{"id":7383,"date":"2020-03-02T12:47:28","date_gmt":"2020-03-02T17:47:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pvcsd.org\/?p=7383"},"modified":"2020-03-02T12:50:10","modified_gmt":"2020-03-02T17:50:10","slug":"march-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pvcsd.org\/index.php\/ms\/middle-school-letter\/march-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"March 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear PVMS Families,<\/p>\n

\"\"The month of February flew by even with an extra day for the leap year and now we welcome in March!\u00a0 The month of March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.\u00a0 Winter is still here for a few more weeks and it will be interesting to see if we finally get some snow. It has been predicted that we will get an early spring and we will certainly enjoy warmer weather as the first full day of spring arrives on March 20th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

March is Music in Our Schools Month and Women\u2019s History Month \u2013 We will be addressing both during our advisory periods.\u00a0 The 2020 Women’s History Month theme is \u201cValiant Women of the Vote.\u201d The theme honors “the brave women who fought to win\u00a0suffrage rights for women, and for the women who continue to fight for the\u00a0voting rights\u00a0of others.”\u00a0 We have bulletin boards on the first floor for both Women\u2019s History Month and Music in Our Schools Month and there are activities planned regarding these topics.<\/p>\n

We continue to foster Tiger P.R.I.D.E. at PVMS.\u00a0 Through p<\/strong>erseverance, r<\/strong>esponsibility, i<\/strong>ntegrity, d<\/strong>edication, and e<\/strong>mpathy, we continue to grow as life long learners.\u00a0 In March, we\u2019re looking for students who consistently demonstrate empathy<\/em><\/strong> to be our Student of the Month <\/em><\/strong>recipients<\/em>.\u00a0 How will our students show their PVMS P.R.I.D.E.?<\/p>\n

The middle years are a very changing time and some children feel the need to fit in and may say things without thinking through the situation.\u00a0 Please speak with your children with regard to acceptable language.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t matter if certain words are used in rap songs, on TV, or on-line.\u00a0 Racial slurs, religious bias, and poor language will not be tolerated.\u00a0 When students share that they were influenced or they didn\u2019t know better, it is difficult to believe.\u00a0 We all make mistakes and it is important to learn from them and to grow and become more educated.\u00a0 We have been working on this acceptance and equity for many years.\u00a0 In fact, our book Misfits<\/u> by James Howe has focused on this the entire year.\u00a0 We ask that you review the code of conduct<\/a> with your children so that everyone knows what is appropriate and consequences that may be involved.\u00a0 Our focus will continue to be on making good choices and I am hopeful that everyone can be thoughtful before they speak.<\/p>\n

With NYS ELA testing taking place this month, it is imperative to encourage children to demonstrate what they have learned this year and to put forth amazing effort. \u00a0These assessments indicate student progress. \u00a0Please help us set the tone that hard work matters.\u00a0 Putnam Valley is a special place with hard working teachers and students; we can show this by applying what we know on these assessments by exhibiting growth and achievement.<\/p>\n

Some of the changes that have had a positive impact on these assessments are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Fewer test sessions and questions<\/li>\n
  2. Greater teacher involvement in writing assessment questions<\/li>\n
  3. Faster results for teachers<\/li>\n
  4. Untimed tests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    I want to wish all of our children the best as they build their confidence in addressing state standards and showing off what they have learned!<\/p>\n

    Key Dates \u2013 Mark Your Calendar<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Encore 4 will begin on Thursday, March 5th<\/sup>.\u00a0 Please review your child\u2019s schedule and ensure that they know where they are going.\u00a0 They can always stop by the Main Office and we will let them know if they are unsure.<\/p>\n

    Friday, March 6th<\/sup> is the midpoint of the 3rd<\/sup> quarter.\u00a0 Please look for updated comments on Power School for Thursday, March 12th<\/sup>.\u00a0 After reviewing your child\u2019s progress, please contact their classroom teacher(s) with any questions or concerns.<\/p>\n

    Daylight Savings Time is Sunday, March 8th<\/sup>.\u00a0 Don\u2019t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour.<\/p>\n

    We will have a Superintendent\u2019s Conference Day on Friday, March 13th<\/sup>.\u00a0 This is a time where teachers will be involved in professional development and students will not have school.\u00a0 Please ensure that your children have supervision for this day.<\/p>\n

    This years\u2019 musical \u201cThe Addams Family\u201d will be showing on Friday, March 13th<\/sup> and Saturday, March 14th<\/sup> at 7:00 p.m. on our very own Middle School Stage.\u00a0 Please come out and support our crew and cast members!<\/p>\n

    \"\"Happy St. Patrick\u2019s Day \u2013 March 17th<\/sup><\/p>\n

    New York State ELA Assessments will take place on Thursday, March 26th<\/sup> and Friday, March 27th<\/sup>.\u00a0 This is a great opportunity for students to apply what they have learned and to show off their knowledge.\u00a0 Those students refusing these assessments will take part in review work prepared by teachers and\/or read in order to have formative feedback.\u00a0 All students are to bring independent reading books and sharpened #2 pencils during these days as well.<\/p>\n

    Partnership Through Communication<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0 Speak with them on a daily basis and ask:<\/p>\n