March at Alden Place
Embedded Files
Dear Alden Place Families,
Although it has been cold and snowy, this winter has provided a unique backdrop for our students to explore and learn together.
Last week, our third-grade team visited Sharpe Reservation to see the natural environment in a new light. These hands-on discoveries will serve as a vital foundation for their studies throughout the coming months.
We prioritize trips like these because real-world experiences are powerful builders of background knowledge. Beyond enriching students' lives, research consistently shows us that a student’s background knowledge is a key driver of literacy achievement.
By observing, exploring, and asking questions outdoors, students gain the context they need to give deeper meaning to the books and ideas they encounter in the classroom.
Thank you to our teachers for their passionate commitment to experiential learning.
In this month's newsletter, we've gathered stories and snapshots from our recent adventures, along with resources to help you continue fostering curiosity and background knowledge at home.
Warmest regards,
Andrew Cedermark
Principal, Alden Place Elementary
Millbrook Central School District
(845) 677-4220 X4102
Upcoming Dates
Tues. March 3 - STEAM Fair 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Fri. March 6 - 3/28 - students' artwork displayed at the Millbrook Public Library
Sun. March 8 - Daylight Savings Time
Thurs. March 5 - Snow Date for STEAM Fair
Fri. March 13th - Superintendent's Conference Day - No School
Mon. March 16 - Spring Pictures!
Wed. March 25 - Music In Our Schools Month Concert at 6:30pm
Fri. March 27th - Sparrow's Nest Dress Down Day
Mon. 3/30 - Mon. April 6th - Spring Break!
Alden Book Club:
Action-Packed Art!
This Month's Theme
Welcome to our "Action-Packed Art" collection!
This set of books is all about the power of visual storytelling -- showing us that stories don't always need a lot of words to be loud and exciting.
Whether we are "zooming" through the pages of a wordless adventure, feeling the heat of a kitchen in a brand-new country, or diving deep to see real-life treasures from the ocean floor, these books prove that seeing is believing!
What is Alden Book Club?
At our Blue Ribbon Blazer Assembly each month, a special guest will introduce three texts with a shared theme. Ten copies of each text are available in the Alden Place Library. (Titles are also available at the Millbrook Library.)
Throughout the month, students who read one of the books during independent reading or at home will be recognized at the next assembly. Thank you to the Millbrook Education Foundation and Merritt Bookstore for generously supporting this program!
A wordless story that "zooms out" using only pictures.
Moving to a new country and baking to feel at home.
Real-life objects and photos from the bottom of the sea.
Pizza With the Pros
Our 4th and 5th grade musicians had a fantastic experience at our workshop-style evening on Wednesday, February 25th! This unique event gave our growing instrumentalists the opportunity to break into small groups and refine their technique—focusing on essentials like posture, breath support, and tone—under the guidance of our talented high school "pros." Students received personalized mentorship as they worked through tricky passages in their band music and gained expert tips on embouchure and tonguing. It was a wonderful night of musical growth, community building, and, of course, plenty of pizza!
Art at the Library!
Thank you, Deputy Freer!
On February 15, 2026, we celebrated National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, a day established by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) to recognize the dedication and hard work of school-based law enforcement officers.
Deputy Freer is more than just a presence in our hallways—he is a mentor, a role model, and a trusted resource for our school community. Whether building positive relationships with students, providing valuable safety education, or responding swiftly to any concerns, his commitment to our school is unwavering.
We are incredibly grateful for Deputy Freer, who goes above and beyond to ensure the safety, well-being, and success of our students and staff.
Grade 3 visits
Sharpe Reservation
Our Grade 3 students had a truly magical day at Sharpe Reservation on February 19th! The winter weather provided the perfect backdrop for our young explorers to strap on snowshoes and navigate the sparkling trails, where they put on their detective hats to identify various animal tracks left in the fresh snow. When it was time to warm up, the students were treated to an awe-inspiring journey through the stars during a visit to the planetarium. It was wonderful to see our students so engaged with nature and science, and we are so proud of the curiosity and spirit they brought to this adventure. A huge thank you to our staff and chaperones for making this such a successful and memorable trip!
Alden Place STEAM Fair 2026!
We are proud to announce the return of the annual Alden Place STEAM Fair!
The fair will be held on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 to p.m. In the event of snow, the fair will be held on Thursday, March 5.
