Hello Monroe Families- 

Thank you for a great week back from break! It was truly enjoyable to see the students again after a few weeks off. Giving high fives and fist bumps brought such joy to my soul, reminding me of why we get into education. The energy and enthusiasm from our students were refreshing and heartwarming.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge how many students are doing an exceptional job of being MODEL Mustangs—Motivated, Optimistic, Determined, Equity-Minded, and Leadership. Their commitment to these values is inspiring and contributes to a positive environment in our school. I look forward to continuing our journey together this year! We’ve built in many ways for students to positively engage and students are taking advantage of them on many levels- please continue to encourage them to get involved! Also, we’ve embedded ways to acknowledge students as well from Mustang Shout Outs to Student of the Month Nominations. This month, we're looking for Inclusive all stars! Students who welcomes everyone like they're hosting a VIP party? Turns "you can't sit with us" into "let's pull up another chair"? Makes group projects *actually* feel like teamwork? Let's celebrate students who turn awkward silences into laughter and spread good vibes like it's their job (thanks Mr. Bellizzi for the write up and leading the way)! 

Have a great weekend…GO MUSTANGS!

United Way: Resources linked HERE

I Love U Guys Practice Drill: we will have drills 1/14 during 2nd period where we will practice a SECURE Drill. Please see HERE for the content followed up with more drills throughout the month and school year. 

Coffee with the Principal: join Mr. Saeteurn on Wednesday, January 15th @ 8:30 AM for an informal and casual setting to check-in, say hello, ask questions, provide feedback, and hear more about what’s going on at school! Free coffee provided! 

Free Collaborative Problem Solving classes: are starting soon for parents or caregivers of youth who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Any adult, whether parent, guardian, or an adult where the youth is staying, is welcome to attend! Classes are focused on serving families enrolled at NEHS, Sheldon HS, Kelly MS, and Monroe MS. Please see attached flyer! The first class will start on Wednesday, January 22nd at NEHS, running from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM each week. A class at Sheldon will start on Wednesday, March 5th. This six-week long class will include:

• Dinner catered by a local restaurant

• Supervised activities for youth during class

• $25 gift certificate for attendance through week 3

• $75 gift certificate for attendance through week 6

Reach out to Mr. Saeteurn directly with questions! 

No School: January 20th, MLK Day

Winter Activity Night: mark your calendars! Winter Activity Night is on Friday, February 7th, 6:30-8:00pm! Games, photo booth, dancing & activities!

We’d love to have parent volunteers join us! Please click HERE to sign up!

• Entry Fee, $5 Cash and Card accepted at the door

• Entry tickets pre-sale HERE

• Pizza and snacks $1 each! Drinks $2 each! CASH ONLY

• Current 6-8th grade Monroe students only

• Students are expected to stay the entire time. Parents must sign out if leaving early

Exclusion from Activities: It is our practice that suspendible incidents and other similar behaviors can exclude students from participating in activities. In an effort to increase our communication around this, Administration will be in contact with you and your student a week in advance if they will be excluded due to behavioral concerns. In general, we give students a reset/restart at the mid-term, so that incidents from the beginning of the year do not impact activities throughout the year. However, Administrators do use their discretion in determining which students will need to be excluded.

 School Choice: IMPORTANT DATES for the 2025-2026 School Year

January 1……Online application period for 4J School Choice Lottery opens for in-district students

January 31…..Deadline to submit in-district 4J School Choice Lottery Applications

March 1………Online application period for 4J School Choice Lottery opens for out-of-district students

March 31……..Deadline to submit out-of-district 4J School Choice Lottery Applications

Mustang News Live: One stop shop for all Monroe key reminders!

ALL IN, ALL MUSTANGS! 

Best,

Stephanie Plascencia

Office Manager 

Monroe Middle School

perez_s@4j.lane.edu

Phone: (541)790-6324