The Lakefront
The Montebello School Newsletter: December 2022
Principal's Message
Montebello Families,
As we enter the season of thanks and celebrate all that has been bestowed upon us, it important that I share my thanks with you our families and community partners for the role you play in our school. We are in a very exciting phase of our school, we are creating a culture that celebrates the diversity of our community and academic achievement.
This past month Montebello experienced two very powerful and memorable events in the history of the school. We celebrated our 8th Graders with an Inauguration Ceremony on November 11th, which officially recognizes them as the leaders of the school. The students displayed their talents and interests and parents were there to witness their growth and their acceptance of the mantle of leadership.
The second event was our inaugural Daddy/Daughter Dance on November 18th. This was an event to remember and our fathers and father figures showed up and showed out for our students. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the looks on the fathers' faces was priceless as they watched their daughters laugh, dance and play in their presence. This event was about making memories and I believe we truly did. The photos are posted on Montebello's Facebook page. Please take the opportunity to like and follow our page for school updates and events.
Thank you to all of the families who attended the Montebello Access meeting with the Department of Transportation. This meeting discussed the proposed access routes for students and families once we return to 2040 E. 32nd St. There will be major changes based on the closure of access to the reservoir. There will be updates forthcoming. The final 21st Century Schools' meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, December 8th @5:30 see the link below to register.
We are excited to announce that we are on schedule for our relocation back to 2040 E. 32nd Street in January. In preparation to our move the district has scheduled building tours and a ceremony for December 15, 2022 at 4:30 pm. Families should be receiving email invitations to RSVP from 21st Century Schools.
In preparation for the move Montebello will have a modified schedule the last week before Winter Break and we will return after other schools return. Please see the schedule below so that you can make arrangements and preparations. Students will be virtual December 20th, 21st and 22nd. They will return in-person on January 5th to 2040 E. 32nd St.
After we transition back into our "home" we will have many opportunities for clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities. We want to provide our students with a balanced education with both academics and activities that create a school culture that supports the diverse interests of our student body.
We invite parental involvement in school activities and ask that everyone who is able use the links below to become members of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and or School Family Council (SFC). Both are instrumental in the programming of our school. The next PTO meeting will be Wednesday, December 7th at 5:45 (virtual).
Lastly, it continues to be my honor to be the principal of Montebello Elementary Middle School and I look forward to the heights we can reach as a school community with your continued support.
Dolphin Pride,
Troy K. Mitchell, Principal
Modified Schedule - Winter Break
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - 4 hrs of synchronous virtual learning in the morning; early release day in afternoon
Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - 4 hrs of synchronous virtual learning in the morning; early release day in afternoon
Thursday, December 22, 2022 - 4 hrs of synchronous virtual learning in the morning; early release day in afternoon
Friday, December 23, 2022 - Winter Break, no school for students
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 - No school for students
Wednesday, January 4, 2023 - No school for students
Thursday, January 5, 2023 - Students return 2040 E. 32nd St @7:45
Montebello's Core Value of the Month
December Core Value - Charity
Montebello's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The 21st Century School Buildings Program invites you to attend a ribbon-cutting celebration to commemorate the opening of
Montebello Elementary Middle School
2040 E 32nd Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
Thursday, December 15
4:30 p.m.
This special event will be streamed live on City Schools' Facebook and YouTube.
From the Desk of Mr. Zeif - School Counselor
Lost & Found
8th Grade Inauguration
1st Annual Daddy/Daughter Dance
1st Quarter Attendance Incentive - Wakanda Forever
Robotics
The Montebello Dolphinators are off to a great start this season placing 2nd at the Robotics Skills Challenge held on October 15th.
Student Government Association (SGA)
The Green Team
The Montebello Green Team is a group of students who are passionate about recycling and the earth and want to make a difference at our school and in our community!
Please see Mrs. Schlein if you are interested in participating.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is a positive, after-school youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. Their mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Girls on the Run uplifts and empowers girls through thought-provoking discussion and fun activities and prepares them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
National Elementary Honor Society
The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) was established in 2008. NEHS recognizes students in both public and nonpublic elementary schools for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated personal responsibility. Through NEHS, students provide meaningful service to the school and community and develop essential leadership skills.
To be considered for Membership:
- Must be a 4th or 5th grader
- Minimum cumulative scholastic average of 87-89%, B+, or 3.5 on a 4.0 GPA scale.
- A student's selection will be based upon careful consideration of their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Responsibility.
Visual Arts Club
Do you want to be an artist?
Scholars, please come and be a part of the Montebello Visual Arts Club!
Join us weekly to get creative, and get support and encouragement as you hone your artistic discipline.
Every Monday & Tuesday from12pm-12:30pm
See Dr. T in Room 235 to sign up. Must have a pass to attend!
National Junior Honor Society
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a student group that was established in 1929 in order to help recognize and promote student achievement in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
To be considered for Membership:
- Must be a 6th, 7th or 8th grader
- Minimum cumulative scholastic average of 87-89%, B+, or 3.5 on a 4.0 GPA scale.
