Mill Road News

Brian Boyd, Principal

Kristen Strothmann, Assistant Principal

We hope this letter finds you well and that you've had a wonderful summer filled with joy, relaxation, and memorable experiences. As we stand on the threshold of a new academic year, I can feel the excitement building within our school community. To our returning families, welcome back! And to those joining us for the first time, we're thrilled to have you become part of our Mill Road family.

The start of a new school year always brings a sense of anticipation and possibility. At Mill Road Elementary School, we're excited to provide fresh learning opportunities that align with our District's Mission and Vision. Our goal is to create an environment where every student can thrive and grow.

Central to our approach is the Raider Profile, which emphasizes key skills that will serve our students well in school and beyond. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, caring for others, communication, collaboration, and more. Together, they form the foundation of our educational philosophy, helping to shape well-rounded, thoughtful, and capable young individuals. By fostering these abilities, we aim to prepare our students not just for academic success, but for the challenges and opportunities they'll encounter throughout their lives.

As we embark on this journey together, I want to remind you of a few important items:

1. Please ensure you complete all necessary forms on Operoo. This information is crucial for us to provide the best care and support for your child.

2. We're implementing a new communication tool called ParentSquare this year. This platform will be used for all correspondence, including school-wide announcements and classroom updates. Please make sure you're set up to receive these important communications.

3. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our main offices.

We are genuinely excited about the year ahead and the opportunity to work with you and your children. Together, we can make this an incredible year of growth, learning, and achievement.

Here's to a fantastic 2024-2025 school year!

Warmest regards,

Dr. Boyd and Mrs. Strothmann

We are delighted to introduce Mrs. Kristen Strothmann as the new Assistant Principal at Mill Road Elementary School. With a wealth of experience and a passion for education, Mrs. Strothmann is set to make a significant impact on our school community.

Mrs. Strothmann brings 17 years of teaching experience to her new role. For seven of those years, she dedicated herself to special education on the PK-2 side, developing a deep understanding of the unique needs of our youngest learners. Most recently, she served as the Associate Principal in Hudson City Schools for two years, honing her leadership skills and gaining valuable administrative experience.

As a committed child advocate, Mrs. Strothmann holds high expectations for all students. She firmly believes in each child's potential to excel and is dedicated to creating an environment where every student can thrive. Her approach aligns perfectly with our school's mission to provide a top-quality education for all learners.

One of Mrs. Strothmann's key priorities is to foster a safe, welcoming, and positive school culture. She understands that a supportive environment is crucial for both academic success and personal growth. Students, parents, and staff can look forward to her contributions in maintaining and enhancing the warm, inclusive atmosphere that Mill Road Elementary is known for creating.

"We are confident that Mrs. Strothmann's leadership will contribute significantly to the growth and success of our school. Her dedication to education, combined with her experience and vision, makes her an excellent addition to our leadership team" shared Dr. Boyd.

Please join us in giving Mrs. Kristen Strothmann a warm welcome to Mill Road Elementary School. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead under her guidance and leadership.

1. Establish a Routine:

- Set consistent bedtimes and wake-up times to ensure your child is well-rested.

- Create a designated homework time and place that is quiet and free of distractions.

2. Stay Organized:

- Keep a family calendar with important dates like school events, tests, and deadlines.

- Help your child organize their school supplies, backpack, and study area.

3. Communicate with Teachers:

- Maintain regular contact with your child’s teacher to stay informed about their progress and any concerns.

- Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events to build a strong partnership with the school.

4. Encourage Reading:

- Foster a love for reading by providing a variety of books at home. Visit the public library to borrow

- Set aside time each day for reading, either independently or together.

5. Foster Independence:

- Teach your child to take responsibility for their homework, projects, and school supplies.

- Encourage problem-solving and decision-making skills to build confidence.

6. Support Social and Emotional Development:

- Encourage positive friendships and help your child develop good communication skills.

- Be a good listener and provide emotional support when needed.

7. Limit Screen Time:

- Set boundaries on the amount of time spent on devices, especially during school days.

- Encourage other activities like reading, playing outside, or engaging in hobbies.

8. Be Involved:

- Volunteer at school when possible, or participate in PTA meetings and events.

- Show interest in your child’s schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

9. Set Goals and Celebrate Achievements:

- Help your child set academic and personal goals for the school year.

