2015-2016 - Parents Handbook - Rev 081815€¦ · maximizing the individual potential of each...

“Let the Learning Begin…!”

ParentsHandbook08/18/2015Revision

Daniel Benitez

Montessori Academy Parents Handbook – 08/18/2015 Revision

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Table of Contents

Ch Sub Title Pg Ch Sub Title Pg

1.0 General Information 2 5.0 Health Procedures 9

1.1 Mission Statement 2 5.1 Sick Children 9

1.2 History 2 5.2 Administering Medication 10

1.3 Affiliations and Accreditations 2 5.3 Allergies 10

5.4 Managing Infectious Diseases 10

2.0 Montessori Philosophy 2 5.5 Notification of Infectious Diseases 11

5.6 Return to the Program 11

2.1 The Prepared Environment 3 5.7 Handwashing Procedures 11

5.8 Sanitation Guidelines for Infection Control 11

3.0 Admission Information 4 5.9 Monitoring the Environment 11

3.1 Enrollment Procedure 4 6.0 Accidents & Emergencies 12 3.2 Tuition Payments 4

3.3 Fees for late pick-up 5 6.1 Accident Report Form 12

3.4 Wait List / Reservations 5 6.2 First Aid Equipment 12

3.5 Withdrawals & Refunds 5 6.3 Use of First Aid Supplies 12

3.6 Re-enrollment Procedure 5 6.4 Emergency Transportation / Notification of Parents

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4.0 Program Information 5 7.0 Parent Information 12

4.1 Classroom Assignment 6 7.1 Participation & Volunteerism 12

4.2 New Student Orientation 6 7.2 Fundraising & Annual Fund 12

4.3 Provisional (Trial) Period 6 7.3 Classroom Observations 12

4.4 Student Dismissal 6 7.4 Conferences & Reports 13

4.5 Student Dismissal Procedure 6 7.5 Carpool 13

4.6 Playground Safety 6 7.6 Snacks 13

4.7 Discipline Policy 7 7.7 Lunch 13

4.8 Toileting Procedures 7 7.8 Birthdays 13

4.9 Arrivals & Dismissals 7 7.9 Holidays 13

4.10 School Closings 7 7.10 Clothing & Personal Belongings 14

4.11 Fire Drills & Evacuations in Emergencies

8 7.11 Notices & Advertising 15

4.12 Contingency Plan for Emergency Situations

8 7.12 Problem Solving Procedures 15

4.13 Children’s Records. Amending the Records

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4.14 Plan for Referral Services 9

4.15 Id. & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect 9


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1.0 General Information Welcome to Montessori Academy! We are pleased that you have made the decision to have your child join our family. We are all – parents, staff, and directors – working to provide a happy, fun, and productive educational experience for your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child's teacher or the Directress. We certainly hope that you will enjoy your involvement with Montessori Academy.

1.1 Mission Statement The mission of Montessori Academy is to prepare students to be life‐long learners and responsible citizens of the world community. Through the use of Montessori methods and philosophy, an individualized approach in multi‐ age groupings encourages developmentally appropriate learning of academics, and social and life skills. All children are given the freedom – in a structured environment that is nurturing, child centered and supportive – to develop their gifts and pursue their interests. 1.2 History Montessori Academy of Broward, Inc. is a corporation organized on February 15, 2000 under the laws of the State of Florida. It operates out of one campus, with two, state‐of‐the‐art buildings totaling 84,000 sq.ft., located at 19200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, in Broward County, Florida.

1.3 Affiliations and Accreditations Montessori Academy is fully licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families, and maintains full affiliation and membership with the American Montessori Society. All Lead Teachers are Montessori trained and certified, and maintain professional membership in the American Montessori Society. Montessori Academy holds accreditations at the state level from the Association of Independent Schools of Florida [AISF], at the regional level from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools [SACS] and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools [MSE‐CESS], at the national level from the National Council for Private School Accreditation [NCPSA], and at the international level from Accreditation International [AI].

