Dear Putnam Valley Families,
As we approach the winter break, we want to reflect on the season and the incredible spirit of our school community. The holidays often provide a wonderful opportunity for families to gather and enjoy the festive season; however, we also recognize that this time of year can be challenging for some.
Academic Progress
Please be advised that Friday, December 12th, marked the midpoint of the second quarter. All grades and teacher comments have been updated in PowerSchool. We encourage you to take some time to review your child’s academic progress and attendance record. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers directly.
The Spirit of Giving
At PVHS, we are immensely proud of how our students and staff look out for one another. Our school community continues to do an excellent job partnering with local groups to support those in need:
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National Honor Society: Our NHS members have been busy with food, coat, and toy drives. The donations from students and staff have been overwhelming and truly inspiring.
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The Class of 2028: Our sophomores recently completed a sock drive through We Help Two, donating socks to the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center.
Creating a Focused Learning Environment
We are deeply grateful for the support you provide at home as your children navigate high school. This partnership has been especially evident with the new Cell Phone Law. Thanks to parental cooperation, we have maintained a device-free environment that has led to a more focused classroom atmosphere and less stress for students throughout the school day.
Community Expectations & Growth
We recently held grade-level community meetings focused on respect, empathy, and “time and place.” To ensure our students are set up for success, we ask for your partnership in the following areas:
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Punctuality: Many students are arriving after 7:50 AM. We discussed how leaving just five minutes earlier in the morning is often the difference between being on time or late. If you drive your child to school, please help us make an early arrival a priority. This prevents classroom interruptions and reinforces the integrity of class time. Please note that students who are late will receive after-school detention the following day.
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Bathroom Use: To ensure every student feels safe and enjoys privacy, we limit bathroom occupancy to three students at a time. We are working to discourage “hanging out” in these spaces. Additionally, for students who are “frequent flyers” (in bathrooms 6–10+ times a day), we will create support plans and partner with parents to ensure they are present for instruction.
Thank you for your continued support and for all you do at home. We wish you a peaceful, safe, and happy holiday season and a very happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Matt Mello
Principal
Putnam Valley High School