Dear PVMS Families,

 October is upon us and it’s the time of year for cooler temperatures, falling leaves,  and pumpkins.  Our in person Back to School Nights were a success and we hope you were able to get an idea of your child’s year ahead.  If you would like to schedule a meeting with your child’s teachers, please contact team leaders to set up a day that works for everyone.  These meetings should continue to take place remotely. 

Some of our clubs have begun and many more will start this month.  We always encourage students to expand their horizons in trying new things and this is a wonderful opportunity to do so.  Eighth grade students that may qualify for National Junior Honor Society can expand on their experiences and application requirements by joining modified sports and joining clubs.  Many of our clubs run in the afternoon but some run in the morning so there is a need to be dropped off at 7:00 AM.  Please sign up prior to attending and remember students can sign up for as many as they would like to.

 Please note that students will be hearing from our Student Government advisors soon.  We will hold elections for our grade level positions.  We would like to see more involvement this year as any student may join the Student Council.  Student Government elected individuals will help to lead Student Council meetings, which will take place throughout the year.  With advocacy and choice, we hope to continue to build a more involved student body and culture throughout our building.

 Please check in with your child on a daily basis and go over Power School to ensure accountability and transparency regarding assignments and grades. All of our teachers use Google Classroom and some use the Remind App to post assignments.  If you have any questions, please contact classroom teachers.

 Some important dates to mark on your calendar this month:

October 1  – 14       Scholastic Virtual Book Fair

October 4 – 6         Scholastic In Person Book Fair – Learning Commons – Lunch Periods

October 8            Emergency Management Drill – Dismissal 15 minutes early – 2:21PM

October 8             Mid Point Quarter 1

October 11            Columbus Day – School Closed

October 15            Grades/Comments Posted for Mid-Point Quarter 1 –  Check Power School

October 25 – 29   Red Ribbon Week

October 27            Picture Retake Day

October 28            End of Encore 1 for Grades 5 & 6

October 29              Start of Encore 2 for Grades 5 & 6

October 29              Halloween – Students may dress up (no full face masks – students must wear masks for COVID-19 health reasons, weapons, or  face paint)

October 29              Halloween Bash – More info to come.

The midpoint of quarter 1 will be Friday, October 8th.  Please log-on to PowerSchool on October 15th for comments from your child’s teachers regarding the first 5 weeks of school.  Please contact your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns.

Our students and staff are second to none.  We appreciate everyone following our new practices!  Students and staff have been wearing their masks and are doing better at getting to class on time.  This will be another year where we must remain flexible regarding Health Department guidance and the possibility of students testing positive for Covid-19 and/or getting quarantined.  Thank you for your flexibility and know that our teachers will do everything possible to keep their students on track and supported during their time out of school.  Please continue to talk with your children to see how they are doing.  It is through these relationships that we continue to inform and reflect.  Please remember to contact the Middle School if you have any questions.  We hope to continue to work hard in partnering with you in helping to develop life-long learners.

Sincerely,

Travis W. McCarty and Dr. Letitia Payne