Mills Elementary School
Sept 16, 2024
A Note From The Principal
Dear Families,
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend last week’s first Principal Coffee/PTA Meeting of the school year. We covered a range of topics, from school safety to academics, and discussed ways to get involved on campus. For those who couldn’t make it, the presentation slides are shared here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16vNFCBUllMTNV4aeRamAUK_yZh0-zDhrcZ1d20C4AXU/edit?usp=sharing
We will continue to host monthly Principal Coffee events throughout the year, offering more opportunities to learn about what’s happening at Mills. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and our next Principal Coffee on October 11 will focus on dyslexia. Join us on campus to hear from our resident dyslexia experts and learn about the science of reading, along with viewing a documentary on dyslexia and teaching reading. Coffee and donuts will be provided!
We look forward to seeing you there. https://docs.google.com/document/d/17W9EGqt-7olRmP7gR5yXrNUCjPXhB6siqIwQO2bvXzQ/edit?usp=sharing
We also want to express our gratitude to those who have paid your enrichment fees! A portion of these funds directly supports the salaries of our wonderful enrichment teachers, Ms. Sanchez and Ms. Palomo. Last week, our students and families enjoyed a fantastic Mexico’s Independence Day program, led by our talented 2nd graders. In addition, the Canva Education team traveled all the way from Australia to see how Canva is being used in classrooms at Mills. Ms. Sara Sanchez, who is leading this creative initiative, has been recognized as the #1 Canva user in Austin!
These enriching, signature experiences are made possible thanks to your financial support through enrichment fees.
Congrats, Canva Ambassador Mrs. Sara Sanchez!
Keep Signature Enrichment Programs Alive at Mills!
Mills Elementary students enjoy a variety of enrichment opportunities other schools nearby do not get! We fund these experiences largely through Enrichment Fees from families. This one time financial investment supports so much! Here is a short description:
1. Funding Maker Space/ STEM teacher, Sara Sanchez! All PreK-5th Grade students enjoy hands-on instruction in the Maker Space lab, along with enrichment support through technology applications for in classroom learning! Ms. Sanchez supports dynamic instructional planning as she also works collaboratively with classroom teachers to infuse 21st century STEM elements into teaching and learning. These are fantastic articles on the power of MakerEd and MakerSpaces in schools:https://blog.tcea.org/makerspace/ https://www.eduporium.com/blog/eduporium-weekly-why-are-makerspaces-important/
2. Grade level field trips! Field trips are a highlight of every school year for our students. Part of the enrichment fees are comprised of field trip fees for the school year.
3. Additional programming, resources, and supplies to supplement the district resources! Due to the diverse needs of our student body, our staff continually look for ways to enrich and diversify the Austin ISD curriculum. Our campus uses these funds to research effective and dynamic resources to purchase in order to supplement those supplied by the school district.
Pay for your child's enrichment fees using the QR codes and links in the flyer below!
Austin ISD Responsible Use of Technology Policy Acknowledgement
You will receive the below information from your child's teacher. Please review the policy and complete the RUP acknowledgement form.
Austin ISD is invested in using technology to enhance student learning and improve learning outcomes. Using your device, the AISD network, and systems is a privilege and any privilege comes with responsibility. Signing this Responsible Use Policy (RUP) will serve as an acknowledgment of this information for students and families.
Please review the district's Responsible use Policy and complete the RUP acknowledgment here: https://forms.gle/2JVTQodTCjP3ZZhP6
You can review the district Responsible Use policy of technology here: https://www.austinisd.org/technology/policy
Please reach out to our campus device manager, Sara Sanchez, or a member of our administration team if you have any questions.
Say Cheese! Picture Day is this Wednesday, September 18 for all students!
Exciting Author Visit for Kinder-3rd Grade Students!
From our librarian, Sarah Rasmussen:
I'm thrilled to announce that author Ann Patchett and illustrator Robin Glasser will be visiting K-3rd graders at Mills on Friday Sept. 27th. Ann Patchett is an acclaimed writer of novels, non-fiction, and children's books. Her novel Dutch House was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Robin Glasser is the illustrator of the Fancy Nancy series. The two have collaborated to write a heartfelt story about honoring differences called The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts.
About the book:
The Vert family is celebrating a very special occasion: it's Ivan's birthday! And Estie knows that every birthday needs a great party, with lots of guests, party hats, and twinkling tin foil stars. Because that is what everyone wants on their birthday, right? But did Estie ever ask Ivan?
If you'd like to order a signed copy of the book, please click HERE. Books will be distributed to students on the day of the author/illustrator visit. We are so excited to host this exceptionally talented duo! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Absent? Follow These Protocols
Follow the link below to complete the form to notify the Mills front office and registrar of your child's absence. Once you complete and submit the form, the front office will be notified by email.
https://www.austinisd.org/attendance/report-absence
New: Parent/guardian notes for illness may be used to excuse a total of 8 absences for the school year. If exceeding 8 parent/guardian notes, parent/guardian are encouraged to communicate with campus principal or assistant principal to discuss the reason(s) for absences and whether future parent/guardian notes will be accepted.
Ready to Volunteer on Campus?
Welcome to Austin ISD's new volunteer management platform! All Mills Elementary Volunteers must complete the application through the link above.
Thank you for your interest in supporting our students and schools.
Volunteer Opportunities at Mills! Contact the front office to learn more: 512-841-2400 or email susan.jetton@austinisd.org or kristi.thomason@austinisd.org
Lunchroom
Teacher Work Room
Front Office
Roaring Readers (help students with literacy)
Classroom
WatchDOGS
Spanish Program Volunteer
Landscaping
Dates to Remember
9/18- Fall Picture Day (individual pictures)
9/27- Ann Patchett Author Visit for Kindergarten-3rd Grade Students
10/2- 4th Grade Field Trip
10/3- Student Holiday/Staff Professional Learning Day
10/4- Student Holiday/Staff Professional Learning Day
10/7- October Campus Advisory Council Meeting
10/8- 5th Grade Super Fun Book Club after school
10/9- City of Austin Walk to School Day
10/11- October Principal Coffee: Dyslexia Awareness and Dyslexia Documentary Viewing in the Mills Library, 7:50am
10/14- Elementary Student Conferences/Student Holiday
10/16- Family Fitness 'CATCH' Night, 5pm-6:45pm
10/23- STEM/Maker Space Family Night
10/25- PTA 5th Grade Monster Mash
10/29- 1st Grade Glow Show Art Program, 2:00pm-3:10pm
10/30- 3rd Grade Music Program 8am & 9am
10/31- Halloween
11/1- Student/Staff Holiday- Diwali
11/5- Student/Staff Holiday Election Day
