April at Alden Place
Embedded Files
Dear Alden Place Families,
One of the most important things that schools can do to promote attendance is to develop a positive and inclusive school culture.
In this month's letter, you'll see the hard work that our teachers do to make Alden Place positive and inclusive: Celebrating students of the month, promoting reading challenges (see right), dressing up for holidays, engaging families in fundraisers for important causes.
Thank you to our faculty and staff for their tireless work to make sure Alden Place is the kind of place our students are happy to attend every single day.
We also want communication about attendance to be easy for families. In an effort to streamline communication and align with the middle school, we have created one centralized email address that you can contact to share information about excused absences.
For attendance, please contact:
alden.attendance@millbrookcsd.org
For transportation updates, please contact:
alden.parentpickup@millbrookcsd.org.
Finally, as the third marking period draws to a close, we are looking forward to the many exciting end of year events. Read on for more information about last month's highlights, upcoming state tests, and things to look forward to.
Warmest regards,
Andrew Cedermark
Principal, Alden Place Elementary
Millbrook Central School District
(845) 677-4220 X4102
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, April 7 - Walking Field Trip to Elm Drive
Friday April 10 - Jr. Interact Club (7:45 a.m.)
Tuesday April 14 - ENL Night/World Cup Soccer 6:30pm at MMS
Friday April 17 - Grade 4 to Albany Museum of Natural History
Wednesday April 22 - NYS Science Testing Gr. 5 & 8
Thursday April 23 - Talent Show 6:30 p.m.
Wed. April 29 - NYS ELA Testing Grades 3-5
Thurs. April 30 - NYS ELA Testing Grades 3-5
Thurs. April 30 - Blazer Assembly
Alden Book Club:
Never-Give-Up Heroes!
This Month's Theme
This set of books celebrates characters who show courage, determination, and heart when life gets challenging. Each story reminds us that heroes are not just people with superpowers. They are ordinary individuals who keep trying, help others, and refuse to give up.
Whether we are following a once-lazy cat who discovers his true purpose, a family staying strong through difficult times, or a runner proving that the future can be rewritten, these stories show the power of perseverance.
These books remind us that with effort, kindness, and a little bravery, anyone can be a hero.
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 Merritt Bookstore and 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!
Yearbook Orders Open
We are excited to announce that the 2025-2026 Alden Place Elementary Yearbook is now available for purchase!
This year's yearbook is a Full Color Soft Cover bound and available for delivery after 6/10/2026.
Click here to order
your yearbook!
Orders due by May 9.
Alden Place Recognized by Project Adam
Alden Place is proud to be a Project ADAM Heart Safe School, a designation that reflects our commitment to the safety and well-being of every student, staff member, and visitor. Our mission is to ensure that our school is fully prepared to respond to a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) through a comprehensive program that includes accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs), a trained emergency response team, and a practiced emergency plan. Thank you to NYS Trooper Raymond Renzo for his support training our staff.
Alden Book Club:
Wild & Wacky Adventures!
This Month's Theme
This month, we are diving into stories that celebrate the bold, the brave, and the slightly eccentric.
Whether it’s a young girl with an overactive imagination, a tiny mouse with the heart of a knight, or a mysterious house full of secrets, these books remind us that adventure can be found in the most unexpected places.
These picks invite us to embrace our unique qualities and remind us that with a bit of bravery and a sense of wonder, anyone can be the hero of their own story.
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 Merritt Bookstore and 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!
Making up wild games and dealing with annoying siblings.
Tiny, brave mice, princesses, and epic adventures.
Snowy mysteries and travelers with secrets in an old house.
Pizza with the Principal
Since February, thirteen dedicated readers successfully completed all three Alden Book Club selections. To celebrate their achievement, these students were invited to a special after-school "Pizza with the Principal" event. The afternoon was filled with high energy as students participated in a collaborative teambuilding activity, working together to sequence the visual puzzle book Zoom from beginning to end. Between slices of pizza, readers had the chance to discuss their favorite titles and share their love of stories with one another. Congratulations to our hardworking readers!
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.
Students of the Month!
Check back here May 4 for this month's winners!
Budget Vote
BUDGET VOTE MAY 19,2026
12:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
MILLBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND ROOM
(NEXT TO THE AUDITORIUM)
Arbor Day Celebration
Our recent Arbor Day celebration was a great learning experience for our third graders. Students had the special opportunity to participate in this new tradition, learning firsthand about the importance of nurturing and celebrating our environment.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Village of Millbrook and the Millbrook Shade Tree Committee for their generous donation of the trees.