2.0 Montessori Philosophy An idea fundamental to Montessori philosophy is that the child has an innate desire to develop her human potential in all its dimensions. Equally intrinsic to Montessori philosophy is the belief that the young child has an "absorbent" mind. Maria Montessori believed that just as a baby learns to walk and talk spontaneously and without the direction of an adult, so is the child able to absorb and process all sorts of information from her environment, and in effect, to teach herself. Thus, Maria Montessori believed that the primary job of childhood is for the child to "create" herself. Maria Montessori was the first woman accepted by the University of Rome Medical School and was graduated with honor in 1896. She did a great deal of her early work in children's wards of the local hospitals and went on to work with retarded children under the supervision of Itard and Seguin, innovative scientists of the time. Using their methods and didactic materials, she worked extensively with the education of these children. At the end of her work with them, many of them passed the state tests on a level with the normal children. Montessori then concluded that there was something wrong with the regular education program and devoted the remainder of her life to studying and improving that education. Many of her recommendations such as movable tables and chairs, the need for special nutrition, and time out of doors came from her background as a physician.


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In 1903, Montessori was asked to start a special program which she named "Casa de Bambini" or "Classroom" for the children of working parents in a new public housing area in the San Lorenzo district of Rome. The developers hoped that with organized activities, the children would not mark the walls and be otherwise destructive to the new buildings. By observing these children and their teachers (whom she called Directresses) Montessori further developed her philosophy of education. Through these undertakings, Montessori became aware of the value of a prepared environment, which meets the child’s needs, and of a child's need for joy in learning. This philosophical framework leads to the Montessori environment: an environment that is carefully planned to include materials that meet the cognitive and developmental needs of the child, and which enable the child to learn through her personal interactions with the environment. Because the child has been prepared for each new material she is able to proceed at her own rate. The self‐correcting characteristics of each exercise, combined with the fact that the child has been prepared for each new step, leads to successful experiences which lead to further successful experiences.

2.1 The Prepared Environment Montessori wanted this environment to be open‐ended, not a fixed system. She believed the classroom should be innovative, full of constant experimentation based upon observation of the child. It is a nourishing place; a place of self‐construction which reveals personality and growth patterns. Not only must it contain all it needs, but all obstacles must be removed as well. Although Maria Montessori placed such emphasis on the environment, it is important to keep in mind several key ideas:

1. She regarded the environment secondary to life itself. In the Montessori Method she states: "It can modify, it can help or hinder, but it cannot create. The origins of species and individuals lie within. The child doesn't grow because the environment is nourishing. She grows because the potential life within her grows, making itself visible."

2. The environment is carefully prepared for the child by a knowledgeable and sensitive adult. 3. The adult is a participant in the child's life, living and growing within it. The eventual

outcome of the class depends upon the teacher's ability to participate with the children in a life of becoming.

The Montessori Classroom environment has four major areas. The activities in the Practical Life area aid in the development of the child's sense of order, self‐reliance, and muscular development. Each material in the Sensorial area provides a means for the child to focus on a particular sensory perception, thereby enhancing the child's ability to perceive similarities and differences, to grade and match, etc. The purpose of the materials in the Math area aid in development of the mathematical mind. Beginning with the concrete, the materials gradually enable the child to comprehend abstract mathematical concepts. The materials in the Language area lay the groundwork for reading and writing. There are also many activities in the areas of Art, Music, and the social and natural Sciences, which enrich the child’s development, and well as her understanding of the world around her. The Montessori Elementary environment is prepared so that individualized learning establishes an intimate contact between child, teacher, and work. Instruction deals in the concrete and concerns itself with the basics as compatible with the development of the child. Everyone knows everyone; it is like a family. Work is shared and learning is vitalized by social life. Adding to the community spirit is parent involvement. Because of the open‐ended Montessori environment, there is no limit to what


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the child can do. In collaboration with the teacher all kinds and levels of learning take place, thereby maximizing the individual potential of each child.

