Many of you may know, Coach Finke was recently diagnosed with cancer. Member of our staff have arranged a fundraiser to show our support while she faces this challenge. If you are interested in supporting Running for Finke, please go to the link below. The store is open today, April 17, through April 23. Thank you!
https://www.snappygraphics.net/
Each year we review our wellness policy and procedures. Parents and guardians, staff, students, and community members are welcome to attend.
🌞📚 MCR2 K-8 Summer School Enrollment is NOW OPEN! 📚🌞
We are excited to offer Summer School again this year, and enrollment is officially underway!
👉 Digital enrollment is now available — just click the link below or scan the QR code to sign up quickly and easily.
👉 Prefer paper? No problem! You can print a copy, or paper enrollment forms will be sent home with elementary students next week.
💥 BONUS: Monetary Incentives for Attendance! 💥
We are rewarding students for showing up and staying committed:
🎯 Perfect Attendance = $100 Gift Card
👍 Miss 1 Day = $75 Gift Card
😊 Miss 2 Days = $50 Gift Card
This is a great opportunity for students to keep learning, stay engaged, and earn a reward along the way!
Don’t wait — get enrolled today!
👇 Digital Enrollment Link: ENROLL HERE!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2n6sVOMoxzfQzhS6aJrhpTuFfPFjsKiFUN4lB_HzmBVH_Uw/viewform
We are excited to offer Summer School again this year, and enrollment is officially underway!
👉 Digital enrollment is now available — just click the link below or scan the QR code to sign up quickly and easily.
👉 Prefer paper? No problem! You can print a copy, or paper enrollment forms will be sent home with elementary students next week.
💥 BONUS: Monetary Incentives for Attendance! 💥
We are rewarding students for showing up and staying committed:
🎯 Perfect Attendance = $100 Gift Card
👍 Miss 1 Day = $75 Gift Card
😊 Miss 2 Days = $50 Gift Card
This is a great opportunity for students to keep learning, stay engaged, and earn a reward along the way!
Don’t wait — get enrolled today!
👇 Digital Enrollment Link: ENROLL HERE!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2n6sVOMoxzfQzhS6aJrhpTuFfPFjsKiFUN4lB_HzmBVH_Uw/viewform
We are very excited to announce Mrs. Tina Harms as the Montgomery County R-2 Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Harms will represent MCR2 in the Northeast region.
It is time to get registered for summer school! K-5th summer school will be at Montgomery City Elementary, 6th-8th will be at Montgomery County Middle School, and 9th-12th will be at Montgomery County High School. High school students can get information about classes offered and registration from their office. Summer school hours are 8 am to 4 pm, we offer bus transportation but our summer buses have a reduced number of stops.
K-8 summer school will be using Summer Journey this year. Students win prizes for attendance and get to experience engaging classes that focus on core content areas as well as other areas. Students who will be in kindergarten through 8th grade in the 2026-2027 school year need to register for summer school using the form at the link below or by using the QR code.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2n6sVOMoxzfQzhS6aJrhpTuFfPFjsKiFUN4lB_HzmBVH_Uw/viewform?usp=header
For questions about elementary summer school, please contact Tara Polston at tpolston@mc-wildcats.org. For questions about middle school summer school, please contact Kista River at kriver@mc-wildcats.org.
The spring Federal Programs Advisory meeting has been moved to April 21st. We apologize for the change in date, but hope you can attend!
Dr. Schluss
This year’s district theme, “Be the Difference,” reminds us that every action, every smile, and every moment of care has the power to change lives. Our staff live this message every day—by inspiring curiosity in our students, supporting one another, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
The individual we’re recognizing today has truly been the difference—through their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community. Today we honor Mrs. Vicky Kelly, MCHS paraprofessional.
Vicky is the embodiment of what it means to be a Wildcat. She spends time building lifelong relationships with not only the students that she works with but students throughout the building. If she notices a student struggling with anything at all she jumps in to assist them and see them get through whatever the situation is. She communicates with educators to be sure that they are aware of the things that she has witnessed. She maintains a can do attitude about anything that she is tasked with. She is giving and caring by nature, however she takes it even farther than that. She secretly brings in things that students need to be successful at school and wants absolutely no recognition for it. Vicky deserves this award because of her tireless effort to help us build lifelong learners and productive members of our community.
