The Lakefront

Principal's Message

Montebello Community,

We did it, we are finally "home"! We celebrated our triumphant return to 2040 E. 32nd Street and the Montebello community January 5, 2023. It would be an understatement to say that the students were excited to enter their newly renovated building. The students have been wonderful and the building is amazing. Parents were so excited to tour the building on the first day that we had to hold them back. Last week we conducted building tours for families and community members and had members of the National Junior Honor Society serve as tours guides. The goal was to provide families access without interrupting the regular school day and classes. For those who were unable to tour the building, future opportunities will be posted on Class Dojo.

The 2nd Quarter grading period has closed and you should expect to see report cards come home in the mail. If you are not receiving our messages on Class Dojo or through direct mail please check to see that we have the correct information in our systems. We want to be responsive to you and make sure that we have excellent two-way communication.

We are solidly in our budget season and last month we conducted our Priority Engagement Meeting, seeking input into where we should invest our resources. We have our Community Budget Forum upcoming where we will share our preliminary budget and get further input. This meeting will be on February 15, 2023 at 5:45 pm in the gymnasium. We will also host our Extra-curricular Activity Fair that evening. As we return to the community we have opened up the opportunities for clubs, athletics, and after-school activities. The sponsors of the clubs will be there to answer questions and sign students up.

Attendance for our students is still a major concern and we need your support in ensuring that students attend every day and are prepared to learn. If there are issues that are preventing regular school attendance, please reach out to our school social worker, Ms. Jaki McNeill or school counselor Mr. Hayim Zeif. We are reaching out to families and holding Student Support Team (SST) meetings to assist students and families.

We are wrapping up our Middle of the Year testing and we have had tremendous administration rates and have seen increases in student performance. We are excited that our students are learning and growing, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our caring staff.

Finally, it continues to be the ultimate honor to be principal of Montebello Elementary Middle School. Our goal is to provide the Montebello Community a learning experience and environment that is world class because our students and families deserve it. Thank you for partnering with us in creating the school that WE want.

Dolphin Pride,

Troy K. Mitchell, Principal

February Core Value - Compassion

A compassionate person is a person who feels deeply for another person as they experience the ups and downs associated with life. To be compassionate is to not just tell someone that you care, but also to show them that you care by being there before they even ask for it.

Black History Facts

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
The colors red, black, green, (and yellow) that are associated with the celebration of Black History Month in the United States origins can be traced back to early twentieth century Pan-Africanism and the Ethiopian national flag. The colors are not just decorative, but symbolize so much more.
Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans.
The Black History Month 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how "African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings," since the nation's earliest days.

ARCA is defined as any student who has missed 10% or more of the possible school days. This is a floating % based on the school day. (i.e. School day 80 / 8 absences = ARCA , School day 90 / 8 absences not ARCA). Students who miss 18 or more days at any point in the school year are identified as ARCA. We will continue to reach out to parents of students who have consecutive day absences or 3 or more days absent in a week to help identify barriers to attendance. The attendance team is also working on ways to address our attendance issues.

Montebello will be hosting it's first annual Science Fair in preparation for the Morgan State University Science Fair in March. Our goal is to ensure that we are presenting a balanced presentation of all of the core content areas with the same intentionality as we do Math and ELA. Many of our scholars are interested in science and we can use this as a gateway to the other core content areas. Be on the lookout for more information, details and resources from science teachers.

Baltimore Urban Debate League (BUDL)

The Baltimore Urban Debate League (BUDL) uses the art of speech and debate to change lives. BUDL brings learning to life by making it relevant, real, and fun. In competitive debate and in the debate classroom students do more than just memorize and repeat facts, they own and direct their learning, they approach a topic from their own perspective, and by doing so, they find their voice, their purpose, and their power. Students in BUDL develop a thirst for knowledge and become inspired to seek and utilize new information.

If your scholar is interested in participating in BUDL, please have them speak to Ms. McMurray.

Capoeria Club

Want to try Capoeira? Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that uses music and acrobatics. In Capoeira classes you will learn movements, how to play different instruments, learn songs in Portuguese and also Brazilian dances.

Registration: Jan. 30th - Feb. 8th

Classes start: February 13th

Days & Times:

Tuesday/Thursday 2:30 to 4 (3rd - 5th grade)

Wednesday 2:30 to 4 (6th - 8th grade)

If interested, please have your scholar see Mr. West.


Robotics The Montebello Dolphinators are off to a great start this season placing 2nd at the Robotics Skills Challenge held on October 15th. Robotics practice is held every Wednesday and Thursday beginning at 2:30. Students interested should see Mr. Artiaga, Ms. McDonald or Mr. Petrilla.	Student Government Association (SGA) Montebello is a proud to be part of the Maryland Association of Student Councils. The Student Government Association is a place where students can speak out, be heard, and make a change.	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.

Robotics

The Montebello Dolphinators are off to a great start this season placing 2nd at the Robotics Skills Challenge held on October 15th.

Robotics practice is held every Wednesday and Thursday beginning at 2:30. Students interested should see Mr. Artiaga, Ms. McDonald or Mr. Petrilla.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Montebello is a proud to be part of the Maryland Association of Student Councils. The Student Government Association is a place where students can speak out, be heard, and make a change.

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.

Registration closes on February 5th. Click here to register


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. Completed Candidate Forms are due to Ms. McNeill by Friday, February 3rd.	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. Completed Candidate Forms are due to Ms. McNeill by Friday, February 3rd.

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.

Completed Candidate Forms are due to Ms. McNeill by Friday, February 3rd.

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.

Completed Candidate Forms are due to Ms. McNeill by Friday, February 3rd.