- Celebrate successes, both big and small, to motivate continued effort.

10. Model a Positive Attitude Toward Learning:

- Demonstrate a positive attitude toward school and learning to set an example.

- Discuss the importance of education and how it relates to their future goals.

These tips can help create a supportive environment at home that complements the efforts of the school, leading to a more successful and enjoyable school year for your child.

As we embark on another exciting school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the core attributes that guide our daily activities and interactions at Mill Road School. These attributes of a Red Hook Raider—engage, embrace, think, care, create, empathize, and collaborate—are more than just words; they are the pillars of our educational philosophy. Each day, we strive to weave these principles into every aspect of our school experience, helping our students grow not only academically but also as compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers.

Engage

We believe that learning is most effective when students are actively engaged. This means fostering a learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and students are motivated to participate. Whether it’s through hands-on projects, interactive lessons, or lively discussions, our goal is to make learning an exciting and dynamic process. By engaging with the material, students develop a deeper understanding and a lifelong love for learning.

Embrace

At our school, we embrace diversity in all its forms. We recognize that each student brings unique perspectives, talents, and experiences to the classroom. By celebrating these differences, we create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Embracing diversity also means being open to new ideas and approaches, which enriches our collective learning experience and prepares our students to thrive in a global society.

Think

Critical thinking is a cornerstone of our educational approach. We encourage our students to think deeply and critically about the world around them. This involves not just absorbing information but analyzing, questioning, and reflecting on it. By developing strong thinking skills, our students are better equipped to solve problems, make informed decisions, and navigate the complexities of modern life.

Care

Caring for others is at the heart of our school community. We teach our students the importance of kindness, respect, and compassion. Through various initiatives, such as community service projects, peer mentoring, and leading by example, we provide opportunities for students to practice caring in meaningful ways. By nurturing a caring attitude, we help students build strong relationships and contribute positively to society.

Create

Creativity is essential for innovation and personal expression. Our school encourages students to explore their creative potential through a wide range of activities, including art, music, writing, STEAM, Arts in Ed experiences, and problem-solving tasks. We believe that creativity enhances learning and allows students to express themselves in unique and powerful ways. By fostering creativity, we help students develop the confidence to think outside the box and pursue their passions.

Empathize

Empathy is crucial for building a compassionate and supportive community. We teach our students to understand and appreciate the feelings and perspectives of others. Through literature, discussions, and collaborative activities, we create opportunities for students to practice empathy. This not only strengthens their social skills but also helps them become more understanding and responsible global citizens.

Collaborate

Collaboration is a key skill for success in the 21st century. We emphasize the importance of working together, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. In our classrooms, students engage in group projects, discussions, and activities that require teamwork and cooperation. By collaborating, students learn to value the contributions of others, resolve conflicts, and achieve common goals.

Incorporating these attributes into each school day is a collective effort that involves our dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and engaged families. Together, we are building a school environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I am confident that by continuing to focus on these principles, we are preparing our students to lead successful and fulfilling lives.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Mill Road School community. Let’s continue to work together to create a bright future for all our students.

9/16 - Pajama Day

9/17 - Crazy Hair Day

9/18 - Favorite Team Day

9/19 - Dress for Success Day

9/20 - Raider Red & White Day

Although there were plenty of exciting happenings this summer, the most important thing this summer was the thoughtful families who generously donated their time to take care of our lovely garden! I would like to take the time to recognize their efforts as we start a new and exciting school year.

The Babani/Cancilla Family

The Johnson Family

The Tucker Family

The Gillim Family

The Norton Family

The Cartier Family

The Sherman Family

The Cacchione Family

The Pethic Family

I look forward to another fabulous year digging in the soil and cultivating good food, good friends, and great times!

Best,

Doug Keto

Garden Teacher

Mill Road School

dketo@rhcsd.org

• 9/6 - Half day for Students - 11:45 dismissal
• 9/10 - PTA Meeting 7:00pm PK-2 cafeteria
• 9/16 - 9/20 - Spirit Week
• 9/18 - PK-5 Spanish Information Night 6:30pm
• 9/20 - PTA Ice Cream Social 6:30-7:30

Email: bboyd@rhcsd.org
Website: https://www.redhookcentralschools.org/millroadis
Phone: (845) 758-2241 35100
Twitter: @RH_MR3_5