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Pleasant Valley School

Dream. Achieve. Inspire.

Family Newsletter 6/12

Posted Date: 06/12/26 (05:09 PM)


Pleasant Valley Elementary School logo featuring a blue paw print and the word 'Panthers'.

Pleasant Valley Elementary School

Pleasant Valley School celebrates the last week of school with festive decorations and the date 6/12/2026.
 
Dear PV Families,
As we approach the final days of the school year, I want to celebrate the people and milestones that make PV such a special place.

On Wednesday, we had the privilege of celebrating the promotion ceremony for the Pleasant Valley Class of 2026/SWPS Class of 2033. It was a beautiful ceremony filled with pride, reflection, and excitement for what lies ahead. A huge thanks to our PTO Fifth Grade Committee, our fifth-grade teachers, and all of the educators who have supported this class throughout their elementary school journey. Most importantly, thank you to our parents and caregivers—the first and most important teachers in our students' lives. The success of our students is a reflection of the strong partnership between home and school. Congratulations to our fifth graders and families on this important milestone.

This year, we honor and celebrate three remarkable educators whose dedication has touched countless lives:
  • Liz Lackman, Paraeducator, SAILS Program
  • Elaine Morneault, Paraeducator, Preschool Program
  • Tracy Gale, K–5 Paraeducator
Collectively, these outstanding educators have devoted decades of service to supporting students, creating safe and welcoming learning environments, and building meaningful relationships with children and families. Many of the students whose lives they have impacted may never be able to fully express their gratitude. On behalf of all your current and former students, families, staff, and the entire Pleasant Valley community, thank you. We honor your service, celebrate your accomplishments, and wish you happiness, health, and fulfillment in your retirement.

Every school has heroes whose work often happens behind the scenes, and our school nurses certainly fall into that category. This year, Danielle Korzep, Kara Connor, and Kellie Ward have cared for more than 800 students—and quite a few adults as well—with professionalism, compassion, and dedication.
Thank you for taking care of our school community when we need it most. We are grateful for all that you do and for the care you provide each and every day.

Please join me in welcoming our newly elected PTO Board: President Kayla Holland, Co-Presidents Sanne Wortel and Brian Warren, Secretary Jamie Girouard, and Treasurer Pranav Kapil, who is returning for another term. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to partnering with them to support our students, staff, and families.

Finally, thank you to our outgoing PTO Board for their service, leadership, and dedication to the Pleasant Valley community.

Graciously,
Esther & Jenna
 
A decorative border of green leaves and flowers frames the word 'Photos'.

Thank you to Liz Lackman, Tracy Gale, and Elaine Morneault! Congratulations on your Retirement!

A group of children and adults are shown in various classroom and outdoor settings, engaging in activities like reading and celebrating.
A group of adults in festive holiday sweaters pose for a photo in a classroom.
A smiling woman in a pink striped shirt stands against a blue background.
 

Thank you to our Nurses!

A collage of people in various settings, some wearing festive holiday attire.
 

5th Grade Movie Night

A group of children and adults gather on a gymnasium floor for an event, with some sitting on blankets and others on chairs.
 

5th Grade Promotion

A group of students and adults pose for a photo in a gymnasium, many holding certificates.
Students and adults gather in a gymnasium for an awards ceremony, with some seated on bleachers and others on stage.
Students stand on a stage holding certificates at an awards ceremony in a gymnasium.
 

5th Grade VMP Trip

A group of children enjoy a sunny day at a crowded outdoor swimming pool.
A collage of images showing children and adults enjoying outdoor activities, including picnics and games.
A collage of children and adults enjoying outdoor activities, including swimming and crafts.
 

Attendance Winners Enjoying Kona Ice

Children line up to order from a colorful Kona Ice truck decorated with tropical imagery and cartoon characters.
A group of children enjoy colorful frozen treats outdoors on a sunny day.
A group of children and an adult stand outside a brick building, smiling.
 

3rd Grade Bingo

Children of diverse backgrounds sit on the floor, engaged in a board game with colorful pieces.
 

PV Family Hike

A diverse group of adults and children pose for a photo on a scenic overlook with a cloudy sky.
A group of children and a woman sit on wooden stairs, smiling at the camera.
 
A decorative border of green leaves and flowers frames the word 'Events'.
Pleasant Valley School announces an important schedule change: Wednesday, 6/17 is a full day of school.
  • Monday, 6/15: Field Day
  • Wednesday, 6/17: Full Day
  • Friday, 6/19: Last Day, Early Release - 1:15 Dismissal

Our peer mediators and student council have created a countdown for the entire school. Hope we can all join in!

Countdown to End of School
 
Decorative green foliage and flowers frame the word 'Announcements' in elegant script.

