As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of all that I am grateful for this year.
I am especially thankful for my friends and family both at home and in school. I am thankful to be part of the Putnam Valley School community, surrounded by talented and passionate staff members, doing whatever is needed to support our students. I am thankful to work in a community that supports our schools, our students, and our staff, and I am thankful for the fantastic students that attend our schools.
I hope you had a chance to see The Play That Goes Wrong a few weekends ago. I laughed out loud and enjoyed seeing our hardworking students on stage and those behind the stage who made it all come together. Our fall season student-athletes enjoyed great success and the season culminated with a sectional title for volleyball and a state championship for Game Day Cheerleading.
On Monday, I had the pleasure of attending the Gratitude Festival at the High School. This annual event, hosted by our Music Honor Society provides a special opportunity for our students to share their talents. On Tuesday, we welcomed our state championship cheerleading team into the Elementary School, and they may have performed to their most enthusiastic audience yet.
We certainly have much to be thankful for, and I am so proud of the leadership and compassion of our students and staff who consistently pay it forward. Each of our buildings participated in Thanksgiving food drives to support the Putnam Valley Food Pantry. The response from our community was wonderful and is deeply appreciated by the pantry, which helps to support families across our area. The United For The Troops collection also received generous donations and will provide some comforts of home to troops currently serving overseas. These acts of kindness continue to bring us together as a community.
Currently, our High School’s National Honor Society is holding their annual toy drive with all donations going directly to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the National Honor Society along with both the Middle School and Elementary School will be holding coat drives, and drop boxes can be found in the entrances of our buildings.
I hope you all find some time to reflect on what makes you thankful and find opportunities to share your gratitude. Enjoy the Thanksgiving break.
Take care and stay well.
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools