Staff Shout-Out to Mr. Ezell 🎉
Mr. Ezell truly embodies our core value of Students Matter Most. He has created a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves—while also being held to high expectations. His intentional daily practices support students who need movement or learn in different ways, ensuring everyone can grow and succeed without losing who they are.
Beyond academics, Mr. Ezell has built a classroom community where students know they are loved and truly part of a family. His new class song is the perfect example—every single student is included and celebrated, whether they’re in his room all day or just part of it for a short time. The joy on the kids’ faces says it all.
Thank you, Mr. Ezell, for making school fun while continuously pushing students to be their very best. 💙🐨
Mr. Ezell truly embodies our core value of Students Matter Most. He has created a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves—while also being held to high expectations. His intentional daily practices support students who need movement or learn in different ways, ensuring everyone can grow and succeed without losing who they are.
Beyond academics, Mr. Ezell has built a classroom community where students know they are loved and truly part of a family. His new class song is the perfect example—every single student is included and celebrated, whether they’re in his room all day or just part of it for a short time. The joy on the kids’ faces says it all.
Thank you, Mr. Ezell, for making school fun while continuously pushing students to be their very best. 💙🐨
National School Counselors Week Spotlight – Mrs. Melcher
This week, we proudly celebrate Mrs. Melcher for National School Counselors Week! 💫
Mrs. Melcher is a constant source of support, compassion, and encouragement for our students, staff, and families. She builds meaningful relationships, advocates fiercely for every child, and creates a safe space where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Her dedication to the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally makes a lasting impact on our school community every single day. We are so grateful for her heart, leadership, and the countless ways she helps our students grow and thrive.
Thank you, Mrs. Melcher, for all that you do! 💙✨
This week, we proudly celebrate Mrs. Melcher for National School Counselors Week! 💫
Mrs. Melcher is a constant source of support, compassion, and encouragement for our students, staff, and families. She builds meaningful relationships, advocates fiercely for every child, and creates a safe space where students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Her dedication to the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally makes a lasting impact on our school community every single day. We are so grateful for her heart, leadership, and the countless ways she helps our students grow and thrive.
Thank you, Mrs. Melcher, for all that you do! 💙✨
We’re so proud of our students for their hard work during NTI! 👏 While learning from home was a success, there’s nothing like being back together.
We can’t wait to see all of our faces in the building tomorrow!
Shout out to our AMAZING Archery Team!!! 🎯🐨
They placed 3rd in this weekend’s tournamentwhat an incredible accomplishment! We are so proud of all the hard work, focus, and teamwork that went into this win.
🎉 Special congratulations to Brynlee, who placed 3rd overall in All Elementary Girls—way to shine!
Koalas, you aimed high and hit the mark! 💚👏
We hope everyone is enjoying a cozy and creative start to the weekend. Today is Crayola Creativity Week – Day 6, and we can’t wait to see how our Koalas continue to imagine, design, and create! 🎨✨
You can submit your student’s creativity by dropping a picture in the comments or by using the Google Form. We love seeing their amazing work! And don’t forget—Mrs. Compton has a special surprise for students who participate through the weekend! #crayolacreativityweek.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_7495Ht4/L3CPTDgPJfhBLWBRnyI3ow/view?utm_content=DAG_7495Ht4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=ha02cfe2249
You can submit your student’s creativity by dropping a picture in the comments or by using the Google Form. We love seeing their amazing work! And don’t forget—Mrs. Compton has a special surprise for students who participate through the weekend! #crayolacreativityweek.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_7495Ht4/L3CPTDgPJfhBLWBRnyI3ow/view?utm_content=DAG_7495Ht4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=ha02cfe2249
The 100th day of school celebration will now be on February 4th! Students can participate in the fun by showing up in their "star" clothing or a traditional 100 day shirt! 🎉
🌟 Student Spotlight: Community Contributor 🌟
We are proud to recognize Demetri for being an outstanding Community Contributor in our classroom!
When Demetri notices a classmate needing help with spelling a word, he steps in without being asked to offer support. He patiently helps others sound out and spell words, showing kindness, leadership, and a true desire to see everyone succeed.
Demetri’s willingness to help others is one of the many ways our classroom remains a supportive space where all students can continue to grow and learn together. Thank you, Demetri, for making our classroom a better place every day! 👏📚
We are proud to recognize Demetri for being an outstanding Community Contributor in our classroom!
When Demetri notices a classmate needing help with spelling a word, he steps in without being asked to offer support. He patiently helps others sound out and spell words, showing kindness, leadership, and a true desire to see everyone succeed.
