Scotts Mills Elementary

(503) 873-4394

Rachel Ayers, Principal

NEWSLETTER February 26, 2026

Happenings at The Mills:

This February we may have not had the snow we expected, but we had an exciting month anyway.  With a new quarter of electives starting up, students are engaged with new groups and activities.  Thank you again to the volunteers and donors.  

Thank you to everyone who completed the Youth Truth survey. If you did not get a chance, you still have a couple days; the survey closes on February 28th.  Your voice is important! Youth Truth Survey 

We had a fun assembly with NED that was focused on building resiliency.  Students had a great time learning about this important character trait. We have been selling yo-yos in the office to support the NED organization.  Sales will continue this week, in the morning only, last day to buy a yo-yo will be Friday, March 6. 

Literacy Week

The week of March 2nd to 6th is our Literacy Week with tons of activities to support and encourage reading.  

Passport to Reading/Literacy Night

On Thursday, March 5th, from 5 to 7 pm, Scotts Mills School will be hosting an evening to celebrate the joy of reading.  There will be pizza and a presentation on Title 1 literacy supports.  In addition, students will pick up a Literacy Passport and Adventure Map.  As they move through the fun filled rooms, highlighting favorite authors and related activities, their Passport will get stamped and they will get snacks and prizes at the end.  

Book Exchange

We will also be hosting a Book Exchange during Literacy Night. In addition to school provided books, if you have any gently used books that you are willing to part with, bring them in to exchange for another gently used book.  Book exchanges are 1 for 1 with a maximum of 3 books per student. Pre reader to young adult books are strongly encouraged.  

Literacy themed dress up days 

Monday - Books Bring us Together - wear class colors

• Cole: Tie Dye

• Laughton: Blue

• Buckholz: Orange & Green

• Andrus: Purple

• Kacalek/Ross: Black & White

Tuesday -Books Boost our Imagination-  favorite character/author

Wednesday - Crazy about Books - crazy socks and hair day
Thursday - Read with a Buddy - bring a stuffed animal, twin with a friend at school

Friday - Cozy Up with a Book - pajama day

Book Bingo

Students can complete a Book Bingo game during the week to earn prizes. Cookies will be available for a 5 in a row bingo and an ice cream float for any blackout bingos.  Be sure to write down the title in each box and have parents initial.  Get reading!

Book Fair

Our Spring Book Fair is afterschool in the library next week.  Student who ride the bus will be able to leave class a couple of minutes early to go to the book fair.  It will also be open from 5-7pm on Literacy Night.

Upcoming at The Mills:

Spring conferences are coming up on Monday March 16th.  These will be scheduled by request only.  Teachers or parents can request a conference.  If you have a specific concern please be sure to complete the request for conference form here. Teachers will be reaching out if they would like to meet with you as well. Your continued collaboration and support at home is instrumental for success.  

Character trait:

Our students did a wonderful job with demonstrating empathy, especially around Valentine’s Day.  There was so much kindness and friendship all around.  You are raising lovely human beings and we thank you for sharing them with us here at Scotts Mills School. 

Character Trait for March is courage.  We will be talking about acts of courage both large and small.  One of the best acts of courage for children to practice is standing up for others and being honest about mistakes.  These every day acts of bravery make bigger acts of courage easier as children grow into adulthood. 

Sports:

Boys’ basketball has come to a close.  We have had a great season and saw tons of growth in all of our athletes.  Thank you for coming and supporting our Jaguars!

From The PTCC:

Our school's biggest fundraiser, our school auction,  will be held at the end of April. If you or someone you know would like to donate an item, gift card, or basket, or would like to be a sponsor, please email our PTCC at scottsmillsparentclub@gmail.com.

Our next PTCC meeting is on March 10th at 3:15, and we are actively looking for new board members. If you have any interest or questions, please attend!

 Upcoming Events

3/12 - Early Release

3/13 - Conference Prep - No students

3/16 - Teacher Work/Conferences - No Students

3/20 - Student of the Month Assembly (trait: courage)

3/23-27 - Spring Break

4/9 - Early Release

5/1 - Teacher Work Day - No Students

5/14 - Early Release

5/25 - Memorial Day - No Students

6/5 - 8th Grade Graduation (tentative)

6/11 - Kindergarten Graduation

6/11 - Last day of school