OCTOBER AT-A-GLANCE3Fall After-school activities beginSCA Signed Applications due

5Interims sent homeSCA speeches returned to candidates

74th grade SCA candidate speeches @ 8:10 5th grade SCA candidate speeches @ 9:45SCA Finalists announced @ 2:20

9National Fire Prevention WeekNat’l School Lunch Week

10Columbus Day Holiday / No school!Cafeteria Appreciation Week - Thank You!!!

11Moveable Monday -classes operate on Monday schedule SCA Finalists can put up postersPTO Board Meeting in Library @ 2:50

121st grade field trip to Great Country Farms

13SCA Finalists speeches on morning newsSCA Officers Announced

17Author Henry Cole visits Mill RunNational School Bus Safety WeekBus Driver Appreciation Week - Thank You!!!

20PTO Restaurant Night @ Subway & Zinga (5-8:00 pm)

24Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America

26Mt. Lion Citizenship Breakfast @ 7:50am (by  invitation)

28Book Character Dress-up Parade @ 1:30

Nov 3Run for Fun permission forms and money due

Nov 4End of First Grading PeriodRun for Fun @ 2:45 on Mill Run track

Hello Mill Run Family,I would like to begin by sharing how blessed and proud I am to be Mill Run’s principal. I have had the pleasure of talking or meeting with many of you since the start of the school year, whether it be welcoming you and your children into Mill Run each morning, at the PTO/Staff Softball game, or even at the local grocery store – and the one message that I continuously hear from you is that you and your children are really enjoying this school year and their teacher(s). And, I could not agree more with your thoughts and sentiments. Mill Run is truly a special school because of its students, staff, and community!Since the start of the school year, our administrative team has been able to visit all of our classrooms. The learning happening in each one of these classrooms is unmatched. Your children most importantly feel safe, comfortable, and supported, and this feeling has opened their doors for incredible learning. Our teachers have placed an immediate emphasis on building relationships, and from there, have introduced them to a love of learning. In just this first month, I have read with and have had book talks with students. I have observed One to the World (OttW) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) experiences, where students have left school raving about what they learned that day/week. In fact, two fifth grade classrooms invited me to their rooms to participate in an experiment that further emphasized the scientific method. I have also enjoyed watching our teachers integrate technology in really exciting ways into their classrooms.As we look ahead into this school year, I want to share with you that Mill Run has implemented a STEAM Lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). We have already explored various professional development, and our teachers are implementing this instructional practice into their classrooms. As an example, some of our first grade students recently utilized their math and technology skills to construct towers that must withstand air pressure. This (STEAM) authentic approach to learning inspires and motivates children, and aligns closely with 21st century skills. I can’t wait to see many more of these experiences in the months ahead. Please be on the look-out for ways that you can support our teaching and learning.Communication between school and home and vice-versa is essential for the support and success of our young learners. One way for you to stay connected is via the Loudoun County Public Schools application, and registering your application so that you are able to stay current with information shared by Mill Run. On this application, you can access our Twitter feed (@MillRunLCPS), view the school lunch menu, access the payment portal and ParentVue, and so much more.Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful children with us! The excitement that they bring to Mill Run each day is so powerful and is a key contributor in their learning and success. As we slide into October, please plan to join us for our annual “Book Character Parade” on Friday, October 28th at 1:30 p.m.Respectfully,John CornelyPrincipal

MILL RUN REGISTERNewsletter | Volume 64 | October 2016

CORNELY’S CORNER

Thank You to all of our community sponsors at this year’s Softball game:

The  ZoneGo  BananasRubino’s

Diamond  SportsCuriosity  Zone

Sweet  n  SassySki  Liberty

Hello Mill Run Families!

