Vote Here

We have five positions to fill on the 2009-2010 Parent Council. Please click on the "Vote Here" link above and vote for five of the six applicants.

Voting will be open until midnight next Friday, July 3rd, 2009.  Once you click you will be prompted for your pin number which as been e-mail to you.  If you did not receive it please e-mail info@monticelloacademy.net.

Please see the bios/statements of each applicant below listed in alphabetical order.

Jerry Dunn:

For over thirty years, in one way or another, I’ve been involved in some type of customer service and management.  I look forward to serving on the Parent Council and bringing decades of experience in human relations, union negotiations, and employee supervision into play for the benefit of the children attending Monticello Academy.
 
When we finally begin the much awaited construction of Monticello’s high school, my B.A. degree in Musical Theater from B.Y.U. as well as my professional background and contacts with the theater business in Utah will be invaluable, both with regard to the technical needs of a state-of-the-art theater complex, and including the artistic opportunities such a theater will bring to our students.

Alison Gull:

I am interested in applying for the Monticello Academy Parent Council for the 2009-2010 school year. I would like to be involved in the decisions and direction the school progresses in. Personally, I want to know that I did everything I could to make a difference in the education of my child and to set the stage for generation of children to follow.
The experience we have had at Monticello has made me a believer in this type of environment and education.  Over the last few years I feel we have struggled to follow the charter as closely as it was presented when the school opened.  However, the parents and staff at Monticello are a wonderful group of individuals.  The strength and determination of this small group gives us an excellent chance of regaining the momentum we first had when we opened.
I was not involved in the conflict that caused the last council to resign but was very upset to learn that the voice of the parents had all but been eliminated.  This is something that can not happen if we as parents and staff at Monticello want the school to continue to offer an education above and beyond our expectations.  It is vital that everyone has a say and can openly discuss any issue or concern without the thought of retribution. The hours spent by all involved are the reason we have come so far today and will be the reason we continue successfully in the future.
If I am part of the parent council I will try and represent the students' and their families to insure their best interests are considered for continued success.

Thank You,
Alison Gull

Linda Hansen:

My reason again for applying is not to change things but to participate and work at two levels: one-collaborating/brainstorming with the other parent council members and Mr. Lester on ideas for the new school year and to assist in organizing parent volunteers for these events; and second, as in the past, continue participating at a hands on level with the students and teachers being sure to be involved with not only my children's classes but where ever there is a need. I strongly believe ALL of the students at Monticello belong to all of us, regardless of grade levels and it is very important to help keep their days moving smoothly by assisting faculty and administration as needed.
 My resume of past school commitments consists of:
2008-2009 Monticello's Key Parent for Third and Fourth Grades; being heavily involved in and organizing the cast party for the school musical; volunteering at Safety Week; volunteering with teacher dinners; volunteering with Field Day and assisting in the coordination;

• 2007-2008 AMES Parent-Teacher-Student Organization President (PTSO) and voting Board member
• 2006-2007 AMES Parent-Teacher-Student Organization President and voting Board member
• 2005-2006 AMES Parent-Teacher-Student Organization Active Member
• 2004-2005 AMES Parent-Teacher-Student Organization Active Member

 Looking forward to the 2009-2010 school year!!

Steve Rose:

As a professional educator, a lifetime member of West Valley City and a parent of two children attending Monticello, I have a vested interest in the success and future of this educational establishment.  I bring a wide variety of experiences to the table.  My educational background includes degrees in Business, Behavioral Science and Education.  Professionally I oversee several teachers, including their professional development training, three educational institutions and sit on an adminstrative council in the Salt Lake Area.  My personal life allows me to associate with a wide array of individuals from different religious, socio-economic and demographic backgrounds.  I recently took the opportunity to visit another Charter School opening in the West Valley area and believe that Monticello is in a better position to meet my educational expectations. I have admired the Parent Council from a far and would like the opportunity to serve and continue the good that has already been accomplished.

Jodi Strader:

I am Jodi Strader.  My husband Rodney and I will be celebrating our twentieth anniversary this August.  I am very involved with my kids and we have a very good relationship. 
 
I believe in supporting my children whenever possible.  I try and teach them hard work and service to the community.  I have a strong sales background and have always excelled in my job.  I work for JetBlue airlines, and get many customer compliments and frequently hold the top spot on transferring calls to external vendors.  Many times on my job overviews I am told how refreshing it is to hear my calls because of my ability to successfully adhere to requirements.
 