Vicky goes above and beyond to work with students in her caseload. Mrs. Kelly has made large impacts on students during her time working here at MCR2. In working with students, Vicky has found a way to get some students who struggle the most to believe in themselves and find success where they previously believed there was none to be had.
Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. We are fortunate that Vicky is a part of our Wildcat family!
The individual we’re recognizing today has truly been the difference—through their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community. Today we honor Mrs. Vicky Kelly, MCHS paraprofessional.
Vicky is the embodiment of what it means to be a Wildcat. She spends time building lifelong relationships with not only the students that she works with but students throughout the building. If she notices a student struggling with anything at all she jumps in to assist them and see them get through whatever the situation is. She communicates with educators to be sure that they are aware of the things that she has witnessed. She maintains a can do attitude about anything that she is tasked with. She is giving and caring by nature, however she takes it even farther than that. She secretly brings in things that students need to be successful at school and wants absolutely no recognition for it. Vicky deserves this award because of her tireless effort to help us build lifelong learners and productive members of our community.
Vicky goes above and beyond to work with students in her caseload. Mrs. Kelly has made large impacts on students during her time working here at MCR2. In working with students, Vicky has found a way to get some students who struggle the most to believe in themselves and find success where they previously believed there was none to be had.
Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. We are fortunate that Vicky is a part of our Wildcat family!
Come work with us!
This year’s district theme, “Be the Difference,” reminds us that every action, every smile, and every moment of care has the power to change lives. Our staff live this message every day—by inspiring curiosity in our students, supporting one another, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
The individual we’re recognizing today has truly been the difference—through their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community. Today we honor Ms. Mary Masek. Mary is officially a MCR2 retiree, but she is currently one of our trusted substitute teachers.
Ms. Masek is never afraid to jump in and help. She is very patient with every student she works with. She is a team player even when she is not sure what she is "getting into." Ms. Masek is an amazing teacher, and explains difficult concepts in a way that any student is able to understand. We are so incredibly lucky that she has come back and is a substitute in our buildings. She has so much knowledge, and freely shares it with students and staff alike. Thank you for all you do!
Ms. Masek has been a gift to us this year as a long term substitute helping our students and staff maintain consistency, care and high expectations. She truly has a gift of connecting with students and challenging them to learn and grow. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others is a blessing that does not go unnoticed.
Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. We are fortunate that Mary continues to be a part of our Wildcat family!
The individual we’re recognizing today has truly been the difference—through their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community. Today we honor Ms. Mary Masek. Mary is officially a MCR2 retiree, but she is currently one of our trusted substitute teachers.
Ms. Masek is never afraid to jump in and help. She is very patient with every student she works with. She is a team player even when she is not sure what she is "getting into." Ms. Masek is an amazing teacher, and explains difficult concepts in a way that any student is able to understand. We are so incredibly lucky that she has come back and is a substitute in our buildings. She has so much knowledge, and freely shares it with students and staff alike. Thank you for all you do!
Ms. Masek has been a gift to us this year as a long term substitute helping our students and staff maintain consistency, care and high expectations. She truly has a gift of connecting with students and challenging them to learn and grow. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others is a blessing that does not go unnoticed.
Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. We are fortunate that Mary continues to be a part of our Wildcat family!
We are excited to host The Traveling Trunk!
Tomorrow night's youth basketball skills for girls in grade 4-7 with Coach Basinger has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 2nd from 6-8 pm.
Coach Basinger will be hosting Spring Skills again this year. These are free of charge and no sign up is necessary, just show up. If you have any questions or would like more information please reach out to Coach Basinger at jbasinger@mc-wildcats.org.
Congratulations to Mr. Orr, the 2026 MCMS Teacher of the Year!
Corey Orr has made an immediate and transformative impact in his first year at MCMS, proving that history is not a collection of dusty facts, but a living, breathing narrative. With an innate gift for storytelling, Mr. Orr brings the past to life, whether he is using music like "The Battle of New Orleans" to anchor a lesson or utilizing interactive tools like Geoguesser to sharpen geographic skills. His classroom is a place of high energy and contagious enthusiasm; his students don’t just attend class—they leave inspired, eager to share stories of Revolutionary War soldiers or historical insights with their families. By making the curriculum fun, interactive, and relevant, he has turned "school" into a place where students truly love to be.
