Thursday, March 7, 2024
Vol. 5, No. 29
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
With pasta, anything is possible
Monroe Old Settlers’ annual pasta dinner fundraiser makes the end-of-summer community event possible
Prepping for preschool
PCM Preschool meeting planned for March 19 at Monroe Elementary Library By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Wide open — campus — spaces PCM adding open campus privileges to approved juniors and seniors for 2024-25 school year By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer PCM juniors and seniors will have a little more freedom next school year. The PCM School Board approved a trial open campus lunch program along with allowing an open campus to allow students to, among other things, take online courses at home during the school day. “In order to best serve our juniors and seniors academically and to increase career readiness activities, we would like to allow them more flexibility in their day to come and go,” high school principal Kristen Souza said. “This privilege will allow students doing online courses, Career Academy and work-based
learning to have more flexible learning opportunities.” For open campus, students must be passing all enrolled courses, have no missing work, no excessive tardies and have an attendance rate of 95 percent or higher, regardless of excuse. To participate, qualified students must also have an authorization form completed and signed by a parent. Once students have qualified, they must be enrolled in a WorkBased Learning Placement, an online course through DMACC or another Postsecondary Enrollment Option course, are in a study hall or have a paid job that does not interfere with other coursework. If a student has received a Code of Conduct or other disciplinary action
during the semester, they will not qualify for the privilege of leaving the school to do outside work. “It allows our students who have work-based learning some flexibility,” Souza said. “It gives them that choice of how and where they do their learning.” Students must have their student ID to sign in or out of the building. They are expected to leave the school grounds immediately after the ID is scanned. Loitering in the building, on the grounds or campus in areas other than those designated is not permitted. Eligibility for open campus will be reviewed weekly. “We’re preparing our students OPEN CAMPUS | 3
The newest Mustangs are prepping for their first year at school and September can’t get here soon enough. A preschool parent meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 19 at the Monroe Elementary Library with any incoming parents of students who will turn four on or before Sept. 15, 2024 invited to attend. PCM currently offers full and half-day options for preschool all housed at Monroe Elementary. PCM Elementary Assistant Principal Mandy Shannon is excited for the upcoming year and ready to share all that is in store for the littlest mustangs. “Our first year of having preschool all in one building was a success,” Shannon said. “I look forward to continuing this next year. It has allowed our students to interact with one another and build more friendships early on.” At the meeting, Shannon will talk about the programs that are offered, what a typical preschool day looks like, tuition options for students and how to register a child for school. PCM works on a play-based learning system and also has monthly field experiences for the kids, getting them out of the class-
room and learning out in the world. With the preschools consolidated in Monroe, Shannon has been happy and encouraged by the work the teachers have been able to do together all under one roof. It has been great for not only the students but the staff, as well. “It has been great for teachers,” Shannon said. “The additional collaboration and sharing of resources has been so positive.” She also addressed a concern that she has heard about little kids riding the bus each day. At the meeting, the plan put in place for the preschoolers will be explained along with any additional questions answered. “I know some parents have worried about their preschooler on the bus, but they have really enjoyed it,” Shannon said. “Our school counselor or student advocate has been able to ride along with them to help assist with any of their needs.” Starting growth through play, gaining independence and learning safely are all parts of learning in preschool. The future class of 2038 is ready to get started and PCM wants to be the school where the journey begins. “We are looking forward to another great year,” Shannon said.
Under the sea A hippy-hoppin’ good time Dads and their little ladies danced the (early) night away at the Mustang Scholars Preschool annual event
Middle school students shine on stage in three performances of ‘The Nifty Fifties’
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
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