Putnam Valley Central School District
Newsletter
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Building a Foundation for the Future |
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Dear Putnam Valley Community,
As we put another year in the rearview mirror, I am reminded of both the struggles and triumphs over the past year. While we entered this year with high hopes of a return to typical schooling, COVID had other plans. However, I am thankful that we were able to again welcome fans back into our stands, audiences into our performances, and welcome parents back into our buildings to get a glimpse of all the amazing work that happens in Putnam Valley each day.
I am extremely grateful for the perseverance and dedication of our students and staff who refused to let any obstacles stand in their way. This year was another successful year in Putnam Valley, complete with a wide range of academic, athletic, and cultural arts achievements. It was a year that saw continued growth and success of our IB program at Putnam Valley High School while Putnam Valley Middle School committed to pursuing their own IB designation after spending the year researching the program. Putnam Valley Elementary School continued to excel on ELA and Math assessments, offered a new innovation elective, and welcomed parents in for classroom celebrations. Our athletics program brought the district to new heights, advancing into state tournaments and winning state championships. Many Putnam Valley athletes earned honors and awards for their hard work, with some earning scholarships for college. Our cultural arts programs provided audiences with a wide range of band, chorus, drama, and musical performances, including this spring’s performance, In The Heights. Several of our students were recognized at the state level for their musical and artistic talents.
It has certainly been another successful year in the Putnam Valley School District. I am confident that next year will be even better as we put some of the struggles of the past few years further behind us. The entire Putnam Valley School Community will continue on the path toward excellence thanks to the hard work of our students, staff, parents, and community.
Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall.
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Sincerely,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools
Putnam Valley Central School District
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Congratulations Class of 2022! |
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The PVCSD community was full of #TigerPride on Friday, June 17, as we watched our Class of 2022 accept their diplomas and parting words from Dr. Luft, Dr. Sepe, BOE Trustee Jeanine Rufo, and fellow graduates including our Salutorian Michael Holowiak and Valedictorian Fiona Chen. The beautiful ceremony and weather were matched only by the beautiful smiles from the graduates, their teachers, and their families. We are forever grateful for the partnership between our parents and our faculty, an essential part of every student's journey. As Dr. Luft said in his parting words to the seniors, "It takes a Valley" to help our students be successful. Congratulations, Graduates! We are so #PVProud of you and cannot wait to see all that you accomplish! Find more pictures here. Ceremony Senior Awards PVES Walk
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Exciting News: All of our IB Diploma Candidates have earned and will receive their IB Diploma! |
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A Special Grade 4 Moving Up Ceremony |
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Dr. Margaret Podesta shared how delighted Putnam Valley Elementary School was to be able to welcome all family members to the first full Grade 4 Moving Up Ceremony in two years, almost as delighted as she was to congratulate our terrific students on concluding a successful PVES career! This annual ceremony is full of tradition, including parting words from PVES administrators and teachers, as well as the walk over the bridge to shake Mr. McCarty's hand and be welcomed to the Middle School. |
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The morning was also marked by special moments, including a surprise song from third graders to their fourth-grade friends, wishing them well on their journey to the Middle School while making sure they knew they would be missed. It was nearly impossible to find a dry eye in the room as student Andrew Cross received the very special Fatima Martinez Award and was embraced by his parents, who were invited by Dr. Podesta to come to the front to hug Andrew. This was truly a memorable ceremony!
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PVHS is ready to welcome its newest members to the student body: Grade 8! On Thursday, June 23, our eighth-grade students received parting words from PVMS Principal, Mr. Travis McCarty, and Assistant Principal, Dr. Letitia Payne, as they officially bid goodbye to their middle school years. After a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner sung by Madison Keeler and words of wisdom about letting go of perfection from class president, Maria Argirou, students descended the stage to receive awards and their official moving-up certificate. We look forward to welcoming this wonderful class back next year as our new Freshman class! Video link.
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PVEF Dinner Dance a Success! |
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The PV Education Foundation held a fantastic, fun-filled evening for a great cause! With over 30 event sponsors, including local businesses, PV community members and PV faculty and staff celebrated the opportunity to support our schools and our students. The Gala offered many fantastic prizes and auction items, all generously donated by the PV district, community members, and local businesses. The Dinner Dance, held at Elevate Event Lounge in Yorktown, saw 100 attendees who all left with big smiles, prizes, and winnings! The PVEF made a profit of $3k that evening and would like to thank everyone who supported this event!
