Dear Putnam Valley Community:
Yesterday, we had the honor of welcoming Dr. Betty Rosa, Commissioner of Education, to our schools, along with Deputy Commissioner Angelique Johnson-Dingle, Chancellor Lester Young, Regent Fran Wills, and Assistant Commissioner David Frank.
Over the past several years, the New York State Education Department has focused on developing and implementing the NY Inspires initiative and the Portrait of a Graduate, both part of a statewide effort to reimagine education in New York. As we continue this work in Putnam Valley, many of the themes connected to NY Inspires—including inquiry-based learning, authentic assessment, student voice, and real-world application—closely align with practices already taking place in our classrooms.
Dr. Rosa expressed interest in visiting Putnam Valley after hearing about our work across the district and wanted the opportunity to see our programs firsthand. We were proud to showcase the engaging learning experiences happening throughout our schools.
The visit included stops at all three buildings, with students helping lead the experience at each level. At the high school, our Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Board of Education student representatives led a gallery walk highlighting opportunities available to PVHS students—from art, CAS, and TOK projects to the Seal of Biliteracy, stage crew, music, adaptive physical education, and more. At the middle school, classrooms showcased students engaged in inquiry-based learning. At the elementary school, the visit began with a second-grade class welcoming the Commissioner with a song and concluded with fourth-grade students demonstrating their coding skills by flying drones.
At the conclusion of her visit, Commissioner Rosa reflected on the strong culture, clarity of purpose, and authentic student learning she observed across the district.
We are grateful for her feedback.
Commissioner Rosa shared:
- “It is obvious that you have been doing this work for quite a while.”
- “The smiles on your teachers clearly tell us the kind of culture that you have built.”
- “You are very clear on your roadmap and your direction.”
- “You know what high-quality education looks like.”
- “Your students are applying that learning… you are living the Portrait of a Graduate.”
For more information on NY Inspires and the Portrait of a Graduate, please visit the links below.
I am incredibly proud of what we are able to offer our students here in Putnam Valley, made possible by the extraordinary team of teachers and staff whose dedication and care bring these experiences to life each day. It is the support of our community that makes all of this possible.
Thank you,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools