Monroe Middle School

School News

Updated Wed, Dec 3rd

December 3, 2025

Dear Monroe Families,

I hope this message finds you well. Please check out our website at monroe.campbellusd.org for up-to-date information, as well as be on the lookout for our communication that comes out on Wednesdays every two weeks.  For a student perspective on school news, please check out the Monday Minutes, our weekly student broadcast.

 

Upcoming Events

  • 12/7 9 AM to 2 PM is our PTA Goodwill Donation Drive. 

  • 12/12 6 PM Family Movie Night

  • 12/17 5:30 PM Family Paint Night

 

Reminders

  • Parent/Guardian To Do List: 

  1. If you haven’t filled out your parental agreement form for this year please do so with this link.

  2. If you have not filled out your student health information for this year  please do so with this link.

  3. If you have not downloaded Parentsquare please do so to receive all updated information and school communications with the link below:

  1.  Apple Phones

  2.  Android Phones

 

Family and Community Engagement: 

Join us for a Family Paint Night at Monroe, hosted by AACI! All families are welcome to enjoy a fun and creative evening together. Children ages 5 and up will receive their own canvas to paint, and light snacks will be provided. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon. We look forward to seeing 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Be Aware of Surroundings: It’s important that students stay alert by keeping headphones and mobile devices put away while crossing streets or riding.

  4. 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.

  5. Buddy System: Walking or riding with a friend can increase safety and make the journey to and from school more enjoyable.

Principal's Corner

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and had time to rest, recharge, and connect with loved ones. As we return to school, we have three weeks ahead of us before winter break. This time of year can feel both exciting and overwhelming, and we want you to know we’re here to support you.

If you or a Monroe family you know could use any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Ms. Yesenia ymacshate [at] campbellusd.org (), our incredible community liaison, is here every day and has resources and supports available for our families.

During this busy season, we encourage everyone to prioritize self-care and take moments to nurture their well-being. Together, we can make this month meaningful and manageable for everyone in our community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Let’s make these next few weeks productive and positive!

Attendance

  • Report an absence, please call our 24-hour voicemail line at 408-341-7022 or monroe_attendance [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)

  • For information regarding the CUSD Attendance policy please click here

  • ATTENDANCE MATTERS - REPORT STUDENT ABSENCES
    Students that are marked unexcused are unable to receive credit for assignments missed that day. If you call the school to verify your child’s absence with an allowed reason, your child can receive full credit for assignments missed that day. Please call the main office to report your child’s absence and refer to our student handbook for additional school policies.

Please review these important guidelines with your student to ensure a safe and healthy school year.

💊 Medication Policy and Procedures

For the safety of all students, we have strict rules regarding medication at school.

  • No Student-Carried Medication: Students are not permitted to carry any type of medication (including over-the-counter items like Tylenol or cough drops) in their backpacks or pockets.

  • Exception for Self-Administration: The only exception is if your student has a completed "Authorization for Student to Carry and Self-Administer" form on file, with both a doctor's signature and a parent/guardian signature. This form must be turned into the Health Office before the student carries the medication.

  • All Other Medication: All other prescribed or over-the-counter medications must be dropped off and stored in the Health Office and administered by Health Office staff, with a signed medication authorization form on file.

📞 Contacting Parents During Illness

If your student is feeling unwell, the Health Office must be the first point of contact.

  • Official Procedure: Students who are not feeling well must report to the Health Office. All necessary calls to parents/guardians will be made only by Health Office staff.

  • Safety and Checkout: This ensures proper student safety, guarantees your student is logged out correctly, and provides official documentation of their illness and departure time.

  • Cell Phones: Students are not permitted to contact parents from their personal cell phones during school hours if they are feeling sick. Please discuss this policy with your child to ensure they know to report directly to the Health Office.

Regards,

As always, we are here to answer your questions.  We appreciate you and your support for our school.

Regards,

Ruth Stephens Radle                     

rstephensradle [at] campbellusd.org       

Principal

Pat Sieler 

psieler [at] campbellusd.org

Assistant Principal        

 

Laura Hammersmith

lhammersmith [at] campbellusd.org

Dean of Students    

 

Updated Thu, Nov 20th

On October 10th, the 8th grade AVID class participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the reopening of Mary Jane Hammon Park. Councilmember Rosemary Kamie announced major renovations at the park. The upgrades focus on creating modern, high-quality community spaces, with most construction expected to be finished by 2026.

