Dannelly Elementary School
Attention: 2nd & 3rd Grade Parents!
Good morning, Dannelly Elementary 2nd and 3rd Grade Parents!
You are cordially invited to join us for a Virtual Literacy Parent Meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026.
For your convenience, we will offer two meeting times. Parents only need to attend ONE of the two sessions.
Session 1: 11:30 a.m.
Click Here https://mps-k12-al-us.zoom.us/j/7129165831?pwd=ZlVLeVROR3hNdGFUaVVhYTVqZnBGZz09&omn=88578571004&jst=2 to Join the 11:30 a.m. Meeting
Session 2: 5:30 p.m.
Click Here https://mps-k12-al-us.zoom.us/j/7129165831?pwd=ZlVLeVROR3hNdGFUaVVhYTVqZnBGZz09&omn=84219566088 to Join the 5:30 p.m. Meeting
During this important meeting, parents will receive updated information regarding the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) and its impact on student literacy development and reading achievement.
We strongly encourage all 2nd and 3rd grade parents to make plans to attend. Your involvement and partnership are essential as we work together to ensure that every child becomes a successful reader.
We look forward to seeing you virtually!
Dannelly Elementary School
Bulldogs on the Move: Learning, Leading, and Growing Together!
We extend a special thank you to the veterans within our own MPS familyβincluding our dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, and military-connected familiesβfor their courage, dedication, and service to our country.
Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Student Behavior on Bus 18-54
Greetings, Parents and Guardians,
I am reaching out to address some serious concerns regarding student behavior on Bus 18-54. Recently, we have received reports of students displaying inappropriate and disruptive behavior while being transported to and from school. These behaviors include refusing to remain seated, excessive yelling and loud conversations, failure to follow the bus driver's instructions, and, in some instances, physical fighting.
Let me be very clear: This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated! When students engage in these types of behaviors, they not only put their own safety at risk but also jeopardize the safety of the bus driver and every other student riding the bus. Our bus drivers have an enormous responsibility to transport our scholars safely, and they must be able to do so without unnecessary distractions or disruptions.
Unfortunately, several students were involved in an incident on Bus 18-54 this morning. The students involved will receive appropriate disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Montgomery Public Schools Student Code of Conduct.
Parents, I am asking for your immediate support and partnership in addressing these concerns. Please take a few moments today to have a serious conversation with your child about appropriate behavior on the school bus, the importance of following the driver's instructions, and the consequences of failing to meet these expectations.
As outlined in the Montgomery Public Schools Student Handbook (pages 40β43):
"RIDING THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT. LOSS OF BUS TRANSPORTATION MAY OCCUR IF THE BUS RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED."
The handbook further establishes the following expectations:
Rule 1: Students must obey the bus driver promptly and willingly.
Rule 5: Students must remain seated while the bus is in motion and until it comes to a complete stop.
Rule 6: Students must sit in their assigned seats.
Rule 13: Students must not fight, push, play, or participate in activities that disrupt transportation or create an unsafe environment.
Rule 24: Students who fail to follow bus rules are subject to disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion.
Consequences for Bus Misconduct (Grades Kβ5)
The MPS Student Handbook identifies excessive noise, refusing to remain seated, refusing to obey the driver, and disruptive behavior as minor offenses. Consequences include:
First Violation: Warning notice to parents/guardians.
Second Violation: Up to two (2) days of bus suspension.
Third Violation: Up to three (3) days of bus suspension.
Continued Violations: Loss of bus transportation privileges.
Fighting and bullying are classified as major offenses and may result in suspension from bus transportation for a minimum of two (2) days and up to ten (10) days, depending on the severity of the incident, or additional consequences as outlined in the handbook. Applicable disciplinary actions are subject to district approval requirements.
Please understand that if a student loses bus transportation privileges, it becomes the responsibility of the parent or guardian to arrange transportation to and from school. A bus suspension does not excuse a student from attending school.
At Dannelly Elementary School, we work hard each day to create a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all of our scholars. Those same expectations extend beyond the classroom and onto our school buses.
Parents, we need your help! Please reinforce these expectations with your child and remind them that their behavior matters, whether they are in the classroom, on the playground, in the cafeteria, or riding the school bus.
It is my sincere hope that, through our collective efforts, we can correct these behaviors immediately and avoid further disciplinary action or the loss of transportation privileges.
Thank you in advance for your understanding, cooperation, and continued partnership as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of ALL of our scholars.
Best Regards,
Ja'Quincey Ponder
Principal
Today, we celebrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education across our district. From hands-on lab experiments to robotics programs, our students are gaining the skills needed to innovate, solve real-world problems, and lead the future.