3.0 Admission Information Montessori Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, disabilities, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission or hiring policies, and other school administered programs. A child must be at least 2 months old to join the Infant before beginning class (toilet training is not a requirement for admission for children from 2 months through 3.5 years of age). The ideal student is a good citizen who is respectful. Since MAB seeks to create and maintain a student‐body consisting of students with varying capabilities who will flourish and add to the Montessori environment and community, aggressive or rude children are not generally accepted. Children with special needs will be evaluated to be considered for admissions; if the school administration decides that the Montessori philosophy will be beneficial to the student, admission will be offered. The school reserves the right to admit and retain students. For younger applicants, the perceived ability to adapt to Montessori methods, as well as behavior, is critical to a student’s admission. Factors in acceptance:

Preference to siblings, then transfer students from other Montessori schools, then youngest applicants.

Age and sex distribution in the classroom.

During the re‐enrollment period, spaces are held for currently enrolled students and their siblings.

If the school has full enrollment, applications are dated upon receipt and the applicants' names are placed on a waiting list.

As space becomes available, the Business Office notifies the parents and proceeds with the next step of the enrollment process.

3.1 Enrollment Procedure

Complete the application and return it to the school office with the non‐refundable application fee.

If MAB has an opening for your child, you will be notified via telephone, facsimile or email.

When the School has received the registration forms, the non‐refundable enrollment fee and the signed tuition agreement, a space will be reserved for your child.

3.2 Tuition Payments 1. MAB offers three tuition plans:

a. total tuition paid on or before August 5, receives a 3% discount; b. tuition paid in equal monthly installments beginning August 1 (or upon enrollment) and ending May 1;


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c. half tuition paid on or before August 1, and the remainder half paid on or before January 1 (a 1.5% discount would be applied).

2. A $30.00 late fee is charged for any late payment. 3. For enrollments after the first day of school, tuition is prorated. 4. Extremely delinquent payments. If payment is not arranged within one week of the

notification date, the child will not be allowed to attend class. 5. Two “return checks or NSF checks” will place the account on a “cash only” basis. No

exceptions.

3.3 Fees for Late Pick‐Up A late fee is charged for late pick‐up [per child].

Part Time Program 12:30 p.m. $10 Each 5 Minutes

Full Time Program 3:05 p.m. $10 Each 5 Minutes

Extended Program 6:30 p.m. $10 Each 5 Minutes

3.4 Wait List /Reservations If enrollment is full and a parent wishes to be placed on the waiting list, please notify the office. We will notify you of openings as soon as they become available.

3.5 Withdrawals and Refunds

The Directress must be notified in writing of any withdrawals, giving one month advance notice. For students withdrawing from any MAB program when at least a month advance notice has been given, refunds will be made in accordance with the following policy:

The Yearly Registration fees are not refundable;

Withdrawal before August 1, any tuition paid in excess of the non‐refundable fees and dues will be refunded;

Withdrawal after August 1, in addition to the non‐refundable fee, MAB will retain a prorated tuition for the month/months (or partial months) attended.

Since MAB staffs classrooms based on enrollment, the penalty for early withdrawal [if no advance notice is given] will be payment in full for the remainder of year’s tuition agreement, minus months already paid.

3.6 Re‐enrollment Procedure

Application fee is required for re‐enrolling students.

Re‐enrollment of current students and their siblings takes place between February 1st and March 1st.

The Tuition agreement and enrollment fee is due by March 1st.

NOTE: Space availability for the following year cannot be guaranteed after this date.

4.0 Program Information Montessori Academy offers a variety of programs as outlined below:


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Seven O’clock Drop Off is available to MAB students. Advance reservations are required and priority is given to those needing this early service daily. You and your child should proceed directly to the Drop‐off area where a staff member will greet you and your child. The cost will be billed monthly or may be contracted yearly with the tuition. Half Day Program – is the core Montessori program. It is held five days a week from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. Full Day Program – involves a full session of the core curriculum, plus reading and Math. It is held five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Extended Day – is available 5 days a week and is designed for parents that need the additional time due to work constrains. It is available to all enrolled students for five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Opportunities for individual and group activities of special interest to children of this age are provided.

