Montera Middle School eBulletin
November 9, 2025
This week's school schedule: A-----b- AB
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
Thursday, Number 13: 8th Grade Friendsgiving Potluck (RSVP Here)
Friday, November 14: Ruby Bridges Day!
Tuesday, November 18: Building a Health(ier) School Community (5:30-7:30pm in the MUR)
Wednesday, November 19: Dine-out at Round Table Pizza
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)
Wednesday, December 10: Montera Yearbook Cover Design Contest Deadline (Info Here)
Ruby Bridges Walk IN to School Day at Montera!
In partnership with the Ruby Bridges Foundation and AAA, Montera will proudly join schools across the country on November 14 for Ruby Bridges Walk IN to School Day. We invite students, teachers and staff to wear purple to show your support!
Background: Six year old Ruby Bridges stepped into the history books in 1960 when she integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans becoming a national icon for the civil rights movement. Her courage became a powerful symbol of the civil rights movement and continues to inspire students today.
Ms. Williams will be sharing more information about this special morning soon!
Building a Health(ier) School Community
Join us on November 18 from 5:30-7:30pm in the MUR as we dive into the work of designing a blueprint of what we believe a Health(ier) middle school environment is for our Toro members. Our meetings are held in person and dinner will be served. Keep an eye out for an RSVP link on ParentSquare this week so we can get an accurate dinner headcount.
We look forward to continuing this work with you!
In community,
Montera Administration
Winter iReady Reading Assessment November 19
The Winter iReady assessment is scheduled for Wednesday 11/19. We would like to ask that parents make sure that students are present on this day (as much as possible).
A few other reminders:
- 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
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.
Dine-out Fundraiser at Round Table
Take note!
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.
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!
The Annual Fund accepts contributions throughout the entire school year and it's never too late to show your support.
Every dollar makes a difference! Consider a smaller monthly gift if $450 does not fit your budget. And if you can give more, we encourage your generosity. Give online today or return this form with a check.
Montera PTO 501(c)3 Non Profit Tax ID#: 23-7266421
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.
Dear Families,
On Thursday, November 13, the Secondary Math Team will host a virtual Family Info Night from 5:30-6:15pm to explore math acceleration options for high school students. While we hope to see many 8th and 9th grade families, this info night is open to families of students of all ages. During our info night, we will:
- explore math course options at each grade level in high school
- learn about the various math acceleration options that are offered at each high school
- hear from our students and teachers their experiences with different Algebra 1 course options
- collect questions from our community
Please use this google form to register for the event and submit any questions that you would like us to address. We will share the zoom link with you the day before the info night. The zoom webinar will also be recorded and shared out to any community members who are not able to attend.
Thank you,
Courtney Ortega, Secondary Math Coordinator for Middle Schools
Keely Machmer-Wessels, Secondary Math Coordinator for High Schools
(PS: Montera's own Ms. Villela-Smith teaches one of the Algebra classes! )
8th Grade Friendsgiving Potluck 2025
We invite 8th grade families and staff to eat and spend time together before the holidays. Join us Thursday, November 13 from 5:00 - 7:00 in the MUR. Please review the available slots below and sign up and bring something to this multicultural potluck. The whole family is invited. Hope to see you there!
8th Grade Activities Meeting Recap
If you missed the 8th grade activities meeting on October 30 - don’t worry! Here is the link to the recording (Passcode: RG2A=6fA) and Here are the slides.
Another meeting will be scheduled soon, so please keep an eye out for details from Mrs. Rasheed and Teena Bowie.
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
Montera 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
Baseball for All
North Oakland/South Oakland Little League's Challenger division serves kids ages 6-22 with mental and physical challenges and gives them the opportunity to play baseball in a supportive environment. Free registration for the Spring 2026 Challenger season is now open - find more information and sign up at https://www.nollsoll.com/challenger-division/.
(P.S. Registration for all NOLL/SOLL divisions is open through December 31 at https://www.nollsoll.com/registration-information/)
Trivia Night Fundraiser for OUSD's Equity Fund
Tuesday, November 11th 7:30pm at the Missouri Lounge (2600 San Pablo Ave). Four rounds of frivolous fun supporting OUSD schools.
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