A huge thank you to our dedicated STEM educators, school teams, and community partners who spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders every single day!
Montgomery Public Schools is proud to honor and support our military-connected students, parents, and employees. We recognize the unique sacrifices, resilience, and strength of our military families who serve our nation while making vital contributions to our school district and community.
Thank you for your service, commitment, and dedication. We are honored to serve you!
Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday! Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed this weekend. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep, MPS family, and we look forward to seeing everyone on time and rested for school on Monday! π΄
We hope everyone is having a wonderful week! Please take a moment to review the following important reminders and upcoming dates.
Friday, October 30, 2026 β NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Tomorrow is a Professional Learning Day for all teachers. Therefore, students will not report to school.
ACAP Practice Testing Schedule
Beginning next week, students in grades 2β5 will participate in ACAP Practice Testing. These assessments provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and prepare for the state assessment.
Please review the testing schedule below:
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
2ndβ3rd Grade: ELA Sessions 1 & 2
Thursday, November 5, 2026
2ndβ3rd Grade: ELA Sessions 3 & 4
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
4thβ5th Grade: ELA Sessions 1 & 2
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 β Veterans Day
NO SCHOOL
Thursday, November 12, 2026
4thβ5th Grade: ELA Sessions 3 & 4
Monday, November 16, 2026
2ndβ5th Grade: Math Session 1
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
2ndβ5th Grade: Math Session 2
Thursday, November 19, 2026
4th Grade: Science Sessions 1 & 2
Parents, We Need Your Support!
Student attendance is especially important during testing. Please help us set our Bulldogs up for success by ensuring they:
Attend school every day and arrive on time.
Get a good night's rest before testing.
Eat a healthy breakfast.
Come to school prepared and ready to do their best.
Receive encouragement and positive reinforcement at home.
We kindly ask that you avoid scheduling appointments or early checkouts during testing whenever possible.
Parents, please plan accordingly. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to ensure every student is prepared, confident, and ready to succeed!
Bulldogs on the Move: Learning, Leading, and Growing Together!
Join us for our next Make-and-Take Monday Family Workshop on October 26th! Come create your own fun, personalized family conversation starter tools to take home: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA_gZQ595gMN73ZX-w4uxAtpIIl0EeNuxFBrO4_XtBUU6-4g/viewform
Dannelly Elementary School
Attention: 2nd & 3rd Grade Parents!
Good morning, Dannelly Elementary 2nd and 3rd Grade Parents!
You are cordially invited to join us for a Virtual Literacy Parent Meeting today, October 19, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m.
Click Here https://mps-k12-al-us.zoom.us/j/7129165831?pwd=ZlVLeVROR3hNdGFUaVVhYTVqZnBGZz09&omn=84219566088 to Join the 5:30 p.m. Meeting
During this important meeting, parents will receive updated information regarding the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) and its impact on student literacy development and reading achievement.
We strongly encourage all 2nd and 3rd grade parents to make plans to attend. Your involvement and partnership are essential as we work together to ensure that every child becomes a successful reader.
We look forward to seeing you virtually!
Dannelly Elementary School
Bulldogs on the Move: Learning, Leading, and Growing Together!
Get ready to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, October 26β29, 2026! This special week is dedicated to encouraging our scholars to make healthy choices, live drug-free lives, and develop positive habits for a bright future!
We have some exciting activities planned throughout the week! Please see the attached flyer for our daily themes and activities. We encourage all scholars to participate and show their Bulldog Pride!
Important Reminder: Friday, October 30, 2026, is an asynchronous learning day. Students will not report to school in person but are expected to complete their assigned learning activities from home.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to keep our scholars healthy, safe, and successful!
Bulldogs on the Move: Learning, Leading, and Growing Together!
Good afternoon, Bulldog Families!
Today, Thursday, October 15, 2026, is Report Card Day!
Your child will be bringing home an envelope containing important information regarding their academic progress for the first nine weeks.
Here's What to Expect:
Report Card β Your child's first nine weeks' academic grades.
i-Ready Parent Reports β Individual diagnostic reports for both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, providing valuable information about your child's academic strengths and areas for growth.
Honors Day Invitation β Students who earned Honor Roll recognition will receive an invitation to our upcoming Honors Day celebration.
Parent Acknowledgment Signature Sheet β Parents/guardians must sign this form acknowledging receipt of their child's report card.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
KEEP AT HOME: Report cards and i-Ready Parent Reports are yours to keep for your records. These documents do not need to be returned.