Demetri’s willingness to help others is one of the many ways our classroom remains a supportive space where all students can continue to grow and learn together. Thank you, Demetri, for making our classroom a better place every day! 👏📚
DON'T MISS OUT!
Make sure your child has a keepsake of their school year by ordering a copy today.
You can place your order by clicking the link below. The ordering period closes February 6th, so be sure to place your order before the deadline to guarantee your child receives a yearbook at the end of the year.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1069358/Old-Mill-Elementary-School/
Make sure your child has a keepsake of their school year by ordering a copy today.
You can place your order by clicking the link below. The ordering period closes February 6th, so be sure to place your order before the deadline to guarantee your child receives a yearbook at the end of the year.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1069358/Old-Mill-Elementary-School/
🏠 Day 2: Building Together! 🏗️
Even on an NTI day, our students are proving that every big plan starts with a dream! Today, we explored the Building Together theme inspired by the Builder Brothers.
🏗️ Architecture in Action: Students are sketching big plans and designing either a two-story dog house or a birdhouse, turning their ideas into detailed designs.
🧠 BCPS Graduate Profile – Innovative Problem Solver: Students are embracing mistakes, testing new ideas, and improving their designs—building creative confidence and perseverance along the way.
We are so proud of ALL the students who participated in today’s challenge and shared their creativity with us! Even though we’re apart, we are still building great things together. 🎨✨
#CrayolaCreativityWeek
Even on an NTI day, our students are proving that every big plan starts with a dream! Today, we explored the Building Together theme inspired by the Builder Brothers.
🏗️ Architecture in Action: Students are sketching big plans and designing either a two-story dog house or a birdhouse, turning their ideas into detailed designs.
🧠 BCPS Graduate Profile – Innovative Problem Solver: Students are embracing mistakes, testing new ideas, and improving their designs—building creative confidence and perseverance along the way.
We are so proud of ALL the students who participated in today’s challenge and shared their creativity with us! Even though we’re apart, we are still building great things together. 🎨✨
#CrayolaCreativityWeek
🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Coleman 🌟
Mrs. Coleman is simply amazing! She consistently fosters a positive, welcoming learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. She leads with compassion, keeps her students engaged, and makes learning both meaningful and fun.
Mrs. Coleman also finds intentional ways to celebrate student growth each and every day, reminding her students that their effort and progress truly matter. Her work is a beautiful example of how Students Matter Most is lived out in our school community.
Mrs. Coleman is simply amazing! She consistently fosters a positive, welcoming learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. She leads with compassion, keeps her students engaged, and makes learning both meaningful and fun.
Mrs. Coleman also finds intentional ways to celebrate student growth each and every day, reminding her students that their effort and progress truly matter. Her work is a beautiful example of how Students Matter Most is lived out in our school community.
We can’t wait to see our students tomorrow! 💛 Tomorrow will be an NTI Day, allowing us to continue learning while keeping everyone safe at home. We’re sharing a glimpse of our NTI schedule below—families, please check classroom communication for specific times and links.
Yesterday, Kate stepped into the role of Principal of the Day and truly rose to the occasion! From providing thoughtful feedback to teachers, assisting with our schoolwide rally, and even joining our Young Athletes, she got a firsthand look at what it’s like to lead a school in action.
Kate showed incredible confidence, responsibility, and leadership—perfectly modeling the Graduate Profile competency of an Innovative Problem Solver as she navigated real-world responsibilities and supported our school community.
Way to lead, Principal Kate! 💛🐨
This week's Principal Connection comes to you from Principal Kate Howard and Mrs. Joiner. Click the link to hear about our upcoming events. Have a safe, warm weekend!
https://youtube.com/shorts/a20CDu8FeSo?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/a20CDu8FeSo?feature=share
🌟 Student Spotlight: Community Contributors 🌟
We are so proud to recognize Charlotte and Clay for being outstanding Community Contributors!
After our Nutcracker performance, Charlotte and Clay went above and beyond to help Ms. Biglari by putting away the props and even helping transport and store them safely in her shed. Their willingness to lend a helping hand made a big difference and showed true responsibility, teamwork, and kindness.
Thank you, Charlotte and Clay, for supporting our school community and showing what it means to help others without being asked. Your actions truly reflect the spirit of OMES! 💙👏
We are so proud to recognize Charlotte and Clay for being outstanding Community Contributors!
After our Nutcracker performance, Charlotte and Clay went above and beyond to help Ms. Biglari by putting away the props and even helping transport and store them safely in her shed. Their willingness to lend a helping hand made a big difference and showed true responsibility, teamwork, and kindness.
