The true goal of Math Fluency in mathematics is more than adeptly using basic facts or implementing algorithms. It is not about speed or recall. Real fluency is about choosing strategies that are efficient, flexible, lead to accurate solutions, and are appropriate for the given situation. In order to get to this goal, our campus has invested in a program called Reflex Math. Your child can work on this at home, too! Reach out to your child's teacher or our Reflex Math campus leader Kelby Stark, for more information.

Reading at Home & The Mills Library- Encourage your child to read at home! Reading builds vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and confidence! Listen to your child read! Take turns reading with your child! Read aloud to your child. Any way you slice it, reading grows the brain in so many ways!

Your child recently took the Map Growth Reading Assessment in class. The Reading MAP score calculates their reading level or Lexile score. This score can be helpful to find your child's independent reading level. Talk to your child's teacher about getting his/her Lexile level and Map growth reading report.

Did you know that Ms. Rasmussen, our school librarian, can create a library account for any parent? Parents are welcome to check out books. This can help promote literacy at home and can be a great opportunity for bonding and connecton with your child(ren)! You are welcome to email Ms. Rasmussen at sarah.rasmussen@austinisd.org and she’ll coordinate a time for you to stop by the library, set up an account, and check out books!

My name is Lisa Lindberg and it is my pleasure to be one of the Physical Education teachers here at Mills Elementary. Although I am new to Mills as a teacher this 2022-2023 school year, I have been part of the Mills community for the last 8 years as a parent. This is also my 17th year teaching Physical Education, Health and coaching in Austin ISD and my 20th year teaching overall.

My love and talents for sports and physical education began as a young girl growing up in Lorain, OH. Name a sport, and I played it either on the court, field or in the neighborhood park. Eventually, I narrowed it down to volleyball and basketball in high school and received many scholarship offers. I accepted an athletic scholarship to play basketball at The University of Mount Union in Alliance, OH. Here, I helped captain my team to the National Championship and remain part of the only female team in the history of the school to excel to that level of success.

After graduating with a degree in Business and Sport Marketing, my life took me on many journeys in sales, fitness and alternative medicine as I landed in California. I eventually went back to my love of sports and children and earned my teaching certificate from National University based in San Diego, CA. I started my teaching career as an ELA/Health/Physical Education teacher through PUC Schools in the Los Angeles area and eventually moved to Texas in 2006. Austin ISD is where I have been passing on my love of health, sports and athletic competition ever since as a teacher and coach.

My husband David and I are proud to call Austin our home and are raising our two daughters Alexis and Karly. Passing on the values of love, dedication, hard work and kindness are our greatest moments.

Take me to eat bbq, sushi, paddle boarding, hiking, snowboarding, spending time with family and friends, traveling or watching movies and I am a happy camper. I also enjoy camping! A healthy active lifestyle is a key component to not only physical health but mental, emotional, social, environmental and spiritual as well.

It is my goal to work with the amazing staff at Mills to guide your children in their physical education while supplying a safe and fun environment.

Greetings from your compassionate counseling team!

It's been a wonderful start to the year visiting each and every classroom as our guidance classes have begun. Your students have shared many insights and ideas about what Kindness, Respect, and Empathy look and sound like. Through singing, dancing, reading, and sharing ideas, we are learning from each other and connecting in myriad ways.

In the spirit of our Coordinated School Health Kickoff this month, we want to share some items that might be helpful and "healthful" for you and your children.

The first article helps us to reflect upon our efforts at home and at school to support our children's needs. We would love for our mountain lions to feel the "wrap around" support we provide as caring collaborators. The second article is a wonderful one-pager to review the power of good "Sleep Hygiene". Enjoy!

https://www.edutopia.org/article/let-families-teach-you-about-new-students

https://www.choc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Sleep-Hygiene-Children-Handout.pdf

Monday, September 19-

Happy Birthday, Ms. Pallarino!

GT Info Session, 8:00am-8:30am via Zoom

Wednesday, September 21-

Fall Picture Day

Thursday, September 22-

Dirt Club Workday 6:00pm-7:30pm- Come Join Us! Participants will have a chance to win an exclusive Dirt Club Hat!

Looking Ahead-

September 29: Mills PTA Spirit Night, Craigo's Pizza, 4970 W HW 290, 4pm-9pm

October 3- 13: Short Cycle Assessments #1 Grades 3-5 (Math, Reading, Science)

October 3-7: Custodian Appreciation Week

October 5- PTA General Meeting & Principal Coffee, 3:30pm Library

October 7: Elementary Early Release at 1:30pm

October 8- Dirt Club Workday 9am-12pm

October 14- Student Holiday; Staff Professional Development Day

October 24- Apex Fundraiser Kickoff

October 24-October 28 Love Your Brain Week

October 27- Dirt Club Workday 5pm-6:30pm

November 2- Principal Coffee (HSR Family Orientation) 5:30pm via Zoom

November 9- Mills Family Math Night & Book Fair