2011-2012 Parent Handbook
Welcome to
Eastern ShoreMontessoriSchool Our Mission Our mission is to help children with educational, social and physical development through the use of the Montessori principals. At Eastern ShoreMontessoriSchool, we support the personal growth and learning of all children, families and staff.
ESMS is a non-profit organization affiliated with the HolyTrinityLutheranChurch. ESMS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school administered programs. Through these programs we foster individual development and an appreciation of differences between individuals as the common heritage we share as humankind.
Eastern ShoreMontessoriSchool
Eastern Shore Montessori School was opened by Maria Wehrenberg in 2002. We serve children from 18 months through age 6 and have 2 classes. The school is directed and managed by Kate Burdick.
Our affiliation with the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church allows us to operate without state licensing. However, we do hold ourselves to the same guidelines as licensed facilities.
The Montessori Classroom In the Montessori classroom, each child is encouraged to reach his/her full potential in all areas of life. The specific needs of individual children are met at each developmental level. The classroom contains many multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials that facilitate learning. Concepts are presented concretely and students work with materials until they are ready to move to abstraction. Children are free to work at their own pace with material they have chosen, either alone or with others. All classrooms have multi-age groupings, which encourages a family-like atmosphere where learning can take place naturally. Our curriculum, which is challenging, interdisciplinary and real world related, provides a strong academic bridge to any future schooling.
Website Eastern Shore Montessori School has a website at www.easternshoremontessori.weebly.com
Health
All children must have an up-to-date shot record and a completed health form on file by the first day of school.
We are all concerned about our children’s health and do not want to unnecessarily expose healthy children to germs. Do not send your child to school when any of the following symptoms have occurred within the past 24 hours:
1. Fever (100° or over without symptoms or low grade with symptoms)
2. Persistent cough
3. Active cold (discharge of heavy, discolored or profuse amount of mucous from the nose)
4. Diarrhea
5. Vomiting
6. Sore throat
7. Red or discharging eye (conjunctivitis)
8. An accident requiring medical attention
9. Any condition that prevents the child from comfortably participating in program activities or that results in greater care for the child than what staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children.
Your child must be symptom-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
Medication When it is necessary for a student to take medication during the school hours, state law mandates the following:
1. There is a document at the physician’s office which must be filled out and brought to the school that indicates the method, amount and schedule for giving the medication, whether prescription or over the counter.
2. There must be a written statement from the parent/guardian asking the school to give the medicine.
3. All prescription medicine must have been prescribed for the child, with his/her name on the original bottle.
4. The parent must give all medication to the teacher. Do not put medicine in the lunch box. Students are not allowed to keep ANY medication.
Please plan your schedule accordingly. We will reapply mosquito repellent, sunscreen, or Chap Stick with a signed parent permission slip. This permission must be on file in the office. Any other medication including over-the-counter medication must also include a doctor’s prescription/form.
Arrival and Dismissal
Each classroom has specific arrival and dismissal routines. If you are leaving your vehicle to walk your child into the building, please park in a designated parking spot.
Children need to be picked up promptly at dismissal time. If you know you will be late (even 10 to 15 minutes late), please call the school so we can let your child know. When you are late, please come in to get your child and sign out on the sign-in sheet. You will be billed $10 for the first 5 minutes late and $1 for each minute after this.
If you are sending someone (who is not on your registration form) to pick up your child, please call the school before they arrive to notify the teachers. Consider adding this person’s name to the registration form.
Photo identification will be required before we will let them take your child.
Disciplinary Statement for Early Childhood One goal of our school is for the children to be self-disciplined. There is a wide span within the range of “normal” for the development of self-discipline. To encourage self-monitoring of behavior by our students, we control the environment instead of the child as much as possible. We want it to be easy for children to behave appropriately. Appropriate behavior is taught when children are NOT in a stressful situation. Then children can learn by role-playing acceptable alternatives to hitting, screaming, biting, scratching, name-calling, etc. These lessons are given individually, at group time and throughout the year as needed. Children who are out of control will stay with a teacher or sit away from the other children until they can control themselves. Whenever possible, children are allowed to experience the logical consequences of their actions. For example, when you throw a puzzle, you pick it up and then find other work that can be handled more appropriately. For more serious situations such as biting, hitting or scratching, it may be necessary to call the parents.
We use peer problem solving whenever possible when children have disagreements.
In keeping with Maria Montessori’s philosophy, we redirect the following behavior patterns:
· Unbecoming behavior (i.e. nose-picking)
· Behavior destructive to the environment (i.e. throwing work)
· Behavior destructive to others or their work (i.e. disturbing another’s work)
· Unproductive behavior (i.e. walking aimlessly through the room)
In a serious situation, such as a physical fight between children, the following steps are followed:
1. Check that everyone is safe
2. Remove from those not involved
3. Describe what is happening in a non-judgmental way
4. State the appropriate ground rule
5. Separate the child from the situation as gently as possible
6. Preserve self-dignity
Children may be required to sit at a table by themselves and work will be provided for them. They will lose their freedom of movement for a period of time according to their development. This could range from a short amount of time to an entire work period. If a child’s behavior (for example: temper tantrum) is disruptive to the classroom, the child will be taken out of the classroom until they calm down and if necessary, the parents will be notified to pick up the child. Parents will be notified of these situations either by phone call and/or incident report. Physical punishment is not used for any reason.
In the event that a child is unable or unwilling to follow the classrooms rules in a consistent manner, a parent teacher conference will be called. Before this conference, the teachers have already worked with the child and when there was no change, the teachers have informed the parents of the situation. A plan for improving the situation will be put into place by the teachers and parents. If the teachers and Director feel that outside resources are needed, the parents are expected to cooperate fully. Another conference with the Director may be called. If, in spite of all best efforts, the teachers and Director determine that the situation has not shown enough improvement, enrollment will be terminated.
Suggested readings: Children the Challenge and Logical Consequences by Dreikurs
The Secret of Childhood by Montessori
How to Really Love Your Child by Campbell
How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, How to Listen so Kids Will Talk by Faber and Mazlish
Discipline for Life – M. Swift
Discharge
As children mature and develop, it is not unusual for them to exhibit behaviors that may be improper and/or disrespectful. These occasional misbehaviors, while certainly not condoned, are often a normal part of the process of a child’s development. As noted above, the school’s policy is to redirect the child’s behavior and explain to them other ways of communicating or voicing their frustrations.
On the other hand, if a particular child exhibits chronically disruptive behavior, the issue must be addressed. Following are the series of steps we will take in dealing with this type of behavior:
1. When repeated attempts at talking to the child are not successful, the child will be isolated from the remainder of the class. The child’s parents will be contacted regarding the situation. The teacher will discuss the problem with the parents in order to update them on the situation. Along with any verbal communication, incident reports will be written up, and a copy sent home to the child’s parents.
2. If the child continues to exhibit disruptive behavior, with 3 write-ups, the next step would be for the child’s teacher to have a meeting with the child’s parents. At this meeting, the teacher will explain to the parent what options are available in the community and a plan will be formulated to resolve the problem.
3. If no arrangement or agreement can be reached, or if no improvement is made within the set time limit, then the child will be discharged.
Any of the following may be considered to be disruptive behavior:
• Any behavior which requires constant attention from the staff;
• Any behavior which inflicts physical or emotional harm on themselves, other children, or any staff;
• Or any behavior which conflicts with the rules of the classroom or the playground.
While head teachers are ultimately responsible for working out the situation with the child’s parent, the teacher involved will keep the school’s director updated about the situation. Parents always have the right to appeal any decision made by the child’s teacher to the director, keeping in mind that the teachers will normally be acting under their guidance. A final appeal may be made to the board of trustees.
Mandatory Reporting
26-14-3. Mandatoryreporting.
(a) All...school teachers and officials, daycare workers and employees, as defined in Rule 505 of the Alabama
Rules of Evidence,… when the child is known or suspected to be a victim of child abuse or neglect, shall be required to report, or cause a report to be made of the same, orally, either by telephone or direct communication immediately, followed by a written report, to a duly constituted authority.
