Dear Patuxent Valley Families and Community,
We are now six weeks into the school year and time is marching on to the end of the quarter. I have been impressed with the hard work of our students and staff in classrooms and I see learning happening every day. I’d encourage all families to look at student grades with your young people and contact staff members if you have any questions - this partnership is crucial to the success of our students.
Today at Patuxent Valley we took time to recognize the efforts of our October Students of the Month! Each of these young people demonstrated our #BulldogStrong values through their hard work, caring and excellence. Please take time to congratulate them if and when you see them!
6th grade: Misbak D, Liana P, Jane D, Owen D, Marvin S, Serita A-K, Subhan S, Averie B, Ugo E, Alana H
7th grade: Corbin C, Julia R, Teddy S, Kayla G, Greenleigh J, Cing S, Jacob C, Andrea S, Catherine L, Dolamu O
8th grade: Gianna K, Tiffany T, Mckenzie K-D, Andy B-S, Jacob C, Vanessa J, Kendal B, Pari P, Jochella L, Jorge P V
Thank you to the sixth grade team for planning and implementing our Mash-Up day this week on October 2. It was great to see young people in grade 6 engaging in team-building activities and having fun with each other. At this time of year it’s good to remind ourselves that a strong community is the foundation of all we do in middle school.
Additionally, yesterday the two-day holiday known as Rosh Hashanah kicked off the beginning of the Jewish "High Holidays," a ten-day period of repentance and reflection that culminates with Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. “Shana Tova” to those who celebrate!
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:
10/10 - October PTSA Meeting, 7pm in PVMS Library
10/10 - Latino Bulldog Town Hall
10/17 - Influenza Vaccination Clinic
10/18 - Schools closed for students
10/22 - Hearing and Vision Clinic
PVMS 8th Period Clubs will begin on October 15th and run through January 16th. If your child is interested in participating in any of the Fall 2024 8th Period Activities (see description list), please complete the permission form by October 9th. Some of the clubs are by invitation or application only. Your child will bring home information from that sponsor if they are interested in participating in one of those clubs.
NOTE: We will not have transportation during this session. Your child will need to be picked up at 4:15 if they are not walking home.
If you have any questions, please contact LaVerne Porter via email at lporter@hcpss.org or via phone at 410-880-5840.
LGBTQIA+ History Month Resources: October is LGBTQIA+ History Month. Let’s celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of the LGBTQIA+ community! Click here for the LGBTQIA+ History Month Resource
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.
PVMS Updates (recurring from previous newsletters)
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
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.