The Glendale Unified School District is the catalyst of opportunity in our international community and ensures that all students will acquire the character and capability to excell in the endeavors of their choice through our multicultural, technological, outcome-oriented network which encourage self-direction and fully integrates all school, family and community resources.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

(6/96) Monte Vista Elementary School is one of 19 elementary schools in the Glendale Unified School District. During the 1995-96 school year, Monte Vista's student population was approximately 803 students, and the projected enrollment for the 1996-97 school year is 815. Our culturally diverse student body includes speakers of a variety of different languages:

• 63% English only
• 25% Korean
• 4% Armenian
• 2% Spanish
• 1% Arabic
• 1% Japanese
• 4% other languages

Monte Vista's primary source of funding is through its School Based Coordinated Program (SBCP). These categorical funds from the State are designed to better serve the needs of Limited English Proficient (LEP) students, support the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, and provide for the School Improvement (SI) program. Currently, the majority of SBCP funding supports personnel, such as 6 instructional assistants and an ESL teacher specialist, validating that support staff is crucial in the instruction of students. In addition, the funds are utilized for instructional supplies and conferences.

(9/96) This year Monte Vista has continued to focus on the needs of LEP students. The teacher specialist and 2 Korean bilingual ESL assistants work with classroom teachers to provide English Language Development (ELD) for the students. Teachers trained in Cross Cultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) provide Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE). In addition, 3 teachers are involved with the District's Title VII; Acedemic Excellence Grant. This grant provides these teachers with extensive SDAIE training with the intent that they will train the staff on the methods and techniques involved in offering SDAIE. On going assessment allows for continued monitorying and placement of students in the appropriate English Language Arts program. This year we redesignated 19% of our LEP students to FEP.

(2/00)The GATE program is an after school program. The program is for students in grades 4-6.

The Monte Vista school plan serves as a document which guides the staff in ensuring all students have equal access to the curriculum. Based on input from needs assessment surveys, the Leadership Team past program quality reviews, and standardized testing, teachers and parents meet annually to review and rewrite the components of the school plan. In addition to our continual emphasis on basic skills; comprehension, interpretation, and critical thinking in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, we have focused on integrating math and technology into all curricular areas.

Inservice training and conference attendance have been the foundation of the Staff Development program. Monies were allocated from our School Based Coordinated Program, Goals 2000, and Eisenhower Act accounts so all teachers would have the opportunity to attend a variety of conferences, such as "Hands-On Science", phonics training, developing literacy skills, and teacher expectations in relation to student achievement. Money was also allocated to three SBCP days which focused on technology, authentic assessment and portfolios, and math curriculum. Wednesday Later Days served as additional opportunities for staff development. The topics included:

• Rebecca Sitton spelling
• the writing process
• Coordinated Compliance Review (CCR)
• Specially Designed Academic Instruction Education
• assessment
• Program Quality Review
• SOLOM
• components of the California Math Framework

The Monte Vista School Site Council and Bilingual Advisory Committee voted to merge in 1994 under the umbrella of School Site Council. The current committee is composed of 7 parents and 7 school personnel. They represent the Gifted and Talented, Limited English Proficient, Special Education, and Regular Education students. This group meets regularly to discuss school plans and budget along with evaluating the school program. Parent communications are distributed and translated in Korean to keep the school community informed.

Monte Vista received $98,492 in one-time funding allocation from the State. There was an additional funding of $21,520 specifically targeted for technology. These monies have facilitated the implementation of Monte Vista 2000, our strategic plan that addresses issues related to learning environment, academic standards, cross-cultural understanding, fund raising, and technology. In year one of a five year time line, we have supplied each classroom with at least one computer and one printer, purchased new draperies for the stage, a new sound system, literature books and resource books for the library and classrooms, math manipulatives that support the math curriculum, and arranged for installation of ceiling fans in each classroom. Action plans in progress that do not require funding include creating a parent resource data base, examining authentic assessment, distributing student and parent surveys, and establishing an optional uniform policy.

The Monte Vista staff is committed to sustaining excellence in the educational program. With parents and staff interacting through School Site Council, our School Based Coordinated Program will continue to address our goals and objectives necessary for all students' success.

There are 29 classroom teachers, all holding the appropriate credential and with experience up to 33 years in education. A full time credentialed Resource Specialist handles the special education sessions. Forty-seven percent of the teachers, as well as the principal, have an advanced degree. One secretary and a six-hour health clerk work in the front office. In addition, special programs include the services of an instrumental music teacher, a G.A.T.E. (Gifted and Talented Education) teacher, and a Physical Education teacher. An E.S.L. (English as a Second Language) Specialist is here 3* days a week. Paraprofessionals assist in each classroom for a minimum of one hour. It is of interest to note that there are 19 languages represented in the school. The majority of the students speak English as their primary language with 17 percent classified as Limited English Proficient.

SITE - Monte Vista is located on a lightly traveled street in a residential area and is bordered on three sides by relatively new single family dwellings. The site slopes to the south in three descending levels, the bottom level providing about four acres of paved and fenced playground. In addition, the Kindergarten has a separately equipped recreational area. There are a sufficient number of parking spaces on the grounds. On the east end of the site is a strip of unimproved land (which is now Monty Park), which could be converted into a driveway to the rear of the school and replace the current access road which is too narrow and a hazard to the children. There is room for future expansion within the site.

The Re-greening of Monty's Park

(9/19/96) Recently, Monty's Park had been torn up to provide access to underground pipes for our new bungalow placed on the upper field. Workers have restored our Park and recently resodded the area. Because the sod needs a chance to grow, our Park will be temporarily closed for approximately 3-4 weeks. Monty's Park has become an oasis of green to our students and staff and we look forward to spending many peaceful and enjoyable times there soon!

PLANT DESCRIPTION - The overall appearance of the plant is good, and there are no signs of deterioration or failure. The paint is generally adequate although rather worn in the Main Building interior. The plumbing and wiring are operating satisfactorily. Sewage is processed by septic tanks. The classrooms of Level I and II and the Kindergarten Building are excellently funished for a good educational environment. Each room can comfortably accommodate up to forty children, if necessary. Accoustical ceilings and tile floors provide effective noise control, and the rooms are heated by a modern forced air system. Lighting is fluorescent and all these classrooms are excellently equipped in terms of chalkboards, cabinets, sinks, curtains, etc. Seven classrooms in the school, however, are still using skid desks. The seven classrooms in the Main Building are not as large as the newer ones and can barely accommodate thirty-five children. The removal of the cloakrooms at the rear of these older classrooms would provide more space for instructional purposes. These rooms along with the Administrative offices, are fitted with accoustical tile ceilings and floors, but are lighted by incandescent fixtures (7 rooms), which are especially inadequate in the hallways. There are twenty unvented gas fired heaters in the Main Building (in addition to two in the Bungalow). Fifteen of these are in classrooms. The Multipurpose Room is furnished excellently and is sizeable enough to satisfactorily meet the needs of the school. The restrooms throughout the plant are sufficent, but ventilated only by windows. The bungalows are furnished with air conditioning.

One-Time Funds - (4/18/96) As you know, Monte Vista has received "one-time funds" from the state of California to address one-time local school needs. We received $98,492 for general items and $21,520 designated for technology. The list below displays the percentage of money spent on each purchase. We have purchased a new sound system for both the auditorium and for outside events, new math manipulatives, books for the Library that support the Rebecca Sitton spelling program, literature book sets and reference materials. The Staff is ordering new classroom equipment and furniture and fans for all classrooms without air conditioning. Our technology money has purchased more software, software licenses, televisions/VCRs, twenty printers and supporting materials for security. Our remaining funds will be carried over to next year to purchase other items for the school.

• Technology - 19%
• Sound System - 6%
• Math Manipulatives - 9%
• Library/Spelling Books - 6%
• Reference Books - 4%
• Literature/Reading Books - 5%
• Fans (est.) - 12%
• Classroom Furniture/Equipment (est.) - 14%
• Remaining - 25%

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

Playground Update - (4/18/96) We have ordered our new playground equipment and it will be installed this summer! Our school raised $30,910.88 over the last two years from a variety of sources:

• PTA - $19,210.88
• Monte Vista Foundation - $7000
• Student Council - $1000
• Glendale Community Foundation Grant - $3200
• Cornwell Family Fund Grant - $500

State law requires that children may be enrolled in kindergarten if their fifth birthday is on or before Dec. 2 of that school year. To enroll in the first grade, students must have their sixth birthday on or before Dec. 2 of that school year. Registration for new students begins on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Most students new to the district may go to the appropriate level school nearest their residence to register. Proof of residency in the Glendale Unified School District is required of all new enrollees. A transfer slip from the former school is helpful in registration. The new school will request that a student's records be forwarded directly from the former school. Questions on school boundaries, residency requirements or related information may be directed to the school office or by contacting the district Office of Student Support Services.

The parent or guardian of a child must present proof of age before a student will be admitted to school. Such proof may be in the form of a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport or a notarized affidavit of the parent. Also see health requirements for enrollment in school.

SCHOOL HOURS

(2/00) The following school schedule for September, 1999 will be:
Playground opens (K-6) at 8:00 am.

Arrival at School

(2/00) No child is permitted on the school grounds without teacher supervision. Teachers are not on duty until 8:00 a.m. so children must not come to school before that time. Unsupervised students are a real concern of the Staff of Monte Vista. We want your child to be safe! Warnings are issued to students who repeatedly arrive early or remain after dismissal.

Lunch Schedule

(2/00) The 1999-2000 schedule for lunch periods:

• 11:45-12:25PM (grades 1-3)
• 12:30-1:10PM (grades 4-6)

  Early Dismissal Wednesday

  (2/00) There will be early dismissal each Wednesday to provide for planning and training for the staff. This extra hour will also give our teachers more time with instructional aides. Supervision for that hour will be available from our RAP (Recreational After School Program). Please contact Sheri Francone for information on how to register your child for that hour of early dismissal.

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  SCHOOL SONG

  Oh, we all love you, Monte Vista.
  Of all the schools, you are the best.
  We love your colors of bright red and gold.
  In every way, you pass the test!
  So give three cheers for Monte Vista!
  To you we will be true!
  So, rah! rah! rah! for Monte Vista,
  We're for you!

  SCHOOL COLORS

  Red, White and Gold

  SCHOOL MASCOT

  The school mascot is "Monty", a fluffy, friendly dog, who was chosen in a school contest.

  (9/96) In 1979, student council wanted to choose a mascot for our school. Mrs. Russell's 6th grade classroom already had Monty as a mascot in their classroom at the time. He was on a big white cardboard poster with a chain around his neck, holding the Monty sign. (The picture on the right is of the original Monty.) Mrs. Russell's students submitted Monty to the contest as a possible mascot. Many other entries were submitted and the final vote chose Monty as our school mascot. He still is today as you can find him everywhere around our school.

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  STUDENT DRESS STANDARDS

  (Rules adopted by committee - May, 1995) Dress Code (9/96)

  Students are expected to dress in a neat and clean manner at all times. To promote a climate favorable to learning and to ensure student safety, student dress must conform to standards of safety and not disrupt the learning environment.

  • Full support shoes with a safe sole are required to be worn with socks.
  • Sandels must have a heel strap. Laces must be tied.
  • Pants must be worn at the waist and may not be larger than the student's waist.
  • Belts must be of the correct size and the end of the belt may not hang down.
  • Students who wear overalls must have both straps up on the shoulders.

  The following may not be worn:

  • Hats (except for the Monte Vista Uniform cap).
  • Wallet chains, or chains of any other type.
  • Clothing which suggests gang affiliation.
  • Clothing which contains obscene, violent or offensive drawings or messages.
  • Clothing which advertises or represents alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances.
  • Clothing which represents concert or rock group logos.
  • Jewelry or body ornaments that may pose a potential safety hazard.

  Students must be modestly dressed. Articles of clothing which are inappropriately revealing may not be worn.

  • Shorts, skirts and dresses must reach at least to the end of the student's extended finger tips.
  • Holes in fabric or frayed edges must be repaired.
  • Shirts may be sleeveless, but must fit snugly under the arms.
  • Clothing which exposes bare midriff, when arms are raised, may not be worn.

  Parent Handbook

  Homework Policy

  (2/00) The GUSD expects homework to be assigned for grades 1-12, Monday through Thursday nights. Please check the individual homework policy within your child's class.

  Children Excused Early

  (2/00) Children are not excused early except for illness, dental/medical care, accident or extreme home emergency. When a child needs to be excused early, the parent or guardian must write a note. Please be courteous of the other students in your child's class and avoid classroom interruption by making these arrangements with the teacher in advance. If the release is to an adult other than the parent it must be stated in that note. Teachers will not release a student without a note or Office confirmation. Please plan to meet your child in the Office. At the designated release time, children will be sent to the Office where he or she can identify the person calling for him or her. We will not permit students to wait in front of the school unsupervised.

  Absence and Tardiness

  (2/00) Every time a child is absent from school, he/she must have a note from the parent stating the dates and exact cause of illness (or reason for absence). Absences for other than illness are discouraged. Children should understand that because of the State Law, the school day begins promptly at the established hour. There should be no unnecessary tardiness or absence. We rely on you to keep your child home if he/she appears to be ill. We will have to send youngsters who shows sign of illness home since we do not have facilities for taking care of them. Please make sure arrangements have been made with another adult in case of emergency and you are not available. Make sure telephone numbers are current on your student's information card.

