February at Alden Place
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Dear Alden Place families,
On January 21, our fourth grade students had the opportunity to see a theatrical production of "Rip Van Winkle" at the CENTER for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Famously, Rip Van Winkle sleeps through the American Revolution, and wakes to find a world transformed.
Through this engaging performance, students learned more about New York State history and experienced how theater can bring classic works of literature to life.
But the most meaningful lesson from the field trip extended beyond academic standards. As you can see with Jack and Tristan in the photo to the right, students were invited to take part in the performance itself.
In doing so, they learned that they are not just passive observers of important stories. Instead, they are active participants -- main characters in their own right -- who play an essential role in shaping the stories yet to be written.
This month at Alden Place, students have many more opportunities to play different roles: They can be scientists at our upcoming STEAM fair; literary critics through our new Alden Book Club; musicians for Pizza with the Pros; and so much more.
Read on for more.
Warmly,
Andrew Cedermark
Principal, Alden Place Elementary
Millbrook Central School District
(845) 677-4220 x4102
Upcoming Dates
February 13 Superintendent's Conference Day
February 13 School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
February 16 - 17 No school
February 19 3rd Grade to Sharpe Reservation (February 20 snow date)
February 25 Pizza with the Pros (February 26 snow date)
February 27 Blue Ribbon Blazer Assembly
Alden Book Club:
Super Sleuths!
Introducing 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.
This month's theme is Super Sleuths: The three books feature characters who solve problems by thinking carefully, noticing details, and following clues. From clever detectives to unexpected heroes, these stories show that great sleuths come in many forms.
Throughout the month, students who read one of the books during independent reading or at home will be recognized at the next assembly. Ten copies of each text are available in the Alden Place Library.
Thank you to the Millbrook Education Foundation and Merritt Bookstore for generously supporting this program!
Smart kids solving big-city mysteries using their wits.
Giant puzzles, secret clues, and a race for hidden treasure. A classic!
Action-packed comics with a goofy hero who fights bad guys.
Pizza With the Pros
The Millbrook Music Boosters is delighted to host a fundraising event that's also a great opportunity for your child to work with our talented High School Band students.
In this workshop-style event, 4th and 5th grade students will break into small like-instrument groups and work on technique including posture, breath support, embouchure, tonguing, and tone. Students will also get the chance to work individually with our high school pros on their band music and get helpful tips and guidance.
Wednesday, February 25th
6pm to 8pm at Alden Place
(Snow date: February 26th)
Registration: $17
Scan the QR code or click here.
Grade 4 visits Rip Van Winkle
On January 21, our fourth grade team took an academic field trip to the CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, where students enjoyed an interactive performance of Washington Irving’s famous short story “Rip Van Winkle.”
Students worked on identifying key changes between colonial America and post-Revolutionary America by observing characters, settings and events in the play. Thanks to our grade 4 team, and especially Ms. Barnett, for putting together this wonderful experience for our students!
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.
Model STEAM Fair Projects
Too Good for Drugs Program Graduation
Throughout the fall, our Grade 5 students had the opportunity to work with the wonderful Dora Celestino from CAPE (The Council for Addiction Prevention and Education). Dora led students through Too Good for Drugs, a program designed to mitigate the risk factors and enhance protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs use.
The lessons introduce and develop skills for making healthy choices, building positive friendships, developing self-efficacy, communicating effectively, and resisting peer pressure and influence. Topics included:
Setting Reachable Goals
Making Responsible Decisions
Bonding with Pro-Social Others
Identifying and Managing Emotions
Communicating Effectively
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.
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 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
We are excited for the opportunity to come together and begin planning for your child's 26/27 school year. You should be receiving notices in the mail or through the collaboration portal with a date for your child's annual review. 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
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