Monty's Mail
January 22, 2024
Principal's Corner
Here is the news from Montclair Elementary! I am happy to introduce Mr. Maliek Conway to the Montclair elementary school team. Mr. Conway is our new security assistant and supports the general security and safety policies of the school. Mr. Conway is super friendly and greets the students each day with a smile. We are pleased to have Mr. Conway as an added, visible component of PWCS safety and security at Montclair. Keeping the school and students safe is a high priority for PWCS.
On another note, we are happy to report that our chronic absentism has been averaging around 9% which is a 6 percentage point improvement from last year. A helpful rule of thumb, especially if your child has been out several times this year, is no more than one to two absences a month. Special congratulations to the families of 100 students who have missed zero school days so far, followed up by another 95 students with only 1 absence and another 85 students with just 2 absences. That’s about 50% of our students with 2 absences or less! Being in school really makes a difference with student learning! Have a wonderful week!
Mr. Slayter and Mr. Miller
School Office
As the midway point of the 2023-2024SY approaches, we'd like to remind you of the importance of keeping your student's records current. This helps us ensure we're able to keep you informed, as well as contact you during urgent/emergency situations.
Communication is key to keeping you informed regarding all aspects of your student's educational journey and keeping them safe. If you've recently changed any essential information (e.g. phone number, email, home address or points of contact), please complete the PWCS Back to School Packet located in ParentVue.
Upcoming Calendar:
Friday, January 26 - Parent/Teacher Conferences; students dismissed at 12:05
Monday, January 29 - Teacher Workday,; no school
2024-2025 Transfer Forms
Transfer season for the 2024-25 school year is now open and will be closed on April 30, 2024. Transfer forms must be completed every year. Please refer to the attached link for information.
Grades K-8 Transfer Request Procedures - Prince William County Public Schools
Music News
Mrs.Shotwell would like to share that all music classes have begun the annual ukulele unit. If your student has a ukulele at home they wish to bring, they may bring it on their music day. This is not a requirement to participate in this unit.
Lost & Found
Since the beginning of the school year, we have collected many items left behind from our students. All items have been boxed/bagged, and we welcome you to come into school and search for any item(s) that your child(ren) may be missing. We are beginning a new collection of tems this month, and these will be hung in the cafeteria for viewing.
Digital Device Handbook
As devices go home it is crucial that care and responsibility are used. Please take a moment to look at the Digital Device Handbook.
It is very important that devices are returned to school each day. Not having your device at school will not be an excuse for not participating in class or completing assignments. An alternative paper pencil task will be provided. Montclair does not have "extra" devices to loan students when a device is forgotten. the ipads
*Please keep food and water away from all devices.
*Please carry devices with 2 hands.
*Please do not leave device on the floor.
*Please close up device when not in use.
*When traveling to and from school, devices should be powered off.
Counselors' Corner
Specialty school applications are due on February 1, 2024. Please visit the following page for more detailed information if needed: https://www.pwcs.edu/academics___programs/advanced_academics___specialty_programs/specialty_programs/inde
Should you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Karen Smith (Grade 3-5) or Mrs. Adrienne McDonald (Grades K-2).
Clinic News
Did you know the following information about the flu vaccine?
Experts, including those at the C.D.C., say it's better to get the vaccine late than to skip it entirely. Flu season runs from October to May, with a peak usually occurring in February. Getting vaccinated at any time during the season can keep you from falling ill and missing work or school.
PTCO News
Mark your Calendars: Spirit Night on January 26th!
January 26th is a half-day for students. Let's start the weekend early with food, fun and friends at Chuck E. Cheese! A portion of all purchases from 3-9pm will be donated back to Montclair Elementary, so take a night off from cooking, charge up those game cards, and join your fellow Cardinals for a fun night out to support our school!
The Results are in...
Congratulations to our 3rd graders for winning this year's Coin Wars! Collectively, our school raised nearly $1300 that will put new books in every classroom. Thank you all for your generosity!
Coming Soon: Valentine's Day Flower Sales
The PTCO will once again be selling carnations for $2 for delivery on Valentine's Day! Keep an eye on your students' backpacks for the information coming soon!
Patrol of the Month
Congratulations to Embassy Torres, our December Patrol of the Month. Awesome job Embassy!
December Pride Pass Winners
The theme for December was "Problem Solving". Pride pass winners are selected by either their teacher, or by their classmates. The winners, listed below by grade level, received a celebratory lunch with Mr. Slayter and Mr. Miller. Congratulations to the following students:
KG: Kenneth Burge, Elizabeth Harfmann, Raegan Knight, Joel Wiafe
1st: Yena Chon, Alejandra Coles, Easton Griffith, Weston Hughes
2nd: Keehan Abbasi, Zayla Alexander, Jamela Ba, Kayla Merlin
3rd: Ali Aruobzai, Juliette Bennett, Honesty Byrd, Bastian Fuentes, Sebah Ibrahim, Josef Vargas Benitez
4th: Joey Bruno, Jayden Mejia Moreno, Emily Pumphrey, Bristol Yandura
5th: Madison Caulder, Makayla Ferguson, Joel Owusu, Mellicent Thompson
Substitute Positions
Have you ever considered being a substitute in Prince William County Schools. Montclair Elementary would love for you to join us. Please see the attached flyer for information.
Scan the QR code to apply or go to www.pwcs.edu/jobs