  If a child comes to school with a cast and/or crutches, we must have a written statement of release from the doctor. Prescription medicine may only be dispensed from the Office upon completion by a doctor of the "Request for Medication To Be Taken At School" form. A parent may obtain this form from the school office. If your child is on prescription medicine (long-term) please notify our Health Office.

  Independent Study

  (2/00) If you know two weeks in advance that your child needs to miss school for an extended period of time, Independent Study is available. Independent Study is an agreement between the parent, student, and teacher to complete assignments while away from school. In order for a teacher to plan these assignments, a two week notification is required. Please know the desire is to have our students in class, but we realize emergencies do happen.

  Classroom Interruptions

  (2/00) In fairness to the children, and also by order of the Superintendent of Schools, classroom interruptions should be kept at a minimum. All arrangements should be made before the child leaves home in the morning. Therefore, unless there is a dire emergency, the office will not relay a message to your child. Please plan ahead and let your child know where he/she is to go after school if there is a change of plans. Take time now with your child to go over alternate plans that you have made in case you do not show up on time. Also, if it is all right for your child to go home with other adults, please discuss in detail with them exactly when they would be permitted to do so.

  If a conference is needed with a teacher, an appointment should be made. The Office will be glad to take a message for your child's teacher to return your call to set up such an appointment. The Office cannot make appointments for the teachers. "Drop-in" meetings are discouraged.

  Visitations

  (2/00) Our policy, should you wish to visit your child's classroom, is for one 20-minute session with advance notice. Please make appointments through the Office.

  School Parties

  (2/00) You will be informed of school celebrations (announced in the Sentinel or Paw Prints). There are two sanctioned parties. Please refer to the Student Policy booklet for further information. Invitations for private parties will only be passed out when the entire class is invited.

  Field Trips

  (2/00) Field Trips are taken by many classes during the year as a learning enrichment. Students who do not return a GUSD "Parent Permission To Attend Field Trip" form will not be permitted to participate in the designated trip. Notes on stationery cannot be accepted. The Office cannot accept telephone permission. The Monte Vista Leadership Team decided that all field trip permission slips are to be returned to the teacher two days in advance of all field trips. If you are asked for a donation for any field trip and are going to write a check, please read carefully to whom the check should be written. Please do not assume that checks should be written to "Monte Vista" unless specifically directed.

  Dismissal

  2/009/96) Please expect to meet your child on Orange Avenue and not in front of the classroom. There is no after school street or playground supervision (unless your child is enrolled in an after school program). Unattended students will be asked to wait in the Lunch Shelter or Cafeteria until a parent comes. We need your cooperation in this matter.

  Security

  (2/00) All visitors to the Monte Vista campus should check in at the Office. If you notice that the gates are open--please do not drive your child directly to his/her classroom. If you are driving on a field trip (or when parking is permitted on the lower field for select special events) and have permission to drive on campus, please observe the 5 m.p.h. speed limit.

  School Phone Use

  (2/00) The school phone is not a public phone. Children may use the phone if they are detained at school for any reason. Children who want to go over to a friend's house after school or are too tired to walk home (unless they have a medical problem) may not use the phone and will be turned away. Also, forgotten projects, homework, lunches, musical instruments or field trips will be handled on a case-to-case basis.

  Change of Address or Telephone Number

  (2/00) Please notify the school office promptly of any change of address or telephone number, either yours, the emergency number or child care provider number. This is a State Education regulation.

  Insurance

  (2/00) An excellent student insurance policy is available each year. Parents are urged to study the application form as the benefits have proven very helpful in the past.

  Bicycles

  (2/00) No child in Kindergarten or Grades 1-4 is permitted to ride a bike to school as the terrain is uneven and traffic is heavy. Students in the fifth and sixth grade are permitted to ride their bike to school. All bikes should be carefully locked. Bike locks are to be removed from the rack daily. We strongly urge you to go over the bike route with your child and make sure the route is not too hilly for the student to handle. Bike helmets must be worn when riding a bike to school.

  Lost and Found

  (2/00) All garments and lunch boxes must be marked with your child's name. Lost and Found is kept in the lower hall and is open daily. Unclaimed materials will be periodically on display to the children and then, if unclaimed, will be donated to a needy organization in December and June of each school year.

  Items Not Permitted

  (2/00) Playthings are to be kept at home and this includes any item that will be dangerous to others or will interfere with instruction. Radios, TVs, skateboards, pogs, etc. are not to be brought to school. Refer to our Discipline Policy for further information.

