Dear Patuxent Valley Families,
Our students are in the middle of one of the most important quarters of the school year as they are preparing for testing in many of their classes and coming to the culmination of their learning in all of their classes for the school year. Please take time to review grades with your child and please contact their teachers if you have any questions or need support. It takes a village to finish middle school successfully!
This week included Admin Support Professionals Day on Wednesday and I want to take a moment to celebrate our teacher’s secretaries, Ms. Riche and Ms. Andersen, our Student Services Secretary, Ms. Whitebloom, our Data Clerk, Ms. Lobdell, and our Principal’s Secretary, Ms. Gonzalez. Our school would not function without them and I’m fortunate to have each of them on our team - please reach out to them and say thank you!
Last Night we hosted our annual Culture Fest and it was so encouraging to be in the building with so many students, community members and staff who wanted to celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our school and community. A huge thank you to NJHS and their Sponsors, Ms. Langan and Ms. Chelidona. I loved the food, performances and especially the time together celebrating all our stories.
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:
4/24 - Report Cards Issued at 4pm
4/28 - Spring Photos
5/4 - 5/8 National Teacher Appreciation Week
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)
PVMS Spring Pictures April 28
PVMS Spring Pictures April 28 see here for the flyer: Picture Day Flyer Read More »
All About Yearbooks: April 2026
All About Yearbooks: April 2026 Hello PVMS Family! It is that time for pre-orders and sharing favorite memories for all our students, and submitting dedications for our 8th graders! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. Salik at kandyce_salik@hcpss.org. Pre-ordering the yearbook: Though students will have the opportunity to purchase the yearbook once the shipment…Read More »
Autism Awareness
April Is Autism Acceptance Month: Join HCPSS and our community partners in celebrating the many ways autistic individuals experience and engage with the world. A curated list of resources can be found in this flyer. A link to additional resources and a video created by Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County in partnership with the Autism Society of Maryland, is available here to support these efforts. Families can also explore valuable tools and supports through The Parents' Place of Maryland, which offers a range of autism-related resources here in this link.
Quarterly Bullying Communication
Our school is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for every student. As part of that commitment, we want to share information about how we prevent, respond to, and investigate incidents involving hate and bias.
Incidents related to hate or bias can have a serious impact on students’ emotional well-being, sense of belonging, and ability to fully engage in school. Harmful language, slurs, symbols, jokes, threats, exclusion, or online behavior targeting someone’s identity can affect not only the person directly involved, but also others in the school community who may feel unsafe or unseen.
We believe that addressing these incidents requires a strong partnership between school staff, students, and families.
What We Mean by Hate/Bias
A hate- or bias-related incident is behavior that targets or demeans a person or group based on actual or perceived identity. This may include race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other aspects of identity. Some incidents may involve student discipline or policy violations, while others may still require school follow-up, support, and education because of their impact.
How Families Can Help
- Talk with your child. Encourage honest conversations about identity, belonging, respect, and how to respond when harm occurs. Ask your child what they are seeing or hearing at school and online.
- Reinforce that words and symbols matter. Help children understand that comments framed as jokes or trends can still be harmful and may create fear, humiliation, or exclusion for others.
- Encourage reporting. If your child experiences or witnesses a hate/bias concern, encourage them to tell a trusted adult at school as soon as possible. Reporting helps us respond, support students, and address harm. Reports can be made at https://stopbullying.hcpss.org/report/bullying.
- Stay engaged in online activity. Digital communication can spread harm quickly. Monitoring online interactions and talking openly about respectful digital behavior can help prevent escalation.
- Partner with the school. When concerns arise, your communication and support are important. Working together helps us respond thoughtfully and consistently.
When a report is made, school administrators will review the concern, gather information, and determine appropriate next steps in alignment with school and district procedures. Responses may include student support, family communication, restorative measures, disciplinary action, safety planning, and broader school or classroom follow-up as needed.
If your child reports a hate/bias concern, or if you become aware of one, please contact a school administrator and use the established reporting process. Even if you are unsure whether an incident meets a specific definition, we encourage you to share the concern so it can be reviewed.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us foster a school community where every student feels safe, affirmed, and respected.
LEGACY LEADERSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
This summer program is open to all HCPSS students who will be in grades 6-12 for the 2026-27 school year.
- The purpose of the Legacy Leadership Institute is to: cultivate collaboration among students across middle and high schools throughout HCPSS, establish common practices, themes, and plans for GSAs/SAGA clubs for the 2026-27 school year, and for students to participate in student growth and leadership activities.
- If you know of a student who would be a candidate for this program, please share the application form. The application form will close on Friday, May 15th and students selected to participate will be notified by Friday, May 29th.
- For details, share this electronic flyer with students who might be interested in applying.
MATHEMATICS POLICY FAMILY INFORMATION SESSIONS
MSDE will host virtual Math Policy Family Information Sessions in June 2026 to support family understanding of upcoming mathematics initiatives and updates for the 2026–2027 school year. Participants must register in advance to receive session links. Click here for details and dates/times .
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! YOUR OPINION MATTERS!
Parents and guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by Friday, June 5, 2026. The survey can also be completed online. Your feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in HCPSS. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other children across the state of Maryland.
PVMS Updates (recurring from previous newsletters)
HC Drug Free is offering parenting classes for Free!
Classes are virtual (on Zoom) and open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in HoCo or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in HoCo. The classes are evidence-based, interactive prevention programs that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will engage in other dangerous behaviors. Classes are appropriate for K-12 families.
Class dates: April 14, 15, 21, 22 (and April 28 will be optional) from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and to register at https://tinyurl.com/GGCSpring2026
HC Drug Free Drive-Thru Medication Disposal Volunteers Needed:
A drive-thru medication disposal will take place on Saturday, April 25 in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the CA Swim Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medication, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more. Unlike previous events, we will not collect sharps (needles, syringes and EpiPens). HC Drug Free is in need of student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Earn Community Service Hours! Giving away 100 medication lockboxes. For more information and to volunteer, visit HC DrugFree's website: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/.
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.
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.