I am a graduate of Layton High School.  I earned a Cosmetology Degree and have attended Salt Lake Community College.  I have given assistance in one political campaign.  I have been a Sunday School teacher.  I have also helped with Boy Scouts when my sons attended.  I have organized a talent show and bake sale and various other fund raising opportunities.   I have often helped with field trips and also chaperoned for trips to Idaho.  I have done my best to try and encourage teachers in their work, although I always wish that I could do more.

Charlotte Vanderbilt:

I would like to be considered for a position on the Parent Council.  I am new to the Monticello community and so excited that my daughter will be attending first grade here.  I am passionate about the education of our children and believe that parental involvement is critical to the ultimate success of a school in formally educating our children.  I would like to serve on the Parent Council and be an active member of the Monticello community.
 Thank you for your consideration.
 
Charlotte Vanderbilt

We are excited to announce that we will have a Meet the Candidates meeting this Friday, June 26th at 5:30 p.m. in the school library. Each candidate is being asked to take 2 minutes to briefly introduce themselves. We will have light refreshments. The voting will now be open through Friday, July 3rd.

Please come and meet the Parent Council candidates. We look forward to seeing you.

Respectfully,
Mike Westover
Director

Dear Monticello Academy Parents: 

We are pleased to announce the Monticello Academy Board of Trustees has authorized an election for a new Parent Council.    We are grateful for the efforts of the many parent volunteers these past several months.  Now, it’s time to move forward with a new Parent Council that can help make next year better than ever! 

We hope to have a broad slate of candidates to choose from.  If you are interested in serving on the Parent Council, please hand deliver or email (info@monticelloacademy.net) your photo and a campaign message that we can post on the school website.  We apologize for the late notice, but the deadline for candidate submissions is 3:00 PM, Friday, June 5 (this Friday).  Even if you have never dreamed of stepping up, we really need good people, so now is the time to throw your hat in the ring!  Elections will be held electronically via the compass website.  Balloting will open Friday evening following the submission deadline and remain open for one week.  Additional information will be forthcoming about a parent kickoff meeting as well. 

Here are some details from the school charter regarding the Parent Council:  

What is the Parent Council?

The Monticello Academy Parent Council is the governing body of the Monticello Academy Parent Organization, which consists of all MA parents.  Five of the seven members of the Parent Council are elected by the parents in the school. 

Is this the same election we heard about last week?

No, the Parent Council is a separate body from the school LAND Trust Committee.  This is a separate election.

Who is eligible to run, and what are the obligations?

Any parent or legal guardian of a student enrolled at Monticello Academy is eligible to be a candidate, and elected Parent Council members serve two year terms.  The Parent Council provides support and assistance to the director of the school and can make minor policy recommendations.  The Parent Council must be fully committed to the charter school concept and to the curriculum chosen by the Board of Trustees.  The Parent Council is also under obligation to operate within the policies and the vision of the Board of Trustees.  As with any volunteer serving in the school a current Monticello Academy volunteer agreement and a background check must be completed before you begin your service.

What does the Parent Council do?

Members of the Parent Council don’t necessarily do all the work.  Their leadership encourages the inclusion of all parents in support the school and its programs.  Parent council members carefully evaluate, organize, and promote approved volunteer activities.  The Parent Council is expected to communicate the school core values, principles, policies and the Mission of the school.  Under the direction of the CEO, the Parent Council assists with the Student Council and accepts other responsibilities delegated to them by the Board of Trustees.

Thank you for your willingness to get involved, we look forward to hearing from you!

We had four applicants for next year's School Land Trust Committee:

- Andrew Fresh
- Randi Limb
- Pam Muir
- Mat Murdock

We were looking for four parents to complete the committee, so each is automatically accepted on the committee. No elections are necessary.

If you would like to email a vote of confidence on any of the applicants, you may do so by emailing me at mike.westover@monticelloacademy.net.

These members will be joined by Martell Winters (Board member), myself (Interim-director), and Brad Lester (Principal).

Thank you,

Michael Westover
Interim-director

Announcing Monticello Academy Summer School!

Daily Start time: 9:00 a.m.
Daily End time: 11:30 a.m.
Start date: Monday, June 15th
End date: Friday, July 3rd
Remedial Credit: No
Remedial Instruction and Support: Yes
Cost: FREE

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, June 10th

How to register: Sign up in the main office by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10th.

Summer School Rules:
- Students may ONLY miss one day (non-excused) to maintain enrolled in summer school.
- Students may ONLY miss two days (excused) to maintain enrollment in summer school.
- Students may ONLY be tardy a maximum of 3 times to maintain enrollment in summer school (3 tardies = 1 absence).
- Students must wear the school uniform during all summer school activities (2 days of non-compliance will result in a suspension).
- Students must follow all M.A. rules, as per the regular school year.

For more information click here.