From the Desk of the Principal, January 9, 2026 | Patuxent Valley Middle School

Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! I hope you had a refreshing break - it is great to see our young people back in the building and to have the opportunity to begin again with the new calendar year.

Our motto for this school year is: E3: Expect Excellence From Everyone and I’m taking the opportunity as we begin the new calendar year to remind our students and staff about what we committed to at the beginning of the school year.

I encourage you to take this opportunity of new beginnings, and re-energizing around our vision to check in with your young person about school and to review their progress and grades using the Canvas gradebook. With just three weeks before the end of the quarter this is the perfect time to do a progress check and make any plans that need to be made to finish the quarter strongly. Only yesterday I had a young woman come talk with me about Honor Roll and their plans to improve a grade in a class to ensure they get that recognition! What better way to show Excellence than finishing the quarter well and coming to our Honor Roll recognitions.

Yesterday we took time to induct more students into the Patuxent Valley chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Each of these young people demonstrated our #BulldogStrong values and in the words of Ms. Chelidona:

“Our Induction ceremony is not just about a formal recognition for the hard work you have already accomplished. It is also about creating a strong foundation for the success you will see in the future. Our past NJHS members have gone on to be well prepared in school and careers but most importantly, they are inspirations to their families, friends and community. Success has its foundation in the pillars of the National Honor Society: Leadership, Scholarship, Service, Citizenship, and Character.”

Please join me in congratulating these amazing young people and Ms. Chelidona and Ms. Langan for sponsoring this important organization at PVMS!

Yesterday we also hosted our annual PVMS Spelling Bee and I’m proud to announce Macy W, as the 1st place winner, and Munsif R as the 2nd place winner. Macy will represent PVMS at the Howard County Bee. Thank you to all students who participated and their hard work in preparation for the competition. They truly embody our vision for excellence.

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:

1/14 - Rising 6th Grade Scheduling Night @PVMS, 6pm

1/15 - January PTSA Meeting 7pm @PVMS

1/19: School Closed for MLK Day

1/22: Schools Close 3 Hours Early - Professional Learning Day

1/23: 2nd Qtr Ends, Schools Close 3 Hours Early

PVMS Updates (Priority and New this week)

January Career Corner

I hope you all had a fun and relaxing break! We are kicking off this new year with this month’s Career Cluster Spotlight: Healthcare & Human Services—a dynamic and fast-growing field that focuses on improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

This cluster includes a wide variety of careers—from hands-on medical care to emotional and behavioral support, from biotechnology and health data to personal wellness services. It brings together science, compassion, and innovation to support health at every stage of life.

Why It Matters in Maryland:
Maryland is a national leader in health sciences and biotechnology, with major employers like Johns Hopkins Medicine, NIH, and hundreds of biotech firms. In 2024, Maryland added over 1,600 healthcare jobs in just one quarter, showing how fast this sector is growing. From hospitals to home care, and from research labs to counseling centers, there are expanding opportunities across the state.

Below is an overview of the six sub-clusters within this diverse career area:

Behavioral & Mental Health
Sample Careers: Counselor, Psychologist, Psychiatric Tech

Biotechnology Research & Development
Sample Careers: Biomedical Scientist, Lab Technician, Biotech Researcher

Community & Social Services
Sample Careers: Social Worker, Case Manager, Community Health Advocate

Health Data & Administration
Sample Careers: Health Info Technician, Medical Records Clerk, Healthcare Admin

Personal Care Services
Sample Careers: Hairstylist, Massage Therapist, Esthetician

Physical Health
Sample Careers: Nurse, Physical Therapist, Radiologic Tech

Industry Trends to Know:

VR and gaming tech are being used for medical training and therapy.
Health data and analytics are driving new job growth.
The aging U.S. population is increasing demand for home care and support services.
Maryland’s biotech corridor is among the most advanced in the country.

Many careers in this cluster offer short-term certification programs, dual enrollment options, and even pathways that start in high school—making it an excellent fit for students with interests in science, technology, helping others, or wellness.

This month's Career Cafe will take place on Thursday, January 29th. If you are interested in speaking for this month's Career Cafe please complete this form. Any student interested in attending this month's Career Cafe can sign up by completing this form. (Students will need to be signed into their hcpss.me account to complete the form.)

Feel free to reach out to our CRA, Ms. Monica Stevens at monica_stevens@hcpss.org with any questions.

Artificial Intelligence Training and Mentorship for K-12 Students and Educators (ATM4K12)

The Artificial Intelligence Training and Mentorship for K-12 Students and Educators (ATM4K12) will provide free workshops, virtual office hours and mentorships aiming to support middle school students and K-12 educators in Maryland. Benefits of participating in this project include:

1. Lunch or refreshments will be provided.

2. The project team will help participants to submit their work to IEEE Integrated STEM education conference which will be held in March 2026 at Princeton University. The conference registration will be covered by this project if the participants’ papers are accepted.

3. The winners of this Presidential AI Challenge will get up to $10,000 from the White House.

Students from grades 6-8 are invited to apply to participate in this project. Please fill in the Google Form to indicate your interest:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-ojh56WCineyvtB6NiEp9que5Au1Mu503q5eqy8xgh0/edit

The January 10, 2026 workshop will be 1-4:30pm through ZOOM: https://northeastern.zoom.us/j/99074336279pwd=GZXKrYyTKWlrN1ArqKIUQaO6ijk1lw.1

Meeting ID: 990 7433 6279

Passcode: 922432

The January 17, 2026 Office Hours will be 2:30-5 pm in the Marvin Thomas Room at East Columbia Branch Library.

