Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,

The New Student Orientation and Block Party yesterday truly confirmed to me that I’ve found my new home here at Patuxent Valley.  It was wonderful to meet new faces, see some friends from Reservoir and hear so many stories from students, and families about why they love our community and school.  Thank you to every staff member and PTA member who helped to plan both events, and to everyone who attended for the part they played in beginning the school year well!

 

Next week Patuxent Valley is open for the 23-24 school year beginning at 8am on Monday morning.  Our doors will open at 7:50am and we’ll have staff in the parking lots and bus loop to help our families and young people.  Plan to get here early and have patience for each other as we navigate new routines - our primary goal for Monday is to get every student connected to their people for the school year.

 

Check out the information below for items we’ve been sending out this week and some new things to help us all be prepared for the new school year! Let us know if you have any questions or if there is something you’d like to see in the newsletter.  All of this information is also posted on our website at http://pvms.hcpss.org/. 

 

There is nothing too big or too small for us to work on together, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Regards,

Richard Smart, Principal (richard_smart@hcpss.org)

UPCOMING DATES:
08/28/2023- School begins for students

09/04/2023 - Labor Day

09/07/2023- Back to School Night @6:00pm Details to come 

ARRIVAL DISMISSAL AND TRANSPORTATION

Talk with your young person today about how they are getting to school on the first day.  Consider a trial run and check out the resources below.  Contact us with any questions - we are here to help.

PVMS & BBES Joint Message about Arrival and Dismissal with a map

HCPSS Important Transportation Reminders and Updates

SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR VISITORS

Please be aware of the following procedures for any visitor to a school/office:

• The front door is the only entrance point for all visitors.

• Please ring the bell and look into the camera.

• Be prepared to state your name and purpose for visiting.

• All visitors must walk directly into the front office with a valid photo I.D. and sign in using our LobbyGuard system.

• A visitor’s sticker will be given to visitors following the above procedures and must be worn and prominently visible.

• Any visitor in the school without a visitor sticker will be escorted directly to the front office by a staff member.

NEW SCHOOL MEALS AND PAYMENT INFO

REVIEW IMPORTANT HCPSS POLICIES

The Secondary Student & Parent Handbook that includes the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct

Policy 1020: Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct 

Policy 1025: Title IX Sexual Harassment

Policy 9010: Attendance 

Policy 9210: Student Dress Code

Policy 9200: Student Discipline 

Policy 9230: Alcohol, Other Drugs, Prescription Medication and Over-the-Counter Products

Policy 1050: Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Free Environment 

Policy 9460: Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Involving Students 

                     Student Code of Conduct

WELLNESS CENTER AT PVMS

The Patuxent Valley Middle School-Based Wellness Center is a partnership between Howard County Health Department and Howard County Public School System. School Wellness Centers do not replace students' regular health care providers in the community. By providing some health care at school we can help parents stay at work and help students stay at school or more quickly return to school. There is no co-pay or fee for visits at the Wellness Center. Read more

UPDATED PATUXENT VALLEY SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST

Click here for the 23-24 PVMS School Supply Menu, now updated to include a School Planner to help all of our students with organization.

ANNOUNCING A FUNDRAISER FOR PVMS THEATER:

Saturday, September 9, a Chipotle restaurant night is scheduled to support the PVMS chapter of the International Thespian Society and PVMS’ after school productions.  Just show the flyer when you purchase food between 4 and 8 pm that day  (or use the code when you order online) from the Chipotle in Laurel Lakes to support PVMS Theatre. Please pick up a flyer or use the link below to access an electronic copy of the flyer.

Chipotle flyers for September 9, 2023.pdf

COMMUNITY RESOURCE NEWSLETTER

Click here to see a comprehensive list of resources and support available to our community.  Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need help navigating any of these opportunities.

FAMILY FILE UPDATES

HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. All parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child each school year.  Parents/guardians can access their student's Family File by logging into HCPSS Connect, selecting the “More Options” tab on the left and then selecting “Family File” in the center column.

Please be sure to read each section carefully and answer all of the questions.  You can contact us here at school if you have any questions or concerns.

PTA AND BACK TO SCHOOL DONATIONS

It’s never too early to sign up for PTA for the school year or to make a donation.  Check out the PVMS PTA information here. We are also working hard to plan activities for staff and students during the opening weeks, if you’d like to make a donation to Patuxent Valley for these activities you can do so here. 

IMMUNIZATIONS

All students must have the required State of Maryland immunizations in order to attend school. Details on immunization and health form requirements can be found online. 7th graders: MCV 4 (meningococcal vaccine) and TDAP must be completed before first day of school.  Upcoming Immunization Clinics