4.1 Classroom Assignment Classes are assigned by the Directress with input from the program coordinator and the teachers. Class assignments are made with consideration given to balancing the classrooms for age, gender, time at MAB, and special circumstances.

4.2 New Student Orientation Orientation is held the Friday prior to the first day of class; normally from 9:00am to 11:00am. Parents are welcome to visit with their children as this will help positively in the transition.

4.3 Provisional (Trial) Period All students enrolling in any program for the first time are given a one‐month trial period. The child may be removed from the program if MAB should decide during this period that the program is not meeting the child's needs.

4.4 Student Dismissal After the one‐month provisional period, every effort will be made to have a child remain in school until the end of the school year. Circumstances under which a child may need to leave the program include but are not limited to the following: Safety of the Other Children in the Program – chronic biting or aggressive behavior‐‐actions that a child is able to control, but fails to do so.

4.5 Student Dismissal Procedure Staff members are involved in the decision to have a child leave the program for all but financial reasons. A meeting will be held with the teacher, program coordinator, Directress, and parents to discuss the problem. All such attempts to resolve the issue will be documented.

4.6 Playground Safety Safety is our main concern, the physical and mental well‐being of each child is important. Vigilance on the part of the adults will best insure the children's successful recess time. Language such as "Use your words, not your hands”, "Keep your hands to yourself", will be used by the teachers.


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Basic Conflict Resolution skills will be utilized to help children resolve their own differences. Students are expected to attempt to solve an issue by themselves, using language like, "Stop, I really don't like that", or removing themselves from a situation. If an issue needs adult intervention, each child will be given the opportunity to express his side of the incident. Children may not use any implement, natural or manufactured, as a weapon.

4.7 Discipline Policy If a child's behavior is disruptive or inappropriate, the teacher will speak to the child about the inappropriate behavior.

At no time will any form of corporal punishment be used.

No child will be subjected to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation or verbal abuse.

No child will be denied food as a form of punishment.

No child will be punished for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet.

4.8 Toileting Procedures The bathrooms are located in each classroom and are under the direct supervision of the classroom teachers. Children must wash their hands with soap and running water after using the toilet. Paper towels are used to dry hands. Children are assisted as needed with buttons, snaps, etc. Occasional accidents do happen. For that reason, as well as the fact that water activities are part of the curriculum, each child must have a complete change of clothing at school. If a child wets or soils herself, a staff member assists her in changing her clothes. Wet or soiled clothes are sent home in a plastic bag. Replacements must come back the following day.

4.9 Arrivals and Dismissals

Students should arrive to the classrooms between 7:55 and 8:30 AM. It is important that arrival time be carefully observed. Late arrivals can be disruptive and are potentially embarrassing to the child. Parents are responsible for escorting their child as well as carpool children to the drop‐off area, making sure that a school staff member is aware of the child's presence. Early dismissal is at 12:30 p.m. Timely pick‐up is important. At 12:30 your child will be ready to go home. Please be prompt to avoid disrupting classes and incur late pick‐up fees. Full Day dismissal is at 2:10p.m. for Early Childhood, 2:30p.m. for Toddlers and Young Montessorians, and 3:15p.m. for Elementary and Middle School students. Your child will be ready awaiting you. Please drive up to the drop‐off/pick‐up area and a teacher will assist him/her. Parents and Caregivers should NEVER PARK IN THE DROP‐OFF AREA, as this is a safety code violation. Please use the back, side and front lots whenever you need to park your vehicle.

4.10 School Closings Montessori Academy closes for bad weather whenever the Broward County School Board closes. Delayed opening will also follow the Broward County School Board. Watch the local morning news reports for Broward County Public School closings or delays. As always, use your best judgment whether or not to transport your child during poor driving conditions. For scheduled school closings please check school calendar.


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4.11 Fire Drills & Evacuation in Emergencies Area practiced once a month, to prepare for actual emergencies. When an actual emergency occurs, the following plan is in place:

A separate evacuation diagram will be posted and used at each exit of each room.

The evacuation diagram must describe a designated meeting area in the event of an emergency evacuation of children.

