Principal Scott's Welcome 2023!

Welcome to Mountain Avenue Elementary School, the home of the Bears! We are a 2023 California Distinguished School, California Gold Ribbon, California Distinguished, a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School, and a 2022 California Pivotal Practice School. I am delighted to welcome our new and returning families to the 2023-2024 school year.

Mountain Avenue is a school with strong traditions, and is known for its academic excellence, strong parent support, and dedicated staff. The Mountain Avenue Mission Statement states:  All members of the Mountain Avenue community will work cooperatively to meet the needs of each child.  We will develop responsible, motivated learners who successfully solve problems, think critically, strive for excellence, maintain high ethical standards, and respect diversity.  Our focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) and reading comprehension continues to provide a well-rounded education for all students.

The Mountain Avenue staff is knowledgeable, committed, and dedicated to the success of all of our students. We share in the belief that through a strong, active collaboration with students, parents, guardians, and community members, we can create a safe and exciting learning environment that challenges all of our students. Each child receives a well-rounded education that is comprised of California Common Core Standards, California Content Standards in Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, and Physical Education.  Staff and students promote our motto, B.E.A.R.S., routinely; B for Be kind, E for Encourage others, A for Accept responsibility, R for Respect others, and S, be Safe.   It is through this effective delivery of education that all students reach their fullest potential.

The Mountain Avenue teachers and I are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure that your children can achieve to their highest potential.  We recognize that in order to be successful in school, your children need support from both the home and school.  We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education.  Thank you for giving us the amazing opportunity to educate your children.  We hold this responsibility with the highest regard! 

Families, here are some ways that you can support your child(ren)’s education at Mountain Avenue:

• Make sure your child attends school daily and arrives on time, ready to learn
• Ensure your child completes all classwork and homework assignments given by teachers
• Have your child read daily to develop a love for reading and to improve literacy skills
• Ask your child about their school experiences so that you are aware of her/his school life

Here are some important upcoming events!

Orientation for Transitional Kindergarten and  Kindergarten Families:

Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Orientation will take place on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 2:00 pm.  This is an opportunity for children and parents to meet the Kindergarten team and to receive a brief overview about what to expect the first few days of kindergarten.  Please plan to arrive between 1:30 and 2:00. Only street parking is available. 

New Family Orientation  All new families with students in grades 1 – 6 are invited to attend New Family Orientation on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 3:00 pm.  This orientation will provide a campus tour and information about our school. 

Classroom assignments will be shared online on Tuesday, August 15th at 4:30pm.  Families can view their child(ren)'s teachers by logging into the Parent Portal, https://q.gusd.net/production/parentportal.  If you need assistance logging into the Parent Portal, please call our front office.  Staff members will be available on campus before school on August 18th to help students navigate campus and find their teachers.  

First Day of School

The first day of school for all students is Wednesday, August 16, 2023.  Instruction begins at 8:20 am for all students in Transitional Kindergarten through 6th grade.  Please plan to arrive early on the first day of school to avoid traffic.  We ask that parents wish their child a great first day at the bottom of the front stairs.  Adults are not allowed to enter campus without checking into the office first.  We will have several staff members available to help children navigate their way to their teacher's classroom.  

School Bell Schedule:

The gate opens daily at 7:45  a.m. for students to begin arriving to school.  Supervision is provided.  We begin serving breakfast in the school cafeteria at 7:45 am.  Only students eating in the cafeteria should be on campus from 7:45-8:00. Students must be inside their classrooms at the 8:20 bell to be considered present and on time to school. 

Transitional Kindergarten

Kindergarten

Grades 1–3

Grades 4–6

Daily Recess

TK/K Group A - 9:45-10:15 am

TK/K Group B - 10:05-10:35 am

1st - 6th Grades from 10:20 – 10:40 am.

Lunch Schedule

Grades Tk / Kindergarten:  11:20 - 11:40 

Grades 1–2:  11:50 - 12:30 pm

Grades 3-4:   12:15 - 12:55 pm

Grades 5–6:  12:40 – 1:20 pm

Arrival and Dismissal

While we have staggered dismissal schedules, there is often a lot of traffic on the street of Mountain Avenue.  Please do not double park.  Consider using the Park off Ocean View Blvd. as a drop off and pick up area for your child - especially for our students in grades 3 - 6.  Just drive north on Ocean View Blvd. and make a left turn into the park.  Students can walk across the footbridge to and from campus.  Please note, there is limited parking in the park. 

I look forward to an amazing 2023-2024 school year with you all!

Go Bears!

Jaclyn Scott, Principal

http://www.gusd.net/mountainavenue

Facebook: Mountain Avenue Elementary School

Instagram: mountainavebears

Twitter: @mountainavenue

#GoMountainAvenueBears

#WeAreMountainAvenue