It is hard to believe that the 2012-13 school year is almost over.  Pleasant Valley students and staff are now looking forward to June with its many end-of-the-year activities and the relaxation of summer ahead.  In this final issue of our newsletter you’ll find not only end-of-the-year news but also some tips for summertime learning!

First of all, as this year comes to a close, all of us at Pleasant Valley School want to congratulate one of our teachers — we wish Mrs. Geraldine Chiang a long and happy retirement.  We are thankful for all she has done for the children of Pleasant Valley and Groton Public Schools and for the dedication she brought to our school every day!   We wish her the best!

Of course, we can’t end the year without wishing our fifth graders good luck as they move on to middle school!  For the fifth-graders of Pleasant Valley, the final days of school will be more than just the conclusion of an academic year.  It will be a time to celebrate and commemorate friends, memories and experiences that will carry them beyond elementary school and into the new adventures that await them in middle school.  We are planning a ceremony to honor all of our fifth graders who excelled in and beyond the classroom.  Fifth grade families are invited to join us on Thursday, June 13^th  at 1:30 PM as we celebrate a D.A.R.E . Graduation and a Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony at Pleasant Valley!

Looking Ahead - While I know parents have plans for the summer vacation, I want to take this opportunity to give you a heads up on important dates and events for the start of the 2013- 2014 school year:

« Welcome back letters will be mailed to families in August.

« Summertime tours of PV will be planned for our new families.

At Pleasant Valley our teachers have planned a summer reading program!  The number one golden rule is to make time to read over the summer.  Parents should designate time every day just for books, or set aside a time once a week to go to the library. There's so much going on in the summer, that it's important to schedule time just for reading and for parents to help our students keep their Groton reading journal.  We’ve planned an end-of-the-year reading assembly to kick off our program, the PTO will be providing books for the kids to start their summer reading, and students who participate will be included in an ice cream truck celebration in September.  So look for that reading log and remember - Kids, who read, succeed!  

I am speaking not only for myself, but for our staff as well, when I say to you that we truly appreciate the opportunity to work with your children.  We look forward to a great 2013-14 school year.  So for now, have fun with your child this summer, but don’t let learning take a vacation!

Mrs. Miner