An accurate daily attendance log recorded at the time of child's arrival will be used for roll call.

An accurate log of dates and times of all drills will be kept at the reception area.

A system is designed delegating one adult to lead children out of the building during emergencies and drills, and the other adult is to check for stragglers.

Additional child‐specific emergency evacuation procedures must be posted at each exit for any child with special needs who requires additional assistance during evacuation.

4.12 Contingency Plan for Emergency Situations

In accordance with state and local ordinances, MAB is required to have an emergency evacuation plan in the event that we have to leave the premises. Listed below are the two situations in which we would most probably have to enact the plan: IN CASE OF FIRE, NATURAL DISASTER, OR SITUATION (chemical spills, bomb threats) NECESSITATING EVACUATION OF MAB, students will be escorted outside of the building to an area outside the perimeter of the facilities, as it may be required by Emergency personnel. IN CASE OF POWER OUTAGE school staff will call parents to inform them of the situation.

4.13 Children's Records Information contained in a child's record is privileged and strictly confidential. MAB will not distribute or release information in a child's record to anyone not directly related to implementing the program plan for the child without written consent of the child's parents. However, a licensing officer from the Office for Children has access to records upon request OFC Reg. 7.05(24). The school shall notify the parents if a record is subpoenaed. If a parent wishes to gain access to his or her child's records, or if s/he wishes to duplicate or disseminate the record, s/he must make a written request to the Directress. The parents shall upon request, have access to their child's records during normal business hours. MAB shall maintain a permanent written log in each child's record indicating any persons to whom information contained in the record has been released. Each person disseminating or releasing information contained in a child's record in whole or part, shall upon each instance of dissemination or release, enter in the log the following: name, signature, position, date, portions of the record which were disseminated or released, the purpose of such action and the name of the person to whom the information was released. Such a log shall be available only to a child's parents and the school staff. Records including, but not limited to, health forms, tuition agreements, and specialist reports may be given to the parents on the last day of attendance. MAB will not charge an unreasonable fee for copies of any information contained in the child's record. No student’s school related records will be release until all financial obligations with the school are met by the parents or guardians of said student.


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4.14 Plans for Referral Services Referrals to appropriate social, mental health, education and medical services may be needed by children in our care. Parents may request such referrals or staff may assess the need for these additional services to benefit a child. If a teacher should suspect that a child warrants closer scrutiny, she will inform the Directress of these concerns. Responsibility for the implementation of a referral and following the plan belongs to the staff. Parents will be involved in the process to the maximum extent possible. Referrals will be discussed at staff meetings, if appropriate, with input from appropriate consultants if needed. The teachers and the Directress will confer to decide what action should be taken. The Directress will document such meetings. The parents may be called in for a conference as soon as possible by direct contact with the teacher or the Directress. Discussions regarding referrals attempt to involve both parents. Any relevant referral information is provided at these conferences.

4.15 Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect According to Florida General Law, Chapter 119, the following people are those mandated to report suspected child abuse: family counselors, social workers, educational administrators, teachers, day care workers, other persons paid to care for or work with a child in a public or private facility. MAB interprets this mandate to include all workers providing services to children and/or families. Therefore, an MAB staff member (employed full or part‐time), who, in her professional capacity, has "reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 is suffering serious physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse, including sexual abuse, inflicted upon her by a caretaker, or from neglect, including malnutrition, or who is determined to be physically dependent upon an addictive at birth must: Notify her supervisor immediately that she believes a report must be filed. With the approval and assistance of the Directress, the staff member who becomes aware of possible abuse will participate in the immediate filing of oral and written reports with the Department of Social services (DSS). A written report (51A) must be filed within 48 hours of oral communication. Staff will keep reports and outcomes confidential. Staff must cooperate with the DSS investigation.

5.0 Health Procedures Your child's health form must be filled out by your physician and must be returned before the first day of school. Children must have a complete physical examination each year. Required inoculations and immunizations must be up to date, and a lead‐screening test is mandatory as well. Immunizations required by the Department of Health and FDC&F are Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, and measles. Children entering Middle School must undergo a scoliosis test in compliance with the Florida Department of Education policies.

5.1 Administering Medication If your child's medical information should change during the course of the year (s/he develops an allergy, is put on medication, etc.) you must notify your child's teacher in writing.

If your child will not be attending school because s/he is ill, please notify the school. Children attending MAB are expected to be well enough to participate in all activities including outdoor play.


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If and when a child displays a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, he/she will be required to be retrieved from the school. Parents will be contacted to rely this, and have them pick up the child in question, Please do not send your child to school on days when any of the following symptoms are present:

‐ fever ‐ rash ‐ cough ‐ profuse discharge of discolored mucus from nose or eyes ‐ diarrhea ‐ vomiting ‐ sore throat

5.2 Administering Medication No medication, prescription or non‐prescription, may be administered to a child without specific written permission from the parent and the physician. The prescription must be specific for the child in care and in the original bottle with the written order of the physician not more than one year old. The physician's instructions for dosage must be followed exactly as prescribed on the label of the medication. Montessori Academy is not allowed to administer students any over‐the‐counter medicine. Medications must be properly stored out of the reach of children. All unused medications will be returned to the parent or disposed of in a way that is completely safe and out of the reach of children at any time. Topical medications such as lotions, petroleum jelly, and sun screens require written permission which is valid for one year. See the school office for the medication form.

5.3 Allergies Parents must notify the office of all known allergies.

5.4 Managing Infectious Disease Children attending MAB are expected to be well enough to participate in all activities, including outdoor play. If a child becomes ill at the program with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, the school will call the parent or emergency contact person to pick up the child as soon as possible. Children with symptoms of other contagious diseases, including strep throat, conjunctivitis, impetigo, or ring worms will be excluded from the program until 24 hours after prescribed treatment has begun. A child with symptoms of contagious disease will be isolated from other children until he/she is picked up by a parent or someone designated by his/her parents to do so. One staff member will be assigned the responsibility to monitor the child in accordance with FDC&F ratio requirements. Children with head or body lice must be treated by a physician before they may return (All clothing and belongings must be sent home for treatment). Children should be nit‐free before returning to the program.


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5.5 Notification of Contagious Disease MAB will notify parents of any contagious disease at school. Notification will be posted in the lobby and will be sent in the child’s communications folder. Parents must remember to notify school officials if their child has a contagious condition.

5.6 Return to the Program Children who, in the opinion of the staff, may have a contagious condition will be excluded from the program until a physician indicates in writing that it is safe for the child to return. Children beginning antibiotic treatment for contagious disease should have treatment for 24 hours before returning. MAB requires that children be free of fever and vomiting for 24 hours before their return to the classroom.

5.7 Handwashing Procedures Handwashing is the first line of defense against infectious disease. Staff and children are required to wash their hands at the following times:

Upon arrival at school,

Before eating or handling food,

After going to the bathroom or assisting in toileting,

After touching body fluids (blood, mucous, feces, urine, vomits, etc.),

After handling pets or their equipment, and

After any cleaning activities.

5.8 Sanitation Guidelines for Infection Control The following items will be disinfected daily:

Toilets and Toilet Seats,

Sinks and Faucets,

Non‐porous Floors,

Mops,

Countertops, and

Eating Tables. Personal items such as blankets, fabric toys, or hats will be sent home weekly to be washed thoroughly with a disinfectant bleach solution. Personal items, such as bedding should not be shared and must be labeled. Soiled items going home will be sealed in a plastic bag and kept out of reach of children.

5.9 Monitoring the Environment ANY POTENTIAL HAZARDS WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE SPACE. CHILDREN WILL BE SUPERVISED BY A STAFF MEMBER AT ALL TIMES. ALL TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (INCLUDING CLEANING MATERIALS) WILL BE KEPT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND FROM ANY FOOD ITEMS.


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6.0 Accidents and Emergencies

6.1 Accident Report Form An MAB accident report form is completed after all emergencies or accidents. A staff member will talk with a parent or guardian about each accident or injury their child experienced in the program. One copy is given to the parents; one copy is kept on file.

