Valley Central Middle School 2024-2025 Welcome Back Letter

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well and that you have taken the time to relax and regroup during these summer months. Summertime for school professionals is all about replenishing, rejuvenating, and planning in preparation for the new year to come. As we quickly approach the end of August, we wanted to take a moment to provide you with a warm welcome and offer some of the essential reopening information you may need to be ready to start the new school year at Valley Central Middle School with ease and excitement.

Our doors will open for students on Thursday, September 5th for the start of the new school year and we are so excited about what is to come! Our goal is always to create a warm and welcoming school environment where students can thrive and families can feel a part of something special. In order to make this happen, we all need to work together as a team to get there and we are eager to do so.

In the upcoming weeks, we will be providing you with everything you need to know and expect as you enter Middle School in September. Information will be provided for both parents and students. To get you started, the following is a quick reference guide:

Student schedules will be available on the parent/student portal starting on August 23, 2024.

School supplies are not being provided by the District this year. Please click on this link to view the list of school supplies needed by September 9th by grade level. This is also posted on the website.

Busing information is being mailed home. If you have any questions regarding busing please contact Renee Marchant at transportation@vcsdny.org.
6th grade and new student orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024. We have provided some information on this event already and it is located on the website.

Middle School modified sports registration is now open for the upcoming fall season. Please see the website for more information or click Modified Sports Registration.

We also want to let you know that as administrators we are here to support our school community by listening, problem-solving, and working hard to create a school environment that is fun, fair and engaging. We will be visiting classrooms frequently and getting to know each and every one of our students throughout the school year.

Ms. Ginda-Baxter
Hello and WELCOME to VCMS!! We are going to have a great year together and learn a lot about ourselves and each other. This is my 20th year being an administrator and my 4th year as the MS Principal. I really enjoy the beach and I spent a lot of time this summer camping with my family and friends in our camper. I have 2 teenagers who are my world- one high school graduate and one still in high school. I am excited to hear about what you enjoy and your family too! I am looking forward to our journey ahead!

Mr. Balducci
Hi everyone and welcome to VCMS! This is my 27th year in education and my 17th year as an Assistant Principal. I am passionate about sports – especially the Yankees and Jets! If you see me in the hallway, don’t be afraid to ask me about my favorite players. You will see me a lot at lunch and recess and I am looking forward to getting to know each of you better. I also have two children- one high school grad and one in high school so I understand the successes and challenges you may face at the Middle School. I look forward to working with you to be the best you can be!

Mr. Rodriguez
Welcome to VCMS everyone! This will be my 22nd year in education but my 7th year here at Valley Central and my 3rd in the middle school. I am a huge NY Knicks fan and love the game of lacrosse. If you see me in the hall say “hello” and don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have. I also have two children- one high school graduate and one in high school. I understand the type of commitment and work ethic it takes to be successful. Let’s have a great year and work together to make your experiences at VCMS positive and productive!.

We will continue to provide messages and post information on the school website as we get closer to the start of the new school year. We hope this school year brings each of you a sense of hope and happiness as we grow together! Happy New Year!

~VCMS Administration

Welcome Back Parents Students/ Families 2024