Putnam Valley Central School District
Newsletter
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Building a Foundation for the Future |
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Dear Putnam Valley Community,
As spring nears, excitement continues to build within our schools. The reduction in COVID- related restrictions brings new hope, and everyone is eager to return to the type of learning that we know works best for our students; learning that does not easily allow for social distancing or remote instruction.
As a school community of students, parents, and staff, we have persevered through the most difficult times public education has faced in decades. While we acknowledge the toll the past few years have taken on each of us, the outlook for the future is bright. As educators, we will take what we learned during the pandemic and interject our successes into our academic program while advancing the instructional practices that have proven successful. We are celebrating what we've accomplished and what will now be possible.
The excitement surrounding the success of our girls basketball team helped carry us through the winter months; all the way to the state championship tournament. The spring sports season has commenced, and preparation is well underway for our spring musical and upcoming musical performances. Student artwork is on display around the region and our elementary school is welcoming parents back to their science fair and writing celebrations. Our building leaders are eager to find opportunities to welcome families back into our buildings and plan events to bring our students back together.
There is much to be excited about here in Putnam Valley.
At the same time, we continue to focus on the social emotional well-being of all our students, recognizing the fact that many are still struggling from the impact of the pandemic. Added to this is the anxiety and deep sadness that comes with the awareness of how others in the world may be suffering,
I would be remiss to not mention the atrocities we are currently witnessing in Ukraine. Many of our student leaders and club advisors have been moved to support the people of Ukraine. Bunting is draped around the entrance of the High School, and students are taking the time to make signs and other displays of support for the Ukrainian people. While we all hope the invasion of Ukraine will soon end and Russian troops will withdraw, the overwhelming support and sympathy for those impacted by this war will continue.
My heart breaks for those impacted by the invasion of Ukraine and my prayers are with all who are suffering. The images of Ukraine remind me that despite all the challenges we continue to face, there is much to be grateful for here in Putnam Valley. We are very proud of our students, staff, and building leaders who continue to find ways to help others. These actions speak volumes to who we are as a school community, one that always comes together during difficult times. If you or your child are ever in need, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school district and let us know how we can help. Our district thrives most when all of our community stands together and supports one another.
Take care and be well.
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Sincerely,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools
Putnam Valley Central School District
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PVES March Reading Madness! |
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Our after-school March Madness Reading Academy is taking place this month, providing some of our 1st and 2nd graders with an extra boost of reading support two days per week. This pilot program is off to an amazing start, giving our young readers the extra support of small group literacy work, focusing on fluency and comprehension. We are so thankful to our participating teachers, our transportation department, and, of course, our participating students who continue to make us proud. These students are becoming confident, avid readers, and there is nothing more important than that. Go PVES March Madness! |
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PVMS Inducts New Students into
the National Junior Society
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Twenty students will be inducted into the Putnam Valley Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. NJHS was founded in 1929 and recognizes the five pillars of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Citizenship, and Character. To be considered for induction into PV NJHS, students must have a 92.5 average in all subject areas for grade seven and grade eight. Additionally, there can be no report card grade lower than an 85 in grade eight. Student applications are reviewed by a faculty committee. Phyllis Conlin is the advisor for PV NJHS and acts as a liaison with the potential inductees helping guide them through the application process and the induction ceremony. The induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 23, at 7:00 PM, in the middle School dining hall. |
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PVHS Clubs Show Support for the People of Ukraine |
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A special thanks to our clubs (Art Club, NHS, SADD, World Languages Club, French and Spanish Honor Society, Mind over Matter Clubs) and their wonderful advisors for working together to show support for the people of Ukraine. An example of this is the bunting students added to the fences of the High School/ Middle School campus entrance. The war is weighing heavily on some people's minds and this was a positive way for students to express themselves. One IB Learner Profile attribute is "caring," and our school's mission speaks to nurturing students to become "productive citizens in a diverse global society." The activities students have engaged in to show their support are good examples of how much our students embody these values.
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4th Grade Science/Maker Fair a Success in
Innovation and Collaboration!
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Our 4th Grade Science/Maker Fair took place this month on the evening of March 16th. Our PVES Auditorium was filled with young scientists and a crowd full of proud parents and family members who came to observe presentations, investigate studies, and learn! Thank you to Mrs. Bruno and to Mrs. Broas for their hard work with these fourth graders, and thank you to our PVHS Science Honor students (coordinated by Mr. Horr and Mr. Ninan) who provided such skilled help to our elementary children. It was wonderful to have so many parents back in the building for this special event, and our fourth-grade scientists were so well prepared for their presentations. Keep up the great thinking, questioning, and learning! |
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Curriculum and Instruction Spotlight:
Grade 7 Reads the Giver
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Students in 7th grade are studying the book "the Giver" by Lois Lowry. In this dystopian YA novel, society is limited to "sameness," which restricts its citizens in everything from what they can own to what they can feel. In class, they engage in deep discussions about the text and analyze themes raised in the story, such as individuality and the freedom of choice. Students in Ms. Poust's class, pictured here, are articulating the pros and cons, and better solutions they would have for this novel's world. In this class students created a gallery walk of their analysis for their peers to view and discuss as part of the conclusion to the lesson. |
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#TIGERPRIDE:Girls Basketball:! |
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We are so proud of the hard-fought journey of our girls basketball team this season! These Lady Tigers made their way to the NYSPHSAA semifinals. While the journey ended differently than we hoped, we could not be more in awe of the skill, athleticism, and teamwork of these ladies! A special thanks to Coach Don Hamlin and Coach Kerry Sullivan on supporting these students all the way to the top! We are #PVProud all around! |
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The PVCSD, in partnership with our families and community, will ensure that all students are engaged in a challenging, student-focused educational program, understand and assume their responsibility for life-long learning, work to achieve their personal best and become productive citizens in a diverse global society. |
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Contact Us:
Putnam Valley Central School District
(845)528-8143
171 Oscawana Lake Rd
Putnam Valley, NY 10579
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