What a great start to the school year we have had at Mill Run! Without a doubt, our school has the best staff, students, parents and community! Our students have done an outstanding job within these first few weeks of school and getting back “into the groove!” They are naturals! We are also continuing our cafeteria program “Lunchin’ for Loot” where students, as a class, can earn $40.00 of “Lion Loot” money for good behavior in the cafeteria. Once earned, they can choose a class reward!Lastly, I would like to ask our Mill Run families to please check your child(s) yellow Thursday folders and our school website for upcoming information. This is the best way to stay connected with your child and their school day. I am looking very forward to a wonderful school year, as well as working with all of Mill Run’s wonderful students and families! Sincerely, Marisa VeltriDean

Veltri’s Vision

Next PTO MeetingOctober 11th @ 2:50 in the Library

Gift Card Fundraiser starts on November 12

PTO Restaurant NightSubway & Zinga! October 20 from 5-8:00 pm

thank youFor coming out to the MR Softball game! Congratulations to BOTH Cornely’s Dream Team and Ulbrich’s All Stars - it was a tie game! Thank You to the many PTO volunteers, staff and friends who volunteered their time to help with the softball game - It’s not possible without you. And a special thank you to our softball game committee chairs - Andi Huppert, Heather Roper and Kim Miller...great job!!

read-a-thonThe Read-A-Thon is off to a great start! It’s easy to participate, and invite family and friends to support your child’s reading goals!

If you have any questions, please contact:Michelle Frank | mlfrank530@gmail.com

The “Arts and Sports Achievement” Program   Students at Mill Run have the opportunity to earn a certificate for attending music, art and sports programs in the area. After attending an event, have them show Mr. Snead or Mrs. Geiger proof of attendance, with a program or ticket stub, for example, and they will put a check by their name.

Students will receive an "Arts and Sports Achievement" certificate at the end of the year for participating. For attending ten or more events, a special "Mill Run Mountain Lion" foil sticker will be added!!! Music, art and sports programs that are acceptable are as follows, but not limited to:

A"ending  a  spor.ng  event    A"ending  a  concert,  recital,  or  theater  produc.on

A"ending  an  art  show  or  gallery  Visi.ng  a  museum

Par.cipa.on  in  a  sport      Dancing  lessons  and  recitals

Private  music  lessons

Events from August 29, 2016 to May 12, 2017 are acceptable

This  program  is  an  excellent  way  to  encourage  student  and  family  a"endance  in  arts  and  sports  events.    ~  The  Art,  Music,  and  P.E.  teachers  of  Mill  Run  Elementary

Entries and lists of activities must be received by Mr. Snead and Mrs. Geiger by May 12th. We will not accept any submissions after the 12th of

May. No exceptions! We appreciate your help and understanding!

Hi  Mill  Run  Families

We  are  unveiling  our  new  system  to  accommodate  Visitor  and  Volunteer  Check  In  and  Student  late  arrival  or  early  dismissal.  

Loudoun  County’s  procedure  of  showing  a  picture  ID  when  entering  the  building  will  conFnue.  AHer  entering  the  front  office,  you  will  see  the  black  LobbyGuard  kiosk  on  the  counter  located  where  the  clip  boards  used  to  be.  

On  the  screen,  select  the  Start  buMon.Then  select  the  opFon  that  fits  the  reason  for  your  visit  Volunteer,  Visitor,  Student.Follow  the  prompts.A  real  Fme  photo  will  be  taken  and  you’ll  be  asked  to  scan  the  bar  code  located  on  the  back  of  your  driver’s  license.  A  badge  will  be  printed  for  you  to  wear  while  in  the  building.  Upon  leaving,  stop  by  the  office  to  check  out.  Simply  place  the  bar  code  of  the  badge  under  the  license  scanner  and  wait  for  a  beep.  You  are  now  signed  out.  

If  you  are  checking  in  or  out  a  student,  you  will  be  asked  to  enter  your  name  and  then  the  student(s)  names.  If  checking  in,  a  slip  will  be  printed  for  the  student  to  take  to  class.  

Thank  you  for  your  paFence  and  cooperaFon  while  we  adjust  to  this  new  process.  

Cafeteria Appreciation WeekOctober 11-14 Help  us  for  celebrating  cafeteria  workers  appreciation  week!!  Send  a  Thank  you  note  to  them  or  do  something  special  for  them.  Show  them  how  important  they  are!

Bus Driver Appreciation WeekOctober 17-21Let's  appreciate  Bus  drivers  this  week!  Say  thank  you  to  them  for  driving  us  safely  home  and  to  school.

thank you!

