We have made it to December and anticipate a busy month ahead. I am hopeful that you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving Break with your families as a time to relax and be thankful for what we have. This month always seems to move by quickly!
Did You Know?
In late November our PVMS Student Council had an extremely successful food drive. Together we collected more than 1,400 items, which will be donated to the Putnam Valley Food Pantry as well as other local pantries. One of our 6th grade students, Abigail Kui, donated 352 items! We want to thank all of our students and families who donated to such a great cause over the holiday season. Thank you again for your generosity and making our food drive an overwhelming success!
At this point we are welcoming in the winter season. As it is rare we have not had a substantial snowfall yet, there does appear to be snow in the forecast. Colder temperatures are upon us, so please have your children bundle up. They should be wearing jackets and be prepared for outdoor recess and physical education classes while enjoying the fresh air.
We have many items of clothing in our lost and found. A vast majority of the items are sweatshirts and jackets. Please label all of your child’s items so that we can return them if they are misplaced. Feel free to remind your children to check the lost and found if you are missing items.
Reminders:
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 be prepared as this will help everyone to be where they need to be without creating stress during these situations.
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.
Upcoming Events:
The PVMS Student Council will be hosting its Second Annual Coat Drive from December 1st through December 10th, benefiting our local communities and distributed through the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown.
We will be collecting coats, gloves, scarves, and hats. Items must be new, or gently used and clean. Please do NOT donate items that have holes, rips, missing buttons, broken zippers or stains. Please do not donate items if there is pet hair embedded in the fabric.
Students may bring donations to the boxes in the cafeteria or parents can drop off in the boxes in the front lobby. All items should be dropped off in plastic bags.
Thank you to all of our families that will be donating to this great cause.
Concert season is upon us! All concerts will take place in the Putnam Valley High School Performing Arts Center.
5th and 6th Grade Chorus – Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 7:00PM
7th and 8th Grade Chorus – Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 7:00PM
Snow Date for Chorus Concerts – Thursday, December 9th, 2021 at 7:00 PM
5th Grade Band – Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 6:30PM
6th Grade Band – Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 7:30PM
7th and 8th Grade Bands – Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at 7:00PM
Snow Date for Band Concerts – Thursday, December 16th, 2021 at 7:00 PM
PTA Free Hot Chocolate Event (Lunch Periods) – Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Encore 2 Ends – Grades 5 & 6 – Thursday, December 23, 2021
Holiday Recess will begin on Thursday, 12/23/21 and go through Sunday, 1/2/22. We will resume classes on Monday, 1/3/22.
This time of year brings wonder, excitement, and family gatherings and also brings attention to other emotions that build throughout the entire year. This is a time to reflect on what went well and changes that could be made for the upcoming calendar year. Emotions run high and it is extremely important to be sensitive to what everyone might be challenged with on a daily basis. Please remind your children to be empathetic toward one another and to be responsive to everyone’s needs if possible.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season with your families. Be sure to spend time with your children and discuss the importance of forming relationships, working hard, and building character. It is through making good choices and setting examples for others that everyone learns and grows on a daily basis. Monitor your child’s progress and partner with us in establishing the best experience possible for our children. We look forward to an exciting 2022!
Sincerely,
Travis W. McCarty
Principal