Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,
The highlight of my week this week was the Patuxent Valley Hispanic Parents Night on Tuesday evening.  We had a great turnout in our library and spent the evening eating snacks, getting to know each other and learning more about how families and the school can support each other to support our young people.   This morning we hosted our first Latino Bulldog town halls where we celebrated the diverse Latino and Hispanic cultures of our school and asked students to share with us what they want staff to know about the experience of Latino and Hispanic students at Patuxent Valley.  Each of these events made me feel both proud and challenged as a faculty member at Patuxent Valley - I’m so thankful for Sra. Arbelo, our Hispanic Achievement Liaison for organizing the events and to Sra. Flores, our School Social Worker for her contributions.

Check out the slides we used here and this video celebrating Hispanic and Latino Culture we shared with the young people here!

This week our PBIS committee published the Student Spotlights for the month of October - these are students who were nominated by other students, can there be a bigger accolade?  Ask your young person if they see their name in the hall or who they are going to nominate for November!

Next week 8th period begins.  Students should continue to look our for information on the Student Resources Canvas Page and parents should ask their students about the permission form that came home today with any students who signed up this week.  Contact Ms. Porter (LaVerne_Porter@hcpss.org) with questions.

We continue to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and began collecting donations today.  It was awesome to see so many at school wearing pink and supporting this important cause.  We are still collecting donations and I’ve promised to dress up if we raise enough money - look out for the photos at the end of the month, and see below for how to participate!

Next week we have our Grade 6 field trip to Terrapin Adventures and both vision and hearing screening for some students on Monday and our Flu and COVID vaccine clinic on Wednesday.  Make sure you have reviewed the G6 newsletter and the health room messages below.

I also, wanted to share how encouraged I am by the amazing parents who attend our PTA meetings.  Last night both the library and the online zoom call were filled with people and there were so many great ideas to connect our community and support our student and student programs.  Don’t forget about the Board Game Night next Wednesday here at school - we hope to see you there!

Finally, earlier this week our Superintendent, Dr. Martirano, sent an email to the HCPSS community regarding escalating events in the Middle East.  I have been following the news with a heavy heart and I am aware that these events are impacting many of our students, families and community members.  He encouraged students to speak to a counselor, teacher, school administrator, or any trusted adult in their school if they need to unpack their thoughts or feelings.  Like Dr. Martirano, I encourage these things, and also encourage you to please reach out to your child’s school counselor, or to me if your child needs any additional support while at Patuxent Valley.

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:

10/16: PVMS Vision and Hearing Screening

10/18: Flu and COVID Vaccine Clinic

10/20: Professional Learning Day - No School

10/27, 10/28, 10/29: PVMS Fall Play - The Wizard of Oz Gone Wrong

10/31: End Quarter 1

11/13-17: American Education Week

11/20: Schools Close 3 Hours Early/Parent Teacher Conferences

11/21: Schools Close 3 Hours Early/Parent Teacher Conferences

11/22: Schools Closed for Students/Parent Teacher Conferences

11/23 & 24: Schools and Office Closed

PVMS Updates (New this week)

Flu and COVID Vaccine Clinic:

Each year, the Howard County Public School System partners with the Maryland Partnership for Prevention to bring flu immunizations into our schools for students. This year, they will also be offering the latest Covid vaccine. The clinic at Patuxent Valley Middle School will be held on October 18th, 2023 during school hours. If you would like your child to be vaccinated against the flu and/or Covid at this clinic, please register at this link: https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/0817262392. Read more

Wizard of Oz Goes Wrong:

Tickets are now on sale at hcpss.booktix.com for our fall show Wizard of Oz Goes Wrong. This play is a comedic look at what might go wrong when a theater company only has two weeks to rehearse a show. We invite everyone, not just relatives of the actors, to enjoy the show and support our PVMS students. The performances are Friday (Oct. 27) and Saturday (Oct. 28) at 7 pm, and Sunday (Oct. 29) at 3 pm. Cash only tickets can also be purchased at the door 30 minutes before the show. Credit cards can only be used online at hcpss.booktix.com. Please join us!

PTA Updates Board Game Night 10/19

Bring the whole family, your favorite board game and join us for an evening of fun and community! 

Pizza will be available for pre purchase (see link to order ahead at our school discount price!) 

A limited amount of slices and concessions will be available to purchase at event. Cash only. 

We need some additional help with concession sales and setup/cleanup. Please sign up to volunteer if your available!

