From the Desk of the Principal, May 29, 2026

Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,

What a great week this week at Patuxent Valley!  I was so proud of our Band Students and Orchestra Students who performed in their concerts at Hammond High School and demonstrated how much they have learned this year.  I’m writing this at Kings Dominion after all three of our music programs were recognized for excellence and we had an amazing day of fun.  I finally got to go on the trip and I think I rode as many rides as the young people!  I'm so thankful to our amazing music team, staff and parent chaperones for providing this opportunity for our young people!

Last Thursday we held our second Donuts with Dad's and Father figures and had a great conversation about school and how we can work together to support our young people.  Thank you to Ms. Peguese, Mr. Lee and Mr. Thompson for sponsoring this event 

One of the most powerful aspects of our time together yesterday was hearing directly from the fathers and grandfathers in our community about engagement, partnership, and ways we can continue strengthening the bridge between home and school. Their voices offered valuable insight and thoughtful advice about how we can continue building trusting relationships with families. These conversations reminded us that family engagement is not simply about participation in events, but about aligning our efforts, listening intentionally, and working together to support student success. Look out for more events next year! 

8th Grade End-of-Year Events:

The end of the year is a busy time for our 8th graders!

June 5: The PTSA is hosting the 8th-grade dance.

June 16 & 17: Our 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony will be held here at Patuxent Valley. We are "going back to our roots" and celebrating our students at PVMS from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on the following dates:

June 16: Students with last names A–K

June 17: Students with last names L–Z 

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:

6/5: PTSA 8th Grade Dance

6/11: PVMS Coffee House

6/16 and 6/17: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremories (6/16 A-K, 6/17 L-Z)

6/16th: 6/18 - UPDATED  3 Hour Early Dismissal

6/18: UPDATED  LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS

PVMS Updates (Priority and New this week)

8th Grade Dance June 5

All 8th Grade PVMS students are invited to celebrate the end of their middle school journey at the 8th Grade Dance: “Hollywood Stars: Dress to Impress!” on Friday, June 5th from 6:00–8:00 PM. 

This exciting evening will give students a chance to celebrate with friends and create lasting memories in true red‑carpet style. Students will enjoy dancing, desserts, and concessions in the cafeteria; games, volleyball, and socializing in the gym; plus plenty of photo booths and memory-making moments throughout the hallways. Tickets are $5 per student, and a parent or guardian must complete the online permission form for students to attend and receive a ticket. Permission form and ticket purchase:

👉 Ticket purchase & permission form ($5):

https://pvalleymspta.givebacks.com/shop/items/653781107cccb1
 

Spanish: https://pvalleymspta.givebacks.com/shop/items/f365987a57927d

This event is fully sponsored by PTA parent volunteers, and support from our school community is essential to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone. Ticket availability will be based on the number of adult volunteers signed up to chaperone. Volunteers can indicate availability and select preferred roles here: Volunteer Signup

Thank you for helping make this a memorable celebration for our 8th graders!

Guilford Park High School Athletics Update - Meet the Coaches Night 6/4 - Summer Camps - Fall Sports

Hammond Boosters Summer Camps!

The Hammond Boosters are excited to announce that our summer camps are officially open for booking! Camps are available for students entering grades 4-9 and take place at Hammond HS. 

This season, we’re offering a variety of engaging, fun, and enriching experiences designed to keep participants active, learning, and making lasting memories. We are offering camps for a variety of sports, as well as band.  Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your spot. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with the booking process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to welcoming you to camp!

https://www.hammondboosters.org/events/summer-camps

8th Grade Yard Signs Now for Sale!

The PTSA is now selling 8th Grade Yard Signs so you can proudly showcase your graduate right in your front yard! These signs are a great way to recognize your child’s hard work, achievements, and this special moment in their journey.

Cost: $5.00 per sign 

Deadline: May 29th

Pick Up: June 4th 5:00pm - 7:00pm at the car loop of PVMS OR June 5th at 8th Grade Dance 

Purchase Online Here:  https://pvalleymspta.givebacks.com/shop/items/0ecfdcf6163441

PVMS Updates (recurring from previous newsletters)

Dress Code Reminders for Spring

The admin team would like to send out a reminder for the dress code as we head into warmer weather. You can go to https://policy.hcpss.org/9000/9210/ for the full policy. Pertinent information is below:

Students must wear:

  • Shirt
  • Bottom (e.g. pants, sweatpants, shorts, skirt, dress, and leggings)
  • Shoes (curricular-specific and activity-specific shoe requirements are permitted

Students are permitted to wear:

  • Hats, hoods, and headwear (so long as the student’s face is visible and wearable technology is visible to ensure it is not interfering with instruction and student safety)
  • Certain body parts must be covered for all students. Clothes must be worn in a way such that the chest, midriff, pelvic/groin area, and buttocks are covered with opaque material.
  • Ripped jeans, as long as undergarments are not exposed
  • Tank tops, including spaghetti straps, halter tops, and strapless tops
  • Athletic attire
  • Clothing with commercial or athletic logos provided they do not violate Section III.G.3. below.

Students are not permitted to wear attire, including wearable technology that is disruptive to the school environment, that promotes illegal or harmful activities, or that could endanger the health or safety of that student or others during school hours and school-related activities. Prohibited attire includes, but is not limited to:

  • Attire that depicts profanity, hate speech, obscenity, the use of weapons, or violence
  • Attire that promotes use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or harmful products
  • Attire that promotes, implies or contains sexually suggestive messages
  • Attire that exposes or reveals the chest, midriff, pelvic/groin area, and buttocks
  • Visible underwear or bathing suits (Visible waistbands or straps on undergarments worn under other clothing are not a violation.)
  • Helmets or headgear that obscure the face, except as a religious obligation, observation of a religious holiday, or for a school-related activity
  • Attire that depicts criminal organization affiliation
  • Attire that contains language or symbols that demean an identifiable person or group or otherwise infringes on the rights of others
  • Attire that causes or is likely to cause a material disruption, a substantial disorder to school activities or the orderly operation of the school, or an invasion of the rights of others
  • May damage school property
  • Wearable technology and other attire when it interferes with instruction or student safety

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.

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/.
 

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.