Dear PVES Families,
Happy weekend! At PVES, we are heading into the last week of April, and it looks to be a busy one. Although it felt a bit like winter last week, the spring temperatures will certainly be here in a few days, so please be sure to dress your children for outdoor play and learning. You are welcome to apply sunscreen to your child at home in the morning. (We are unable to do that at school).
Our third and fourth graders will be taking the NYS ELA Exam on Tuesday, April 27th. (The Math test date is Thursday, May 6th). This should take approximately 60 to 90 minutes in the morning, although the tests are not timed. On these testing dates, students who are in school and not taking the test will independently and quietly complete curriculum review packets in the classroom during the testing period (approximately 9:30-11:30). If opt-out students stay home on these testing mornings, we ask that they do not arrive at school until after 12:00 on those days, as this would be disruptive to our testing process. However, all in-school learners are welcome to be in school for the entire day. I am so very proud of our teachers and our students for the teaching and learning that takes place at PVES each and every day.
Third Quarter Progress Reports will be distributed next week, as a follow-up to recent parent conferences. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s academic, social, or behavioral progress, please be sure to reach out to your child’s teachers. We are always ready to communicate with you. Please encourage your child to stay focused and to apply great effort into school activities and assignments throughout the next few months. Our goal is to finish the year strong, with each and every child!
The PTA will be hosting a Virtual Book Fair, beginning Monday, May 3rd. Please look for information on this wonderful opportunity to purchase well-priced, engaging books for your children to enjoy, especially over the summer. We want to remind you that it is time to order your PVES Yearbook! Please always check our Weekly Notice Attachments, and more information can be found on the PTA website at www.putnamvalleypta.org.
This past week, we celebrated Administrative Professionals’ Day! I want to send out a sincere thank you to our wonderful PVES office team: Mrs. Donna Sillery, Mrs. Liz Tavares, and Mrs. Carolyn DeRubeis, for all they do to keep our school so organized and welcoming to all. This school year has brought on many extra challenges, but these administrative professionals make it all look easy. Thank you!
At last week’s Board of Education Meeting, it was a pleasure to recognize the tenure appointment of several of our amazing teachers, and to celebrate the retirement of four of our elementary staff members: Mrs. Sharon Redmond, Mrs. Leesa Hernandez, Mrs. Teresa Hebeisen, and Mr. Mick Coleman. We thank these retirees for their many years of skilled service and true dedication to our Putnam Valley students. They will be truly missed.
Enjoy the week ahead. Please take the time to check in on your child’s “Mood Meter” and see how he or she is feeling about school, learning, and personal goals. We are extremely proud of our wonderful students, and we want to support them in all ways.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Podesta
Principal