Superintendent’s Message

Dear Putnam Valley School Community,

On behalf of the Putnam Valley Central School District, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year. There is something special about the beginning of a new school year: the excitement of new opportunities, the setting of new goals, and the promise of growth and discovery that awaits each of our students.

We begin this school year with much to celebrate. We are proud to share that Putnam Valley High School has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #16 Best High School in New York State and #4 in our region. This recognition reflects the tremendous work of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, and families. It is a wonderful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared commitment to excellence.

As always, the summer months have been a busy time throughout the district. Across our campuses, crews have been hard at work completing projects made possible through the facilities project approved by our community in May 2025.  As we reopen the Middle/High School Campus, students, staff, and visitors will see significant improvements, including newly renovated driveways, retaining walls, and parking areas, along with updated drainage, lighting, and sidewalks. Above our instructional wing and gymnasium, crews have also been completing the final trim work associated with our newly installed roofs.

At the Elementary School, our existing playground has been removed, and work is well underway on the installation of a new playground that will provide greater accessibility to all elementary students with an exciting space to learn, play, and explore. The top athletic field will remain closed throughout the school year as crews continue the drilling and installation of geothermal wells. This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility, as we work toward becoming the first school district in New York State to operate entirely on geothermal heating and cooling. This transition is expected to save our taxpayers millions of dollars in heating oil costs over time.

Our buildings and grounds have also received the care and attention necessary to ensure that our schools are clean, welcoming, and ready for the year ahead. I am grateful to the many staff members who have worked throughout the summer to prepare our facilities for the return of our students.

At Putnam Valley Elementary School, we are also excited to welcome our second cohort of students to the Putnam Valley Universal Pre-Kindergarten program, made possible through New York State funding and our partnership with the YMCA of Northern Westchester. We look forward to welcoming these youngest learners and their families into our school community and beginning this important journey together.

Learning, however, does not stop when the school year ends. Throughout the summer, our buildings have remained active with professional learning opportunities and a variety of academic programs. Our Extended School Year, Summer Boost, and Kindercamp programs have filled our classrooms with enthusiastic students engaged in learning, exploration, and meaningful experiences. These programs provide invaluable support and enrichment, and we are deeply grateful to our program leaders, instructional staff, teaching assistants, and everyone who helped make them possible.

At the heart of all that we do is our partnership with families. We know that students thrive when schools and families work together, and we deeply value the trust you place in us each day. By maintaining strong communication and working collaboratively, we can create meaningful experiences that support the academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being of every student. Your partnership is an essential part of what makes the Putnam Valley school community so strong.

As we begin this new school year, we do so with great optimism and enthusiasm. In just a few days, our hallways will once again be filled with the energy and excitement of our students. We will welcome back familiar faces and greet new students, families, and educators who are joining our school community for the first time. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

As we embark on this new year, I want to thank our students, families, faculty, staff, and community for your continued support, partnership, and commitment to Putnam Valley Central Schools.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and care of your children. It is a privilege that we do not take lightly.

I wish all of our students, families, and staff a wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year. May it be a year filled with learning, growth, connection, and many moments of pride for our entire Putnam Valley community.

Warmly,

Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools
Putnam Valley Central School District

Stay connected:
Preparing For  A New Year –  8/29/26 email
Monthly Event Calendar – https://pvcsd.org/index.php/district/monthly-calendar/
Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/putnamvalleyschools/
Follow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/PutnamValleyCSD

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

We are in the final stages of preparing for students to return to our buildings, and we look forward to seeing everyone!

While our classrooms may be quieter, summer is anything but quiet in our buildings and around our campuses.

In addition to several construction projects underway, our support staff, Building and Grounds team, and administrators have been working throughout the summer to prepare for the year ahead. From planning and hiring, scheduling, professional development, summer programs, and getting our classrooms and schools ready to welcome everyone back, there is a great deal happening across the district.

This summer, we are welcoming new members to our team while also thanking colleagues who have retired after years of dedicated service to Putnam Valley.

After several years as a member of our administrative team, Dr. Letitia Payne will be leaving her role as Assistant Principal at Putnam Valley High School. Dr. Payne will be continuing her career at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, and we are grateful for her many contributions to our students, staff, and school community. We wish her all the best in this next chapter.