250 testimonials in response to the prompt: Why I Love South Windsor Public Schools

A Message from Dr. Carter

Dear families:

Please help us reach our goal of collecting 250 testimonials in response to the prompt: Why I Love South Windsor Public Schools. In a world that tends to dwell on the negative...we invite you to be a part of something positive! Responses can come from parents, caregivers, relatives, residents, neighbors, staff and, of course, our students. Below are four examples from testimonials we have recieved so far. Click here to access the form. 

Thank you for helping us celebrate our schools and our hard-working and dedicated staff. -Kate Carter, Superintendent of Schools

"The growth that my daughter has had this past year is nothing short of amazing. And the confidence that every faculty and staff member instilled in her will forever be unmatched."

"SW schools put safety first and truly care about every child. The teachers and staff are incredibly kind, warm, and dedicated. As a parent, I feel confident my daughter is in safe, loving hands every single day. Proud to be part of this community!"

"To the incredible staff of South Windsor High School,
What makes this school truly special isn’t the building or the accolades—it’s the heartbeat you provide every single day.

I love SWHS because of the quiet, human moments that happen in your classrooms and hallways. It’s the way you notice a student’s slumped shoulders and offer a word of encouragement. It’s the passion you bring to a subject that sparks a lifelong curiosity in someone else. You don’t just teach subjects; you cultivate belonging.

In a world that often feels fast and impersonal, you’ve built a sanctuary where students feel seen, heard, and valued. You carry the weight of their futures with grace, showing them that resilience is built through kindness and that success is about more than just a grade—it’s about character.

Thank you for your tireless energy, your patience when things get tough, and for being the steady mentors these young people need. You are more than staff; you are the architects of hope for this community. Every day you show up, you are changing lives in ways you may never fully realize. You are the soul of SWHS."

"250 words are truly too few to articulate the reasons behind my love for this school. As a father, I find myself thanking the school at every single moment when I witness my child's progress. The school's contribution to this development is 100 percent. I hold immense love and respect for every aspect of this institution—its heritage, culture, traditions, and the care it provides. I extend my heartfelt respect and gratitude to every member of the school staff for their hard work and dedication. Just as a sapling requires immense care to transform into a mighty tree, the role of this school in shaping a student's life is undeniable. I wish for this school to flourish and advance in every respect—both in substance and in stature. Long live my—and our—South Windsor Public Schools"
 

From our PV Library

Dear families,
Happy Friday!
We still have 881 library books that need to be returned to the PV library this Monday. Please check your email TODAY to see if your child has an outstanding book. That email will include the book's title, a photo of the cover, and its replacement price.
If you cannot locate a missing book, you have two options:
  1. Replace the book: Send a new copy of the book to school with your child, along with a note stating it is a library replacement. I will then remove the missing book from your child's account and add a PV barcode to the new copy.
  2. Pay for the book: Write a check payable to South Windsor Public Schools for the exact amount of the book. Please write PV Library in the memo line, and include a note with your child's name and the book title so I can clear their account.
Thank you so much for your continued help and support!

 

Medication Pick Up Reminder

Please Click on the following letter from our health office. Medication Pick Up Letter
 

Kindergarten Registration

Colorful hands raised with drawings of sun, hearts, and clouds, announcing Kindergarten 2026 registration.
Click on the following links for more information on registration.

 
Decorative border of green leaves and flowers above the text 'PTO Corner'.
Welcome to the new 2026-2027 PV PTO Board, with listed President, Co-Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Questions on any of these events can be sent to PTO@PVPTO.org.
 
Decorative border of green leaves and flowers above the text 'Activities & Sports'.
 
A decorative border of green leaves and flowers frames the word 'Links' in cursive.
PV Procedures
Attendance Monitor Instructions
FAQ
Cell Phone/Watch Guidelines
PV School Website
SWPS Schedule
PTO Website
PTO Shout Outs
Newspaper Club Webzine
District Lice Protocol
Arrival & Dismissal
 
A decorative border of green leaves and flowers frames the word 'Reminders' in elegant script.
Image promoting school attendance with colorful hands raised.

Attendance

If your child is going to be absent, please log in to your Parent Portal and fill out the Attendance Monitor prior to the start of the day. It is very important that the office be aware of your child's absence. Attendance Monitor instructions can be found under Helpful Links, below.

If you would like to pick your child up early, please email both Mrs. Brown & Mrs. Strom or call the office at 860-610-0291.
A cartoon green car with blue windows is driving.

End of Day Pick Up/Car Rider Tags

If you would like to pick your child up at dismissal time, please email Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Strom or call the office at 860-610-0291 NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM

Please Indicate:
Student Name
Teacher Name
Tag Number
A green backpack filled with school supplies, including pencils, a notebook, and an apple.

Dropping off Items for Your Student

If you need to drop off items for your child during the school day, you will be asked to leave them in the vestibule outside the main office. Please be sure to write your child's name and teacher's name on the items and notify your teach via parentsquare or email that they have been dropped off.

From the Health Office

Infographic advising parents on when to keep children home from school.