What is it?All month long, teachers will discuss story characters with their students. We are asking that each child choose a favorite character from a book and bring a costume (in a bag) which they will put on at 1:00 p.m. Most families will wish to have this costume be the same one that their children will wear at night (if they are intending to participate in “Trick-or-Treating”).

What is isn’t:There will not be classroom parties associated with this celebration. Our focus is on sharing a favorite book character with our classmates!

HERE’S THE PLAN:Each student will bring a copy of a book, or comic book, that includes the character they are representing. The book must be one that the child has either read or listened to an adult read. During the school day, they will discuss the character they’ve chosen with their classmates, and they will describe how they are similar and/or different from the character they are portraying. They must have the book with them (or a small poster of the book cover) because they will carry this during the parade @ 1:30.

ARE THERE ANY RULES ABOUT THE COSTUMES? Yes! Children must not wear their costumes to school. They’ll dress into them @ 1:00 p.m. (Parent helpers in the K-2 classrooms are greatly appreciated!) No Masks may be worn! Nothing ghoulish or scary is acceptable. You may bring accessories (i.e.: a Honey Pot for Winnie the Pooh), but they cannot be toy weapons or any other object that might be considered threatening!

Parents are invited to come to the “Book Character Parade” at 1:30 p.m. and sit on the bleachers in the gym. You’ll want to arrive by 1:15 p.m.. Bring your cameras, and enjoy! After the parade is over, parents must remember that they will need to sign their children out in the office if they intend to take them home. A.M. Kindergartners are welcome to return for the parade, as long as they are accompanied by their parents. Adults are encouraged to dress as their favorite book characters as well.

Parents are encouraged to carpool or walk to the parade, if possible.

!

! !

We would love to see you at our upcoming meeting:October 12, 2016 - "Emotional Safety - How LCPS Staff and Parents Can Work Together to Keep Our Students Emotionally Safe"

The 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.

For more information, please visit the LEAP website @ http://www.lcps.org/domain/99

3rd Grade Musical Program - American Education Week

November 15th - Group 1: Koon, Boese, Wojick, SnowNovember 17th - Group 2: Bradley, Jermyn, Kretzler, Hoyler

Mark  Your  Calendars!This  year,  the  third  grade  will  be  giving  a  musical  performance  

during  American  EducaFon  Week.  Since  the  enFre  3rd  grade  this  year  is  quite  large  (8  classes!),  Mrs.  Geiger  and  Mr.  Snead  have  decided  to  divide  the  performances  in  

half  and  hold  them  on  two  separate  nights.  

The  performance  for  the  classes  of  Mr.  Koon,  Mrs.  Boese,  Mr.  Wojick,  and  Mr.  Snow  will  be  held  on  

Tuesday  evening,  November  15th,  at  6:30  pm.

The  performance  for  the  classes  of  Ms.  Bradley,  Mrs.  Jermyn,  Mrs.  Kretzler,  and  Mrs.  Hoyler  will  be  held  on  Thursday  evening,  

November  17th,  at  6:30  pm.

Students  and  families  will  only  have  to  aMend  the  evening  of  THEIR  classes’  performance.  

More  informaFon  will  follow…

Join! The PTO needs you!By  joining  the  PTO,  your  $20  donation  goes  directly  back  to  the  children  and  the  school  by  supporting  our  classrooms  and  teachers  with  resources,  technology  advancements,  cultural  arts  assemblies,  after-­school  programs,  field  trips  and  much,  much  more!  It's  also  the  best  way  to  stay  connected  to  Mill  Run!

Thank  you  for  your  support  of  Mill  Run  and  the  Parent  Teacher  Organization!

Family  Membership  is  just  $20

Join  online  at:http://tinyurl.com/mresptomembership

Welcome Back Volunteers!We  could  not  do  what  we  do  without  you!  There  are  lots  of  different  ways  to  give  back  to  our  school.  Please  come  experience  the  posiFve  energy  of  being  at  Mill  Run  and  meet  some  new  people!

Contact:  Tammie  Berger    MillRunVolunteers@gmail.com

MR

Thank You!Special  thanks  to  Kelly  Elson  of  Long  and  Foster  Real  Estate  for  sponsoring  a  back  to  school  teacher  training  award!

