Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,
This week I saw students engaging in learning in the classroom, working hard to prepare for the Spring Musical and Music Assessments. We have also been working with students to set expectations and respond to behaviors that distract from learning. In the months of February and March, which always seem to be the longest at school, it is important for all of us to remind our students the importance of embodying values that will help us be successful, the first of our Bulldog STRONG values. Thank you for your partnership with us in this.
Today our 7th and 8th Graders got to experience performances from the UMD Gymkana troupe. Make sure you ask them about their experience and if they preferred “Johnny” or “Jacob” - this was the talk of recess! Thank you to Ms. Porter for organizing the assembly and to our PTSA for donating $1,200 so that we could host the event. If you want to know more about Gymkana, check out their website and their purpose in promoting a message of making healthy choices by role modeling active, drug-free living. https://sph.umd.edu/student-opportunities/student-organizations-honor-societies-and-honor-programs/gymkana/gymkana-about
Last Friday each of our Orchestra’s performed in their assessments at River Hill High School. I’m so proud of each of our students and their teacher, Ms. Lentz, who represented our school and community so well!
This week we interviewed students who were interested in serving as delegates at the HCPSS Student Member of the Board of Education Convention later this month. There were over 15 students who interviewed and shared their leadership experiences. I’m proud of all the students who interviewed and especially of Mia R, Anoushka S, and Monica C who were selected to represent PVMS students at the convention.
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)
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:
3/10 Chipotle Restaurant Night
3/12 - Q2 Honor Roll
3/14 PTSA Spring Fling, 6-8 pm
3/18- Student Dance Choreography Showcase, 7pm
3/20: Schools Closed (Professional Work Day)
3/30: 4/3: Spring Break
4/6: UPDATED FULL DAY OF SCHOOL
4/15: UPDATED 3 Hour Early Dismissal
5/14: UPDATED FULL DAY OF SCHOOL
6/16th: 6/18 - UPDATED 3 Hour Early Dismissal
6/18: UPDATED LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS
PVMS Updates (Priority and New this week)
Spring Fling is Next Weekend!
The PTSA will be hosting this fun event on Saturday, March 14, from 6-8 pm. There will be a DJ, dancing, games, snacks, and more. All current PVMS students are invited to attend. We cannot run this event without community support. Please consider volunteering to help!! A student permission slip and sign up genius will come out soon.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7TjNB2u-cpfwSOUFDnNRknWQA79d5z3AT47w6lF1VqEsGIw/viewform
Volunteers Needed!!!
We cannot run this event without community support and we will have to limit attendance if we do not get enough adult volunteers. There are many opportunities to help including checking students in, chaperoning, helping in the game room or at the trivia table, set up, clean up, and more. Please consider volunteering to help!! Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094DA4AA2CA5F85-61019585-pvms?useFullSite=true#/
An Evening on Adolescent Health: LGBTQIA+
The Active Minds chapter at Long Reach High School invites students and families to attend a special evening program on April 20 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. focused on adolescent mental health and the transition to life after high school. The evening will begin with a presentation by Pablo Campos, a nationally recognized speaker with Active Minds, who will share his powerful personal story about struggling with anger, risky behaviors, and mental health challenges during high school, and how receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment changed the trajectory of his life. His message emphasizes hope, help-seeking, and the importance of early support. Following the keynote presentation, we will host a panel of college students who are Active Minds members. These students will discuss their transition from high school to college, the mental health challenges they encountered, how they sought support, and strategies that helped them adjust academically, socially, and emotionally. After the student panel, families and students will split into separate sessions:
- Students will participate in the ASK (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch) Workshop, an interactive session designed to build skills in recognizing warning signs, supporting peers, and strengthening help-seeking behaviors.
- Parents and caregivers will attend a panel discussion focused on mental health and the transition to young adulthood after high school. Panelists will include representatives from college counseling professionals. This session will provide guidance on how families can prepare students for the emotional and academic demands of college, recognize early warning signs of mental health concerns, and support their child’s well-being while fostering independence.
Community Resources
March Service Navigator Resource Newsletter
This newsletter provides valuable information and resources for students and families in Howard County on topics such as housing assistance, child care financial aid, food pantry locations, and upcoming events.
HCPSS Special Education Resource Fair
The HCPSS Special Education Resource Fair provides families with information available from the community and HCPSS to support their students receiving special education and related services. Get connected to services for students with a developmental delay or disability including:
- Services within HCPSS
- Recreational Activities
- Camps
- Community Groups
- Service Providers
- Transition Information
- Assistive Technology
- Behavioral Health
- Howard County Government Resources
- And Much More!
Please join us on Saturday, March 14, 2026 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Cedar Lane School, 11630 Scaggsville Road, Fulton, MD
For information, please contact FSRC@hcpss.org. Registration is not required. This FREE event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.
PVMS Updates (recurring from previous newsletters)
HCPSS Family Empowerment Academy: The HCPSS Family Empowerment Academy is designed to equip parents and guardians with practical strategies, resources, and insights to support their children’s academic, social, and emotional success. The academy will take place on four consecutive Saturdays- March 7 through March 28, 2026, from 9:00-10:30 AM- and will feature interactive learning experiences, guest speakers, and opportunities to connect with other HCPSS families. Participation is limited to 30 participants, and registration is first-come, first-served. Attendance is encouraged for all four sessions. Language interpretation and childcare will be provided. Please complete the application form to be considered for participation. For additional information, please contact BSAP Supervisor, Ashley Armstead.
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.