Mill Run Register Newsletter for Mill Run Elementary Volume 60 March 2016

March At-A-GlanceMusic In Our Schools Month, Youth Art

Month, and Women’s History Month

Feb. 29 - Mar. 4 : Custodian Appreciation Week! Hooray for Reyna, Ernesto, and Maria!

Mar. 1 : No School - for Pres. Primary ElectionsMar. 2 : Dr. Seuss’ Birthday! Lifetouch Spring Pictures

Mar. 3 : Loudoun County Spelling Bee @ 6:30 p.m. at Stone Bridge HS. Go, Jenna! You’re going to do amazing!

Mar. 4 : Final Day to submit Snowman Photos for our contest!

Wear RED today!

Mar. 7 : BYOT Parent Coffee @ 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. with 5th grade families and Mrs. Wheedleton, Mrs. Hayden, and Mrs. Brock’s families invited to attend.

BYOT Parent Meeting @ 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. with 5th grade families and Mrs. Wheedleton, Mrs. Hayden, and Mrs. Brock’s families invited to attend.

Mar. 8 : PTO Board Meeting in library @ 2:50 p.m.

Mar. 9 : Mt. Lion Pride Citizenship Breakfast @ 7:50 a.m. (by  invitation)

Mar. 11 : School / Business Partnership Breakfast @ 7:30 a.m. Mill Run Carnival 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wear YELLOW  today

Mar. 13 : Daylight Savings Time (set clocks FORWARD one hour) Mar. 14-18 : Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week! Thank you so much to our wonderful & amazing teacher assistants!Mar. 17 : St. Patrick’s Day – Wear GREEN today! Mar. 18 : Reverse Order Assemblies @ 8:30, 9:45, 11:45 a.m.

Mar. 19-27 : SPRING BREAK!

March 29 : PTO Restaurant Night @ Fuddrucker’s from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.Mar. 31 : PTO Gift Card packets sent home Wear BLUE  today!

(con’t. on next page)

Cornely’s CornerGrowing  up  and  even  through  most  of  my  adulthood,  winter  has  been  one  of  my  favorite  seasons.    Why  you  may  ask?    It  is  because  I  have  always  loved  winter  sports,  especially  snowboarding,  and  now  having  children,  there  aren’t  many  things  sweeter  than  seeing  your  kids  playing  outside  in  the  beautiful  white  snow.    Whether  you  love  winter  or  not,  many  of  us  pay  close  attention  to  Groundhog  Day,  especially  to  see  if  Punxsutawney  Phil  will  see  his  shadow  on  that  cold  February  second  day.    This  year,  it  was  declared  that  he  did  not  see  his  shadow,  and  that  we  should  expect  an  early  spring.    As  much  as  I  want  to  believe  this,  I  have  not  been  convinced  yet  that  this  is  true.    Hopefully  March  will  prove  me  wrong!

Though  we  have  missed  a  few  days  due  to  the  inclement  weather,  I  want  to  assure  you  that  our  teachers  are  working  feverishly  to  make  sure  all  curriculum  is  being  covered  and  that  our  students  are  demonstrating  mastery.    I  have  the  pleasure  of  visiting  classrooms  daily,  and  I  am  always  so  impressed  with  our  teaching  staff  as  they  challenge  students  to  reach  their  greatest  potential  through  authentic  learning  experiences.    I  am  also  equally  as  impressed  with  students  as  they  challenge  themselves  to  learn  at  the  highest  level.    In  fact,  I  am  writing  this  during  one  of  our  snow  days  and  as  I  have  walked  through  the  halls,  several  of  our  teachers  are  in  the  building  preparing  authentic  lessons  for  your  children.    I  could  not  be  more  appreciative  of  this  outstanding  and  world-­‐class  group  of  educators!

