Putnam Valley Elementary School

Dear PVES Families,

We hope that the month of February is starting off on a healthy and happy note in your home. Although our numbers are not alarming, we know that there are winter viruses and some flu sicknesses in our student population. Although regular attendance is extremely important, we do want to remind all parents that students should not return to school after being sick before being fever-free for a full 24 hours. It is important that a recovering child gets enough rest after illness, and we want to make sure that he or she is no longer contagious. Thank you so much for your cooperation!

Our winter break will take place from February 17th through February 21st. Schools will be closed for this full week. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, February 24th.

At this mid-point of the school year, we thank you for taking the time to review the 2nd Quarter Report Card with your child, and to set new learning goals together. This is an encouraging type of conversation, highlighting the progress that has been made and areas on which to focus in the months ahead. This is a great time for strong academic growth in the school year. Please continue to read daily with your child, and to discuss both the fiction and non-fiction texts you are sharing. It is also helpful to limit your child’s use of electronics and video games outside of the school day. Creative play, board games, and books add so much to a child’s life!

We have many fourth graders signing up for the Science/Maker Fair, which will take place on March 18th! We are looking forward to our first afternoon session with our visiting PVHS Science Honor Society students on Thursday, February 13th, from 3:30 to 4:15 PM. All students wishing to stay for this help session must bring in a note on Thursday morning, and they must have a ride home at 4:15. These afternoon sessions are voluntary. They are not required for Science Fair participation.

Our elementary students are studying Black History Month in their classrooms through ELA and Social Studies activities. Our school library is a wonderful source of stories and non-fiction texts that support this learning.

We are looking forward to a sweet Valentine’s Day (wear red or pink!) and a quickly-approaching 100th Day of School! Our youngest classes have special classroom activities planned for this big day.

Enjoy the weekend and all the small moments. February is moving quickly!

Fondly,
Ms. Podesta