SIGN & RETURN: Please sign the Parent Acknowledgment Signature Sheet and return it to school inside the envelope provided.
We encourage all families to take time to review their child's academic progress, celebrate their accomplishments, and discuss opportunities for continued growth.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to ensure every Bulldog succeeds!
Bulldogs on the Move: Learning, Leading, and Growing Together!
Dannelly Elementary School Administration
Dear MPS Families and Staff,
Following a thorough evaluation of campus staffing coverage, all Montgomery Public Schools and administrative offices will be CLOSED tomorrow, Friday, October 9.
This operational decision was made to prioritize students' safety and supervision throughout the district. We are facing a high volume of employee leave requests, anticipated regional effects from Hurricane Isaias, a declared State of Emergency in Montgomery County, and the rescheduling of Alabama State University's annual Homecoming. These factors prevent us from maintaining adequate operational coverage across the district.
All campus buildings and administrative facilities will remain closed, and there will be no in-person or remote instruction tomorrow. All MPS campuses will reopen for normal operations on Tuesday, October 13, following the scheduled federal holiday.
Guidance regarding Friday evening athletics will be communicated directly by school leadership.
We deeply appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work to ensure a safe environment for our scholars and staff.
Sincerely,
Montgomery Public Schools Leadership
We are currently seeing a significant increase in employee leave requests across teachers, support staff, bus drivers, and other personnel. Our substitute staffing vendor is experiencing a high volume of requests and limited coverage. Adequate staffing is critical to maintaining a safe, secure, and productive learning environment for our scholars. District leadership is actively evaluating staffing coverage across all campuses.
We will continue assessing our operational needs and will provide families and staff with an official update no later than 12:00 p.m. tomorrow, October 8, regarding any adjustments to school schedules or operations.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and ongoing support of Montgomery Public Schools.
Tomorrow, October 8, 2026, we will recognize these students with a special Nacho Party. Out of 575 students, 159 students achieved perfect attendance for the entire month of September! We are extremely proud of their commitment to being at school every day, on time, and ready to learn.
We are also excited to share that District Attorney Azzie Oliverβs team will provide congratulatory letters and fair tickets to our third-grade students who achieved perfect attendance during September. We appreciate their partnership and support in recognizing our students.
DES families, thank you for making attendance a priority and ensuring that your children are present, on time, and remain at school for the entire instructional day. Every day matters, and every minute of instruction counts!
The challenge continues in October! Letβs see if we can have even more Bulldogs achieve Perfect Attendance this month.
Bulldogs on the Move: Learning, Leading, and Growing Together!
This message is for families of students who ride the bus and use the Lynwood Drive and Thomas Avenue bus stop.
Effective today, Tuesday, October 6, 2026, students at this stop will be picked up and dropped off by Bus #18-54.
Morning Pick-Up Time: 6:51 a.m.
Please ensure that students are at the bus stop and ready for pickup prior to 6:51 a.m. each morning.
Thank you for your attention to this transportation update and for helping us ensure a smooth transition.
Our coaches do far more than teach the fundamentals of sportsβthey build character, instill discipline, foster teamwork, and inspire our student-athletes to strive for excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Thank you to all of our MPS coaches for your tireless dedication, late hours, and endless belief in our students!
We are excited to announce that major facility improvements are officially underway in our school annex. Over the coming weeks, the building will undergo extensive renovations, including new windows, updated ceilings, and a modern HVAC system to create a brighter, more comfortable learning environment for our students.
What You Need to Know:
Temporary Relocation: To keep students safe and give construction teams the room they need, classes normally held in the annex have temporarily shifted to available spaces in the main building and campus portables.
Seamless Transitions: Our team is actively guiding students to ensure daily routines, drop-off, and pick-up remain smooth and uninterrupted. Individual teachers will share any specific classroom details directly with their families.
Timeline: Construction is on schedule for completion by mid-November. Following Thanksgiving Break, students will return directly to their newly updated annex classrooms.
We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and shared excitement as we make these long-term improvements to our school community. Please feel free to reach out to the main office if you have any questions.
Today and every day, we celebrate the passion, dedication, and heart our teachers bring into the classroom. You inspire minds, ignite curiosity, and shape the future of our community one student at a time.
Help us celebrate our educators! Tag your favorite MPS teacher in the comments below and tell them how much they mean to you!
Every single day, our custodial team works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our classrooms, hallways, and campuses clean, safe, and welcoming for our students and staff. They are the heartbeat of our school facilities!
We encourage our MPS Family to appreciate our custodians every day!