Speaking  of  authentic  learning,  Mill  Run  is  offering  four  different  week-­‐long  S.T.E.A.M.  (Science,  Technology,  Engineering,  Art,  Mathematics)  sessions  during  the  summer  2016  months  taught  by  your  very  own  Mill  Run  teachers!    Our  teachers  have  some  incredible  STEAM  activities  planned,  to  include  but  not  limited  to  Slime  Suncatchers,  Painting  with  Forces,  Straw  Dome  Structures,  Mock  Oil  Spill  Clean  Up,  Binary  Code  Necklaces,  and  Fruit  in  Space.    Your  children  are  sure  to  have  a  blast  participating  in  these  activities!    The  camp  is  available  for  all  children  ages  4-­‐12.  Registration  forms  came  home  in  our  students’  February  18  Thursday  folders,  and  slots  already  are  Willing  up  quickly!    If  you  would  like  more  information  or  are  in  need  of  reprinting  the  registration  forms,  please  select  this  link.    I  can’t  wait  to  see  your  children  participating  in  this  experience!

Thank  you  so  much  for  sharing  your  wonderful  children  with  us!    To  allow  our  students  to  reach  their  greatest  potential,  it  is  imperative  that  all  parties  work  hand-­‐in-­‐hand  to  make  this  happen.    I  cannot  express  my  appreciation  fully  for  what  an  incredible  partnership  we  have  with  all  of  you,  and  thank  you  for  all  of  your  support  as  we  help  our  children  to  grow  as  lifelong  learners.

I  hope  to  see  all  of  you  at  the  PTO’s  annual  Mountain  Lion  Carnival  on  Friday,  March  11th  from  5:00  –  8:00.      I  would  like  to  give  a  big  THANK  YOU  to  our  amazing  PTO,  business  partnerships,  and  volunteers  for  making  this  such  a  special  Mill  Run  event!    It  is  sure  to  be  a  wonderful  time!

Warmly,

John  CornelyPrincipal      

PTO Meetings for the School Year

March 8th April 12th May 10th

Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 2:50 p.m. in the library at Mill Run.

All are welcome, including children! We encourage your participation and feedback.

Congratulations to Mill Run’s FEBRUARY Super Citizens!!

Each month teachers select one student from their class who has demonstrated character traits that are consistent with creating a respectful and caring school climate.

Ellie  Arnwine

Aahana  Walvekar

Eva  Payne

Ariella  duPlessis

Zoli  Contreras

Avery  Sexton

Natalie  Huppert

Camden  Vinson

Jus@n  Ermellini

Kamdyn  Schauss

Jude  PaCerson

Abhi  Pabolu

Sanjana  Prasanna

Sahas  Reddy

Madison  Schleyer

Sachi  Hubli

Bryce  Smith

Vivien  Trang

Ahyan  Baqar

Anya  Nehra

Liam  Heffernan

Gabriel  Gagliano

Nicole  Vel

Hannah  Louis

Amyl  Smith

Prana@  Kudupudi

Aaron  Rodriguez

Gavin  Bice

Morgan  Lewis

Saumya  Garg

Jadyn  Shin

Megan  Parmele

Amy  Lefcowitz

Dani  Burbano

Jacob  Friedrich

Aleksia  Christensen

Reese  Harris

Ryan  Rounds

Megan  Acevedo

Trey  Zabiegalski

Tharun  Dilliraj

Elizabeth  Dellacorte

Olivia  Hilyer

It’s time to play B-I-N-G-O!

Mill Run PTO’s Annual Bingo Night

is NOW APRIL 8th

Doors open at 6:30, Games start at 7pm!

Come hungry and come to win.

BINGO NIGHT NEW DATE!!

