On behalf of the Mills faculty and staff, I would like to welcome the nearly 400 new students and all our returning students. Mills has earned a reputation of academic excellence through the hard work of our students, teachers, parents, and staff. Mills has been consistently ranked among the top performing schools in San Mateo County by the California Department of Education and supports a wide array of exemplary academic, athletic, and social opportunities for students of all abilities and interests. The mission of Mills High School is to challenge and motivate each student to achieve his or her full potential as a responsible member of our diverse community in a safe learning environment environment that promotes intellectual growth, health, creativity, and respect for self and others.

We are proud of the accomplishments of our school and are excited to share our Mills Pride in the upcoming year.

During the 2006-2007 school year, Mills will continue to implement a seven period day to support all students in successfully achieving the academic core. The core program prepares students for upper division work as well as providing the necessary foundation for meeting University of California/California State University entry requirements. The seven period day will offer more opportunities for students to take support classes and other course offerings including World Languages, Visual and Performing Arts, and vocational educational classes. Please review the new bell schedule. The schedule is also posted on the school website at www.millshigh.org.

Unlike last year, Mills will schedule students opting to take 6 classes in periods 1-6 and 2-7. This will allow us to maximize the opportunities for students to enroll in the 7 period day. Please understand this will mean that roughly 33% of our students will be scheduled periods 1-6, 33% 2-7, and the remainder of students scheduled 1-7.

To prevent students from missing class, athletes who participate in two or more sports will be given priority for being scheduled 1-6.

Phase Two of the Mills modernization will be completed by the start of school. Mills will open eight new science labs, three general education classrooms, and a new music room. We are excited about the project and eagerly await the completion of these classrooms. Mills genuinely appreciates the community’s support of this project.

I appreciate your taking the time to read over the materials included in this packet and strongly encourage you to stay involved in your child’s education by joining the Mills Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Mills Musical and Arts Group (MMAG), Athletic Boosters or other parent groups of interest. By working together and staying involved in your child’s school, parents send a clear message demonstrating the importance of their child’s education.