6.2 First Aid Equipment The main first aid kit at MAB is kept in the office at the Teacher’s Lounge. In addition, each classroom has a small first aid kit. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for keeping the kits supplies at all times, which include the following items: adhesive tape, Band‐Aids, compresses; Gauze pads, rolled gauze bandages, disposable latex gloves, instant cold packs, scissors, tweezers, a thermometer, and soap.

6.3 Use of First Aid Supplies

First Aid equipment may be used by MAB staff members trained in emergency first aid by an approved instructor in an FDC&F approved first aid course. Volunteers should not administer first aid. The First Aid kit must be kept out of reach of children at all times. When administering first aid for cuts and abrasions, latex gloves should be worn.

6.4 Emergency Transportation/Notification of Parents Emergency Ambulance/Rescue is called at 911. Parents are to be notified of emergencies immediately by telephone. Their work and home numbers are on the student's Face Sheet. When parents cannot be reached, a teacher will accompany the child in the ambulance. A staff person at MAB will continue to try to reach a parent and/or emergency contact designated on the Face Sheet by the parents.

7.0 Parent Information

7.1 Participation, and Volunteerism Parents can contribute to the MAB community in some meaningful way. MAB parents are encouraged to share their talents, hobbies, or careers by making classroom presentations. If you wish to do so, please make arrangements with the teacher and notify the school office. The Parent‐Teacher Organization will hold meetings during the school year as a means of sharing information regarding topics such as PTO events, This Association is your association and will be as useful as you wish; for information please email your inquiries to [email protected].

7.2 Fundraising Fundraising activities provide the school with financial help for the acquisition of materials or activities to enhance enrichment areas. The P.T.O. will inform the parents of such events.

7.3 Classroom Observations Classrooms are open to parents beginning in November. Parents are asked to schedule any in‐class observations at least a week in advance and this should be done through the office. Keep in mind that the teachers give their full attention to the children during class time and may be unable to talk with you during your observation. If you have questions please call your child's teacher, or make an appointment to meet with her.


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7.4 Conferences and Reports MAB holds regularly scheduled conferences at least once a year, in the fall and in the spring. This gives the parents an opportunity to meet with the teachers to discuss their child's activities and progress. All conferences are confidential conversations between the parents and staff. If you wish to have a conference with your child’s teacher, see the office for the Conference form. Conferences are scheduled within the teacher’s work hours.

7.5 Carpools A list of each person must be submitted to the office before carpooling begins. If someone other than a carpool member or an authorized pick‐up person is to get your child at school, a written authorization must be sent to your child's teacher. Please be sure that an adult is responsible for getting the note to your child's teacher at the beginning of the session. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL CHILDREN BE RELEASED TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON. NOTE: Parents are responsible for the update on their child[ren]’s file for any deletion, change or addition of individuals that are authorized to retrieve their child[ren] from the school. ALL changes must be submitted in writing; NO verbal or over‐the‐phone changes will be accepted.

7.6 Snacks

Children may have access to a nutritious snack daily. Suggested snacks: vegetables, fruits (bite‐sized), crackers, yogurt, cheese, nutritious breads, mini muffins, etc. PLEASE DO NOT SEND: Candy or other very sweet foods. Chocolate and sodas are not allowed. Sheet cakes and other high sugar content foods are not appropriate.

7.7 Lunch If your child is eating lunch at school, please pack a well‐balanced meal, excluding candy and other highly sugared foods or food containing excessive quantities of additives and preservatives (i.e. Lunchables and other pre‐package, processed foods). Such foods do not sustain a child throughout the day and often cause adverse side‐effects in attention and behavior. Suggested lunch foods: milk or 100% fruit juice, whole grain bread, high protein sandwich filling (meat, fish, bean, peanut butter, or cheese), and a fruit and/or vegetable. Refrigeration for individual lunch boxes and microwaves are not available. Children are not allowed to share their lunches.

