Montera Middle School eBulletin
November 12, 2023
Important Dates
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no eBulletin on Sunday November 19. Please look for the next eBulletin on Sunday November 26.
This Week's Block Schedule: AB - A - AB (Friday - Minimum Day)
Monday November 13:
- Wellness Day / Breaking Down the Walls
- 2nd Marking Period Grades Available on AERIES
Tuesday November 14: Wellness Day / Breaking Down the Walls
Wednesday November 15: Prospective Families Tour (Sign up to help)
Thursday November 16: 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Friendsgiving (8th Grade Families Only)
Friday November 17:
- Minimum Day
- 7:00pm, Montera Social Club Pub Crawl
Monday November 20 - Friday November 24: Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL
Monday, November 27, 3:45 - 5:00pm: Girls Basketball tryouts
Tuesday, November 28
- 3:45 - 5:00pm: Girls Basketball tryouts
- 3:45 - 5:00pm: Soccer Boys Varsity and JV Tryouts
Wednesday, November 29, 2:00 - 3:15pm: Soccer Girls Varsity and JV Tryouts
Friday December 1:
- Last Day to Order See's Candies
- Winter Dance, 5:00 - 7:00pm VOLUNTEER
Wednesday, December 6, 2:00 - 3:15pm: Soccer Girls Varsity and JV Tryouts
Thursday December 7: Round Top Pizza (Mountain Blvd) Fundraiser
Friday December 8, 5:30 - 7:30pm: Fall Sports Banquet
Tuesday December 12: 5:00 - 7:00pm Montera Art Show
Wednesday December 13:
- 1:30 - 2:30, Teacher Appreciation Lunch
- 4:00 - 6:00pm, Winter Band Concert
Thursday December 14:
- 5:30pm: Winter String and Choir concert
- 7:00 - 8:00pm: PTO Community Meeting and Family Gathering - IN PERSON
Action Items
- Volunteer for Winter Dance
- RSVP for Friendsgiving (8th Grade Families)
- Contribute to Montera Annual Fund 100% Participation Drive
- Contribute to 8th Grade Activities Fund
- Contribute to 8th Grade DC Trip Scholarship Fund
- Order from See's Candies
- Sign Up for Montera 5K Run for Education
Upcoming Events
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 (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
Don't Miss the Montera Pub Crawl!
Mark your calendars for the Annual Montera Pub Crawl (adults only)
DATE: Friday, November 17th
TIME: Meet at 7pm
LOCATION: Dokkaebier, 420 3rd St., in Jack London Square
The Montera Social Club (previously known as the Dads Club) invites you to its annual Pub Crawl -- a very social affair for two terrific causes: the Montera Music Program and the Montera Woodshop. The evening includes a stop at several pubs and a chance to "Meet the Brewer" with Mario Benjamin, head brewer of Hella Coastal Brewing.
We'll start the crawl at 7pm at Dokkaebier, 420 3rd St. Oakland.
Questions? Contact Paul Martin at r.paul.martinjr@gmail.com
Winter Dance - Volunteers Needed!
The Winter Dance is coming up Friday, Dec 1, 5-7pm. Please volunteer to make the first dance of the year a success! We need parents to chaperone, bring snacks and help with setup and cleanup.
School Information
Wellness Days and "Breaking Down the Walls" Workshop
This Monday and Tuesday, Montera is having all-day Wellness Days. During these two days, students will have a special schedule and participate in a range of wellness activities and a "Breaking Down the Walls" workshop that is focused on connection and empathy among our students. Please have your child wear comfortable clothes and closed toe shoes as they will be sitting on the floor for some activities, walking on nature paths, and doing a range of other activities.
Parent volunteers needed for workshops. Contact: president@monterapto.com
COVID Safety Over School Breaks
All students and staff should be receiving 2 COVID test kits in November in preparation for the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks. We're asking that you use the test kits as follows:
- If you have symptoms: Test immediately. If your test is negative, test again in another 24-48 hours
- If you were exposed: Test as soon as possible, even if you have no symptoms. Test again 5 days after your exposure
- If you go to a high risk event (such as a large gathering or party): Test before you go, and 3-5 days after
- If you are attending a mega-event such as a concert, festival, or theme park: Test one day before the event
- If you travel: Test before you travel and 3-5 days after your return.
Thank you for keeping yourself and our community safe and healthy.
Yearbook Updates
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.
Not sure if you've ordered or have other questions? Email monterayearbookclub@gmail.com.
Fundraiser Roundup!
Items to Purchase:
- See's Candies:
- DATES: Now through December 1st.
