4/17/26

Dear Old Mill Families,

Summer Grounds Project Update

Julio Arroyo, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, along with Ted Felix, an architect from JKAE, delivered a presentation at today’s PTA meeting about the grounds projects that are scheduled to take place at Old Mill this summer.  Work will be done both inside the building (new furnaces, bathroom updates, closet alterations) and on the exterior. Below is a rendering of what the new Upper Yard playstructure will look like. The overall feel of the design was inspired by the Old Mill across the street in the park.  The play structure will be fully accessible and feature a “we-go round” that is pictured on the right. 

The re-striping of the entire Blacktop has also been approved.  Below is a rendering of what some aspects will look like.  The entire Blacktop will be re-covered and sealed - it will have a greyish color to help lower the temperature on the surface.  It is anticipated that all of the work will be completed over the summer break.

Spirit Day!

The Student Council has deemed next Friday, April 24th, Twin Day!  Students may dress alike if they choose. Groups can be as big as students like.

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 Wednesday, April 22.  If you have questions, please reach out to Alison Shemyakin at alison@shemyakin.net.

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 by recycling plastic film like: Zip-top bags, grocery bags, bubble wrap, shipping envelopes, and more.  

How to participate:

1. Start collecting plastic film at home now (in a large trash bag is great)

2. Bring your items to school drop off the week of 4/27 (we'll remind you) 

3. Ridwell will recycle them into new decking material 

Let’s make a positive impact this Earth Month! Please reach out to your room parents with any questions or visit get.ridwell.com/oms

Introduction To Race-Work

Old Mill will host Dr. Lori A. Watson on May 15th @ 9:00-11:00am for an Introduction to Race-Work parent ed series.  If you are able to attend the first part on April 29th at 6:00-8:00pm at The Park School, please do so but it is not required for attendance.  There is a QR Code below for more information.  We look forward to seeing you there!

BMX Assembly & Bike Giveaway

As a result of Old Mill’s partnership with the Mill Valley Traffic and Mobility Advisory Committee, we have been awarded some funds to boost ridership and walking to school.  Some of the funds will be used to host an incredible BMX Assembly for the entire school on Friday, May 29th!  Students will get to see professional riders do tricks and talk about their journey to becoming professional cyclists.  

Also, TMAC has allocated funds for a bicycle giveaway!  If you would like to enter your child’s name into a random drawing for a new bicycle, please complete this form by May 15th.

Moving to another school next year?

If your student will not be returning to Old Mill next year, please email me (jmatlon@mvschools.org). This will help us better plan for the next school year. Thank you.

Lunch Supervision

We need volunteers for lunch supervision.  Sign-up here!  As usual, come early, come often!  Sign-ups now open through MAY!

Celebrating Our Students’ Innovation in Coding

I am excited to share highlights from an inspiring year of learning in our district’s coding program. Across classrooms and grade levels, our students have demonstrated creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration through hands-on STEM experiences that bring learning to life.

At the end of 2025, I released an episode of “Inside the District” podcast focused on the growth of our coding program. The episode was hosted by parent James Sheppard and featured conversation about how coding and computer science are expanding learning opportunities across our schools.  Podcasts can be found here.

I was joined by our Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), Ms. Katie Fisher, along with several of our coding students, who shared firsthand insights into their learning experiences. Their voices brought the program to life in a powerful way, highlighting both the skills students are developing and the excitement they feel as they engage in hands-on, future-ready learning.

In March, our middle school students transformed the library into a vibrant space of creativity and engineering through their “Petting Zoo” coding project. Students designed and built interactive robotic creatures using everyday materials such as cardboard and craft supplies, combined with engineering components like sensors, motors, and programmable microcontrollers including micro:bit and Hummingbird Robotics kits.  This project gave students the opportunity to design, build, test, and refine their ideas while integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and creativity.

The culmination of this year’s learning was showcased at this week’s Board meeting, where Ms. Petrini’s coding students proudly presented their work. The robots demonstrated at the Board meeting were the same “Petting Zoo” creations originally showcased in March

Students shared their projects with confidence and enthusiasm, clearly demonstrating their technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Their work served as a powerful example of what students can accomplish through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Sarah Petrini and Katie Fisher for their leadership and dedication in guiding students through this engaging, project-based learning experience, made possible through Prop 28 funding, which supports expanded arts and music education opportunities for students.

I am incredibly proud of our students and staff for their hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence. These experiences reflect our shared goal of preparing students with the skills and confidence they need for the future.

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 weekend!

Jason Matlon

Principal, Old Mill Elementary