Montello Schools
October 2024
Dear MSD Families,
I hope this October edition of the digital District newsletter find you and yours doing well. October is a unique month for school districts across the state of Wisconsin as we work to navigate budget season, parent teacher conferences and the conclusion of fall sports. As we work through this month and enter the month of November, I encourage our parents and families to pay close attention to their child's school routines and experiences and support them in the development of good habits that lead to successful outcomes. Typically, the excitement of the new school year starts to wear off right about this time, and helping our students stay focused, engaged and committed is critical. Also, I personally extend an invite to all of our parents and families to stop-in during our fall parent teacher conferences. Let's ask the question: How can we work together?
The MSD staff continue to work very hard for our children, and the more our parents, families, friends and larger community can help to support this work, the greater the positive influence and impact. Thank you for taking the time to stay informed, connected and involved.
Best,
Liz Calnin
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences
Please Join Us!
On the evening of Parent Teacher Conferences, the Students Services Team, in collaboration with Operation Backpack, is sponsoring a Spaghetti Supper for all families and students. Come on in and grab a bite and learn more about our school-based services and opportunities.
Fall Child Development Day
We are excited to host our first-ever fall Child Development Day on Monday, October 21, 2024. We strongly encourage parents and caregivers of children ages 3-4 who are not in 4K/Early Childhood Programming to have their child screened to assess if they are meeting developmental milestones. The fall screening, similar to our annual spring screening, will provide parents and caregivers with important information on growth, development and learning targets. Not to mention, screening all young children before entering school helps ensure every child in the Montello community is getting the support they need to be ready for learning. For more information or to set-up an appointment, please call us at 297-7617.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Having access to the portal allows parents to keep all important school information up to date. Please check your information and make any necessary changes. If you need any assistance, please contact Mr. Bill Moyers or Ms. Liz Smith at 297-7617.
Download the MSD App (Website) for Notifications
Apply to be a Substitute Teacher
If you have an Associates Degree or higher you already qualify! Please call 608-297-7617 for more information.
Flexible Schedule
- Set your own schedule
- Ideal for parents, caregivers and retirees
Ongoing Support
- Professional Development
- Mentor Support and guidance
Rewarding Work
- Give back to our community
- Welcoming environment
Winter Recess at MSD
Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. At MSD, we always try to get the kids outside as much as we can. With that in mind, we ask that you help you child come to school prepared to be outside everyday. Coats, hats, and gloves can help to make a cold day outside a fun recess for all.
Upcoming Dates
October 18 - No School
October 21 - No School
November - 18 - No School
November 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday, No School
December 9 - No School
School Board Meetings
Annual Meeting: October 22
November: November 11
December: December 9
Annual Veterans Day Program
The program will start promptly at 10:15am in the Varsity Gymnasium on Monday, November 11. Please join us!
Background Check
Any parents/relatives of MSD students who wish to chaperone field trips, attend class parties or volunteer on site must complete and pass a background check. For more information, please call the District office at 297-7617.
MSD Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair starts on October 14 and runs through October 18. All purchases through the Book Fair benefit our schools. Thanks for supporting our kids! Happy reading!
Join the Montello Team!
MSD Athletics
Please visit www.montelloschools.org or more information or contact Bernie VanRossum, Montello Athletic Director, bvanrossum@montelloschools.org or 608-297-7617.
Season Passes
Season athletic passes for students & adults may be purchased at the High School office. Investing in a pass is both convenient and economical for those sports fans who regularly attend high school games. Passes are only valid for the name listed on the pass. For more information, contact Bernie VanRossum, ext. 281
MSD Food Service Information
National School Lunch Program
Our lunch program offers a variety of hot and cold entrees, along with fresh fruit and vegetables. Lunch includes entree of lean protein and whole grains, 2 servings of fruit, 2 servings of vegetables, and a variety of milk options.
All students will receive free breakfast and lunch every day!
Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications/Alternate Income Form
All kids eat FREE. Why should you still complete this form?
This form can also qualify you for additional benefits such as student fee waivers. Plus, filling out an application also ensures our schools are eligible for the maximum amount of state and federal aid each year. Applications can be found on online on our school website. For more information or assistance, please contact the MSD Food Service Department at 608-297-7617.
School Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Our breakfast and lunch menus are posted to our website, school newsletters and Facebook. You can also request a hard copy to be sent home.
MSD School Calendar
Transportation
Assigned Routes and Stops
Students may ride only assigned school buses and will board and depart from the bus at assigned bus stops. Students will not be permitted to ride unassigned buses for any reason other than an emergency.
Students are required to be out at their stop 10 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time. If a
student is not out at their stop, the bus will not stop. Buses will not turn around to pick up late
students as this causes significant delays for all other riders.
Students will only be eligible to be picked up or dropped off at their parent or guardian’s
homes. Multiple stops and one-time variances will not be allowed to ensure each student is properly accounted for on the bus. All stop or change requests must come through the bus company.
Student Attendance
Attendance Matters!
Building a habit at an early age of going to school on time, every day is so important. Good attendance habits help kids succeed in school, college, and at work.
If your child is not going to be in school for all or part of the day, notify the MSD Attendance Secretary by email at attendance@montelloschools.org or phone at 608-297-7617 of your child's absence. If this is a planned absence, please notify the school ahead of time.
Excused Absences
- Physical or mental illness
- Medical/dental appointment with an appointment note
- Legal appointment with documentation
- Religious instruction up to 180 mins/week with parent/guardian request
- Religious holidays with parent/guardian request
- School activities, such as field trips or athletic/academic competitions
Unexcused Absences
Any unexcused absence is considered truancy. Five or more unexcused absences in one school semester is considered habitual truancy. Parents/guardians who fall into habitual truancy may be fined by the city or state law enforcement.
Need Help!
If you’re having trouble with regular attendance, let us support you. Please reach out to your
principal. We can problem solve together to help your child succeed in school.
Care Solace Supporting Montello Schools
If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance. Care Solace is a complementary and confidential service provided to students, staff, and their families by Montello School District. Care Solace's team is available 24/7/365 and can support you in your language. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 1 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365
- Visit www.caresolace.com/montello and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Student Vaccine Clinic
Montello School District
Website: www.montelloschools.org
Location: 222 Forest Lane, Montello, WI, USA
Phone: 608-297-7617