Montello Schools
The Back to School Edition
Dear MSD Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!
I hope you had an enjoyable and relaxing Labor Day Holiday and are ready to start the month of September with your students. For those who are new to our school community, I extend a special welcome and thank you for choosing the Montello School District. In our school community, we are committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment designed to inspire and enrich life-long learning. In order to provide a high-quality education, we will continue to work hard to better communicate, share timely information, engage and partner with our families and routinely solicit input and feedback. Be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. We all want to work together to support you and your student(s).
When you have a moment, please review the information in this newsletter to stay informed. Again, thank you for the privilege of serving your family, your children, and our community. Here's to a fabulous school year! Now, let's get to learning!
Best,
Liz Calnin
Welcome New Staff!
During our scheduled in-service, I had the pleasure of welcoming new staff members to the District as part of our new hire orientation. As I shared with our newest employees, it is every staff member's responsibility to ensure our students are safe, supported, and engaged in their learning every day. Please join us in welcoming these individuals who are either (a) new to the role or (b) new to the District
Ryan McNett Grade 4
Ryan Klein, MHS Business Education
Chelsey Larson, MHS English
Patrick Flanagan, JH Math
Dianne Graf, JH English
Vanessa Selthofnor, 7-12 Art
Brittany Haack, Paraprofessional
Seth Beyer, Paraprofessional
Michelle Hanson, Grade 1
Chantalle Beggs, K-12 Math Interventionist
Tammera Severtson, Program Specialist
Abigail Bond, Grade 1
Ava Crary, Grade 1
Cathy Helmsing, MHS Math
Bernie VanRossum, Athletic Director
William Moyers, General Operations Administrative Assistant
Cory Christiaansen, Daytime Custodian
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
Upcoming Dates
September 11 - School Picture Day
September 16-20 - Homecoming Week
September 23 - No School
October 18 - No School
October 21 - No School
November 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday, No School
Join the Montello Team!
MSD Parent-Teacher Conference Dates
Fall:
- October 17: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
- October 18: 8:00am - noon
- March 6: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
- March 7: 8:00am - noon
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.
Wisconsin Immunization Requirement
As you prepare your child(ren) for the upcoming school year, please be aware of the following immunizations required by the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law:
If you have any questions, please reach out to our school nurse, Jessica Lloyd, at jlloyd@montelloschools.org.
Montello School District
Website: www.montelloschools.org
Location: 222 Forest Lane, Montello, WI, USA
Phone: 608-297-7617