December 2016
The winter break is almost upon us. Monticello's focus for November was on the IB attribute of reflection, and our staff members have spent a lot of time reviewing our school program. We have made changes to our instructional program to align with the more rigorous expectations of the state assessments that seek to ensure students are college and career ready.
Our PBIS team has worked to revamp our behavior expectation and incentive program to promote a more positive climate in the building. Middle school is a challenging time as students are experiencing a lot of physical changes, and we are working to support our student's academic and emotional growth as they deal with their transition into adulthood.
Speaking of the IB program, Monticello's application for authorization has been accepted and we will have our site visit March 15 and 16. The authorization team will be interviewing staff, students and parents to determine if we are on the path to meeting the program expectations. The IB coordinator, Mrs. Garrett, presented to the PTA a status report on our implementation at the November meeting and is requesting parent volunteers to talk about the program to the authorization team.
Monticello staff are working to promote the IB attribute of being open-minded during the month of December as students are encourage to think globally while acting locally. We have recently had students from the National Junior Honor Society attend a leadership seminar in Columbus and MSAN went to the Maltz Museum to view a civil rights exhibit. 7th grade students will be visiting the Federal Reserve Bank to learn about how math helps you understand the inner workings of the economy.
The robotics team participated in a competition at Sheffield Middle School and earned 3rd place in a field of more than 20 teams. The robotics group finished one point away from earning the right to attend the state competition, and they have another chance to qualify in January--good luck Robotics!
6th Grade students will be participating in an interactive presentation by several local “Lost Boys” where they will be able to learn first hand what it was like to go through the Sudanese Civil War after having read A Long Walk to Water.
On December 8 students in the band, orchestra, and vocal programs will perform for their friends and family. Please join us at 7:00 p.m. to see how much our musicians have grown since the beginning of the school year. Boys basketball is under way, and the team has started the season well. Wrestling and girls basketball will begin soon after the break.
Progress reports are now available on Infinite Campus for families to review. Please contact the counselors to set up teacher meetings if your student is in need of a support plan. The next Parent Teacher Conference Night is not until March, so don't wait to meet with your child's teachers if they are struggling. We hope that all of our families have a safe and happy winter break. The break begins December 19 and students return to school on Monday, January 2.
8th Grade Honor and Merit Roll Students:
7th Grade Honor and Merit Roll Students:
6th Grade Honor and Merit Roll Students:
Mrs. Garrett at the Monticello PTA meeting:
