Superintendent’s Message

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

Dear Putnam Valley Community,

Thank you for your continued patience and partnership during a winter season that has been quite challenging – even for a snow lover like me. Following Tuesday’s closure, we have now exhausted all available snow days.

While I admit that we did not get every call exactly right, we did our best to manage some very complex storms, forecasts, and road conditions, while keeping the safety of our students at the center of our decisions. From snow removal to schedule adjustments, our families and staff have demonstrated resilience and flexibility. We are grateful for your understanding and support. With warmer temperatures in the forecast, we are hopeful that the worst of winter is behind us.

Moving forward, if any additional closures are needed, we have refined and are prepared to implement a Remote Learning Plan. By offering remote instruction during a school closure, the District would not be required to adjust scheduled breaks to make up for lost instructional time. This approach would allow us to provide instruction while still allowing families to continue with the plans they may have already made for Spring Recess.

Our goal is to provide continuity of learning in a way that is both meaningful and accessible for all students. More details on our Remote Instruction Plan will be shared with families in the near future.

With budget season underway, District administration has been actively developing the budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Building and department presentations have been delivered to the Board of Education. If you missed any of these meetings, videos, and additional information can be found here: https://pvcsd.org/index.php/district/boe/budget/

Additionally, on Thursday, March 26, before the scheduled Board of Education meeting, I will hold a Superintendent’s Listening Hour focused on the budget and our upcoming annual vote, which will be held on Tuesday, May 19. Please consider joining me and Dr. Chan, Assistant Superintendent for Business Administration, in the High School Library from 6-7 PM on Thursday, March 26.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Good afternoon,

I’m writing to update the community regarding an incident that occurred yesterday afternoon in the Wellness Center.  As students were preparing to begin their athletic practices, a student experienced a severe medical emergency.  Several students were present and witnessed this student in distress.

We are thankful that our students acted quickly in notifying a responsible adult.  Our trained medical staff, members of our teaching and support staff, and administrators all reported to the scene along with our School Resource Officer.  Students were removed from the location as our medical staff members supported the student along with EMTs and a Paramedic.  We would like to extend our gratitude to all staff and medical personnel who quickly responded.

Last evening, we convened an administration team meeting to ensure we had appropriate protocols in place to support students who witnessed this event while simultaneously investigating what transpired before, during, and after the incident.  That process continues as we seek a full understanding of exactly what transpired and what may be done in the future to avoid or better respond to this type of emergency.

We have been in contact with the student’s family and have offered the District’s full support during this difficult time.  Please join me in extending your well wishes to this child and their family, with hope for a quick recovery and return to the Putnam Valley School Community.

If your child is in need of any additional support, please do not hesitate to contact the school so we can provide the services they need.  Unfortunately, these events tend to quickly escalate into rumors or misunderstandings;  please encourage your child to avoid passing on information that may be inaccurate.  If your child does have information they would like to share regarding this incident, they should be encouraged to speak to a member of our support staff or an administrator in their building.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Dear Putnam Valley Community,

At last Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, we officially marked the beginning of our annual budget development season. The January 8 presentation serves as an initial preview of the budget development process, and a recording of the meeting is available on our website. Click here.

Each year, we work diligently to develop a budget that is fiscally responsible to our community while remaining firmly grounded in our shared CORE values of community, opportunity, resiliency, and empowerment—always keeping students at the center of our work.

Additional budget discussions will take place at upcoming Board of Education meetings and will focus on specific areas of our district:

• January 22: Curriculum

• February 12: Athletics and Technology

• February 26: Facilities and Special Education

• March 12: Overall Budget Presentation

Board of Education meetings are held in the High School cafeteria, begin at 7:00 p.m., are open to the public, and livestreamed on our pvcsd.org website. Recordings of past meetings are also available online.

The budget vote and Board of Education election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, at Putnam Valley Elementary School.

Looking ahead to next week, I invite you to join me for a Superintendent’s Listening Hour on January 22, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the High School library. This informal meeting is an opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives. I look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones.

We value community input and encourage your participation as we work collaboratively to support our students and schools. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools