Monterey Back to School

Dear Monterey Families,

Welcome to another exciting year at Monterey Elementary!

I hope your summer has been filled with fun, laughter, and time spent making memories with family and friends. While I know many of us aren't quite ready to say goodbye to summer, I can honestly say that our staff is excited to welcome our Mustangs back into the building and begin another incredible school year together.

Last year was a year of tremendous growth. Our students worked hard, supported one another, and continued building a school culture centered on The Monterey Way—being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe every day, everywhere. I couldn't be more proud of what our students, staff, and families accomplished together.

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, our commitment remains the same: creating a school where every child feels welcomed, challenged, supported, and valued. We believe every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe to take risks, build meaningful relationships, and discover their unique strengths.

This year, you'll continue to see our focus on:

• High-quality instruction that helps every student grow.

• Strong relationships between home and school.

• Positive behavior through The Monterey Way and PBIS.

• A welcoming, inclusive environment where every child belongs.

• Opportunities for students to lead, explore, and celebrate their successes.

Our partnership with families is one of the greatest strengths of Monterey Elementary. Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. Whether you're helping with homework, volunteering at events, or simply encouraging your child to do their best, you are an essential part of their success.

As we prepare for the first day of school, I encourage you to attend our Back-to-School Open House, meet your child's teacher, reconnect with friends, and explore everything Monterey has to offer. We can't wait to welcome both new and returning families into our school community. Please join us Monday August 17th from 4PM - 5:30PM for our Back-to-School event!!

This is going to be another amazing year for the Monterey Mustangs. Together, we'll continue creating a school where students are inspired to learn, empowered to lead, and encouraged to become the very best version of themselves.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Here's to a fantastic 2026–2027 school year!

See you soon!

Go Mustangs!

Warmly,

Mrs. Amanda Jordan
Principal
Monterey Elementary School

As we prepare for a fantastic new school year, student safety remains our top priority. Please remember that all parents, guardians, and authorized adults must present a physical photo ID every time they come to the main office for an early student pick-up.

We are thrilled to welcome our new secretary, Mrs. Kristi Noltemeyer, to the team! As she gets to know our school community, verifying identities helps her ensure a smooth and secure process for everyone.

What You Need to Know:

• ID Checks: Presented IDs will be cross-referenced with your child's records in Infinite Campus and their Emergency Contact list before release.

• Update Your Info: Please log into Infinite Campus before the first day of school to verify that all phone numbers and approved emergency contacts are completely up to date. We cannot release a student to anyone not listed in the system.

• Be Prepared: Have your driver's license or state ID ready when walking up to the office to help speed up the process.

Get in Touch Feel free to welcome Mrs. Noltemeyer or reach out to the main office:

• Phone: 614-801-8250

• Email: Kristi.Noltemeyer@SWCSD.us

We deeply appreciate your patience, understanding, and warm welcome for Mrs. Noltemeyer as we work together to keep our students safe!

2026-2027 School Year Dates:

August 12th

Teachers assigned and live in Infinite Campus! Log in to see who your child's teacher is before open house!

August 17th

Meet the Teacher OPEN HOUSE: 4PM - 5:30 PM

Staggered Start:

August 19th

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - ALL 4th Grade

Staggered Start K-3 (Last Names A-G)

August 20th

Staggered Start K-3 (Last Names H-O)

August 21st

Staggered Start K-3 (Last Names P-Z)

August 24th

FIRST DAY with ALL STUDENTS

September 2026:

Sept. 3rd

2nd Grade Dental Sealant Presentations

Sept. 7th

NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

Sept. 8th

PTA MEETING - 6PM - Library & Virtual

Sept. 11th

School Safety Day

Check out our fun back to school scavenger hunt below for all the fun we'll have to kick off an amazing new school year!

We are excited to have Kona Ice, The Glaze Cafe and The Soda Social (with special Monterey themed drinks)

During our open house you will establish your child’s transportation with their teacher. If you need to change your transportation please contact the office by 1:30 PM each day, or provide the change in writing.

You will choose from the transportation options below for arrival and dismissal:

Bus Rider: Your child rides the bus to and/or from school

Car Rider: Your child exits and/or exits your vehicle from the car rider line at the front of the school!

Walker/Parent Walk-Up: Your child walks to/from school or parents prefer to walk them to/from the doors of the school - through the cafeteria/playground doors.

Daycare Bus: Your child rides daycare provided transportation to/from school

PLEASE VISIT OUR TRANSPORTATION PAGE FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR EACH MODE OF TRANSPORTATION!

If your child will be car rider in the PICK UP line this year, meaning you stay in the car, and the child comes to you, we will be utilizing Car Rider pick up tags to continue to expedite our pick up process, and to increase safety. You can request 2 tags for your family, and they will be ready for you during meet the teacher/open house! Please fill out the form below to request your car tags!

*Please only request if you know your child will be a car ride in the afternoon. Do not fill out the form if your child will be a walker, bus rider, day care, or if you plan to park and meet the at the back of the building.

CLICK THIS LINK TO REQUEST YOUR CAR TAGS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR AT MONTEREY ELEMENTARY

1. Visit our school Website!! MES.SWCSD.US
2. Create and/or update Infinite Campus!
3. Class lists posted on Infinite Campus - August 12th!
4. Save the date! Open House: August 17th 4 - 5:30 PM
5. Complete Free Reduced Lunch Application on Infinite Campus

It is that time of year again to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application! For many families, they wonder if they qualify and for some that believe they do not qualify…sometimes they are surprised that they do end up qualifying and avoid unnecessary costs and meal debt in the process. As a rule of thumb, we suggest “it does not hurt to apply!” Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications need to be completed annually each school year.

Free and Reduced-Price Lunch eligibility is determined annually at the federal level using a sliding scale based upon a household’s combined income. Once a family qualifies, they receive either Free or Reduced-Price breakfast and lunch. Additionally, qualifying families are eligible for academic fee waivers for school supplies.

To Apply head to the link here: https://www.swcsd.us/FreeandReduced-PriceMeals.aspx

More incentives to Apply
Last summer, the State of Ohio released its new two year budget bill which included the provision for the state to cover the cost of reduced-price breakfast and lunch for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Those families that qualify for reduced-price breakfast and lunch will receive these meals at no cost this year; however, a new application must be completed in order to be eligible to qualify.

The District strongly encourages families to complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application to determine if your household qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch - even if you think you do not qualify.

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

We teach our students to:

Be Responsible

Be Safe &

Be Respectful

Teachers will be active in infinite campus on Wednesday, August 12th! Make sure you to log in and see who your child's teacher will be before Open House!

Please Note: Class lists are subject to change through the 20th school day due to enrollment and special circumstances.

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.

• 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!!

On November 3, SWCS will have its first No-New-Millage Bond Issue on the ballot since 2018 focused on high school construction projects - all without raising the tax rate for residents (same since 2009).

Should the No-New-Millage initiative be approved it would allow the district to implement Segment 3 of its long-range facilities plan and bring in approximately $113 million in matching state funds to our district that would result in:

• The construction of a new Grove City High School
• The construction of a new Westland High School
• Address Career-Technical Education waitlists at the South Western Career Academy
• Invest in targeted facility and athletics enhancements to Central Crossing High School and Franklin Heights High School

To assist community members, parents, and staff with inquiries, we have developed a comprehensive FAQ accessible on our website.

Stay Informed and Read more

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

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).