Montera Middle School eBulletin
October 29, 2023
Important Dates
This Week's Block Schedule: AB - A - AB
Monday, October 30:
- Spirit Week - Pajama Day
- First Jazz Band Meeting, 3:45pm
Tuesday, October 31: Spirit Week - Halloween Costume Day (see guidelines below)
Wednesday November 1: Spirit Week - Jersey Day
Thursday November 2:
- Spirit Week - Throwback Day - 90s
- PTO Board Meeting (Board Only - Join the Board Here)
Friday November 3:
- Spirit Week - Black and Yellow Day
- End of 2nd Marking Period
Wednesday, November 8:
- 2025 DC Trip Info Meeting for 7TH Grade Families - register here
- 6-7pm: Virtual Info Night for Prospective Families
- POSSIBLE DATE (not confirmed) 8th Grade Family Friendsgiving - 5-7pm outside MUR
Friday, November 10: Veterans Day (NO SCHOOL)
Sunday November 12: Volunteer Work Day
Monday November 13: Wellness Day / Breaking Down the Walls
Tuesday November 14: Wellness Day / Breaking Down the Walls
Wednesday November 15: Prospective Families Tour (Sign up to help)
Friday November 17: Minimum Day
Action Items
- 7th Grade Families Complete this survey
- 7th Grade Families register for DC Trip Zoom
- Contribute to Montera Annual Fund 100% Participation Drive
- Contribute to 8th Grade Activities Fund
- Donate to 8th Grade DC Trip Scholarship Fund
Upcoming Events
Spirit Week!
Monday, October 30 - Pajama Day - dress comfy
Tuesday, October 31 - Costume Day - wear your Halloween costume for our costume contest
Wednesday, November 1 - Jersey Day - wear your favorite sports team jersey
Thursday, November 2 - Throwback Day - dress in your favorite 1990s gear
Friday, November 3 - Black & Yellow Day - wear your Montera ​gear to show school spirit
Remember: All students must follow the dress code even in costume - No face paint allowed - No weapons or items that look like weapons
Halloween Costume Guidelines
- Yes! Toros can come dressed in their Halloween Costumes on Tuesday October 31
- No! They may not bring any costume pieces that resemble or replicate weapons of any kind.
- Yes & No! Masks may be worn for costume presentation in the MUR, but NOT while walking in the hallways or in classrooms.
Wellness Days & Breaking Down the Walls Workshops
November 13 - 14: Student wellness and workshops to build connections, strengthen relationships.
Parent volunteers needed for workshops. Contact: president@monterapto.com
Prospective Family Tours and Info
Do you know families interested in Montera? Please share registration links for a Virtual Info Night and Family Tour with families considering Montera next year:
- Virtual Info Night Registration (Nov 8 & Jan 10, 6-7pm)
- Montera Family Tour Registration
Five Tour Dates:
- Wed Nov 15, 9:30-11am
- Fri Dec 1, 9:30-11am
- Wed Dec 6, 9:30-11am
- Fri Jan 19, 9:30-11am
- Jan 24, 9:30-11am
We need 4 parents for each tour! Sign up to help on a tour here
Dad's Club name change!
We the Dad's Club thought that in order to be more inclusive to all parents at our school we should change our name and from now on we are the Montera Social Club. Anyone interested in joining please reach out to me. The mission statement is the same.
Strategic and efficient collaboration with the PTO for school events and fundraising to add enrichment to our children's educational experience at Montera Middle School. A donation in effort is more important than a donation in dollars. One small commitment makes a Huge difference. Meetings will be for targeted events. Get in, get out, and go on with our lives. Try to make it fun to boot.
Thanks to all that helped at the haunted house this year. I heard lots of screams from within. Our next event is the ever popular Montera Social club pub crawl to be held in Jack London Square on Friday, November 17th at 7:00. Proceeds go to the wood shop and music program. Moms and Dads, come out and have a drink with us. It's for the kids.
Fall Fest 2023 was a Blast!
The strength of the Montera community really showed on Saturday at our annual Fall Fest, where hundreds came out to enjoy good food, performances, games and getting terrified at the Haunted Classroom. Teachers, students and families came together to make the event a success.
Big thanks to Jason Holder, our volunteer Fall Fest Lead this year, along with Paul Martin and the Dad's Club (aka Social Club) for all the food and creating the Haunted Classroom again. Shout outs to Sean Dugan, Erica Gomes, Shira Avoth, Marty Chan, Rod Coeller, Jessica Neighbor and others for transforming Room 400 into a maze of terror that the kids couldn't get enough of.
Thanks to Carolyn Bims, Mora Tulian and Jeni Paltiel for helping before the event to rent equipment, shop for food, and create awesome flyers!
Big shout out to all the parents/adults who volunteered on the day of event, including: Luther Kopf, Mora Tulian and Enrique, Shannon Stringer, Sydney Borstel, Ceanna Stephens, Paris Pryor, Nadege Mulamba, Buteina Cherkaoui, Barbette Murphy, Loretta Vallot, Lilianna Huynh-Hughes, Jenny Pfeiffer, Satya Dalia, Ethan Webster, Runa Riering-Czekalla, Mark Newman, Jennifer Wilkins, Cindy Lee, Diana Frappier, Raine Dougan, Andrew Low, Christy Bradshaw, Suzanne Lytle, Rob Schmidt, and others who jumped in and lent a hand when it was needed.
Much gratitude to our awesome Montera teachers and staff who helped make the event a success, including Mr. Demerath (PlanetMC) who emceed and DJ'ed and brought his School of Rap, Mr. Worrall and Ms. Sho for organizing all the musical performances, Mr. Price and Pr. Pettengill for getting dunked many times in the dunk tank, and all the teachers who led booths with their clubs/departments: Ms. Kyser, Ms. Williams, Mx J, Ms. Saephan, Ms. Ranahan, and Ms. Rogers.
Finally, we couldn't have done it without our students! Big thanks to our Student Leadership group for decorating and setting up, to all of our student performers, booth and dunk tank volunteers, and to all those who showed up and made the event a festive good time!
We can't wait to do it again next year!
(photos below in Toro Pics!)
School Information
Yearbook Updates
ORDER: Save 10% when you order by October 31st!
- Order Here
- Not sure if you've ordered or have other questions? Email monterayearbookclub@gmail.com.
PHOTOS: We want your photos! If you have photos of school events or campus candids you think would be great for the yearbook, please email monterayearbookclub@gmail.com and we'll send you uploading instructions.
DESIGN CONTEST: Enter our cover design contest! All Montera students are encouraged to enter our contest to have your artwork featured on the yearbook cover. Get the rules and all the details here.
Supporting a Healthy Tech Community
What parents and guardians can do to help:
Seven Tech Check Tips:
- Build a relationship with your child and your expectations of their tech use
- Be in their business and “do too much”
- One phone is all that is needed
- If you allow your child to have access to electronic currency (Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, other), pay attention to where they spend it
- Phones have great safety features that are FREE!
- Remind your child that having a cell phone means that they have a legal responsibility to practice SAFE tech use!
- For iPhone users - Turn your child's AirDrop OFF
Music at Montera
Jazz Band Begins This Week!
From Mr. Worrall: I am pleased to announce that Jazz Band will start next week! The jazz band at Montera is looking for interested horns and rhythm section players that have experience playing their instrument and reading music. We meet twice a week after school from 3:45 - 4:45 on Mondays and Thursdays. The first meeting is non-committal and is open to everyone who is interested. After Monday, students will be added to the roster.
New this year: Students that are accepted into the jazz band by Mr. Worrall will be enrolled in jazz band like any other class, with the exception that it will be pass/fail instead of a letter grade. Attendance will be taken through Aeries. They are expected to attend every class, although may be excused for other commitments, like sports, with communication from the student. Jazz Band will be held Mondays and Thursdays this year, instead of Tuesdays and Thursdays. Jazz Band is free for all families and no registration is required.
Jazz Band performs at the Montera band concerts, the annual OUSD Jazz Festival, and more events to be announced. Last year, Jazz Band won first place at the Music in the Parks Festival. Let's keep the momentum going!
All interested students should attend a meeting/jam-session on Monday, October 30 at 3:45 in Room 101 and bring their instruments!
Questions? Please contact Mr. Worrall at jeffrey.worrall@ousd.org
8th Grade Activities and Information
Overview of 8th Grade Student Events
All Students*
- 8th Grade Family Meet & Greet: November “Friendsgiving” on campus:
- POSSIBLE DATE: Nov 8, 5-7pm outside MUR - STAY TUNED FOR CONFIRMATION
- Look for email sent to 8th grade families this Tuesday Oct 17 with a survey
- Great America Trip: In the spring (March or April). Bus transportation included
- 8th Grade Dinner Dance: In April (TBD) Gala-style event in the MUR
- Picnic in the Park: In May (TBD) Roberts Park, next to Redwood Regional Park
- 8th Grade Promotion: May 22, 2024, 3pm* ( *subject to change - watch for communications)
Some Students* (paid separately)
- Washington DC Trip: April 28 - May 2, 2024 Trip details here
*Participation dependent on meeting behavior expectations throughout the year
8th Grade Fundraisers
To fund our 8th Grade Activities:
- Otis Spunkmeyer (now - Nov 9)
- Candygrams (February)
- Car wash? (TBD)
Recommended 8th Grade Activity Donation: $100 per 8th grade student: Contribute Here
Questions? Contact Teena Bowie
8th Grade DC Trip Scholarship Fund
Help us meet our goal! We’re raising money for 8th grade student DC trip scholarships. We have a goal of $20,000 so that we can assist several students participate in this life changing opportunity.