Beyond his creative pedagogy, Mr. Orr is defined by the profound respect and "quiet dignity" he extends to every student. He possesses a phenomenal patience that resonates especially well with his toughest learners, treating them as individuals whose voices and experiences matter. This foundation of trust allows his students to feel safe, supported, and challenged. He has mastered the delicate balance of being an approachable mentor who can make a student laugh, while maintaining the professional standards of an elite educator. Mr. Orr isn’t just teaching history; he is modeling humanity, making him a true "GOAT" in the eyes of his students and an invaluable asset to the MCMS community.
Corey Orr has made an immediate and transformative impact in his first year at MCMS, proving that history is not a collection of dusty facts, but a living, breathing narrative. With an innate gift for storytelling, Mr. Orr brings the past to life, whether he is using music like "The Battle of New Orleans" to anchor a lesson or utilizing interactive tools like Geoguesser to sharpen geographic skills. His classroom is a place of high energy and contagious enthusiasm; his students don’t just attend class—they leave inspired, eager to share stories of Revolutionary War soldiers or historical insights with their families. By making the curriculum fun, interactive, and relevant, he has turned "school" into a place where students truly love to be.
Beyond his creative pedagogy, Mr. Orr is defined by the profound respect and "quiet dignity" he extends to every student. He possesses a phenomenal patience that resonates especially well with his toughest learners, treating them as individuals whose voices and experiences matter. This foundation of trust allows his students to feel safe, supported, and challenged. He has mastered the delicate balance of being an approachable mentor who can make a student laugh, while maintaining the professional standards of an elite educator. Mr. Orr isn’t just teaching history; he is modeling humanity, making him a true "GOAT" in the eyes of his students and an invaluable asset to the MCMS community.
Congratulations to Mrs. Weatherford, JBE's Teacher of the Year!
Cathy Weatherford embodies the excellence, dedication, and heart that define the very best of our profession. A true lifelong learner, Cathy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to professional mastery this year, earning her Master’s degree and completing rigorous LETRS training to better serve her students. She is a model of coachability and growth, actively implementing new techniques and data-driven strategies to ensure every child in her care succeeds. Beyond her own development, Cathy has extended her impact by mentoring a student teacher, shaping the next generation of educators with the same intentionality she brings to her classroom.
In the classroom, Cathy creates a sanctuary of learning; her calm demeanor and consistent, kind-hearted approach allow students to feel safe, supported, and important. She meets every child exactly where they are, balancing high academic standards with the emotional intelligence every parent hopes for in a teacher. Whether she is collaborating with colleagues or building lasting bonds with families that endure years after a student leaves her room, Cathy is a vital asset to JBE and the entire district. She doesn’t just teach the curriculum—she builds a community where every student thrives.
Cathy Weatherford embodies the excellence, dedication, and heart that define the very best of our profession. A true lifelong learner, Cathy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to professional mastery this year, earning her Master’s degree and completing rigorous LETRS training to better serve her students. She is a model of coachability and growth, actively implementing new techniques and data-driven strategies to ensure every child in her care succeeds. Beyond her own development, Cathy has extended her impact by mentoring a student teacher, shaping the next generation of educators with the same intentionality she brings to her classroom.
In the classroom, Cathy creates a sanctuary of learning; her calm demeanor and consistent, kind-hearted approach allow students to feel safe, supported, and important. She meets every child exactly where they are, balancing high academic standards with the emotional intelligence every parent hopes for in a teacher. Whether she is collaborating with colleagues or building lasting bonds with families that endure years after a student leaves her room, Cathy is a vital asset to JBE and the entire district. She doesn’t just teach the curriculum—she builds a community where every student thrives.
Make sure you call to schedule your child's kindergarten screening!
Congratulations to Mrs. Harms, 2026 MCE Teacher of the Year!
Tina Harms is an educator who defines herself through intentional kindness and a deep, personal commitment to every student’s well-being. Whether she is meticulously ensuring a student feels safely included in every classroom activity or building a culture of cross-grade mentorship with "buddy room" collaborations, Tina consistently goes above and beyond. Her classroom at MCE is a space where academic growth is inextricably linked to emotional confidence. She doesn't just teach second graders; she empowers them to believe they are capable, worthy, and loved, maintaining high expectations while providing the individualized support each child needs to meet them.
