Greetings Elm Families

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. As we step into January, we are excited to begin 2025 with renewed energy and enthusiasm. This is a time for new beginnings and opportunities. In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue building on the skills and achievements your children have developed so far this year. 

 As we continue our journey through the school year, I want to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance for your child’s success. Consistent attendance is essential for students to stay engaged in their learning, build strong academic habits, and develop social skills with their peers. When students are present in class, they benefit from valuable lessons, discussions, and activities that help them grow both academically and personally.

Here’s to a wonderful January filled with discovery and success for our students!

Go Blazers, 

Alicia O'Connell, Principal of Elm Drive Elementary

Upcoming Dates

January 2nd- School Resumes

January 20th-No School- Martin Luther King Day

January 24th- End of 2nd Marking Quarter

January 29th- No School- Lunar New Year

February 13th- Tall & Small Ball

20th Annual Snowflake Run Fun!

Mr. Russell organied his 20th Snowflake Run this year!  This annual event is greatly enjoyed by both students and families. The Snowflake Run is a celebration of endurance for our youngest Blazers. Once completed, they then become part of the "Elm Drive Long Distance Club." 

Thank you, Ms. Donaghey!

Ms. Donaghey organized another amazing performance! Elm Drive families attended the Winter Concert where they enjoyed grade level performances, as well as a whole school performance. Thank you to all of the behind-the-scenes efforts from all students and teachers!

Successful 3rd Annual Parents' Night Out

71 students enjoyed an incredible night of indoor games, dancing, crafting, and pia! Thank you to staff and High School Honor Society Volunteers that came to support our students! 

Principal Pick Read Aloud

The Mitten

By Jan Brett

One of my favorites!

Themes: Animals, sharing and community, winter

Nicki loses his white mitten in the snow, and one by one, woodland animals crawl in, from a mole to a bear, creating a hilarious climax when a tiny mouse joins them. Meanwhile, the reader glimpses Nicki's snowy adventure in the page borders.

CLICK HERE to listen to the story

CLICK HERE to view the story and follow along

Recognize Any of These Items?

Our lost and found is overflowing. If you see anything that may belong to your child(ren), please remind them to pick it up when they return. 

Wellness Corner

A Note From Our
Supervisor Of Pupil Personnel Services


Happy Near Year from the PPS Office! As hard as it might be to believe, we have already begun our initial planning for the 25/26 school year. Here in the PPS Office in conjunction with the school teams, we have started working on a schedule for our CSE Annual Review meetings. Please be on the lookout for more information to come regarding the date of your child’s Annual Review Meeting. 



As always, if you have questions regarding your child, please do not hesitate to contact the PPS Office.


Alexandra Chanowsky - Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services

845-677-4200 ext. 1116  

alexandra.chanowsky@millbrookcsd.org 


Amanda Kessman - Administrative Assistant

845-677-4200 ext. 1107

amanda.kessman@millbrookcsd.org 

A Note From Our Supervisor of Student Services


For Resources, News & Announcements from our School Counseling department, please visit our webpage by clicking here. 

Student Services Website

The Student Services website is a great resource for students and families. Please check out the details by clicking here. 

Tall Cop Virtual Presentation 

Join us for a virtual presentation on Drug Trends. This virtual presentation is for parents and guardians. 

Date: 1/8/25

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

RSVP Here

For more information, please click here.

A Note From Our Athletic Director

We are currently seeking a Girls' Modified Softball Coach (Grades 7th, 8th, 9th) for the Spring of 2025 from our co-curricular posting. The stipend is $2,566.00 for the season. The season begins on March 24, 2025. Practices are held right after school. Please let me know if any of you have an interest or if you are aware of any other person who might have an interest.


Please reach out to me directly.

Thanks so much!


Al Hammell

Director of Athletics - Dean of Students

845.527.0897 c.

Email: alfred.hammell@millbrookcsd.org