Husky Nation Highlights

• School Website & School Map
• Daily Bell Schedules and PE/VAPA Schedules
• Calendars: Minimum Days, AUSD Official, and School Events
• Dress Code & Uniforms and Technology Use Policy
• Dropoff & Dismissal Maps
• Bus Rider Application & Bus Schedule*

*Bus transportation is only for eligible students living in the Marguerita/Garvey area or the Chandler corridor. Students may ride the bus without a pass for the first 2 weeks of school while we process permanent bus passes. Thank you for your patience.*

We're very excited to welcome Huskies back to school. Here are some important reminders. Please review before Tuesday:

• ONLY Parents of TK and Kinder students will be allowed to walk their child to their classroom door on the first day of school ONLY, Tuesday 8/13. We ask that you please clear campus after you drop-off your child.
• Staff and Husky Student LEAD-ers will be circulating to help direct students to their classroom door. Classrooms can be located on the school map.
• Please do NOT park in Staff Parking spaces. It is crucial for safety that staff are at their posts before school starts. Public parking is available near the tennis courts, near the pavilion and along Casuda Canyon Drive.
• The Pat Carroll Way Valet will be in effect. Please be patient as you make your way through the valet line and allow ample time for drop-off. If you would like to volunteer to staff the valet, please click here!
• Please do NOT drop-off your child directly in front of the school. This area is designated for our 2 school buses.
• The first day of school is a Minimum Day, dismissal is at:
• 12:09 (TK/K)
• 12:10 (1st-3rd)
• 12:30 (4th-8th)
  
• The PTA Photo-Op event will be held 7:30-8am at the Pavilion in Highlands Park. Please DO NOT park in the staff lot for this event. We recommend parking on Casuda Canyon Drive.

• There are two lanes of traffic for the valet and we merge 3-4 cars at a time from each lane to the curb for drop-off. Security will direct you. There is no fast lane.
• We unload on the RIGHT side at the curb. Please pop your trunk if we need to grab any backpacks. Please stay in your vehicle.
• Never leave your car unattended in the valet. For everyone's safety, there is absolutely no parking in the valet.
• The front of the school is a bus drop-off zone. Please do not park or unload your child in front of Gate 1.
• Blue handicap stalls are ONLY for vehicles with a valid placard. Please make sure it's visible. The school is not responsible for any citations from MPPD.

Monterey Highlands is grateful for donations purchased from these Wish Lists!

• PBIS donations are use for the Husky Carts, Store and monthly raffle prizes
• School supply donations are used to ensure every classroom and child has what they need for school
  

Beginning August 1, 2024 you will be prompted in the Parent Portal to update the Alternative Income Form for the new school year.

The collection of household income is a necessary step to receive millions of dollars in federal funds for the school that your child attends.

Character Strong is our schoolwide social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. We are continuing our implementation of this curriculum this year! Our weekly student-led Monday Messages in August will connect to the theme of Kindness. We will recognize our first Students of the Month at the end of August for exemplifying this theme.

Technology is everywhere in our modern world but can pose significant safety and privacy risks at school. Please read through the following expectations about cell phones, wireless earbuds and smart watches. These expectations are in place to maintain the integrity of our instruction and keep everyone safe.

• Technology Use guidelines are posted on website.

• Kindly refrain from texting or calling your students during the school day. Call the office if you need to relay a message.

• GameBoi or handheld portable gaming systems are NOT allowed at school.

• AirPods/wireless earbuds may only be used in the classroom with teacher permission. AirPods/wireless earbuds are NOT allowed outside the classroom.

• Portable wireless speakers are NOT allowed at school.
  

• We discourage screentime (include Chromebooks) during recess or lunch to encourage play and socializing.

• Smartwatches should be on airplane mode during school hours.

• Cell phones should be OFF and STORED during school hours. Violations will result in confiscation, parent pick-up and/or cell-phone daily check-in to the office.

Get ready to make the first day of school unforgettable! The MHE PTA will have a special photo op set up with a fun backdrop and props to help you snap the perfect first day of school picture!

When: Tuesday, August 13

Time: Starting at 7:30 AM

Where: Next to the Highlands Park Pavilion

Don’t miss out—come early and strike a pose! See you there!

Get ready to kick off the school year at our "Back To School Husky Gathering - Meet and Greet" What’s on the menu?

Popsicles, pizza, and drinks will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Feel free to bring a food item to share with everyone!

We’ve got tons of fun activities for the kids, including bubble fun, LEGO building, chalk art, lawn games, and more!

When: Saturday, August 24

Time: 11 AM - 1 PM

Where: Monterey Highlands Elementary Outdoor Eating Area (behind the Cafetorium)

Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to reconnect, meet new families, and have a blast together! We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us in making a difference in our children's education by becoming a member of the Monterey Highlands Elementary PTA!

Why join the PTA? Here are just a few reasons:

• Support Our School: Your membership helps fund vital programs and resources that directly benefit our students and teachers.
• Stay Informed: Get the latest updates on school events, activities, and important decisions.
• Be Involved: Have a voice in school improvements and initiatives that impact your child's education.
• Build Community: Connect with other parents, guardians, and educators to foster a supportive and vibrant school community.

Whether you're a new parent or a returning member, your involvement is crucial to our success. Together, we can create an enriching and supportive environment for our children.

We hope you and your family (including kids and other members) will join us this coming school year!

Join or renew your PTA Membership by clicking or tapping here.

Thank you for your continued support. Let's make this school year the best one yet!

Please update information in Family Portal today! Bookmark this link: ausd.powerschool.com/public/

• If your address or phone numbers have changed, please update this info ASAP.

• We can only release your child to individuals on your emergency contacts with a valid, physical government ID.

• Only parents/guardians may check-out students before dismissal unless arrangements are made prior to pickup with our office.

• School communication is primarily through BlackBoard Connect via email. Make sure your email is valid and inputted correctly.

• In order to receive SMS/text messages from the school, please ensure you have at least one cell phone number updated in Family Portal. More information below:

• School breakfast and lunch are free for ALL students.
• Breakfast is served from 7:30am-8am and at first recess daily. Students may only eat breakfast at one of these times.
• Students will be provided an ID# barcode to scan for every meal. They should keep the barcode safe and notify their teacher if it is lost. Older students (Grades 1 and up) may key-in their ID# if they have memorized it.

Please remember that all incoming 7th-grade students are required to submit proof of their TDAP vaccination before the school year starts. Please email your proof of TDAP vaccination to quinones_brenda@ausd.us and bagchechyan_margarit@ausd.us. Our new LVN, Margarit Bagchechyan, will follow up with you if she needs you to bring in the original copy.

If we do not receive proof of your child’s TDAP vaccination by August 12th at 3:00 pm, your child may NOT attend school on August 13th.

• You will be able to see your child’s classroom assignments by logging into the Family Portal starting on Monday, August 12, 2023, at 4:00 pm. Click the link to access the Family Portal.
• Please be aware that it may be necessary to change some students’ class placements in the next few weeks due to fluctuating enrollment numbers, even after school starts. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
• Parent requests to change to a particular teacher/classroom will NOT be granted.

We're excited to announce that we will be entering into a partnership with Sycamores in the 24-25 school year! Starting this Summer 2024, Sycamores will begin to provide daily, on-site mental health services and case management for eligible students in addition to our existing mental health counseling team.

Do you think your child might benefit from counseling? Please complete the referral linked below and email to Referral@sycamores.org or call (844) 222-2377. Sycamores may be able to see your child at home or at Monterey Highlands for free with Medi-Cal. Sign up today!

Apollo Afterschool is a convenient and engaging option for your afterschool child care needs. Registration is open for the fall!

Don't forget - College Wear Wednesdays and Fun Fridays (Husky Spirit Wear) continue

• 8/13 - School Opens (Minimum Day)
• 8/21 - School Site Council Meeting on Zoom (1:15-2:45pm)
• 8/24 - PTA Meet-n-Greet @ Outdoor Eating Area, 11am-1pm
• 8/27 - Fire Drill @ 8:15am
• 8/27 - AUSD Board of Education Meeting
• 8/28 - Back to School Night, doors open at 5pm, classrooms at 5:30, ends at 7pm
• 8/29 - Student of the Month in Cafetorium @ 8am
• 8/29 - Safety Committee on Zoom @ 3pm
• 9/2 - LABOR DAY HOLIDAY (No School)
• 9/4 - Fire Drill
• 9/5 - School Tour (please RSVP) @ Library, 8:15-9:15am
• 9/11 - Parent Engagement Night - Study Skills, Cafetorium @ 5:30pm
• 9/11 - PTA Association Meeting, Cafetorium @ 6:30pm
• 9/13 - Lockdown Drill

📥 Email: highlands@ausd.us
🌐 Website: www.montereyhighlandselementary.org
📍 Location: 400 Casuda Canyon Drive, Monterey Park, CA, USA
📲 Phone: (626) 570-6220