Putnam Valley Elementary School

Dear PVES Families,

Thank you to all our PTA volunteers who made our PVES/PTA Winter Wonderland so magical!  Although the weather wasn’t snowy, the holiday cheer was in the air at this wonderful event!  Thank you to all who attended and volunteered your time, goods, or services.  We thank our wonderful PTA for all that they did to make this happen for our students, with so many special touches!

All staff and students are invited to participate in our school-wide Pajama Day on Friday, December 16th (no slippers, please). We will also be having our Festive Wear Day (red/green/elf hats/jingle bells) on Friday, December 23rd. We look forward to the holiday fun at PVES!

Even with all the festivities, our students are working hard each and every day. This is a wonderful stretch of uninterrupted learning over the next three weeks, and we are so proud of the progress the children are making in all areas of the curriculum. Please continue to support strong homework and reading routines, organization and independence, and of course, good attendance. It is so exciting to see the growth and learning that can take place at this time of year!

At PVES, we have completed our mandated fire drills for the first part of the year, and we will practice another lockdown drill soon. Throughout these short drills, students are reassured and reminded of safety. Our students are also taking part in regular Social Emotional Lessons, focusing on being upstanders, making wise choices, avoiding peer pressure, and preventing bullying. Our Character Education & Diversity Committee also continues to provide learning opportunities focusing on the year-long theme of Teamwork.

Enjoy this busy month of December. Please be reminded that students go outside for recess on most days, so jackets and hats should be worn.  Schools will be closed from Monday, December 26th, through Monday, January 2nd, for the holiday recess. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023!

Thank you for playing such an important role in your children’s lives. Some days may feel so long, but the years go by so fast.

Sincerely,

Dr. Margaret Podesta
Principal