Husky Nation Highlights

Please join us in welcoming these new staff members to our school community! We're also happy to welcome back Mrs. Janet Chen Shammas from leave!

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.

Join us next week as we celebrate Kindness Week! This spirit week is based on acts of service. We will message this on the PA on Monday morning. Thank you to 6th grade parent, Mrs. Sengdeuane Tom, our LACDMH Health Ambassador, who created this flyer!

Please be advised that the City of Monterey Park has installed a "NO LEFT TURN" sign at the end of Pat Carroll Way, where it meets Casuda Canyon Drive.

This is intended to keep traffic moving during dropoff and dismissal and enhance safety at the crosswalk on Copa/Casuda Canyon.

Please obey ALL traffic regulations in/around school grounds. This keeps everyone safe!

It is very important that your child be at school every day, especially at the start of school. Based on our school dashboard data, we've identified improving attendance as a schoolwide goal.

AUSD will not approve any requests for Independent Study Program (ISP) for the months of August 2024 or May 2025.

Extended unexcused absences may lead to disenrollment. The AUSD website for ISP can be accessed at this link.

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.

Calling all Husky families! 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. And we are now thrilled to announce that the Kona Ice Truck will be there selling cool treats! Please also 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, 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!

Please RSVP and signup to help by visiting our TapLink. We can’t wait to see you there!

Explore the arts and express yourself! No matter what grade you're in, we encourage you to submit your unique work of art to the PTA Reflections Art Program and unleash your creativity. This year's theme is "Accepting Imperfection” – a powerful and inspiring topic that invites you to explore and express what it means to embrace the beauty of imperfections.

This is your chance to showcase your creativity in one of our many categories:

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts

How to Get Started? Visit bit.ly/mhreflections for more information on how to participate and to submit your entries. Submission Deadline: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11:59PM.

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!

We are grateful for our volunteers. Here are some of our volunteer needs at this time:

Ongoing:

• Meet & Greet (PTA)
• Morning Valet (School)

The Associated Student Body (ASB) oversees all fundraising and school activities at Monterey Highlands. The ASB Cabinet meets most weeks to review activity and fundraising requests.

Useful ASB Information:

• ASB Fundraiser Request Form
  
• ASB Approved Fundraisers
  

Support 6th Grade and 8th Grade at Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 5-7pm!

Support 6th Grade as they raise funds for Science Camp in May 2025

• selling spam musubi, pizza and water!

Support 8th Grade as they raise funds for Promotion Activities in May 2025

• selling raspados, shaved ice

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!

Work on the Lower Blacktop is nearing completion. A few small items remain:

• Hopscotch and FourSquare games will be restriped this weekend or next so they are under the West Solar Array. The kickball diamond will also be restriped to correct specifications. This was done incorrectly over the summer.
• Tetherball poles will be added under the East Solar Array. The tetherball circles have already been painted.
• The Electronic Marquee will tentatively be craned into place from Casuda Canyon on Tues 8/20 (this date may change). There may be a need to close Gate 4 for dropoff (please use Gate 5) that morning. The Lower Blacktop may remain closed while the marquee is powered on and tested.
• The school will raise funds to purchase an outdoor chess set for the chess board that is painted on the Lower Blacktop.

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

• 8/19 to 8/22 - LEAD Assemblies for each Grade Level
• 8/21 - School Site Council Meeting on Zoom @ 1:15pm
  
• 8/24 - PTA Meet-n-Greet @ Outdoor Eating Area, 11am-1pm
• 8/26 to 8/30 - Kindness Week
• 8/27 - Fire Drill
• 8/27 - AUSD Board of Education Meeting
• 8/28 - Parent Engagement Meeting - Expectations, School Compact, Cafetorium @ 4:30pm (before BTSN)
• 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 Meeting - 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