The Weekly Update #4
June 8th, 2026
Dear Mayan Families,
Welcome back from Fall Break! I hope you and your family had an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together. As we return to school, we are entering a busy and important time of year; a time when we have the opportunity to show what it truly means to be Mayan Strong!
At Montgomery Middle School, we continue to focus on our three pillars: Strong Academics, Strong Relationships, and Strong Culture.
- Strong Academics: Our instructional focus on developing strong writing routines continues. Students are learning to make meaning of what they read and communicate their understanding through clear, thoughtful writing. With District Performance Tasks coming up, students will have an important opportunity to demonstrate their progress and put these skills into practice. We encourage every student to approach these tasks with confidence, perseverance, and a commitment to doing their best.
- Strong Relationships: Building a strong Mayan Family means looking out for one another and taking responsibility for the way we treat others. We will continue emphasizing what it means to be an upstander—someone who does the right thing, speaks up when something is wrong, and helps others uphold our core values. Every student has a role in creating a campus where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
- Strong Culture: We are excited to bring our students and community together through upcoming events, including our school dance and Día de los Muertos celebration. These experiences create opportunities for students to build connections, celebrate traditions, and develop a deeper appreciation for the cultural traditions that shape our community. We are also launching our WishWell parent workshops, designed to support families as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising adolescents. We look forward to learning and growing alongside our Mayan families.
As the school year progresses, the choices we make each day matter. This is the time to build on our progress, challenge ourselves to grow, and demonstrate the responsibility, empathy, and resilience that define our Mayan Family.
The first day of school is Tuesday, October 6th. While the weather will not be as hot as it has been over the weekend. We will be closely monitoring the heat and making adjustments as needed based on the conditions. If you have any concerns for your child during this time, please contact the nurses office so that we can make accommodations for them. You can also view our Heat Advisory FAQ to get more detail about how we are planning for the heat wave.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can make these next several weeks a meaningful time of learning, connection, and growth for every student.
Today, we are stronger than yesterday.
Mayan Strong!
In Lak’ech,
John S. Patel
Principal Montgomery Middle School
Universal Benefits Application (UBA) Your family may qualify for:
$120 in Sun Bucks to help with groceries
Monthly savings on eligible SDG&E, Cox, and AT&T bills
College prep savings, including reduced AP, SAT, and ACT fees and waived college application fees
Completing the application also benefits our school. The information collected can help increase state funding that supports academic programs, technology, and extracurricular activities for our students.
Online: Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal → Universal Benefits Application → Complete, sign, and submit. (Instructions)
Paper: Completed Paper forms can be turned in at our main office.
Important Deadline: To qualify contribute to the school's Title I Funding, application must be submitted by Tuesday 10/6/26.
You can see upcoming events and schedules through the MOM Website Calendar. Bookmark this page so you can easily check what's coming up. You can also find bell schedules, important dates & the student academic calendar.
💛 You're Invited to WishWell Parent Empowerment Workshops
Dear Montgomery Middle Families,
Your teen is growing and changing — and so is your role as a parent.
Join us for a FREE WishWell Parent Empowerment Workshop designed specifically for parents of teen students. Learn practical strategies to better understand your teen, strengthen communication, build healthy boundaries, and navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence.
✨ Leave feeling more confident, more connected, and better equipped to support your teen's success.
📅 Workshop: Decoding Big Emotions
📅 Date: October 6th
🕑 Time: 11-12 pm
📍 Location: Room 505
We look forward to seeing you there!
Workshops will occur every Tuesday October 6th - November 10th from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM in Room 505.
October 14th & 15th all students will attend presentations in Mayan Hall with their Social Science class. These presentations are led by SUHSD Ethnic Studies Teacher on Special Assignment, Don Dumas. The purpose of these presentations is to help students understand the history and harmful impact of racial slurs and hate-based language, including how words can cause harm, reinforce stereotypes, and affect individuals and communities. Students will reflect on the impact of their words and their responsibility to treat one another with dignity, empathy, and respect as we work together to create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming Mayan Family.
Save the date for the first school dance of the year...
October 22nd
5-7:30pm
Mayan Hall
Cost: $3 presale, $5 at the door
All students must have a signed permission slip to attend. Students on the non-privilege list will need to clear their non-privilege status prior to October 20th. There is a Saturday School on October 10th for those who need to attend.
Save the date for the MOM Dia De Los Muertos Event
October 28th
5pm
Presale ticket information coming soon.
We invite you to attend our upcoming English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting!
ELAC is a wonderful opportunity for parents of English Learners to stay informed, share feedback, and help guide the academic programs and resources that support our students' success. Your voice and input are vital to our school community. All dates can be found in this flyer.
At Montgomery Middle School, we live by the Mayan principle of In Lak'ech "You Are My Other Me." This reminds us that every person deserves dignity, kindness, and respect. When we take care of ourselves, others, and our campus, we help create a safe and welcoming community for everyone.
For detailed policies click on the student/parent handbook.
Be Prompt
Be at school every day and arrive to class on time.
Be in your seat before the final bell rings.
Every minute of learning matters.
Be Prepared
Come to school ready to learn with the materials you need.
Follow the dress code and keep your cell phone in your backpack.
Be ready to give your best effort each day.
Be Polite
Use respectful words and actions with teachers, staff, substitutes, and one another.
Honor the spirit of In Lak'ech by treating others as you would want to be treated.
Show courtesy, even when you disagree.
Be Positive
Choose kindness over conflict.
Ask for help from a trusted adult when problems arise.
Be Proud
Take care of our beautiful campus.
Keep hands to yourself and help maintain a safe environment free from bullying and harassment.
Pick up trash, respect school property, and Make A Difference every day.
Remember: In Lak'ech, You Are My Other Me.
The way we treat others reflects who we are as a Mayan community.
Every minute counts!
Regular attendance plays a critical role in academic success, social development, and building positive school habits. Additionally, being on time is not only a school skill but one that will be beneficial in life. Your efforts in ensuring your child attends school consistently and on time are necessary. We at Montgomery Middle School are asking all parents/guardians to help us in getting students to school on time.
School starts at 8:15am, which is the time all students need to be in class and ready to learn. Please make every effort to get your child to school on time. If your child(ren) is(are) absent/tardy, please contact the main office by
calling 619-662-8200 and choose option 1 (attendance),
send a note with your child to the main office, or
step in to the main office to inform the attendance tech.
If there are factors that may be getting in the way please feel free to reach out to Montgomery Middle School's administration or your student’s Counselor who may be able to provide some assistance. Thank you for your partnership and ongoing support. We look forward to continuing to work together to support your child’s success throughout the remainder of this school year.
In Lak’ech,
Montgomery Middle School Administration