- SUPPORTS: 8th Grade DC Trip Scholarship Fund
- DETAILS: Order online using this link by Dec 1st.
Dine Out Opportunities:
- Round Table Pizza (Mountain Blvd)
- DATE: Thursday, December 7
- SUPPORTS: Montera PTO Annual Budget
Monetary Contribution:
- Donors Choose: Directly supports projects listed by our teachers
- ANNUAL GIVING FUND: Supports Montera PTO Annual Budget (suggested $450 per student)
- 8th Grade Activities Fund: Supports 8th grade activities (Friendsgiving, Great Adventure, Picnic, Promotion Ceremony) Recommended $100 per 8th Grade Student
- 8th Grade DC Trip Scholarship Fund: Grade DC Trip Scholarship Fund: Support scholarships for the 8th grade DC Trip
- Sports Donations: Supports Montera Sports Program
- Music Donations: Supports Montera Music Program
Montera Annual Fund
We've reached 38% of our goal! Thank you for helping us raise $38,000 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.
Montera 5K / 1m Run for Education - SIGN UP NOW!
Montera Middle School PTO will be hosting a 5k and 1 mile fun run/walk to raise funds for school supplies, technology or programs that fall outside the school budget with the goal of building an inclusive school community where all can learn and thrive.
The race will take place at Joaquin Miller Park on Sunday, February 25th. SIGN UP HERE
The1 mile race will begin at 9am, followed by the 5k at 9:30am. Grab your shoes, family, and friends and enjoy a day out in nature, while supporting our school.
Can't run or walk that day? Consider doing a virtual run on your own or donating instead.
8th Grade Activities and Information
- FRIENDSGIVING 8th Grade Family Meet & Greet Potluck: Thursday November 16, 5-7pm outside MUR. RSVP AND SIGN UP HERE
- DONATION: Recommended 8th Grade Activity Donation $100 per 8th grade student: Contribute Here
- QUESTIONS: Activities Questions? Contact Teena Bowie
8th Grade DC Trip
- DONATIONS: DC Scholarship Fund: DONATE TODAY
- FUNDRAISER: DC Scholarship Fundraiser: See's Candies (now - December 1)
- QUESTIONS: DC Trip Questions: Montera8thgradetrip@gmail.com
High School Info Nights
Skyline
- Prospective Family Tours: 11/15, 11/16, 11/29, 11/30, 12/6, 12/7 (9:30-11:00 AM)
- Find all the details and sign up for tours and shadow days on their Prospective Families page: https://www.ousd.org/domain/7159
Oakland High
- Online Information Session: Monday • December 4, 2023 • 5:30-6:30pm
- Campus Tours: Dec 13, Jan 17 and 24 @ 3pm, Jan 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30, and Feb 2 @ 10:15am
- Find all the details and sign up for tours on their Prospective Families page: https://www.ousd.org/domain/5788
Oakland Tech
- Virtual High School Information Night: Thursday, November 30th, from 6-7:3pm
- School tours: Dates from Dec 13, 2023-Feb 2, 2024
- Find all the details and sign up for tours and shadow days on their Prospective Families page: https://www.ousd.org/Page/21813
7th Grade Activities and Information
2025 DC Trip - Meeting RECORDING and SLIDES
Thank you to those who attended this week's meeting to learn about the 2025 DC trip. For those who could not attend, here is a recording of the meeting as well as the Presentation Slides.
SIGN UP before Nov. 22nd and save $100.
Montera Sports
Sports News: The fall sports season is coming to close and tryouts for the Montera winter sports are upcoming.
- About 70 players/parents from Montera Volleyball went to the Cal Women's Vball game last Thursday night. Although the Bears were defeated, we all had a great time. They announced Montera Middle School over the PA system and we got on the Jumbotron a bunch of times!
- Montera's varsity girls volleyball team played two playoffs games this past weekend. They prevailed against EBIA in the morning and in the afternoon Urban Promise Academy. They remain undefeated on the season.
This Friday night, November 17th, at 5PM at Oakland Tech, the girls volleyball team will play against rival Edna Brewer. If they prevail the championship match will be at Oakland Tech, Saturday November 18th. Bring home the trophy Toros!
The Montera Cross Country team had meet #5 at the Martin Luther King Shoreline course on Saturday, November 4th. The boys finished 2nd place and the Montera girls squad finished in first place. Congrats to Sydney Lee for finishing in 1st place in the girls division. November 18th will be a busy day. The OAL cross country championship will be at Skyline High School, race starts at 9:30PM. Good luck to the Montera cross country team.