26-14-13. Penalty for failure to make required report.
Any person who shall knowingly fail to make the report required by this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a sentence of not more than six months' imprisonment or a fine of not more than $500.00.
Toys Students should leave toys at home. Toys and other personal items distract children from their school environment and may become lost or broken.
Sometimes classroom items are inadvertently taken home—many of these are very valuable to the classroom. Please have your child return them back to school.
Clothing Send two complete changes of clothing (including underwear, and socks) to stay at school. These sets of clothing MUST be labeled. In addition, label jackets, sweaters, coats, etc. Please do not send clothes you don’t want your child to get dirty (church clothes).
It is important that the clothes your child wears to school are comfortable and easy to get in and out of. Children cannot care for themselves when they wear clothes that require adult help. Snap-crotched garments, overalls, belts, and lace-up shoes all require an adult’s assistance. These items take away from the excitement and pride children feel when they do for themselves. Also, in order to minimize distractions in the classroom, we ask that you limit cartoon characters and super-heroes from clothing as much as possible. For safety reasons, cowboy boots may not be worn to school. Flip-flops, clogs and shoes with similar design may be worn to school provided they are not a hindrance in the classroom. However, in order to play on the playground, shoes must have closed toes, backs, be snug fitting and have no 'high' heel. We wear inside shoes during work time. Please send shoes that fit and are easy for your child to put on and take off.
Rest Time
The Department of Human Resources requires that all children under the age of 6 have a supervised rest time for those enrolled for 5 or more hours. Please bring 1 crib sheet or king sized pillow case and 1 baby blanket for the mats. Please label all items clearly.
Fund Raising
Our only source of income is tuition. To help supplement this and keep tuition as low as possible, our Parent-Teacher Organization has several fund-raisers during the school year.
We will be having pizza nights on Fridays, a yard sale, coupon books, and wrapping paper sales. Suggestions are always welcome for more fundraising events.
Participation in any fund-raising event is much appreciated.
Classroom Observations Our school welcomes classroom observations by parents, potential parents and members of the community. Spending time at school is a wonderful way for you to understand what your child is experiencing. After the first six weeks of school, parents are welcome to visit anytime. For the younger children, it is best to visit them just before you take them home, rather than when you drop them off.
Here are some important guidelines to insure the smooth operation of the classroom for all the children.
· Remember your inside voice.
· Choose any chair and sit during your visit. Feel free to move your chair from place to place.
· During your observation please avoid initiating interaction with the children in the classroom. If a child approaches you please respond by redirecting them to their work.
· Let your child lead. He/she will show you the things that are important to him/her. (Frequent visits will give you a good overview.)
· Avoid correcting your child’s mistake. Many of Dr. Montessori’s materials are self-correcting, which means that a direct correction from an adult is not needed. When you see an error, you are observing what your child is in the process of learning.
· Write down any questions, comments or situations you would like to discuss. A teacher will be glad to schedule a time to talk to you.
Our Daily Schedule
April-October
October-April
7:00-8:00
Before care/Early arrivals
7:00-8:00
Before care/Early arrivals
8:00-9:00
Outside Activities (April-October)
8:00-11:00
Work Period
(snack & water provided throughout)
9:00-12:00
Work Period
(snack & water provided throughout)
11:00-12:00
Outside Activities (October-April)
12:00-12:30
Lunch (milk & water provided)
12:00-12:30
Lunch (milk & water provided)
1:00-1:30
Rest time/ Story time
1:00-1:30
Rest time/ Story time
1:30-3:00
Afternoon work period
(snack & water provided throughout)
1:30-3:00
Afternoon work period
(snack & water provided throughout)
3:00-5:30
After care activities & outside play
3:00-5:30
After care activities & outside play
Conferences Individual conferences are scheduled two times each year. The first conference will be all about expectations from the parents and the teacher .The first conference is upon request of the parent. The second and conference will be to report progress and update expectations. These conferences usually don’t last more then about 15 minutes. Additional conferences may be scheduled at any time by either the parent or the teachers. All conferences are confidential conversations between you and the teachers.
Concerns and Conflict Resolutions Personal relationships are often affected because people fail to communicate with one another. If you are having problems or concerns with the school’s policies or any school function, it can best be solved by open and prompt discussion.
Please direct all concerns and questions to: Kate Burdick – 626-3455
Emergency Announcements
Whenever the public schools in Baldwin County are canceled due to emergency conditions, we will do the same.
Hurricane Information We will close when there is a threat of a hurricane approaching us, at the same time Baldwin County School system closes.
Snacks and Lunches A good, balanced diet can have a marked effect on a child’s social and emotional behavior and can affect the child’s intellectual capabilities. Learning what to eat and why, is an essential part of a child’s education.
Each day the children are provided with a nutritious morning and afternoon snack. These snacks may only consist of fruits, and/or vegetables and crackers or dry cereal.
The meals are served family style. Menus for the month are sent home and posted in the entryway of the school. Please make sure the lead teacher and the office knows of any food allergies or sensitivities.
Suggestions for additions to the menu are always welcome.
Lunch Blessing
God,
Our Father,
Once again,
Thank you for our blessing.
Amen. say a blessing before lunch. “God our Father, God our Father, Once again, Once again, thank you for our blessing, thank you for our blessing, Amen, Amen” This is one of many songs the children learn to sing.
Calendar
You receive our calendar with your registration packet. We follow the public school calendar. We observe the same breaks and holidays as the schools. Regardless of Federal holidays, teacher work days, scheduled breaks, or your own family breaks/vacations tuition will be one flat rate per month.
Birthdays We enjoy celebrating your child’s birthday at school. We gather at group time and tell their life story as they hold a globe and “orbit the sun”. Please fill out and send in your child’s “celebration of life” form. (Their “life story” information comes from the parent-completed Timeline form). You are welcome to join us at this ceremony. We are unable to accommodate party type activities. Party invitations may be given out at school only if the entire class is invited.
Summer Program
Our summer program begins June 1st and ends July 31st. We only have one class of 25 open. Priority will go to existing fulltime students, siblings, new enrollees for the fall and former students. If we have remaining openings these will go to part time students.
Eastern ShoreMontessoriSchool Our Mission Our mission is to help children with educational, social and physical development through the use of the Montessori principals. At Eastern ShoreMontessoriSchool, we support the personal growth and learning of all children, families and staff.
ESMS is a non-profit organization affiliated with the HolyTrinityLutheranChurch. ESMS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and other school administered programs. Through these programs we foster individual development and an appreciation of differences between individuals as the common heritage we share as humankind.
Eastern ShoreMontessoriSchool
Eastern Shore Montessori School was opened by Maria Wehrenberg in 2002. We serve children from 18 months through age 6 and have 2 classes. The school is directed and managed by Kate Burdick.
Our affiliation with the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church allows us to operate without state licensing. However, we do hold ourselves to the same guidelines as licensed facilities.
The Montessori Classroom In the Montessori classroom, each child is encouraged to reach his/her full potential in all areas of life. The specific needs of individual children are met at each developmental level. The classroom contains many multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials that facilitate learning. Concepts are presented concretely and students work with materials until they are ready to move to abstraction. Children are free to work at their own pace with material they have chosen, either alone or with others. All classrooms have multi-age groupings, which encourages a family-like atmosphere where learning can take place naturally. Our curriculum, which is challenging, interdisciplinary and real world related, provides a strong academic bridge to any future schooling.
Website Eastern Shore Montessori School has a website at www.easternshoremontessori.weebly.com
Health
All children must have an up-to-date shot record and a completed health form on file by the first day of school.
We are all concerned about our children’s health and do not want to unnecessarily expose healthy children to germs. Do not send your child to school when any of the following symptoms have occurred within the past 24 hours:
1. Fever (100° or over without symptoms or low grade with symptoms)
2. Persistent cough
3. Active cold (discharge of heavy, discolored or profuse amount of mucous from the nose)
4. Diarrhea
5. Vomiting
6. Sore throat
7. Red or discharging eye (conjunctivitis)
8. An accident requiring medical attention
9. Any condition that prevents the child from comfortably participating in program activities or that results in greater care for the child than what staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children.
