Superintendent’s Message

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

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PVES – Weekly Word
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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

Dear Putnam Valley Community,

The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on how grateful I am to work alongside the incredible educators and staff who serve our outstanding students. It is truly an honor to be part of this district and to celebrate the amazing work that happens here every day. The dedication, care, and teamwork of our staff show up in every corner of our schools, making Putnam Valley a special place for students.

Twenty-five years ago, Putnam Valley High School opened its doors. Since 2000, Putnam Valley High School has been a place where students discover their strengths, build lasting relationships, and prepare for bright futures. We are grateful to the staff, students, families, and community members whose support has shaped the High School over the past quarter-century.

Today, our students continue to explore new opportunities and make us proud. Recently, 60 tenth-grade students participated in a BOCES Tech Tour to learn about the wide range of career and technical programs offered. On January 7, between 6:00 and 9:00 pm, our High School Science Research students will hold their Presentation Practice Night, and all are welcome to attend and provide feedback. Our spring musical is underway with an audition workshop open to all high school students on January 6, and auditions after school on January 8. Across all grade levels, our students continue to make meaningful progress in and beyond the classroom.

Middle School Band and Chorus performances have entertained families and showcased the talents of our students. An added treat was a performance of Jingle Bells that included adult guests. We were all looking forward to the upcoming Elementary School sing-along, one of my favorite PVCSD holiday traditions, but the weather had other ideas.

For families with children turning four years old by December 31, 2026, please be reminded that applications for our Universal Pre-K are due by December 31, 2025. Application Additional information

In typical fashion, our community continues to show its generosity. Multiple holiday food, toy, and clothing drives support our friends and neighbors, teach our students the importance of service, and highlight the caring spirit of the Putnam Valley community.

Last Wednesday, our Community Liaisons hosted a Holiday Potluck. It was so nice to see so many families enjoying one another’s company. We are grateful for these opportunities to make connections and grow our community.

Looking ahead, the Board of Education will meet on January 8, 2026, for a Multi-Year Financial Planning Presentation, and on January 22, 2026, I will host a Listening Hour at 6:00 PM just prior to the BOE meeting, followed by the Budget Presentation covering the Opening of Schools, Athletics, and Technology.

From all of us at PVCSD, we wish you all a joyful holiday season. Thank you for supporting the students and staff who make Putnam Valley such a special place.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

The Superintendent’s Conference Day scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, has been moved to Friday, March 20, 2026.
Thursday, March 19, will now be a regular school day.
Friday, March 20, school will be closed for students

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

Please find an electronic copy of our most recent newsletter linked below and on our website here. We hope a hard copy has reached your home mailbox over the past few days. To ensure that school district mailings like this reach every mailbox within the Putnam Valley School District boundaries, we send them through the Post Office using the EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) service.

I hope you will take a few minutes to see how PVCSD is building a community where everyone can grow and thrive.

Please also help us spread the word: Universal Pre-K will once again be available through our partnership with the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester. Space is limited with a maximum of 40 students. Eligible children must turn 4 years old on or before December 1, 2026, and live within the school district boundaries. Families interested in Pre-K must enter a lottery by completing this application before December 31, 2025. More information is available on our pvcsd.org website.

If you have friends or neighbors who do not currently have children in our schools and would like to receive periodic electronic updates from the district, please encourage them to join our Newsletter list on the home page of the pvcsd.org website.

Thank you.

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

Newsletter
Pre-K application
Additional Pre-K info
Sign up for Newsletter

Dear Putnam Valley Community,

It has been a wonderful start to the school year, and I am deeply grateful for our dedicated staff, supportive families, and outstanding students.

At recent Board of Education meetings, we heard reports from each of our schools—the Elementary, Middle, and High School—and it is clear that meaningful learning and engagement are happening every day. I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of our teachers, staff members, and administrators for their hard work, creativity, and care in creating such a strong and supportive environment where students are excited to go to school. You can view the presentations by clicking here:

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

We have received positive feedback from families following our Back-to-School Nights, and I want to thank everyone who attended. These evenings are an opportunity to connect with teachers, learn more about classroom expectations, and meet other parents. Building these strong home-school partnerships helps ensure students feel supported and set up for success. Remember to visit our pvcsd.org website for a variety of information, including email communications sent from the building principals, calendar reminders, and parent and student tech support.

Looking ahead, please consider supporting our Middle School “Little Doctors” Blood Drive on November 3, from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School gym. This event is supported by middle school staff, students, and families in partnership with the New York Blood Center. Thank you to all who participated in the recent High School Blood Drive, especially our high school seniors — your generosity directly impacts lives and reflects the caring spirit of our community.

We’re excited for the High School Fall Drama, Arsenic and Old Lace, opening on Friday, November 7, with additional performances on Saturday and Sunday. You can purchase your tickets [here]. Please come out to support the talented cast and stage crew, who have been working tirelessly to bring this classic production—and an impressive set—to life.

I would also like to thank those who attended the Superintendent’s Listening Hour in early October. I truly appreciate hearing about your experiences and perspectives. These conversations are another way to strengthen the connection between our schools and the community.

Across our district – and highlighted in this newsletter – you will see many examples of our students building resilience, learning to navigate challenges, and growing both inside and outside the classroom. Together, we are building a community where everyone can grow, lead, and thrive.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Luft

Superintendent of Schools

Dear Putnam Valley Central School Community,

I am writing to inform you of an incident that occurred today involving one of our elementary students. Earlier in the day, school staff were made aware that a student was in possession of a toy gun on school grounds.

Thanks to the swift actions of our staff and in coordination with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the situation was addressed immediately. At no point were students or staff in any danger. The item has been secured, and we are following all appropriate disciplinary and safety procedures.

We take all reports involving weapons or replica weapons seriously, regardless of intent or student age. Our priority is, and will always be, the safety and well-being of every student and staff member in our school community.

As a precaution and a reminder, I strongly urge all families to speak with their children about the serious dangers and consequences of bringing any type of weapon or replica weapon to school. Even items that may appear to be toys can cause alarm and present safety concerns in a school setting.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our schools safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school principal or my office directly.

Sincerely,

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

October 9, 2025

Dear Putnam Valley Community:

This is a reminder that tomorrow, Friday, October 10, 2025, all three schools will hold their Early Dismissal Evacuation Drill as required by the New York State Education Department.  Each school will dismiss 15 minutes earlier than its regular dismissal time.

Please make arrangements to accommodate the early arrival of your children.

To test our mass communication system as part of this emergency drill, we are sending this message as an email, phone call, and text message. If you do not receive all of the messages, please review your demographic information in our student portal, Power School CLICK HERE to confirm the accuracy of your contact information and emergency contact information. Technical support, including FAQs and videos, can be found here: https://sites.google.com/pvcsd.org/pvcsd-parent/

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools

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