We are excited to welcome Andres Soto as our new Assistant Principal at Putnam Valley High School.  A proud Putnam Valley alumnus, Andres is returning to the district where he grew up and is excited to get to work supporting students and staff.

Be sure to follow communications from our building principals as they introduce new staff and share important information as we prepare to welcome everyone back for the 2026–2027 school year.

Dr. Payne’s Letter to the Community: Payne_Letter to the Community.pdf

Mr. Soto’s Letter to the Community:  Soto_Letter to the Community.pdf

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Back To School Info:

PVES
PVMS
PVHS
Monthly Event Calendar

Dear Putnam Valley Community,

As we conclude another successful school year, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our students, families, staff, and the entire Putnam Valley community for your engagement, feedback, and unwavering support. Together, we have made this a year defined by growth, achievement, and opportunity.

Resiliency is one of our district’s core values and a central focus of our work. Throughout the year, we witnessed countless examples of resilience in action. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the athletic field, or as we came together in the face of a tragic loss within our school community, our students, staff, and families demonstrated remarkable strength, compassion, and determination. Their ability to support one another and persevere through challenges reflects the very best of Putnam Valley.

Over the past several days, I have had the privilege of celebrating important milestones with the graduating Class of 2026, as well as our fourth- and eighth-grade students. These ceremonies serve as a reminder that every student contributes to making our schools a place where learners feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. We are proud of the inclusive programs, dedicated educators, and innovative learning environments that create opportunities for all students to thrive.

As we look ahead to the summer months, I encourage our students to explore new interests, stay curious, spend time with family and friends, and take the opportunity to recharge. While students enjoy a well-deserved break, our staff will be hard at work preparing for the year ahead as we continue our commitment to the district’s core values of Community, Opportunity, Resiliency, and Empowerment.

Facilities Update

Construction related to the voter-approved capital improvement project will begin this summer, with the majority of the work taking place on the Middle School/High School campus.

Work is expected to begin next week on the replacement of parking lot retaining walls, drainage systems, sidewalks, and pavement, along with the flat roof replacement at Putnam Valley High School. Due to the scope of this work, access to the Middle School/High School campus will be restricted to authorized personnel and scheduled summer programs. For those programs, participant drop-off and pick-up will occur at the bottom of the campus driveway.

At Putnam Valley Elementary School, exterior work will include the drilling of new geothermal wells and the installation of a new playground behind the fourth-grade wing. Once construction begins, both the top field and back field at the Elementary School campus will be closed.

All district summer programs will continue as scheduled and will be relocated to the Elementary School campus. The Putnam Valley Day Camp will also use the Elementary School campus for student drop-off and pick-up throughout the summer. These improvements represent an important investment in our schools and will enhance our facilities for years to come.

Thank you for being an essential part of this incredible community. Your support, partnership, and commitment to our schools make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.

I wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable, and restful summer.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Our celebration photos will be posted on our Facebook page

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

We are struggling to comprehend what has happened to our school community.  Since we first learned of the unimaginable loss of two students, Alina and Jeremiah Toone, time feels frozen. I understand I am not alone in searching for the opportunity to fully grieve for our community and the Toone family. Together, we are just beginning to find our way forward in the aftermath of such a heartbreaking tragedy.

Despite the profound sadness felt across our community, I could not be more proud of how our community has once again come together to support our students, colleagues, and families. Watching our staff, especially our clinical and administrative colleagues, put aside their own personal grief to care for others has been truly inspiring. The outpouring of support from neighboring districts and communities has also been humbling. There was not a school within miles of Putnam Valley that did not offer to send clinical or administrative staff to help support our community.

As we move into the weekend, I hope everyone finds moments of peace, rest, reflection, and time with loved ones. Grief affects everyone differently, and we recognize that many students and adults are processing this loss in their own way and in their own time.

When we return on Monday, our staff will continue to stand ready to support our students in every way possible. Counselors, clinicians, administrators, teachers, and support staff remain available to help students navigate the difficult emotions and challenges that accompany such a devastating loss.

Our high school administration has also been working closely with student leaders to help guide them in identifying meaningful and appropriate ways to honor Alina and Jeremiah. As a public school district, there are limitations on what we can formally organize on campus; however, we are grateful for the support of our Town officials, who have offered the use of the Town Park to support our students and community in any way possible.

As a gesture of support for the Putnam Valley school community and the Toone family, I have exercised my right, consistent with district policy, to order our school flags to be flown at half-staff through the end of next week.

Please take care of yourself, reach out to one another, and encourage your children to connect with a trusted adult at school if they need support.

I am proud to be a member of this community and honored to serve the Putnam Valley School District.

With deep sympathy and ongoing support for the Toone family and our community,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

The Putnam Valley School Community has suffered another heartbreaking loss, as we were notified that last night’s fire claimed the life of a second high school student. It is difficult to find the words to share such devastating news with our community.

Members of the Regional Crisis Team, along with representatives from the Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health, will again be at Putnam Valley High School tomorrow to provide clinical support to students and staff.

During times like these, the strength, compassion, and support of our community are more important than ever. We remain committed to supporting our students, staff, and families as we navigate this profound loss together.

We understand that many students may be experiencing difficult emotions. Attached are family resources that may help guide conversations with your children during this challenging time.

Please continue to keep this family, all those impacted, and the courageous first responders in your thoughts.

With deep sadness,

Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Parent resource:
https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-with-grief/

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic news that one of our students died as a result of the house fire last night. Our deepest condolences go out to the student’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

We have activated the regional crisis response team and are working in partnership with the Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health. Clinical staff will be available throughout the District today to support students and staff.

In addition, the High School will remain open beyond the regular school day for any students or staff members who may need additional support.

As a District, we are committed to supporting our school community in every way possible as we process this heartbreaking loss together. Our thoughts are with the family affected by this devastating tragedy, all those who had personal connections to the victims, and the courageous first responders who arrived on scene and provided care.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

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

NY Inspires
Portrait of A Graduate

Dear Putnam Valley Community,

The Putnam Valley School District is joining districts across the region and asking for your help on an issue that directly affects fairness for our student-athletes and all public school student-athletes across New York. The current system for section and regional play is completely unfair to public school student-athletes.

After three years of advocacy by the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents, an organization of which I currently serve as the President-Elect, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association continues to fail to act on a proposal for separate postseason competition for public and non-public schools. Non-public programs draw students from broad geographic regions, and in some cases beyond state lines, to assemble their teams, an advantage that fundamentally alters fairness and competitive balance.

The consequences are visible statewide: public schools withdrawing from competition, state championship games without public schools on the field, and students asked to compete under rules that do not give them a fair opportunity.

We have included a link to an editorial recently submitted on behalf of the  Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents. Student-athletes should never have to enter a competition knowing the system is structured against them. The editorial is a two-minute read: Syracuse.com editorial

Make your voice heard. Please use the link below, hosted by the Harrison Central School District, to send a letter requesting that New York State Education Department Commissioner Rosa and the Board of Regents assume direct oversight of interscholastic athletics in New York State to ensure fairness for all public school students. Forward this email to friends and family across New York State; anyone can use the page to send a letter.

Thank you for your support of public school student-athletes.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools
Putnam Valley Central School District

President-Elect
Lower Hudson Council of School  Superintendents

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

Please consider joining me and Dr. Chan, Assistant Superintendent of Business Administration, for a Superintendent’s Listening Hour on Thursday, March 26, from 6 pm to 7 pm in the High School Library. This informal setting and Q&A format is a great opportunity to learn about the 2026-2027 school budget.

Thank you,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Vote – Tuesday, May 19 – @ PVES – 6 am to 9 pm
Budget Info
Board of Education Presentation – videos
Registered to vote? / Absentee Ballot Information

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

This is a reminder that our Superintendent’s Conference Day is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, March 20. Schools will be closed for students.

Our faculty and staff will be engaged in professional development focused on strengthening instruction and supporting student success across the district.

Thank you for your continued partnership,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Electronic newsletter
PVES – Weekly Word
PVMS – Principal’s Message
PVHS – Principal’s Message
Monthly Event Calendar