The first completed project is the new toddler playground, featuring a bug and nature theme. Upcoming renovations include:

  • Modernizing the wide field to better support organized sports, like soccer.

  • Resurfacing the tennis court with new material for improved traction and a refreshed look.

  • Upgrading the baseball field and bleachers to enhance the experience for players and fans.

Councilmember Kamie, who represents District 1 and served as Vice Mayor through 2024, gave the presentation at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She brings extensive experience to her role, including 17 years as a Director of the Santa Clara Valley Water District and seven years as a Trustee for the Santa Clara County Board of Education before being elected to the City Council.

The city's Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) department manages the maintenance and repair of facilities, but the success of these projects really depends on community support. Volunteers and fundraising efforts are important parts of keeping our parks clean and paying for improvements. Students from Monroe Middle School AVID were honored to be among those who celebrated the kickoff of these exciting renovations.

 

Updated Wed, Nov 12th

October 29, 2025

Dear Monroe Families,

I hope this message finds you well. Please check out our website at monroe.campbellusd.org for up-to-date information, as well as be on the lookout for our communication that comes out on Wednesdays every two weeks.  For a student perspective on school news, please check out the Monday Minutes, our weekly student broadcast.

 

Upcoming Events

  • 10/31 Trunk or Treat 3 PM to 6 PM

  • 11/2 Daylight Savings: Clocks fall back 1 hour

  • 11/5 8:30 AM Cafecito: Active Parenting

  • 11/10-11/11 No School in observance of Veterans’ Day

 

Reminders

  • Parent/Guardian To Do List: 

  1. If you haven’t filled out your parental agreement form for this year please do so with this link.

  2. If you have not filled out your student health information for this year  please do so with this link.

  3. If you have not downloaded Parentsquare please do so to receive all updated information and school communications with the link below:

  1.  Apple Phones

  2.  Android Phones

 

 Halloween Costumes

Students will be allowed to wear costumes to school on October 31st.  Our leadership class will be having a costume competition that day as well.

 

If your child wants to wear a costume, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • No full masks, we need to be able to see students’ eyes 

  • Students need to come to school in costume

  • All regular dress code guidelines apply

  • No weapons or hand props allowed

 

Family and Community Engagement: 

  • Dia de Los Muetoes

  • Cafecito

 

Health and Safety

As the fall season approaches, it's important to stay mindful of our health. Regular handwashing is key to keeping everyone as healthy as possible. If your child has a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, please keep them home until they are symptom-free to help prevent the spread of illness.

 

Attendance

  • Report an absence, please call our 24-hour voicemail line at 408-341-7022 or monroe_attendance [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)

  • For information regarding the CUSD Attendance policy please click here

Principal's Corner

Thank you for your enthusiastic participation in our recent Student-Led Conferences. The feedback from our teachers confirms that this approach was highly successful, placing your students' learning squarely in the spotlight.  I will share a summary of the family feedback on November 12th.

This model was designed to foster student ownership, initiative, and excitement, and we saw all of these themes come to life:

  • Student Ownership: Our students took accountability for their learning. They proudly and honestly presented their work, reflected on their successes and challenges, and articulated their progress. This simple shift led to better focus, motivation, and work completion around conference time.

  • Excitement and Pride: It was truly rewarding to see students' enthusiasm as they shared their favorite class work and demonstrated their understanding of their grades and test scores. This was a moment for them to shine and for families to celebrate their hard work.

  • Deeper Dialogue: The conferences fostered meaningful, authentic conversations between you and your child, strengthening the home-school partnership. Students used their voices to advocate for their needs and discuss their goals, empowering them as independent learners.

We were incredibly impressed with our students' organization, self-reflection, and commitment to this process. Thank you for making these Student-Led Conferences a powerful and positive experience for our entire community.

 

As always, we are here to answer your questions.  We appreciate you and your support for our school.

Regards,

Ruth Stephens Radle                     

rstephensradle [at] campbellusd.org       

Principal

Pat Sieler 

psieler [at] campbellusd.org

Assistant Principal        

 

Laura Hammersmith

lhammersmith [at] campbellusd.org

Dean of Students    

Updated Mon, Nov 3rd

Updated Mon, Nov 3rd
Updated Fri, Jan 31st

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)

Updated Fri, Jan 24th

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

Updated Mon, Nov 3rd
Updated Tue, Dec 24th

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.

 

Updated Mon, Nov 3rd