Also,  a  special  thanks  to  Ashburn  Pediatric  Dental  Center  and  Curiosity  Zone  for  sponsoring  the  Back  to  School  lunch.  

Welcome back to a new and exciting school year!

The “Character Word” for the month of September is RESPECT. At Mill Run we reinforce this message each day during the morning announcements as we recite the Character Pledge--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. Guidance lessons will emphasize the concept of respect as it applies to the three areas of focus--academic, social and career. Please ask your children to tell you about what they learned in their guidance lessons.

We hope to start small groups by October, so watch your Thursday folders for referral letters and permissions slips. No child will be placed in a small group without parental consent.

We have some changes to our Mountain Lion’s Pride Citizenship Breakfast that we would like to share. This year we will have only four breakfasts, one at the end of each quarter. For those who are new to our school, this breakfast recognizes students that have been selected for demonstrating good citizenship skills. With teacher assistance, students will be nominating the student in their class that they feel is most deserving. (A gentle reminder to parents, if you are unable to attend the Mountain Lion’s Pride Breakfast when your child is receiving the reward, please let the school counselors and/or the classroom teacher know. Students feel so sad, and many tears are shed when there is no one there to see them receive their award.) You will be notified by mail if your child has been selected.

This year, we will also be recognizing every student at least once with a Positive Office Referral. These children will share their Positive Office Referral with an administrator. Please stop by the bulletin board outside of the library for the latest recipients. Mill Run has an abundance of good citizenship filling its hallways and classrooms and we love to show it off!

Please feel free to contact your grade-level counselor at any time with your questions or concerns so that we may discuss them with you. It is our pleasure to be able to provide support and information to the students and families of Mill Run.

Sara Millikin (K-2)Michele Kovach (3-5)

Counselor’s Corner

Mrs. LawrenceTimarie Lawrence is in her eleventh year of teaching health and physical education. She has taught K-12 health and physical education in North Carolina, Virginia, Frankfurt, Germany and Bangkok, Thailand. Last year, Timarie worked at Sanders Corner and Forest Grove Elementary Schools as an itinerant PE teacher. She holds a BS in Health and Physical Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in School Administration from North Carolina State University. Timarie enjoys spending time with her husband and five children: Erica 13, Olivia 12, Annika 10, Mark Patrick 8 and Christian 3. Outside of her family she enjoys staying active by running, taking fitness classes, and coaching her kid’s athletic teams. Timarie’s favorite teams are The NCSU Wolf Pack, PSU Nittany Lions, and The Steelers.

Mrs. HillHi my name is Mrs. Hill and I am super excited to be a part of the Mill Run Family. This is my 9th year teaching physical education and my 2nd year teaching in Loudoun County. I am coming from Middleburg Community Charter School where I taught physical education part time and look forward to teaching full time at Mill Run.

In my free time I love to travel the globe with my family; coach CrossFit; and plant in my gardens.

Go Mountain Lions!

WELCO

ME

Let’s welcome our two new PE Teachers to Mill Run

Drop items off in the

school lobby

PTO NEWSGreetings, Mill Run Families! I am excited to be the PTO President this year and I look forward to working with the administration, staff, board, and many volunteers to “put children first.” Our role is to support the families and educators in an enriched learning environment. If you have not had the opportunity to join or renew your PTO membership previously, you may do so now. Membership can be completed online at http://tinyurl.com/mresptomembership Your dues go directly to supporting our students and school. We kicked off the start of this school year with another successful open house and Back to School night. Even in the summer heat, everyone enjoyed the delicious grilled lunch, courtesy of Ashburn Pediatric Dental Center, The Curiosity Zone, and the PTO. Speaking of hot, school pride was high that day as spirit wear were selling like hot cakes. I hope you had a chance to pick up a Mill Run shirt as many were sold out that day. Karla Kratovil did an amazing job putting together a great collection. This being my first year on the board, I got to see first hand all of the hard work that goes into planning and executing such a robust event. I would like to thank the PTO board (especially the veterans whom I relied on heavily with their experience) and all of our fabulous volunteers who helped tirelessly throughout the day. Over the summer, the PTO purchased furniture and rugs for classrooms, social studies books, and a new school check in system from Lobby Guard. This electronic system will create a more streamlined check in/check out process for users and administration staff. Many thanks to Kristy McGehee for spearheading this initiative and to Whitney Browning, Tri Bostelman, Susan Panetti, and Mayla Masa for their valuable assistance. As we rolled into September, softball was on everyone's mind. The weather couldn't be more perfect as Cornely's Dream Team and Ulbrich's All Stars went head to head in a friendly competition. The exciting tied game provided great entertainment as the kids cheered on their favorite players. Andi Huppert, Heather Roper, and Kim Miller returned to co-Chair and did an excellent job with this fun event. A huge thank you to these ladies and to the wonderful volunteers who showed up early to set up, stayed late to clean up, and in between grilled hot dogs, made popcorn, spun cotton candy, sold concessions/tickets, and took on other tasks that made this event run so smooth. The

