Monroe Elementary News
January 18, 2019
Message from the Principal
Things are back into full swing following the holiday break. We've gained a few new kiddos into the Monroe family. It always warms my heart when I see how our students welcome others with open arms and quickly help them adjust to their new surroundings and expectations.
Have a great week!
Micki Hughes
News to Use
Students of the Month
December's Students of the Month were chosen for their Perseverance (continuing to try, staying focused, continuing to work, and staying positive). The students chosen were: Kenny Graham, Liberty Beach, Daniel Baltazar-Santos, Joshua Alcorn, Kevin Ibarra, Emilly Riley, Cody Purdum, Katy Talik, Caden Petersheim, Destiny Arthur, Quinn McNamara, Kylie Trout, TJ Maynard, Darby Headings, Addyson Clifton, Mariela Vazquez-Osorio, Natalie Cruz, Luke Harrell, Arthur Byerly, Aaron Sargeant, Conner Hester, Isabella Crosby, Chance Borden, and Paige Sifrit.
January's Students of the Month were chosen for their Integrity (telling the truth, doing what they say they will do, meaning what they say, and making smart choices even when no one is looking). The students chosen were: Emilio Garcia-Rodriguez, Aiden Osorio-Vazquez, Korrine Mitchell, Ari Ross, Max Reichenbach, Kamy Webb, Molly McNamara, Cara Curtiss, Mason Petersheim, Addy Kauffman, Lane Miller, Esmeralda Jimenez-Santos, Byron Byerly, Alex Reichenbach, Justin Butcher, Alice Marcos-Amaya, Melanie Knapp-Messer, Xavier Nicols, and Alana Troyer.
Notes From the Literacy Coach
JONATHAN ALDER TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
CURRENT STATE:
The transportation department truly appreciates the adjustments and patience families have demonstrated through these past few months while we have been experiencing a shortage of drivers. Our current drivers are doing a fantastic job but injuries, illness, and family emergencies have created a void. We are doing our best to make sure everyone is picked up and dropped off on time. We are aware that altering routes to provide coverage has caused some confusion and has not always been smooth.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
To accommodate for the personnel challenges and make improvements, we will be developing new routes for the entire district over the next few weeks. The new routes will begin operations on Friday, February 1st. We are rolling out the new routes on a Friday so we can evaluate, adjust, and tweek as needed over the weekend. It is our goal to stabilize times for all pickups and dropoffs.
NEW DRIVERS:
Overall, we would like to stabilize our workforce. In order to do this, we need more drivers. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team as a bus driver, please feel free to contact us at 614-873-4642. Ask for Rachel Miller or Mark Fenik .
Requirements to be a driver for a school district are:
A driver needs a CDL-B license with passenger endorsement. The process to acquire this license includes these steps:
The driver in training must study for and take a written test at the DMV. After passing this test, the driver will be given a temporary license. Then they call JA transportation ...
The driver must have at least 12 hours of training with a certified bus instructor. (We have two at Jonathan Alder). On average, training usually takes approximately 20-30 hours for a new driver. We work around each individual’s schedule, therefore, expect the process to take a few months.
A driver must also attend preservice classes with Evette Moody or Mike Hoffner. These classes last for four or five days; each class is about four hours.
Drivers must pass a driving test at a state facility using one of our buses (a JA trainer will drive you to the location). FYI - There is a statewide shortage of testers at these limited facilities. It usually takes a few months before we can get the appointment scheduled. We will make the appointment for you.
Also required is a pre-employment drug screening, background check, and physical.
Additionally, potential drivers must pay for their classes. However, after a driver has driven for 90 days with Jonathan Alder LSD, Jonathan Alder will reimburse the individual.
We know the process is long and involved. However, when our drivers finish, they are prepared and qualified to drive with the high standards we expect.
FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS:
Currently, we are analyzing all aspects of our department. We appreciate your continued assistance and will strive to build a stronger department. Areas we plan to focus on include:
Personnel
Routing
Dispatch Capabilities
Communications
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For questions or concerns, please call either Rachel Miller or Mark Fenik at 614-873-4642.
JA Latchkey at Monroe Elementary
"We are a non-profit before and after school program for students in Kindergarten through 4th grades. JA Latchkey is open to all students attending Monroe and parents are able to enroll in our program anytime for the current school year. Registration for 2019-2020 will begin February 4th! Please feel free to stop by our program to talk with us, visit our website: jalatchkey.org or contact our main office at: 614-793-8077."