This annual event hosted in partnership with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies encourages curiosity, creativity, and strong thinking skills as students explore questions that matter to them.
This year's fair will be run by our wonderful team of fifth grade teachers.
For the fair, students will design investigations, analyze results, and explain their learning to others, including real scientists from the Cary Institute who serve as judges.
Participation in the STEAM Fair is voluntary. If your child chooses to participate, your role is to encourage, support, and help with safety and logistics while letting them lead the work. See some ideas at right for how you can help at home.
Students will independently present their projects during judging and receive feedback from the judges. Families will be invited to an evening awards ceremony to celebrate our student scientists, and select fifth graders who may advance to the Dutchess County Science Fair.
Six Steps to Completion:
Step 1: Observe the world and research to gather ideas.
Step 2: Turn an idea into a testable question (e.g., "How does water temperature affect the dissolving time of sugar?").
Step 3: Design and conduct the experiment.
Step 4: Carefully keep track of all results.
Step 5: Examine and analyze the results.
Step 6: Create a summary poster display.
How Families Can Help:
Help your child select a project that is feasible to complete.
Offer support and encouragement as your child works, while allowing them to plan and direct the project as independently as possible.
Encourage your child to work on the project consistently.
Ensure that your child follows appropriate safety procedures.
Assist with transporting the project to and from school on the day of the science fair.
Valentine's Day
Friendship was in the air at Alden Place this past February 14th! Our students celebrated in style, with many kids dressing up in creative matching outfits to mark the holiday. It was a day filled with kindness as students brought in wonderful snacks to share with their peers and teachers, making everyone feel special. We had a blast seeing the thoughtful ways our Blazers showed appreciation for one another.
Congratulations to our
Students of the Month!
Each month, our educators nominate one student per grade for each core value. All receive special recognition during our Blue Ribbon Blazer ceremony. This month's recipients have their names placed on the wall of our main lobby, and will have certificates sent home. Congratulations, and thank you to our teachers for recognizing students' excellence!
Purpose
I stay focused and work to achieve my goals.
Ethics
I act with integrity and make responsible choices.
Acceptance
I respect differences and value diverse perspectives.
Community
I help create a supportive and inclusive environment.
Evolution
I reflect on my growth and work to become a better version of myself.
Join the PTO!
Join the PTO!
PTO would love you to join to strengthen the connection between home and school. Your involvement makes a big difference in supporting our students and building a vibrant school community. All members are welcome (but not required) to attend bi-monthly public PTO meetings, which take place at 7PM in the Alden Place Elementary Library.
April 6
June 1
Parent Pick Ups and Bus Changes
Parent Pick Ups and Bus Changes
If you need to make a change to your child's pick up for the day, please use the following email address to do so, as we need changes in writing. The email address is: alden.parentpickup@millbrookcsd.org
Get your gear
Get your gear
Click here to visit the Millbrook School Store- Limited Time Only! 15% OFF $100 | Code SPARK20.
Blazer gear is a great gift for the new year!
SchoolTool Parent Portal
SchoolTool Parent Portal
The Parent Portal can be accessed on a computer, tablet, mobile browser, or through the SchoolTool mobile app. The app is available for download in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. To log in directly, visit Millbrook CSD’s SchoolTool portal at:.
https://st10.schooltool.com/Millbrook/Default.aspx
This URL must be entered into either the mobile app or web browser in order for you to be able to log in to your Parent Portal account.
If you need further assistance, please contact the main office where someone will gladly support!
Julie Ruuge
845-677-4220 ext. 4100
Updates from Pupil Personnel Services
Annual Reviews
Annual Reviews
Alden Place Elementary Annual Review Meetings will be occurring this month! We are excited for the opportunity to come together and begin planning for your child's 26/27 school year. If you have any questions regarding the date of your child's Annual Review Meeting or have any questions leading up to the meeting, please do not hesitate to contact your child's Special Education Case Manager or the PPS Office.
Ana Nyarady - Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services
845-677-4200 ext. 1116
ananyarady@millbrookcsd.org
Danielle Leonardi - Administrative Assistant
845-677-4200 ext. 1107
danielleleonardi@millbrookcsd.org
Alexandra Ellis- ENL Coordinator
845-677-4200 ext. 1109
alexandra.ellis@millbrookcsd.org
Joann Hobson- Special Education Coordinator
845-677-4200 ext. 1107
joann.hobson@millbrookcsd.org
Page updated
Report abuse