MES Parent Updates

Dear Monterey Elementary Families,

Happy end of September! Time is flying by, and we have a busy, exciting month ahead as we head into October. Here are a few important updates and upcoming events to keep on your radar:

• Picture Day is Coming! Mark your calendars for next Wednesday, September 30th. Bring your best smiles!

• Free & Reduced Lunch Applications: Please take a moment to fill out the application online today. We encourage everyone to apply, as this program supports both individual families and overall school funding.

• Grade 3 Fall OST: Our 3rd graders will be taking the Fall Ohio State Tests from October 20th through October 23rd. Please help them prepare by ensuring they get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast during testing week.

• Pirate Day Fun: Be sure to check out the photos in this issue from 2nd Grade’s Pirate Day—our students had a blast!

• PTA Updates: Don't miss the "Save the Date" section from our PTA for upcoming family events and volunteer opportunities.

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A Quick Note on Bathroom Expectations We need your partnership at home regarding school behavior. Recently, we’ve seen an uptick in students playing in the restrooms, as well as writing words, numbers, and pictures on the walls. Please have a quick talk with your child about what it means to be responsible, safe, and respectful in all areas of our school, including the restrooms. Working together, we can keep Monterey clean and safe for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

Warmly,

Mrs. Jordan

Principal, Monterey Elementary School

We awarded our first 'Rey's of Sunshine at Monterey this week!

When students are caught Being Responsible, Safe and Respectful they get a note that is mailed home and a book vending machine coin!

Parents are encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced-Priced Meal Application online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal under the ‘More’ tab at http://portal.swcsd.us. Paper applications are also available in all school buildings and at the Food Services Department. Your child’s application is only good for one school year and the first few days of the start of the next school year. Thus, applications must be completed every year. More information is available here.

Do you have one hour a week to change the life of a child? Monterey Elementary is partnering with Charley's Kids which sponsors the Children’s Tutoring Initiative to bring high-quality reading tutoring to our students—and we need caring adults like you! Your encouragement and mentoring can make a lasting impact for a child!

If you can give just one hour a week on Thursday mornings, we’d love to have you join us as a volunteer tutor! You’ll receive training, resources, and a schedule from Children’s Tutoring Initiative—everything you need to succeed. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm for kids and our community.

Monterey is looking for tutors on Thursday mornings from 8:20 to 9:20 am. Scan this QR code or click on this link to sign up as a tutor and select a training date.

On November 3, 2026, South Western City Schools will present a No-New-Millage Bond Issue on the ballot—our first since 2018. Focused on high school facility improvements for grades 9–12, this measure will not raise the district tax rate, which has remained constant since 2009.

Approval of this initiative allows SWCS to execute Segment 3 of its long-range facilities plan while securing approximately

• $113 million in matching state funds. Key outcomes include:
• New High Schools: Constructing brand-new facilities for Grove City High School and Westland High School.
• Expanded Career Tech: Addressing waitlists at the South Western Career Academy.
• Targeted Upgrades: Investing in facility and athletic enhancements for Central Crossing High School and Franklin Heights High School.

Coffee & Conversation Informational Sessions

SWCS leadership invites community members, parents, and staff to learn more about the proposed projects. Special thanks to our community partners and local businesses for hosting these events.

• Friday, October 2, 2026 (10:30–11:30 a.m.)
• Location: Southwest Public Library - Grove City Library, 3959 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
• Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (4:00–5:00 p.m.)
• Location: Southwest Public Library - Westland Area Library, 4740 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
• Friday, October 16, 2026 (10:00–11:00 a.m.)
  • Location: Prairie Township Community Center, 5955 W Broad St, Galloway, OH 43119
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (6:00–7:00 p.m.)
• Location: The SWCS Welcome Center (formerly Brook Park Middle School), 2803 Southwest Blvd, Grove City, OH 43123

Stay Informed and Read more

Come hang out at one of the most fun weeks of the school year! Volunteer for a shift, help kiddos find their next favorite read — and even sign up during your child’s shopping time so you can shop together. 10/5-10/9! Morning, afternoon and evening shifts available (during goodies with grownups!)

Fun + easy
Flexible shifts
Shop with your kiddo
Every volunteer gets ONE FREE BOOK!

Grab a shift and join the fun! www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0849A8AC2AA57-65554941-fall

By now you should have received a flyer in your child's folder about our 2026-2027 PTA Reflections program. We are so excited to see the creative entries that come in this year for our theme: "What My Culture Means to Me".

Please review the flyer for instructions and additional info below, and/or contact Monterey Reflections Chair, Courtney Young ( ReflectionsMES@gmail.com) with ANY questions or help needed. Thank you!

Students may get an entry form at school, or it may be downloaded and printed or emailed: Reflections Entry Form

Flyer in English: Reflections 2026-2027 English

Flyer in Spanish: Reflections 2026-2027 Spanish

Flyer in Somali: Reflections 2026-2027 Somali

Flyer in Ukrainian: Reflections 2026-2027 Ukrainian

What is the Reflections Art Program?

