Mill Valley Weekly

One of the things that makes our school so special is the strong partnership we share with our amazing Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). This group has a big heart and is dedicated to help bring our community together in meaningful ways. We are so grateful for all they do to support our students and staff.

Events like Cupid’s Café are wonderful examples of this partnership in action. It was such a joy to see families, students, and staff gathered together, sharing smiles, laughter, and connection. These moments remind us that we are more than a school — we are a community that cares deeply for one another.

And the excitement continues! Our next big event is the Scholastic Book Fair, which will be open starting tomorrow at Mill Valley (see details below). This is always a favorite for students and a fantastic way to foster a love of reading while supporting our school at the same time.

I encourage you to get involved supporting the PTO! You can volunteer for an upcoming event, attend PTO meetings, or simply sending a thank you to this amazing group.

In Partnership,

Allyce Harris

MV Principal

Over the past couple of months I’ve heard from teachers and coaches that they have noticed a decline in students' empathy levels at recess or during less structured time. They have asked if it might be related to the post-pandemic period. And yes indeed, that is what the research is showing! While technology proved essential for maintaining connections during Covid for all of us, the significant shift toward predominantly screen-based interaction appears to have created a post-pandemic "social slump." Instructional staff are observing deficits in students' abilities to interpret non-verbal cues, adopt alternative perspectives, and effectively manage interpersonal conflicts—skills typically acquired through in-person, collaborative engagement. This is probably why some students have trouble connecting with others and understanding their feelings.The research shows that too much screen time can create a "bad cycle"—it replaces the face-to-face time kids need to get good at managing their feelings and showing empathy. When they're together in person, kids figure out how to read faces, agree on rules, and handle those "fun-yet-awkward" moments of friendship—stuff a tablet just can't teach.

To help close this gap, I'm asking you to switch out some "screen time" for "game time." If your child is playing alone or is an only child, games like Kanoodle are awesome for boosting spatial thinking, and a classic game of Solitaire helps build patience. When friends are over, Spot-It is a super fast and fun way to sharpen their "eye-brain connection" and self-control—which are huge parts of being able to manage themselves. For older kids, Blokus is a brilliant way to practice long-term strategy, forcing them to think several steps ahead of their friends.

Our main goal is to help our students stop just watching and start actually jumping into their social lives. These after-school hangouts aren't just for "kicks and giggles"—they're the essential practice that builds a healthy, strong brain. By making real-world play a priority, we're giving our kids the tools they need to talk clearly, solve problems creatively, and form real, lasting friendships.

Quick Tips for Success

• The "No-Phone Zone": To maximize the social benefits, keep all devices (including yours!) in another room. The goal is uninterrupted eye contact and conversation.

• Focus on the Process: If a child loses their temper during Blokus or gets stuck in Kanoodle, treat it as a "teachable moment." Remind them that the frustration they feel is actually their brain growing.

• Keep it Short: Even 15 to 20 minutes of dedicated play after school can significantly lower cortisol levels and help a child transition from the school day to home life.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring your student’s success during test days. Testing will occur in the morning. Please refrain from scheduling any appointments (doctor, dentist, orthodontist, etc.) during testing times. Ensure your student(s) get adequate sleep, have a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible if your child will be absent during the testing window.

From Monday, April 13 to April 17, specials and lunch schedules will be adjusted to provide an uninterrupted morning testing window.

For further questions, please contact your child’s teacher or Allyce Harris.

Thank you in advance!

We are excited to continue our Summer Learning Academy for Summer 2026! The course guidebook is in the process of being finalized and will be able to be viewed on our District website soon. We are looking forward to continuing to expand the varied course experiences for our students.

Location of Summer Learning Academy: Bay Lane Elementary

Registration Opens: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (8 am)

Registration Closes: Friday, April 10, 2026 (4 pm)

Late Registration/Waiting List Opens: Friday, May 1, 2026 (4 pm)

Confirmation of Student Schedules Available in Infinite Campus: Friday, May 1, 2026 (4 pm)

SLA Open House: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 2 pm – 6 pm.

Families are encouraged to visit and map out room locations. (Teachers will not be available).

K - 8 Summer Learning Academy Schedule

June 22-25 (Monday - Thursday)

June 29 - July 2 (OFF)

July 6-9 (Monday - Thursday)

July 13-16 (Monday - Thursday)

July 20-23 (Monday - Thursday)

Please join us on February 19, anytime between 5:30-7:00 pm at Bay Lane Elementary for our Incoming 4K Student and Caregiver Open House. When you arrive, be sure to grab a Student Bingo Card that will lead you and your child through our 4K classrooms. Each classroom will be open with a designated activity for students to participate in. During the open house, students and caregivers will have an opportunity to learn more about math, literacy, fine motor, music/movement and social skills. It should take approximately 30-45 minutes to visit all the planned activities. There will be classroom teachers and administrators available to provide information and answer general questions you might have. More information regarding 4K and registration can be found on our district website.

Open enrollment seats for the 2026-2027 school year were approved by the School Board. The DPI open enrollment period begins February 2. Please share information with anyone living outside our community who is interested in joining our schools and becoming 1Warrior! Use the following links for more information; DPI Open Enrollment Muskego-Norway Open Enrollment

See the flier for Book Fair hours.

NEW THIS YEAR...the Book Fair will be open during the Birthday Table lunch hours on Thursday, February 26th (parents only).

We still have a few more volunteer spots available. Please SIGN UP HERE.

Join us for the spring session of After School Theater Classes at Mill Valley, where students will work on a mini-script of the beloved Disney-Pixar film, TOY STORY! We’ll explore the wonderful world of theater while learning how to build a character onstage. In addition to rehearsing and performing the script, students will play theater games and learn a song and dance from the movie, all while having a lot of fun!

The spring session at Mill Valley runs Wednesdays, 3:50-4:50 pm, March 18 - June 3 (11 weeks, no class 4/1). New and returning students are welcome; no experience necessary. Parents are invited to a special performance on the last day of class! Visit our website for more info or to register.

Tickets for Lake Denoon's Performances of "THE SpongeBob MUSICAL" are now on sale to the general public! Get yours while they are still available.

Click HERE to order tickets for FRIDAY, MARCH 6th

Click HERE to order tickets for SATURDAY, MARCH 7th

You won't want to miss this one!

Click here for the Parents United website and click here for the 2025-26 brochure of all events. Below are flyers for the next five exciting upcoming events:

• February 26 (Ferrari Brain with Bicycle Brakes)

• March 9 (Supporting Student Attendance)

• April 21 (Supporting Children’s Success with Self-Determination)

• May 20 (ROUTINES RULE!)

To view current support staff job vacancies, click HERE

Email: allyce.harris@muskegonorway.org
Website: muskegonorway.org
Location: W191 S6445 Hillendale Dr, Muskego Wi, 53150
Phone: 262-971-1830
Facebook: facebook.com/millvalleyelementary