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The Lakefront
The Montebello School Newsletter: November 2022
Principal's Message
Montebello Families,
As we start the 2nd Quarter of the 2022-2023 School Year we are excited about the promise of this opportunity to increase student achievement but troubled by some disturbing trends. The first step in improving student achievement is showing up. Currently our school has an 86% daily attendance rate. This is far below the state mandated 94% attendance requirement. We need your support in ensuring students are coming to school daily, ready and prepared for learning. If there are circumstances that are preventing regular student attendance please reach out to the school to see how we can support your efforts.
Like most schools nationwide we are dealing with discipline issues around cellphone usage and social media. We are launching a program that will restrict student cellphone usage during the school day. Students should not be on their phones during the academic day. If parents need to get in touch with students during the day please contact the main office at 410.396.6576 and we ensure that messages are relayed or students are called to the office to take your call. We ask your support in our efforts to create an environment that is conducive to learning.
We are excited to celebrate our students with our upcoming 8th Grade Inauguration on November 11, 2022 at 9 am. Students who qualify based on academics and behavior will have a ceremony that establishes them as leaders of the school. This month we will also have our SGA elections. Montebello is a member Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) and will participate in conferences. This is an excellent opportunity for our students to develop their leadership skills. We celebrate those individuals who have thrown their hats in the ring and seek to serve their fellow students.
We are excited to announce that we are on schedule for our relocation back to 2040 E. 32nd Street in January. In preparation to our move the district has scheduled building tours and a ceremony for December 15, 2022 at 4:30 pm. More details to follow.
Schools will be closed for students on November 8th for General Elections. Please take time to speak to your students about the importance of voting and we encourage you to exercise your constitutional right and responsibility. Schools will also be closed on November 9th for Professional Development for our staff.
I am excited that Montebello will hold our first Daddy Daughter Dance on November 18th at the school. This is open not only to "Daddys" but to any significant male role model in our female scholars' lives. We even have staff members participating with their "Daddys". We sent flyers home with our young ladies and have an encouraging response so far. We ask that you RSVP so that we can ensure we have enough refreshments.
After we transition back into our "home" we will have many opportunities for clubs, sports and other extracurricular activities. We want to provide our students with a balanced education with both academics and activities that create a school culture that supports the diverse interests of our student body.
We invite parental involvement in school activities and ask that everyone who is able use the links below to become members of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and or School Family Council (SFC). Both are instrumental in the programming of our school.
Lastly, it continues to be my honor to be the principal of Montebello Elementary Middle School and I look forward to the heights we can reach as a school community with your continued support.
Dolphin Pride,
Troy K. Mitchell, Principal
Montebello's Core Value of the Month
November Core Value - Hope
A hopeful person believes in him or herself; knows that hard work and good intentions can make a difference; looks to the future with positive expectations and a plan for realizing those expectations.
American Education Week
Yondr Pouch
Get In Rhithm!
Rhithm App
Montebello has been selected by the district to participate in a pilot program using the Rhithm App as a tool to support the social emotional wellbeing of students and staff. Research indicates that students who have certain life skills, including self-regulation, are more likely to achieve higher levels of academic success, have increased levels of effort and motivation, and are better prepared for class.
From the Desk of Mr. Zeif (Guidance Counselor)
Hamilton Library Trip
Halloween Parade
Montebello's Student Clubs/ Organizations
Robotics
The Montebello Dolphinators are off to a great start this season placing 2nd at the Robotics Skills Challenge held on October 15th.
Student Government Association (SGA)
SGA campaigning has begun for SGA president, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Elections will be held Thursday, November 10th.
The Green Team
The Montebello Green Team is a group of students who are passionate about recycling and the earth and want to make a difference at our school and in our community!
Please see Mrs. Schlein if you are interested in participating.
National Junior Honor Society
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a student group that was established in 1929 in order to help recognize and promote student achievement in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
To be considered for Membership:
- Must be a 6th, 7th or 8th grader
- Minimum cumulative scholastic average of 87-89%, B+, or 3.5 on a 4.0 GPA scale.
- A student's selection will be based upon careful consideration of their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character and Citizenship.
- Students who meet the minimum scholastic average will be notified at the end of the 2nd quarter.
National Elementary Honor Society
The National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) was established in 2008. NEHS recognizes students in both public and nonpublic elementary schools for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated personal responsibility. Through NEHS, students provide meaningful service to the school and community and develop essential leadership skills.
To be considered for Membership:
- Must be a 4th or 5th grader
- Minimum cumulative scholastic average of 87-89%, B+, or 3.5 on a 4.0 GPA scale.
