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The Lakefront
The Montebello School Newsletter: January 2023
Principal's Message
Montebello Families,
We did it! We have finished our time in the desert and are now returning to our newly renovated 21st Century building. We make our triumphant return on Thursday, January 5th. I want to thank everyone who stuck with us during our time away. Your support of the school was inspiring. We are entering a new phase in the 100 year Montebello story, we have students in the 1st Grade who never had a class in their school and 8th Graders who will be returning to finish out their middle school careers from their school building. I want to publicly thank Master Anthony Higgs Jr. and Miss Kamara Burke for presenting during our ribbon cutting they were the stars of the show.
For those who weren't able to attend the ribbon cutting we will have multiple opportunities for community tours. Until then we ask that all families please follow BCPSS security policies and only enter the building through the front door. All visitors are required to be vetted in the main office before visiting in the building. Parents are asked to make appointments to meet with teachers, no exceptions. There are several changes that we want families to be aware of as we return home. There will be no adult supervision prior to 7:30 each day, if students arrive early. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 - 7:45. No breakfast will be served after 7:45. Students will enter the building from 7:30 - 8:00 from the side door. After 8:00 am students must enter through the front door. The parking lot behind the building is for staff and visitors will not have access to the building from the back of the school. There is also no parking along the driveway because it creates a safety concern in case of emergencies. Please respect all traffic laws and signs, do not double park or stop along 32nd St when dropping students off in the mornings and afternoons.
As we return we look forward to being back in the community and to offer more opportunities for both families and students to connect to the school. We have heard you, athletics is important and we are planning on getting our teams up and running. The staff has been submitting ideas for clubs and after school activities. We are ready and we know the students are.
Please mark your calendars for January 18, 2023 as we will be hosting our Community Priority Engagement session at the school. Your input is vital to the programming and direction of the school for next fiscal year. We will be sharing our projected enrollment and other details necessary for making informed decisions. This will be the first in a series of three (3) meetings to discuss budgets for SY 23-24. We welcome all to join us. A detailed flyer will come home and it will posted on Class Dojo.
We invite parental involvement in school activities and ask that everyone who is able use the links below to become members of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and or School Family Council (SFC). Both are instrumental in the programming of our school. The next PTO meeting will be Wednesday, December 7th at 5:45 (virtual).
Lastly, it continues to be my honor to be the principal of Montebello Elementary Middle School and I look forward to the heights we can reach as a school community with your continued support.
Dolphin Pride,
Troy K. Mitchell, Principal
Modified Winter Break Schedule
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 - No school for students
Wednesday, January 4, 2023 - No school for students
Thursday, January 5, 2023 - Students return 2040 E. 32nd St @7:45
Montebello's Core Value of the Month
January Core Value - Respect
Montebello Breakfast Update
Montebello School Access
The rear parking lot is designated for staff parking only. Student drop off/ pick up is not permissible at this location.
All visitors must enter the building through the main entrance and receive a visitors pass from the Main Office.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is a positive, after-school youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. Their mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Girls on the Run uplifts and empowers girls through thought-provoking discussion and fun activities and prepares them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
If your scholar is interested in participating in Girls on the Run, please complete the form linked below.
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
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.
To be considered for Membership:
- Must be a 6th, 7th or 8th grader
- Minimum cumulative scholastic average of 87-89%, B+, or 3.5 on a 4.0 GPA scale.
- A student's selection will be based upon careful consideration of their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character and Citizenship.
- Students who meet the minimum scholastic average will be notified at the end of the 2nd quarter.
Attention 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Parents/ Guardians: Scholars who meet the scholastic average will be notified by January 31st via letter sent home. Those interested in membership must complete a Candidate Information Form for consideration. Please understand that completing the Candidate Information form does not guarantee membership to anyone. The final decision for membership will be made by the faculty council.
National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS)
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.
To be considered for Membership:
- Must be a 4th or 5th grader
- Minimum cumulative scholastic average of 87-89%, B+, or 3.5 on a 4.0 GPA scale.
- A student's selection will be based upon careful consideration of their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Responsibility.
Attention 4th & 5th Grade Parents/ Guardians: Candidates who meet the scholastic average will be notified by January 31st via letter sent home. Those interested in membership must complete a Candidate Form for consideration. Please understand that completing the Candidate Information form does not guarantee membership to anyone. The final decision for membership will be made by the faculty council.
Get Involved!
Times Tables
Students must master their basic math facts to improve and excel in mathematics. Helping your students learn their "times tables" will pay divends in the classroom and move them toward more independence and higher academic achievement. The article linked gives tips for supporting students' math growth and mastery.
https://kateshomeschoolmath.com/multiplication-facts-that-stick/
PTO, Let's Get It Started
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.
Health Matters
Measles
Students are required to have several vaccinations prior to entering school and others during their school careers. We do this to prevent outbreaks that lead to epidemics. Families of students out of compliance will be receiving notification in the new year. One vaccine students are required to have and be updated on a schedule is Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. It is characterized by a prodrome of fever (as high as 105°F) and malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis -the three “C”s -, a pathognomonic enanthema (Koplik spots) followed by a maculopapular rash. The rash usually appears about 14 days after a person is exposed. The rash spreads from the head to the trunk to the lower extremities. Patients are considered to be contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.
Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases; up to 9 out of 10 susceptible persons with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Vaccination
Measles can be prevented with measles-containing vaccine, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The combination measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine can be used for children aged 12 months through 12 years for protection against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella. Single-antigen measles vaccine is not available.
One dose of MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles; two doses are approximately 97% effective. Almost everyone who does not respond to the measles component of the first dose of MMR vaccine at age 12 months or older will respond to the second dose. Therefore, the second dose of MMR is administered to address primary vaccine failure
COVID-19
S- Pass Distribution
If your student is experiencing issues riding the MTA bus, please have them see Mrs. Roberts in the main office.
Yellow Bus and Parent 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. Parents we ask that you reframe from parking your car in the drop off lane as it will impede the flow of traffic.
Early Dismissals
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.
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 - January 2023/ February 2023
January 3- 4, 2022- Schools Closed for Students
January 5, 2023- Classes Resume @ 2040 E. 32nd Street @ 7:45am
January 11, 2023- Early Release (11:45 Dismissal)
January 16, 2023- MLK Holiday: School's Closed
January 18, 2023- SFC Budget Session
January 20, 2023- Quarter 2 Ends
January 23, 2023- Schools Closed Professional Development Day for Teachers
February, 1, 2023- Early Release (11:45 Dismissal)
February 17, 2023- Schools Closed Professional Development Day for Teachers
February 20, 2023- Presidents Day: Schools Closed
Montebello Elementary-Middle School - "Leaders and Learners on the Lake" (est.1922)
Email: montebelloemschool@gmail.com
Website: http://montebelloschool.org
Location: 2040 E. 32nd Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 396-6576
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montebellodolphins