Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,
Last Tuesday was the Veterans’ Day and I want to echo what we shared both with our staff and student body that we are grateful for the service of all who have served our nation. There are more than 30 military connected families here at Patuxent Valley and we hope that all of them feel connected and supported through our school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better honor and serve those who gave and give so much.
Last week was also National School Psychologist week. We are so grateful for the work that our School Psychologist Laurie Downin does here at Patuxent Valley. She is an advocate for young people and families and a support for staff members. Thank you Laurie for all you do!
Next week is American Education Week. We’d love to see you on Wednesday for our Honor Roll Celebrations, Coffee with the Principal and class visits from 7:50am to 11:00am. See below for more information and a survey to complete so that we know who to expect on each day and can prepare seating, and schedules, so that you can get the most out of your visit.
In addition to recognizing our students for their grades at Honor Roll, we began using our PBIS Passports this week. Check out the yellow booklet with pages for stamps for our six STRONG values: Success, Tenacity, Respect, Ownership, and Growth. Staff are stamping pages whenever they see students demonstrating those values. They will be able to exchange their stamps for rewards at the end of the quarter.
Last night I had the privilege of seeing the first show of our Fall Play and I’ll be back on Saturday for the last performance. Heist at the Giardina Museum will be a forever memory for me and I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the performance of our actors, the set, costumes, lighting and sound. I heard so much laughter and saw so much student leadership and endeavor. Congratulations to everyone and especially to Ms. Clark and her team for putting together this amazing show.
Finally, we sent letters yesterday with report cards to the families of any student who received a D or E for one or more classes during quarter 1. If you receive one of those letters please take time to review with your children and sign up for parent conferences. One grade is not determining, but if we can connect and provide your child with what they need, I know that they can get back on track and show their brilliance in all of their classes.
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:
11/13-11/15 - PVMS Fall Play
11/16 - PVMS Board Painting Workshop at Board and Brush (2 pm)
11/17-11/21 - American Education Week
11/19 - Honor Roll Celebration
11/20 - Parent Conference Sign Ups Close
12/6 - PVMS FunDrive Collection Day ( 9 am -1 pm, PVMS Parking lot)
PVMS Updates (Priority and New this week)
Parent-Teacher Conferences: November 24, 25, & 26
HCPSS will use the "Synergy Conference Management" system to schedule parent-teacher conferences. On November 7th, the conference scheduling window will open for all parents/guardians wishing to meet with teachers. On November 20th the conference scheduling will close. Parents/Guardians will register for conferences through HCPSS Connect.
- Monday, 11/25 - all conferences will be held in-person at PVMS
- Tuesday, 11/26- all conferences will be held virtually via Google Meet
- Wednesday, 11/27- all conferences will be held virtually via Google MeetFall Craft Fair on Nov 8th from 9-12.
PVMS Fall Play November 13-15
You are invited to attend PVMS’ fall play, Heist at the Giardina Museum, Nov. 13, 14, and 15, with an additional matinee on Nov. 15. Students have been hard at work practicing their lines, incorporating character, and/or serving in the many crew positions. Tickets can be purchased at hcst.booktix.com
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.
American Education Week is 11/17-11/21.
American Education Week is an exciting opportunity for our students and staff to show off all the great things happening here at Patuxent Valley. While you are welcome to visit any time during the week, specifically between the hours of 7:50 am and 2:35 pm, we have chosen Wednesday, November 19 to highlight a variety of opportunities our students have here at PVMS.
On Wednesday, November 19 we will be hosting a number of activities to highlight learning and student experiences at PVMS.
- There will be Coffee and Pastries with the principal from 7:50am to 8:20am in the Library.
- Staff will be expecting parents in classes ALL DAY
Also on Wednesday, November 19 we are holding our quarter 1 Honor Roll Celebrations. Parents are welcome to join us in the Cafeteria and take photos with our students!
- Report cards will list students from the Honor Roll who are being celebrated
- The Grade 8 Celebration will be at 8:55am
- The Grade 7 Celebration will be at 9:50am
- The Grade 6 Celebration will be at 1:00pm
Important Procedures:
- Please fill out this survey to let us know if you are attending any of the activities during the week to help us to prepare seating, schedules, and coffee and snacks.
- Please make sure your Family File is updated. Only those on the emergency card will be allowed to visit students/classrooms.
- Limited parking available, please park in any available spaces.
- Please check-in with the main office to sign in on Lobby Guard and sign a visitor's confidentiality form. Please remember to bring your identification.
- While in the building please wear your visitors badge at all times and ensure it is visible for staff to see.
- While in the building, please put your phone away and/or on silent and no photography/videography is allowed.
- Please sign-out prior to leaving. Should there be an emergency we need to account for all visitors in the building.
The Guilford Park HS Boosters are thrilled to host the 3rd Annual Reindeer Run Crusher 5K! This year’s course will take you through the Savage Stone quarry—a truly unique experience and the same route our XC team conquered earlier this season. It’s a rare opportunity to run and explore an area few ever get to see.
To keep the energy high, our GPHS Marching Band will be performing along the course! On behalf of the GPHS community, we warmly invite you, your staff, families, and students to join us on Saturday morning, December 6, 2025.
Following the race, we will have:
- Prizes for top finishers and best holiday costumes
- Craft Fair inside the school sponsored by the Class of 2027
- Math Club Puzzle Competition
More details can be found at https://gphsboosters.com/rr5k ($5 off code for HCPSS students/staff: "RR5OFF")
PVMS Updates (recurring from previous newsletters)
Supporting Our Community
We understand that the recent federal government shutdown is creating challenges for many of our families. We recognize that this situation may be impacting household finances and access to important resources. Please know that our Patuxent Valley community is here to support you. Below, we’ve included a list of resources that may be helpful during this time. If you need…Read More »
SBWC Flu Clinic Information
Dear Patuxent Valley families, Families were previously notified that HCPSS would not offer in-school flu clinics this year. However, we are pleased to inform you that the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) will provide free flu shots for students in our school as part of our School-Based Wellness Center (SBWC). Our clinic will occur on November 14, 2025 and be…Read More »
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.
Ben Carson Scholarship Nomination Information:
Patuxent Valley Middle School can nominate one student for the chance to win a Ben Carson Scholarship Award. To be considered, students must have at least a 3.75 GPA, have completed community service, and submit an essay. The nomination is not a guarantee of an award. Please see this link for more information. Read More »
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.
HC-Drug Free Updates:
Parenting Classes: Free! On Zoom and open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in HoCo or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in HoCo. Evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. The curriculum was written for families with children 9-14 years old, but it is appropriate for K-12 families. Class dates: November 11, 13, 18, 20 and December 2 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and register at https://tinyurl.com/GGC-Fall2025
Drive-Thru Medication Disposal: Saturday, October 25 in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the 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). Need 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/
Teen Advisory Council: Open to Howard County students in grades 8-12. Earn Community Service Hours and make meaningful contributions to the community. Next meeting: Monday September 29, 2025 from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom. Earn Community Service Hours. Register to receive the meeting link: https://forms.gle/SgMrjdeo11JpNuuV8 For more information, visit HC DrugFree's website: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/
Free Newsletter: Stay up to date with HC DrugFree's free events offering Community Service Hours to HoCo students, resources, and a variety of substance use and behavioral health information! Sign up for HC DrugFree's free digital newsletter: https://hcdrugfree.org/enews-signup/
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.