Principal's Message

Hello Mill Park Parents and Families!
We are just finishing up our first month of school here at Mill Park Elementary. As always, the beginning of the school year is nothing short of exciting and rejuvenating—even despite the sprinkles of chaos. We are thrilled to see all our returning and new students ready to learn and take on yet another year of furthering their education with enthusiasm and vigor.
Our students and staff worked diligently last year to improve state test scores and succeeded by meeting Oregon’s Annual Yearly Progress benchmarks. Of course, we will strive to achieve excellence this year as well. We hope to accomplish many goals this year and have been thinking creatively about the various ways we can make Mill Park ideal for students and families. Some changes you may see this year center on our Positive Behavior Support (PBS). We have revamped our Student of the Month system and so far, IT’S A HIT! Our revamp includes weekly recognition, pictures with teachers, a special assembly and even a “Kings and Queens Buffet” where the students are served a special lunch by their teachers and myself! And, as you could imagine, the kids love seeing their principal dressed in an apron serving up green Jell-O.
In addition to our PBS changes, we are implementing several new teaching strategies and instructional tools to better engage our students and open new doors. Students and teachers have the opportunity to experiment with new resources and technology. It is not uncommon to walk by a classroom and see students working independently on a laptop on their own Study Island oasis, practicing their math and reading standards while engaged by challenging games.
As you may also know, we are fortunate to have the SUN After-school program back in place where students can get extra help on class material and learn about new and exciting topics in a creative, more focused atmosphere.
I am excited to see what this new school year brings us and cannot wait to get to know your children and families better as the year progresses. As always, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, praises or comments. Thank you for all you do and we are glad to have you as part of this wonderful community!

Sincerely,
Rolando Florez, Principal