Discover the programs, activities, and opportunities that make student life at Patuxent Valley Middle School special
Advanced Academic Program Seminars
What Are Advanced Academic Program Seminars?
Advanced Academic Program instructional seminars are designed to extend students’ interests beyond the regular classroom. During these seminars, students develop advanced-level skills through in-depth study and the creation of a product or presentation.
Many seminars include guest speakers or field-trip opportunities, allowing students to work with experts in an area of interest. Seminars are open to all students.
Important Information
Because seminars meet during the school day, participating students must:
- Complete all missed assignments and maintain their grades.
- Staple their monthly seminar pass inside their agenda.
- Write “Seminar” in the appropriate period and date in their agenda.
- Ask their teacher for permission to be dismissed.
- Check the seminar course in Canvas for announcements and reminders.
- Remain in class when there is a test, laboratory activity, or another assignment that would be difficult to make up.
Students should contact their seminar teacher regarding missed seminar work.
Seminar Applications and Descriptions
Students interested in participating in one or two seminars must submit an application. Applications are generally due in September. Students applying after the deadline must first check availability with Mrs. Chelidona.
View Advanced Academic Program seminar descriptions
Clubs and Eighth-Period Activities
PVMS offers intramural and co-curricular programs through its eighth-period activities. Some programs meet on Tuesdays, while others meet on Thursdays.
All programs begin at 2:35 p.m. and end at 3:45 p.m. Snacks and transportation are not provided.
View descriptions of the programs being offered
A parent or guardian must complete the permission form before a student may participate. Students will not be permitted to remain after school without a completed form.
Complete the eighth-period permission form
Please contact April Riche with questions.
Music, Theatre, Arts, Career and Technical Education, Yearbook, Dance, Step Team, and Hispanic Heritage Dance Group
These programs give students opportunities to express their creativity, develop new skills, perform, collaborate, and showcase their talents throughout the school year.
Boys Mentoring
The Boys Mentoring Program supports students through positive relationships, leadership development, academic encouragement, and meaningful group activities.
Student Leadership and Service
Students develop leadership skills while helping their school and community through service projects, school activities, and other opportunities to make a positive difference.
CTE Life & Career Skill Classroom Projects
Explore the hands-on projects and creative work students complete in Family and Consumer Sciences and other PVMS classrooms.
ALS Marquee Project
Students in the Academic Life Skills Program help update the PVMS marquee with important announcements and positive messages for the school community.
Cultural and Community Events
At Patuxent Valley Middle School, we celebrate the cultures, traditions, and experiences that make our school community unique. Through family events, cultural celebrations, and community partnerships, we create opportunities for students, families, and staff to come together, build connections, and strengthen our sense of belonging.
Unidos por Nuestra Cultura – United by Our Culture
On September 23, 2026, PVMS partnered with Bollman Bridge Elementary School and Forest Ridge Elementary School to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Unidos por Nuestra Cultura. More than 104 students and family members, representing 48 families, came together to enjoy great food, family activities, and opportunities to connect with their schools and one another.
The evening celebrated Hispanic culture and traditions while strengthening the important connection between our schools, families, and community.
School- Based Wellness Center
The PVMS School-Based Wellness Center helps support student health by providing convenient health services during the school day in partnership with the Howard County Health Department.
Free Flu Vaccination Clinic – November 10, 2026
Healthy Students, Brighter Futures!
PVMS will host a FREE Flu Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during the school day.
Important: The process is different this year. Students must first be enrolled in the PVMS School-Based Wellness Center before they can receive a flu vaccine at school.
Step 1: Enroll in the Wellness Center
Parents/guardians can enroll their student using the QR code on the flyer or the enrollment link below.
Enroll in the PVMS School-Based Wellness Center
Step 2: Complete the Flu Vaccine Consent Form
Families will receive a separate vaccine consent form later this month. Parents/guardians must complete the consent form if they would like their student to receive the flu vaccine. Paper consent forms will also be available if needed.
Please note: Enrollment in the Wellness Center does not automatically provide consent for vaccination. Both enrollment and vaccine consent must be completed for a student to receive the flu vaccine.
Family & Community Engagement
At PVMS, we believe strong partnerships between families, staff, and the community help our students thrive. Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for families to connect, participate, and strengthen their relationship with our school community.
Donuts with Dads & Father Figures
Donuts with Dads & Father Figures is a special opportunity to enjoy donuts and coffee while connecting with other father figures in our school community. Together, we strengthen the connection between home and school, share hopes for our students, and explore meaningful ways to support their success throughout the school year.
Bulldog Spotlight
Bulldog Spotlight recognizes the students, staff members, programs, achievements, and special moments that make PVMS a wonderful community.
Get Involved with the PVMS PTSA
Families and community members are invited to support PVMS by joining the PTSA.
Volunteer at PVMS
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Howard County Public School System. We value our volunteers and the contributions they make to our students and schools.
Confidentiality Training
In accordance with HCPSS Board Policy, all parent volunteers must complete confidentiality training regarding the protection and privacy of students, staff members, and schools.
Complete the volunteer confidentiality training
Please print and submit the certificate of completion as directed by the school.
Child Abuse and Neglect Training
Maryland law requires all volunteers, including parent volunteers, to complete annual child abuse and neglect training before volunteering at a school.
The training provides volunteers with information about identifying suspected abuse and following required reporting procedures. After viewing the presentation, please complete the certificate and return it to Patuxent Valley Middle School.