Hopefully, this communication finds you and your family warm and well. We have reached the midpoint of the school year! There were so many positive events in the first semester that have allowed us to build a strong high school community. Seniors are gearing up for the rigorous IB assessments and finalizing post-secondary plans. Underclassmen will begin the course selection process for next year. Our students have been instrumental in helping us shape our school environment into one that welcomes all students and strengthens our ability to meet the needs of a variety of learners.
Second Quarter Grades and Comments Now Available:
Teachers have finalized grades and comments for the second quarter and semester. We will mail home a report card next week. You can access these reports through PowerSchool. Please visit https://ps.pvcsd.org/public/ to log in and view your child’s progress. We encourage you to review these reports with your child and discuss any areas where they may need additional support or encouragement.
Course Selection for the 2024-2025 School Year Begins:
Exciting news! Students will soon begin the process of selecting their courses for the next year. To help them make informed decisions, we have included the 2025-2026 Course Selection Guide. Please take some time to review this guide with your child and discuss their academic goals and interests. Guidance counselors will be available to assist students with the selection process and answer any questions they may have.
Student Spotlight:
We will hold our Winter Student Spotlight Celebration on Friday, February 14, at 10:45 in the high school performing arts center. If your child has been nominated, you will receive an invitation. Students who are nominated by one of our staff members will be recognized for demonstrating the positive traits described in our school theme, ASPIRE (Awareness, Safety, Perseverance, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy).
8th Annual ASPIRE Art Celebration:
We are so proud to honor River DeMarco for her artwork, “The Wonderer and the Prodigy,” which was chosen this year. The unveiling will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13th, in the main hall. Each year, a student’s artwork is selected as the ASPIRE image for the school year and hung in the Tiger’s Den for all to see and appreciate. Congratulations to River on receiving this important honor!
Bull ‘n’ Brownies
We are utilizing another avenue to develop a deeper understanding of our school culture and provide a meaningful voice to our students. Every Friday, we will invite a random group of students (two from each grade) to have brownies with the principal and assistant principal to discuss their high school experience. They share what they value most about the school, areas of concern, and what they would like to experience.
Free Breakfast and Lunch:
Putnam Valley has qualified for free breakfast and lunch in the 2024-2025 school year. This means that every student can get breakfast and lunch by simply punching in their PIN when they check out. We have been working with the students and the cafeteria to provide options that are appealing to students. Waffle Wednesdays and Taco Tuesdays have been a huge success. Look for a Google Form to pre-order your paninis to fast pass you through the lines! We encourage everyone to take advantage of the NYS Community Eligibility Program..
Attendance:
In accordance with the PVCSD Attendance Policy, students are required to be in school, and absenteeism should not exceed 18 absences in a full-year course and 9 absences in a half-year course. Please review your child’s attendance in PowerSchool. Students will be required to make up seat time in order to receive course credit.
After School:
We have noticed some students in the building and on campus after school without a purpose. Students should only be here after school if they are seeking extra help, involved with a club, or participating in athletics. Students need to be on the bus by 2:40.
Additional Resources:
High School Website: https://pvcsd.org/index.php/
Student Support Suite: https://sites.google.com/
We encourage you to stay informed and engaged throughout your child’s academic journey. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s guidance counselor or the school administration if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mr. Matt Mello
Principal
Putnam Valley High School