Dear PVMS Families,
It’s that time of year where we take a moment to give thanks for all that we have and gather to spend time with friends and family. November brings on those emotions beyond being thankful while we also experience leaves falling and cooler temperatures.
Our month of October was extremely eventful with our Red Ribbon week being a success with this year’s quote, “Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” Our PTA sponsored Laser Show was amazing with music and lasers representing the word RESPECT and being kind to people. This was followed up with another PTA event in bringing in an inspirational speaker, Nick “Sunshine” Tokman from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. He was super energetic and encouraged students to follow their dreams and to persevere through challenges they may face. Thursday was our third annual First Responders Apparatus and Equipment Day where our local municipalities came to PVMS to show off what they do. A tremendous thank you to the Putnam Valley Ambulance Corps, Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Westchester County Police with their helicopter and Putnam County SWAT team. It was wonderful to see some of our former students as volunteers. Our high school SADD team members along with Ms. Penta came over to speak with our students during their lunch periods as well.
The Halloween Bash was a tremendous success with many students attending! Ms. Diaz and Mrs. LaVarnway along with our student council created a memorable evening filled with spooktacular activities which included a DJ, a costume contest, face painting, a mummy wrap, movie showing of Hocus Pocus (1993) and much more!
As November rolls in we can anticipate colder temperatures in the near future. Please have your children bundle up for these changes. They should be wearing jackets and be prepared for outdoor recess and outdoor physical education classes while enjoying the fresh air. Please remind your children to check the lost and found as we have an overabundance of jackets and sweatshirts that have been left at PVMS.
This time of year reminds us that there is always the possibility of snow or icy roads moving forward and 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. We do not want your children to panic or need to make last minute plans as this will impact their emotional state and distress them in a time where this doesn’t need to be the case. Create a plan and discuss it with your child.
Important Dates
Middle School Picture Day will take place on Monday, November 6th. Please ensure your child dresses to impress! Picture makeup day is Tuesday, December 5th.
Tuesday, November 7th – Superintendent’s Conference Day – Election Day –
No School for students. Our staff members will be taking part in a Superintendent’s Conference Day and expanding on professional development opportunities. Please get out and remember to vote!
Friday, November 10th – Veterans Day (observed) – Thank you to those who have served our country! No School for staff or students.
Quarter 2 begins Monday, November 13th so please have a conversation with your child regarding any missing materials that may need to be turned in before the end of the quarter. Please check PowerSchool weekly to ensure that your child is being successful and up to date on assignments. This is also a great time to clean out binders and keep all items in safe storage until the end of the year. Please mark your calendar to check PowerSchool on Thursday, November 16th for Quarter 1 Report Card Grades and Comments. Please be sure to reach out to teachers regarding any academic, behavioral, or social concerns.
Read With Me Night– Thursday, November 16th at 6:00PM – PVMS invites students along with their parents and guardians to a night of reading. Come get familiar with our Learning Commons and find a book that you can share together. We’ll provide booklists for each grade level by genre to help you find the perfect book. You don’t want to miss this great PVMS community event.
Thanksgiving Recess will be observed November 22nd – November 26th. Enjoy this time with your family and reflect on everything that we have to be thankful for.
Please find time to discuss the community in which we live and how we can give back. This may be collecting for a food drive or food pantry and/or volunteering time to help others. Putnam Valley is a special place and our children are our future. Thank you for your support and be well!
Sincerely,
Travis W. McCarty
Principal