Dear PVMS Families,
We have made it to April and warmer weather is on the way. April showers bring May flowers. This is a special time of year where we see growth not only in nature but our children as well. We must stay focused on our goals and continue to work hard.
Although most middle school children do not want parent involvement, this is a critical time. We encourage you to partner with us in monitoring your child’s homework and academic progress. Here are a few ways you can support your child:
- Check your child’s understanding of reading assignments. We often find that they have a better understanding when you check for understanding.
- Encourage your children to read nightly. Reading 20 minutes a day enhances their comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and background knowledge.
- Help your child plan ahead for long-term projects. Projects are an opportunity for children to express talents and apply themselves in an authentic way. Projects should be taken seriously and turned in on time!
- Check your child’s assignment pad nightly to make sure all work has been completed. Nightly homework assignments review and reinforce material covered daily.
- Review class notes with your child. A quick review of daily notes will aid in the understanding of materials covered and will help prepare your child for the final exams.
With state testing a week away, (April 12th and 13th), it is imperative to encourage students to demonstrate what they have learned and to do their best. These assessments indicate student progress. Please help us set the tone that hard work matters. Putnam Valley is a special place with hard working teachers and students; we can show this by applying what we know on these assessments by exhibiting growth and achievement.
We are adjusting to your children’s needs, and your support in checking their assignment pads and sitting down with your children for fifteen minutes every night is critical. They need to see us working together as a team to help them achieve. We would like to thank you in advance for your combined efforts to ensure your child’s success. The greatest asset is effort. If we attain this, then your child will continue to succeed in the future. We appreciate your support.
Key Dates
New York State ELA Assessments will take place on Thursday, 4/12/18 and Friday, 4/13/18. This is a great opportunity for students to apply what they have learned and to show off their knowledge. Those students refusing these assessments will take part in review work prepared by teachers in order to have formative feedback. All students are to bring independent reading books and sharpened #2 pencils during these days as well.
The 3rd quarter ends on Friday, 4/13/18. Please log-on to Power School on Thursday, 4/19/18 and review your child’s grades with them. This is a great opportunity for you to communicate expectations and reflect on the year up to this point.
Our annual PVMS Blood Drive will take place on Thursday, 4/19/18 from 3:30 – 8:30 p.m. in our gymnasium.
The PTA will be hosting an “Administrator Q & A Forum” on Thursday, 4/19/18 at 6:00 p.m. in our Middle School Dining Hall.
The week of 4/23/18 we will have our “PTA – Buy One Get One Free” Book Fair that will take place in our Dining Hall during lunch periods.
This years musical “The Wiz” will be showing on Friday, 4/27/18 and Saturday, 4/28/18 at 7:00 p.m. on our very own Middle School stage.
National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony will take place on Monday, 4/30/18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Putnam Valley High School Performing Arts Center.
As you can see, April is a month full of key events. Together we must keep our children focused on the importance of school to ensure a successful last few months of the year.
Sincerely,
Travis W. McCarty
Principal