New Year at Alden Place
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Dear Alden Place families,
One of my favorite things about this time of year is the chance it offers to pause and consider what we hope to do a little better in the days ahead. This year, my own resolution sits at the intersection of my life as a parent and my life as a school principal: to more intentionally promote the simple, powerful act of reading.
Research strongly supports that one of the most meaningful ways you can support your child’s learning is also one of the simplest. Reading together has a lasting impact on children’s growth, not only as readers, but as thinkers and learners.
Children who are read to regularly develop stronger vocabulary, deeper comprehension, and broader background knowledge. These skills support learning across every subject area, from mathematics to science to social studies.
Even as a school principal, I know how challenging this can be. There are many evenings when I am putting my daughter to bed and wondering where I will find the energy to open a book (even a short one) especially when the dishes are still in the sink and tomorrow’s to-do list is already looming.
Still, those few quiet minutes together matter more than we often realize. If you're searching for a resolution for the new year, please join me in committing to even a short, consistent daily reading routine makes a real difference.
Warmly,
Andrew Cedermark
Principal, Alden Place Elementary
Millbrook Central School District
(845) 677-4220 x4102
Upcoming Dates
January 5: Welcome back!
January 16: Early release- Dismissal at 11:40AM
January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No school)
January 27: Start of third marking period
CAPE visits with Ms. Dory: Ongoing with Grade 5 through January
Intramurals Club: January 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 until 4:30 p.m.
Jr. Interact Club: January 9, 23 at 7:45 a.m.
Kindness Club: Look out for dates in early Spring!
Grade 5 at Cardinal Hayes
December 12 was frigid, but that didn’t stop our dedicated fifth graders from making their annual trek to Cardinal Hayes for their caroling trip. Throughout the day, students demonstrated leadership, persistence, creativity, and passion as they led residents in joyful renditions of beloved holiday classics. Bravo to our fifth graders for spreading cheer and embodying the spirit of the season!
Alden Place Science Fair 2026!
We are proud to announce the return of the annual Alden Place Science Fair! 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 Science 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 Science Fair Projects
Sample research questions:
How does the amount of sunlight affect how fast a plant grows?
What types of soil help plants grow best?
How does temperature affect how quickly water evaporates?
Which materials are the best insulators for keeping something warm?
How does the shape of an object affect how far it can travel when rolled or dropped?
What conditions cause mold to grow fastest on bread?
How does the amount of water affect seed germination?
Which surfaces create the most friction for a moving object?
How does wind strength affect the distance a paper airplane travels?
Do different liquids freeze or melt at different rates?
Student-Led Announcements
At Alden Place, students get a chance to practice public speaking each morning during our announcements. A big thank you to our confident and courageous students who read the day’s important information aloud, including the week’s birthdays, the lunch menu, and the Pledge of Allegiance!
Winter Concert Recap
Congratulations to our student musicians on a successful Winter Concert! A special thank you, as always, to our band teacher Ms. Rubin and chorus teacher Mrs. Donaghey. Our students’ hard work, focus, and pride in their performances were evident in every piece. The concert showcased not only growing musical skills, but also confidence, teamwork, and joy. We are grateful to our families and staff for supporting the arts and helping make the evening such a memorable celebration.
If you missed the performance, a video of "Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)" is linked below!
20251209_191533.mp4Congratulations 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
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
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