Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,
The New Student Orientation yesterday truly affirmed to me that we have an amazing community and school home here at Patuxent Valley. It was wonderful to meet new faces, see some friends from last year and hear so many stories from students, and families about why they love our community and school. Thank you to every staff member and PTSA member who helped to support the event, and to everyone who attended for the part they played in beginning the school year well!
This afternoon from 5pm to 7pm the PVMS PTSA is hosting a Welcome Back to School Block Party on the PVMS Blacktop. There will be games, music, food and many activities. Please come join us!
Next week Patuxent Valley is open for the 25-26 school year beginning at 7:50am on Monday morning. Our doors will open at 7:40am 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 and the return to school - our primary goal for Monday is to get every student connected to their people for the school year.
Here are some reminders of important procedures and some new procedures to highlight with your young people before Monday. We’ll also send them a Canvas message:
- Students should enter through their grade level doors at 7:40am and go directly to home room (staff will be in the hall with lists but students should know their P1 teacher from their schedule in HCPSS Synergy).
- Breakfast carts will be in the hallway inside the grade level door. Students should look up their pin number this weekend in synergy. Homeroom teachers will have the pin if needed.
- Students are not permitted to have electronic devices visible during the school day. The policy indicates that devices will be confiscated. There will be a phone in the front office for students to use.
- Bicycles, scooters can be locked up in the bike racks, but should not be ridden on school property.
- All students should be picked up, walking home, waiting for a sibling at Bollman, or with an adult by 2:45pm in the afternoon.
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)
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.
Mental Health Advisory Council (MHCAC)
The Mental Health Advisory Council (MHCAC) is a group of community members who seek to remove barriers and build awareness for behavioral health support in Howard County for our children and families. HCPSS is an active member of MHCAC. MHCAC Fall Newsletter 2025
PVMS Walk Area Communication
Based on revisions to Board of Education Policy 5200 Student Transportation, the distance students may walk to school has decreased. As a result, more households in our school community will be eligible for bus transportation for the 2025-2026 school year.
Please view the online map SY25-26 Walk Area Map that shows the updated non-transportation (walk) area for our school. Families can use the 2025-2026 Attendance Area Locator to verify their transportation status. Please note: bus stop information will be available in mid-August, prior to the start of the school year.