Please help if you can. Every donation makes a difference! DONATE TODAY.
Oakland High School Info Night
Oakland High School invites you to their Information Night for prospective students.
DATE: Monday, December 4, from 5:30-6:30pm.
LOCATION: This program will be via Zoom: bit.ly/OHSInfoNight23
Program Overview:
- Presentation about Oakland High's program and offerings
- Student panel
- Teacher panel
- Q&A
- Campus Tour Information
7th Grade Activities and Information
7th Grade Toro Families - DC Interest Meeting
I am thrilled to announce that you are invited to our meeting about the 2025 8th grade class tour to Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg for your student. To attend, please be sure to register through this link. This is an amazing opportunity for your student to learn more about our country, gain new perspectives, get out of their comfort zone and build skills for the future. Join us for the chance to enroll and go over everything about the trip including:
- What we’ll see and do
- Travel logistics
- Safety and flexibility
- How to earn high school credit
- Affordable payment options and more
When: Wednesday, November 8th @ 6:30pm
Where: Zoom! To attend, you must register using this link: https://bit.ly/3Q557Ow
Questions? Email me: Montera8thgradetrip@gmail.com
Register to attend our meeting using this link. If you can’t make the meeting, but would still like to learn more, select: “No, but send more information” to stay informed.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Mr. Cooper
Montera Sports
Montera Sports News:
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Varsity Volleyball won again to preserve their perfect record and JV Volleyball wrapped up their undefeated season with a close match vs UPA. Going back to the boys’ season in the spring, Montera has not lost a volleyball game in the year 2023! Amazing! Go Toros!!!
The JV Girls Volleyball team finished this fall season without a loss. Coach Sarah and Coach Danny have done a wonderful job leading Montera's junior varsity team. Congrats to these students and their accomplishments on the volleyball court this fall. On Thursday, November 9th at 7pm all four Montera Girls Volleyball teams along with their families are invited to watch the Cal Bears Volleyball take on the Oregon State Beavers at Haas Pavilion on the UC Berkeley campus.
The Montera Girls Varsity Volleyball team is undefeated too! There are a lot of great players on the team who have been part of the volleyball program since 6th grade. Their experience has paid off and the Toros will be the #1 seed in the 2023 OAL Girls Volleyball playoffs. The team has one more regular season game next Saturday, November 4th, 1PM at Oakland Tech.
The 2023 OAL Girls Volleyball Playoffs start November 11th at Oakland Tech. Game times to be announced! Thank you Coach Van and Coach Jones.
On Thursday, November 9th at 7pm all four Montera Girls Volleyball teams along with their families are invited to watch the Cal Bears Volleyball take on the Oregon State Beavers at Haas Pavilion on the UC Berkeley campus. Any questions reach out by email to sports@monterapto.com.
Not to be outdone by the Montera Volleyball program, the Toro flag football team is undefeated. Coach Demerath has a very large roster and is proud of the fact 40 Montera students have seen action in a game. With a record of 8-0 the football team ends the league schedule next Saturday, November 4th at McClymonds High School. The 2023 OAL Flag Football playoffs start November 11th. Mark your calendars and look out for game times and locations.
Mr. Cooper is the head coach for the Montera cross country team and this team is having a great time. This last Friday the Montera cross country team had Friday Night Lights. Coach Cooper is looking to make this a tradition for the program. The 5th meet for the Toros is next Saturday November 4th at MLK Jr Shoreline Park. Good luck to our runners.
As the fall sports wind down, please be aware Montera winter sports are approaching. Montera fields a basketball team for boys and girls and the same applies for soccer. We are confirming tryout dates for November. Please follow the eBulletin, the school's website, ParentSquare and your email for updates. Click on the link below if your student is interested in playing basketball or soccer this winter.
Montera 2023-24 Sports Interest Registration
Go Toros!
Come out and cheer on our Toro Athletes: OUSD MIDDLE SCHOOL GAME SCHEDULE
DONATE: Step up to the plate and help make Montera Sports a whopping success! DONATE NOW!
Montera Annual Fund
We've reached 35% of our goal! Thank you for helping us raise $35,000 so far. Let's keep it up!
Here are a few of the many programs that the Montera PTO supports.
- $500 per teacher to spend on classroom materials.
- Funding to purchase clay and maintain the kiln for the ceramics program.