  Live Pets

  (2/00) Live pets should not be brought to school for "sharing" unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher. We prefer to have a parent bring a pet, remain while the child "shares" it and then take the pet home.

  Dogs that get loose from homes and "follow" children to school will be held in the Office and parents will be called. Stray dogs will either be chased off campus or restrained and turned into the County Dog Pound.

  Volunteers

  (2/00) Monte Vista has a strong volunteer contingency. We believe that this is certainly one reason why Monte Vista is an outstanding Glendale school. You can help and make a difference by volunteering in many capacities here at Monte Vista. If you can donate any time, even an hour, it can make a difference. Contact your child's teacher or stop by the Office.

  What are Progress Reports?

  (2/00) Progress Reports are sent out once each grading period to alert families to potential problem areas in academic performance.

  What is Thursday Folder?

  (2/00) Thursday Folder is a GUSD program designed to enhance the communication between parents and the schools. In September, each child will be given a folder through which school communications will be distributed each Thursday.

  (2/00) Each Thursday your child will bring the Thursday Folder home. It will have notices from the school and other important papers. Please remove them from the folder, initial next to the correct date, and return the folder on Friday. You can include a note if you have any questions or news to share with your child's teacher. It is very important that the folder is returned each week!

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  SCHOOL HISTORY

  Opened in September, 1948
  Site Size: 7.76 acres
  Net Playground Size: 3.8 acres
  Rated Capacities:

  • Total Permanent: 744
  • Total Temporary: 775
  
  Grades Accommodated: K-6
  Facilities:
  • 24 Classrooms
  • 1 Bungalow
  • 1 Multipurpose Room
  • 1 Administrative Unit
  • 1 Nurse's Office
  • 1 Counseling Office
  • 1 Teachers' Lounge
  
  1946 Initial Building - 7 classrooms
  1949 Bungalow Classroom (new type)
  1949 (June+November) Lunch Shelter (Capacity: 150+150) - financed by Monte Vista PTA
  1952 Level II Classroom Building - 8 classrooms
  1954 Level I Classroom Building - 8 classrooms
  1955 Multipurpose Room
  • Auditorium Capacity: 325
  • Cafeteria Capacity: 192
  
  1961 Kindergarten Building - 1 classroom (Kdgn.)
  1993 Monty Park
  1993 Bungalow Classroom (room #22)
  1995 Bungalow Classrooms (room #23+24)
  1996 Bungalow Classroom (room 25)
  1996 (summer) New Playground equipment

  Past Principals:

  • 1948-1949 - Alfred D. Newsom
  • 1949-1956 - Miss Lula C. Drake
  • 1956-1976 - Byron J. Durley
  • 1976-1977 - Robert Beranck
  • 1977-1986 - Mrs. Jean Smith
  • 1986-1993 - Linda Russo Milano
  • 1993-1998- Dr. Paula Willebrands
  • 1998-present - Mrs. Sharon Popolo

  Excerpt from Chester Baker Lynch's Thesis dated June, 1957
  Entitled "A History of the Glendale Public Schools from 1879 to 1957 with Emphasis on School Organization and Administration"

  Monte Vista School (1948) - This school, only nine years old, is the largest in the system. It opened in September of 1948, with six classrooms and a kindergarten, and an enrollment of 324. At the close of 1951-52, enrollment had jumped to 576. At that time eight bungalows were in use in addition to the permanent rooms. At the commencement of the 1952-53 year two more bungalows were built. Later in the same year an eight room addition was built at a cost of more than $160,000.00. The school continued to grow and in 1954 another addition costing a similar amount, was built. By 1955 eight classrooms had been added from the proceeds of the bond issue, and eight from the increased tax that had been authorized in 1948. Notwithstanding these additions to the permanent structure, two more bungalows were needed in 1956-57. A multipurpose room has recently been completed.
  Average Daily Attendance (1955-56): 716
  Certificated Personnel (1956-57):

  • Administrative - 1
  • Classroom - 24
  • Kindergarten - 3

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  Monte Vista Home Page / Principal's Welcome / Staff / About our School
  School Accountability Report Card / Paw Prints / Calendar of Events / Cafeteria
  Classes / Extra Curricular Activities / Monte Vista 2000
  School Site Council / P.T.A. / Foundation
  Monte Vista Family Homepages / Our Favorite Links For Kids / Sign Our Guestbook

  Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to Monte Vista. (Please put MV on the subject line.)

  

  Copyright © 1996, Monte Vista Elementary School, Last Updated - 10/1/96 2:05:25 PM (PST).
  Web Page Author - Diane Barner