The Bear Bulletin

Vol. 1, Issue 12, October 9, 2026

Hello Bear Families!

It's hard to believe how quickly this first quarter has flown by. As I reflect on these first nine weeks, I am reminded of just how thankful I am to serve as the principal of such an amazing school and community.

To say our first quarter has been a success would be an understatement. There have been so many great things happening at Montgomery Junior High, and I want to take a moment to celebrate just a few of them.

We've recognized 24 outstanding young men and women across all three grade levels as our Star Students of the month. Our athletic teams have been putting in the work, competing hard, and seeing that dedication pay off with impressive performances and plenty of victories. Our first two pep rallies have been electric and filled with Bear pride, thanks in large part to the incredible performances of our band, choir, cheer team and dance team. Meanwhile, our theater department has been hard at work in preparing for its upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.

We've also celebrated a Cross Country District Champion, and an MJH FFA student who earned Grand Champion honors with their pig at the Texas State Fair. And while these accomplishments are certainly worth celebrating, some of the most important successes are hapenign every day inside our classrooms. Our teachers have poured their hearts and a tremendous amount of effort into providing high quality instruction, and that hard work is reflected in the learning, growth, and accomplishments of our students.

All of this to say well done!

Also, thanks to all the drivers out there who trusted they systematic approach to improve the car rider line. It had a few hiccups in the first several days, but we adjusted on the fly and things are smooth now. You helped with that, I appreciate it.

Well, it is time for a break. I hope our students get a chance to unwind, recharge, and enjoy some time away from the routines of school. Just as importantly, I hope our families have a chance to slow down, spend some quality time together, and enjoy a little rest themselves. I can assure you that our teachers and staff are looking forward to doing the same.

When we return, we'll be refreshed and ready to build on the incredible momentum we've established during these first nine weeks.

Until then, enjoy your Fall Break!

Proud to serve Montgomery Junior High,

Tim Chesser

Principal

Our annual PTO sponsored 7th and 8th Grade Dance is quickly approaching on Friday, October 30, from 6-8 PM.

Ticket sales will take place on campus during lunches between Friday, October 23 and Friday, October 30 for $10. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $15. Please note: Any student who has outstanding fees in My School Bucks, will not be able to purchase a dance ticket until those fees are cleared. Please review and clear your fees ahead of time, so students can quickly claim their ticket during the sales period at their lunch or the night of the dance. If you have any questions concerning fees, please contact your child's assistant principal.

Attending students will be able to purchase raffle tickets (cash only) for some great prizes, and a cash snack bar will be open for drinks and food items.

6th Graders: a 6th grade dance is held in the Spring.

If you are dropping off a lunch for your child during the morning, we wanted to make you aware of a new process. When you enter the vestibule, you will see multiple carts with designated Lunch Signs (A - 10:32; B 11:03; C - 11:34). Please place your student's lunch in the appropriate cart. If you arrive after the scheduled lunch time to drop it off, you will need to enter the front office reception area. We are putting this procedure in place in order to maintain a safe school environment by reducing the traffic through the second door in the vestibule. Thanks for your support in this minor change.

Please review the following notification regarding the Say Something Program. The Sandy Hook Promise to spread awareness about reporting harmful, threatening, or violent behaviors. MJH plans to share the Say Something Program with students on Tuesday - Friday, October 20-24, with all students during advisory as part of Safe Schools Week.

All MJH 8th graders get a free practice opportunity and first exposure to college standardized entrance exams. We will have them take this practice PSAT on Wednesday, October 21. When students take it again their Sophomore and Junior years, they could qualify as National Merit Scholars based on their scores in high school.

Character to the Core: Honesty in Words, Actions & Academics

As our students navigate these crucial middle school years, building a strong internal compass is just as important as mastering math or history. In our character lesson this month, our focus turns to a core value that shapes character and everyday relationships: Integrity.

It’s easy to view honesty simply as "not telling a lie," but true integrity goes much deeper. In this month's lesson, we are exploring truth in words, truth in actions, and academic honesty. Students will also learn practical tools for standing their ground against peer pressure, as well as how to show integrity by taking ownership and making amends when they make a mistake.

💬 "GET STARTED" Questions to Try at Home

We invite you to join the conversation! Middle schoolers process big character concepts best through casual, low-pressure discussions. Here are the four starter questions we're focusing on in our lesson that you can explore around the dinner table or on the drive home:

• What does it mean to be truthful?
• How does someone show that they are truthful?
• How can our words be truthful if our actions are not?
• How do you know if someone is not being truthful?

💡 Why This Matters Now

Junior high is a time when peer influences peak and academic expectations grow. By talking openly about aligning our words with our actions—and learning how to make things right when we mess up—we help our students build self-awareness, accountability, and strong relationships.

Thank you for partnering with us to reinforce these valuable life lessons at home!

Texas House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of personal electronic devices in public schools. Our policy to support this bill requires students to keep their phones 'away for the day" in their backpack. When students violate this, their phone is confiscated per policy and the law. We wanted parents to be aware how the students are able to get their phone returned at the end of the school day.

ALL collected phones are labeled and stored in the front office. Any 8th grade athlete with after school practice may pick up their phone at the end of 7th period. All other students may pick up their phone following 8th period before leaving.

Parents, please note that a 3rd offense results in the phone being help for parent pick up only. If you have any questions regarding the cell phone policy, please contact your child's Assistant Principal.

Parents, we are requesting your help with reinforcing student behavior expectations at MISD athletic events.

Our athletic events are a great opportunity for students, families, and our community to come together, show their school spirit, and make great memories. We want our students to have fun, cheer loudly, and enjoy being part of it all.

At the same time, we need everyone to understand that respectful and responsible student behavior is an expectation at our athletic events just as it is during the school day.

Please take a few minutes to talk with your student before the game and remind them that school expectations do not change when they leave campus and head to the stadium. Students are expected to follow directions, treat players, coaches, officials, opposing teams, staff, and fellow students with respect, and make good choices throughout the event.

Your conversation at home can make a real difference. We appreciate you reinforcing these expectations with your student and helping us create an environment where everyone can enjoy the game and feel welcome and respected.

Thank you for partnering with us and helping our students represent themselves, our school, and our community with pride.

Mrs. Cook is our latest recipient of the Staff selected Bears Award. Ms. Cook is a high energy teacher that connects with kids. She is a leader, and students learn a ton of about Texas History in her class. She has the biggest heart to be a BEAR - and gets super hyped on any pep rally day.

Each week our staff recognizes one of their own for exhibiting excellence in their job through The Bears Award. Recipients of The Bears Award are selected and receive a handwritten note from the previous winner and a 'The Bears Award" lanyard pin. Buddy the Bear accompanies the winner for the week.

Fall Break - No School

Teachers/school staff have a PD day on Friday, October 9

8th Grade PSAT

As required by Texas law, Montgomery ISD provides parents with information about parental rights and educational options at the beginning of each school year. For more information, please visit the district’s website and review the Parental Rights Handbook.

Contact at 936.276.3300 or linked emails below

6th Grade

Nicole Petillo - Assistant Principal

Rachel Ballew - Counselor

7th Grade

Dr. Nikki Mullinnix - Assistant Principal

Tressie Stewart - Counselor

8th Grade

Chris Bails - Assistant Principal

Tracie Vickery - Counselor

Principal

Tim Chesser