The Roar of the Mountain Lions
Monterey Elementary - January 2022
Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone had a restful and blessed Winter break. During the month of December, the season for giving was in full swing. Throughout December, several organizations were very active in supporting our school community. First, our Congregations in Action continued to sponsor our Pack a Snack program for students. This program sends bagged snack packs home with students each weekend and during long breaks. If you are interested in being a recipient of the Pack a Snack program, please call the front office to let our school counselors know to add you to the list. Additionally, Monterey Elementary sponsored an Angel Tree program where many sponsors were so generous in their donations. We want to thank the many individuals and community partnerships that continue to make this happen year after year.
As we reflect on all that has occurred during the 1st semester of school, we can rejoice in its success. Although the first few months of school felt busy, I know our 2nd semester of school will feel just as busy if not more. Our Monterey Musicians have created wonderful works of art showcased on class Canvas pages thanks to Ms. Bill, our music teacher. Be sure to check them out! We will begin our 3rd-5th afterschool instructional program for selected students beginning in late January. January will also be filled with growth testing as we prepare to administer the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments to our students in grades K-5 as well as the PALS assessment for K-2. Thank you for helping our students understand the importance of goal setting and working towards desired outcomes. At Monterey, we believe that true success is measured by personal growth and learning.
Communication is essential at Monterey! We strive to connect to our students, parents, families, and community at large each and every day. We will continue reaching out to you with robo-calls, text messages and emails as needed. We also encourage you to visit our school website and follow our school social media pages including Facebook and Class Dojo for announcements, information, and celebrations. Staying in the know helps all of us stay on the same page moving forward.
Safety continues to be a priority for our school community. As we start the new year in 2022, please be reminded of a few safety protocols. All students, staff, parents, and community members must wear a mask while on school premises as well as on the school bus. All parents and community members must check in the front office prior to visiting on school grounds. If parents/guardians have a concern regarding bus safety/protocol, please contact the front office to speak with administration. At no time should parents or guardians attempt to step on a school bus to address a concern. As of Tuesday, January 4, 2022, all school technology should have been returned to school. This includes iPads, laptops and chargers. Thank you to all as we continue to make Monterey Elementary one of the best and safest schools in Roanoke City.
As always, we wish to express our sincere gratitude toward our entire school community. We would not be the amazing school that we are without the help and support of all of you. Thank you and may you have a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Morgan Strother, Principal
Masks
All school community members are asked to wear a mask at all times. Please be sure you are following the same safety measures when you visit the school. At this time, limited visitors can be permitted into the school building. Please understand Monterey Elementary is following the guidance of VDH to help maintain the safety of all students and staff. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Address & Phone Number Update
If there have been any changes with your address or phone number, please provide the updated information to your child’s teachers or call the school office (540-853-2933).
Cold Weather
January often brings cold weather. Please send a coat with your student on cold days. We recommend labeling your child’s jacket with their name especially in younger grades.
When to Keep Your Student Home
All of our students need to be in school every day. However, there are times when students should be kept at home to help ensure the safety and welfare of our student body and staff. If your student has any of the following symptoms, please call the school nurse at (540) 853-6534.
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion/runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Cough
- Headache
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Vomiting/Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Muscle Aches
Per RCPS protocol, your child may return in 72 hours IF they no longer have any symptoms AND have been fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours.
If your child continues to have symptoms, please contact the school nurse regarding when your child can return to school. (540) 853-6534.
If the school nurse has instructed your child to stay out of school, there are packets in the office per grade level for that week. Please stop by the front office to pick these up. When returned, packets will serve as guidance on updated attendance.
Message From the PTA
Happy New Year
Thank you for all your support during the month of December! With the start of a new year, the PTA is currently planning several fun events and activities that support our school community. Be on the lookout for more information in the near future about an upcoming paint night.
Although it’s a new year, it is not too late to join the PTA. If you have not joined the PTA yet and are interested, please see the directions below.
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**
The next PTA meeting is on January 6th at 6pm on Zoom. Please email tlaughlin@rcps.info for information on 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 can make a great Christmas gift. Order by December 10 to have it for Christmas day. 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/
Lost and Found Items
What's Coming Up?
Monterey Elementary
Website: monterey.rcps.info
Location: 4501 Oliver Road Northeast, Roanoke, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 853-2933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MontereyElementary