Our 3rd graders have been working SO hard on fractions! 🧠➗ This past week, they took on quite the challenge, determining the value of fractions and analyzing mathematical statements created for our 4th graders.
We are so proud of their perseverance, critical thinking, and willingness to stretch their learning. Keep shining, Koalas! 💛
💙 Community Shout-Out: Mrs. Pam, Our Volunteer Coordinator 💙
We want to send a HUGE thank you to Mrs. Pam, whose heart for our schools and community continues to shine in the most beautiful ways. What began in February of 2021 with just one school has grown into something truly incredible. This year alone, her efforts reached CES, OMES, MWES, PGES, and Nichols — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community comes together.
Through her tireless outreach and coordination, over 1,600 hearts have been lovingly made, with volunteers donating countless hours of their time and others generously donating the string to make it all happen. Because of this incredible teamwork, every student and staff member at each school will receive a heart, ensuring that no one is left out and everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.
Our community has been AMAZING, and this is just the beginning. We are so excited to continue building from here and continuing to spread love across our schools.
Thank you, Mrs. Pam, for leading with heart and reminding us that when we come together, we can create something truly special. 💙💙
We want to send a HUGE thank you to Mrs. Pam, whose heart for our schools and community continues to shine in the most beautiful ways. What began in February of 2021 with just one school has grown into something truly incredible. This year alone, her efforts reached CES, OMES, MWES, PGES, and Nichols — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community comes together.
Through her tireless outreach and coordination, over 1,600 hearts have been lovingly made, with volunteers donating countless hours of their time and others generously donating the string to make it all happen. Because of this incredible teamwork, every student and staff member at each school will receive a heart, ensuring that no one is left out and everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.
Our community has been AMAZING, and this is just the beginning. We are so excited to continue building from here and continuing to spread love across our schools.
Thank you, Mrs. Pam, for leading with heart and reminding us that when we come together, we can create something truly special. 💙💙
🌟 Staff Shout-Out of the Week 🌟
This week’s staff shout-out goes to Michelle Reaves! We are so grateful for her willingness to jump in and help wherever and whenever she’s needed. Her support makes a meaningful difference for our students and our classrooms each day. Michelle consistently models the BCPS core value of Shared Accountability, showing that we are truly better when we work together. Thank you, Michelle, for all you do! 💙👏
This week’s staff shout-out goes to Michelle Reaves! We are so grateful for her willingness to jump in and help wherever and whenever she’s needed. Her support makes a meaningful difference for our students and our classrooms each day. Michelle consistently models the BCPS core value of Shared Accountability, showing that we are truly better when we work together. Thank you, Michelle, for all you do! 💙👏
Happy FRYSC Week to Mrs. Lawson! We are so grateful for the care, dedication, and support she provides to our students and families every day. Mrs. Lawson works tirelessly to remove barriers and ensure every child has what they need to succeed. OMES is a better place because of her heart and commitment to our community. 💙
🏆 We are so proud of our Academic Team! 🏆
Our students showed incredible knowledge, determination, and teamwork at the district competition, and the following Koalas placed and are advancing to Regionals:
🥇 Science
• 5th Grade: Wyatt S.
🥇 Social Studies
• 3rd Grade: Ellie W.
🥈 Language Arts
• 2nd Wyatt S.
🥇 Arts & Humanities
• 5th Grade: Paul
🥇 Writing
• 1st Grade: Ainsley L.
A huge shout-out to our amazing coaches—Mrs. Bleemel, Mrs. Polson, and Ms. Bader—for their dedication and support of our students.
Way to go, Koalas! We’re so proud and can’t wait to cheer you on at Regionals! 💛🐨🎉
Have a great weekend! We will see everyone on Monday!
https://youtube.com/shorts/UBJ3aQ7bj-Y?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/UBJ3aQ7bj-Y?feature=share
Next week our school will be celebrating Kindness Week with daily activities, school spirit dress days, and opportunities for students to practice kindness in meaningful ways. Next week is all about compassion, inclusion, and the power of small acts making a big difference.
We are also excited to host a Little Library Book Drive as our community service project. Families are invited to participate by donating one book to help spread the joy of reading. Our little library is open for any family to borrow and trade out books!
Be sure to check out the flyers for daily themes, dress days, and more information. Let’s work together to help kindness grow throughout our school community!
📣 Did you hear the news?!
Our amazing school has hit our first BIG fundraising goal for the American Heart Association! ❤️
To celebrate, we’re having a HAT DAY tomorrow! Way to go, Koalas—we are so proud of your hard work and big hearts!
Let’s keep the momentum going as we continue spreading the word about heart-healthy choices and helping kids with special hearts. 💪❤️
Kid's Heart Challenge UPDATE! In just 2 days, 90 students have already joined our school’s team to help raise money for a great cause. Mrs. Dixon's 4th grade class is in the lead with raising the most so far. Mrs. Bader's kindergarten class and Mrs. Jump's 1st grade class are leading the way with the most students registered online. Way to go!
It's not too late to sign up to help us reach our school-wide goal of $5,000!
