#Engage, Energize,& Educate
January 16th, 2026
Dear Families,
Our winter STAR math and reading benchmark assessments are now underway. These assessments help teachers understand each student’s progress, celebrate growth, and plan instruction to best support learning during the remainder of the school year. Testing will take place during regular class time, and we encourage students to do their best while getting a good night’s rest and arriving at school on time.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ success.
There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Everyday Speech
This week, our elementary students watched a social-emotional learning video focused on understanding others’ points of view, especially during recess. The lesson helped students reflect on how classmates may feel or think differently in shared play spaces and how empathy can guide positive choices. Through discussion and examples, students learned that pausing to consider another person’s perspective can prevent conflicts, strengthen friendships, and make recess a more inclusive and enjoyable time for everyone. We are proud of our students for practicing kindness, respect, and thoughtful problem-solving both on the playground and throughout the school day.
Culture Awareness
During our daily announcements, students were reminded that we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and we remember his message of kindness, fairness, and standing up for what is right. Dr. King believed that everyone should be treated with respect and that our words and actions can make the world a better place. At our school, we encourage students to show empathy, help others, and include everyone—just as Dr. King taught. Together, we can continue his dream by choosing kindness and doing our best each day.
Send Us Your Favorite Sports or Any Activity Photo
We would love your help in celebrating our school community! Families are invited to send in their favorite photos of students enjoying football—or any other sports, or activities that you’d like to share. These pictures may be featured on our in school television. All photos should be emailed to tviera@smithfield-ps.org. Thank you for helping us showcase the many ways our students stay active!
A Message From Congressman Gabe Amo’s Office
"America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that runs through March 30, 2026, inviting students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn a once-in-a-lifetime field trip experience at one of 16 different iconic American landmarks or cultural sites, including Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park — just to name a few. Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: '"What does America mean to you?'"
More information can be found on America's Field Trip website: https://america250.org/fieldtrip/.
Flyers
SSELAC Jan. 20th Meeting Flyer
Donate Loose Change for our Communications Board
Urban Air PTO Event on March 8th
Smithfield Little League Registration
Craft Club for Grades 2-5 SIGN UP FOR THE ART CLASS HERE!
New Email Address for the Office
We have a new email address for families to use for attendance, dismissal changes, early dismissal or late arrivals.
pvesecretary@smithfield-ps.org
Important Dates:
Tuesday, January 20th-SSELAC meeting in the SHS media center at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 28th-PVES Spelling Bee & NAEP Testing in 4th Grade.
Tuesday, February 3rd-PTO Meeting at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. Please enter through door 2. Children are invited to attend.
Thursday, February 5th-It’s the 100th Day of School! Dress like you are 100 YEARS old. For safety, please do not use walkers or canes.
Friday, February 6th-District Spelling Bee at LaPerche
Friday, February 13th- Wear your red, pink, white, and gold today!
Monday, February 16th-Friday, February 20th-President’s Day-Winter Recess/No School
Tuesday, February 24th-SSELAC meeting in the SHS media center at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3rd-PTO Meeting at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. Please enter through door 2. Children are invited to attend.
Friday, March 6th-Wear Blue for Colorectal Awareness Day/Ladies Bingo-more information to follow. Wear your 6-7 today because we have 67 days LEFT of school.
Sunday, March 8th-Urban Air from 4:00-8:00 p.m. You must mention the word SPIRIT NIGHT at the time of purchase.
Monday, March 9th-Professional Development Day/No School
Wednesday, March 11th-Lifetouch Spring Pictures
Monday, March 16th-Friday, March 20th-Respect Week/More details to follow
Tuesday, March 17th-SSELAC in the SHS media center at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 20th-Bwana Iguana Assembly 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 25th- Teaching & Learning Night from 5:00-7:00p.m.
Sunday, March 29th-Dave & Busters or School Dance at Rhodes
Tuesday, March 31st & Wednesday, April 1st- Grades 3, 4, & 5 RICAS Testing/English Language Arts
Tuesday, April 7th-PTO Meeting at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. Please enter through door 2. Children are invited to attend.
Monday, April 20th-Friday, April 24th-Spring Recess/No School
Tuesday, April 28th-SSELAC in the SHS media center at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2nd- Annual SSELAC Color Run at 9:00 am/Deerfield Park
Tuesday, May 5th & Wednesday, May 6th-Grades 3, 4, and 5 RICAS Testing/Math-PTO Meeting at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria on May 5th. Please enter through door 2. Children are invited to attend.
Tuesday, May 12th-NGSS Science Testing/Grade 5 only
Thursday, May 14th & Friday, May 15th-Panda Players Performance at SHS from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Friday, May 15th-In School Panda Players Performance at SHS from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, May 19th-SSELAC meeting in the SHS media center at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 28th-PVES Talent Show at SHS from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Monday, May 25th-Memorial Day/No School
Tuesday, June 2nd-PTO Meeting at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. Please enter through door 2. Children are invited to attend.
Wednesday, June 10th-CONFIRMED date for Kindergarten and Fifth Grade MOVING UP CEREMONIES
Tuesday, June 16th-Tentative Last Day of School
Have a wonderful LONG weekend!
Warmly,
Mrs. Dohoney & Mrs. Viera