Thank you, Charlotte and Clay, for supporting our school community and showing what it means to help others without being asked. Your actions truly reflect the spirit of OMES! 💙👏
🎯 NTI Graduate Profile Challenge! 🎯
Even on NTI days, our students are still growing into the graduates we know they can be!
Today, we’re challenging our students to show the Graduate Profile competency they chose as their personal goal this year—right from home.
👇 Families & Students:
• Comment with the competency your child chose
• OR share a photo/video of how they’re showing it today
💛 Whether your child is being a:
• Productive Collaborator
• Effective Communicator
• Community Contributor
• Self-Directed Navigator
• Mastery Learner
• Innovative Problem Solver
—We want to see our learners in action!
📸 Tag us or comment below so we can celebrate YOU!
✨ Bonus: Mrs. Joiner will be pulling names of student leaders from the photos and posts shared today, and those students’ classes will earn a special reward!
Even on NTI days, our students are still growing into the graduates we know they can be!
Today, we’re challenging our students to show the Graduate Profile competency they chose as their personal goal this year—right from home.
👇 Families & Students:
• Comment with the competency your child chose
• OR share a photo/video of how they’re showing it today
💛 Whether your child is being a:
• Productive Collaborator
• Effective Communicator
• Community Contributor
• Self-Directed Navigator
• Mastery Learner
• Innovative Problem Solver
—We want to see our learners in action!
📸 Tag us or comment below so we can celebrate YOU!
✨ Bonus: Mrs. Joiner will be pulling names of student leaders from the photos and posts shared today, and those students’ classes will earn a special reward!
Our Morning Meetings will begin at 9:00 AM for all students! ⏰
Here’s a snapshot of our NTI school day. Please be sure to check your child’s Rooms for their specific schedule and live lesson links. Thank you for partnering with us! 💙💛
Here’s a snapshot of our NTI school day. Please be sure to check your child’s Rooms for their specific schedule and live lesson links. Thank you for partnering with us! 💙💛
Over the long weekend, a group of our teacher leaders headed to the Get Your Teach On conference and it was incredible!
Powerful speakers, fresh ideas, and lots of inspiration filled our cups and added even more fuel to the passion they already bring every day. They’re back and ready to pour that energy into our students at Old Mill! ⚡
There is so much behind the scenes that Mrs. Compton does for Old Mill, and she is truly an absolute rockstar. Not only is she present with our students every single day, pushing them to think in ways they never have before, but she is always trying new things, taking risks, and modeling what innovation looks like in action.
Beyond the STEAM classroom, Mrs. Compton leads our podcast club, photography club, STLP, and coming soon… Girls Who Code! 💻📸🎙️ She is an incredible teammate, pours her heart into our school, and our students absolutely adore her.
We are so lucky to have you, Mrs. Compton, thank you for inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence in our kids every day! 💛✨
Beyond the STEAM classroom, Mrs. Compton leads our podcast club, photography club, STLP, and coming soon… Girls Who Code! 💻📸🎙️ She is an incredible teammate, pours her heart into our school, and our students absolutely adore her.
We are so lucky to have you, Mrs. Compton, thank you for inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence in our kids every day! 💛✨
Old Mill Elementary is rolling out the BLUE carpet as we celebrate the 100th Day of School on February 2nd! 💙⭐
Students can shine like movie stars in their Lights, Laughter, Learning–themed outfits or rock a traditional 100th Day shirt. We’ll have carpets, photo booth fun, and plenty of smiles as we celebrate 100 days of growth, learning, and memories together!
We can’t wait to celebrate with our Old Mill stars for the 100th Day! 💫🐨
Students can shine like movie stars in their Lights, Laughter, Learning–themed outfits or rock a traditional 100th Day shirt. We’ll have carpets, photo booth fun, and plenty of smiles as we celebrate 100 days of growth, learning, and memories together!
We can’t wait to celebrate with our Old Mill stars for the 100th Day! 💫🐨
🐄📚 Beyond the Bell | Amanda O'Bryan
This week, we’re at Old Mill Elementary with Amanda O’Bryan, BCPS 2026 Elementary School Teacher of the Year! From bringing real-world learning to life with community partners (yes—even a cow in the library!) to building strong relationships rooted in joy and trust, Ms. O’Bryan reminds us that meaningful learning starts with connection and belief in our students. 💙
Her message is simple and powerful: enjoy the kids, build relationships, and help every student believe in themselves. That’s how we move learning forward...together.
🎧 Catch the full episode of Beyond the Bell to hear her inspiring story: https://youtu.be/d6w-1R-nUNU
#BeyondTheBell #MovingForward
