OMS Bulldog Bulletin

The first couple of weeks of school have been filled with excitement, smiles, and so many wonderful moments at Old Mill School! Our Bulldogs have been busy getting to know their teachers and classmates, learning classroom routines, and settling into their new school year. It has been wonderful to see our students growing more comfortable each day, showing kindness to one another, and bringing their energy and enthusiasm for learning into our classrooms. We are off to a fantastic start, and I am so excited for all that this school year has in store for our Bulldogs! Here’s to a year filled with learning, laughter, friendship, and lots of fun!

We hope to see you at Back to School Night on September 17. Please read the Back to School Night letter that was emailed to you.

📅 Important Days to Remember

September 17-Back to School Night @ 6:30PM

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Our 5th graders put their teamwork, creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills to the test during our Marshmallow Challenge! Working in small teams, students were challenged to build the tallest free-standing structure they could using just spaghetti, tape, and a marshmallow.

There were lots of creative ideas, a few unexpected collapses, and plenty of laughter along the way! Most importantly, students learned that successful teamwork means listening to others, sharing ideas, persevering when things don’t go as planned, and trying again. It was a fun way to start building our classroom community and kick off a great year together!

Our first grade students are utilizing manipulatives and playing math games in centers from our new math program!

This year, our school is embracing an important and inspiring theme: “Kindness Starts with ME!” Throughout the school year, we will be encouraging students to discover the many ways they can make a positive difference in the lives of others, starting with their own words, choices, and actions.

To help introduce this message, our K–2 students enjoyed reading Kindness Starts with You. Through this age-appropriate story, students explored how even the smallest acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect throughout our school community. Students were encouraged to think about how they can show kindness to classmates, teachers, friends, and family members each day.

Our 3–5 students read Each Kindness, a meaningful story that encourages readers to reflect on the impact of their choices and the importance of recognizing opportunities to be kind. The story prompted students to think deeply about inclusion, empathy, friendship, and how one small act—or missed opportunity—can make a lasting difference.

As we move through the year, we look forward to building on these important lessons and creating a school community where kindness is intentional, inclusive, and part of our everyday lives. Let’s remember that kindness doesn’t have to start with someone else—it starts with ME!

Please read the student handbook. As a district, we are committed to fostering respect, responsibility, and safety in all our schools through our updated Code of Conduct. This initiative reflects a collaborative effort among all elementary schools to support students in developing these essential skills for both their academic journey and everyday life.

This document will help you get the information you need! You should put it on your refrigerator!

Please join OMH&S! They do SO much for our students!

Old Mill Home & School Association (OMH&S) is Old Mill's PTA. OMH&S raises funds for all class trips and assemblies, recess equipment, supplies and events throughout the year. Our ability to operate is entirely dependent on the volunteer efforts of Old Mill School families and educators. Join us today!

Whether your child is entering elementary, middle, or high school, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a little uncertainty. While each stage of development presents unique experiences, there are a few universal strategies that can help students of all ages feel prepared, connected, and confident.

1. Get Back into a Routine
A week or two before school starts, begin returning to school-year routines. Younger children can practice bedtime and morning routines, while older students can reset sleep schedules and organize school materials.

2. Build a Sense of Belonging
Connecting with familiar peers can make returning to school feel easier. Plan a playdate for younger children or encourage older students to connect with friends before the first day.

3. Get Familiar with the School Routine
Help your child know what to expect. Younger children can practice drop-off, while older students can review schedules, transportation, locker combinations, or classroom locations.

4. Encourage Voice and Agency
Help your child practice speaking up, asking for help, and solving everyday problems. Talk through situations such as forgetting lunch, getting lost, missing the bus, or needing help. Older students can practice emailing a teacher or asking a question on their own.

5. Talk About Their Feelings
Make time to talk about excitement, worry, or uncertainty. Help your child make a simple plan, such as talking to a Trusted Adult, reaching out to a friend, or asking a teacher for help.

Building on our September Ready, Set, Belong: ALL Means ALL kickoff, Wall Township Public Schools will continue our focus on belonging, respect, safety, and healthy choices throughout October.

We will celebrate Week of Respect, October 5–9, with activities promoting kindness, positive relationships, respect, and belonging. Our schools will also participate in New Jersey Goes Gold & Blue, reinforcing our commitment to respect and bullying prevention.

During Unity Week (School Violence Awareness Week), October 19–23, our school community will focus on unity, trusted adults, positive relationships, and school safety.

Red Ribbon Week, October 23–30, will be celebrated with students at the secondary level, promoting healthy, drug-free choices through engaging, age-appropriate activities.

Throughout the month, ALL Means ALL reminds us that we each play a role in creating a school community where everyone feels connected, valued, safe, and supported.

Below are some of the activities scheduled for Week of Respect. Be on the lookout for information from your school about additional activities planned for Unity Week and Red Ribbon Week