Dear PVMS Families,

We just finished up an extremely eventful last week of October and are welcoming in November.  Our Red Ribbon week was a success with this year’s quote, “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free.”  Our PTA sponsored BMX Bike Show was amazing with high flying acrobatics and reminding students how to identify bullies and how to respond in a productive way.  Wednesday was our second annual First Responders Apparatus and Equipment Day where our local municipalities came to PVMS to show off what they do.  A tremendous thank you to the Putnam Valley Ambulance Corps, Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Putnam County SWAT team.  It was wonderful to see some of our former students as volunteers.  Our high school SADD team members along with Ms. Penta came over to speak with our students during their lunch periods.  The Halloween Bash was a tremendous success with over 250 students attending!  Ms. Diaz and Ms. Reilly along with our student council created a memorable evening with food, a movie, and a DJ.  Thank you to all of our students that were able to be a part of the event.

As November rolls in we can anticipate colder temperatures in the near future. Please have your children bundle up for these changes.  They should be wearing jackets and be prepared for outdoor recess and outdoor physical education classes while enjoying the fresh air.  Please remind your children to check the lost and found as we have an overabundance of jackets and sweatshirts that have been left at PVMS.

This time of year reminds us 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 discuss it with your child. 

Important Dates

Quarter 2 begins Monday, November 7th  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.   Please mark your calendar to check PowerSchool on Friday, November 11th for Quarter 1 Report Card Grades and Comments.  Please be sure to reach out to teachers regarding any academic, behavioral, or social concerns.

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 8th.  Please remember that students do not 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 Friday, November 11th for Veteran’s Day.  Thank you to all who have served or are serving our country!

Friday, November 18th will be our 50th Anniversary Celebration during our lunch and recess periods.  We encourage all students and staff to dress up in their 70s attire.  

 Thanksgiving Recess will be observed November 24 – November 27.  Enjoy this time with your family and reflect on everything that we have to be thankful for.

Please find time to discuss the community in which we live and how we can give back.  This may be collecting for a food drive or food pantry and/or volunteering time to help others.  Our community is a special place and our children are our future.  Thank you for your support and be well! 

Sincerely,

Travis W. McCarty
Principal