Included is a picture of the PVEF committee, are the ladies that make all this happen! It has been a great year with new members coming on board including new secretary Diane Gilhooley. The PVEF is pleased to announce its new treasurer, Lauralea Kennedy, and thanks Elaine Randazzo for her years of service.
Pictured above from left to right:
Andrea Longden, Adrienne Lytton, Stacey Bradley, Samantha Glenn (Communications),
Nina Esposito (Co-President), Christine Mondelli (Co-President), Elaine Randazzo (former Treasurer), Diane Gilhooley (Secretary), Sadia Rexhapi, Lauralea Kennedy (Treasurer)
Not pictured: Joanna Marcos and Suzanne Sawyer
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About the PVEF:
The PVEF is a non-profit organization that enhances our students’ education. This year the PVEF was able to fund grants over $8k back to the PV schools. These grants support innovative projects and programs outside of the school budget. The PVEF hosts 4 fundraising events through the school year; the Color Run, Trunk or Treat, Auction & Apps and Casino Night. We rely on our community attendance to support these initiatives and look forward to our upcoming events in the new school year! Questions? Visit pvefny.org for more information and to contact the organizers.
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Six medal at Genius Olympiad |
Congratulations to PVHS Science Research students: Fiona Chen, Michael Holowiak, Sophia Goncalves, Tara Dolak, Jacob Nachamie, Olivia Goncalves. |
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Celebrating State Champion Nia Givan!
Nia Givan had her tiger eyes set on the finish line during the New York State Championships this June, taking home the gold medal for Putnam Valley! In addition, Nia also medaled in the 200-meter race as well. This superstar made all of Putnam Valley proud with her perseverance, her dedication, and her humble response to being a powerful statewide champion! This season, we also celebrated another state qualifier, Bronagh Cassidy.
Bronagh qualified for State Championships in the 300m race.
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While Nia plans to pursue competitive cheerleading at Spelman College this fall, her cheerleaders here at Putnam Valley made sure to celebrate her achievement. The celebrations continued at PVES, where she walked the halls to a chorus of "Let's go, Nia!" from adoring PVES fans. Congratulations, Nia! We are SO #TigerProud of you! |
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Thirteen Class of 2022 student-athletes will continue their athletic careers at the next level.
Wrestling: Jacob Cassidy, Alfred State Rugby: Taylor Peduto, Manhattanville Soccer: Karol Noguera, Pace University. Cheerleading: Nia Givan XC and Track:
Bronagh Cassidy, University of Buffalo
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Lacrosse: Natalie Mazza, Western Connecticut, Ryan Denike, Post University, Anthony Esposito, LeMoyne, Chris Meenan and Roger Raimo, Mt. St. Vincent.
Basketball:
Amanda Orlando and Cole Durocher Manhattanville, CJ Jokoyna, SUNY Delhi
We will be cheering you on!
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Parent Core Values Workshop |
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On Tuesday, June 7, Dr. Luft and Mrs. Levine held a workshop for parents to discuss the Mission, Vision, and Core Values for Putnam Valley as part of a process to re-examine and update the values we share as a community for our district. Attendees created profiles of a Putnam Valley graduate, discussed aspects of the educational program that need to be in place to make every student successful, and the core values the district should prioritize. These conversations were thought-provoking and informative, and this work will continue in the fall with faculty and students. |
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PTA Brings the Zoo to PVMS! |
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Through a partnership with the Arts in Education program, our amazing PTA gave our fifth grade students (and many more visitors!) an opportunity to pet baby goats, hold a snake, see a bouncing kangaroo in action, and watch ring-tailed lemurs leaping! The 2x2 Zoo spent the morning of May 31 sharing important information about animals, the environment. and teaching them safe ways to interact with the animals.
Thank you so much to our PTA for providing this and so many more amazing experiences to our students this spring!
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PV Virtual Art Gallery Now Available! |
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The Putnam Valley Central School District Art Department is very pleased to invite you to view the 2021-2022 Virtual Art Exhibit. Here you can see artwork from students in all three schools. We hope you enjoy the show! A huge thanks to Mrs. Furlong, Mrs. Armbruster, Ms. Gazzola, and Ms. Carilli for inspiring a love of art in all of our students, and for creating this gorgeous display of everyone's hard work and talent.
Please click the link below to access the amazing artwork from our students!
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The PVCSD, in partnership with our families and community, will ensure that all students are engaged in a challenging, student-focused educational program, understand and assume their responsibility for life-long learning, work to achieve their personal best and become productive citizens in a diverse global society. |
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Contact Us:
Putnam Valley Central School District
(845)528-8143
171 Oscawana Lake Rd
Putnam Valley, NY 10579
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