The Montera flag football team remains undefeated on the season. In their two playoff games this weekend the Toros did not allow a single game to their two opponents. The combined score of both contests was 50-0. Great offense and even better defense from the flag football team. Next game will be a Friday Night Lights match up, 4:30PM against Edna Brewer. If the Toros win on Friday, they will be conference champions. The OAL title game is set for Saturday, November 18th, at 10AM. Beat Brewer.
FALL SPORTS BANQUET: Montera is going to celebrate the success of the Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, and Flag Football teams Friday, December 8, 2023. The Fall Sports Banquet will be at the MUR and the event will run from 5:30PM to 7:30PM.
WINTER SPORTS TRYOUTS:
Girls Basketball tryout dates will be as follows:
- Monday, November 27th
- Tuesday, November 28th
- Students meet at the Montera gym/blacktop area. Tryout times will be 3:45PM to 5:00PM
- Please have your student wear gym clothes and athletic shoes.
Soccer Boys Varsity and JV Tryouts:
- Tuesday, November 28th
- Thursday, November 30th
- Boys soccer tryouts will be at the Montera field, 3:45PM to 5:00PM.
- Please wear your soccer gear, including cleats and shinguards.
Soccer Girls Varsity and JV Tryouts:
- Wednesday, November 29th
- Wednesday, December 6th
- Girls soccer tryouts will be at the Montera field, 2:00PM-3:15PM.
- Please wear your soccer gear, including cleats and shinguards.
DONATE: Step up to the plate and help make Montera Sports a whopping success! DONATE NOW!
Any questions reach out by email to sports@monterapto.com.
Montera Volleyball on the Jumbotron!
Montera Volleyball on the Jumbotron!
Montera Volleyball on the Jumbotron!
Meet Montera
Ms. Rebecca Recco (she/her)
Position: Art Teacher
What do the students call you?
Ms. Recco
What do you like best about the Montera Community?
I have worked in a lot of schools on the east and west coast, and Montera is really the best school I have ever worked in. The teachers collaborate well together. One thing I really love about Montera teachers is that they are very passionate about their subject.
What is one memory you have from when YOU were in middle school?
My favorite memory from middle school (junior high, back then) was the band field trip to King's Island in Ohio. It's a lot like 6 Flags. I had a great time with my friends.
What is something you do for fun outside of school?
I love reading novels. Barbara Kingsolver is a favorite author. I also enjoy listening to a lot of different kinds of music, and I'm really enjoying Amethyst Kiah right now. I love visiting museums, making art, and exploring California because I'm still kind of new here. I enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding, too.
What are you looking forward to this school year?
I'm looking forward to making lots of amazing art with my art students!
Interview conducted by parent volunteer, Grace Telcs. Learn more about our Administrators, Teachers, and Staff HERE.
Toro Pics
Did you take some great pics at a Montera game, event, or visit to campus? Send them to eBulletin@monterapto.com. Stay tuned for more photos on the website once the district has completed their upgrade and we can post again! Click here to see photos of our amazing Toros.
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.
OUSD Parent Wellness Classes: Wednesdays Through December 20th
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 Family Info Night: Math Acceleration Options for High School Students
On Tuesday, November 14 OUSD will host a Family Info Night from 5:00-5:45pm to explore math acceleration options for high school students. While we hope to see many 8th grade families, this info night is open to families of students of all ages. During our info night, we will:
- explore math course options at each grade level in high school
- learn about the various math acceleration options that are offered at each high school
- hear from our students and teachers their experiences with different Algebra 1 course options
- collect questions from our community
To begin the conversation, please submit any questions that you have in this google form. We will share the zoom link with you the day before the info night.
Thank you,
Courtney Ortega, Secondary Math Coordinator for Middle Schools
Keely Machmer-Wessels, Secondary Math Coordinator for High Schools
Heads Up Program
Heads Up Program application for current 6th graders to join Heads Up summer 2024 is now open! Learn More and Apply at bit.ly/headsupadmissions
Applications are due on December 22nd!
OUSD Webinar: Talking With Your Teen About Sexual Health & Safety (Grades 7-12)
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
6-7PM
This webinar will give a brief overview of the Healthy Oakland Teens Sexual Health programming provided in Grades 7 and up in OUSD. We will explore tips, strategies and resources for parents and guardians to have ongoing conversations with their growing adolescent on the topics of sexual health, consent, communication and safety.
Zoom: http://ousd.zoom.us/J/87147763309
How to Stay Informed
Know someone who isn't receiving this eBulletin?
NOTE: If you are a student who would like to receive the eBulletin, you must use an email address outside of OUSD. Student OUSD email addresses are blocked from receiving email from addresses outside of OUSD.
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/