The Roar of the Mountain Lions
Monterey Elementary - March 2023
Principal's Message
They say the best view comes after the hardest climb. March 2023 marks the three-year anniversary of when we received the news that schools would be closing for the remainder of the year due to the pandemic that still lingers on today. While Monterey and Roanoke City Public Schools have adapted, adjusted, and supported our students, families, and staff well, we have also grown tremendously through this incredible learning experience. Every student, staff and parent that has endured the productive struggle with us has shown great determination, flexibility, resilience, and grit. Our teamwork and collaboration as well as shared grace is what continues to see us through. I am proud of our ability as a school and community to trust one another along the journey. We all have had to be transparent and vulnerable to allow each other to grow, learn and make progress. Together we can celebrate three years worth of growth. As I reflect, every day may not have been a good day but there was something good about every day at Monterey!
Thank you as always for supporting our students, teachers, and staff. In February we had a very successful paint night thanks to our PTA and Ms. Leslie. March continues to bloom for us as we get to celebrate reading with Read Across America week, enjoy Goodies with Grown-Ups, battle each other in a fun game of Penny Wars, prepare for another family engagement STEAM night. Stay connected with us as we MARCH into spring! The world is full of beautiful places. Always remember that Monterey Elementary is one of them!
Stay Blessed,
Morgan Strother, Principal
Partnering with Parents
Monterey is offering our first “Partnering with Parents” meeting on March 10th from 8:00-8:30am in the library. This will take place right after the event, “Goodies with Grownups.” This is collaborative opportunity to learn more about how to help your child manage big emotions in a healthy way. The session will provide information on why and how student respond to big emotions as well as strategies (including a make and take opportunity) that parents/guardians can easily implement at home. This is open to all parents/guardians. If you have questions about “Partnering with Parents” please call the school office (540) 853-2933.
Read Across American Week (Feb. 27th-March 3rd)
We are excited for our school community to celebrate reading with Read Across America week (Feb. 27th- March 3rd). Please see the flyer below for more information about the Read Across America spirit week.
Community Resources: Can you help?
At the annual cookout (May 25th), we are looking for resources that can benefit our school community. Examples of resources include but are not limited to: mental health resources, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, medical resources, food resources, etc.
If you or someone you know could provide information on a community resource and would like to share the resource information at the May 25th cookout, please click the link and fill out the form.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-2024 school year opens March 6th.
Visit our website for details on registering, including registration forms, required documentation, and eligibility requirements. Kindergarten Registration
Cellphones
Cellphones should not be brought to class or used while at school. If a student brings a cellphone to school, it should remain off and in the student’s bookbag. If a student has his/her phone out in class or during the school day, the cellphone will be collected by the teacher or administrator and returned at the end of the day.
Clothing Donations
As you begin Spring Cleaning, please keep in mind that our nurse can always use gently used clothes. There is a specific need for pants. All elementary sizes are accepted, but specific sizes include girl leggings/sweatpants/short size 7/8 & 10/12 AND boy sweatpants/shorts size 6, 7/8, and 10. New undergarments in the above sizes are also needed. If you are able to donate, please send in the items and a note with your child or drop off at the office
Message From the PTA
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all the families who participated in our annual Paint Night! And thank you to our wonderful art teacher, Ms. Leslie for her excellent leadership. It was a successful fundraiser for our PTA and most importantly an evening of fun for family and community building!
Upcoming Events:
Penny Wars: Feb 27-March 10
It is time for students to collect their pennies (nickels, dimes and quarters) and drop them into their grade level’s jug in the hallway outside the gym in the morning. Gain points for all the coins you drop in. Drop a bill into another grade's jug in order to subtract points. The grade with the most POINTS (not necessarily money) wins the school approved prize of their choice.
Goodies with Grown-ups: March 10 from 7:10am-8:00am in the cafeteria
Students bring a grown-up (mom, dad, grandparents, guardians, aunt, uncle, step-parents, or special guest) and enjoy a pastry or donut and juice. If you missed the RSVP deadline and would like to come, please be in touch with your student's teacher to let them know you are planning to attend.
Dominos's Pizza Spirit Night: Tuesday, March 21st
Plan for a pizza dinner on Tuesday, March 21st by ordering from Domino’s Pizza located at 4826 Hollins Rd. A percentage of sales will come back to Monterey's PTA for all those who show a flyer OR mention they are with Monterey when picking up their order.
STEAM Night on April 20th
Look for more information soon about a fun evening of STEAM activities, plus a silent auction.
Parent Feedback
The PTA is seeking your input for events and activities sponsored by the PTA. Please take 2-3 minutes to fill out the survey to help Monterey's PTA plan fun and engaging events for our school community! Click here to complete the survey: https://forms.office.com/r/9UbDjYLnVf
Still need to join our PTA? Follow these simple steps:
1. Go to https://monterey.new.memberhub.store
2. Choose the appropriate membership type (ex. Parent, Student, etc.—all memberships are $5.00**)
3. Fill in the contact information
4. Click add to cart
5. Either check-out or add more members
6. You are not PTA’ing!!!
**There is a small convenience fee of 68 cents to sign up through MemberHub**
Upcoming Meeting: Thursday, March 2nd at 6pm on Zoom.
Please email tlaughlin@rcps.info for information about how to access the meeting.
Monterey Spirit Gear
We are offering school spirit shirts this year printed by a local shop, Fuzzy Pickle in Salem. Prices start at $20. We receive $5.00 for every shirt ordered. The shop offers as a variety of designs for T-shirts, Long sleeve shirts, hooded sweatshirts and more. Spirit Gear is great for your child to wear on school spirit days! Visit the Monterey PTA store at fuzzypickletshirts.com/mes2020/shop/home.
Ways to support the PTA:
Consider linking your Kroger account to Monterey Elementary PTA through the Community Rewards. Kroger will donate a percentage of what you spend to our PTA at no cost to you.
We are always looking for more parent helpers and would love to have your help. Follow the Monterey Elementary PTA Facebook page for information about upcoming meeting and opportunities to help—https://www.facebook.com/montereyelementarypta/
What's Coming Up?
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming April Dates
- April 3-10: Spring Break
- April 13: PTA Meeting
- April 14: Spring Pictures
- April 20: STEAM Night
- April 21: 5th Grade Cap and Gown Pictures
- April 24-27: SMILES Dental Program
- April 24-28: PTA Teacher Appreciation Week
- April 27: 5th Grade Music Performance
Monterey Elementary
Anthony Swann~Assistant Principal
Website: monterey.rcps.info
Location: 4501 Oliver Road Northeast, Roanoke, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 853-2933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MontereyElementary