Welcome to October!
Welcome to October!
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Greetings Blazer Families,
Greetings Blazer Families,
September has been a month of students getting to know their teachers, building new routines, and celebrating our first Blazer Assembly, where we recognized students and faculty who demonstrated one or more of our core values, PEACE. You can read more about our values in the newsletter below.
As we enter October, we look forward to many exciting events this year that bring our community together. All October dates will be listed in the newsletter for your reference, and you can always access our calendar on the Elm Drive building webpage.
We have also accomplished three safety drills so far this fall—two evacuation drills and one lockdown drill. A BIG thank-you goes to our teachers, safety team members, and local law enforcement partners for ensuring these drills run smoothly and help keep our students safe. Families will continue to be notified at least one week in advance of each drill.
This year, we will continue our work with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), which helps us meet students where they are through high-quality instruction, targeted interventions, positive behavior supports, and social-emotional learning centered around the RULER program. We are also proud to provide unique spaces like our Sensory Room and Calming Room, which give students opportunities to regulate, refocus, and thrive.
I look forward to partnering with you throughout the year as we support your children academically, socially, and emotionally.
Find more information below for important updates, reminders, and resources to support you and your child this year.
Best,
Samantha Lynch
Samantha.Lynch@millbrookcsd.org
845-677-4225 ext. 5102
Elm Drive Elementary Principal
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. Each month, we’ll recognize one student from each grade who demonstrates a Core Value, and we’ll proudly display their certificates at the school entrance.
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 Blue Ribbon Blazers!
Congratulations Blue Ribbon Blazers!
Congratulations to our September Blue Ribbon Blazers, including our AIS teacher, Ms. Alejandra Godoy who has been acknowledged by her colleagues for her Acceptance and Community. "Ms. Godoy is a true advocate for all the students in our building. She has been especially helpful during dismissal time, double-checking bus lists and making sure every child gets to where they need to be safely. Ms. Godoy goes above and beyond to support both students and staff, embodying what it means to be part of a caring school community."
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: [insert URL].
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!
Mary Beth Griffen
845-677-4225 ext. 5100
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
September 30–October 3: Scholastic Book Fair
October 9: Fire Prevention Assembly (students only)
October 10: Early Release – 11:40 AM
October 14-17: Spirit Week (see below)
October 14: NY Finest Speakers – Internet Safety Parent Presentation (Virtual @ 6:30 p.m.) See below for additional details.
October 16: NED’s Mindset Mission Assembly (students only). See below for PTO flyer.
October 17: Pink Out Day- Wear Pink
October 24: Blue Ribbon Blazer Assembly (students only)
October 31: Halloween Parade (more information to follow)
NEDS MINDSET.pdfNed's Mindset
Ned's Mindset
Click on the flyer to the left sponsored by Millbrook PTO! The assembly introduces a cartoon named NED who is on a very important mission: to find his mindset. Led by clues and memorable characters, he overcomes Mt. Everest's toughest obstacles, uncovers inner-treasures on a Caribbean island, and grows his brain wile repairing a sputtering spaceship. Throughout the performance, students discover how to activate their growth mindset to overcome social, emotional, and academic challenges.
Assembly Date for Students: 10/16
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!!!
Millbrook Central School District Presents:
Internet Safety Night with NY’s Finest – Thomas Grimes
Millbrook CSD is proud to welcome back Thomas Grimes, a retired NYPD Detective and renowned safety advocate, for a virtual internet safety presentation open to all district families.
About the Presenter:
Thomas Grimes is a United States Air Force veteran and a retired NYPD Detective with over 20 years of service. He began his career in the Bronx at the 46th Precinct and went on to serve in elite federal task forces, investigating international narcotics operations with the FBI and DEA. His work took him from New York City to the Caribbean and South America. He also served as a first responder on 9/11 and has provided security for world leaders, including four U.S. Presidents and Pope John Paul II.
Now, Tom channels his deep experience into educating students and families about real-world dangers in the digital age. He speaks nationally on how to protect children from online threats, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, predators, and digital footprints.
Why Attend:
This session will help parents:
Understand the latest online trends and platforms
Learn how to talk with children about safe and responsible digital behavior
Identify potential warning signs and risk factors
Take actionable steps to create a safer online environment at home
Virtual Presentation Details:
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Online via Google Meet (link provided in district calendar and email)
This event is open to all K–12 families. We encourage you to join us from the comfort of your home to learn how we can partner together to keep our children safe online.
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.
Staff Team Building
Our staff is committed to building strong teamwork skills, not only among ourselves but also as role models for our students. When we collaborate, problem-solve, and support one another, we’re modeling the same teamwork and cooperation we hope to see in our elementary students each day. By experiencing this in action, students learn that working together helps everyone succeed.
Student Drop Off/Pick Up
Student Drop Off/Pick Up
Student drop-off begins at 8:40 a.m. at the main entrance, which will serve 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 PreK students and 3:20 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. 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.
We are excited to share that breakfast and lunch will be free for all students during the 2025–2026 school year! Please note that a la carte items are also available, but these must be purchased separately.
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.
“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?
Annual Notifications
Annual Notifications
Please click here to proceed to the MCSD website with all of the Annual Notifications, Technology Use, and Code of Conduct forms which MUST be completed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the main office.
Elm Drive Back To School Night
Thanks for Coming!
Updates from Pupil Personnel Services
Consistency Across Schools
We’re working to make sure families have the same smooth experience with PPS District Wide.
504 Plans
Annual and reevaluation consents have been sent out. If you haven’t received yours, please call the PPS office. A special thank you to Danielle Leonardi for organizing this process!
IEP Collaboration Portal
Consent forms were sent home so families can receive secure updates and notifications. Need another copy? Contact PPS and we’ll resend it.
County Collaboration
We recently joined other PPS Directors from across Dutchess County to share ideas and strengthen support for students.
Staff Training
CPI Training: A small group was trained Sept. 26, with a larger session on Nov. 4.
Behavior Support: We’re exploring new training through Dutchess BOCES to build positive and lasting classroom strategies.
Nursing Coverage
While hiring continues, substitute nurses are stepping in to keep our schools covered. We are grateful for their support!
English as a New Language (ENL) Services
ENL support started on the first day of school. We’ve welcomed three new students this month. Thank you to Ms. Ellis, our new ENL Coordinator, for helping with assessments, placements, and family communication.
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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