Dear Monte Gardens Families,
Please let me be the first to welcome you all to the 2025-2026 school year at Monte Gardens Elementary. My name is Alexander Bennett, and I have the pleasure of being elected as the new Principal. While a short introduction letter went out about me through the district correspondence, I eagerly look forward to meeting you all at the upcoming Bonanza welcome event on Monday, August 4th from 3:00 to 6:00PM.
At this time, I wanted to share a few messages to help ease into details as we get closer to the event and our school start date.
To help make our walkthrough Bonanza Day as smooth as possible, here are a few things for you and your family to keep in mind and complete:
Step #1: Before Bonanza You are required to Complete the Aeries Homelink Data Confirmation.
All student families are required to complete the Aeries Homelink Parent Portal Data Confirmation for each of your students before August 4th to receive teacher assignments at Bonanza.
- Attached are resources on how to complete Aeries Homelink.
- If you need support, on Friday, August 1st from 8:30 to 10:30AM, there will be volunteers to help you complete your Aeries Homelink at Monte Gardens. We’re here to support you!
Step #2: Attend Bonanza on August 4th from 3:00-6:00PM.
Bonanza is a family and community-building event taking place on Monday, August 4th from 3:00-6:00PM in the Multi-Use Room.
- Find out your student’s assigned teacher for this year.
- Learn about how your Parents Club supports our school.
- Donate to the Mountain Lion Fund via Parents Club fundraising efforts: this supports our entire Monte Gardens Community, thank you!
Step #3: Unable to attend Bonanza? Attend “Mini-Bonanza” on August 6th.
- It is best to attend Bonanza on August 4th. However, families who miss Bonanza, will need to arrive at Monte Gardens by 7:15AM on the first day of school for our “Mini-Bonanza”. Families will still need to create or update their Aeries Homelink account before the assigned teacher is provided. Please plan accordingly to allow time prior to the start of school in the event there are long lines or we are awaiting your Aeries Homelink completion. Thank you in advance!
Bonanza FAQs:
Will there be translators during the Bonanza event?
Yes, there will be translators available to support during Bonanza on August 4th.
Will there be food provided during Bonanza?
Yes! There will be food and beverages available for purchase via food trucks where a percentage of proceeds will be donated back to our school’s Parents Club. Thank you for your support!
What is Parents Club and why is fundraising important?
All Monte Gardens student families are members of the Monte Gardens Parents Club (MGPC). MGPC coordinates school-wide volunteer activities and fundraises to fill financial gaps to enhance and enrich our student experience. All funds raised are used to support our school, students, staff, and community by way of in-classroom support, 1:1 educational programs, campus beautification, and enrichment services like student counseling support. Learn more here. Thank you for your support!
Where should I park?
Parking is only available in the neighborhood and our back playground. Please note the play structure will be closed for playtime and unavailable for use due to parking. Please do not park in the district office lot. Thank you for your understanding.
How can I help support Bonanza?
If you’re MDUSD-cleared to volunteer, sign up here to volunteer at Bonanza this year and get your teacher assignment early. We appreciate your help!
How can I volunteer at our school?
Our volunteers are an essential part of Monte Gardens. If you are interested in volunteering anytime during the school year, please learn more about how to volunteer here. Prepare to join us at Bonanza where fingerprinting will conveniently take place in our school library. There is a fee for the fingerprinting.
Updates from the Office:
Immunizations:
If your student is missing immunizations, medical or dental records, you must bring a copy to the school office or Bonanza before school starts. If these items are not up to date, this may affect your student starting school on time.
Medication:
If your student requires medications during the school day, please complete an Authorization to Administer Medication during school hours (the form is attached). This must be completed by the doctor and signed by parents/guardians. All medications need to be in original packaging with your student’s name and dose if a prescription medication. Parents/Guardians need to check the medications into the office. Students should not be carrying or taking medications during the school day.
Tote Bags:
In grades K-2, students use tote bags for their belongings. If your student needs a tote bag, our Parents Club will be selling them for $15 at Bonanza. In grades 3-5, students use backpacks.
Upcoming Dates To Save:
July 25th - August 3rd:
Complete your student's Aeries Homelink information online.
August 1st:
Aeries Homelink Support available in the library from 8:30 -10:30AM.
August 4th:
Bonanza walkthrough at Monte Gardens from 3:00-6:00PM.
August 6th:
First Day of School (Minimum Day!): All students begin at 8:10AM and dismissal is 1:05PM / Kinder - 5th Grade. TK will be dismissed at 11:40. Schedules will be provided at Bonanza.
Community Coffee hosted by our Parents Club at 8:10AM.
The Coffee will be served in front of the school near the flagpole.
August 12th:
Back To School Night Principal Presentation 6:00PM - 6:30PM
Back To School Night classroom visits grades TK-5 at 6:30PM - 7:30PM
This is an adult-only event. Please make arrangements for your children for this evening.
As always, if there are any questions, please feel free to reach out to myself or our Office Staff Monday through Friday from 7:30AM to 3:30PM at 925-685-3834.
We look forward to seeing you at Bonanza on August 4th!
Alex Bennett
Principal/Head of School, Monte Gardens Elementary School
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Enclosed Links:
ADD A STUDENT TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT (ENGLISH).pdf
ADD A STUDENT TO AND EXISTING ACCOUNT (SPANISH).pdf
Authorization to Administer Medications During School Hours.pdf