
The Roar of the Mountain Lions
Monterey Elementary - March 2025
Principal's Message
As we welcome the month of March, I am filled with pride and gratitude for our wonderful school community. This month marks the conclusion of our WIDA testing, and I want to commend our students for their hard work and dedication.
We have some exciting events lined up this month! Our Goodies with Grown Ups event on March 7th (7:25-8:00am) is a fantastic opportunity for students to share a special morning with their loved ones. Additionally, our Parent University sessions on March 7th (8:20-9:00am) will be presented by our Counseling Department, focusing on how to keep your kids safe on social media. This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights and strategies to navigate the digital world with your children.
Don't forget to participate in our Penny Wars fundraiser (Feb. 25-March 7)—it's a fun way for students to engage in a little friendly competition while raising funds for our school. Also, mark your calendar for Family Game Night on March 18th (5:30-7:00). It's sure to be an evening filled with fun and laughter for the whole family!
As we look ahead, please remember that spring break is just around the corner, March 24th-28th. This is a great time for students to relax and recharge before we head into the final stretch of the school year.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education. Together, we are creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students to thrive.
Warm regards,
Morgan Strother, Principal
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open!
Visit our website for details on registering, including registration forms, required documentation, and eligibility requirements. Kindergarten Registration
Preschool Registration
Preschool applications for the 2025-2026 year will be available starting February 1st. Preschool Registration-Click Here to register.
Snack Donations
We are in need of snack donations! Donated snacks are provided to students who forget their snack and also support our food closet at school. Ideas for snack donations include individually wrapped chips/goldfish/Cheez-Its, granola bars, fruit gummies, fruit cups, and pop-tarts. Check out this link for what snacks are needed: PTA SNACK DONATION LIST. Donations can be dropped off at the office or sent with your child to school. Thanks for your support!
Preschool Application Open Houses (Click the Images Below to Enlarge)
Attendance Reminders
If your child will not be at school or will be tardy, please call our main office at 540-853-2933. If your child missed school due to a doctor’s visit, please provide the doctor’s note. We will mark their absence EMD (Excused Medical). The only excused absences that do not count towards “truancy” are excused medical notes and court notes. All other absences are considered unexcused.
The Virginia State Compulsory Attendance Law states that after 5 unexcused absences, the parent will receive an attendance letter from our student support specialist, Mr. Anthony Drakeford. After 10 unexcused absences, a second letter will be sent as well as a meeting will be scheduled with administration and the student support specialist. If your child is experiencing any sick symptoms, please call our school nurse to discuss a plan of action. Thank you for helping our school community prioritize learning and ensuring that your child(ren) is at school daily.
Message From the PTA
Paint Night Update:
Due to winter weather, Monterey's Paint Night was cancelled. Due to scheduling conflicts, this event will not be rescheduled. If you prepaid for this event, refunds were issued in February. If you have any questions regarding a refund, please email Mrs. Fulton at afulton@rcps.info. We look forward to hosting paint night again next year!
Upcoming Events:
Penny Wars: Feb 25-March 7
It is time for students to collect their pennies (nickels, dimes and quarters) and drop them into their grade level’s jug in the hallway outside the gym in the morning. Gain points for all the coins you drop in. Drop a bill into another grade's jug in order to subtract points. The grade with the most POINTS (not necessarily money) wins the school approved prize of their choice.
Goodies with Grown-ups: March 7th from 7:25-8:00 am in the cafeteria
Students bring a grown-up (mom, dad, grandparents, guardians, aunt, uncle, stepparents, or special guest) and enjoy a pastry or donut and juice. If you missed the RSVP deadline and would like to come, please be in touch with your student's teacher to let them know you are planning to attend.
Family Game Night on March 18th (5:30-7:00)
Look for more information soon about a fun evening filled with family games!
PTA Meetings:
The next virtual PTA meeting is scheduled for March 3rd. If you would like to attend any PTA meetings, please e-mail Ms. Laughlin at tlaughlin@rcps.info for more info on how to access our meetings.
Ways to support the PTA:
Consider linking your Kroger account to Monterey Elementary PTA through the Community Rewards. Kroger will donate a percentage of what you spend to our PTA at no cost to you.
We are always looking for more parent helpers and would love to have your help. Follow the Monterey Elementary PTA Facebook page for information about upcoming meeting and opportunities to help—https://www.facebook.com/montereyelementarypta/
Why should I join the PTA?
As a member of our PTA, you are supporting your student's school and educational successes. You are also a voting member. When you come to a PTA board meeting you can vote on how we should spend funds or how to improve a program. Please consider joining the PTA. There is a $7 fee for each member that joins. A portion of this fee pays for local and state PTA membership fees and a portion goes directly to our school’s PTA.
Although it’s a new year, it is not too late to join the PTA. If you have not joined the PTA yet and are interested, please click the box below!
What's Coming Up?
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming April Dates
- April 3: 4th Grade Monticello Field Trip
- April 4: Spring Pictures
- April 4: Report Cards Go Home
- April 18: 2 Hour Early Dismissal
- April 21: No School
- April 24: Grades 3-5 Music Performance
Monterey Elementary
Anthony Swann~Assistant Principal
Website: https://www.rcps.info/monterey
Location: 4501 Oliver Road Northeast, Roanoke, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 853-2933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MontereyElementary