Your child must be symptom-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
Medication When it is necessary for a student to take medication during the school hours, state law mandates the following:
1. There is a document at the physician’s office which must be filled out and brought to the school that indicates the method, amount and schedule for giving the medication, whether prescription or over the counter.
2. There must be a written statement from the parent/guardian asking the school to give the medicine.
3. All prescription medicine must have been prescribed for the child, with his/her name on the original bottle.
4. The parent must give all medication to the teacher. Do not put medicine in the lunch box. Students are not allowed to keep ANY medication.
Please plan your schedule accordingly. We will reapply mosquito repellent, sunscreen, or Chap Stick with a signed parent permission slip. This permission must be on file in the office. Any other medication including over-the-counter medication must also include a doctor’s prescription/form.
Arrival and Dismissal
Each classroom has specific arrival and dismissal routines. If you are leaving your vehicle to walk your child into the building, please park in a designated parking spot.
Children need to be picked up promptly at dismissal time. If you know you will be late (even 10 to 15 minutes late), please call the school so we can let your child know. When you are late, please come in to get your child and sign out on the sign-in sheet. You will be billed $10 for the first 5 minutes late and $1 for each minute after this.
If you are sending someone (who is not on your registration form) to pick up your child, please call the school before they arrive to notify the teachers. Consider adding this person’s name to the registration form.
Photo identification will be required before we will let them take your child.
Disciplinary Statement for Early Childhood One goal of our school is for the children to be self-disciplined. There is a wide span within the range of “normal” for the development of self-discipline. To encourage self-monitoring of behavior by our students, we control the environment instead of the child as much as possible. We want it to be easy for children to behave appropriately. Appropriate behavior is taught when children are NOT in a stressful situation. Then children can learn by role-playing acceptable alternatives to hitting, screaming, biting, scratching, name-calling, etc. These lessons are given individually, at group time and throughout the year as needed. Children who are out of control will stay with a teacher or sit away from the other children until they can control themselves. Whenever possible, children are allowed to experience the logical consequences of their actions. For example, when you throw a puzzle, you pick it up and then find other work that can be handled more appropriately. For more serious situations such as biting, hitting or scratching, it may be necessary to call the parents.
We use peer problem solving whenever possible when children have disagreements.
In keeping with Maria Montessori’s philosophy, we redirect the following behavior patterns:
· Unbecoming behavior (i.e. nose-picking)
· Behavior destructive to the environment (i.e. throwing work)
· Behavior destructive to others or their work (i.e. disturbing another’s work)
· Unproductive behavior (i.e. walking aimlessly through the room)
In a serious situation, such as a physical fight between children, the following steps are followed:
1. Check that everyone is safe
2. Remove from those not involved
3. Describe what is happening in a non-judgmental way
4. State the appropriate ground rule
5. Separate the child from the situation as gently as possible
6. Preserve self-dignity
Children may be required to sit at a table by themselves and work will be provided for them. They will lose their freedom of movement for a period of time according to their development. This could range from a short amount of time to an entire work period. If a child’s behavior (for example: temper tantrum) is disruptive to the classroom, the child will be taken out of the classroom until they calm down and if necessary, the parents will be notified to pick up the child. Parents will be notified of these situations either by phone call and/or incident report. Physical punishment is not used for any reason.
In the event that a child is unable or unwilling to follow the classrooms rules in a consistent manner, a parent teacher conference will be called. Before this conference, the teachers have already worked with the child and when there was no change, the teachers have informed the parents of the situation. A plan for improving the situation will be put into place by the teachers and parents. If the teachers and Director feel that outside resources are needed, the parents are expected to cooperate fully. Another conference with the Director may be called. If, in spite of all best efforts, the teachers and Director determine that the situation has not shown enough improvement, enrollment will be terminated.
