have multiple strategies to target rising 5th-grade family.
- We post flyers and applications at local businesses
- We have an online portal with an application on our website
- We send out mailers with applications to all rising 5th-grade families
The application is very simple and only ask for basic information such as:
- Name of student and parents
- Previous grade
- Address
- 1 proof of address
It is very easy to complete. The front desk is always available to support in filling out the application. We hold three information sessions that are posted in the enrollment flyers that we distribute throughout the community. These sessions are also posted on our website.
All applicants, regardless if they are offered a seat receive a letter in the mail, to the address listed on their application, 1 week after the lottery with their status ( seat offer or waitlist).
There are 120 seats available for the 5th grade, the first 120 applications pulled through the lottery are offered a seat. All other 5th grade applicants are placed on the waitlist. All 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade applicants are automatically placed on the waitlist. Depending on if seats are available 6th, 7th and 8th-grade applicants are pulled off the waitlist in chronological order of their waitlist number.
The enrollment packet is both in English and Spanish. Each page is translated line by line.
The enrollment packet asked for information ranging from:
- Proof of address
- Medical and health form
- Frequently asked questions
- Previous school - records release
- Media Release
- Emergency Contacts
- Notice of an IEP or 504
- Home Language Survey for our ELL students
- A letter stating out ELL program ( As required by the state)
- Final enrollment form with a signature from the parent
Our front desk reviews every enrollment packet we receive and we provide support filling out the application in person or will contact the family over the phone if there are any errors with the packet. I have not seen any applicants drop a seat due to the enrollment packet.
- Veritas does not know any information about ELL or Learning disabilities status at the moment of the application. We do not ask for this information until after the student has been offered a seat through the lottery process.
- There has been one instance during my time here in which I presented the family with all the information to make the best decision for their child, during this instance the student would be leaving a district school which provides them with a completely contained class in which the child would be learning language and life skills. Our school does not separate self-contained classes for ELL students. When I made this information clear to the family they made the decision to remain at the district school.
Applications are being accepted for 5th grade for the 2020-21 school year!
The 2021-2022 application cycle is still open for 5th grade through 8th grade! If you would like to enter your student into our second lottery for a seat for the 2021-2022 school year, please visit the Apply Now link below. All applications must be entered by July 12, 2021. The lottery will take place on July 15, 2021.
If you would like to receive more information about the application cycle for the 2021-2022 school year, sign up for our newsletter below.
VPCS Resources
21-22 School Calendar
See below for our updated school calendar or download a copy here.
VPCS Reopening/Reapertura
IMPORTANT INFORMATION/INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE
Hi Students and Families,
Please read the following resources to learn more about our plans for a safe reopening of school! We are excited to welcome back 5th graders in-person on April 5th, and 6-8th graders back on April 26th!
- Family Reopening Handbook - English
- Manual de Reapertura de Veritas Prep - Español
- Reopening Information Slideshow (English & Español)
- Reopening Presentation w/ Ms. Clark (video)
- Complete the reopening survey to indicate which learning model you will be opting into!
Please reach out with any questions you may have at aclark@vpcs.org.
Thank you!
Amy Clark, Principal
VPCS Tiered Focused Monitoring Review: Special Education
During the week of March 15, 2021 the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Veritas Prep Charter School. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each school district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for
all students.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations. Parents and other individuals may call Sandra Hanig Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (413) 314-6707 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide Veritas Prep Charter School with a report with information about areas in which the Veritas Prep Charter School meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the charter school requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.
VPCS Revisión de monitoreo centrado en niveles
Durante la semana del 15 de marzo de 2021, la Oficina de Monitoreo de Escuelas Públicas (PSM) del Departamento de Educación Primaria y Secundaria llevará a cabo una revisión de monitoreo centrado en niveles de Veritas Prep Charter School. La Oficina de Monitoreo de Escuelas Públicas visita cada distrito escolar y escuela autónoma cada tres años para monitorear el cumplimiento de las regulaciones federales y estatales de educación especial y derechos civiles. Las áreas de revisión relacionadas con la educación especial incluyen las evaluaciones de los estudiantes, la determinación de la elegibilidad, el proceso del Equipo del Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP) y el desarrollo e implementación del IEP. Las áreas de revisión relacionadas con los derechos civiles incluyen la intimidación, la disciplina estudiantil, la restricción física y el acceso equitativo a los programas escolares para todos los estudiantes.
