Montera Middle School eBulletin
November 16, 2025
This week's school schedule: AB -a- AB
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, November 18: Music Department Families Meeting (6pm on Zoom)
Wednesday, November 19: Dine-out at Round Table Pizza; iReady Winter Assessment (during the morning in Advisory)
Thursday, November 20: PTO Meeting (6:30-7:30pm via Zoom)
Monday, November 24-Friday, November 28: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Friday, December 5: Fall Sports Banquet (5:00-7:00pm in the MUR)
Tuesday, December 9: Visual Arts Showcase (5:00-6:30pm, Building 300 and Room 401)
Wednesday, December 10: Band Winter Showcase (6:00 pm in the MUR)
Wednesday, December 10: Montera Yearbook Cover Design Contest Deadline (Info Here)
Thursday, December 11: Strings and Choir Winter Showcase (6:00 pm in the MUR)
Music Department Families Meeting
Our music teachers are hosting a family meeting this Tuesday, November 18 at 6pm on Zoom. Topics will include: volunteers for our music concerts on December 10th (Band) and December 11th (Choir and Strings) and fundraising for field trips and departmental needs (Music in the Parks in Santa Cruz, etc.).We look forward to collaborating with you. Thank you!
RSVP here: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/64091577
Zoom link here: https://ousd.zoom.us/j/4554557483
Dine-out Fundraiser at Round Table
This week!
On Wednesday, November 19, 11am-9pm Round Table Pizza on Mountain Blvd will donate 20% of every sale to Montera if you mention this fundraiser!
Excludes online orders and delivery apps.
Winter iReady Reading Assessment November 19
iReady testing is happening this Wednesday!
We would like to ask that parents make sure that students are present for testing (as much as possible).
Winter iReady is an important half way point in the year which encourages students to reflect on their growth as readers. Student scores will be mailed home with report cards in January.
A few reminders for a successful iReady test:
Students should get a good night of sleep beforehand
If possible, students should eat breakfast before coming to school. Though, grab and go breakfast will also be served.
Bring refillable water bottle to minimize time outside of class
Testing will occur in advisory classes. Please see the alternate testing schedule below:
PTO Meeting this Thursday
Join us for the PTO meeting on Thursday, November 20 at 6:30 pm via Zoom. We’ll share important updates, highlight upcoming events, and discuss ways families can get involved. A meeting reminder and the agenda will be sent out on Parent Square the day of the meeting.
Meeting ID: 816 9772 7172
Passcode: Toros!
Building a Health(ier) School Community (Rescheduled)
We are in the process of rescheduling this meeting that was scheduled for November 18 because the Montera music department is meeting on this date. We will share the new date soon. The meeting will be held in person in the MUR and dinner will be provided. We are excited to dive into the work of designing a blueprint of what we believe a Health(ier) middle school environment is for our Toro members.
We look forward to continuing this work with you!
In community,
Montera Administration
See's Candies Holiday Fundraiser for Montera!
Buy See's Candies for holiday gifts, and support Montera - win-win! Simply buy online from the See's Montera Storefront and your candy will be shipped directly to your house. Montera receives 20%-50% of the profit of every order.
Let’s come together and spread a little holiday cheer for the Montera teachers and staff who support our kids every day!
We invite our community to contribute funds so we can distribute gift cards evenly to all ~90 members of our amazing teachers and staff.
We are also seeking donations of bottles of wine and cookies, which we will present at a staff holiday party on December 17.
Please sign up to contribute funds and/or donate goodies to the party!
A gentle reminder about lockers!
*All students have been assigned a hallway locker and a PE locker
*Lockers are used to store your CELL PHONES and other personal belongings
*Please provide your child with a combination lock and have them secure their hallway locker by 11/19/25
*If your child has forgotten or is uncertain about the location of their locker they can check with their grade level administrator.
*All athletes must keep their athletic gear in their locker. If the athletic gear includes a baseball/softball bat that does not fit in the locker, the student will store the bat in the main office.
