December at Alden Place
December at Alden Place
Dear Alden Place Families,
At Alden Place, I begin each faculty meeting with a brief discussion about collective teacher efficacy, the shared belief that teachers working together can improve student achievement. Research shows that this belief is one of the strongest factors in driving student success, even more than specific programs or instructional strategies.
What this term doesn’t capture is the potential when we share that value with our community. When we believe that anything is possible for our students, we create opportunities for growth and success that extend beyond the classroom. As the holiday season approaches, I am grateful to work with families that truly share this belief. Over the past month, we’ve been proud to see your support, commitment, and involvement in the lives of our students here at Alden Place.
We see it when you partner with teachers to share ideas about supporting your child academically at parent-teacher conferences. We see it when you join conversations about promoting positive behavior, and celebrate your children for the awards that they earn here. We see it when you show up to celebrate your children as they participate in clubs and enrichment opportunities.
So, thank you for working so closely with us to help your children grow and thrive. Because of your support, truly anything is possible. And if you’re looking to become even more involved, we have a great deal to look forward to throughout December. Read on for more.
Warmly,
Andrew Cedermark
Principal, Alden Place Elementary
Millbrook Central School District
(845) 677-4220 x4102
Holiday Spirit Month (Fridays)
Alden Place is kicking off a festive Holiday Spirit Month, and we invite everyone to join in the fun. Each Friday in December, students, staff, and families are encouraged to dress up according to that week’s theme and show their holiday cheer.
December 5: Santa or Grinch Attire – Spread the holiday cheer with your favorite festive character!
December 12: Holiday Socks – Pull out your most colorful, cozy, or quirky socks.
December 19: Blazer Day – Wear your Alden Place colors with pride and show your school spirit!
December 22: Funny or Crazy Holiday Sweater – The louder, the better!
December 23: Pajama Day – Celebrate the end of the semester in comfort and style.
Join us each Friday and make this December a month full of fun, laughter, and school spirit. Let’s make it a festive finish to the year at Alden Place!
Harvest Dance Photos
On Friday, November 21, the Junior Class sponsored a dance for students at Alden Place. Our students arrived dressed to the nines, filling the gym with excitement and laughter. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to come together and enjoy a memorable night.
3 – Kindness Club
8/9 – PTO Holiday Gift Shop
9 – Band and Chorus Concert at the High School, 6:30 p.m.
11 – Grade 5 field trip to Cardinal Hayes
11 – PTO Parents Night Out (Elm Drive) 3:30 - 6:30
12 – Spirit day (Holiday Socks – Pull out your most colorful, cozy, or quirky socks)
17 – Kindness Club
19 – Blazer Assembly
22 - Spirit Day (Funny/Crazy Holiday Sweater)
23 - Spirit Day (Pajama Day)
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.
Math Workshops in Action
Our teachers are working hard to implement an exciting method for teaching mathematics called the Math Workshop Model. This research-based approach to mathematics instruction gives students the opportunity to engage with our rigorous Eureka Math Squared curriculum in a variety of ways: After practicing fluency and participating in a short mini-lesson, students rotate through teacher-led small groups, technology stations, activities with manipulatives, and workbook practice.
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.
December 1
February 2
April 6
June 1
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
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
PPS Office:
We will be resending collaboration portal forms in student backpacks this month. Please be on the lookout and send them back as soon as possible.
ENL Department :
Parents with students in the ENL program should have received an ENL progress report in addition to the report card.
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