Greetings Blazer Families,
Greetings Blazer Families,
Embedded Files
November kept us active and engaged, and we're enthusiastic about the exciting, full schedule ahead in December. I want to express a deep appreciation to all of you who took helping hands from the Giving Tree. Your support for our students will help to bring joy to many little faces.
As we approach the holiday season I would like to take a moment to request that students attend school as much as possible. Continuity, consistency and routines are extremely important for young children. Coming to school late and frequent absences throws them off and upsets their school routine. Your help in this matter is deeply appreciated. With that in mind, all of the educators at Elm Drive want to express our gratitude to everyone who helps our students come to school each day—on time and ready to learn.
On a personal note, I am so very happy to be your Interim Principal. Elm Drive has always been a magical school, even more so with the addition of pre-school classes. The enthusiasm of the students and staff is unsurpassed. A caring environment has been created to support the social, emotional and educational learning of our students. This environment provides a solid foundation for future learning. When I was principal at Elm Drive, I called our students, Sugar Plums. It has thrilled me to meet so many of my original Sugar Plums who have grown up and are now parents of a new generation of Sugar Plums.
As a reminder, school will be closed from December 24 through January 2, 2026. Reopening on January 5, 2026!
We have a lot of important information to share with you below! Please continue reading for key updates, reminders, and resources to support you and your child this school year.
Warmest Wishes,
Christine Brady
Christine.Brady@millbrookcsd.org
845-677-4225 ext. 5102
Elm Drive Elementary Interim Principal
Snapshots of the Fun around Elm!
Snapshots of the Fun around Elm!
The Giving Tree Dropoff!
The Giving Tree Dropoff!
The Millbrook Giving Tree
The Millbrook Giving Tree
Reminder: All gifts are to be dropped off to the District Office, wrapped with the hand included by Thursday, December 11, 2025
The Millbrook Giving Tree is a meaningful tradition that our district takes part in each holiday season. This initiative brings our school community together to support local families in need by providing gifts that help make the holidays a little brighter. Each year, families and staff have the opportunity to select an item from the Giving Tree and lend a helping hand to others in our community.
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
December 11- Parents Night Out
December 16- Winter Concert at MHS
December 18- Snowflake Run
December 19- Blazer Assembly
Holiday Spirit Days:
December 5- Santa or Grinch Attire
December 12- Holiday Socks
December 19- Blazer Pride Day
December 22- Funny/Crazy Holiday Sweater
December 23- PJ Day
December 24-January 2- Winter Recess
January 5- Schools reopen
Our Core Values
Our Core Values
Our Core Values
Core values
This year, you may hear more about our Core Values. Schools promote academic success in reading, writing, and math, but we also have a responsibility to help students feel a strong sense of belonging and develop the soft skills that will serve them well in the future. We build these skills through RULER, our social-emotional learning curriculum, and reinforce them by promoting and celebrating our Core Values. Together, these values give our diverse community a shared vision of what it means to learn and grow side by side.
Purpose: I stay focused and strive 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.
Congratulations to our Blue Ribbon Blazers!
Congratulations to our Blue Ribbon Blazers!
Each month, we recognize one student from each grade who demonstrates one of our Core Values, with their certificates proudly awarded to them. In addition to honoring a student, we also recognize a staff member. This month, our Physical Education teacher, was nominated! Mr. Russell is recognized by his colleagues for being the heart of the Elm Drive community. As the veteran member of the Elm Drive Team, he has been dearly loved by students, parents, teachers and staff for the past 38 years. We are so proud of our students and staff for living our PEACE values and serving as positive role models throughout our school community!
Parent Teacher Conferences
Our entire Elm Team would like to thank the parents for their attendance at Parent Teacher Conferences and their continued support of our programs and school.
November Assemblies, Celebrations & Activites
November Assemblies, Celebrations & Activites
Balloons Over Broadway Parade- Elm Drive's Kindergarten classes' paraded through the building celebrating the book "Balloons Over Broadway". Students decorated balloons and hats were on full display as the students marched around to spread cheer to staff and students as we celebrate Thanksgiving.
Balloons Over Broadway Parade- Elm Drive's Kindergarten classes' paraded through the building celebrating the book "Balloons Over Broadway". Students decorated balloons and hats were on full display as the students marched around to spread cheer to staff and students as we celebrate Thanksgiving.
First Grade Book Tasting- First grade students "sampled" each others favorite books. The classes created place settings at thier desks, while they rotated from seat to seat and read parts of their classmates favorite books. Students enjoyed the "delicious books".
First Grade Book Tasting- First grade students "sampled" each others favorite books. The classes created place settings at thier desks, while they rotated from seat to seat and read parts of their classmates favorite books. Students enjoyed the "delicious books".
Gratitude Walk-Our Kindergarten classes took a gratitude walk through our village to reflect upon the people, places and things that they are thankful for. The experience ties in with their Social Studies curriculum and will help students practice gratitude, mindfulness and connection with the community in which they live.
Gratitude Walk-Our Kindergarten classes took a gratitude walk through our village to reflect upon the people, places and things that they are thankful for. The experience ties in with their Social Studies curriculum and will help students practice gratitude, mindfulness and connection with the community in which they live.
Cast Your Vote-Kindergarten classes voted for the favorite dessert. The students learned the about what it means to vote. Later they saw the results of their votes and celebrated with the dessert that won.
Cast Your Vote-Kindergarten classes voted for the favorite dessert. The students learned the about what it means to vote. Later they saw the results of their votes and celebrated with the dessert that won.
