The annual start-of-school traditions are alive and well at PVES, with our Kindergarten Bus Run introducing our newest students to their teachers, their classrooms, and especially the buses! Parents waved tearful goodbyes as their students took their first bus ride before joining their teachers in their classrooms. 

This summer, we also welcomed our new Assistant Principal, Ms. Carly Robey. A Somers resident, Ms. Robey comes to us with over ten years of teaching experience and a strong literacy background. Ms. Robey was teaching in Wantagh Elementary School as a Reading Specialist prior to coming to PVES. This expertise will be critical to our continued literacy work in the elementary school. We are delighted to have Ms. Robey join our team and work with our staff, students, and families!

Throughout the building, our younger students have embraced their return to the classrooms with unparalleled enthusiasm. From the heartwarming "All About Me" presentations to the interactive nature walks exploring our beautiful grounds and new outdoor spaces, we've dived headfirst into a world of wonder and learning. Our annual Back to School evenings were delightful opportunities to welcome parents to our classrooms, with many families joining us each night. Every smile, every piece of student artwork on decorating our hallways, and every lively classroom discussion reassures us that this year will be filled with memorable moments of growth and joy.

The start of the school year has been nothing short of exhilarating. The energy buzzing around our hallways is palpable, with students reconnecting with friends and getting into the rhythm of their new schedules. The kickoff of our Middle Years Programme has been very exciting, as our teachers and students begin to discuss the IB Learner Profile and our Approaches to Learning. Additionally, our young scientists had a blast at the "Science in September" fair, experimenting and showcasing their innovative projects. This month has set the tone for a year filled with curiosity, camaraderie, and countless opportunities for our students to shine.

Thanks to Ms. Denise Hajkowski and PVMS Assistant Principal, Ms. Zecca, who secured a grant for all of our PVMS students to be able to attend a full day of outdoor learning experiences at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center. Students engaged in fun and challenging team building exercises and strategy games that helped them build important skills and great connections with one another! Thanks so much to the TOEC team and to our colleagues for making this happen for our students!

For more information about these events or to RSVP, please email jdenike@pvcsd.org.

We are thrilled to welcome our high school students back for another exciting year! Our Big Buddies were eager to meet and support our 9th grade students as they navigated their new schedules and their new surroundings.

September has already been a whirlwind of activity, achievement, and anticipation for the year ahead. Our seniors have stepped into their leadership roles with grace, setting the stage for a memorable final year. The fall sports teams have kickstarted their seasons with determination, showcasing talent and teamwork in every match. With such a robust start, we're eager to see where this momentum will carry us in the coming months!

Leon Aguilar-Lando received a National Recognition from the College Board for success on his AP® exams. He received the National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA) distinction. The College Board National Recognition Programs award academic honors to sophomores and juniors who take eligible administrations of AP®, PSAT/NMSQT®, or PSAT™ 10 exams, have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and identify as African American or Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous or Native, or attend high school in a rural area or small town. Students can apply on BigFuture® during the second semester of 10th or 11th grade. We are so proud of Lando for this recognition and all of his accomplishments!

PVHS educators Cat Schoetz and Dan Mahoney were invited to the annual ISTE Conference in June to shine a light on our innovative Color Wars Livestream. The ISTE Conference, or the International Society for Technology in Education, is an international event that serves educators of all roles and backgrounds to share in learning about the latest instructional technology strategies and tools. Cat and Dan were able to present the below documentary on how the ColorWars Livestream came to be and the work involved in orchestrating the very first one, which features students and staff telling the story! You will be amazed by the level of work, collaboration, and learning that goes into making this event happen every year! Color Wars will be held on October 27 this year!

Our parent partnerships are so important to the success of our school community, and the best way to get involved is through our Putnam Valley Parent-Teacher Association and our Putnam Valley Education Foundation. Both organizations are looking for parent volunteers to help with events like Color Run, School Picture Days, book fairs, Trunk-or-Treat, assemblies, and more! Click on their logos to learn more and connect with the organizers!