--Principal Williams
We’re thrilled to invite families for the 2026-2027 school year to our upcoming on campus tours. We need your help by being a Parent Tour Guide Helper! It's one of the easiest and needed volunteer positions. Current students lead the tours while you keep them on time and help answer questions from prospective parents.
Arrive on campus (outside the MUR) by 9:00am for each on-campus tour date to help with check-in and meet your student tour guide. The tour block is 9:30-11am for prospective families which includes a ~40 minute presentation & student panel in the MUR and ~50 minute walking tour.
Please join us in spreading the greatness of Montera. Go Toros!
California funds schools through Average Daily Attendance (ADA). This means that every day or period a student is absent or tardy, our school loses funding. Unexcused absences cost our school thousands of dollars each school year. Every minute counts!
Reminders:
AVOID picking up students during lunch - loud speaker announcements during lunch disrupt classes in session.
AVOID picking up students 20-30 minutes before the dismissal bell. This allows students to finish their school day without disruption.
Dismissal is at 1:50 pm on Wednesdays and 3:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Remember, school starts at 9:15! Please help your student arrive on time each day and reinforce the importance of showing up to 3rd & 7th period after lunch!
Any absence not verified by phone or email is marked “Unverified” and is considered unexcused.
If you know that your student is going to be absent, please call the main office at 510-879-3211 x1.
If your family is experiencing challenges with daily attendance, we are here to support you. Contact your grade-level principal or Ms. Ida at the number above for assistance.
Math Acceleration Information and Resources
Dear families,
Thank you for joining us on Thursday, November 13, 2025 for our webinar where we shared high school math acceleration options. Here is a recording of the webinar, the slides in English, and the slides in Spanish.
Here are the links that we shared during the webinar:
- Please use this google form to share questions
- Register for Summer 2026 Math Offerings
- Register for Algebra 1 Certification Exam
Dates for our Summer 2026 math offerings and Algebra 1 Certification Exam are below. It is important that we get information to HS counselors in a timely manner so that students start the first day of school with accurate schedules. If students have conflicts with the exam dates, please fill out the form and email us.
Please continue to use the google form linked above to share your questions. We will continue to compile questions and add our responses to the FAQ document (linked above) before winter break.
We look forward to continuing to support your family as you explore the most appropriate math course pathways for your student.
Thank you,
Courtney Ortega, Middle School Math Coordinator
Keely Machmer-Wessels, High School Math Coordinator
1) Order Your 2025–26 Montera Yearbook
Although the yearbook pre-sale has ended, it’s never too late to order your copy! Yearbooks will be delivered to the school in mid-May. Scan the QR code or CLICK HERE to order from Treering. The cost is $34.85 plus tax.
2) First-Time Ordering?
If you haven’t ordered before or are new to Montera, you’ll be prompted to create a login and add your student(s) information. When selecting a teacher, please choose “N/A (Not Listed/Applicable)” from the dropdown menu.
3) We Want Your Photos!
If you have great shots from school events or campus moments, email them to MonteraYearbookClub@gmail.com and include student names and short captions.
4) 8th Grade Baby Photos Needed
We’re collecting baby photos for the 8th-grade section! Please send a baby photo of your 8th grader by January 31, 2026 to MonteraYearbookClub@gmail.com.
Photos should be in JPG format and at least 500kb to print clearly. Include your student’s name in the subject line or body of your email.
5) Yearbook Cover Design Contest
All Montera students are invited to enter the cover design contest for a chance to have their artwork featured on this year’s yearbook. The winner will receive a free yearbook. Students can use any media—collage, colored pencil, watercolor, or digital art—as long as it’s scannable and horizontal (no 3D art).
Deadline to Submit Artwork: December 10, 2025 (View Rules & Guidelines Here)
Fall Sports Banquet
Athletes and Coaches,
Congratulations on a successful season! Montera PTO and the Montera Atheltic Director are pleased to host our Fall Sports Banquet on Friday, December 5, 5-7pm in the MUR.
We'll celebrate our student-athletes, recognize teams and award-winners, and thank our incredible coaches and volunteers.
Dress: Smart casual or team spirit wear
RSVP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CACAD28A5FD0-60179133-fall#/
We hope to see you there!
