Pleasant Valley Elementary School
Growing Together, Every Step of the Journey
Message from School Administration
It's difficult to believe that we are at the end of our first grading period of the school year. Teachers will be finalizing grades, and report cards should be ready to view by October 30.
Since we are at the end of our first grading period, students participated in the first house rally of the year. Students who are new to Pleasant Valley also found out which "House" they are in: Eagle, Mountain, Red Oak, or River.
Ask your child to see which "House" they are in this year!
Enjoy the weekend!
Pam Dowrey, Principal
Luke Roadcap, Assistant Principal
Upcoming Events
- Oct. 23–Nov. 2: Book Fair at PVES
- Oct. 23: Books, Bagels, and Bubbles, 9 a.m.–noon
- Oct. 23: No School for Students — Teacher Workday
- Oct. 29: Second Grade Field Trip
- Oct. 30: Halloween Dress-Up Day
Halloween costumes should not include masks, props, or full-face paint and should not prevent students from learning or participating in everyday tasks.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Pleasant Valley October 23 through November 2!
Families are welcome to visit the book fair, enjoy bagels, and have fun with bubbles on October 23 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Preview books and manage your child's eWallet
Our volunteers bring extra joy, excitement, and success to the PVES Book Fair! Interested in helping young readers discover their next favorite book?
PTO Parent-Teacher Conference Meal
Please consider contributing to the teachers' dinner meal on parent-teacher conference day, Monday, November 2.
Sign Up to ContributeGuess the Candy Corn Amount!
Students can participate in this estimation game fundraiser during the week of October 26–30. Each guess costs 50 cents, with a limit of two guesses per student. The closest guess wins!
All proceeds from school-based fundraisers go directly back to the students and our school community.
Elementary Grades: As the Grading Period Ends...
1. CHECK
Check your child's grades and missing work.2. TALK
Ask your child how learning is going.3. ASK
Contact the teacher if you have questions.This week, ask your child: "What are you most proud of learning?"
A grade is intended to show how well a student can independently demonstrate grade-level learning standards. It is not simply a measure of effort or the number of assignments completed.
A lower grade is not automatically evidence that a student is doing poorly. It can help identify a skill or standard that needs more instruction, reteaching, or practice.
Visit the RCPS website for grading policy information
Benchmark Information
This school year, RCPS joined the Comprehensive Instructional Program (CIP), which supports high-quality instruction through shared instructional practices, professional learning, and collaboration among educators.
Students in grades 3–5 complete benchmark assessments every nine weeks. These assessments help teachers identify skills and concepts that may need additional instruction or practice.
The first CIP benchmark included a small number of questions covering content that may not yet have been taught in every classroom. RCPS adjusted benchmark grades to account for this. Students were not penalized for questions about content they had not yet had the opportunity to learn.
A Note from Mrs. Woodward
I love this time of year with the cooler temperatures and the beautiful fall colors. I also like October because I teach students about always being kind to prevent bullying. I hope students will tell you: Kindness Matters at Pleasant Valley!
In fifth grade, we will be learning about Massanutten Technical Center to prepare for our field trip. Fifth-grade teachers will send home a permission slip. We will also talk about good citizenship as we begin preparing for our Veterans Day assembly in November.
Mrs. Woodward, School Counselor
School Communication: ParentSquare
We are excited to introduce ParentSquare, a communication platform that will help Pleasant Valley Elementary keep families informed and connected.
Teachers may begin using ParentSquare at different times. Families may continue receiving classroom communications through existing methods while the school transitions to the platform.
- Receive school and classroom updates in one place
- Read messages in a preferred language
- Communicate with participating teachers and staff
- Complete forms and permission slips
- Sign up for conferences, events, and volunteer opportunities
- View secure documents, including report cards
Digital Books in Your Home Language
Discover free digital stories in your home language through LOTE4Kids and Massanutten Regional Library.
Children can read, listen to stories, and enjoy books in more than 100 languages, with English also available.
Cafeteria Information
Rockingham County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services is committed to providing healthy, quality, affordable meals to help fuel student learning and well-being.
Student breakfast: $2.00
Student lunch: $3.25
Elementary cafeterias will no longer sell certain extras, such as chips, on a daily basis.
Payments can be made online or by cash or check at school. Please include the student's name, grade, and PIN when sending cash or a check.
Updated pricing and purchasing guidelines
Free and reduced-price meal applications are available online and at each school. Students should bring a water bottle and are encouraged to eat healthy, nutritious meals.
Questions? Call 540-434-7783 or email foodservice@rockingham.k12.va.us .
PVES Book Donations
Donate gently used or new books to the students of Pleasant Valley Elementary! Each book will find a new home and help support readers of all ages.
Drop off books at the front office during regular school hours.
Attendance Information
Parents and guardians: Please notify the school when your child is absent so that we can ensure attendance records are accurate.
If your child has been sick, please keep them home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
Phone: 540-434-4557
Box Tops for Education
Earn cash for our school with Box Tops! Families can help support PVES through qualifying purchases and the Box Tops app.
Transportation Notice
Please notify the school office or your child's teacher about transportation changes. If a change occurs during the school day, call the school before 1 p.m. so staff have adequate time to notify the teacher and bus driver if necessary.
If the school has not been informed of a change, your child will be placed on their assigned school bus.
Pre-School Programs Information
Pleasant Valley offers two preschool programs. The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) serves eligible children who have reached age four. Early Childhood Special Education serves eligible children who have not yet reached school age.
Technology Tips for Parents
Talk with your child about using digital content legally and safely. Encourage trusted websites, licensed content, and asking a trusted adult when something online is unfamiliar.