5/1/26

Dear Old Mill Families,

Class Placement for 2026-2027

At this time of the year, families begin to think ahead to the next school year. As the end of the year approaches, we are hard at work planning for the upcoming school year. Part of that process includes assigning children to their new classes. We take into account many factors when forming class groups. We consider gender, learning styles, social and academic strengths and challenges, friendships, work habits and diversity, among many other variables to create equitable classroom communities. Children are at the center of our process and teachers consider each individual child. Our aim is to create an optimal learning environment for all students at Old Mill. 

We respectfully ask that parents do not request a specific teacher or friend for their child. There are far too many interrelated factors to be considered when constructing classes to be able to accommodate a particular placement. It is very difficult to successfully build balanced classes on the basis of parent requests. Teachers take the process of class placement for your child very seriously, and we ask that you trust our process and professional judgment. Please do not put teachers in an uncomfortable position by making a request. Thank you for your cooperation. 

STEAM Night!

Thank you to all the students and parents who attended STEAM Night.  Thank you to Alison Shemyakin for organizing!

Field Day - Parent Volunteers Needed

We will hold our annual field day on Tuesday, June 9th.  The event relies heavily on parent volunteers, so please help out if you can - click here to sign up and learn more.  Parents supporting the K-2 session should be in the Quiet Zone at 8:15am for instructions and assignments.  Parents supporting the 3rd-5th session should arrive in the Quiet Zone at 9:55am for instructions and assignments. Parents are also welcome to volunteer for both sessions if they like.  Thank you in advance for helping out!

Responsible Driving At Pick-Up

Parents - please do not double park when picking up your child at the end of the day as this creates a traffic backup and potential hazard. Also, please do not call your child across the street to your car, especially in the middle of the road. If you are running late or stringgling to find a parking spot, please have a plan with your child to wait near the front of school. If you circle the block, you will eventually find a spot and then can come meet your child. Thank you for your cooperation.

Measure E – Mill Valley School District Parcel Tax Renewal

Measure E, on the June 2, 2026 ballot, renews parcel tax funding for the Mill Valley School District. The District's existing parcel tax funding is expiring soon and, unless renewed by local voters, the District will lose one quarter of its current budget, approximately $12 million a year in locally controlled funding. A funding loss of this magnitude would require additional cuts to teachers, academic programs, and services. Seniors who own property in the district may apply for a senior exemption. More information about the measure, including the full text and impartial analysis, is available through the Marin County Elections Office and the attached one-pager from the district.

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 JUNE!

News, Notes, & Votes

Regular Board Meeting - April 16, 2026

Superintendent Report

Superintendent Kaufman introduced Middle School coding teacher Ms. Petrini and her students, Arabella Dellinger, Chloe Besnard, Stella Rimbert, Jayda Wilma, Maggie LaPlante, Izzie Brousseau, Luna Zucchi, Arya Forbes, Paige Rose, Cameron Saghezchi, Quinn Levinthal, Gregory Kane, Ian Keast, Michael Heaven, and Nathan Rekhtman, who presented their ”Petting Zoo” robotics projects to the Board, showcasing the culmination of their projects. Students demonstrated technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving as they confidently shared their work. This project highlighted the value of hands-on, project-based learning supported through Prop 28 funding for expanded arts and music education, with appreciation extended to Sarah Petrini and Katie Fisher for their leadership and to all students and staff for their hard work and commitment to engaging, future-ready learning experiences.

Consent Agenda

The Board approved the consent agenda, which included routine items such as minutes, payroll, and enrollment updates, as well as several contracts related to ongoing modernization projects and two agreements with the City of Mill Valley. Trustees noted their appreciation for the continued collaboration between MVSD and the City.

Student Learning and Programs

Director of Education Kate Sprague provided two informational presentations: the YouthTruth School Climate & Feedback Report and DIBELS Data and Progress Monitoring. She shared an overview and analysis of the data, highlighting key findings related to student experience, school climate, and literacy progress. The presentations and her full breakdown of the data are available for review using the links above.

Financial

Assistant Superintendent Paula Rigney presented the bi-annual developer fee study, which recommends updated levels to be assessed on new construction within the City of Mill Valley. A public hearing was held, after which the Board voted to approve Resolution 17-25/26, adopting the fee study and increasing facilities fees.

Board Operations

Trustees approved Resolution 16-25/26, designating May 19, 2026 as the Day of the MVSD Employee in recognition and appreciation of the dedicated staff of the District. The resolution honors the commitment, professionalism, and care that employees bring to supporting students each day, and acknowledges the positive impact their work has on creating safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environments across the District

Next Regular Board Meeting: May 14, 2026

Upcoming:

May 15th: PTA Meeting and Lost & Found

May 28th: Open House

June 9th: Field Day!

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