See you there!
PRE-PURCHASE PIZZA HERE

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE

HCPSS and The Council of Elders (TCOE) Community Academy - Navigating HCPSS:

On October 14 from 9-10:30 a.m., parents and families are invited to attend a virtual session regarding how to effectively maintain communication with your child’s school. HCPSS staff will demonstrate how parents can monitor students’ performance by utilizing school system online resources. Additionally, families will receive strategies to help ensure successful parent-teacher conferences. This session is for families of students at elementary, middle or high. To register, please complete the registration form linked here.  Please see the TCOE Navigating HCPSS flyer. for more information. 

PVMS Updates (recurring from previous newsletters)

Alpha Kappa Alpha Annual Coat Day: Alpha Kappa Alpha is giving away new coats, hats, scarves and gloves for men, women and children. (All sizes)

9:30 am to 12:00 pm

October 14, 2023

The Wilde Lake Interfaith Center

10431 Twin Rivers Road

Columbia, MD 21044

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CONTEST & CELEBRATION, 2023-24

On behalf of the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity and the Howard County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, students, their families, and staff are invited to participate in several exciting contests. 

Each year the MLK Holiday Commission recognizes students, individuals, and organizations with several contests and awards, including a Poster, Essay, and Oratory competition for grades K-12 and the “Living the Dream Award" for individuals and organizations whose outreach efforts align with Dr. King’s message and vision. The theme for this year is “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”  The closing date for all contests is October 18, 2023.

Contest winners will be recognized at the Celebration on January 14, 2024, at Howard Community College Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center. Please join us January 15, 2024, at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for our Day of Service activities.   For more information, please see the flier.

Fan Behavior and Safety at HCPSS Athletics Events

High school athletic events serve as a wonderful opportunity for students, friends, families, staff and community members to come together in support of their favorite teams. To ensure these games are able to be safely enjoyed by all in attendance, it is imperative that everyone adheres to the rules, expectations and laws in place to ensure safety.

All children who are in 8th grade or younger must be accompanied by an adult or will be turned away from entry.

Athletic contests are considered extensions of the school day, and behaviors that violate the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct or Board of Education policies are subject to the same disciplinary measures as those that occur during the school day. Any students found to engage in inappropriate, illegal or dangerous behavior, including verbal and physical abuse at games, are subject to discipline up to the forfeiture of the game itself. Non-student spectators who violate event rules may be asked to leave the premises and may be banned for the remainder of the season. Additionally, the Howard County Police Department maintains a presence at games and will be sure all applicable laws are adhered to.

Please note that substances such as tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol are illegal to have on school grounds. Furthermore, no spectators are permitted to be under the influence of these substances upon entering school grounds.

HCPSS schools are welcoming environments for our friends around the county and state. All spectators are expected to display good sportsmanship to the athletes, coaches officials, members of the marching band, cheerleaders and poms, dance teams, opposing fans, and anyone in attendance. Please show respect for all those around you.

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is the start of National Bullying Prevention Month! We wanted to use this opportunity to share with our students, parents, guardians, and families some information and definitions to better help you understand bullying. It is important that you understand what bullying is to ensure you are able to report it when you see it or are told about it. Thank you for helping to ensure our school a safe place for all students! Read more

Transportation Updates: The morning bus drop off time has been changed to 7:35am beginning on October 2.  Pick up times have been adjusted in bus locator.  See HCPSS Transportation Page for more bus locator information: https://www.hcpss.org/schools/transportation/ 

HC Drug Free Updates

Free parenting class and Medication and Sharps Disposal Take Back Day Read more

HCPSS and The Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County (TCOE) have partnered to sponsor the following parent workshops series: October 14: Navigating the Howard County Public School System December 16: Social Emotional Well-Being and Substance Abuse January 27: Processes for Parent Empowerment March 9: Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships Each engaging session is held virtually on Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m. Please see the save the date flyer Read more

HCPSS’ Multilingual Parent Leadership Program will begin on October 5. The six-week program is designed to help multilingual parents navigate the school system and develop the confidence to serve as advocates for their children. The program also provides training for multilingual parents to assume leadership roles in schools and the community. The program is held on Thursdays on the dates listed below and runs from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Participants must attend all sessions.Read more

 

PVMS Vision and Hearing Screening

PVMS's Vision and Hearing Screening will be held on Monday October 16th; the re-screening date is scheduled for November 9. 2023. Please contact our school nurse, Russell Smith (RN) with any questions, russell_smith@hcpss.org. 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.

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.