Mission Statement

The mission of the Monticello Middle School Family is to develop students who are:

• Appreciative of different cultures
• Tolerant of humankind
• Respectful of themselves and others
• Responsible for their choices
• Accountable for their own actions
• Striving to reach their fullest academic potential
• Developing their whole self as a person

To these ends, we are nurturing lifelong learners.

Vision Statement

Students have access to a wide spectrum of academic and extracurricular experiences and are encouraged to spread their wings and widen their world view by taking full advantage of diverse offerings and opportunities. The school climate fosters respect: respect between students and staff, staff and staff, students and students, and staff and families. The students are empowered and take ownership of their own education. They are free to accept and express ideas respectfully, without fear or prejudice. Adults are compassionate, competent, committed, consistent, and professional, yet warm.

The students are self-motivated and excited about learning, as the staff works hard to make lessons meaningful and fun. The students are well rounded, resilient, and responsible. They possess positive attitudes and their communication is open, friendly, and caring. They are polite and understand that there is a time and a place for everything.

Students come to school prepared and eager to participate in lessons that engage them. They complete projects and assignments without hesitation as they understand that these are the things that help to make them successful and because they believe in who they are, as does the staff.

Families and staff work together with the vision of helping students become productive members of Monticello Middle School and society. Administrators and support staff are visible and accessible to students. Each department in the school is committed to the vision of making our students well rounded, lifelong learners.

History

Monticello Middle School (opened in 1930) is located in Cleveland Heights, a first ring suburb of the city of Cleveland. It has over 500 students in grades 6, 7, and 8 and a staff of nearly 70. Our students and staff are diverse, and that makes us all proud to work together effectively and collaboratively.

Monticello’s teaching and support staff includes:

• two administrators
• excellent teachers
• one full-time and one part-time counselor
• a teacher of gifted and talented students
• two reading teachers
• seven intervention specialists
• a media specialist
• a part-time social worker
• a part-time school psychologist
• a part-time nurse
• a speech and language specialist

Following the middle school model, each grade level has two teams made up of three to four core teachers. The foreign language and unified arts teachers form their own teams, as do the special education and multi-age teachers.

Monticello was the focus of a beautification project several years ago, which transformed the building into a real gem! New carpeting, floor tile, and a fresh coat of paint are just some of the many improvements done to the building that make it a place in which it is a pleasure to teach and learn.

Bell Schedule

First Bell: 8:05 a.m.
Homeroom: 8:15 - 8:25 a.m.
Period 1: Starts at 8:28 a.m.

Students eat lunch in the cafeteria for 21 minutes; the other half of the period is spent in homeroom. The first lunch period starts at 10:43 a.m.

The school day ends at 2:25 p.m. and teachers are available to help students from this time until 3:15 p.m.

Dismissal
2:28 – 2:38 p.m. 8th Grade Dismissal
2:28 – 2:48 p.m. 7th Grade Dismissal
2:28 – 2:58 p.m. 6th Grade Dismissal

The bell schedule will be adjusted on days when there are morning or afternoon assemblies.

Unified Arts Offerings

Monticello offers Unified Arts courses at all grade levels. Courses that students can take include classes in Art, Health, Tech Ed, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Spanish, French, Physical Education, Life Skills, Basic Studies, and Info Skills.

Extracurricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities at Monticello include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Two of Monticello’s most successful extracurricular activities are The Mighty Males of Monticello and the Leading Ladies of Monticello. The Mighty Males group formed several years ago and is patterned after a successful program at Noble Elementary, one of the feeder schools for Monticello. Its emphasis is on building a culture of academic success among young male students, as well as leadership. Community service activities are a key component of The Mighty Males, and motivational speakers visit at least once per quarter.

The Leading Ladies program has as its primary emphasis leadership development and character building. A service component is also a part of the Leading Ladies.

Getting Involved

The staff at Monticello Middle School encourages families to get involved in Monticello’s many activities. The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a key parent group that provides support to the school on many levels. Your membership and involvement are welcome and encouraged. Please call the office at 216-371-6520 for the name and contact information of the current PTA President.

Take a Customized Tour of Monticello

PATH (Parent Ambassadors to Heights) is a volunteer, parent-led initiative that fosters community understanding of the Cleveland Heights – University Heights City School District.

For more information, or to arrange a personal tour, please contact parent ambassador Ranelle Huber at 216-470-1517 or rhuber620@sbcglobal.net.