Suggested readings: Children the Challenge and Logical Consequences by Dreikurs
The Secret of Childhood by Montessori
How to Really Love Your Child by Campbell
How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, How to Listen so Kids Will Talk by Faber and Mazlish
Discipline for Life – M. Swift
Discharge
As children mature and develop, it is not unusual for them to exhibit behaviors that may be improper and/or disrespectful. These occasional misbehaviors, while certainly not condoned, are often a normal part of the process of a child’s development. As noted above, the school’s policy is to redirect the child’s behavior and explain to them other ways of communicating or voicing their frustrations.
On the other hand, if a particular child exhibits chronically disruptive behavior, the issue must be addressed. Following are the series of steps we will take in dealing with this type of behavior:
1. When repeated attempts at talking to the child are not successful, the child will be isolated from the remainder of the class. The child’s parents will be contacted regarding the situation. The teacher will discuss the problem with the parents in order to update them on the situation. Along with any verbal communication, incident reports will be written up, and a copy sent home to the child’s parents.
2. If the child continues to exhibit disruptive behavior, with 3 write-ups, the next step would be for the child’s teacher to have a meeting with the child’s parents. At this meeting, the teacher will explain to the parent what options are available in the community and a plan will be formulated to resolve the problem.
3. If no arrangement or agreement can be reached, or if no improvement is made within the set time limit, then the child will be discharged.
Any of the following may be considered to be disruptive behavior:
• Any behavior which requires constant attention from the staff;
• Any behavior which inflicts physical or emotional harm on themselves, other children, or any staff;
• Or any behavior which conflicts with the rules of the classroom or the playground.
While head teachers are ultimately responsible for working out the situation with the child’s parent, the teacher involved will keep the school’s director updated about the situation. Parents always have the right to appeal any decision made by the child’s teacher to the director, keeping in mind that the teachers will normally be acting under their guidance. A final appeal may be made to the board of trustees.
Mandatory Reporting
26-14-3. Mandatoryreporting.
(a) All...school teachers and officials, daycare workers and employees, as defined in Rule 505 of the Alabama
Rules of Evidence,… when the child is known or suspected to be a victim of child abuse or neglect, shall be required to report, or cause a report to be made of the same, orally, either by telephone or direct communication immediately, followed by a written report, to a duly constituted authority.
26-14-13. Penalty for failure to make required report.
Any person who shall knowingly fail to make the report required by this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a sentence of not more than six months' imprisonment or a fine of not more than $500.00.
Toys Students should leave toys at home. Toys and other personal items distract children from their school environment and may become lost or broken.
Sometimes classroom items are inadvertently taken home—many of these are very valuable to the classroom. Please have your child return them back to school.
Clothing Send two complete changes of clothing (including underwear, and socks) to stay at school. These sets of clothing MUST be labeled. In addition, label jackets, sweaters, coats, etc. Please do not send clothes you don’t want your child to get dirty (church clothes).
It is important that the clothes your child wears to school are comfortable and easy to get in and out of. Children cannot care for themselves when they wear clothes that require adult help. Snap-crotched garments, overalls, belts, and lace-up shoes all require an adult’s assistance. These items take away from the excitement and pride children feel when they do for themselves. Also, in order to minimize distractions in the classroom, we ask that you limit cartoon characters and super-heroes from clothing as much as possible. For safety reasons, cowboy boots may not be worn to school. Flip-flops, clogs and shoes with similar design may be worn to school provided they are not a hindrance in the classroom. However, in order to play on the playground, shoes must have closed toes, backs, be snug fitting and have no 'high' heel. We wear inside shoes during work time. Please send shoes that fit and are easy for your child to put on and take off.
Rest Time
The Department of Human Resources requires that all children under the age of 6 have a supervised rest time for those enrolled for 5 or more hours. Please bring 1 crib sheet or king sized pillow case and 1 baby blanket for the mats. Please label all items clearly.
Fund Raising
Our only source of income is tuition. To help supplement this and keep tuition as low as possible, our Parent-Teacher Organization has several fund-raisers during the school year.
We will be having pizza nights on Fridays, a yard sale, coupon books, and wrapping paper sales. Suggestions are always welcome for more fundraising events.
Participation in any fund-raising event is much appreciated.
