Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,
I love our community and the way so many families support the school, and increase our connections with our community.
Yesterday the PVMS PTA came to school and did a Coffee Cart with hot drinks and pastries for staff in the building. Thank you Ms. Macoomber and your team for building community and connection in our building. This is #BulldogStrong.
One of the ways we build belonging is by allowing individuals and groups to see their unique identities reflected in all facets of education here at PVMS. This is our work throughout the year, not only in specific months for specific groups, and I’m also proud of the work we are doing for Hispanic Heritage month - this is #Bulldog Strong.
Between September 15 and October 15 we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Today family members of some of our Latino students brought food to school and ate together with staff members during lunches. It was a great time sharing with each other and I always feel that we don’t have enough moments like this - help us find ways to continue to create spaces like this!
Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Days
Thursday, 10/10: Latino Bulldog Town Hall
10/4: Wear a traditional hat from your culture
10/11: Wear your country’s traditional attire
Check out the information below for items we’ve been sending out this week and some new things to help us all be prepared for the new school year! 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:
10/2 - Sixth Grade Mash-Up Day
10/3 - Schools and Offices Closed
10/18 - Schools closed for students
Yesterday in 7th period classes all students received a paper copy of their spring 2024 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) reports. The reports show the prior grade level’s understanding in English Language Arts and Math. These assessments are just one measure of your child's performance and provide you with insight into your child's level of proficiency. Federal accountability requires that students are assessed annually in grades 3-8 and in high school.
Please visit HCPSS MCAP for more information.
Annual MLK Contest from Howard County Government MLK Commission:
We are approaching the time to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in our community. I am reaching out to invite you to share information about the upcoming Annual MLK Contests.
This year, we have several exciting opportunities for students to engage with Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and community service. Additionally, all the awards come with cash prizes.
The contests include:
Oratory Contest: Open to Middle and High School students, this contest challenges participants to express their understanding of Dr. King's message through the art of speech.
Essay Contest: Also, for Middle and High School students, this competition invites students to articulate their thoughts and reflections on Dr. King's impact and teachings in essay form.
Poster Contest: Open to Elementary, Middle, and High School students, participants can visually express their interpretation of Dr. King's dream through creative poster designs.
Additionally, they are hosting a Living the Dream Award Contest for individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to making Howard County a better place, embodying the principles that Dr. King championed. We believe that these contests not only honor Dr. King's legacy but also inspire our students to think critically about their roles in serving the community. We encourage you to share
these opportunities widely with your students and families and to support their participation.
For more information, including deadlines and submission guidelines, please visit https://bit.ly/2025MLKContests
Immunizations at PVMS on 10/17 and Hearing and Vision Screening on 10/22
Hearing and Vision screening will be taking place on Oct 22nd 2024.
Hearing and Vision Screening Letter for Parents
Each year, the Howard County Public School System partners with the Maryland Partnership for Prevention to bring flu immunizations into our schools for students. This year, they will also be offering the latest Covid vaccine if it is available at the time of the clinics. The clinic at PVMS will be held on October 17th, during school hours. If you would like your child to be vaccinated against the flu and/or Covid at this clinic, please register at this link:
https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/2257912062
You are not required to provide your child's insurance information. If you have any concerns about the new Covid vaccine, you are advised to speak with your child's pediatrician. All in-school clinics will be closed to registration one week before the clinic date to allow me to review and prepare the consents and make sure enough vaccine is ordered. If you have any questions, please call me at 410-880-5880.
Russell Smith, School Nurse
PVMS National Junior Honor Society Applications Now Available for Current 7th and 8th Graders
About the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS):
NJHS is the leader among organizations that promote appropriate recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service, character, and citizenship. NJHS members will complete at least 10 hours of community service during the school year. Your advisors and student leaders will assist in helping members achieve community service hours. Students may need to have flexibility to attend and participate in community service projects during after school hours, including week-ends.
The linked application must be read and completed with a parent e-signature.
NJHS meetings will likely be held on Thursdays during the after school program time (date TBA).
This completed application Google Form is due by 5:00pm on Friday, October 4th. If you have any questions, please see or message Mrs. Chelidona at mchelidona@hcpss.org. Thank you for applying to be a part of the NJHS!
Requirements:
In order to apply to become a member of NJHS, you must have:
1. A cumulative 3.3 GPA for the last school year. Note: You will be expected to maintain a 3.3 GPA or above for each quarter after you have been accepted.
2. A completed application, demonstrating a desire to be a positive leader in our community and a commitment to community service. Here is a link to the google form application: https://forms.gle/FkucGWZPYGSZsN8B9
3. Please note that disciplinary records will be reviewed, and infractions may be cause for denial from our National Junior Honor Society.
The NJHS is open to this year’s 7th and 8th grade students who meet the criteria, and who also demonstrate exemplary performance and experience as it relates to leadership, service, character, and citizenship. We are looking for highly motivated candidates that have a strong desire to actively improve our school community.
Once completed applications have been received, a staff committee will review the applications, disciplinary and academic records, and staff input on the applicant's demonstration of positive leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
Students who were members last year, and remained in good standing, do not need to reapply, but must still fill in the 8th period permission form when it becomes available.
PTSA: Joe Corbi Fundraiser - 9/9 - 9/30
We are currently running a Joe Corbi’s Fundraiser to help raise funds for our amazing events this year! Please see the attached letter for all important information and dates.
Packets will be distributed this week, so please make sure you look for it and check it out.
Ready to get your child started? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER our organization code #8252
If you just want to buy without registering you may use participant code # 706416 at www.joecorbi.com
We appreciate your support of this fundraiser, as it provides much needed funds.
Check out these great INCENTIVES your child can win when you register and support them!
PTSA: PVMS Culture Night Sponsored by PTSA - 10/17 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Our community is made up of so many cultures and we want to take an evening to celebrate all the cultures that make our community so wonderful!
If you are interested in volunteering to organize, help setup/clean up this wonderful event please review the slots below for signing up.
If you are interested in presenting an act to represent your culture or having a table at the event to showcase your culture by sharing food, or anything else that represents your culture we would love to have you! Please look at the slots below to sign up and someone will reach out to you closer to the event to see how we can assist you further.
Message from HCPSS to all Schools about Recent Social Media Threats:
September 25th, 2024
There is a recent trend of disturbing and upsetting threats of violence being made on social media (largely via Instagram) toward schools in the Howard County region, in Maryland, and nationwide. To date, those threats have been found to be non-credible and appear to be non-local in origin.
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) takes all threats seriously, and responds to any threat with the appropriate level of urgency. Additionally, HCPSS is in regular, close contact with the Howard County Police Department, as well as the Maryland Center for School Safety.
If you or your child sees any threat on social media, report that post immediately to your school administrator and through the social media platform’s reporting structure. After reporting, parents, students and staff should refrain from reposting or sharing that information on social media, which only causes more panic and fear, as well as disruption to the learning environment.
HCPSS is seeing some copycat behaviors from our students. Parents and guardians are encouraged to model healthy and appropriate use of social media, and closely monitor your child’s social media accounts. Talk with your children about problematic use of technology, and stress the importance and consequences of posting/sharing any threatening messages. Remind your children that HCPSS does not tolerate threats of any kind and will pursue disciplinary actions and legal consequences, as appropriate.
The safety of our students, staff and community is our highest priority. At any time, students who require support are encouraged to connect with a counselor or other student services staff at their school. HCPSS additionally has a number of resources for families online, including:
Thank you for your vigilance in this matter, and for your continued support and partnership in keeping our schools safe.
BSAP Fall 2024 Saturday Math Academy Registration, Sept. 28
The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Saturday Math Academy will offer an in-person enrichment program this fall for any students in grades 3-12 in all levels of math, based on course availability. Registration will take place online Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9:00 a.m. until capacity is reached. Class space is limited.
PVMS Updates (recurring from previous newsletters)
HC DrugFree Updates (9-13-2024)
Teen Advisory Council - Open to students in grades 8-12. Earn Community Service Hours and make meaningful contributions to the community. First meeting of the school year will be held on Zoom on Monday, September 23 from 5:30 -7 p.m. Contact Admin@hcdrugfree.org for more information. Must register to receive meeting link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/TAC2024Sept
Drive-Thru Medication and Sharps Disposal – Saturday, October 26 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, EpiPens and other sharps, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more! Need student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Giving away 25 medication lockboxes purchased by HCPSS. For more information and to volunteer, go to : https://hcdrugfree.org/currentevents/
PVMS Attendance Procedures 24-25
If your student is absent or will be absent, please contact us at the following email address to explain the reason:pvmsabsence@hcpss.org. In the email please Include the following information:
Student First and Last Name
Grade
Reason for absence (e.g., illness, bereavement, observance of a religious holiday, lack of transportation)
Late Arrivals Procedures
If your child is late to school, please either send in a note/email to pvmsabsence@hcpss.org explaining the reason for the lateness if you are unable to sign your child into school.
Early Dismissals
Please email on the day of your student's early dismissal, pvmsabsence@hcpss.org, and indicate the time they will be picked up and by whom. Please bring your ID to show the main office.
With the collaborative effort of HCPSS parents, staff and students, we are confident that all students can have successful attendance. This will improve student success in school and in future life!
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL MESSAGE FOR PVMS/BBES CAMPUS
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. Read more
LIGHTSPEED PARENT NOTIFICATIONS
Parents/guardians can monitor their child’s HCPSS Chromebook internet usage by signing up for Lightspeed Parent Notifications to receive a weekly email summary of their child’s usage.
Once parents have signed up for Lightspeed Parent Notifications, the email summary delivered each Sunday will contain a link with access to the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides near real-time information on their child’s internet activity.
The Lightspeed Parent Portal offers additional details about internet usage and the ability to control a child’s online activities when they are not on the HCPSS network at school by allowing parents to pause the internet for 1 hour, 3 hours or until 6 a.m. the next morning. Frequently asked questions about Lightspeed and the Parent Portal can be found online.
HCPSS teachers will access Lightspeed in the classroom to monitor student Chromebook usage. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher if they notice their child is regularly on non-academic websites during the day.
Find instructions on signing up for Lightspeed Parent Notifications online.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to review HCPSS Student Mobile Technology Duties and Obligations, which outlines the responsible use of technology in accordance with HCPSS Board Policy 8080 Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media.
Opportunities for All Students to Get Involved in the School Community
Our students are encouraged to get involved in our school community, and one way students can do that is by joining a GT seminar.
About GT Seminars:
GT Seminars are a great way to expand students’ knowledge and skills around a topic of interest in a non-graded environment and get to know other students! Our seminars this year include book club, creative writing, debate, morning news/ television production, photography, film, STEM and stock market game seminar. Participation in seminars is open to all students.
Each seminar offers a unique focus. However, all seminars have these components. They all (1) develop critical and creative thinking skills, (2) involve conducting research, (3) involve working collaboratively to produce an authentic product or creative production, and (4) utilize technology to create and communicate. Check out this document (Links to an external site). to learn more about each seminar.
How do students sign up?
Since students are pulled from classes once a week or once every two weeks, it is important that students make up missed work if they join a seminar. Students that are interested can complete this Google Form (Links to an external site) to learn more and sign up! Please message Mrs. Chelidona at mchelidona@hcpss.org with any questions.
Students New to HCPSS:
Is your child new to HCPSS? If your child is new to HCPSS, and you would like them to be assessed for gifted and talented level classes, please message Mrs. Chelidona at mchelidona@hcpss.org
There will be more information about the Gifted and Talented Program and placement process at Back to School Night.
HCPSS participates in the Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMs) program. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential.
Participation in FARMs qualifies students for a wide range of opportunities and resources beyond breakfast and lunch, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.
Families must submit a new application every school year by Oct. 31. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.
Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely. Families can:
If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMs or call Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743.
HCPSS POLICIES, STUDENT HANDBOOK, CODE OF CONDUCT. HCPSS policies are regularly reviewed and updated. For the most current policy revision, or to view the policy in its entirety, along with supporting regulations and procedures, you may visit the HCPSS Policy Web Page: www.hcpss.org/board/policies.
Important information/links:
Student Handbook - https://www.hcpss.org/about-us/handbook/
Student Code of Conduct - https://www.hcpss.org/about-us/student-code-of-conduct/
LOCKERS and BACKPACKS.
Students are permitted to use backpacks during the day. Lockers will be assigned to students in September using the locker request form (which will be distributed in home room). Students are permitted to access their locker before school, before and after lunch, and at the end of the school day. Lockers are for individual use only – students are not permitted to share their combination or allow others to use their assigned locker.
PVMS Theater Newsletter
Information about the Theater Program at PVMS from Ms. Clark!
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.
SCHOOL MEALS AND PAYMENT INFO
HCPSS no longer will use Nutrislice for school menus or MySchoolBucks for meal payments. LINQ Connect is a secure, online portal that allows families to view breakfast and lunch menus, make online meal payments, monitor their child’s account, schedule automatic recurring payments, set up low balance alerts, submit a Free and Reduced Meals program application, and more. Details and information. are available online.
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.