Dear Monte Gardens Community,

I would like to share a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful support shown during Kindness Week. It was truly inspiring to see our community come together to celebrate empathy, respect, and compassion. My hope is that we continue to carry this spirit of kindness with us throughout the entire year.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Laila Winter for her collaboration with the Monte Gardens staff in implementing the Spelling Bee. Our staff and students did an outstanding job preparing in their classrooms, and I sincerely appreciate the effort and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved. The final event in the Multi-Use Room was a joy to watch and a true celebration of learning.

Additionally, I would like to thank Mrs. Pappas, Ms. Amundson, and Mrs. Smith for generously volunteering their time after school to serve as judges. Your support made this event possible and meaningful for our students.

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee winner, Derek Chun, and to our second-place runners-up, Isabella Engelbert and Sylas Markham. This was truly a wonderful experience and a memorable event for all.

Lastly, a quick reminder about our Not Late, Feels Great! tardy-reduction initiative. This will start next week and run through the month of February. We’ll be encouraging positive morning and nighttime routines and celebrating students who arrive at school on time. Your support at home makes a big difference—we appreciate all you do to help your children start each day on time and ready to learn!

Thank you again for your continued support of our students and school community. Have a wonderful weekend!

Warm regards,

Mr. Bennett