• A long-running PTA program supporting student engagement in the arts

• A fun opportunity for your student to share their creativity and participate in our local contest and art show

• Visual Arts (2D or 3D works including drawing, painting, sculpture, and more!)

• Photography

• Literature

• Music Composition

• Film Production

• Dance Choreography

• **See flyer for guidelines/rules for each category**

How does it work?

• ANY and ALL Monterey students are invited to participate!

• All pieces must be a student's OWN ORIGINAL WORK and must be related to the annual Reflections theme. This year's theme is "What My Culture Means to Me"

• Students complete their work and turn it in to school (Mrs. Burley's Art Room or the office) by MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16th ( MUST include a completed entry form - if submitting multiple entries, students need one form for each entry). The entry form must be complete, signed, and include the student's Artist Statement describing their work and how it relates to the theme - this is a very important part of the judging!

• ALL artwork will be displayed at the SWCS Council of PTAs Reflections Art Show on Thursday, December 3rd, where work will be judged by district volunteers

• District-level winners will be featured at an awards program in March and many winning pieces will move on to the state-level competition at Ohio PTA

• State-level winning entries are advanced to the National PTA Reflections Art Program contest

We can't wait to see what these Monterey kids come up with!
-MES PTA Reflections Committee, ReflectionsMES@gmail.com

Looking to get involved? No better way than with our PTA!!

The Monterey Elementary School PTA meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend meetings! Meetings are also accessible through Google Meet, if you cannot attend in person.

If you would like to contact PTA, please e-mail our PTA at: montereyelementarypta@gmail.com

• Our GOAL for the year is 95%
• Your child should have 9 absences OR LESS
• For absences; call the office or enter in Infinite Campus
• School doors open at 7:55
• Tardy Bell rings at 8:20
• Dismissal Begins at 2:30
• NO SCHOOL FEES

VISIT THE SWCSD ATTENDANCE PAGE FOR UPDATE REGARDING ATTENDANCE FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR!!

At Monterey Elementary School we have many positive supports in place!

We teach our students to:

Be Responsible

Be Safe &

Be Respectful

To protect the growing number of students with severe, life-threatening food allergies, all South-Western City School District (SWCSD) elementary schools are enforcing strict safety rules aligned with Ohio Department of Education guidelines. [1, 2]

Please note the following policies for the school day:

• No Birthday Food Treats: Cupcakes, cookies, candy, or other birthday party foods will not be accepted for classroom distribution. Please send small non-food items instead. Your child may still bring a personal special treat just for their own lunch.
• No Unrequested Food Donations: Home food donations for daytime school events are strictly prohibited unless explicitly requested by staff and approved by the principal, and must be store bought and individually packaged.
• Balloon Restrictions: Balloons or arrangements larger than a child's backpack are not permitted in school or on school buses.

After-School Events: These strict restrictions do not apply to after-school events where parents are present to monitor their own children. However, principals are partnering with PTA units to share ingredient lists in advance for seasonal events. Thank you for helping us keep our classrooms safe and inclusive for every student!

Please notify the school about any known allergies your child may possess on the student medical form so we can do our best to meet each student’s needs and keep them safe. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our school office.

Personal Communication Devices: Any personal device, phone/watch/other, that distracts the learning environment must be off and in backpacks or will be placed in the front office for parent pick up, after an initial warning.

What happens if the rule is broken? - After an initial warning, devices will be placed in the front office for parent pick-up.

We appreciate your partnership in keeping distractions out of the classroom.

Monterey School Website

Access Past Newsletters

Monterey Transportation Map & Guidance

Attendance Information

Parent Resources

Birthdays at MES

PTA Website

Join the PTA

Getting set up with School Status Connect

Having trouble with School Status Connect?

Read the Family FAQ's

It will be very important for you to update all of your information in the Parent Portal so that you are sure to continually receive updates throughout the year. To create an IC account. If you already have an IC account, please find directions to update your contact information. It is important to update your child’s annual consent to emergency medical treatment or refusal. This is required by the State of Ohio.

Link to the INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL

Email: IC.HELP@SWCSD.US with an explanation of your problem and your child's student ID and they will help you through any issues you experience!

Your Right to View Teacher Qualifications

Under the No Child Left Behind Education Reform Act, parents have the right to request information regarding the qualifications of their student’s classroom teacher including:

1. If the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level taught and subject matter being taught ESSA Section 1112 (e)(1)(A)(i)(I);
2. If the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status ESSA Section 1112(e)(1)(a)(i)(II);
3. The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major, certification, and field of discipline ESSA Section 1112(e)(1)(A)(i)(III);
4. Whether the student is provided services by a paraprofessional and if so, their qualifications. ESSA Section 1112(e)(1)(A).

The requested information must be given in a timely manner. ESSA Section 1112(e)(1)(A).