The Roar of the Mountain Lions

Dear Monterey Families:

The final month of 2024 is here! As we return to school from Thanksgiving break, there are many things that I have reflected on that remind me how grateful I am for our Monterey school community.

I am grateful for how well we have done through these first four months in school. As we approach the holiday season, I want to encourage all of our families to ensure they send their students to school daily. We will continue to recognize classrooms that have perfect attendance daily. Our students thrive off of routine and structure and the more they are in school, the more likely they are to feel the success of school. The general feeling at Monterey is upbeat and appreciative of being together and learning. We love to serve our students by meeting their needs daily. The connections and trust built between school staff and students is something we are proud of.

I am thankful for the school wide support we receive from our community. From school fundraisers such as the Paw-a-thon, to book fair, to the Coat Drive sponsored by Humble Hustle, and attending our school wide events such as literacy night. The support from our families is incredible! I am always blown away at the generosity of our families and community partners that help our school succeed.

Again, when I reflect on the school year of 2024, I am grateful for the small things, big things, and everything in between. As we finalize the calendar year this December and embark on our continued journey into 2025, please know we at Monterey Elementary are here for you. Our school mission keeps our students at the forefront of everything we do. Thank you for allowing us to support your child's personal growth, academic excellence, worthiness, and safety!

Best Regards,

Morgan Strother

Proud School Principal of Monterey Elementary

Each year, Virginia law requires schools to conduct fire drills and lockdown drills. Monterey Elementary will conduct a lock down drill the first week of December (12/2-12/6). As part of this drill, there will be an announcement broadcast throughout the school. We ask that parents speak with their children about the importance of taking this drill seriously and following all instructions. We thank you for your understanding as we work to maintain a safe learning environment for our students.

The holidays are just around the corner and we are planning to assist some of our Monterey families who are in need. If you, or your organization are interested in helping out with donations, please contact the office for further details (540) 853-2933.

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.

THANK YOU!

Thank you to our teachers, students and families for all your support in October and November. Our annual Pawathon was a huge success, raising over $7,000! All prizes from the Pawathon have been distributed expect for the snow cone party which will be November 26th. We were so excited to be together again for our Pumpkin Palooza this year. The special education department won the most votes with their Harry Potter pumpkin and will enjoy a pizza party. We are grateful for excellent teachers and administrators who go above and beyond to plan wonderful events to support our families.

Donations Needed:

The PTA is providing teachers and staff with a few treats during the month of December. If you would like to donate, please use the Sign-Up Genius Link: Monterey Holiday Treat Sign Up

PTA Meetings:

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.

How to Join to PTA?

It is just $7 to join the PTA. Click the box below to join!

Stay up-to-date with new information-Click here or scan the QR code to follow us on Facebook.

Morgan Strother~Principal

Anthony Swann~Assistant Principal

Website: Monterey Elementary School / Homepage
Location: 4501 Oliver Road Northeast, Roanoke, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 853-2933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MontereyElementary