Además de la visita in situ, el acercamiento a los padres es una parte importante del proceso de revisión. El presidente de revisión de la Oficina de Monitoreo de Escuelas Públicas enviará a todos los padres de estudiantes con discapacidades una encuesta en línea que se enfoca en áreas clave del programa de educación especial de su hijo. Los resultados de la encuesta contribuirán al desarrollo de un informe. Durante la revisión en el lugar, la Oficina de Monitoreo de Escuelas Públicas entrevistará al (los) presidente (es) del Consejo Asesor de Padres de Educación Especial del distrito (SEPAC). Otras actividades en el sitio pueden incluir entrevistas
al personal y administradores del distrito, revisiones de los registros de los estudiantes y
observaciones en el sitio.
Los padres y otras personas pueden llamar a la directora de supervisión de las escuelas públicas Sandra Hanig, al (413) 314-6707 para solicitar una entrevista telefónica. Si una persona necesita una adaptación, como una traducción, para participar en una entrevista, el Departamento hará los arreglos necesarios. Aproximadamente 60 días hábiles después de la visita in situ, el asesor de revisión proporcionará a la escuela autónoma Veritas Prep un informe con información sobre las áreas en las que la escuela autónoma Veritas Prep cumple o supera los requisitos reglamentarios y las áreas en las que la escuela autónoma requiere asistencia para corregir o mejorar las prácticas. El público podrá acceder al informe en http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports
VPCS Tiered Focused Monitoring Review: ELE Program
On March 19, 2021 the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Veritas Preparatory Charter School (VPCS). The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners; what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.
In addition to the state audit, parent communication is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Language Acquisition will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will contribute to the monitoring report.
Parents and other individuals may call Coleen Thomas-DeBari, Office of Language Acquisition Review Chairperson, at (781) 338-6236 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, DESE will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days of the interview, the review chairperson will provide VPCS with a report with information about areas in which VPCS meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the school requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The report will be available to the public at http://www.doe.mass.edu/ell/cpr/?section=reports.
El dia 19 de marzo de 2021, la Oficina de Adquisición de Idiomas del Departamento de Educación Primaria y Secundaria (DESE) llevará a cabo una revision llamada TFM de Veritas Preparatory Charter School (VPCS). La Oficina de Adquisición del Idioma revisa el programa ELE de cada distrito y escuela charter cada seis años para supervisar el cumplimiento de las leyes y reglamentos federales y estatales de educación para los estudiantes de inglés. Las áreas de revisión incluirán las evaluaciones de los estudiantes de los estudiantes de inglés, la identificación de los estudiantes de inglés; en qué programas se ubican los estudiantes de inglés, participación de los padres y la comunidad, plan de estudios e instrucción, servicios de apoyo al estudiante, requisitos de licencia para el profesorado, el personal y la administración, planes de programas y evaluación y mantenimiento de registros.
Además de la auditoría del estado, la comunicación con los padres es una parte importante del proceso de revisión. La presidente de revisión de la Oficina de Adquisición de Idiomas enviará una encuesta a los padres de los estudiantes cuyos registros examina el equipo de revisión. La encuesta se enfoca en áreas clave del programa de educación para estudiantes de inglés de su hijo/a. Los resultados de la encuesta contribuirán al informe de seguimiento.
Los padres y tutores pueden llamar a Coleen Thomas-DeBari, Coordinadora de Revisión de la Oficina de Adquisición de Idiomas, al (781) 338-6236 para solicitar una entrevista telefónica. Si una persona necesita una adaptación, como traducción, para participar en una entrevista, DESE hará los arreglos necesarios.
Aproximadamente dentro de los 60 días despues de la primera entrevista entre el estado y la escula, la directora de revisión proporcionará a VPCS un informe con información sobre las áreas en las que VPCS cumple o supera los requisitos reglamentarios y las áreas en las que la escuela requiere asistencia para corregir o mejorar las prácticas. El informe estará disponible para el público en http://www.doe.mass.edu/ell/cpr/?section=reports.
February 2021: Updated Daily Schedule/Programa diario actualizado
Daily schedule/Programa diario
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) 2021/Reunión del Consejo Asesor de Padres de Educación Especial (SEPAC)
The Veritas Prep Charter School Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will meet virtually on February 23, 2021, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Click the link below to access the agenda and Zoom link.
SEPAC Meeting Agenda and Zoom Link (English)
SEPAC Meeting Agenda and Zoom Link (Spanish)
Jumprope Parent Portal/Portal para padres de Jumprope
Video
How to Access Remote Learning
See below for instructions on how to access remote learning:
- Navigate to Google Classroom
- Login using your @vpcsstudent account and password that was included with your backpack pickup.
- Find your scholar's schedule with zoom links in the google classroom labeled "Advisory."
- Join the first zoom meeting by clicking the link.
