July 14, 2026
Dear Lion Families:
I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy a well-deserved break and are feeling refreshed as we dive into another exciting year at Mill Creek Elementary School (MCES).Whether you’re returning to our school family or joining us for the first time, we’re excited to have you with us. To our returning families, thank you for your continued trust and support. To our new families, a warm and heartfelt welcome—we can’t wait to get to know you and make this year unforgettable together! We are looking forward to a great year of growth, discovery, and amazing moments ahead. We’re so excited to have you with us on this journey!
Vision
To be a school of urban leadership promoting inclusivity, empathy and kindness
Mission
Empower young leaders to become compassionate, responsible citizens, who contribute positively to their community and the world
Core Values
Compassion, Courage and Community
Motto
We Create Leaders For Life!
Expectations
L: Listen and Follow All Directions- Eyes watching, ears listening, body still
E: Engage in (Y)our Learning- Stay focused, participate, & give (y)our best effort
A: Allow Feedback- Allow feedback with kindness & grow from it
D: Do (Y)our Best- Try hard, don’t give up, & take pride in (y)our work
Pledge
I am a Mill Creek Lion, strong and bold, my roar for learning will never grow old.
I pledge to LEAD safely in all I do, protecting myself and others, too.
I pledge to LEAD responsibly, every day, making good choices along the way.
I pledge to LEAD respectfully, with kindness and grace, making my school a welcoming place.
26-27 Theme: LOVE. LEARN. LEAD.
Please review and complete ALL the documents in this packet. Please complete them for each child at MCES and bring them to MCES for the Back-to-School Bash date. (sent via USPS) |
SAVE THE DATES!
Kindergarten Orientation: July 22nd & July 23rd- 9-12pm, 12-3pm
Join us for student “first day” practice, first day info and teacher meet & greet.
1st -5th Orientation: August 3rd- 3-5pm
Join us for first day info and teacher meet & greet. Come at any time during the window! Please bring the completed registration form.Paper forms will be mailed to addresses on file next week.
School Hours: Start Time - 7:30 AM. Dismissal Time - 2:10 PM.
The front door and car rider door will open to students at 7:00 AM. Car Riders and Walkers must be picked up by 2:30 PM. Buses will roll by 2:15 PM.
Picture Day: Monday, October 8th
Make-up Picture Day: Thursday, November 12th
Meals: Mill Creek/JCPS offers free breakfast and lunch to all students. Breakfast is 7:00-7:25 AM. Students may bring lunch from home, however we do ask that restaurant food be brought in only if it's not in its original packaging and we also do not permit sodas or large bags of chips. Snack-sized bags or small baggies of chips are acceptable.
Supplies: Mill Creek provides all classroom supplies for our students, so there’s no need to worry about purchasing these items.
Transportation: Our office team is working hard to ensure all transportation details are current. If you haven’t updated your information yet, please call us at 502-485-8301 to make sure we have the correct details for your child. This is essential for ensuring your child’s safe transportation to and from school. If you have moved recently, look out for a transportation letter from the District.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures:
Buses and Vans: ONLY JCPS buses and authorized vans use the main entrance and front circle between 6:30-7:30am and 1:45-2:30pm.
Cars: ONLY cars authorized with Mill Creek car tag(s) use the car rider entrance on Matheis Lane off Dixie Highway, starting at 7:00-7:30am for arrival and 2:00-2:30pm for dismissal. *First days of school may extend car rider drop-off and pick-up, please be patient!
Walkers: ONLY Mill Creek students who are walking use the main entrance starting at 7:00am for arrival and exit 2 side doors for dismissal at 2:10pm.
Late Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Please escort student(s) and sign-in after 7:30 am.for late drop-off at front entrance. Please have an ID or Mill Creek car tag after 2:30pm for late pick-up at front entrance.*First days of school may extend car rider drop-off and pick-up, please be patient!
Early Pick-Up: Please ensure a parent/guardian or designated adult (18 years of age or older) is listed on the “Authorization for Pick-Up Check-out form”. Only authorized adults on the form with picture identification will check out a student. Early car pick-up’s MUST occur before 1:45pm at the front entrance to prepare for bus dismissal. Car pick-ups after 1:45 will be directed to the carpool line and the student will be notified to report there for dismissal.
The office closes at 3:00pm. *First days of school may extend the time until 3:30pm. Please follow arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure a smooth and safe start and end to each day!
Uniform Purchase Options: Spirit Wear T-shirts will be available for purchase online. A link to purchase will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Dress Code: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Students must wear a polo shirt in ANY COLOR (Mill Creek logo or plain), or a Mill Creek spirit t-shirt/sweatshirt, paired with black, khaki, or navy uniform pants, skirts, or jumpers. *For any uniform assistance, reach out to Randell Austin, our Family Resource Coordinator, at 502-313-4505.
FRIDAY ONLY: Option to wear jeans without holes showing large amounts of skin with a polo shirt, Mill Creek spirit t-shirt, or a college shirt.
If you have any questions before the first day, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school office at 502-485-8301
Warmly,
Dr. LaRhonda Mathies (Dr. M)
Principal, Mill Creek Elementary
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Hello New and Returning Lion Families!
See below for necessary and linked information from our school to give our new and returning Lions a head start for next year.
Contacts at the school (502-482-8301) who can help and with what:
Dr. Mathies- Principal - Academics & Behavior, Supervision & Evaluation, Safety
Mr. Taylor - Assistant Principal - Academics & Behavior, Supervision & Evaluation, Safety
Ms. Taylor - Counselor - Socio-emotional Learning, 504s, Gifted & Talented, Testing
Ms. Brittany - School Administrative Manager - Enrollment & Transfers, Attendance & Records
Mr. Austin- Family Resource Coordinator - Student Athletics & Activities, Family Engagement & Community Services
School Calendar for 2026-2027 -LINK
PTA Membership Link - LINK join PTA online and with our Community Logo Swag - shirts, magnets, etc. Proceeds of PTA sales support our PTA events and students and classrooms.
MCES Website - staff emails, information about our school LINK
Health and Medical Forms - LINK - please ensure that your child’s health forms are complete prior to the opening of school. Students should be up to date on state-required vaccines.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures - here, please review BEFORE the first day of school (may be subject to change before the end of July) LINK
Transportation - we will be confirming transportation during the month of July by phone. Please talk with your family about how your child will be transported.
In order to let us know about your student’s transportation needs:
Incoming Kindergarten to 5th-grade students need to complete
Identification Notice - You must have your state Identification or driver’s license to enter the school building. Please plan accordingly prior to the first day of school. This is state law and district policy.