Visit our school page at http://www2.heart.org/goto/OldMill or download the AHA Schools app to join today.
It's not too late to sign up to help us reach our school-wide goal of $5,000!
Visit our school page at http://www2.heart.org/goto/OldMill or download the AHA Schools app to join today.
🎙️ Our next school podcast episode is LIVE on Spotify!
We’re sharing all the exciting things happening around our school—from clubs and sports to student celebrations and fun events. 🎉
🎧 Check it out, give it a listen, and don’t forget to follow our podcast so you never miss an episode! 💙🐨
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0rqckqwRTvYl2WfD1DwEI5?si=qGuxnfeyQByDSPVORl1qCA
We’re sharing all the exciting things happening around our school—from clubs and sports to student celebrations and fun events. 🎉
🎧 Check it out, give it a listen, and don’t forget to follow our podcast so you never miss an episode! 💙🐨
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0rqckqwRTvYl2WfD1DwEI5?si=qGuxnfeyQByDSPVORl1qCA
🌟 Student Spotlight: Brodee R. 🌟
Brodee R. is a wonderful example of what it means to be a Community Contributor. While our class was lining up to come inside from wellness, Brodee noticed another student struggling to collect playground materials. Even though he hadn’t been using that equipment, Brodee paused, stepped out of line, and ran back to help without being asked.
This small yet powerful moment showed true empathy and selflessness. Brodee recognized a need and took action to support someone else, simply because it was the right thing to do. We are so proud of him for modeling kindness, responsibility, and care for others.
Way to go, Brodee! 💙👏
Brodee R. is a wonderful example of what it means to be a Community Contributor. While our class was lining up to come inside from wellness, Brodee noticed another student struggling to collect playground materials. Even though he hadn’t been using that equipment, Brodee paused, stepped out of line, and ran back to help without being asked.
This small yet powerful moment showed true empathy and selflessness. Brodee recognized a need and took action to support someone else, simply because it was the right thing to do. We are so proud of him for modeling kindness, responsibility, and care for others.
Way to go, Brodee! 💙👏
Old Mill Elementary hosted our very first Spelling Bee last night, sponsored by our amazing PTO! 🐨💛💙
We are so proud of our classroom winners and the courage they showed competing at the school level. Standing up there took true bravery!
A huge congratulations to our champion, Emmary, who is advancing to the next round. We are cheering you on!
What an incredible kickoff at OMES yesterday! ❤️
This year’s Kids Heart Challenge is in full swing, and with help from our amazing Heart Heroes, students are discovering fun and meaningful ways to care for their hearts—through movement, kindness, rest, and asking for help when needed.
💪 Be part of the challenge!
🌐 Visit http://www2.heart.org/goto/OldMill
📲 Or download the AHA Schools app to join us.
Our school-wide goal is to raise $5,000 for the American Heart Association, and every student can help make a BIG difference! Students have until February 20th to raise money for this amazing cause.
💥 Don’t wait—sign up today!
✨ BONUS: Every student who signs up receives a FREE wristband just for joining the fun!
This year’s Kids Heart Challenge is in full swing, and with help from our amazing Heart Heroes, students are discovering fun and meaningful ways to care for their hearts—through movement, kindness, rest, and asking for help when needed.
💪 Be part of the challenge!
🌐 Visit http://www2.heart.org/goto/OldMill
📲 Or download the AHA Schools app to join us.
Our school-wide goal is to raise $5,000 for the American Heart Association, and every student can help make a BIG difference! Students have until February 20th to raise money for this amazing cause.
💥 Don’t wait—sign up today!
✨ BONUS: Every student who signs up receives a FREE wristband just for joining the fun!
✨ Tomorrow is a BIG day at Old Mill Elementary! ✨
We’re celebrating the 100th Day of School in style! Students can wear a 100th Day shirt or
💃 Dress to impress and strut their stuff down the runway in the morning!
And the excitement doesn’t stop there…
📚🐝 It’s our FIRST Spelling Bee tomorrow night!
💛 It’s going to be a GREAT day at Old Mill! 💛
🌟 Community Spotlight 🌟
We would like to send a huge thank you to the North Bullitt Allied Health Department and our BCPS Health Department for taking the time to visit Old Mill and speak with ALL of our students about the importance of dental hygiene!
Students learned how to properly brush their teeth, why daily dental care matters, and which foods help keep our teeth healthy (and which ones don’t!). This hands-on, engaging lesson gave our students practical knowledge they can use every day to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
We are so grateful for our community partners who support the well-being of our students and help make learning meaningful and relevant. Thank you for investing in our Koalas and their bright, healthy smiles! 😁
We would like to send a huge thank you to the North Bullitt Allied Health Department and our BCPS Health Department for taking the time to visit Old Mill and speak with ALL of our students about the importance of dental hygiene!
Students learned how to properly brush their teeth, why daily dental care matters, and which foods help keep our teeth healthy (and which ones don’t!). This hands-on, engaging lesson gave our students practical knowledge they can use every day to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
We are so grateful for our community partners who support the well-being of our students and help make learning meaningful and relevant. Thank you for investing in our Koalas and their bright, healthy smiles! 😁
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