Dear PVMS Families,

We have made it to November and the year has flown by so far.  The end of quarter one is quickly approaching as your children have had a wonderful start to our school year.  I hope you have had the chance to schedule a team meeting with your child’s teachers to share progress and reflect on the first 10 weeks of school.

This is the time of year where we take a moment to give thanks for all that we have and gather to spend time with friends and family.  November brings on those emotions beyond being thankful while we also experience leaves falling and cooler temperatures.

Our month of October was extremely eventful with our Red Ribbon week being a success with this year’s quote, “Life Is A Movie – Film Drug Free.”  Our PTA sponsored Anti Bullying Assembly with Brian Chevalier was interactive with music and sign language with our entire student body signing and moving to the beat of the music.   Thursday was our fourth 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, and New York State Police.  It was wonderful to see many come out to meet our students and share what they do.  A highlight was the New York State Police providing a crash simulator and what it’s like if you do not wear your seatbelt.

The Halloween Bash was a tremendous success with around 250 students in attendance!  Mrs. Dreessen and Mrs. Nadell along with our student council created a memorable evening filled with spooktacular activities which included: 

Movie (Dining Hall)
DJ (Gymnasium)
Photo Booth (Gymnasium)
Just Dance (Learning Commons)
Karaoke & Lip Syncing (Chorus Room)
Face Painting Station w/HS students (Dining Hall)
Candy Corn Estimation Station (Dining Hall)
Arts & Crafts; Puzzles; Coloring
Treats & Water (Dining Hall)

A great evening was had by all as it is always amazing to see such creativity in the various costumes that students wore.  If you would like to see pictures of the students who attended, please take a look at our Google Photos page.

We have seen abnormally warm temperatures for late October and the first day of  November but please know 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 to start our year.

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.  If we have an interruption that causes a day off from school that was not anticipated, please note that the letter day will be as it was intended to be.  For example, if the day off due to the interruption was an A day then the following day school is in session is an A day.

Important Dates

Tuesday, November 5th – Superintendent’s Conference Day – Election Day – 

No School for students.  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!

Thursday, November 7th – Cell Phones and Your Children – PVMS Dining Hall – 6:00PM  – The Putnam Valley School District is excited to host an evening of learning and discussion on the topic of cell phones and their impact on children. Parents will hear from regional experts who will present the latest research and practices regarding cell phone use across the country. This event will provide a chance to engage in conversations with other parents, sharing insights and strategies for managing cell phone use. Together, we will gain a better understanding of the neurological and social impacts of cell phones on children and we will explore potential strategies for the future.  RSVP is appreciated, but not mandatory.  Parents and guardians (Grades K thru 12)  are all welcome to attend!

Monday, November 11th – Veterans Day (observed) – Thank you to those who have served our country!  No School for staff or students.

Quarter 2 begins Tuesday, November 12th so please have a conversation with your child regarding any missing materials that may need to be turned in before the end of the quarter.  Please check PowerSchool weekly to ensure that your child is 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 15th for Quarter 1 Report Card Grades and Comments.  Please be sure to reach out to teachers regarding any academic, behavioral, or social concerns.

Middle School Picture Retake Day will take place on Monday, November 18th.  Please ensure your child dresses to impress!  We will hold entire grade level class pictures in our gymnasium during recess on this day.

Thanksgiving Recess will be observed November 27th – December 1st.  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.  Putnam Valley is a special place and our children are our future.  Thank you for your support and be well! 

Sincerely,

Travis W. McCarty
Principal