Dear Families,

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Erin Benson, our PTO, and all of the parents and guardians who helped make this week so special for our staff. From the delicious burritos and quesadillas on Tuesday to the beautiful flowers on Friday, every thoughtful gesture was truly appreciated. Your kindness and generosity mean so much to our teachers and staff, and we are grateful for the support you show our school community throughout the year.

I would also like to thank our PTO for supporting the kindergarten field trip to the Niantic Children’s Museum. Our kindergartners had a wonderful time exploring, learning, and making special memories together.

Finally, please consider supporting the PTO Super Hero Run next Wednesday, May 13th! (See the flyer below for details.) Funds raised through this event will help support several of our end-of-year activities, including the First Grade Farewell, Field Day, and the Kindergarten Picnic. We appreciate your continued support in helping make these events memorable experiences for our students.

Thank you for all you do to support our school!

Take care,

Ryan Walstrom

Principal

Please make sure to email vvattendance@portlandct.us if your child will be absent or if there is a change of dismissal/transportation plans. Please do NOT send messages directly through ParentSquare to the office. The email should include your child’s first and last name, name of teacher, reason for absence, and the date or dates of absence. Please make sure the email is sent the night before or the morning of the absence to ensure the office staff, nurse and teacher are aware. Please make sure the office is aware of all transportation updates regarding your child.

Valley View held it's annual PK Role Model Screening for the upcoming 2026-27 school year in March. For those with summer birthdays or who missed the March screening dates there will be a May 15th screening.

 

Requirements for Peer Model:

 

Busing in the Portland Public Schools is provided by M&J Bus. Bus route lists are posted here: https://www.portlandctschools.org/transportation. The bus lists identify each stop's pick-up/drop-off time and location.

 

On a typical day, when all drivers are present and there are no abnormal road conditions, we expect that the routes will pick up and drop off students at times identified on the bus lists, give or take ten minutes.

 

If parents/guardians need real-time information about the whereabouts of a bus, please call M&J Bus at (860) 342-2217. The dispatcher at M&J Bus has real-time access via radio to all bus drivers.

Your child’s school works with Community Health Center, Inc. School Based Health Center program to provide health services (behavioral/mental health) services to your child during the school day. This means they won’t miss as much class and you don’t need to miss work to support their health care needs. 

Lean more about the services offered at your child’s school and enroll today at SBHC1.com! Interested families can also seek this service through the link or through our school website.

 

Happy Friday!

 May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness month. Pollen counts have been high this spring. Allergies can range from mild, seasonal allergies to life threatening food allergies and many times asthma and allergies occur together. Asthma itself can range from mild to severe, it can be exercise induced or allergy induced. In the United States, approximately 7 million children have asthma.  The same substances that trigger your hay fever symptoms, such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander, may also cause asthma signs and symptoms. In some people, skin or food allergies can cause asthma symptoms.   Asthma causes wheezing, cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. It may occur after exercise or may occur at night or early in the morning. Allergy symptoms include cough, runny nose, itchy watery eyes or a skin rash. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of asthma and consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

Stay well and have a wonderful weekend!

For more information, please visit:

Mrs. Karen Rettich

Valley View School Nurse

Phone 860 342 3226

We have been busy during library classes beginning our final unit of the year- research projects! Students have been really enjoying the database Pebble Go. They can use it at home as well and they have been asking me to give them the password so here it is! Go to www.pebblego.com and our username is ducks and password is read. There are tons of interesting topics for students to explore!

Our last book club for July/August birthdays or anyone who missed theirs this year is May 20th. I sent out the email this week to everyone who signed up, but if anyone else would like to participate- let me know! 

Valley View has 38 overdue library books so please bring those in as soon as possible! 

Thank you for your support of the Valley View Library!

Melissa Thorpe

Library Media Specialist

Last Thursday’s Art Show opening was a hit! Valley View students saw their collaborative Cool Oceans/Warm Fish art on display at Portland Middle School along with art from students across the district. Take a look at the beautiful creations and some very proud faces!

Snacks will be offered in the cafeteria on Thursdays. Snacks include things like cookies, rice crispy treats, chips and even ice cream. The cost for these items range from $1 to $1.50. Students will only be allowed to choose one item each week. In order to purchase a snack, children will need to bring in cash on Thursdays or have a positive balance established within their MySchoolBucks account. Please reach out if you need any further information.

Thank you for your help,

Ms. Denise