The Lakefront

Principal's Message

Montebello Community,

We are excited to be home and the building is abuzz with activities. We have opened up our extracurriculars now that we are home and we have basketball, cheerleading, step, Capoeira, wrestling, robotics, Baltimore Urban Debate League, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and SGA keeping our building going after dismissal. We are excited about the opportunities that students have to stay connected to the school and develop those skills that will make them successful in the future. We appreciate your support for our scholars.

We held the second of our three school budget meetings last month. We have taken your input into consideration as we prepare a budget to present to the district for approval. There will be some changes in programming based on our allocated funds but there will be no decrease in services or access for our students. There will be a final meeting scheduled for March 15, 2023 at 5:45 in the gymnasium that everyone is invited to for the presentation of the approved budget for SY 23-24.

You asked for it and now its happening. Due to the overwhelming success of the Daddy/Daughter Dance in November we will be hosting our first Mother/Son Dance this month on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the school. If you are interested in coming please use the flyer that was shared on Class Dojo, the linked flyer in this newsletter or the one distributed to families to register for the dance. We must have an accurate count to ensure we have enough resources and space to guarantee that our guests have memorable evening.

Montebello will be distributing 3rd Quarter progress reports this month. This means that it is the halfway point in the quarter. Please make sure that you are monitoring your students progress between official marking periods by logging in the Parent Portal. Students will have an early release day on March 8, 2023 for parent conferences. Teachers will be distributing sign-ups for families to register for these conferences.

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 entering our end of year assessment window and will begin the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) testing for our 5th and 8th Grade Science Scholars. Encourage your students to come to school daily and to do their best on the test. Although we will have make-up sessions we want to test as many students in the original window as possible.

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

March Core Value - Responsibility

People who are responsible don't make excuses for their actions or blame others when things go wrong. They think things through and use good judgment before they take action. They behave in ways that encourage others to trust them.

Women's History Facts

The first Women's History Day was celebrated on February 28, 1909 in New York City.
The first Women's History Week was celebrated in Santa Rosa, California in 1978.
Women's History Month began in 1987.
The Women's History Month theme for 2023 is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. This year, the National Women's History Alliance "will encourage the recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media."

To learn more Women's History Fact visit https://www.womansday.com/life/a34908026/womens-history-month-facts/

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.

The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is administered to all students in fifth grade, eighth grade, and high school. The MISA is aligned to the Maryland Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS integrate three dimensions necessary to understand science. The dimensions are the Science and Engineering Practices, the Crosscutting Concepts, and the Disciplinary Core Ideas.

Montebello's Daisy Girl Scouts

Is your Kindergarten or First Grade scholar interested in becoming a Daisy Girl Scout. If so, please join the Zoom Interest Meeting being held on Wednesday, March 1st from 6pm to 7pm.

What: Montebello's Daisy Girl Scouts Troop #4315

Who: Girls aged 5-7

When: 1st Monday of the Month from 2:45pm to 3:45pm

Where: Mrs. Whites Classroom

Why: To help you girls develop courage, character and confidence.

Cost: $38 for yearly membership and $23 for Tunic

For more information, please contact Troop Leader, Mrs. White @ daisysgsatmontebello@gmail.com or call 667.895.7102

Daisy Interest form click here


Baltimore Urban Debate League 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. If your scholar is interested in participating in BUDL, please have them speak to Ms. McMurray.	Choir Do you have the voice of an angel? Do you enjoy harmonizing with others? If yes, join Montebello's choir. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30pm starting March 1st. Meet in the Band Room. For more information, please have your scholar speak to Mrs. Roberts or Mrs. McEachern in the main office.	Capoeira 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. 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.

Baltimore Urban Debate League

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.

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

Choir

Do you have the voice of an angel? Do you enjoy harmonizing with others? If yes, join Montebello's choir.

Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30pm starting March 1st. Meet in the Band Room.

For more information, please have your scholar speak to Mrs. Roberts or Mrs. McEachern in the main office.

Capoeira

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.

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.


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.	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.

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.

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.


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 Maryland (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 holds 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 Maryland 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 - March 2023/April 2023

March 2, 2023- Quarter 3 Progress Report Distribution

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

March 8, 2023- NEHS/NJHS Induction Ceremony

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

March 24, 2023- Mother-Son Dance

March 30, 2023- End of Quarter 3

April 3-10, 2023- Spring Break, School Closed for Teachers and Students

April 11, 2023- Classes resume

April 21, 2023- Professional Development Day for Teachers, School Closed for Students

Accessibility

Troy Mitchell

The Lakefront

The Montebello School Newsletter: March 2023

The Lakefront

The Montebello School Newsletter: March 2023

Principal's Message

Montebello's Core Value of the Month

March Core Value - Responsibility

March is Women's History Month

Women's History Facts

At Risk for Chronic Absence (ARCA)

100th Day of School

Big Wig Day

Mother Son Dance

Montebello's Mother-Son Dance

Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA)

Montebello's Daisy Girl Scouts

Baltimore Urban Debate League

Choir

Capoeira

Baltimore Urban Debate League

Choir

Capoeira

Robotics

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Green Team

Robotics

Student Government Association (SGA)

The Green Team

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 - March 2023/April 2023

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

Baltimore City Public Schools

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