Follow us on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/MillRunPTO

The  “Arts  and  Sports  Achievement”  Program  

                       Students  at  Mill  Run  have  the  opportunity  to  earn  a  cer@ficate  for  aCending  music/art  and  sports  programs  in  the  area.    A7er  a8ending  an  event,  have  them  show  Mr.  Snead  or  Mrs.  Geiger  proof  of  a8endance,  with  a  program  or  ?cket  stub,  for  example,  and  they  will  put  a  check  by  their  name.    Students  will  receive  an  "Arts  and  Sports  Achievement"  cer@ficate  at  the  end  of  the  year  for  par@cipa@ng.    If  ten  or  more  events  are  aCended,  the  students  will  receive  a  special  “Mill  Run  Elementary”  foil  s@cker  on  their  cer@ficate!!!!    Examples  of  events  are:

ACending  a  spor@ng  eventACending  a  concert,  recital  or  theater  produc@on

ACending  an  art  show  or  galleryVisi@ng  a  museum

Par@cipa@on  in  a  sportDancing  lessons  and  recitals

Private  music  lessons                            

Entries  and  lists  of  ac?vi?es  must  be  received  by  Mr.  Snead  and  Mrs.  Geiger  by  May  13th.    We  will  not  accept  any  submissions  a7er  the  13th  

of  May.  No  excep?ons!This  program  is  an  excellent  way  to  encourage  student  and  family  a7endance  in  arts  and  sports  events.

LEAPThe Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents (LEAP) is a non-partisan network that promotes interaction between parents, teachers, School Board members and members of the Loudoun County Public Schools Administrative Team. The mission and objectives of LEAP are promoted via monthly meetings held during the school year on the second Wednesday of the month.

Meetings are held in rooms 102 A and 102 B at the LCPS Administration Building in Ashburn, Virginia. Discussion of agenda topics commences at 7:00 p.m. Each two-hour program features a panel discussion on topics of interest to parents and members of the community at large, followed by a Question and Answer session and an update from LCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams. We would love to see you at our upcoming meetings:

March 9, 2016 – "Beyond the Transcript," LCPS Guidance Counseling

April 13, 2016 – "BYOT: Bring Your Own Technology," One to the World and Student Technology

As March rolls in, hopefully with warmer temperatures, it is unbelievable to think we

only have a little over 3 months of school left this year! Although, those 3 months are action packed with fun such as Carnival, a restaurant night, Donuts with Dad, Spring gift card orders and Bingo to name a few. It also brings us to the time of year when the PTO has to start thinking of the upcoming school year. Per our by-laws, new board members are to be elected at our April meeting. There are board and chairperson opportunities available. If you

would like more information about how to get involved, please reach out to me at kristymcgehee1228@gmail.com or catch me in the hallways at Mill Run. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as PTO President and would love to share how you can get more involved.

We are looking forward to a wonderful March! Carnival is just around the corner on Friday March 11th. Planning is in full swing and we are very thankful to all the volunteers that have been hard at work. It is an evening filled with fun that no family would want to miss! We have many great silent auction items and as always, the legendary raffle baskets. If you would like to volunteer, please check out the sign up genius at http://

www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4da4a82aa31-mill3 .

At the end of March is our family restaurant night at Fuddruckers. Take a night off from cooking and come out on March 29th from 5-9pm at Fuddruckers. A portion of the

proceeds from the evening will come back to Mill Run.

Thank you for your continued support!Kristy McGehee

PTO President

PTO NEWS

Be the change you want to see in the world. -Gandhi

If due to a disability, you need assistance to enable you to meaningfully participate in any activities listed in this newsletter, please contact Mr. Cornely in the Mill Run office at (571) 252-2160 at least

five working days prior to the event. if the event is not at Mill Run, he will direct you to the appropriate resource.

Mill Run Elementary is dedicated to continuous school improvement. A formal School Improvement Plan has been developed by staff, parents, and community members. The plan is reviewed on an

ongoing basis. A copy is available in the school office and the school library. You may also call us at (571) 252-2160 to have a copy sent home with your child. We welcome your input!

CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAMS

Reverse  OrderFriday  –  March  18,  2016  (3  shows,  all  grades  8:30,  9:45,  11:45)

Since  2008  Reverse  Order  has  performed  upbeat  popular  music  to  instantly  engage  students.  Most  recently  Reverse  Order  was  a  producer's  pick  and  semi-­‐finalist  on  "America's  Got  Talent."  This  amazing  opportunity  sent  them  off  on  a  naTonal  tour  of  outreach  to  students  in  schools  around  the  country.

Reverse  The  Trend  is  an  AnT-­‐Bullying  concert  and  assembly  created  by  the  young  band  Reverse  Order  to  help  combat  the  rise  of  bullying  across  America.  The  band  starts  the  program  by  performing  a  few  songs  to  excite  and  engage  the  students  using  popular  music  that  all  will  enjoy.  We  found  the  concert  increases  their  interest  and  a7enTveness.  Reverse  Order  conTnues  the  assembly  by  sharing  their  individual  stories  of  how  they  were  bullied,  and  how  they  overcame  it  in  a  safe  and  producTve  way.

Loudoun  AlertWhen  Loudoun  County  experiences  inclement  weather  conditions  the  safety  of  our  students  and  staff  is  the  most  important  consideration.  In  the  event  that  weather  or  other  reasons  require  either  closing  or  delaying  the  opening  of  school,  plan  to  receive  up  to  the  minute  noti?ication  via  e-­‐mail,  a  cell  phone  call,  or  text  message  by  registering  with  Loudoun  Alert.  You  may  register  for  this  free  service  by  visiting  here:  https://www.loudoun.gov/index.aspx?NID=3145.  

Parents  have  shared  that  often  Loudoun  Alert  reported  school  closings  before  TV  and  radio  stations  began  broadcasting  the  information.  Please  plan  to  use  this  valuable  resource.

We need YOUR help to get ready for one of

Mill Run’s biggest events of the year!

Visit the SignUp genius links here to volunteer for the big event!!

 For Parents:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4da4a82aa31-mill3  

For Parents and Middle/ High School Students: (Run Carnival Games!) http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4da4a82aa31-mill4

Donate Bake Sale items:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040944a9ab283-mill

There are so many great items that will be up for silent auction at the Carnival. 

 CLICK HERE to see the exciting auction catalog!!

Mill Run Spirit Store is Now Open!Hours: Every Thursday Morning, 7:30-7:45am

The Spirit Store is run by parent volunteers. Children of our volunteers are welcome to help also!

If you are interested, please contact Ashley Grigg.Contact: Ashley Grigg terriagrigg@gmail.com with any questions.

Paw Pride Pencil, assorted pastels: $ .50

Bookmarks: $.75

Paw Pride Vinyl Ruler: $1.00

Lg Moustache Eraser: $1.00

Sharpener: $1.00

Paw Pride Car Magnet $3.00

Foam Fingers $3.00

Drawstring Backpacks $3.00

To check out the monthly School Menu for MarchPlease visit:

http://lcpshealthycafe.org/index.php?

Box Tops Breaking News!Thank you for sending in all of those box tops in the month of January! Here are the winning classrooms:

1st Place = Wolslayer (494)2nd Place = Hayden (303)

3rd Place = Thomason (197)The teachers submit their Box Tops on the first Monday of every month.  So please remember to neatly trim your Box Tops, check the expiration dates, and send them to school! 

Visit http://www.boxtops4education.com for more information. Contact Liz Eagan at lizeagan@smartneighborhood.net with any questions!

MANY THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS!

MILL RUN SCHOOL MOTTO

Today...

I will do more than I have to,

I will treat others as I want to be treated,

And I will try to become a better person.

Absentee Phone Line

If your child is absent for any reason, please make sure to call the Mill Run Absentee Phone Line, (571) 252-2162, on the day or days your child is not in school. When possible, we would like to receive your

call before our work day begins at 7:30 am. Also, please call the absentee number if your child will be tardy that day to prevent a phone call having to be made home. The absentee phone line is available for your use 24 hours a

day, everyday. You can also save time and email us about your child’s absence!

Broadlands