7.8 Birthdays Classroom birthdays are celebrated once a month. Because we are concerned with nutritional awareness, we ask that you please keep the sugar content to a minimum. Choose your child's favorite from the suggested snack list found above. (Fruit Kabobs are always a hit!) Parents are asked to inform the teachers in advance whenever they intend to provide a birthday treat. The celebration will be coordinated by the teacher. Parents whose child has a birthday within the same month can supply the paper goods and treats necessary for the birthday celebration. The activity will last no more than 30 minutes. After the celebration the students will resume their normal classroom schedule. Activities such a sclown shows, face painting, etc., are not allowed during school hours.

7.9 Holidays The following holidays are celebrated by the children at school:

“Fall Fest” in October, Thanksgiving in November,


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“Holidays around the World” in December, “Friendship Celebration” in February, “Spring Celebration” in April, and “Family Day” in May.

Most other holidays are not formally celebrated in the classroom. However, holidays are recognized within the social, seasonal, educational, and community environment in which they occur. The children may do craft projects, listen to music, or read books pertaining to all aspects of the holiday occurring at the time. 7.10 Clothing and Personal Belongings The goal of Montessori Academy’s dress code is that students present themselves in a clean and neat manner as a representation of the school. While we recognize the uniqueness of each student and seek to develop individuality, it is also important for each student to understand the concept of appropriate dress for particular situations.

All students must wear school polo shirts, school’s uniform pants/shorts/skorts, and school jacket or sweatshirts for cold days. These items must be in good condition in order for students to appropriately represent Montessori Academy in the community.

Shirts are to be tucked in at all times and pants will be worn with a black or brown belt. If socks are visible they must match and coordinate with school uniform colors (blue or

white). Cargo pants are NOT a part of the uniform and are not acceptable. Elementary and Middle School students participating in PE must wear the PE uniform which

consists of a Montessori Academy t‐shirt and shorts. Field Trip clothing allowed will be announced on the field trip form (this applies to Upper

School students only). Hats or caps are not part of the school uniform, and may not be worn inside the buildings. Students must wear predominantly neutral colored tennis shoes or dress shoes with the

school uniform. No open‐toe shoes or flip‐flops or any kind are allowed, for this becomes a safety consideration.

Montessori Academy uniforms will not be required for all Montessori Academy functions: i.e. athletic events, parties, and/or social gatherings. However, students must wear shirts that do not contain vulgar or offensive messages.

Skirts and shorts must be no shorter than credit card length above the knee at all functions. Pants may not be low riding or sagging. Students should look neat in appearance even on casual day. Clothes may not be ripped, worn or soiled.

Jewelry is not recommended to be worn by students while in school. Montessori Academy, its staff, volunteers, and officers and directors, are not responsible for any misplacement or loss of any type of jewelry or like items.

Hair should be kept in a clean and neat appearance, and styled in a way that will not interfere with the child’s ability to be comfortable.

ALL CLOTHING SHOULD BE CLEARLY LABELED. All children must wear school uniforms. Shoes that are appropriate for outdoor play are recommended. In cold days the school jacket or sweatshirt is suggested. Please provide a complete change of clothing (uniform) for your child including underwear and socks. The clothing should be labeled with your child's name and packed along with a plastic bag in


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the school‐provided canvas bag. The extra clothing must be brought on the first day of class and must be replaced as used.

7.11 Notices and Advertising No notices or advertisement or demonstrations of products of any kind or scope is permitted in the school premises. No notice may go in the children's cubbies or take‐home bags without prior approval from the school’s administration. All correspondence with individuals and/or organizations in MAB's name must first approved by the school’s administration. 7.12 Problem Solving Procedure A parent should first approach the teacher regarding concerns about his or her child, the classroom environment, or the teacher or assistants. Situations that require further study, the teacher or parents should consult the program coordinator or the Directress for help with a resolution. If the parents, teacher and Directress agree, an outside clinician may be asked to observe the situation.

2015-2016 - Parents Handbook - Rev 081815€¦ · maximizing the individual potential of each...

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Transcript of 2015-2016 - Parents Handbook - Rev 081815€¦ · maximizing the individual potential of each...