Dear PVMS Families,
We had great participation for our Red Ribbon Week as we closed out the week for costume day, “Scare Away Drugs.” A highlight of the week was our 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 Fire Department, Putnam County Emergency Response Team, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Putnam County SWAT team, Westchester County Police for flying in their helicopter, Westchester County Special Operations Division and New York State Police with their K-9 officers. We couldn’t have asked for a better turn out as it was wonderful to see some of our former students as volunteers. Our hope is to continue this as a yearly tradition.
It is hard to believe that November is here as we continue deep into autumn and start to feel the colder temperatures. Please have your children bundle up for these changes. They should be wearing jackets and be prepared for outdoor recess while enjoying the fresh air. We encourage our teachers to bring their students outside as much as possible as well.
Please keep in mind 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.
As the pandemic continues to impact our daily lives, please note the following if your child is quarantined.
- Students should check their email for communication from their teachers.
- Students should follow their daily schedules and check Google Classroom for each of their classes as most will open up Google Meets to listen to instruction.
- Students can email their teachers with questions about any assignments they are working on.
Teachers are responsible for their students’ education and will ensure that they do not fall behind while being quarantined.
Important Dates
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 2. Please remember that students do not come to school on this day. 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!
School will be closed on Thursday, November 11 for Veteran’s Day. Thank you to all who have served or are serving our country!
Quarter 2 begins Monday, November 15 so please have a conversation with your children regarding any missing materials that need to be turned in before the end of the quarter. Please check PowerSchool weekly to ensure that your children are 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 Friday, November 19 for Quarter 1 Report Card Grades and Comments. Please be sure to reach out to teachers regarding any academic, behavioral, or social concerns.
Thanksgiving Recess will be observed November 25 – November 28. Enjoy this time with your family and reflect on everything that we have to be thankful for.
As the year progresses quickly, please find the time to communicate with your children and partner with us in reminding students to make good choices. Studies show that spending time with your children through reading together, playing sports or games, and creating arts and crafts just to name a few, opens the line of communication for all.
Sincerely,
Travis W. McCarty
Principal