Last Wednesday, we welcomed 1200 students back to school, and on day six, we have settled into the new year with enthusiasm.

Today concluded our class meetings. We brought each class together and shared hopes, dreams, and expectations. They are truly four amazingly unique classes and we look forward to working with them in many different capacities, from homecoming and prom planning to student government and school improvement.

Our Back to School Night is September 21 from 6:00-8:00, but in advance of our meeting, we wanted to share which administrator is working with each class:

• Andrea Trotter, ninth grade administrator
• Lisa Peregoy, tenth grade administrator
• Wendell Green, 11th grade administrator
• Beth Costa, 12th grade administrator

September 4: Labor Day (school holiday)

September 4: Labor Day (No School)

September 18: First Clubs Meeting (Mustang Morning)

September 21: Back to School Night (6:00 pm)

September 28: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (all 3 lunches)

September 29: DPLC and PD Day (schedule TBD)

October 18/24: Conferences

photo cred: Rob Garland, MHS Photography teacher

1. Senior "release" lunch begins September 5. Please reinforce that seniors should not be leaving until 9/5 and only with a pass.
2. Grades 9-11 do not have an open campus or release for lunch and they eat in the cafeteria, library, or with a teacher (and have a pass).
3. School begins at 8:55. Unless students are on a late bus or their parent/guardian notifies us of a late arrival, students are considered tardy after 8:55.
4. The school closes at 4:00 unless students are staying for practice or with a teacher (should be prearranged). Students may not stay in the building after 4:00, as there is no supervision for them.
5. Cell phones are not allowed to be used from bell to bell during each instructional block.
6. MHS is lucky to have several mental health supports for our students. Our mental health team was introduced during the meeting.
7. Matt Pearman, our athletic director, challenged all students to find ways to get involved (e.g. sports, activities, clubs, music, theater, etc.). Our student participation continues to grow each year!
8. Attendance matters. We will have our attendance team monitoring missed classes and school days for early intervention. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist your child.

Mark your calendars: our 9th, 10th, and 11th grade Picture Days are approaching quickly on September 7th and 8th! Our makeup day is November 30th.

On those days, students will travel with their Freshmen Seminar (9th) and English class (10th and 11th) to the Auditorium and Atrium to sit for pictures. These photo sessions are free of charge. You may purchase prints after you receive your proofs; there is no need to bring order forms before Picture Days. Our photographer, Strawbridge Studios, prepares and delivers proofs about 4-6 weeks after Picture Days, and these contain an online order code. We will distribute them through English classes.

We kindly request that all students sit for pictures. It is important that we maintain updated records where we have an accurate photo on file for each student. Additionally, these pictures are used by Strawbridge Studios to prepare Student IDs. If a student does not sit for a picture, they will not receive a Student ID.

We are here to help if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Shannon Deegan

sdeegan@k12albemarle.org

Frequently asked questions

I am worried that the school will print the wrong name on my School ID. How do I fix that?

First, be sure to address this issue as soon as possible, and definitely before Picture Days. We cannot adjust it after Picture Days. If your name in PowerSchool is not what you and your family wish to be printed on the Student ID, talk with your counselor ASAP and work with them to adjust the name in PowerSchool. Changing the name that appears in the yearbook is much easier and can be done later; for those issues, contact Ms. Nagypaul, the Yearbook Adviser.

My English class is not at Monticello, or I take my English class remotely, or I know I’ll be absent from English class/Freshmen Seminar those days. When should I get my photo?

Please stop by anytime during Picture Days to be photographed on your own, without your class. You can visit before school or during lunch on either Picture Day. Our photographers are available from 8:45am - 3:30pm on September 7th and 8th in the Auditorium and the Atrium. Meanwhile, your proofs will still be delivered to your English teacher 4-6 weeks after Picture Days, even if they teach at Center 1. Makeup Picture Day is November 30th.

When will seniors be photographed?

October 9th and 10th, also through English classes.

All drivers must have a parking pass to park in our lots. Sophomores and Juniors park in the lots at the athletic fields. Seniors park in the upper lot by the purple doors. Passes are $35 and can be purchased with the application in the main office.

Here is the link to the application: https://mohs.k12albemarle.org/students

Monticello clubs are an important part of our school offerings. We will have an informational session during seminar on September 11 that shares all of the different clubs we offer. Students also have an opportunity to suggest a club (e.g. basketball, Dungeons and Dragons, etc.). All they need is a group and a teacher sponsor.

Clubs will run twice a month. Our September clubs are 9/18 and 9/25

Mustang Morning (MM) begins on Tuesday, 9/5. Students will learn more about this year's structure in their seminar class on Friday. Typically, Monday will be our MM sign up day, but because of the holiday, students will sign up for next week's sessions on Friday.

Mustang Morning is an academic time in our school day. Students can work on homework, get help from a teacher, or seek help from a peer tutor. Students can also get research help or check out a book from the library.

Teen vaping has become a national epidemic. We have seen an increase in teen vaping over the years, and while we work every day to combat it, teen use seems to continue to grow at alarming rates. Starting tomorrow, all grade levels will meet with our Region 10 counselor, Chris Cochrain, to talk about some of the reasons teens vape, what to do if they are addicted, and what are some healthy habits to replace vaping. Chris has shared some parent information in the PDF below.