On May 17th, the Vanaver Dance Caravan visited Millbrook High School. Our Grade 2 and Grade 3 students participated, exhibiting dances from different countries, such as China, Greece, Ireland, and more. Parents came to view the dances with a reception following at Alden Place.

Last week, from May 15-17, the Millbrook Middle School 8th grade participated in our 25th annual 8th Grade Adventure! We had a wonderful time, enjoying many monuments and museums, while enhancing our understanding of the workings of our legislative, executive and judicial systems. We were truly fortunate to have 8th grade Social Studies retiree, Maureen Gabriele, as head guide on our adventure. what a great time for students and teachers alike!

Alden fourth grade celebrated Colonial Week May 6-10. Throughout the week students participated in a field trip to New Windsor Cantonment and Knox's Headquarters, made colonial crafts, played colonial games, and listened to guest speakers talk about the Dutch Fur Trade and The Life of the Common Soldier. In addition, students setup authentic 18th century tents while in full period dress, and marched and drilled on the front lawn.

Open House at Elm Drive was an exciting time with parents and children wandering through the halls. Grade 1 had hatched baby chicks that parents volunteered to take home and raise. The PTO ran the Book Fair which earned money to support the school. Both parents and children got to see and take home their work from the year.

The Middle School Canterwood Crest Reading Club, led by Media Specialist Cathie Morton, had a wonderful Skype session with author Jessica Burkart on May 8th. The girls seemed to be walking on air as they left the amazing presentation. The author's inspiring story of the emotional and physical struggles in her life, combined with her message of perseverance and belief in yourself, was very powerful. Her promise to include the first names of our participants in an upcoming book was super exciting, as was her promise to welcome us as VIPs to her next book signing! After our visit was over, Jessica Burkhart recognized our club on Twitter saying she "just had, hands down, the BEST Skype sesh ever with the smart, funny, and amazing girls at Millbrook Middle School! Hearts, girls!" and then posted a video message to our club viewable at http://www.keek.com/!OkqZbab.

On May 7th, 2013, Elm Drive held its annual Grandparents' Lunch. The Grandparents of the K-2 students at Elm Drive had the opportunity to see what their grandchildren do in school. There were children performing a play, students reading their Readers Workshop books in a bag, and the making of special projects for their grandparents. After the classroom activities, both children and grandparents were treated to a ziti and meatball lunch. The Elm Drive staff and PTO volunteers served the children and grandparents. An additional part of our special day was to visit our book fair. Grandparents arrived at the book fair with their grandchildren and purchased books. There were grandparents who unofficially adopted some children and purchased books for them as well. The book fair was sponsored by the PTO and parent representatives organized and ran it. The PTO does many special events at Elm Drive and it is greatly appreciated for all the time they put into our events. The Book Fair will also be open during Elm Drive's Open House on Thursday, May 9th from 7-8:30 PM. This is always a spectacular event.

Congratulations to MMS 8th grade student Michael Mazzei who won the Dutchess County Heritage Days, Smith Brothers Level Essay Contest.  Michael was presented with a certificate from Dutchess County Executive, Marcus Molinaro, and Senator Terry Gipson at a ceremony held on May 7, 2013. 

On May 2nd and May 7th, the 8th grade students participated in the second annual "Millbrook Goes to Marist" trip. This trip is a collaboration between the Family & Consumer Sciences and Guidance departments. This is a unique opportunity for our students to see what college is like, learn what colleges look for, explore the application process, and see how the decisions they are beginning to make about their pathway in high school can impact achievement of their long term goals.

On Friday, May 3rd, Mr. Propfe's class was visited by two baby goats. Thank you to Ms. Corso and Ms. Carolie for organizing the trip and bringing the goats in. The children had a great time learning first hand about the goats and seeing them in action!