Mill Creek Magic Messages
News and Updates from Mr. Croyle and Mr. Murtha 4/12/2024
From Mr. Croyle and Mr. Murtha
As we close our last day of Spring Conferences today, we trust that you had a meaningful opprotunity to connect with your child's teacher this week. The forum for teachers to meet with parents face to face is so very valuable, and we appreciate you taking time of your busy schedules to come see us!
In addition to conferences, we had some really wonderful happenings here at Mill Creek since our last publication. They included...
Ms. Dittmar's Kindergarten students recently had their stories published into a book! In celebration, they held a publishing party last Friday afternoon. The party was glow themed (because... why not?), and there was opportunity for sharing their published stories and even some ice cream! It was a fun afternoon!
Our 6th Grade classes had an opportunity to visit Peace Valley Park for their Clean Streams Field Trip in conjunction with our science curriculum. The 6th Graders conducted a number of scientific experiments and learned, first-hand, about the importance of caring for our environment... that care starts locally! Additionally, they had some really nice weather for their visit!
Finally, Mill Creek welcomed the Harlem Wizards Basketball Team for an exhibition event this past Wednesday evening. These amazing "hoopsters" shared their basketball skills and tricks with our audience of students and families during an interactive presentation, which was a highly entertaining evening!
Enjoy the weekend as we come upon a week of what looks to be some very springlike temps.!
Matthew D. Croyle
Principal
John C. Murtha
Assistant Principal
Ms. Dittmar's Kindergarten Students Held a Publishing Party!
Mill Creek 6th Grade Students Visit Peace Valley Park for Clean Streams!
The Harlem Wizards Bring Their on Brand of "Magic" to Mill Creek!
5th and 6th Grade Health Curriculum Information...
Dear 5th and 6th grade parents/guardians. This upcoming week, you will receive a letter communicating that your child will be participating in health instruction in May (Fifth grade- HIV/AIDS; Sixth Grade Human Growth and Development and HIV/AIDS). You will only need to complete the form if you would like to opt your child out of the instruction. If you prefer your child to receive the instruction, you will not complete the form. The opt-out form will be made available in parent portal on April 18.
STUDENT INFORMATION FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2024-2025
We have been running a message for parents regarding 2024-2025 school year class placement, including the opportunity for parents to submit a Student Information Form if you would like to share information about your child(ren) for us to consider. The full content of that message and the Student Information Form can be accessed through this link. Student Information forms must be returned by Friday, April 26, 2024. Forms not submitted by the return date (4/26/24) may not be able to be considered.
Thank you for your continued support,
-Mr. Croyle and Mr. Murtha
PSSA Information
Dear Mill Creek Parents and Families,
This information within this letter provides an update to families regarding PSSA testing and scheduling in our school this year.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all school districts to administer PSSA testing for the 2023-24 school year. The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is aligned with the PA Standards. The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAs are administered in grades 3 through 8 and the Science PSSA is administered in grade 4 and grade 8.
The specific dates for the English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science Assessment are listed below.
Mill Creek Testing Schedule:
English Language Arts (3rd – 6th)
- April 24th - Section 1
- April 25th - Section 2
- April 26th - Section 3
Mathematics (3rd – 6th)
- April 30th - Section 1
- May 1st - Section 2
Science (4th grade only)
- May 2nd - Sections 1 and 2
Students learn all skills, concepts, and content necessary to take the assessment within their daily reading, writing, mathematics, and science instruction. These assessments are critically important; please encourage your child to do their best. The results will be one of the measures we use as we make curricular updates and revisions. Individual performance will be one of the factors we consider when determining which students need additional support or enrichment. The data will help the district plan support for students who are not meeting the expectation of proficient on the exam.
A parent/guardian may choose to exempt their child from participating in the exam(s) if the tested content is found to be in conflict with their religious beliefs as per PA Code 22, Chapter 4.4. To exclude your child from taking one or more Keystone Exam(s), a parent/guardian must complete the following actions required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
- Email the School Assessment Coordinator. For our school, please e-mail Mr. Murtha (jmurtha@cbsd.org) to request an appointment to view the exam(s) to determine if they conflict with your religious beliefs.
- Report to Mill Creek at the appointed time and sign the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Confidentiality Agreement prior to viewing the exams.
- Write a letter to the Superintendent of Schools for Central Bucks School District, Dr. Jim Scanlon, stating the specific exam(s) you want your child exempt from for religious reasons. Submit the letter to Mr. Murtha (jmurtha@cbsd.org).
Sincerely,
Matthew D. Croyle, Principal
John C. Murtha, Principal
Spring Attire
As we head into spring and welcome warmer weather, we ask that you please remind your child(ren) to be mindful of school dress expectations. Thank you for your support!