--Montera Athletics
Girls and Boys Basketball Try-Outs This Week
Attention all Montera Toros interested in basketball!
Are you ready to join the Montera Basketball Team this year? Lace up your sneakers, put on your favorite workout gear, and bring your A-game! This is your chance to showcase your skills and earn your spot on the team.
Girls Tryouts: Mon Nov 17th, Wed Nov 19th, and Thurs Nov 20th
We’ll be on the blacktop from 3:45 PM to 5:30 PM.
Boys Tryouts: Tues Nov 18th from 3:45-5:15pm and Wed Nov 19th 2:00-3:45pm
Have questions? Stop by and see Ms. Ligons or Mr. Price Don’t miss out—let’s make this season unforgettable!
Girls Soccer Tryouts
Girls Soccer Tryouts will take place on the grass field:
Tuesday, December 2nd from 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Wednesday, December 3rd from 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Please make sure students wear cleats and shin guards and bring water.
We look forward to seeing everyone out on the field!
Stay tuned for more winter sports info soon.
AD Price
Parking Lot Safety Reminder
Thank you to all of our parents and guardians for your continued cooperation with our new parking and pick-up procedures. Your support is helping ensure a safer and more orderly process.
Recently, there was a close call in the parking lot involving a student running into the driveway area as a vehicle was turning. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the situation was dangerous and could have had a different outcome.
With the time change and reduced daylight, we are asking families to please remind students of the following expectations:
Students should remain in designated student areas unless they are actively entering or exiting a vehicle.
Students should not run or play in the parking lot at any time.
Students should use sidewalks and crosswalks and be aware of moving vehicles.
Our staff and coaches are also making necessary adjustments to support safety, including reinforcing expectations with students at pick-up, coordinating clearer walking areas, and reexamining our practice areas to reduce movement near the driveway.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe during pick-up.
In community,
Coach Price
Upcoming Coaching Opportunities
Montera Middle School is seeking enthusiastic, dedicated coaches to join our Toro Athletics family this winter! We’re building teams that play hard, learn teamwork, and represent Montera with pride.
Girls JV Basketball Coach: We’re looking for a positive leader who can teach fundamentals, teamwork, and confidence to developing players.
Girls Soccer Coaches: Seeking passionate coaches who value growth, effort, and sportsmanship.
Boys Soccer Coaches: Looking for motivated coaches who can guide players through skill-building, conditioning, and competition.
Tryouts: Late November – Early December
Season: January – March 2025
Location: Montera Middle School, Oakland
Ideal Candidates Will:
Enjoy working with middle school athletes
Be reliable, organized, and positive role models
Communicate effectively with players, families, and staff
Be available for after-school practices and Saturday games
Contact: Martin Price, Athletic Director — [martin.price@ousd.org]
Oakland Girls Softball League (OGSL) Spring 2026 registration
OGSL’s mission is to bring the sport of softball to players aged 5-14. The spring season will start in February and run through May. 1-2 practices on weekdays, games on Saturdays.
Registration Fees are 6U: $215 and 8U, 10U, 12/14U: $275. Sign up before December for an Early Bird discount! If cost is an issue, please email info@ogsl.org BEFORE completing the registration form for more information on requesting a ½ off fee discount. No one will be turned away for lack of funds!
OSGL Information: https://www.ogsl.org/
Registration: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/485569
Know someone who isn't receiving this eBulletin?
Montera Middle School
eBulletin is produced throughout the school year on a weekly basis by the Montera Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) except on holidays. It sometimes contains ads from our sponsors and/or services from the community. These advertisements do not imply endorsement of any product or service by OUSD, Montera Middle School, or the Montera PTO.
If you have news you'd like to include, please send it to eBulletin@monterapto.com by 5pm on Friday. Submissions may be edited for spelling, grammar, brevity and clarity. In addition, while we strive for accuracy, being human sometimes gets in the way. If you spot an important error, please bring it to our attention. Thanks!
We Are Montera. We Are One.
Email: communications@monterapto.com | Website: https://montera.ousd.org/
Location: 5555 Ascot Drive, Oakland, CA, USA | Phone: (510) 531-6070