month's end also saw the beginning of our annual Read-A-Thon. I'd like to thank our returning event Chair, Michelle Frank, for all her hard work in planning, promoting and executing this fundraiser. October is another busy month as our After School Activities schedule commences on the 3rd. Thank you to ASA Chair, Kristin Fetterman, and to Denise Angelo for coordinating all of the classes and registrations. They've put together an amazing selection of activities for the kids. We also look forward to a visit from author/illustrator, Henry Cole, on October 17th. I'm sure the children will enjoy his fun-filled stories. Event Chair, Allison Hatton, has done a great job putting this together. Restaurant night is planned for October 20th. No need to cook as your family can enjoy a delicious dinner at Subway followed by a cool dessert at Zinga. Proceeds from the evening gets donated directly to our school. Lastly, Run for Fun is coming back this year on Nov. 4th. This event truly epitomizes the Mill Run spirit as the funds raised will be donated to a local charity. Be on the look out for more information in the next few weeks. As you can see from the previous paragraphs, the PTO is extremely busy and we are always looking for more help. There are ample opportunities throughout the year to volunteer, if you'd like more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Tammie Berger at MillRunVolunteers@gmail.com. Mill Run is more than just a school, it is a supportive community where friendships are formed, a place that fosters an inquisitive mind, and promotes good citizenship. You, our volunteers make this environment possible and I thank you for your commitment and time. I look forward to working with you all. Have a great year! Kim Mingo, PTO President

Mill RunPTO Board

Kim MingoPresident

Ashley GriggVP | Events

Alyssa BakerVP | Fundraising

Christine AndrettaTreasurer

Karina McKeeRecording Secretary

Erin LouisCorresponding Secretary

Katie HerbertMembership

Tammie BergerVolunteer Coordinator

Follow us on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/MillRunPTO

Mill Run PTO is now Tweeting!You  can  ;ind  us  on  Twitter  @MillRunPTO  or  at  http://twitter.com/MillRunPTO

the school store is open!

Come see our great selection of pencils, bookmarks, erasers and lots of fun items!The Spirit Store is run by parent volunteers. Children of our volunteers are welcome to help also!

If you are interested, please contact:

Mandy Midgett | anmidgett@yahoo.com

Hours: Every Thursday Morning, 7:30-7:45am

Follow us on Instagram!@MillRunPTO

Send In those Box Tops!The school earns 10 cents for every box top logo that we submit to General Mills. 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. Questions? Contact Liz Eagan | lizeagan@smartneighborhood.net

Burgers for School!Dine at Red Robin and help Mill Run earn free money. For more information visit:www.redrobin.com/betterschools.

pto restaurant nightThe PTO is hosting a restaurant night on

October 20 from 5-8:00 pm

at Subway and Zinga

Join your friends and Mill Run community while you take the night off from cooking! We hope to see you there.

MANY THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS!

MILL RUN SCHOOL MOTTOToday...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 LineIf your child is absent or tardy for any

reason, call the Mill Run Absentee

Phone Line, (571) 252-2162, or email

MILABSENTEE@lcps.org on the day or

days your child is not in school.

It’s available 24 hours a day.

Absentee Phone LineIf 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 5 working

days prior to the event. if the event is not at Mill Run,

he will direct you to the appropriate resource.