March 2019
Dear PVMS Families,
It is hard to believe that February is over and March is upon us! Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an Early Spring. I hope he is correct and we can enjoy warmer weather as the first full day of spring arrives on March 21st.
March is Music in Our Schools Month and Women’s History Month – We will be addressing both themes during our advisory periods. The theme for Women’s History Month is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.” The theme honors “women who have led efforts to end war, violence, and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society.” We have bulletin boards on the first floor for both Women’s History Month and Music in Our Schools Month and there are activities planned regarding these topics.
As a community we have been faced with great challenges in how our children are communicating with one another over social media. Students use snap chat, house party, Facebook, and group chats to communicate in various ways. Many students have used language, shared images, and sent videos that question the integrity of their character. We are asking that you partner with us to oversee the usage of these technologies and ensure that children are being responsible. Please oversee the technology that your children use and remind them that their actions are a reflection of their character.
In addition, we have seen an upsurge of students who are on games, watching videos, and are on websites that are not educationally appropriate while using school issued laptops. Our laptops are tools for education and these are a privilege. We ask that you review the code of conduct with your children so that everyone knows what is appropriate. Our children use laptops as devices for the classroom only and students will lose the privilege if they make poor choices.
We have recently finished our one book one school, Out of My Mind. Please ask your children the lessons learned through reading the book. It is amazing how many challenges face all of our children but how empathetic we can all be and hopeful for the future of our children.
Key Dates – Mark your calendar
Daylight Savings Time is Sunday, March 10th. Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour.
Thursday, March 14th is the midpoint of the 3rd quarter. Please look for updated comments on Power School for Wednesday, March 20th. After reviewing your child’s progress, please contact their classroom teacher(s) with any questions or concerns.
Our 2019 PVMS International Potluck Dinner will take place on Thursday, March 14, from 6PM-8PM in our PVMS Dining Hall. This was a great success last year! Please take a look at our flier!
There will be no school for students on Friday, March 15th due to a Superintendent’s Conference Day for staff.
A Spring Fling Dance will take place on Friday March 22nd from 5PM-7PM in our Middle School Dining Hall and Gymnasium. Students will vote on themes from various decades in order to dress up for the event.
On Wednesday, March 27th there will be a 6th grade parent meeting regarding our Mandarin Chinese program. This event will take place in our ALL room from 6:30PM – 7:30PM and is an informational night where those attending may ask questions. Rising 7th grade students have the option of taking Mandarin Chinese or Spanish. We will send out a sign-up document to families after this event for enrollment in a language course.
Partnership through Communication
With all of the events occurring in the world around us, I want to remind you to open up the line of communication with your children. Speak with them on a daily basis and ask:
- Who did you sit with at lunch?
- What was your favorite part of the day?
- What questions did you ask your teacher?
- Did you say good morning to your principal?
- What are your goals and aspirations?
When having these conversations we form relationships. When tough situations occur, our children will communicate and look for advice. We continue to stress that you share information with school personnel that will help our school community. If students see something, please remind them to say something. Our school is a safe place where we focus on not only academics, but also the social and emotional wellbeing of all children. If you have any questions please remember to call the Middle School and we will get you the information you need.
We look forward to a momentous March as our students continue to grow.
Sincerely,
Travis W. McCarty
Principal