Mill Creek Principal Update

Dear Mill Creek families,

We hope you all had a rejuvenating and relaxing Thanksgiving Break. Winter came in like a lion this weekend! We are excited to stay cozy and have some fun before Winter Break begins.

Our annual Winter Spirit Week begins Friday, December 12. Please see the schedule below. It is always fun to see how students get creative! The week will culminate with our Winter Parties in every classroom on Friday, December 19. Please check in with your class room parent if you are interested in supporting the fun.

Please be sure your cell number and email address are up-to-date in our front office. During inclement weather, Columbia Public Schools will notify families about school delays, early dismissals, and closures using the cell number you have on file.

During this season of giving, we thank you for all you give to our school. From the City of Refuge Diaper Drive, to Fun Fest, to last month's food drive for the Food Bank, we know our Mill Creek community is here not only for our Cougars, but also for our city. We hope everyone has a wonderful winter break. Enjoy the time with your families and friends!

Go Cougars!

Amy Rogers & Kurtis Jensen

December 12 - 19 - Winter Spirit Week - see schedule below

December 19 - Winter Parties, 2:20-2:50 pm

December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break - No school

Monday, January 5 - Cougars return to school!

Friday, December 12 - Wear Your Bling to the Holiday Sing! - Dress in festive clothing!

Monday, December 15 - Winder Wonderland - Wear white and/or blue

Tuesday, December 16 - Sweater Weather - Wear your ugliest holiday sweater/shirt or a favorite holiday sweater/shirt

Wednesday, December 17 - Tree Toppers and Mistle Toes - Wear holiday socks and headgear

Thursday, December 18 - 'Twas the Night Before Winter Break - Wear comfy clothes or PJs

Friday, December 19 - Stroll on Candy Cane Lane - Wear read and white

Battle High School's National Honor Society will host its annual Breakfast With Santa on December 20th at Battle High School from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Please fill out this short form so we can create a magical experience for the kids!

Please save the date for our upcoming Mill Creek Multicultural Celebration on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 4:30-6:00pm. There will be many fun activities and performances for families to enjoy. We are looking forward to celebrating the many cultures and languages represented at Mill Creek!

On the morning of January 22, we will have a Parade of Nations for students at school. Students are invited to wear traditional dress (if available) and will carry a small flag (provided by the school) showing their family’s country of origin. If you would like to have your child walk in the parade, please sign up on the link below or fill out and return a paper copy that will be sent home in Friday folders.

We are also inviting families who would be willing to set up a display, share a talent, or volunteer in some way. Whether you moved here from another country or have always lived here and just want to celebrate your heritage, we need your help. Here are some ideas to share your family’s culture: traditional clothing, write names in another language, show artwork, provide food samples, display money/currency, dance, storytelling, share games, or play instruments.

If you are willing to volunteer and/or want your child to be in the Parade of Nations, please sign up here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdt9zgP43A3f0wiRVWCoWuHpyeBLNEhgrSDOaxFXmeHnB4dnA/viewform?usp=header

An important update is coming to CPS schools that will impact the day-to-day experience for all students and staff starting this year.

On August 19, 2025 in accordance with Missouri Senate Bill 68, CPS will not allow the use of Personal Electronic Devices, such as cell phones, at any school at any time during the instructional day.

What will that mean?

• All changes are consistent with Senate Bill 68 .

• The act defines an "electronic personal communications device" as a portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically.

• From the beginning of the day to the end of the day, phone and personal electronic devices must be on silent and put away from the beginning until the end of the school day, including, but not limited to, during instructional time, meal times, breaks, time between classes and study halls.

• Exceptions are allowed during emergency situations or when authorized under federal law for health or special education purposes.

How does this differ from 2024-25 procedure?

• Missouri Senate Bill 68 includes K-5 students who were not included in previous district procedure.

• This year students are not allowed to use personal electronic devices during any part of the day. This is a change from last year when secondary students in some schools were allowed to use personal electronic devices during non-instructional time, such as passing time and during lunch.

We wanted to share this information before the start of the 2025-26 school year so that students, families, and staff are aware of the updates of our Personal Electronic Device procedures.

We also invite our CPS families to join us in our efforts to minimize the use of Personal Electronic Devices by supporting our teachers and having conversations about this with their students at home. Our top priority has always been providing impactful learning opportunities for our students. In CPS, we believe part of that process includes more consistent and strict monitoring of cell phone and mobile device use.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building principal. Questions may also be shared by calling the Executive Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Ryan Day, or the Executive Director of Secondary Education, Mr. Josh Johnson, or at the CPS District Office: 573-214-3400.

Website: www.cpsk12.org/mce
Location: 2200 West Nifong Boulevard, Columbia, MO, USA
Phone: 573.214.3280