Mills Elementary School

I am amazed at how smoothly your children have transitioned into school this year! Already, students are working in collaborative groups, interacting with texts in complex ways, and engaging in hands on science investigations in classrooms. LaKesha Drinks, the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, paid our campus a visit last week. She heard about the wonderful things happening at Mills and had to see for herself! Ms. Drinks enjoyed walking our hallways, popping into classrooms, and conversing with students and teachers. She even ran into a Mills teacher/colleague she taught with many years ago. It's no secret that our students and staff are exceptional!

Back to School Night is right around the corner (Aug 31), and I am eager for you to see for yourself why Mills is GRRREAT! We will convene for a short meeting/greeting in the cafeteria (15 minutes), and then parents/caregivers will be released to classrooms for presentations by your child(ren)'s teachers. This event is for adults only. Thanks in advance for your patience and flexibility as we know our grounds will be crowded. Parking is extremely limited so it's encouraged for you to carpool, find street parking, or walk.

Want to find ways to get involved? We'd love to have you! Reach out to our Front Office to find various ways to volunteer and get involved. It's a treat to see so many parent volunteers in the lunchroom, front office, library, and in other areas of school! Did you know that we have a program called WatchDOGs this year? It's for dads, grandpas, uncles, and male figures who want to make a difference! Reach out to Deric Dartez-Santos and Courtney Cartlidge at 512-841-2400 if you're curious in learning more about this great group.

Student devices are coming! Soon, your student(s) will be issued their Austin ISD device. This will be an iPad in PreK-1st Grade, and a Laptop (Chromebook) in 2nd-5th grade(s). Students in the primary grades will keep their devices on campuses (per district protocol), but older students may be taking devices home for work on assignments/homework. Teachers will be discussing digital citizenship and proper device use with your child(ren) in class. Please help reinforce these lessons at home. Visit this link for ideas on how to facilitate family conversations: https://www.commonsense.org/education/family-resources .

That's all for now. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions! My team and I are here and ready to assist!

With gratitude,

Angela Frageman

Principal, Mills Elementary

https://mills.austinschools.org

All Austin ISD students in grades Kindergarten - 8th grade will take MAP Growth assessments in the next few weeks. Our Mountain Lions will be completing MAP Growth assessments in Reading and Math.

MAP Growth is an interim, responsive, computer-based assessment for K–12 students given nationwide. Students in Austin ISD will take MAP Growth three times a year. Once our students complete the assessments, teachers will be reaching out to share how they performed and work with you to support your child's reading and math development!

If you are interested in learning more about MAP Growth, please visit this link: https://www.nwea.org/blog/2021/map-growth-101-everything-families-need-to-know/ or reach out to our MAP Growth campus contacts, Tiffany Hicks and Marcey French.

Our staff is working diligently to keep our campus safe. We conduct daily door sweeps of the campus and keep all interior and exterior doors locked and closed without exception. Our staff actively supervise students while they are outside during recess and PE periods, as well.

Our first campus evacuation drill will take place this week. Upon hearing the fire alarm, staff will direct students to the nearest exit and line up their classes in the front and back parking lots. We also conduct required drills per district and state requirements.

Like our Mills campus safety committee, Austin ISD also has a safety and security committee. You can learn more here.

Want to get involved and support us with campus safety? Please reach out to Principal Frageman and Assistant Principal Anna Balthazar.

We are thrilled that Nurse Barbara is on campus full time this year. She is full of knowledge and always happy to answer health related questions families have. Nurse Barbara has shared slides for families to review (see below). Reach out to Nurse Barbara if you have questions. She's located in the Mills Health Room by the front office!

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1CU8sZlN9jsthED9n9Ii_B_4TnlT1inxucUkYN6OqcpU/edit?usp=sharing

The WatchD.O.G.S Are Here!

Calling all dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other male role models! WatchDOGS is a family and community educational initiative that seeks to have volunteers on campus during the school year.

During the day, WatchDOGS may help in the office, complete campus safety checks, read with students, assist in the cafeteria. The possibilities are endless!

We will have an information booth set up at Back To School Night on Thursday, August 31st.

Are you interested in participating? Follow the simple steps included in this Google doc.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSespypPgYTSwNZS4YH6wR9NDTlNpLz3N6bC7OXIB3uTEDSEtQ/viewform

If you have any questions, please reach out to Deric Dartez-Santos or Courtney Cartlidge.

512-841-2400.

Monday, Aug 28

MAP Growth Assessment Window Opens for K-5th Grade students

Thursday, Aug 31

Back to School Night- 5:30pm-6:30pm PreK-2nd Grade; 6:45pm-7:45pm 3rd-5th Grade

Friday, Sept 1

College Colors Day! Wear your favorite college t-shirt/apparel to school

Monday, Sept 4-

Labor Day/No School

Tuesday, Sept 5-

PTA General Meeting/Principal Coffee, 7:30am-8:30am, Cafeteria (Breakfast tacos and coffee served). ALL are welcome!! You do not need to be a current PTA member to join us.

Monday, Sept 11-

Campus Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting, via Zoom 3:30pm

Tuesday, Sept 12-

PTA Spirit Night at Phil's Ice House/Amy's Ice Cream, South Lamar Location, Time TBD

Monday, Sept 25-

Elementary Parent Conference Day/Week

Submit an AISD Rave!

https://www.austinisd.org/hc/aisd-employee-experience/rave

Staff Favorites Here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XFiHK4Q3QhQcC2Am5RyfTY_RCBLSYqPC_WxEh5hQyh8/edit?usp=sharing

https://www.smore.com/12z6jy-mills-elementary-school