We are also incredibly grateful to our key community partners, including the Village Shade Tree Commission, Deep Roots Direct, the Village Highway Department, and NY DEC. This collaboration truly enriches our students' lives, and we look forward to continuing this beautiful tradition for years to come.
Welcome home, Sweetgum tree!
The Sweetgum tree is famous for its beautiful star-shaped leaves that turn a rainbow of bright colors in the fall and its prickly "gumball" seed pods that birds love to eat.
The Alden Place community truly shone during our recent talent show, where students took to the stage with incredible courage and creativity. From original musical compositions to the lighthearted charm of joke-telling and even the impressive skill of speed-peeling oranges, the evening was a vibrant celebration of what makes our students so unique.
It was a joy to see our young performers embrace the spotlight with such spirit, reminding us all that bravery comes in many forms. This wonderful showcase of personality and perseverance wouldn't have been possible without the enthusiasm of our families and the dedicated support of the staff who helped our stars shine their brightest.
Thank you to our faculty, staff and students -- especially for this wonderful evening!
State Testing Information
Grades 5 & 8 New York State Science exam April 22nd, 2026 Done!
Grades 3-8 New York State English Language Arts (ELA) exam April 30th & May 1, 2026 Done!
Grades 3-8 New York State Mathematics exam May 6th & 7th, 2026
The purpose of these exams is the following:
to provide data and identify student progress in these content areas;
to identify the needs for Academic Intervention Services (AIS) and to provide more immediate student supports;
to prepare students for the rigorous testing environment they will experience on the NYS Regents; and
to predict student performance on Regents exams.
These state assessments do not impact student grades. Instead, they are one of many evaluation measures used to monitor student progress.
If your child intends to refuse the New York State exam, the District will need you to notify the principal or main office secretary specifically stating your intention to refuse the NYS assessment prior to the test taking day. Math, ELA and Grade 5 Science teachers have created Grade Level assignments for all students who refuse the NYS Examinations. This will allow our teachers to collect data and give them the opportunity to assess all students’ current progress within the content area to provide personalized learning for all students.
Accelerated students who take Algebra and/or Earth Science at the high school are automatically exempt from these exams since they wil be taking a Regents exam at the end of the school year.
Grade 4 Field Trip to Albany
On Friday, April 17, our fourth-grade students traveled to the New York State Museum in Albany for an immersive day of historical discovery. This trip served as a hands-on extension of our Social Studies curriculum, specifically focusing on New York State history and Native American communities.
Throughout the day, students explored various exhibits and engaged in activities designed to bring their classroom lessons to life. They had the opportunity to examine authentic artifacts and learn about the diverse cultures that have shaped our state's heritage. The group enjoyed a lunch break at the museum and even spent some time in the gift shop picking up souvenirs to remember the day.
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.
June 1
Transportation and Attendance
To communicate about absences, please email:
alden.attendance@millbrookcsd.org.
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 Millbrook 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!
Tracking Student Progress
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
Dear families,
You should have received an email with the subject line "Important Parent Survey" from my office.
Our school district is currently participating in the New York State Education Department (NYSED) State Performance Plan Indicator 8 (Parent Involvement) Survey. This survey is designed to gather feedback from families of students receiving special education services about their experiences working with schools..
Your input is extremely important. The results help NYSED and school districts understand how well schools are partnering with families and identify ways to improve services and outcomes for students with disabilities.
The survey:
Consists of 13 multiple-choice questions
Takes approximately 15 minutes to complete
Can be completed once per child receiving special education services
Is confidential and individual responses are not shared with the school district.
You may complete the survey online using the link below:
Parent Survey
You should have received a Student Survey ID with your email.
If you prefer a paper copy with a pre-paid envelope be sent home, please let me know.
Please complete the survey as soon as possible. Your participation plays a vital role in helping us improve how we support students and families.
Please keep in mind that if you are one of the families that filled out the survey during parent teacher conferences, your survey ID may not work.
If you have any questions or need assistance accessing or completing the survey, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your time and continued partnership.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Ana Nyarady
Interim Supervisor of PPS
Pupil Personnel Services/ENL
ana.nyarady@millbrookcsd.org
845-677-4200 ext. 1116
spp-indicator-8-flyer-for-families (2).pdfAna 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
ASD Panel - 2026 Recruitment Flyer.pdfASD Panel - 2026.pdfPage updated
Report abuse