We are excited to see our staff members back in their classrooms and preparing for the upcoming school year while working with technology, and collaborating with colleagues. Our 5th graders visited school for orientation and although they came in socially distanced and wearing their masks, they smiled with their eyes and their hearts, and their minds were filled with curiosity and excitement. It was wonderful to see our classrooms filled with students after nearly 6 months. We know it will be a year unlike any other but we are prepared with a safe environment for all learners. It is imperative for us to partner in staying positive, being culturally responsive and empathetic, and staying flexible while focusing on the essentials with regard to academic standards!
A few items of importance before the start school on Tuesday, September 8th.
- Before getting on a bus or being transported to school, all families should fill out the COVID 19 form that will be emailed on a daily basis.
- Please ensure that your child comes to school with a mask. It would be helpful if all materials were labeled with your child’s name, including masks.
- Go to the Parent/Tech website. There will be important information with regard to Google Classroom. Each classroom should be joined before September 8th as some students will start remotely, while others on the hybrid model may also be remote before coming to school in person. This is essential in order to connect with each classroom remotely. Please email your child’s teacher with any questions.
- In order to follow our daily schedule please follow these instructions. Once school starts (September 8th), click on the “Week View” in “My Schedule” via the parent portal and it will show you a week schedule, as represented in the school’s calendar setup. The “Week View” is blank right now because school is not in session yet. This will show you the length of each period and when to switch classes. Please note that Mondays will be remote learning days with 42 minute periods. We are on a 12 day rotation with Tuesday – Friday classes with some classes being 35 minutes and others being 52 minutes. We want to make sure children are in the correct classes at the correct time.
- Our school day runs from 7:45AM-1:50PM and attendance will be taken for every class. It always helps to start a routine that will promote engagement from all students. Going to bed earlier and waking up earlier to get prepared for the day may be a challenge but it is imperative for success.
- Our drop off and pick up procedures for parents/guardians have not changed. Students may be dropped off at the crosswalk between the middle school and the high school starting at 7:30AM. Students may be picked up outside the middle school after dismissal. We will have more than 50% of our population going remote on any given day so this will reduce the amount of students entering and leaving our building. Please be sure to read our Student Handbook.
- Please review our opening parent letter and schedule for more details on the upcoming year.
Opening Week Schedule
Putnam Valley Middle School
Tuesday, September 8:
Grades 5 and 6 (Last Name A-K) will attend school for in-person instruction.
Grades 5 and 6 (Last Name L-Z ) will NOT attend school and will virtually participate in some class activities.
Grades 7 and 8 will NOT attend school and will participate in distance learning.
All remote learners will participate in distance learning
Wednesday, September 9:
Grades 5 and 6 (Last Name L-Z ) will attend school for in-person instruction.
Grades 5 and 6 (Last Name A-K ) will NOT attend school and will virtually participate in some class activities.
Grades 7 and 8 will NOT attend school and will participate in distance learning.
All remote learners will participate in distance learning
Thursday, September 10:
Grades 7 and 8 (Last Name A-K) will attend school for in-person instruction.
Grades 7 and 8 (Last Name L-Z ) will NOT attend school and will virtually participate in some class activities.
Grades 5 and 6 will NOT attend school and will participate in distance learning.
All remote learners will participate in distance learning
Friday, September 11:
Grades 7,8 (Last Name L-Z) – will attend school for in-person instruction.
Grades 7 and 8 (Last Name A-K) will NOT attend school and will virtually participate in some class activities.
Grades 5 and 6 will NOT attend school and will participate in distance learning.
All remote learners will participate in distance learning
Mark Your Calendar
September 8th – First Day of School
September 23rd and 24th – Picture Day – Dress your best! Everything will be electronic as not packets will go home with your children. There will be an option for those students who are 100% remote to come in from 3:00-5:00PM on these days to get their picture taken.
September 23rd – Back to School Night – 5th and 6th grade – These will be held virtually from 6:30 – 9:00PM. There will be more information to come.
September 24th – Back to School Night – 7th and 8th grade – These will be held virtually from 6:30 – 9:00PM. There will be more information to come.
September 28th – Yom Kippur – School Closed
We look forward to a wonderful September as you children return to school. Please continue to follow social distancing recommendations and wash hands often as we want to continue to flatten the curve and remain healthy.
We wish you all a relaxing Labor Day weekend with friends and family and we cannot wait to see your children.
Sincerely,
Travis W. McCarty and Dr. Letitia Payne