The month of October is moving at such a rapid pace. October has been an exciting month as we are finally settled into our routines. While settling into routines and expectations, this is also a time to ask for your support and partnership by reviewing the student handbook.

John Mills School expects all students to behave in a manner that promotes their learning and the learning of others. We stress positive reinforcements. Appropriate behaviors have positive rewards. Our school advocates the philosophy that students should be given the responsibility to make decisions and to be responsible for their actions. When a student inhibits the right of others to learn or for the teacher to teach, they must accept the consequences for their actions. Physical and/or aggressive behaviors, gross insubordination to faculty and/or staff, bullying and/or public humiliation, and harassment will not be tolerated. Our school community emphasizes and expects a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive, safe, kind, respectful, and responsible.

Thank you to the John Mills School PTA for their coordination of so many fundraising opportunities. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from the PTA and their supporters who have given generously to our school. As the year goes on, we hope you will be able to participate in their events. One way to support us is with our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair. Help us raise money while building your home library, foster a love of reading to build vocabulary, gain new knowledge, and further reading and comprehension skills.

In this edition of the Mills Moments, you will find information on the annual costume parade, parent teacher conferences, a message from Elm Middle School for our 5th grade parents, Red Ribbon Week, and much more.

With Trojan Pride,

Email: millsinfo@epcusd401.org
Website: https://www.epcusd401.org/mills
Location: 2824 North 76th Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL, USA
Phone: 708-452-3560
Twitter: @jm401_trojans

On Monday, October 31, 2022, we have our weekly Early Release Day. If you are sending treats with your student, please be mindful of the policy stating the treats must be individually wrapped, store bought, and peanut/nut free. Students will bring all treats home.

We will hold our annual parade starting at approximately 1:15pm. Our afternoon Pre-K students will lead the parade followed by grades in order: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. (Morning PreK students will start their parade at 10:00am)

Students will exit Door 1, walk south along the sidewalk towards John Mills Park, remain on the sidewalk around the cul-de-sac, walk north on 76th Avenue toward George Street. At George Street, students will cross 76th Avenue, and then walk back to Door 1 to re-enter the school. Students will return to their classrooms and be dismissed at 2:00pm.

Parents wishing to view the parade can line up along the sidewalk. If you do not want your student participating in the parade, please email the homeroom teacher so arrangements can be made.

In the event of rain, the parade will be cancelled. If it is cold, please be sure your child has appropriate clothing.

Halloween costumes are optional for the school day.

• No make-up will be allowed

• No costume masks allowed

• Please choose a costume that is appropriate, does not reflect violence, and is not too gruesome or frightening. Inappropriate “props” such as blood, plastic weapons of any kind, masks, make-up, or face paint will NOT be allowed. Please save them for supervised activities at home.

• Costumes should not prevent your child from using the bathroom independently

• If your child does not wish to dress for Halloween, we encourage them to wear John Mills School spirit wear, a Halloween shirt, or orange and black colors.

Conferences will be held in person on Wednesday, November 2nd and Thursday, November 3rd from 3:00-7:00pm. For Fall Conferences, all parents are asked to schedule a meeting with their child's teacher.

Through your Power School Parent Portal, you are able to schedule your conferences. If you do not yet have access to PowerSchool, please reach out to your building’s secretaries and they will be happy to assist. Scheduling is now live.

Here are the Parent Instructions. Please let your teacher know if you have any questions or email support@epcusd401.org if you're having technical issues.

Fire Prevention Week was initiated by the National Fire Protection Agency in 1922 to commemorate the Chicago Fire of October 9, 1871. This October, therefore, marks the 100-year anniversary of Fire Protection Week. We are appreciative of the Elmwood Park Fire Department for teaching our students about fire safety in the home. The place where we feel most safe, our homes, is the site of 74% of all U.S. fire deaths.

Therefore, it is extremely important to have a plan to quickly exit the home. "Fires won't wait. Plan your escape."

The Elmwood Park Fire Department demonstrated how quickly a fire can spread to emphasize the importance of being aware of and practicing the escape route. An important bit of information- we have three minutes or less to safely exit our homes.

Red Ribbon Week is the last week of October and this year's theme is “Celebrate Life. Live Drug-Free. To show that we can stand together as a community in the fight against drug use we will be participating in a District Spirit Week. This extends a message of positivity and furthers our message of drug resistance.

Save the dates for our music concerts!

Choir Concert- December 14

Winter Concert for grades K-2- December 15

School pictures are available for sale by visiting jostenspix.com. If you need help with ordering, you can call 877-515-1447. You may need your child's ID number to find their picture. This can be found in your account via the PowerSchool App. To be able to receive your pictures the fastest, please use the email address you entered as your email in PowerSchool.

Click here and learn ways you can support the John Mills School PTA through membership.

See our upcoming Theme Thursdays!

REMEMBER, 2:00pm EARLY RELEASE MONDAYS!

Thursday, October 27th- 3rd, 4th and 5th grades to EPHS for Alice in Wonderland play

Monday, October 31st- Halloween Costume Parade

November 1st-4th - Book Fair

November 2nd and 3rd- Parent Teacher Conferences 3:00-7:00

November 7th and 8th- NO SCHOOL

View our John Mills school calendar

View all of our upcoming district events by visiting our district calendar