Montera Middle School eBulletin
October 17, 2022
Important Dates
(scroll down for more information)
Monday, October 17-Friday, October 29 - Halloween Candygram sales
Monday, October 17 - District 4 Candidate Forum, 6:30 PM
Wednesday, October 19
- Fall Wellness Day, 11:00-1:00 PM
- ** AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM CANCELED **
Sunday, October 23 - Black Girls Brilliance at OMCA's Dia de los Muertos
Monday, October 24 - Girls Basketball tryouts, 3:40-5:30 PM
Tuesday, October 25 - High School Information Night, 6:00-7:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 25 & 26 - Picture Day
Thursday, October 27 - Girls Basketball tryouts, 3:40-5:30 PM
Saturday, October 29 - Fall Fest, 2:00-5:00 PM
Monday, October 31 - Girls Basketball tryouts, 3:40-5:30 PM
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District 4 Candidate Forum
As you may know, our school district (District 4) will elect a new representative to the OUSD School Board in the November election. There is a non-partisan candidate forum being held on Monday October 17 at 6:30 on Zoom where you can hear from all of the candidates running for the District 4 seat.
To attend, you must register here https://www.smore.com/mret6-ousd-d4-candidate-zoom-forum.
When attendees RSVP, they are welcome to submit their questions in advance. These questions will be grouped by topic, and 4 or 5 chosen by moderator to be asked of each candidate with a couple of minutes to answer. The questions will not be shared with the candidates ahead of time. The forum will be recorded and will be shared with our school community.
This is not a PTA-sponsored event and the PTA is not endorsing a candidate.
The Oakland Unified School Board (OUSD) makes critical decisions that affect many aspects of our students education. We encourage all families to learn more about the candidates running to represent Montclair and District 4.
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We need your support now! We are at $21,000 out of our $75,000 goal.
Make a one-time or monthly donation online via PayPal: Donate to Montera PTO (or click on the image above). You can also write a check to Montera PTO and give to Ms. Finley in the front office.
Win WARRIORS TICKETS!!! Annual Fund contributions of $25 or more between now and Fall Fest (10/29) will enter you into a prize drawing for 2 Warrior's game tickets. Help your school and have a chance to watch your team! Winner will be selected at Fall Fest, but doesn't need to be present to win.
To learn more about how PTO funds support the Montera community, click HERE or on the attachment below.
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Upcoming Activities (volunteers may be needed)
Boo! - Halloween Candygrams
Want to send something sweet and message to a friend, teacher, staff, or oneself? Get a Candygram!
$2 for each Candygram.
Candygrams will be sold on the following dates:
- 10/17/22 8:00-9:00am @patio tables/courtyard by MUR
- 10/19/22 11:00am-12:15pm (lunch time) @patio tables/courtyard by MUR
- 10/21/22 3:30-4:30pm @patio tables/courtyard by MUR
- 10/25/22 8:00-9:00am and 11:00-12:15pm (lunch time) @patio tables/courtyard by MUR
- 10/27/22 8:00-9:00am and 11:00-12:15pm (lunch time) @patio tables/courtyard by MUR
- 10/29/22 Fall Fest (2:00-5:00pm)
Grams will be distributed Monday 10/31 at 1st period.
(Proceeds go to the 8th grade fund)
If you can donate bags of candy and/or have time to take orders, please sign up!
Montera Middle School Community: Halloween Gram Candy & Helpers (signupgenius.com)
Thank you,
8th Grade Committee
Fall Wellness Day - Parent Volunteers Needed
Our Montera community recognizes the importance of Fall Wellness Day, especially during this time when gun violence has escalated in our community and has now directly impacted our schools. We want to center wellness as a way of strengthening our #Monterastrong community and assuring students that there are caring adults to support them at all times.
Fall Wellness Day will take place Wednesday, October 19th. During this day students will go to their same classes but during each class have the opportunity to do wellness activities. During lunch we'll have activities/ wellness stations for students to participate in.
We are seeking support from parent volunteers to lead/co-lead lunchtime booths. The time commitment would be ~11:00-1:00pm to allow time for set up and clean up. We are hoping to get 8-10 volunteers if possible. Last year we had ~6 volunteers and were able to make due.
Below are some booths we had last year but we are open to more ideas/activities!
Wellness Wall
Puzzle station
Yoga/stretching: Peace Garden
Music
Wellness Wheel
Affirmation Station
Please contact our counselors if you can volunteer:
Larrisha Coney (larrisha.coney@ousd.org)
Erica Saephan (erica.saephan@ousd.org)
High School Information Night for 8th Grade Families
Where: Zoom RSVP HERE
It's almost time for our 8th graders to apply to high school! Join us for a virtual High School Information Night Tuesday, October 25 from 6:00-7:30pm to learn more about the process from Montera counselors and hear from several Oakland public high schools about what they offer.