Veritas Prep 20-21 Fall Reopening Plan
Veritas Prep Reopening Plan 2020-21
Veritas Prep Plan de Reapertura 2020-21
Detailed Special Education and English Learner Service Delivery Plan
Plan de Entrega de Servicios de Educación Especial y para Aprendices de Inglés (EL) Año Escolar
COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols
Protocolos de Seguridad y Salud del COVID-19
20-21 VPCS Family Orientation Dates
- Session I: Tuesday, September 1, at 9:00 a.m.
- Session II: Wednesday, September 2, at 1:00 p.m.
- Session III: Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m.
Anti-Racism
Anti-Racism Resources for Students & Family
A Letter from the Executive Director
Calendar
Family Engagement
Parent Portal To Access Grades
Parental Notification Regarding English Language Education
Parental Notification Regarding Spanish Language Education
Bullying Form
English Language
English Language Learners Notice of Rights
SBIRT Protocol
Special Education
Special Education Notice of Rights
Veritas Application
Application for Lottery Admission for the 2021-22 School Year (English)
Application for Lottery Admission for the 2021-22 School Year (Spanish)
Massachusetts DESE Report Cards
2017 DESE Complete Report Card
2018 DESE Report Card Overview
2019 DESE Report Card Overview
DESE Annual Report
Meet Nurse Ravizza!
Kimberly Ravizza is the School Nurse Leader at Veritas Preparatory Charter School. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from the Pace University. Prior to joining the school health setting full time at Veritas Prep in 2016, she practiced for eighteen years at Baystate Medical Center. Nurse Kim is proud to be a part of your child’s education. She beliefs that success in school is directly related to good health and emotional well-being of each student. She proudly supports the Veritas mission by encouraging each of our scholars form scholarly habits that will prepare them to compete, achieve, and succeed in high school, college, and beyond.
Check out the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Return to School Safely, Together page for information on how DESE is working with schools in Massachusetts to ensure a safe return to learning and to access school reopening resources for families and frequently asked questions.
Veritas Families: Please review the Mass School Immunization Requirements 2020-2021 and be sure to submit your student’s health forms! If you have questions, please contact Nurse Kim at kravizza@vpcs.org or 413-351-8322.
Welcome to the 20-21 school year! Please know I am here to provide support to our Veritas scholars and families this year no matter what learning looks like. I miss you all very much and hope to serve as a resource for those seeking health-related information, have questions, or those who would like to talk.
Contact Nurse Kim:
Email: kravizza@vpcs.org
Google Voice (call or text): 413-351-8322
Virtual Nurse’s Office Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information and up to date resources please refer to the following links:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health
Please read this important letter from our School Nurse, Kim Ravizza, about required paperwork!
CDC has created recommendations to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.
Children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear.
Los CDC redactaron recomendaciones para ayudar a los adultos en sus conversaciones con los niños acerca del COVID-19 y las formas de evitar infectarse y propagar la enfermedad.
Es posible que los niños sientan preocupación por la posibilidad de que ellos mismos, sus familias y amigos se enfermen de COVID-19. Los padres, miembros de la familia, personal escolar y otros adultos de confianza pueden cumplir un rol muy importante a la hora de ayudar a los niños a comprender lo que escuchan de una manera honesta, precisa y que minimice sus temores y ansiedad.
VPCS Cares
VPCS Cares about our Students, Staff, and all of our families. We've provided the following resources to help manage these challenging times. See here for our updated COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols for our 20-21 Reopening.
VPCS se preocupa por nuestros estudiantes, personal y todas nuestras familias. Hemos proporcionado los siguientes recursos para ayudar a gestionar estos tiempos difíciles.
Mental Health Tips for Families and Children
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many adults, and especially parents and caregivers, are struggling to manage their own stress and maintain a positive outlook for their family. They may be unsure what to say to children who are at varying levels of development. In many cases, children are now doing school work at home while their parents or caregivers are also working from home. It is critical for all adults to stay calm and model coping for children.
Watch the video below for Mental Health Tips for Children and Families to help in coping with the coronavirus (COVID-19), from Dr. Scott Poland, veteran school psychologist and current professor at the College of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University.
Consejos de salud mental para familias y niños
Durante la pandemia de coronavirus (COVID-19), muchos adultos, y especialmente los padres y cuidadores, luchan por controlar su propio estrés y mantener una actitud positiva para su familia. Pueden no estar seguros de qué decirles a los niños que se encuentran en diferentes niveles de desarrollo. En muchos casos, los niños ahora hacen el trabajo escolar en casa mientras que sus padres o cuidadores también trabajan desde casa. Es fundamental que todos los adultos mantengan la calma y modelen el afrontamiento de los niños.
