Principal's Message

 

Sue Schwartz

Pequannock Valley School

 

Hello P.V. School Family,

 

The summer is over and we are back in school! As you may know, there was quite a bit of construction at P.V. School this summer. I am pleased to inform you that it has been completed and our school is looking great. Since most of the construction was in the ceilings and other areas that are not readily seen, what is most noticeable is how bright the halls appear.

 

The amazing, painted ceiling tiles that have become P.V. tradition were taken down. Fire codes have prohibited us from reinstalling them. We plan to photograph them and publish a book containing these special pieces of art. We’ll frame some of the pieces and use them to decorate the halls. More information about the ceiling tile book will be coming as soon as we know more.

 

In addition to the construction, the summer has afforded us time to work on some projects for the 2009 – 2010 school year. Character education is a hallmark of P.V. School. This year we are adding another dimension to it. Specifically, we will be working with all the adults in our school family in the area of bullying and racism. I will be forming a parent task force to help raise awareness of the issues and the process that we are implementing to consistently and cohesively deal with these contemporary challenges. Please consider joining me in this very ambitious project. To be part of the parent task force, please call the main office and give Mrs. Kane your name, phone number, and email address. I am hoping the adults in Pequannock will join me in order to raise awareness in our community.

 

Character education is sometimes called “social/ emotional learning.” Our teachers will be looking at the book, The Essential 55 by Ron Clark. This book is written by a teacher and it is a collection of educator’s rules for discovering the successful student in every child. While some of Ron Clark’s rules might raise an eyebrow, they certainly create a basis for lively discussion. Mr. Clark also wrote, The Excellent 11. This second book is for teachers and parents. It addresses eleven motivational behaviors that bring out the best in everyone. I’ll be talking more about both of these books in the near future.

 

Please note that our school day is extended by 10 minutes due to teacher contracts. We added 5 minutes on each side of the day. You will have gotten the new bell schedules in the packets your children brought home. If you have any questions, feel free to call the main office.

 

I am looking forward to a great school year for your children, their teachers, you, and the rest of us here at P.V. School. Get ready for special times!

 

Warm regards,

Sue Schwartz