8th Grade Course Requests Due Monday 1/12

We are entering an exciting time in the school year as we begin registering for high school. For many of you, this is a new experience, and for those of you who have done this with older children, some things have changed. Below are all of the links and information needed to register for the 2026-2027 school year.

On December 16th, students and parents will be able to view their teachers' high school course recommendations and register for elective classes in Synergy.

Resources and materials needed to register for 9th-grade classes:

High School Registration Dates:

December 16 - Students and parents can view teacher recommendations and begin entering course requests and alternates into Synergy. Students must select 2 electives and 3 alternates.
December 18 - Guilford Park HS Parent Information Night, 5:30pm
January 6 - Hammond High School Parent Information Night, 5:30pm
January 12 - Last day to enter your High School registration in Synergy. The recommendations close at 4:00 pm.

Any questions should be directed to your child's school counselor:

Jamie Kim | School Counselor, Students G6-8, A-F | Jamie_Kim@hcpss.org

Stephanie Dine | School Counselor, Students G6-8 G-N | Stephanie_Dine@hcpss.org

Jamie Glover | School Counselor, Students G6-8, O-Z | Jamie_Glover@hcpss.org

PVMS Updates (recurring from previous newsletters)

8th Period Programs (Intramurals and Co-Curricular Activities)

8th Period Programs (Intramurals and Co-Curricular Activities) will begin December 2nd and run through February 12th. Some clubs meet on Tuesdays and some Thursdays. Please refer to the link for descriptions of programs being offered. The deadline for submissions is November 21st .

All programs meet 2:35 and end at 3:45. There is no snack or transportation offered.

This form must be completed as it is the permission slip for the clubs. No students will be permitted to stay without a completed form from a parent or guardian.

Notify Jenny Whitebloom, jennifer_whitebloom@hcpss.org with any questions.

REGISTRATION FOR BSAP SATURDAY MATH ACADEMY
The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program Saturday Math Academy Spring Session is approaching! The BSAP Saturday Math Academy will offer an in-person enrichment program for Howard County Public School System students in all levels of math for grades 3-12, based on course availability. Registration will take place online on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:00 am until capacity is reached. Class space is limited. Families can register by accessing the HCPSS Connect Website on the registration date. For more information, please visit HCPSS News.
Flyers for distribution:
BSAP SMA Spring 2026 Flyer (English)
BSAP SMA Spring 2026 Flyer (Spanish)
BSAP SMA Spring 2026 Flyer (Chinese)
BSAP SMA Spring 2026 Flyer (Korean)

Roving Radish, a partnership between HCPSS and Howard County Government, is coming to our school community to promote healthy eating with a mobile produce market!

Where: School Bus Loop (*parking or driving in the Bus Loop during dismissal times is still prohibited - please walk over or park in the PVMS lot after 2:45pm)

When: Tuesdays, 2:45-4:30pm

Anyone can participate -- students, families, staff, and community members!

Regular Members: Sign up for 50% off weekly special items.

Exclusive Members: Qualify through a subsidy to receive free weekly specials + 50% off all other items.

Applications will be available at the mobile market. An online application link will be coming at a later date.

Telehealth Appointments

Starting with the 2025-2026 school year middle and high school students may participate in a telehealth appointment with a provider selected by the family, medical or behavioral health, during the school day. The Telehealth Procedures Manual outlines the requirements for a telehealth appointment and can be found on the HCPSS website. To schedule a telehealth appointment for your child please contact Jennifer Whitebloom (Jennifer_Eley-Whitebloom@hcpss.org). If you have questions please contact Richard Smart, Principal, (Richard_Smart@hcpss.org).

The HCPSS Telehealth Procedures Manual is now available on the HCPSS website.

Locker information for families

Students can pick up a locker request form beginning on Monday, September 23 in the front office before or after school, or between periods. Completed forms should be dropped off to the bin in the front office at the same times. We will assign lockers and share assignments with students through their first period teacher within a few days.

PVMS Arrival and Dismissal Information:

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.

HCPSS Important Transportation Reminders and Updates

We are excited to return to the school buildings and have been working hard to prepare for a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal from Bollman Bridge and Patuxent Valley. The administrations at both Bollman Bridge and Patuxent Valley Middle Schools have been collaborating this summer on a joint traffic pattern and arrival and dismissal plan.

Please review the map below carefully as you review with your child and those taking them too and from school and read the key points below.
Both the PVMS and BBES parking lots are available to families from both schools for drop off and pick up.
The Bus loop is for School Buses and Staff Parking only.
Please only drop off and pick up in the designated areas and follow all traffic laws, signs and school personnel’s instructions.
Staff will be posted at arrival and dismissal to support walkers, car riders and bus riders.
PVMS’ School Day begins at 8am and school is open to students from 7:40am. School finishes at 2:35pm
BBES’ School Day begins at 8:45am and school doors will open for students at 8:35. School dismisses at 3:15pm.

Please contact the office at either school with questions - we are here to support you.

BBES PVMS Arrival and Dismissal Map

HCPSS Change of Residency Communication

Any change of residency must be reported through Family File within 10 school days of the move. Current residency documentation must be provided to the school each time residency changes.

Update Your Student/Family Emergency Information Today!

Parents/guardians must verify and/or update emergency information for each child every school year. This is completed online in Family File, which has several new updates including how and where to access. Full details on updating your Family File are available online.

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.

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 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.