February is a month that reminds us of kindness, care, and connection. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we’ll be focusing on friendship, empathy, and acts of kindness in and out of the classroom. It’s a wonderful time to talk with your child about the importance of treating others with respect and compassion.
February can bring chilly mornings and unpredictable weather. Please make sure your child is dressed in layers, as we will continue to enjoy outdoor recess whenever possible. Labeling items with your child’s name can also help us reunite lost items with their owners. Check out the photos below from our Lost and Found.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Each day, it’s a joy to see their curiosity, growth, and smiles. Let’s make this month a memorable one!
Go Blazers!
Alicia O'Connell
February 12th- 100th Day of School
February 13th- Tall & Small Ball
February 14th- Superintendents Conference Day
No School for Students
February 17th- Presidents Day
No School for Students
February 18th- Engineer Day
February 20th- Albert Tompkins Spirit Day: Giants vs. Cowboys
February 27th- PreK Field Trip to Mid Hudson Discovery Museum
From Mrs. Bopp's Kindergarten Class:
To highlight the New Year, our Kindergarteners set resolutions for themselves. We read the book "One Word for Kids" by Jon Gordon. The powerful message from this story teaches students to search for one word that means something to them when thinking about themselves with a growth mindset. "If you could choose only one word to help you have your best year ever, what would it be? How you find your word is just as important as the word itself." Each child chose a word that would help them have their best year. We then discussed what we would do with our one word once we chose it. Students wrote their one word on a small poster to hang around the room for inspiration. Each student made a bracelet with pattern beads and letters spelling out their one word. Their "one word bracelet" is to serve as a consistent reminder of the goals they set forth for themselves to be the best version of themselves that they could possibly be!
Elm students have been focusing on ambition and perseverance this past month. Two students struggling to learn how to tie their shoes did not give up when they became frustrated! They tried and tried until they tied! Way to go!
Mrs. Freeman's class just finished our first math project of the year - Create a Business! Students worked for the last couple of weeks to think about what businesses we see in our community, brainstormed different businesses we would like to see in our classroom, and voted on which business we wanted to create. They ultimately chose a Donut Shop! Students then created a list of items they needed to bring it to life and asked for donations from families. Throughout playing in this center, students explored exchanging money or gift cards to purchase their donuts or coffee. One of our families brought in real donuts for us to have one day - the students loved this fun surprise!
Principal Pick Read Aloud:
Focus on Kindness & Empathy
Written Maria Dismonday
Illustrated by P.S. Brooks
This incredible picture book demonstrates how the smallest kindness can make a difference.
After their new neighbor shares the story of growing up in Poland, sibling rivalry is turned into sibling teamwork. Leah and Dexter work with their Dad to make paczkis, a jelly-filled treat from Poland. The twins later deliver the treats to their neighbor.
CLICK HERE to enjoy a read-aloud of the story
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
PPS Office Contact Information:
Alexandra Chanowsky - Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services
845-677-4200 ext. 1116
alexandra.chanowsky@millbrookcsd.org
Danielle Leonardi - Administrative Assistant
845-677-4200 ext. 1107
danielle.leonardi@millbrookcsd.org
Elm Drive Annual Review Meetings will be occurring in April! We are excited for the opportunity to come together and begin planning for your child's 25/26 school year. 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.
A Note From Our Supervisor of Student Services
For Resources, News & Announcements from our School Counseling department, please visit our webpage by clicking here.
The Student Services website is a great resource for students and families. Please check out the details by clicking here.
Date: Thursdays
Time: 5:00-7:30
Location: Lyall Community Church
Lyall Community Church is offering a free, weekly program available to Millbrook CSD students in grades K-12. The program provides study help, dinner, and social time on Thursdays from 5:00-7:30 p.m., following a school schedule. Lyall Community Church is also seeking reliable adults with a background in education to volunteer to tutor students. Please reach out to lyallchurchstudydinner@gmail.com to join their Google Classroom and to fill out the attendance form.
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