What truly sets Tina apart is her extraordinary ability to bring imagination to life. In a beautiful display of dedication, she recently hand-crocheted custom "stuffies" based on her students’ own drawings, giving them a tangible sense of pride and magic. By teaching her students skills like crocheting, she fosters patience and creativity that stay with them long after they leave her room. A seasoned veteran and a cherished colleague, Tina is a pillar of support for her peers and a light for her students—the teacher they run to for hugs every morning. She represents the heart of MCE, proving that the most lasting lessons are the ones taught with a genuine, generous spirit.
Tina Harms is an educator who defines herself through intentional kindness and a deep, personal commitment to every student’s well-being. Whether she is meticulously ensuring a student feels safely included in every classroom activity or building a culture of cross-grade mentorship with "buddy room" collaborations, Tina consistently goes above and beyond. Her classroom at MCE is a space where academic growth is inextricably linked to emotional confidence. She doesn't just teach second graders; she empowers them to believe they are capable, worthy, and loved, maintaining high expectations while providing the individualized support each child needs to meet them.
What truly sets Tina apart is her extraordinary ability to bring imagination to life. In a beautiful display of dedication, she recently hand-crocheted custom "stuffies" based on her students’ own drawings, giving them a tangible sense of pride and magic. By teaching her students skills like crocheting, she fosters patience and creativity that stay with them long after they leave her room. A seasoned veteran and a cherished colleague, Tina is a pillar of support for her peers and a light for her students—the teacher they run to for hugs every morning. She represents the heart of MCE, proving that the most lasting lessons are the ones taught with a genuine, generous spirit.
All parents, staff members and community members are invited to attend!
Congratulations to Mrs. Beattie, 2026 MCHS Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Beattie is a transformative educator who turns her classroom into a launchpad for her students' futures. Known for creating a safe and supportive learning environment, she teaches her students the invaluable lesson that failure is not a finish line, but a vital step toward mastery. By encouraging her students to embrace challenges rather than taking the easy route, she instills a work ethic and resilience that extend far beyond the school walls. Whether she is leading dynamic, hands-on lessons in Child Development or managing the complexities of a Restaurant environment, Mrs. Beattie makes every student who walks through her doors feel like a "somebody," fostering the confidence they need to pursue their highest ambitions.
Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Beattie is a powerhouse of leadership and professional excellence. Her expertise and dedication shine through her work with various CTOs, where she serves as an admirable role model for both students and colleagues. She doesn't just teach a subject; she mentors future educators and professionals, modeling the communication skills and poise necessary for success in any field. For her students, she is a constant source of inspiration—someone who supports their wildest dreams and provides the practical tools to make them a reality. Mrs. Beattie truly represents the best of our educational community, shaping not just students, but the leaders of tomorrow.
Mrs. Beattie is a transformative educator who turns her classroom into a launchpad for her students' futures. Known for creating a safe and supportive learning environment, she teaches her students the invaluable lesson that failure is not a finish line, but a vital step toward mastery. By encouraging her students to embrace challenges rather than taking the easy route, she instills a work ethic and resilience that extend far beyond the school walls. Whether she is leading dynamic, hands-on lessons in Child Development or managing the complexities of a Restaurant environment, Mrs. Beattie makes every student who walks through her doors feel like a "somebody," fostering the confidence they need to pursue their highest ambitions.
Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Beattie is a powerhouse of leadership and professional excellence. Her expertise and dedication shine through her work with various CTOs, where she serves as an admirable role model for both students and colleagues. She doesn't just teach a subject; she mentors future educators and professionals, modeling the communication skills and poise necessary for success in any field. For her students, she is a constant source of inspiration—someone who supports their wildest dreams and provides the practical tools to make them a reality. Mrs. Beattie truly represents the best of our educational community, shaping not just students, but the leaders of tomorrow.
It is not too late to RSVP for food and/or childcare for the Anxious Generation presentation next week. All adults are welcome to attend, you don't have to have a student currently in our school! Please click this link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/oSLp8qdcmmKCR7Hb8.
If you have a child, or know of one who lives in the district, who will be 5 on or before July 31st please see the image for details about kindergarten screening. Screening is important to help us plan for the 2026-2027 school year.