Classroom Observations Our school welcomes classroom observations by parents, potential parents and members of the community. Spending time at school is a wonderful way for you to understand what your child is experiencing. After the first six weeks of school, parents are welcome to visit anytime. For the younger children, it is best to visit them just before you take them home, rather than when you drop them off.
Here are some important guidelines to insure the smooth operation of the classroom for all the children.
· Remember your inside voice.
· Choose any chair and sit during your visit. Feel free to move your chair from place to place.
· During your observation please avoid initiating interaction with the children in the classroom. If a child approaches you please respond by redirecting them to their work.
· Let your child lead. He/she will show you the things that are important to him/her. (Frequent visits will give you a good overview.)
· Avoid correcting your child’s mistake. Many of Dr. Montessori’s materials are self-correcting, which means that a direct correction from an adult is not needed. When you see an error, you are observing what your child is in the process of learning.
· Write down any questions, comments or situations you would like to discuss. A teacher will be glad to schedule a time to talk to you.
Our Daily Schedule
April-October
October-April
7:00-8:00
Before care/Early arrivals
7:00-8:00
Before care/Early arrivals
8:00-9:00
Outside Activities (April-October)
8:00-11:00
Work Period
(snack & water provided throughout)
9:00-12:00
Work Period
(snack & water provided throughout)
11:00-12:00
Outside Activities (October-April)
12:00-12:30
Lunch (milk & water provided)
12:00-12:30
Lunch (milk & water provided)
1:00-1:30
Rest time/ Story time
1:00-1:30
Rest time/ Story time
1:30-3:00
Afternoon work period
(snack & water provided throughout)
1:30-3:00
Afternoon work period
(snack & water provided throughout)
3:00-5:30
After care activities & outside play
3:00-5:30
After care activities & outside play
Conferences Individual conferences are scheduled two times each year. The first conference will be all about expectations from the parents and the teacher .The first conference is upon request of the parent. The second and conference will be to report progress and update expectations. These conferences usually don’t last more then about 15 minutes. Additional conferences may be scheduled at any time by either the parent or the teachers. All conferences are confidential conversations between you and the teachers.
Concerns and Conflict Resolutions Personal relationships are often affected because people fail to communicate with one another. If you are having problems or concerns with the school’s policies or any school function, it can best be solved by open and prompt discussion.
Please direct all concerns and questions to: Kate Burdick – 626-3455
Emergency Announcements
Whenever the public schools in Baldwin County are canceled due to emergency conditions, we will do the same.
Hurricane Information We will close when there is a threat of a hurricane approaching us, at the same time Baldwin County School system closes.
Snacks and Lunches A good, balanced diet can have a marked effect on a child’s social and emotional behavior and can affect the child’s intellectual capabilities. Learning what to eat and why, is an essential part of a child’s education.
Each day the children are provided with a nutritious morning and afternoon snack. These snacks may only consist of fruits, and/or vegetables and crackers or dry cereal.
The meals are served family style. Menus for the month are sent home and posted in the entryway of the school. Please make sure the lead teacher and the office knows of any food allergies or sensitivities.
Suggestions for additions to the menu are always welcome.
Lunch Blessing
God,
Our Father,
Once again,
Thank you for our blessing.
Amen. say a blessing before lunch. “God our Father, God our Father, Once again, Once again, thank you for our blessing, thank you for our blessing, Amen, Amen” This is one of many songs the children learn to sing.
Calendar
You receive our calendar with your registration packet. We follow the public school calendar. We observe the same breaks and holidays as the schools. Regardless of Federal holidays, teacher work days, scheduled breaks, or your own family breaks/vacations tuition will be one flat rate per month.
Birthdays We enjoy celebrating your child’s birthday at school. We gather at group time and tell their life story as they hold a globe and “orbit the sun”. Please fill out and send in your child’s “celebration of life” form. (Their “life story” information comes from the parent-completed Timeline form). You are welcome to join us at this ceremony. We are unable to accommodate party type activities. Party invitations may be given out at school only if the entire class is invited.
Summer Program
Our summer program begins June 1st and ends July 31st. We only have one class of 25 open. Priority will go to existing fulltime students, siblings, new enrollees for the fall and former students. If we have remaining openings these will go to part time students.