Announcement from The Head of School 9/19/2022

by | Sep 27, 2022

Dear Palm Valley School Families,

We’ve been in session for a month and are starting to settle down into school routines and schedules. Schools are active environments with many moving parts and daily events on campus. Palm Valley School is no different. Already this year since the start of school, we have hosted 19 events (10 of them for parents!) not including a few high school Girl’s Volleyball matches! Our staff has been working hard to help you navigate the myriad of events through improved communication including the use of our marquee in front of campus, informational TV monitors at the entrances to most entry buildings, a return of the monthly Phoenix newsletter (comes out on the last Thursday of every month), and timely informational eblasts such as this one.

Like most schools, the busiest part of our school day is during student pick up in the afternoons. My experience in schools tells me that the afternoon pick up time has the greatest opportunity to cause difficulties and place a strain on school resources. These challenges are enhanced when the weather is hot and parents/staff/students may be tired from a long day. That is the main reason why I try to consistently be out and about on campus during student pick up times to watch for any safety concerns or problems. I have been appreciative of your understanding and safe driving/parking habits while picking up your child. Remember that our campus speed limit is 10 mph and we ALWAYS have children on campus. It takes only a momentary distraction to cause a problem with serious consequences, so please continue to remain alert and cautious while driving on campus.

On September 1st, we launched our Annual Fund campaign, #Be The Spark. As an independent school, we rely solely on tuition and donations to fund the many school activities and pay our wonderful teachers and staff members. As you know, operational costs continue to rise in all areas of our school and the cost to educate each child is greater than the cost of tuition. The only way that we can keep tuition levels where they are and avoid steep future increases is to experience strong support through your donations and gifts. I am always happy to meet with you individually to discuss specific ways in which your donation might align to your passion and desires. And remember that your donations are tax- deductible! Feel free to use the link below to facilitate your giving and thank you, in advance, for your generosity!
https://collectcheckout.com/collect-checkout/fields?cartId=87724140-6724-44ff-9727-6f6d25461741

Tomorrow marks the start of the Best in the Desert voting for this year! Last year, Palm Valley won every category that we were nominated for: Best Private School, Best Daycare, and Best Preschool! We are looking to repeat as winners this year! Use the QR code below to cast your vote! Voting only occurs in the next 2 weeks. You can vote once a day and repeat votes are always encouraged…. So why not make it a daily habit?

Be a part of the PVS Profile of a Learner Parent Committee! The goal of the committee will focus on defining the traits, outcomes and skills that encompasses what the educational journey of our PVS students looks like from preschool through graduation. The Profile should also reflect our mission and values. There are many examples of profile traits online to help begin the process. There will also be a staff and student committee, and all three will eventually come together to cooperatively create our PVS Profile of a Learner! Any parent interested in being part of the Profile of a Learner Committee can email Scott Winter at [email protected].

Lastly, I want to thank the PA, the PVS Board of Trustees, and the many volunteers that have already been hard at work to make this the best school year ever! We are so grateful for your partnership and lavish support.

Enjoy the cooler weather and I look forward to seeing you on campus at one of our upcoming events!
Warmly,

Dr. Steven Sherman
Head of School

Upcoming PVS events:

Thursday, September 29th – Be on the lookout for the next edition of the Phoenix!

Thursday, September 29th – MAP Growth Lower School Parent Information Meeting, 8:30 – 9:15am in the Smart Lab in LS

Tuesday, October 4th – Lower School Math Night: 6 – 7pm

Friday, October 7th – All School Picture Day!

Monday, October 10th – No School – Staff Professional Development Day

Wednesday, October 12th – High School PSAT Testing day (10th and 11th graders)

Thursday, October 13th – Picture Make Up Day

Friday, October 14th – End of First Quarter
Homecoming Dance (8th – 12th grade) on campus

About Kaira Nayfack

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