- A student's selection will be based upon careful consideration of their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Responsibility.
Girls on the Run/ Heart & Sole
Girls on the Run is a positive, after-school youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. Their mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Girls on the Run uplifts and empowers girls through thought-provoking discussion and fun activities and prepares them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
The Spring session of Girls on the Run (3rd- 5th grade) and Heart & Sole (6th- 8th grade) will begin on February 13, 2023 and runs thru April 30th. If your student is interested in participating, please complete this form. You will be contacted once registration opens.
Get Involved!
Times Tables
Students must master their basic math facts to improve and excel in mathematics. Helping your students learn their "times tables" will pay divends in the classroom and move them toward more independence and higher academic achievement. The article linked gives tips for supporting students' math growth and mastery.
https://kateshomeschoolmath.com/multiplication-facts-that-stick/
PTO, Let's Get It Started
School Family Council
Montebello's School Family Council is the committee that has input on school budget, programming and development of the School Performance Plan (SPP). We are always looking for dedicated individuals to assist with the heavy lift of directing our school into the 21st Century and ensuring our students have access to the best resources and curriculum possible. This body is led by Ms. Steeley Black and convenes the 3rd Wednesday of each month. If you are ready to make a difference, please complete the survey linked below.
Health Matters
Respiratory Trifecta (RSV, COVID, FLU)
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.
COVID-19
S- Pass Distribution
If your student is experiencing issues riding the MTA bus with their October pass, please have them see Mrs. Roberts in the main office.
Bus Lane/ Yellow Bus Transportation
Parents/ Guardians.. please help us keep our scholars safe. If you transport your scholars to and from school we ask that you please reframe from dropping your students off in the cross walks and/or in the bus lane. Please drop your students off beyond the bus lane/ orange cones. Students can also be dropped off on Marietta and cross over Northern Parkway with the assistance of the crossing guard.
Early Dismissals
Parent Teacher Organization Meeting (PTO)
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a supportive and advisory body that supports school initiatives. The meetings are every second Wednesday of the month. Meetings begin at 6 pm. We need your input! Your voice matters!
https://bcps-k12-md-us.zoom.us/j/83606844502?pwd=ZFdpbG4zbHl3bm5HWVNvU3NzYS83Zz09
School Family Council Meeting (SFC)
Montebello hosts their monthly SFC meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. The SFC is an advisory organization that supports the implementation of the School Performance Plan as well as the school's mission and vision. Meetings begin promptly at 6 pm. Please be part of the solution and help us create the school you want to see.
School Uniforms
Montebello, like all Baltimore City Public Schools, is a uniform school. Our accepted uniform consists of either khaki or blue pants, “skorts”, plaid knee length skirts or jumpers and either a yellow or blue polo top. Students can also wear Montebello logo t-shirts and/or hoodies in three different styles. Jeans, sweatpants as well as hair bonnets are not allowed.
Technology
Please don't forget that your scholar is supposed to bring their device with them daily. If your scholars device is broken please have them turn it in to their teacher so that a new one can be requested. If you scholars device has been lost/stolen a police report is required in order for a new device to be requested. Please contact City School's Information Technology Department at 443.642.3000 or visit them at 200 E. North Ave 21201, if your scholar is having technical issues with the device that you have been issued. Proper ID is required.
Parent Portal
Parents/ Guardians please don't forget that Parent Portal can be used to access information about your scholars grades, assignments, attendance, schedules and more. You can access parent portal by clicking:
https://baltimore.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/bcps.jsp
If you don't have a Parent Portal account click here
Key Dates - November/December 2022
November 1, 2022- Quarter 1 Ends
November 2, 2022- Early Release Day (11:45 dismissal)
November 4, 2022- Picture Day
November 8, 2022- School Closed: Election Day
November 9, 2022- School Closed: Professional Development for Teachers
November 9, 2022- PTO Meeting
November 11, 2022- 8th Grade Inauguration Ceremony
November 16, 2022- SFC Meeting
November 18, 2022-Father/ Daughter Dance
November 23-25, 2022- School Closed: Thanksgiving Holiday
December 3, 2022- School Choice Fair
December 14, 2022- Early Release (11:45 Dismissal)
December 14-16, 2022- Quarter 2 Progress Report Distribution
December 23- January 2, 2023- Schools Closed for Winter Break
Montebello Elementary-Middle School - "Leaders and Learners on the Lake" (est.1922)
Email: montebelloemschool@gmail.com
Website: http://montebelloschool.org
Location: 2500 E. Northern Pkwy, Baltimore, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 396-6576
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montebellodolphins