Greetings Blazer Families,
Greetings Blazer Families,
Embedded Files
As we enter November and prepare to take a short break from school for Thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helps our students come to school each day—on time and ready to learn.
We give thanks for:
Our students, for making daily attendance a priority and understanding that consistent attendance builds habits that lead to success in school and beyond.
Our families, for your partnership and support in helping our students grow and thrive.
Our dedicated teachers, who pour their energy and creativity into making each classroom an engaging place for exploration and learning—so children don’t want to miss a single day!
Our incredible support staff, who provide the extra hands, hearts, and attention our children need to develop their social-emotional and adaptive skills.
We appreciate each one of you so much. Elm Drive looks forward to seeing everyone after the Thanksgiving holiday!
As a reminder, school will be closed from November 26 through November 30, 2025.
We especially appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the holiday. Even a few missed days here and there, excused or not, can add up to too much lost learning time and make it harder for your child to stay on track.
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.
Best,
Samantha Lynch
Samantha.Lynch@millbrookcsd.org
845-677-4225 ext. 5102
Elm Drive Elementary Principal
Introducing Christine Brady
Introducing Christine Brady
I will be on maternity leave starting at the beginning November and will return early February. During my time away, Mrs. Christine Brady will serve as Elm Drive’s acting principal.
Mrs. Brady is a beloved Elm Drive retiree who served as principal for 10 years before retiring. We are thrilled to welcome her back! Her deep knowledge of our school community, staff, and students will help ensure a smooth and seamless transition during my leave.
Mrs. Brady and I have worked closely to support a strong handoff and make sure everything continues running smoothly for our students, families, and staff. I know Elm Drive will be in wonderful hands during this time.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. It’s an honor to serve this community, and I look forward to reconnecting with everyone when I return in the new year.
The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree
The Millbrook Giving Tree
The Millbrook Giving Tree
Who: The Giving Tree supports families in the Millbrook Central School District during the holiday season.
What: Each tree will display paper hands with anonymous gift requests from families in need. Community members are invited to select a hand, purchase the item, and return it as a gift.
Where: Giving Trees will be set up in each school building lobby.
When: During Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 19 and 20. Gifts should be returned to the District Office by December 12.
Why: To lend a giving hand and brighten the holidays for members of our school community.
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
November 4: Superintendent's Conference Day (no school for students)
November 7: Marking Period 1 Ends
November 10: Early Dismissal Drill (15 min)
November 11: Veterans Day - Schools Closed
November 17: Picture Day Retakes
November 19: Parent-Teacher Conferences early dismissal 11:40 (Afternoon/Evening conferences)
November 20: Parent-Teacher Conferences early dismissal 11:40 (Afternoon conferences)
November 21: Blue Ribbon Blazer Assembly (students only)
November 26-November 30: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
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 second-grade teacher, Mrs. Eliza Jordan, was nominated! Mrs. Jordan is recognized by her colleagues for being the heart of the second-grade community. As the veteran member of the Grade 2 team, she has been an incredible source of guidance and support for new teachers—helping them transition smoothly, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment across the grade level so that everyone feels welcomed and supported. 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
In order to keep you informed about your child’s progress, we invite you to schedule a Parent-Teacher Conference. Conferences will be held on Wednesday, November 19th, and Thursday, November 20th. While conferences are not mandatory, they are a valuable opportunity to speak with your child’s team of teachers about their current academic progress. Many of our students have readjusted to school routines and are doing very well! Teachers have begun reaching out to families regarding conference sign-ups. If you have not yet scheduled a conference and would like to, please contact your child’s teacher directly.
All conferences will be held in person. Please plan to arrive on time, as teachers will be meeting with families in scheduled time blocks.
Please see the schedule below for more information.
Wednesday, November 19th Thursday, November 20th
12:30 pm - 3:45 pm & 6-8 pm 12:30 pm - 3:45 pm
October Assemblies, Celebrations & Activites
October Assemblies, Celebrations & Activites
Ned's Mindset-Our students enjoyed a visit from The NED Show, an engaging assembly focused on developing a positive mindset and perseverance. Through storytelling, humor, and yo-yo tricks, students learned the importance of Never Giving Up, Encouraging Others, and Doing their Best—the key messages behind NED’s Mindset Mission. The interactive presentation inspired students to believe in themselves and approach challenges with a “growth mindset.”
Ned's Mindset-Our students enjoyed a visit from The NED Show, an engaging assembly focused on developing a positive mindset and perseverance. Through storytelling, humor, and yo-yo tricks, students learned the importance of Never Giving Up, Encouraging Others, and Doing their Best—the key messages behind NED’s Mindset Mission. The interactive presentation inspired students to believe in themselves and approach challenges with a “growth mindset.”
Fire Assembly-October was Fire Prevention Month. We were thrilled to welcome our local fire department for a Fire Safety Assembly led by Lieutenant Beattie Hays. Students learned important fire safety tips and had the exciting opportunity to see and explore a real fire truck up close! It was an engaging and educational experience that helped our students understand how to stay safe in an emergency.
Fire Assembly-October was Fire Prevention Month. We were thrilled to welcome our local fire department for a Fire Safety Assembly led by Lieutenant Beattie Hays. Students learned important fire safety tips and had the exciting opportunity to see and explore a real fire truck up close! It was an engaging and educational experience that helped our students understand how to stay safe in an emergency.
Kesicke Farm-Our Kindergarten students visited Kesicke Farm, where they enjoyed a hands-on farm experience! Students had the opportunity to meet a variety of animals and learn how farmers care for both plants and animals. The trip was filled with fun and engaging educational experiences that brought classroom learning about nature and communities to life.
Kesicke Farm-Our Kindergarten students visited Kesicke Farm, where they enjoyed a hands-on farm experience! Students had the opportunity to meet a variety of animals and learn how farmers care for both plants and animals. The trip was filled with fun and engaging educational experiences that brought classroom learning about nature and communities to life.
Twin/Multiples Day-It was wonderful to see our students and staff showing their school spirit throughout the week! From creative outfits to big smiles, everyone joined in the fun. Check out some of our great photos from Twin/Multiples Day below!
Twin/Multiples Day-It was wonderful to see our students and staff showing their school spirit throughout the week! From creative outfits to big smiles, everyone joined in the fun. Check out some of our great photos from Twin/Multiples Day below!
PK/K Partner Activity- Ms. Freeman's PreK class and Ms. Bopp's Kindergarten class partnered up to read the story Ten Timid Ghosts. Students identified the pattern and rhyming words in the text and chimed in where they could as teachers read the story. They completed a sensory activity together and Kindergarten students helped PreK friends remember directions, use materials, and craft a puffy ghost. Enjoy some photos below!
Halloween/Parade- Thank you to our families, teachers, staff, and local law enforcement and fire department for joining us in celebrating our Halloween festivities and parade, and for helping to keep our students safe!
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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