Phonics Fun- Students across the grade levels use multi sensory activities to build phonics skills. These activties build knowledge and are so much fun!
Thanksgiving Feasts- All of our classes enjoy a feast of treats in their classrooms and at lunch.
Safety Reminders
Safety Reminders
For the safety of our students, parents and visitors are NOT PERMITTED to enter the building during the school day.
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.
All student sign-in and sign-out procedures will take place OUTSIDE the building.
Families will receive one week’s notice prior to any scheduled safety drills.
For everyone’s safety, please do not hold the door for others—even if you know them. All visitors must be buzzed in by the main office.
Please be mindful of students in the parking lot during parent pick-up and drop-off. We understand that the parking lot can be busy at these times, and your patience and caution help keep all of our students safe. Thank you for slowing down, following staff directions, and staying alert. Your cooperation makes a big difference in ensuring a safe and smooth dismissal for everyone.
Student Drop Off/Pick Up
Student Drop Off/Pick Up
Student drop-off begins at 8:40 a.m. at the main entrance, which serves as the single point of entry each morning. Parents/guardians must park their car and walk their child to the main entrance; no parents enter the building.
Dismissal begins at 3:15 p.m. for all other students. If you are picking up your child, please park in the side parking lot and proceed to the side All-Purpose Room door, where staff will assist with sign-out. We kindly ask that once you have signed your child out, you exit in a timely manner so that dismissal can run smoothly.
Please note: Parents/guardians may not pick up students directly from the main office. All student sign-in and sign-out procedures will take place OUTSIDE the building. For safety, identification is required each time a child is signed out.
If you are picking up your child early, you must do so before 3 p.m. to avoid disrupting dismissal procedures.
REMINDERS:
Always send an email or note if you are picking up your child from school if they're not normally Parent Pick Up.
Inform the office if you are Parent Pick Up every day.
**The email address for these requests is elm.parentpickup@millbrookcsd.org**
*Please be mindful of students in the parking lot during parent pick-up and drop-off. We understand that the parking lot can be busy at these times, and your patience and caution help keep all of our students safe. Thank you for slowing down, following staff directions, and staying alert. Your cooperation makes a big difference in ensuring a safe and smooth dismissal for everyone.
Transportation
Transportation
Please CLICK HERE or visit the transportation page on our District website. Feel free to call the First Student Bus Company at 845-677-6666 if you need assistance or Transportation Secretary, Jessica McRoberts at 845-677-4200 ext. 1104.
Attendance
Attendance
“Chronic absence” is defined as missing at least 10% of the school days for which a student is enrolled over the course of an academic year for any reason. It serves as an early warning sign that children may be falling behind academically and are at risk of academic failure.
As a friendly reminder, our Board of Education policy emphasizes that consistent, daily attendance is essential for student success. The Board is committed to reducing unexcused absences, tardiness, and early departures, and we need your partnership to make this possible for your child. We will continue to monitor attendance closely and be in communication when we see these trends and work collaboratively with families to find solutions that ensure we provide interventions aimed at our students maximizing their potential. Our team led by, Principal, Samantha Lynch, and School Psychologist, Michelle Quattrone, will be working with students and their families who are regularly missing school to create personalized plans of support to ensure we get the most of our time at Elm Drive!
A.C.Es (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
Supporting our children mentally, emotionally, and socially is of the utmost importance to the faculty and staff at Elm Drive Elementary. Many children may have difficulty expressing how they feel or adjusting to the social and academic rigors of school. Our staff are learning how exactly these circumstances are impacting the overall well-being of our children, students, and families and want to help navigate these challenging times together.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are stressful or traumatic events that can lead to social, emotional, and cognitive impairment that impact the overall functioning of a student. Exposure to ACEs produces chronic stress that often leads to children struggling in school because of their inability to focus, process information, and or cope emotionally.
The importance of continuing to support our children and putting in place protective factors are essential. Understanding how our children experience various circumstances is pertinent for their overall growth and success. Therefore, the mental health staff at the middle school are committed to sharing information about ACEs with school personnel to help guide social-emotional support throughout the building. Thank you for supporting your children at home and partnering with school staff.
If you are interested in learning more about ACEs please visit the following websites:
Please contact Michelle Quattrone (School Psychologist) for any questions or concerns related to ACES.
Michelle.Quattrone@millbrookcsd.org
845 - 677 - 4225 ext. 5216
Handle with Care
If your family is experiencing difficulties at home, we would like to provide additional support at school. We understand that you are not always able to share details and that's okay. If your child is coming to school after a difficult night, morning or weekend, please let us know. A simple email to our team with the subject line "Handle with Care." Nothing else will be said or asked. This will let us know that your child may need extra time, patience, or help during the day.
Click Here To Access the Google Form or Click on the QR Code above
Social Emotional Learning
Click on the SEL letter below for more information about SEL lessons at Elm Drive, Lunch Bunch and Banana Split Groups
Interested in Joining PTO?
Interested in Joining PTO?
Get Your Gear!
Get Your Gear!
We encourage students & staff to show their Millbrook Pride by wearing our school colors.
Get your Blazer Friday Fresh Gear Now!
Click here to visit the Millbrook School Store
20% off on Blazer Gear!!!
Lost and Found
If you notice your child’s belongings in the lost and found, please contact the main office at 677-4225 ext. 5108 or ext. 5100.
Student Services Website
Student Services Website
Student Services Website
The Student Services website is a great resource for students and families. Please check out the details by clicking here.
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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