- A student's selection will be based upon careful consideration of their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character and Citizenship.
- Students who meet the minimum scholastic average will be notified at the end of the 2nd quarter.
Get Involved!
Times Tables
Students must master their basic math facts to improve and excel in mathematics. Helping your students learn their "times tables" will pay divends in the classroom and move them toward more independence and higher academic achievement. The article linked gives tips for supporting students' math growth and mastery.
https://kateshomeschoolmath.com/multiplication-facts-that-stick/
PTO, Let's Get It Started
School Family Council
Montebello's School Family Council is the committee that has input on school budget, programming and development of the School Performance Plan (SPP). We are always looking for dedicated individuals to assist with the heavy lift of directing our school into the 21st Century and ensuring our students have access to the best resources and curriculum possible. This body is led by Ms. Steeley Black and convenes the 3rd Wednesday of each month. If you are ready to make a difference, please complete the survey linked below.
Health Matters
Chicken Pox (Varicella)
Chickenpox is a disease that causes an itchy rash of blisters and a fever. A person with chickenpox may have as many as 500 blisters. The rash spreads over the whole body. Chickenpox can be serious, even life-threatening, especially in babies, adolescents, adults, people who are pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems.
Chickenpox usually causes the following symptoms:
- An itchy rash of blisters
- Fever
- Headache
- Feeling tired
Symptoms usually last about a week. In some cases, chickenpox can cause serious problems.
Some people who have been vaccinated against chickenpox can still get the disease, called breakthrough chickenpox. However, they usually have milder symptoms with fewer or no blisters (or just red spots), a mild or no fever, and are sick for a shorter period of time than people who are not vaccinated.
COVID-19
S- Pass Distribution
If your student is experiencing issues riding the MTA bus, please have them see Mrs. Roberts in the main office.
Bus Lane/ Yellow Bus Transportation
Parents/ Guardians.. please help us keep our scholars safe. If you transport your scholars to and from school we ask that you please reframe from dropping your students off in the cross walks and/or in the bus lane. Please drop your students off beyond the bus lane/ orange cones. Students can also be dropped off on Marietta and cross over Northern Parkway with the assistance of the crossing guard.
Early Dismissals
Parent Teacher Organization Meeting (PTO)
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a supportive and advisory body that supports school initiatives. The meetings are every second Wednesday of the month. Meetings begin at 5:45 pm. We need your input! Your voice matters!
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/5609563156?pwd=VTNPZkt5NkFDVjRQZ1NSd3lYNkt4dz09#success
School Family Council Meeting (SFC)
Montebello hosts their monthly SFC meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. The SFC is an advisory organization that supports the implementation of the School Performance Plan as well as the school's mission and vision. Meetings begin promptly at 6 pm. Please be part of the solution and help us create the school you want to see.
School Uniforms
Montebello, like all Baltimore City Public Schools, is a uniform school. Our accepted uniform consists of either khaki or blue pants, “skorts”, plaid knee length skirts or jumpers and either a yellow or blue polo top. Students can also wear Montebello logo t-shirts and/or hoodies in three different styles. Jeans, sweatpants as well as hair bonnets are not allowed.
Technology
Please don't forget that your scholar is supposed to bring their device with them daily. If your scholars device is broken please have them turn it in to their teacher so that a new one can be requested. If you scholars device has been lost/stolen a police report is required in order for a new device to be requested. Please contact City School's Information Technology Department at 443.642.3000 or visit them at 200 E. North Ave 21201, if your scholar is having technical issues with the device that you have been issued. Proper ID is required.
Parent Portal
Parents/ Guardians please don't forget that Parent Portal can be used to access information about your scholars grades, assignments, attendance, schedules and more. You can access parent portal by clicking:
https://baltimore.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/bcps.jsp
If you don't have a Parent Portal account click here
Key Dates - December 2022/ January 2023
December 3, 2022- School Choice Fair
December 14, 2022- Early Release (11:45 Dismissal)
December 15, 2022- Montebello Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
December 14-16, 2022- Quarter 2 Progress Report Distribution
December 19, 2022- Last day of in person classes at PDC
December 20-22, 2022- 4 hrs of synchronous virtual learning in the morning; early release day in afternoon
December 23- January 2, 2023- Schools Closed for Winter Break
January 3- 4, 2022- Schools Closed for Students
January 5, 2023- Classes Resume @ 2040 E. 32nd Street @ 7:45am
January 11, 2023- Early Release (11:45 Dismissal)
January 16, 2023- MLK Holiday: School's Closed
January 20, 2023- Quarter 2 Ends
January 23, 2023- Schools Closed Professional Development Day for Teachers
Montebello Elementary-Middle School - "Leaders and Learners on the Lake" (est.1922)
Email: montebelloemschool@gmail.com
Website: http://montebelloschool.org
Location: 2500 E. Northern Pkwy, Baltimore, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 396-6576
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montebellodolphins