Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,
Thank you so much to all the families who came out to Back to School Night yesterday. The sense of community was palpable in the school building. A special thank you to all the staff members who shared their care with our community, and to the community partners like PTA, HC Library and other groups who came to connect with each of us.
If you are interested in seeing the opening presentation you can view it here. Note the slides on Family File, and please take time to complete this emergency information at https://hcpss.org/connect if you have not done so already.
We look forward to seeing you at the Theater Fundraiser tomorrow - yet another chance to support our school and make community.
Check out the information below for items we’ve been sending out this week, and a number of new items. 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:
09/09/2023 - Theater Fundraiser - see below!
09/13/2023 - Picture Day
09/14/2023 - PTA Meeting at PVMS in the Library, @7pm
09/15/2023 Schools and offices closed for holiday
09/25/2023 Schools and offices closed for holiday
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
PVMS Picture Day 9/13! Read more
PVMS Attendance Procedures 23-24
Please review for comprehensive attendance procedures.Read more
Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Saturday Math Academy Fall 2023 Program
Registration for HCPSS’ BSAP Saturday Math Academy will offer an in-person enrichment program for HCPSS students in all levels of math for grades 3 through 12 based on course availability. Registration will take place online Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until capacity is reached. Class space is limited.
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.
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
HCPSS no longer will use Nutrislice for school menus or MySchoolBucks for meal payments. LINQ Connect is a secure, online portal that allows families to view breakfast and lunch menus, make online meal payments, monitor their child’s account, schedule automatic recurring payments, set up low balance alerts, submit a Free and Reduced Meals program application, and more. Details and information. are available online.
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
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.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please visit the Community News and Programs page on the HCPSS website for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.