School News
Many students at Monroe walk into classrooms every day with their own struggles: navigating new cultures, facing language barriers, or adjusting to unfamiliar environments. For students who have immigrated to the United States, these challenges are especially profound. Here at Monroe Middle School, 66 % of students have learned a new language, a task that can often feel overwhelming.
There are staff members at Monroe who also share these experiences. Mr. Velasquez, an 8th grade social studies teacher, grew up speaking only Spanish. “Not knowing much English, school was difficult because I couldn’t get help at home because my parents only spoke Spanish.”
Mrs. Rubino, a 7th-grade teacher from Switzerland, recalls adapting to new surroundings and feeling isolated at first. "I didn't have anyone to talk to which made it a very lonely experience."
Moving to another country can bring many changes such as new circumstances, new people, and often financial hardships. Mr. Arciga, a PE teacher, shared that he didn’t have a lot of money growing up, started working at the age 13, and paid for his own expenses.
These teachers had some advice for students going through similar experiences. Mr. Velasquez said to be proud of where you come from and never forget who you are. Mrs. Rubino advises, “Give yourself patience and grace when going through these struggles.” She also shared that students should take advantage of the opportunities given to them. Mr. Arciga encourages students to surround themselves with good people and the people they aspire to be. He added, “Focus on family and friends. Everything will work out…our story isn't over.”
Written by student journalists Michaela E. and Jayleen V. (8th grade)
Sixth graders are settling into Monroe Middle School. The majority of the students have shared that this school year’s transition has gone smoothly. “My experience (at) Monroe has been very good, because I have learned a lot, thanks to the teachers. The people I have met are very kind.” The sixth grade teachers have played an important part in making students feel welcomed. “The teachers…are very kind and always try to help and explain as best as possible.” Although many students have had different experiences most sixth graders have easily adjusted to life in middle school.
Written by student journalists Larenn C. and Monique R-7th grade
On December 7th, the Monroe Middle School Cheer Team performed a Christmas-themed dance in the downtown Los Gatos Holiday Parade. Desiray Madrid, the team coach and a teacher at Monroe, entered the team in the parade in order to spread holiday cheer. “They have been working really hard and I wanted others to see what they have been doing.”
The team members had a great time at the parade even though they were a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect. 8th grader, Alicia Vargas shared that the experience was fun but a little overwhelming. “We got to spend time together as a team and were able to continue to improve.”
This is Monroe’s second season of cheer and the team has doubled in size. “The students are learning how to work as a team while mastering complex dance and stunt routines.” In four months they have mastered several dances and almost fifty cheers. The cheer team will continue to meet throughout the school year.
Friday Night Lights came to the Monroe Advanced Band this past Thursday evening. Students played in the stands during the Del Mar football game and joined the Del Mar band on the field at half time. They performed two songs including Michael Jackson's "Thriller" to set the tone for the season. Band director Megan Duena, the 23-24 Monroe Teacher of the Year, joins forces with the Del Mar director several times a year with both marching and concert bands. "(They) did an terrific job performing," shared Duena.
Many of Duena's former students are continuing their musical path at Del Mar. These events often become an alumni reunion. Monroe's next event will be the Halloween themed concert during school on October 31st.
The sights and sounds of the Halloween season came to Monroe this past Friday. ASB hosted its third annual Family Movie Night with a throw-back movie and an outside theater. Around 150 students and family members gathered at the Monroe amphitheater in comfy chairs, PJs and blankets to enjoy the evening. Gates opened at 6:30 with the movie starting at 6:45. There was also a snack shack with candy, drinks and, of course, freshly popped popcorn. Everyone seemed to have a great time and school staff shared that they saw "many smiling faces" as students and families left. Monroe plans to have another movie night closer to the holiday season in December.
October 23, 2024
Dear Monroe Families,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying a wonderful week. Please check out our website at monroe.campbellusd.org for up-to-date information, and be on the lookout for our weekly communication every Wednesdays.
Upcoming Events
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Family Movie Night is this Friday, and we will be showing the original Beetle Juice. Gates open at 6:30 PM. The cost is $5 per family or $3 per student. Tickets will be available at the door, and snacks will be available for purchase. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Reminders
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There is no school for students on November 1st as it is a professional development day for our teaching staff.
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Daylight Savings is November 3rd at 2 AM. Clocks fall back 1 hour.
Family and Community Engagement
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Our next Cafecito is on November 6th at 6 PM. A team from the YWCA will present on how to support youth development of healthy relationship boundaries. Additionally, we have our General PTA meeting at 7 PM right after. We hope to see you there.
Health and Safety
As the days grow shorter and the sun rises later, we must remind our students to be extra cautious when traveling to and from school. With reduced daylight in the mornings and evenings, road visibility is lower, and we want to ensure every child gets to school safely.
Please take a moment to review these safety tips with your child:
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Stay Visible: Encourage your child to wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Consider adding reflective tape to backpacks, bikes, and scooters.
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Use Crosswalks and Sidewalks: Remind your child to always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals. When riding bikes or scooters, they should stay on bike paths or sidewalks where possible and avoid busy roads.
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Be Aware of Surroundings: It’s important that students stay alert by keeping headphones and mobile devices put away while crossing streets or riding.
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Helmets and Safety Gear: If your child is riding a bike or scooter, make sure they are wearing a helmet and any other necessary safety gear.
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Buddy System: Walking or riding with a friend can increase safety and make the journey to and from school more enjoyable.
Let’s all work together to ensure our students stay safe on their way to school, no matter how they travel.
Attendance:
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Report an absence please call our 24-hour voicemail line at 408-341-7022 or email pharo [at] campbellusd.org. (When leaving a message or sending an email please let me know the student's first and last name, grade, and the reason for the absence)
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For information regarding the CUSD Attendance policy please click here
Principal's Corner
We are excited as students prepare for Red Ribbon Week® 2024. This year’s theme is: Life Is A Movie, Film Drug Free. At school, students will participate in activities that promote a drug-free and healthy lifestyle.
We encourage you to join us in reinforcing this important message. Please take time to discuss it at home—whether at the dinner table, during family outings, or with friends and extended family. Ask your child to show you the flyer they received about Red Ribbon Week® to learn more about how you can support these efforts.
Thank you for partnering with us!
Regards,
Ruth Stephens Radle
rstephensradle [at] campbellusd.org
Principal
Pat Sieler
psieler [at] campbellusd.org
Assistant Principal
Laura Ochoa
lochoa [at] campbellusd.org
Dean of Students