October at Alden Place Elementary
Embedded Files
Dear Alden Place family,
What a wonderful start to the school year it has been, with both familiar faces and new ones joining our learning community.
Over these first few weeks, teachers have been working thoughtfully to establish strong routines and relationships with students and families, drawing on strategies from RULER, our social-emotional learning program.
At Back to School Night, you may have noticed chart paper in classrooms covered with colorful student signatures. These charts capture how students want to feel in school and what their classmates can do to help make that happen. This activity comes from RULER, our social-emotional learning approach that supports teachers in creating welcoming, equitable communities where students feel safe to take risks.
Why would we want students to take risks? Because real learning requires it: putting yourself out there, trying something new, and leaning into a little discomfort. When students learn to feel comfortable with being uncomfortable, they are in the best position to grow.
We believe in the practice of creating a Family Charter so much that we even do it as adults!
Learning and growing are not just values for our students. Our teachers, too, have been deepening their practice in science-based reading instruction, with several of our new educators training in multisensory approaches and our veterans dedicating hours to refining their craft alongside celebrated consultants.
Beyond the classroom, our community has stepped up to offer many new opportunities to help students grow this month. In addition to hugely popular offerings like Kindness Club and Interact, which kick off at the end of September, Alden Place will now offer an Intramural Sports Club twice a week. The success of each of these opportunities is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the commitment of this wonderful community.
Warm regards,
Andrew Cedermark
Principal, Alden Place Elementary
Millbrook Central School District
(845) 677-4220 X4102
Congratulations to our
Students of the Month!
Each month, we honor students who embody our district's core values of purpose, ethics, acceptance, community and evolution. Our educators will honor one student per grade for each core value with a special recognition during our Blue Ribbon Blazer ceremony in late September, with certificates sent home, and an honored place on the wall of our main lobby.
This month's recipients have a special place in our building, and will have certificates sent home.
Purpose
I stay focused and work to achieve my goals.
Ethics
I stay focused and work to achieve my goals.
Acceptance
I stay focused and work to achieve my goals.
Community
I stay focused and work to achieve my goals.
Evolution
I stay focused and work to achieve my goals.
Alden Place Musicians Live at Community Day
Alden Place Musicians Live at Community Day
At Millbrook Community Day on Saturday, September 20, our fabulous music teacher Mrs. Donaghey led Alden's ukulele players through renditions of "Best Day of My Life" and "Three Little Birds." Bravo, musicians!
Spirit Week
Spirit Week
Safety Reminders
Safety Reminders
For the safety of our students, parents and visitors are not permitted to enter the building during the school day. Please check in with the main office in the vestibule.
If your child is arriving late, leaving early, or you need to drop something off, please use the buzzer at the front door. A member of our main office staff will meet you at the entrance to assist.
Families will receive one week’s notice prior to any scheduled safety drills.
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
9/26 - Blue Ribbon Blazer Assembly
10/7 - Fall School Picture Day
10/10 - Early Release (Professional Development Afternoon)
10/13 - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL
10/14 - SPIRIT WEEK!
10/16 - Ned's Mission Assembly 10:20 a.m. at Elm Drive
10/17 - District Pink Out Day! - WEAR PINK!
10/24 - Blazer Assembly
10/30 - District Red Ribbon Day - WEAR RED!
10/31 - Happy Halloween!
Millbrook Central School District Presents:
Internet Safety Night with NY’s Finest – Thomas Grimes
Millbrook CSD is proud to welcome back Thomas Grimes, a retired NYPD Detective and renowned safety advocate, for a virtual internet safety presentation open to all district families.
About the Presenter:
Thomas Grimes is a United States Air Force veteran and a retired NYPD Detective with over 20 years of service. He began his career in the Bronx at the 46th Precinct and went on to serve in elite federal task forces, investigating international narcotics operations with the FBI and DEA. His work took him from New York City to the Caribbean and South America. He also served as a first responder on 9/11 and has provided security for world leaders, including four U.S. Presidents and Pope John Paul II.
Now, Tom channels his deep experience into educating students and families about real-world dangers in the digital age. He speaks nationally on how to protect children from online threats, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, predators, and digital footprints.
This event is open to all K–12 families. We encourage you to join us from the comfort of your home to learn how we can partner together to keep our children safe online.
Virtual Presentation Details:
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Online via Google Meet (link provided in district calendar and email)
NEDS MINDSET.pdfNed's Mindset
Ned's Mindset
Click on the flyer to the left sponsored by Millbrook PTO! The assembly introduces a cartoon named NED who is on a very important mission: to find his mindset. Led by clues and memorable characters, he overcomes Mt. Everest's toughest obstacles, uncovers inner-treasures on a Caribbean island, and grows his brain wile repairing a sputtering spaceship. Throughout the performance, students discover how to activate their growth mindset to overcome social, emotional, and academic challenges.
Assembly Date for Students: 10/16
Join the PTO!
Join the PTO!
Thank you to our PTO for staffing our Scholastic Book Fair, hosted for an entire week, including Back to School Night.
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.
October 6
December 1
February 2
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 student'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
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
Annual Notifications
Annual Notifications
Please click here to proceed to the MCSD website with all of the Annual Notifications, Technology Use, and Code of Conduct forms which MUST be completed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the main office.
Updates from Pupil Personnel Services
Consistency Across Schools
We’re working to make sure families have the same smooth experience with PPS District Wide.
504 Plans
Annual and reevaluation consents have been sent out. If you haven’t received yours, please call the PPS office. A special thank you to Danielle Leonardi for organizing this process!
IEP Collaboration Portal
Consent forms were sent home so families can receive secure updates and notifications. Need another copy? Contact PPS and we’ll resend it.
County Collaboration
We recently joined other PPS Directors from across Dutchess County to share ideas and strengthen support for students.
Staff Training
CPI Training: A small group was trained Sept. 26, with a larger session on Nov. 4.
Behavior Support: We’re exploring new training through Dutchess BOCES to build positive and lasting classroom strategies.
Nursing Coverage
While hiring continues, substitute nurses are stepping in to keep our schools covered. We are grateful for their support!
English as a New Language (ENL) Services
ENL support started on the first day of school. We’ve welcomed three new students this month. Thank you to Ms. Ellis, our new ENL Coordinator, for helping with assessments, placements, and family communication.
As always, if you have questions regarding your child, please do not hesitate to contact 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
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