Important Dates
- Tuesday, April 16 - Autism Acceptance Month Spirit Day - What's Your Passion (dress up to show something you love)
- Friday, April 19 - Autism Acceptance Month Spirit Day - Neurodiveristy Friday (put our diversity on display, and wear your favorite color)
- Tuesday, April 23 - No School (primary elections)
- Wednesday, April 24-Friday, April 26 - PSSA (ELA), Grades 3-6
- Tuesday, April 30-Wednesday, May 1 - PSSA (Math), Grades 3-6
- Thursday, May 2 - PSSA (Science), Grade 4 only
- Thursday, May 23 - Student Council Spirit Day - Throwback Day (dress to represent your favorite decade)
- Friday, May 24 - "Finn's Ferocious Fight" Blood Drive - 12-5 p.m.
Next Week's Specials Days Will Be...
- Monday - Day 2
- Tuesday - Day 3
- Wednesday - Day 4
- Thursday - Day 5
- Friday - Day 1
Home and School Association News and Flyers
- The District is now insistent that adult visitors to school buildings beyond the main office have their Volunteer Clearances. There is an application process, which only takes a bit of time and is fairly simple. The link below will take you to a page with detailed information about obtaining your Volunteer Clearances.
Mill Creek Book Fair Coming April 15-17!
See flyer below for details. Link directly below is for online ordering...
Mill Creek Spring Fair (May 11) Information Below!
May 24 Blood Drive @ Mill Creek - "Finn's Ferocious Fight!"
The Mill Creek Directory is Here!
Click on the link below to access. You will need to enter the password sent to you through blast email on February 29, 2024.
Order Your Mill Creek Yearbook Today!... Deadline is TODAY - April 12
This month, Mill Creek’s Diversity Committee will celebrate Autism Acceptance Month! Autism Acceptance Month supports students with autism by shining a light on the importance of acceptance and inclusion - something the students and staff at Mill Creek strive for every day. The Diversity Committee will be celebrating all month long with the following events and highlights:
- Bulletin board in the main entryway (see photo above!)
- How to be a good friend morning announcement videos
- Special read aloud from Mr. Murtha My Brother Charlie (wevideo.com)
- School-wide spirit days (see photo below!)
- Staff hot/cold dip fundraiser to raise money for a scholarship for a CB South student in the Titans Connect club. Titans Connect is a peer-mentor group for students to socialize and build connections through monthly events such as board game night and the Titans Connect prom. The staff are excited to help start a scholarship for CB South student who gives so much time and effort to make a difference in the lives of their peers! **If your student would like to donate to the scholarship, please send in your donation in an envelope marked “Autism Acceptance Month” by Friday, 4/19. Thank you for your consideration!**
Instructional Spotlight - Mr. Robinson
Support Staff Spotlight - Ms. Venugopal
SCHOOL/DISTRICT INFORMATION
CBSD Art Show Coming End of May!
- BSD K-12 Annual District ART Show to be held at CB SOUTH
- Dates: May 31, June 1, & 2.
- Opening Friday Night May 31st at 6PM.
- #STUCKonART2024 #CBSDproud
CB Realignment Input...
In anticipation of the grade level realignment for the 2025-2026 school year, the district extends an open invitation to parents, guardians, students, and community members to provide their questions and feedback here. We greatly value your input as it plays a vital role in our decision-making process, ensuring that our choices are in the best interest of our entire community. To learn more about this initiative, please visit the our website: www.cbsd.org/cbrealign.
Many Thanks to Dr. Markham's Orthodontics Office for Featuring Mill Creek Art!
Click on the link below to access the artwork of Central Bucks' students, including many Mill Creek entries!
For Qualifying Families, Apply for Free and Reduced Lunch - It's Easy!
For any family in need of free and reduced lunch for your children, please use the links below to apply. The process is fairly simple and confidential!
- Direct link to the application website: MySchoolApps - Home Page
- Link to the CBSD page about Free and Reduced Lunch: Food Services / Free & Reduced Lunch Application (cbsd.org)
Student Technology Information...
Need to submit a Technology Help Desk Ticket? Click the link below for a video on how to do it!
Student Laptop Expectations
Additionally, if your child loses or misplaces their laptop case, please reach out to the Mill Creek Main Office.
District Laptop and iPad Care
- Please encourage your children to use their laptop/iPad bags for carrying devices in school, at home, and to and from each location.
- Please encourage your children to report issues/problems with their devices, so they can be properly address and fixed as soon as possible.
- The laptop/iPad payment fee covers accidental damage. Intentional damage may result in a family being billed for the damage.
Schools will be communicating these messages in school as well.
We appreciate your support!
GUIDANCE INFORMATION
SCHOOL AND DISTRICT EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Information
Mr. Matthew D. Croyle
Principal
267-893-3600
Mr. John C. Murtha
Assistant Principal
267-893-3600
Mill Creek Elementary School
Email: mcroyle@cbsd.org
Website: http://www.cbsd.org/Domain/19
Location: 638 Bellflower Boulevard, Warrington, PA, United States
Phone: 267-893-3600
Twitter: @CBMillCreek