Mire el video a continuación para obtener Consejos de salud mental para niños y familias para ayudarlo a sobrellevar el coronavirus (COVID-19), del Dr. Scott Poland, psicólogo veterano de la escuela y profesor actual en la Facultad de Psicología de la Universidad Nova Southeastern.
Mental Health Tips for Families and Children
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Covid-19 Information Site
Sitio de información de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades Covid-19
Details about the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts
Detalles sobre la respuesta de salud pública a la pandemia de COVID-19 en Massachusetts
This 9-minute course informs you how coronavirus spreads, how to recognize its symptoms; prevent and treat the virus; and, determine what to do if you become sick with coronavirus.
Este curso de 9 minutos le informa cómo se propaga el coronavirus, cómo reconocer sus síntomas; prevenir y tratar el virus; y determine qué hacer si se enferma con coronavirus.
(Traducción automática de subtítulos cerrados disponible)
Get practical guidance in this 7-minute course from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you get your household ready before, during and after an outbreak occurs in your community.
Obtenga orientación práctica en este curso de 7 minutos de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) para ayudarlo a preparar su hogar antes, durante y después de que ocurra un brote en su comunidad.
(Traducción automática de subtítulos cerrados disponible)
This 9-minute course will help you define stress and anxiety; identify common signs and symptom; and, identify how to reduce stress for yourself and others during this difficult time.
Este curso de 9 minutos lo ayudará a definir el estrés y la ansiedad; identificar signos y síntomas comunes; e identifique cómo reducir el estrés para usted y para otros durante este momento difícil.
(Traducción automática de subtítulos cerrados disponible)
In this 7-minute course, you’ll learn best practices for leadership when transitioning to a remote workforce; best practices for working remotely; and, identify pitfalls to avoid during the transition.
En este curso de 7 minutos, aprenderá las mejores prácticas para el liderazgo al hacer la transición a una fuerza laboral remota; mejores prácticas para trabajar de forma remota; e identifique las dificultades a evitar durante la transición.
(Traducción automática de subtítulos cerrados disponible)
In this 8-minute course, get practical guidance from the CDC for cleaning and disinfecting rooms or areas where those with confirmed COVID-19 have visited.
En este curso de 8 minutos, obtenga orientación práctica de los CDC para limpiar y desinfectar habitaciones o áreas donde han visitado personas con COVID-19 confirmado.
(Traducción automática de subtítulos cerrados disponible)
This nearly 8-minute course will help you learn the steps for creating a sewn cloth face covering; learn the steps for creating a non-sewn cloth face covering; and, identify best practices for wearing a cloth face covering.
Este curso de casi 8 minutos lo ayudará a aprender los pasos para crear una cubierta de tela cosida; aprenda los pasos para crear una cubierta de tela no cosida; e identifique las mejores prácticas para usar una cubierta de tela para la cara.
(Traducción automática de subtítulos cerrados disponible)
COVID-19 Vaccine
Massachusetts has started vaccinating against COVID-19.
- We are currently in Phase 2, group 1 of the vaccination timeline – which started on February 1. Group 1 includes anyone age 75+. See who else is included in Phase 2 in the Vaccine Rollout Timeline section below.
- If your group is not specifically listed in either Phase 1 or Phase 2, you will be eligible to receive the vaccine in Phase 3, which is expecting to launch in April.
- New Effective 2/11/21, an individual who accompanies a person age 75 or older to one of the four mass vaccination sites to receive the vaccine will be eligible to receive the vaccine too, if they have an appointment booked on the same day. The four site include: Fenway Park in Boston; Gillette Stadium in Foxboro; Eastfield Mall in Springfield; and the DoubleTree Hotel in Danvers.
Here are helpful steps on how to get your vaccine. Please note it will take time to get everyone vaccinated. Before you are vaccinated, between doses, and even after you are fully vaccinated, we must continue to stop the spread of COVID-19; Wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update for Veritas Staff
Staff members may contact Nurse Kim for more information. See below for more about the vaccine rollout timeline.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information & Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Timeline (English)
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Timeline (Spanish)
Need-to-know details about the COVID-19 Vaccine (English)
Need-to-know details about the COVID-19 Vaccine (Spanish)
About the COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine (English)
About the COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine (Spanish)
About the COVID-19 Moderna Vaccine (English)
About the COVID-19 Moderna Vaccine (Spanish)
COVID-19 Daily Screening Tool for Staff & Students
Veritas has created a tool to be used by staff and students each morning to identify signs and symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. These symptom guidelines incorporate recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In considering symptoms, exposure, and travel, this tool provides guidance as to when in-person learners and staff should stay home and when they should go to school. It also provides a guideline for remote learners in terms of when they should contact their school nurse with symptoms or COVID-19 positive results.