Questions? Contact outreach@monterapto.com.
Montera Fall Fest, 10/29, 2:00-5:00PM!
Come celebrate the season at Montera's Fall Fest, Saturday, 10/29, 2-5PM!
Enjoy music performances by Montera's Advanced Band, Advanced Orchestra, and Planet MC. Watch the Cheer Squad make their school debut. Get spooked in the Haunted Classroom, dunk your teachers in the Dunk Tank, test your skills on the Big Ball Jump, flaunt your creativity in the Costume Contest ... and lots more fun!
Most activities are FREE and food tickets can be purchased in advance HERE
With an Annual Fund donation of $25 or more, enter into a drawing for WARRIORS TICKETS! Winner will be announced at Fall Fest and donation/entries can be made HERE
Volunteers are still needed to make this an awesome event!
** STUDENTS MAY SIGN UP TO HELP OUT TOO!! **
QUESTIONS? Please reach out to PTO Volunteer, Brandon Rusk: b.rusk.dadstuff@gmail.com
Picture Day is Coming!
When: Tuesday & Wednesday, October 25 & 26
How to Order:
- Visit mylifetouch.com
- Enter your Picture Day ID: EVT8P4WT9
- Order your perfect package—and don’t worry about returningvanything on Picture Day!
- You do not have to place your order before picture day. Read more here.
See the flyer below.
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Family Fun & Fundraising Events & Activities
Black Girls Brilliance at OMCA's Dia de los Muertos
Mr. D/Planet MC
Please support our Montera teacher Planet MC who is an environmental rapper by liking and sharing his first single, BNS-Beverage No Straw https://youtu.be/S-9cGCJTpRM The artwork is by a former Montera student at Oakland Tech @josp._
The upcoming album GREEN RAP will feature Montera students' production, interviews and artwork. The second single, Nurdles, is coming out soon and is produced by Montera English teacher Elijah Behar.
@planetecorap on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVjBPlJ8UihOCF4ojQtJROA is the YouTube channel. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Montera Fundraiser Nights with the Warriors
https://am.ticketmaster.com/warriors/promotional-page?filterType=NjAx
Friday, November 18, 2022 vs. Knicks
January 10, 2022 vs. Suns
March 13, 2023 vs. Pelicans
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Toro Pride: Let's Make This a Fantastic Year TOGETHER
Music Boosters 2022-2023
Let us know how you can help HERE.
Community Reading Buddies
Contact Ms. Harambe at tina.harambe@ousd.org
Montera Benefit
Are you an awesome person?
We are looking for an assistant Gear Coordinator to help out with Montera Spirit gear this year to bump up school spirit! If you are interested in helping raise the profile of Montera with fun swag and spirit items, send an email to gear@monterapto.com!
Any questions?
Email gear@monterapto.com
Suppport Montera teachers' Donors Choose projects
Choose from a number of projects currently posted by our teachers -- from sandpaper and baseballs to books, maps, computers, and more!
Check out and donate to the projects HERE
How do you want to help?
The Montera PTO helps support all of the great activities our students enjoy throughout the year. We would love to have you help! Please have any interested adults fill out this form to show your availability, skills, interests, and/or other resources. We have all sorts of ways for you to get involved. Please email president@monterapto.com with questions.
Thank you! Go Toros!
Volunteering on Campus
Registration and clearance are required to volunteer onsite at Oakland public schools. Go to https://www.oaklandedfund.org/programs/volunteer/parent-volunteers to complete the registration. You will receive an immediate email with clearance options and instructions from osv@oaklandedfund.org.
Email president@monterapto.com once you are cleared.
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Montera Sports
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Montera After School Program
For all questions regarding registration to Envisioneers and/or enrichment classes, please email Maria Drake at maria.d@theenvisioneers.org. Please note ELT stands for Extended Learning Time (formerly known as ASP).
Find everything you need to know here
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8th Grade Corner
November Raffle- For the Love of Football/Futbol
Raffle will consist of following items:
- $10/1 ticket or $20/3 tickets
- 2 tickets to Raiders game in LV
- 2 tickets to 49ers game in Santa Clara
- Autograph jerseys
- Autograph helmet
- Autograph football
More information on the November Raffle will be available in a couple weeks.
Support 8th Grade Activities
Thank you for helping us raise over $1,100 so far. Our goal is $5,000 with a suggested donation of $50 per family.
Donate via Paypal HERE (or click on the icon to the left)
Or by check: Make your check payable to "Montera PTO" and deliver or mail to: Montera PTO, Montera Middle School, 5555 Ascot Drive, Oakland, CA 94611. PLEASE WRITE "8th Grade Activities" with your child's name on the check.
We understand that not all families can contribute the full amount — please give what you're able to. No student will be turned away due to lack of finances. For those of you that can contribute more, please do so in support of our entire 8th grade community. Your angel contribution will be greatly appreciated.