- Stipends for teacher-led lunchtime activities, such as Climate Justice and Cooking Clubs.
Invest in Your Children — Invest in Montera
We are asking families to give what they can. Suggested donation is $450 per student. Donations range from $10-$2,000.
- Make a one-time or monthly donation online via PayPal
- To donate offline, download this form and submit to Montera by mail or drop it off in the school office.
Meet Montera
Mr. Barry Ford (he/him/his)
Position: PE Teacher
What do the students call you?
Mr. Ford
What do you like best about the Montera Community?
Decisions are made based on what’s best for the students and community stakeholders.
What is one memory you have from when YOU were in middle school?
Throwing a no-hitter on my Little League Baseball All Star Team in Alameda.
What is something you do for fun outside of school?
Assist with coaching my son’s travel baseball team.
What are you looking forward to this school year?
Growth and development
Anything else you’d like to share?
Go Raiders!
Toro Pics
Fall Fest! Thanks again to everyone who came out and supported Montera! Check out all the fun and stay tuned for more photos on the website once the district has completed their upgrade and we can post again! Click here to see more photos of our amazing Toros.
Another Great Video from Planet MC (aka Mr. D)
These and many more opportunities are available to our Montera community, OUSD, and beyond. Items appear in the eBulletin for 2 weeks. Please click here for the full list of current programs.
Oakland Public Ed Fund: Warriors VIP Game & Signed Jersey package
The Oakland Public Education Fund has an exciting Warriors VIP Game & Signed Jersey package up for auction. Proceeds will support our 20th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign, fueling our mission to advance educational equity in Oakland.
This is an exciting auction package that includes:
- 2 lower level tickets to a 2023-24 regular season home game
- 2 passes to watch the pre-game courtside shootaround
- 2 All-Inclusive passes to the Chase Club
- Signed Steph Curry Jersey
Bid here! Bidding closes on Friday, November 3 at 5:00 p.m.
OUSD Webinar: Supporting Your LGBTQ Child
Nov. 1 from 6-7PM
Join this online family session to learn about various structures OUSD has in place for supporting your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Queer (LGBTQ) child. Come to learn more about OUSD’s LGBTQ programming, district policies & State laws that protect the rights of LGBTQ students on school campuses, and strategies for promoting safe and supportive environments for your child/ren in and out of the classroom.
http://ousd.zoom.us/J/87147763309
Translation will be available.
OUSD Parent Wellness Classes: Starting Nov. 8
Hosted by Lance McGee at the Frick Family Resource Center, parent/guardian wellness classes will take place on Wednesdays from November 8 - December 20, 2023 from 9:00am-10:00am. The first five parents/ guardians to sign up will receive a $30 gift card. All OUSD parents/guardians are welcome.
OUSD Webinar: Talking With Your Child about Puberty, Growth & Development (Grades 4-6)
Nov. 9 from 6-7PM
This webinar will give a brief overview of the Healthy Oakland Kids Puberty Health programming provided in Grades 5-6 in OUSD. We will explore some tips, strategies and resources for parents and guardians to have ongoing conversations with their growing child on the topics of puberty, growth, development and safety.
ByteLearn - Math Tutoring
ByteLearn, the AI math teaching assistant for teachers and students, enables support for every student with 1-on-1, step-by-step help. With ByteLearn, students have access to an instant AI as well as an online human tutor 24/7, the system automatically finds and fills students’ knowledge gaps. Over the last two years, we have developed our AI custom-built to help 17,000+ students worldwide.
We would like to offer the parents of Montera Middle free trials for their students. We believe our tool is a good opportunity for students to receive instant help outside of the classroom as a strong resource using AI. Many parents pay hundreds for a limited time tutoring, yet with ByteLearn the adapting AI can assist students and their specific needs endlessly.
How to Stay Informed
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Thanks to Our Sponsors
Want to be a Montera PTO sponsor and have your business promoted weekly in the eBulletin? Please contact president@monterapto.com.
Montera Middle School
eBulletin is produced on a weekly basis by the Montera Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) except on holidays. It sometimes contains ads from our sponsors and/or services from the community. These advertisements do not imply endorsement of any product or service by OUSD or Montera Middle School.
If you have news you'd like to include, please send it to communications@monterapto.com by 5pm on Friday. Submissions may be edited for spelling, grammar, brevity and clarity. In addition, while we strive for accuracy, being human sometimes gets in the way. If you spot something so off the mark we should hang our heads in embarrassment, please bring it to our attention. Thanks!
We Are Montera. We Are One.
Email: communications@monterapto.com
Website: https://www.ousd.org/montera
Location: 5555 Ascot Drive, Oakland, CA, USA
Phone: (510) 531-6070
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monterapto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monteratoros/