💛 MONDAY – Great Kindness Challenge Kickoff
🌟 The Great Kindness Challenge is almost here at Montgomery City Elementary!
This week, our Wildcats will spread kindness through fun dress-up days and thoughtful actions. Let’s come together to build compassion, empathy, and connection across our school community.
✨ The class with the most dress-up participation for the week will earn 20 minutes of extra recess!
💡 Kindness idea: Write a kind note for your child to find in their backpack or lunchbox tomorrow!
We can’t wait to see our Wildcats shine with kindness! 💛
#GreatKindnessChallenge #MCEKindness #WildcatWay
January 20, 2026
The Montgomery County Board of Education Selects New Superintendent
The Montgomery County Board of Education selected Mr. Dave Samuel as the next
superintendent of the district. He will officially begin his duties July 1, 2026. Mr. Samuel is
currently the superintendent of Northeast Randolph County R-IV Schools in Cairo, MO. He has
25 years of educational experience including 4 years as a superintendent, 11 as a principal and
10 as a teacher.
“Mr. Samuel’s experience as superintendent and skill set aligns with the District’s mission and
desire to continue the tradition of excellence in Montgomery County,” said Maria Stille, Board of
Education President. “In addition, we are excited that Mr. Samuel and his family will become a
part of the Montgomery County community.”
Mr. Samuel earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa Wesleyan College, a Master’s Degree
from the University of Phoenix and a Specialist Degree from William Woods University.
I am honored to be selected as the new superintendent of the Montgomery County School
District,' said Mr. Samuel. “I am grateful to have this opportunity to serve the students and
greater community. Montgomery County has a strong reputation, and I will work collaboratively
with the Board of Education, its employees, students and community to build on this reputation.
My family and I are very excited to move into the community and fully immerse ourselves in the
people of the school district.
PTO Meeting Tonight- Join us live in the Cafeteria or on Facebook Live at 5:15. The agenda can be found on the MCE Facebook page and the MCE PTO Facebook page.
Happy New Year, MCE families! Our January newsletter is now available and includes important updates, upcoming events, and what’s ahead as we start the new year together.
👉 Be sure to check it out here: https://app.smore.com/n/fr4q3
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We’re excited for a strong start to 2026 and to celebrating our students’ growth along the way! 💙📚
❄️🎄 Holiday Break Reminder! 🎄❄️
Wildcat families, here’s a quick reminder as we head into the busiest part of the season:
📆 No School December 23 – January 2
📚 Classes Resume on Monday, January 6
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful, joy-filled break. We can’t wait to welcome our students back in the new year! 💙🐾
📅✨ Important December Schedule Reminders ✨📅
Wildcat families, here are a few key updates as we head into the last week before break:
✔️ School IS in session on Monday, December 15, 2025.
✔️ Friday, December 19, is an early dismissal day.
Dismissal Times for December 19:
🚌 Early Buses: 12:15
🚶♀️🚗 Walkers & Pick-Ups: 12:30
🚌 Late Buses: Dismiss as they arrive
Thank you for helping us keep schedules smooth and finish the semester strong! 💙🐾
Join us for an evening of music, joy, and Wildcat spirit as our PreK–5 students take the stage for their annual holiday concert!
📅 Tuesday, December 16th
🚪 Doors Open: 5:45 PM
🎤 Concert Begins: 6:00 PM
Our students have been working hard, and we can’t wait for families to enjoy the magic they’ve created. Come celebrate the season with us! 💙❄️
Wildcats, get those favorite hats ready! Students can wear a hat for just $1 on December 3rd and December 17th.
Whether it’s silly, sporty, or cozy, every hat brings a little extra fun to our day—and supports our school at the same time!
We’re kicking off the holiday season with some festive fun, and we’d love for everyone to join in! Each day brings a new theme, a little extra joy, and plenty of smiles throughout the halls.
Grab your sweaters, sparkles, and holiday cheer—let’s make this season bright together! ✨
Can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity and spirit!
📬✨ The December MCE Newsletter Is Here! ✨📬
Our latest family newsletter is now available! Inside, you’ll find important updates, upcoming events, celebrations, and helpful resources to support your child’s learning this month.
Take a moment to check it out and stay connected with everything happening at MCE. We appreciate our families and love keeping you in the loop!
📄 Read the December Newsletter:
https://secure.smore.com/n/4jdqk
💙🐾 Together we continue developing life-long learners through positive collaboration!
🦃Happy Thanksgiving
MCE will be closed November 26–28 for the holiday break.
We hope your family enjoys rest, gratitude, and time together. 💛
We’ll see everyone back at school on Monday, December 2nd!
📣 School IS in session on Monday, November 24th!
Just a reminder to our MCE families that we will have a full day of school on Monday.
🎨 Specials Schedule: We’ll follow a Wednesday Specials rotation for the day.
We appreciate your partnership in keeping routines smooth for our students. 💙📚
Wagner Portrait Group will be at school to photograph any students who were absent on the original Picture Day. Retake photos will also be available upon request.
If your student is having a retake, please return the entire portrait package (including the insert sheet) to the photographer on retake day. Feel free to attach a note describing what you’d like done differently.
FOR ABSENTEE STUDENTS WHO NEED TO ORDER:
Montgomery City Elementary Absentee & Retake Picture Day
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Pre-Order Online: www.WagnerPortraitGroup.com
Pre-Order Password: 7H2P6R8R
Direct Order Link:
https://wagner.portraitpics.co/api/v2/keys/lookup/wagner?key=7H2P6R8R
There’s so much to celebrate and be thankful for this month at MCE! Our November newsletter is full of highlights from the past few weeks and upcoming events.
👉 Check it out here: https://secure.smore.com/n/jrqh6
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we’re developing life-long learners through positive collaboration — and this season, we’re especially grateful for our amazing MCE families! 💛💙
We hope everyone enjoys a fun, safe, and relaxing day off!
There is no school on Friday, October 31st.
Remember to be kind, stay safe, and make good choices while celebrating.
We’ll see everyone back at MCE on Tuesday, November 4th, ready to learn and grow! 🧡
We’re looking forward to connecting with families to celebrate progress and set goals for the months ahead!
✅ Please check your scheduled time from your child’s teacher.
✅ Arrive a few minutes early so we can stay on schedule.
✅ If you need to adjust your time, contact your teacher directly.
Your partnership makes a difference every day—thank you for working with us to help every Wildcat grow! 💙
Thursday, October 23rd | 5:00–7:00 pm | MCE Side Yard
Enjoy the Book Fair, fun, games, and prizes!
Costumes welcome—bring your family for an evening of laughter and community.
Hot dogs, chips, and soda are available for purchase.
Our classrooms are ready for a fun, festive day of learning and celebration!
Teachers have already shared details about party times and volunteers—please reach out directly to your child’s teacher with any questions.
Reminders:
No costumes, please.
This celebration is for MCE students only—no siblings.
Snacks: Store-bought, sealed items only; please avoid pumpkin flavorings and scents.
Photos: Be mindful of students without photo permissions- only post pictures of your child on social media.
Thank you for helping us keep this event safe, inclusive, and fun for every Wildcat! 🧡
