Dear PVMS Families,

 The month of November is always a time to be thankful for all that we have and to be thoughtful and empathetic with the way we approach any situation.  Please join us in helping to send this message to our students. During our advisory classes we continue to read the book, The Misfits and our groups have had wonderful discussions around the topics of name calling and treating others the way we want to be treated.  This book helped to inspire our nationally recognized “No Name Calling Week.” The middle years can be a time where students hear name calling and it is vital that we continue to address this thoughtfully so that these teachable moments have a lasting impact.

We continue to foster Tiger P.R.I.D.E. at PVMS.  Through perseverance, responsibility, integrity, dedication, and empathy, we continue to grow as lifelong learners.  In November, we’re looking for students who consistently demonstrate perseverance to be our Students of the Month. How will you show your PVMS P.R.I.D.E.?

As we continue deep into autumn and start to feel the colder temperatures, please have your children bundle up.  They should be wearing jackets and be prepared for outdoor recess while enjoying the fresh air.

Please keep in mind that there is always the possibility of snow or icy roads moving forward and to have a contingency plan in place.  In the case that we may have an early dismissal, it is imperative to provide your children with a house key or a plan to go to a neighbor’s or relative’s house.  We do not want your children to panic or need to make last minute plans as this will impact their emotional state and distress them in a time where this doesn’t need to be the case.  Create a plan and be prepared, as this will help everyone to be where they need to be without creating stress during these situations.

Important Dates

Election Day is on Tuesday, 11/5/19.  Please remember that no children come to school on this day.  Our staff members will be taking part in a Superintendent’s Conference Day and expanding on professional development opportunities.  Please get out and remember to vote!

School will be closed on Monday 11/11/19 for Veteran’s Day.  Thank you to all who have served or are serving our country!

Quarter 2 begins Tuesday, 11/12/19 so please have a conversation with your children regarding any missing materials that need to be turned in before the end of the quarter.  Please check PowerSchool weekly to ensure that your children are being successful and up to date on assignments. This is also a great time to clean out binders and keep all items in safe storage until the end of the year.

Picture retakes will occur on Wednesday, 11/13/19.  Please remind your children to dress appropriately for their pictures if choosing to retake them or if they were absent during the initial picture day.  In addition, we will be having grade level class group photos on this day as well.

Please mark your calendar to check PowerSchool on Friday, 11/15/19 for Quarter 1 Report Card Grades and Comments.  Please be sure to reach out to teachers regarding any academic, behavioral, or social concerns.

Thanksgiving Recess will be observed 11/27/19 – 12/1/19.  Enjoy this time with your family and reflect on everything that we have to be thankful for.

As the year progresses quickly, please find the time to communicate with your children.  We have implemented monthly history checks regarding laptops and a few students have been on games, You Tube, and other areas where they have not been instructed.  As a result, we collect the device and they will need to write a letter explaining what happened. These devices are intended for educational purposes only! Please partner with us in reminding students to make good choices.  Studies show that spending time with your children through reading together, playing sports or games, and creating arts and crafts just to name a few, opens the line of communication for all. 

Thank you for partnering with us in helping to remind our students to make good choices and be empathetic.

Sincerely,

Travis W. McCarty 

Principal