Parent feedback is an important factor for our decisions about your child's school experience.
That's why we're hoping all of our parents and guardians will participate in our annual survey.
P.S.
This video gives you a glimpse of the difference it makes!
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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
Dear Families:
Yesterday, January 7, 2025, we were informed by PowerSchool, our Student Information System (SIS) platform, that they experienced an international cyber attack at the end of December. This afternoon, our data team was invited to a webinar by PowerSchool to learn more about the situation. We have confirmed that some of our data was accessed. Fortunately, the disclosed information did not include any students’ Social Security Numbers.
Essentially, the data accessed was the student's name, birthdate, address and similar information. The discernable data fields accessed can be found here.
In the webinar, PowerSchool shared their corrective actions and confidence that there is no further threat to the data.
While there is no indication that student passwords were compromised, we will supplement our daily monitoring system by providing students with new passwords in the next few days.
We have worked extensively to ensure security in our data systems, such as implementing a Multi-Factor Authentication process, geographic restrictions, suspicious login protections and other security measures. It is unfortunate that, in spite of these efforts, our data was accessed as part of the PowerSchool cyberattack. We will continue to work to ensure our data is secure and will ensure our Student Information System increases security protections.
PowerSchool is monitoring the situation, has engaged a cybersecurity remediation company to prevent future incidents, and will provide our staff with updates for our community. For questions related to PowerSchool’s security procedures, please visit PowerSchool’s website or email Security [at] PowerSchool.com.
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.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the winter break, we want to take a moment to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. This is a special time of year, and we hope it brings you opportunities to create happy memories together.
We also want to express our gratitude for your ongoing partnership in your child’s education. We greatly appreciate all of your efforts in ensuring your child has attended school as much as possible so far this year.
We understand that families sometimes wish to extend their time together by planning vacations that last longer than the dates assigned to the school break. While we fully appreciate the value of family time, we want to encourage you to limit trips and vacations to the days indicated on the school calendar for the break. By doing so, you help your child stay on track academically and ensure they don’t miss out on valuable learning opportunities.
Thank you for being mindful of this and for continuing to prioritize your child’s attendance and education.
Wishing you a safe and happy winter break, and we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to learn in the new year!
Warm regards,
Dr. Shelly Viramontez
Superintendent
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.
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