4/3/26 Principal's Message
4/3/26
Dear Old Mill Families,
Talent Show SHOUTOUTS!
I am overdue in giving some Talent Show Shoutouts - THANK YOU to Lori & Boone Spooner, Liz Sklar and MC Matthew Purdon for their outstanding job organizing/hosting the Talent Show. What an incredible event - so much courage and talent on display. A true highlight of the year!
Morning Playground Access
I am pleased to announce that starting on Monday, April 13th, students will be allowed to play on the upper & lower yards before school until the first bll at 8:10am. This shift is a result of increased staffing and parent feedback through the Youth Truth survey. We hope to leave this practice in place moving forward - if you are on campus, please encourage your child to play safey and to put equipment away & line up when the first bell rings.
Old Mill Budget Meeting
Join us for an upcoming meeting at our school site where district staff will provide important updates on the Second Interim Budget, share key takeaways from the recent Board Budget Workshop, and discuss how these efforts are shaping budget development for the coming year. This is a great opportunity to stay informed and engaged with the financial planning that supports our students and schools. We hope to see you there!
Dates are:
Edna April 13th
Old Mill April 14th
Park April 15th
Strawberry April 17
Tam Valley April 20th
MVMS April 21st
Plastic Film Recycling Drive for Earth Month!
Old Mill is partnering with Ridwell again this spring for a Plastic Film Recycling Drive!
Help us keep plastic out of landfills and celebrate Earth Month by recycling plastic film like: Zip-top bags, grocery bags, bubble wrap, shipping envelopes, and more.
How to participate:
Start collecting plastic film at home now (in a large trash bag is great)
Bring your items to school drop off the week of 4/27 (we'll remind you)
Ridwell will recycle them into new decking material
You'll be hearing from room parents with more details soon. Let’s make a positive impact this Earth Month—bring your plastic film to school and help keep our planet clean!
STEAM NIGHT!
Wednesday, April 29
5:00 - 6:00PM (project set up at 4:30PM)
Mark your calendars for our 10th annual STEAM Night, where K-5 students are invited to share a project in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and/or Math!
Ask your kids to start brainstorming their projects now! Working with partners or a small group is fine. Many of the best STEAM projects start with an idea sparked from students' own curiosity or observations. Past projects have included crystal growing, popsicle stick bridges, the chemistry behind popping boba, paintings made with items found in nature, the effectiveness of sunscreens, 3D models of a Miwok village, and so many more! This is a casual event where kids will have designated space on tables in the MPR, and attendees walk around to view and learn about the projects.
Please submit your child’s project idea using this form by Friday, April 10. If you have questions, please reach out to Alison Shemyakin at alison@shemyakin.net.
Lunch Supervision
We need volunteers for lunch supervision. Sign-up here! As usual, come early, come often! Sign-ups now open through MAY!
As we head into spring break, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and partnership in making our schools strong, welcoming places for all students. This past month has been filled with meaningful learning, student achievements, and community connection.
Whether you remain home or travel, we hope that you have the opportunity to relax, recharge, and spend time with loved ones. We look forward to returning rested and ready for a strong finish to the school year.
Later this month, Assistant Superintendent Rigney and I will host a meeting at each school site to update the community regarding our district’s fiscal status and discuss budget development for next year. Our goal is to ensure that our community understands our funding sources, our priorities, and our fiscal status as we conclude this school year and plan for 2026-2027. Please join us learn more and share input:
Edna Maguire – Monday, April 13 at 8:30 a.m.
Old Mill – Tuesday, April 14 at 8:30 a.m.
Park – Wednesday, April 15 at 8:30 a.m.
Strawberry Point – Friday, April 17 at 8:30 a.m.
Tam Valley – Monday, April 20 at 8:30 a.m.
MVMS – Tuesday, April 21 at 8:30 a.m.
As we wrap up the school year, we will continue focusing on academic growth, end-of-year milestones, and celebrating the many accomplishments of our students and staff.
Wishing you and your family an enjoyable and fun break.
Upcoming:
April 17th: PTA Meeting and Lost & Found
April 29th: STEAM Night
May 15th: PTA Meeting and Lost & Found
May 28th: Open House
June 9th: Field Day (morning)
Jun 12th: Last Day of School and 5th Grade Promotion @ 8:45am on Lower Yard!
Have a great Spring Break!
Jason Matlon
Principal, Old Mill Elementary