December is already here and we will be welcoming in winter on the 21st. The holiday season always reminds us that we have so much to be thankful for. This season also brings about many emotions. Please be vigilant in lending a hand to those in need and help to make us aware so we may work together in providing any support that we can as a school community.
Our student council had a very successful food drive in late November. Thank you to all of our families and staff who were able to donate. A total of 596 items were collected over the course of 5 days. All items were donated to our very own Putnam Valley Food Pantry. Thank you again to all that donated!
The PVMS Student Council will be hosting its Annual Coat Drive through Friday, December 15th, benefiting our local communities. We will be collecting coats, gloves, scarves, and hats. Items must be new, or gently used and clean. Please do NOT donate items that have holes, rips, missing buttons, broken zippers or stains. Please do not donate items if there is pet hair embedded in the fabric. Students may bring donations to the boxes in the main lobby or parents can drop them off as well. All items should be dropped off in plastic bags. Thank you to all of our families that will be donating to this great cause.
We have not had a substantial snowfall yet with only a few flurries, but our temperatures have been dropping. With these colder temperatures, please have your children bundle up. They should be wearing jackets and be prepared for outdoor recess and physical education classes while enjoying the fresh air.
We have many items of clothing in our lost and found. A vast majority of the items are sweatshirts and jackets. Please label all of your child’s items so that we can return them if they are misplaced. Feel free to remind your children to check the lost and found if you feel they are missing items.
Reminders:
There is always the possibility of snow or icy road conditions moving forward and it is good to have a contingency plan in place. In the case that we may have an early dismissal, it is imperative to provide your children with a house key or a plan to go to a neighbor’s or relative’s house. Create a plan and be prepared, this will help everyone, without creating stress during these situations.
Upcoming Events:
Erin’s Law Presentations (6th & 8th Gr.) Monday, December 4th & Wednesday, December 6th
We wanted to take this opportunity to share with you that Erin’s Law was passed into legislation by New York State in 2019. Our school has partnered with the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Putnam County to bring two presentations to our 6th and 8th graders. The Monique Burr Foundation for Children Prevention Education Programs: Child Safety Matters is a comprehensive, evidence-based prevention education program for elementary and middle school age students. The program teaches students and adults how to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to the four types of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect), bullying, cyberbullying, and digital dangers.
As a parent, your main concern is to protect your child/teen. The best way to do that is to stay active and involved in their lives to assess any risks they may be facing and to educate and empower them to protect themselves. Ongoing conversations about tough and sensitive topics are a great way to do that. If you would like support in having these discussions at home as well, please utilize this resource.
We appreciate your partnership, and if you have any questions, you may contact our school counselor, Melody Ortiz at 845-528-8101 Ext. 1209 or myself at 845-528-8101 Ext. 1207.
Picture Retakes – Tuesday, December 5th during lunch/recess periods.
Midpoint of Quarter 2 – Friday, December 15th. Please check PowerSchool for updated comments and grades on Thursday, December 21st.
Concert season is upon us! All concerts will take place in the Putnam Valley High School Performing Arts Center (PAC).
5th and 6th Grade Chorus – Tuesday, December 12th at 7:00PM
7th and 8th Grade Chorus – Wednesday, December 13th at 7:00PM
Snow Date for Chorus Concerts – Thursday, December 14th at 7:00PM
5th and 6th Grade Band – Tuesday, December 19th at 7:00PM
7th and 8th Grade Band – Wednesday, December 20th at 7:00PM
Snow Date for Band Concerts – Thursday, December 21st at 7:00PM
Encore 2 Ends – Grades 5 & 6 – Friday, December 22nd
Holiday Recess will begin on Saturday, December 23rd and go through Monday, January 1st. We will resume classes on Tuesday, January 2nd. Please note that we will be disabling chromebooks so that our students can spend time with their families over the holiday break. Please make sure that these devices are fully charged for a return on Tuesday, January 2nd.
This time of year brings wonder, excitement, and family gatherings and also brings attention to other emotions that build throughout the entire year. This is a time to reflect on what went well and changes that could be made for the upcoming calendar year. Emotions run high and it is extremely important to be sensitive to what everyone might be challenged with on a daily basis. Please remind your children to be empathetic toward one another and to be responsive to everyone’s needs if possible. Words matter and we must be thoughtful and kind to everyone as it is impossible to know what everyone is going through.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season with your families. Be sure to spend time with your children and discuss the importance of forming relationships, working hard, and building character. It is through making good choices and setting examples for others that everyone learns and grows on a daily basis. Monitor your child’s progress and partner with us in establishing the best experience possible for our children. We look forward to an exciting 2024!
Sincerely,
Travis W. McCarty
Principal