8th Grade Activities -- Volunteers needed
- Great America - March 24
- Dinner/Dance - April 15
- Class Picnic - May 12
- Graduation - May 24
Mark your calendars now and pitch in to makes these events happen! We'll post more information as it comes in (click on the picture to go to the website). In the meantime, download the flyer below.
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Other Important Montera News and Information
Lunchtime Clubs!
Check out our 2022-23 Lunchtime Clubs!
Share these with your Montera student and encourage them to get involved! From Anime to Crystal Making, Black Student Union to QSA. We've got something for every interest! Don't find what you're looking for? Volunteer to host a lunchtime club!
To join a Club, just show up to the Club Meeting at lunch! For questions about a Club, reach out to the Advisor.
Woodshop Donations
Contact Mr. Runge (eric.runge@ousd.org) if you have questions or want to offer program support.
You May Qualify for Free Internet!
Click HERE or on the attachment below to find out more.
Filmmaking Fun!
Reel Stories is a non-profit organization created in 2013 in Oakland, CA to train and empower the next generation of girls and gender-expansive filmmakers to combat the gender inequality in the film industry. Reel Stories provides students with not only the technical skills to create their own films, but the media literacy skills needed to critique and improve on the media they consume every day.
This year we are offering bi-monthly filmmaking workshops on Saturdays. Our first workshop will be on October 29th and is on Costume Design! Students will learn about how costumes are used in films to convey character and story, and will get a chance to sketch out and pick fabric swatches for their own design.
Our other workshop topics include: Documentary, Motion Graphics Animation in After Effects, and Stop Motion Animation.
We offer sliding scale tuition from 30-55$ and full scholarships are available.
Click HERE or open the attachment below for more information.
Have Questions? We've got Answers!
We compiled the questions posed at the last PTO meeting along with answers here: Montera Q & A
Keep the questions coming! Email president@monterapto.org if you have a question or concern you'd like addressed, and we'll try to provide answers in each eBulletin.
P.E. Uniforms Update
PE uniforms that were ordered by August 4th should have been received now by your child in their PE class. We know that there are outstanding orders and some students have not received theirs. The PE teachers are aware and will not dock points off for not having it yet. Please read the below to answer your frequently asked questions.
Still need a uniform or want additional items?
PE Uniforms are still available! You can order uniforms and any additional items any time by visiting the Montera website Physical Education page here. Remember to click through to the PayPal site to pay for your items! Orders will be filled within a week of receiving the form and will be available in PE class.
Still waiting for your uniform that you already ordered and paid for before Aug 4th?
If you have not received your uniform, there was likely a glitch in the form or payment. Please send an email to gear@monterapto.com with the name of your student, what they ordered, and the name of the person who made the PayPal payment and I will get back to you ASAP. Once I receive this information I will fulfill your order and it will be available in the PE office for pick up by your child within a week of receipt of your information.
Still waiting for your uniform that you ordered after Aug 4th?
Orders made after the 4th will be available in PE class within a week of ordering.
Want to return or exchange items you received?
Please fill out this form. The PE gear coordinator will package the item(s) you want and make them available in the PE office within a week of receiving this information. For any items your student doesn't want/ need, there will be a box in the PE office marked RETURNS. Please have your student place unneeded items there and fill out the form on the clipboard next to the RETURN box.
Any questions?
Email gear@monterapto.com
Toro Tips
Your cheat sheet to drop off & pick up, communications, morning care and after-school programs, how to report absences, and more. Click on the toro or open the attachment below.
2022-2023 Bell Schedule
Supplies Request
First Aid
- Latex free band-aids (NOT with antibiotic medication in it) in assorted sizes. EVERY teacher needs at least one box and the front office and nurse's office also need a supply.
- Tweezers for splinters (not the plastic ones)
- Ice packs for PE and front office
- Vomit bucket for front office and pick up waiting area
Feminine supplies
- Cleansing wipes
- Assorted pads
- Tampons
- Assorted sizes back-up underwear (S/M/L/full-figured)
Add whatever you can think of... Thank you!
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Support Montera All Year Round
Know someone who isn't receiving this eBulletin?
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Montera Middle School
This eBulletin is produced on a weekly basis by the Montera Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) except on holidays. It sometimes contains paid advertisements. These advertisements do not imply endorsement of any product or service by OUSD or Montera Middle School.
If you have news you'd like to include, please send it to communications@monterapto.com by noon on Sundays. 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 something so off the mark we should hang our heads in embarrassment, please bring it to our attention. Thanks!
Be Safe. Be Kind. Be Responsible.
Email: communications@monterapto.com
Website: https://www.ousd.org/montera
Location: 5555 Ascot Drive, Oakland, CA, USA
Phone: (510) 531-6070
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monterapto