Improving Reading Comprehension Families are the first teachers for students. Many of the strategies and content that we work on in school can be supported at home. Reading comprehension is an important skill that must be achieved for the academic success of our students. There are a few things that can be done at home to support student comprehension. Please use the following article to work with your students at home. https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources/developing-reading-skills/improve-reading-comprehension.html	PTO, Let's Get It Started A productive and involved PTO is what we envision at Montebello. The PTO serves as an advisory body for the Principal. The PTO is a formal organization composed of parents, teachers and community members that is intended to facilitate parental involvement and participation in the school to include fundraising and programming. If you are interested in being part of this important group, please complete the survey linked below.	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.

Improving Reading Comprehension

Families are the first teachers for students. Many of the strategies and content that we work on in school can be supported at home. Reading comprehension is an important skill that must be achieved for the academic success of our students. There are a few things that can be done at home to support student comprehension. Please use the following article to work with your students at home.

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources/developing-reading-skills/improve-reading-comprehension.html

PTO, Let's Get It Started

A productive and involved PTO is what we envision at Montebello. The PTO serves as an advisory body for the Principal. The PTO is a formal organization composed of parents, teachers and community members that is intended to facilitate parental involvement and participation in the school to include fundraising and programming. If you are interested in being part of this important group, please complete the survey linked below.

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.

Vaccinations

Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases, before they come into contact with them. The Code of Maryand (COMAR) requires that students receive immunizations on schedule to attend school. There are vaccinations required for every 1st and 7th grader in Maryland. The office staff will reach out to families to ensure that we have documentation supporting student vaccination status or exemption request. The district hold several vaccination clinics throughout the year to support families in getting the immunization on schedule. If you cannot get a pediatrician appointment or need support please reach out to Mrs. Roberts, the school secretary to assist in scheduling. See the attached schedule of required vaccinations from the Mayland Health Department.

COVID-19

Baltimore City Public Schools has discontinued asymptomatic COVID health screenings. As we continue to take mitigating precautions to reduce the spread, please consider having your student wear a mask. If your scholar tests positive they are required to quarantine for 5 days if there are no symptoms, masking for an additional ten (10) days. If symptoms persist students should quarantine for ten (10 ) days with masking when they return.


S- Pass Distribution If your student is experiencing issues riding the MTA bus, please have them see Mrs. Roberts in the main office.	School Bus/ Student Drop Off Parents/ Guardians.. please help us keep our scholars safe. The parent drop off lane should be used to drop your student off and go. We ask that you reframe from double parking and/or parking your car in the drop off lane as it will impede the flow of traffic.	Early Dismissals To ensure the safety of all of our students, we can not accommodate early dismissals after 1:30pm. If your student requires dismissal before 1:30pm we ask that you please send them to school with a note so that we can have them ready for your arrival.

S- Pass Distribution

If your student is experiencing issues riding the MTA bus, please have them see Mrs. Roberts in the main office.

School Bus/ Student Drop Off

Parents/ Guardians.. please help us keep our scholars safe. The parent drop off lane should be used to drop your student off and go. We ask that you reframe from double parking and/or parking your car in the drop off lane as it will impede the flow of traffic.

Early Dismissals

To ensure the safety of all of our students, we can not accommodate early dismissals after 1:30pm. If your student requires dismissal before 1:30pm we ask that you please send them to school with a note so that we can have them ready for your arrival.

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.

https://bcps-k12-md-us.zoom.us/j/86787259578


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

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 - February 2023/ March 2023

February 1, 2023- Early Release for Students (11:45am Dismissal)

February 15, 2023- Community Budget Forum / Extra-curricular Fair

February 17, 2023- Professional Development Day for Teachers, School Closed for Students

February 20, 2023- President's Day School Closed for Students

March 2, 2023- Quarter 3 Progress Report Distribution

March 8, 2023- Early Release for Students (11:45am Dismissal)

March 17, 2023- Professional Development Day for Teachers, School Closed for Students

March 30, 2023- End of Quarter 3

Accessibility

Troy Mitchell

The Lakefront

The Montebello School Newsletter: February 2023

The Lakefront

The Montebello School Newsletter: February 2023

Principal's Message

Montebello's Core Value of the Month

February Core Value - Compassion

February is Black History Month

Black History Facts

At Risk for Chronic Absence (ARCA)

A Reading by Principal Mitchell: School's First Day of School

Montebello's Building Tours

Big Wig Day

100th Day of School

Basketball Try-outs

Montebello's Community Budget Forum

Montebello Science Fair

Baltimore Urban Debate League (BUDL)

Capoeria Club

Robotics

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Green Team

Robotics

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Green Team

Girls on the Run

National Elementary Honor Society

Visual Arts Club

National Junior Honor Society

National Elementary Honor Society

Visual Arts Club

National Junior Honor Society

Get Involved!

Improving Reading Comprehension

PTO, Let's Get It Started

School Family Council

Improving Reading Comprehension

PTO, Let's Get It Started

School Family Council

Montebello PTO SY 22-23

Montebello SFC SY 22-23

Health Matters

Vaccinations

COVID-19

S- Pass Distribution

School Bus/ Student Drop Off

Early Dismissals

S- Pass Distribution

School Bus/ Student Drop Off

Early Dismissals

Parent Teacher Organization Meeting (PTO)

School Family Council Meeting (SFC)

School Uniforms

Technology

Parent Portal

School Uniforms

Technology

Parent Portal

Key Dates - February 2023/ March 2023

Montebello Elementary-Middle School - "Leaders and Learners on the Lake" (est.1922)

Baltimore City Public Schools

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