Children’s House 2019-2020 PARENT HANBOOK · Montessori Philosophy is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive,

2019-2020 PARENT

HANBOOK

Sprouting Minds Montessori School Children’s House & Elementary

SPROUTING MINDS MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome To SMMS ........................................ 3 Montessori History and Philosophy .............. 4 Mission ............................................................ 6 Core Values ................................................... 6 Communication ............................................ 7

School Contact Information ..................... 7 Staff .............................................................. 7 Program Schedules .................................... 7 Who to Contact When .............................. 8 Communication Tools ................................ 9 Contacting your Child’s Teacher ............. 9

School Programs ......................................... 10 Educational Programs ............................. 10 Additional Services ................................... 12 Summer Program ...................................... 12

Admissions Policies ..................................... 13 Application Process ................................. 13 Enrollment Policies .................................... 13 Withdrawal Policy ..................................... 14

Program Transitions ..................................... 14 Classroom Ratios ......................................... 14 Billing Policies .............................................. 15

Tuition and Fee Payment Procedures .... 15 Tuition ......................................................... 15 Withdrawals and Refunds ....................... 15 Non-Sufficient Funds/Non-Payment ....... 15 Additional Services ................................... 16

Student Records .......................................... 16 Student Information Packet .................... 16

Arrival and Dismissal ................................... 17 Early Arrival ................................................ 17 Arrival- School Day ................................... 17 Dismissal- School Day ............................... 17 Late Arrival ................................................ 17 Early Departure ......................................... 17

Parking Lot ................................................... 18 Supervision ................................................ 18 Traffic Flow ................................................ 18 Safety Procedures .................................... 18

Disciplinary Philosophy ............................... 19 Our Prepared Environment ..................... 19 Relationship to the Montessori Method . 19

Student Intervention .................................... 21 Tiered Support ........................................... 21 Student Code of Conduct ...................... 22 Bullying Prevention and Intervention ..... 23

Health ........................................................... 24 Reporting Absences ................................. 24

School Nurse .............................................. 24 Accidents at School ................................. 24 Sick at School ............................................ 24 Administering Medication at School ...... 25 Allergies ...................................................... 25 Communicable Diseases or Illnesses ...... 25 When to Stay Home ................................. 25 When to Return to School ........................ 25 Vaccinations ............................................. 26 Head Lice and Nits ................................... 26 Sunscreen .................................................. 26

Safety and School Security ........................ 27 General Safety Measures ........................ 27 Signing In and Out .................................... 27 Authorized Pick Up Person(s) ................... 27 Severe Weather Drills ................................ 27 Fire Drills ...................................................... 27 Intruder Drills .............................................. 27 School Closure .......................................... 28 Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect ............ 28

Attendance Policy ...................................... 29 Attendance ............................................... 29 Excused Absences .................................... 29 Excessive Absences .................................. 29 Tardiness ..................................................... 29 Early Dismissal and Return ........................ 29

School Community ...................................... 30 New Student Orientation ......................... 30 Dress Code ................................................ 30

Lunch ............................................................ 31 Snacks ........................................................ 31

School Belongings ....................................... 31 Toys and Personal Belongings ................... 32

Lost and Found ......................................... 32 Field Trips ...................................................... 32

Going Outs ................................................ 32 Conferences and Progress Reports ........... 33

Evaluation and Assessment ..................... 33 Classroom Observations .......................... 33 Animals in the Classroom ......................... 33

School Traditions & Special Events ............ 34 Birthdays ..................................................... 34 Holidays ...................................................... 34 Ribbon Ceremony .................................... 34

Parent Involvement ..................................... 34 Sprouting Minds Family Association ........ 34

Volunteering Opportunities ........................ 35 Recommended Reading List for Parents ... 35

WELCOME TO SMMS

Thank you for choosing Sprouting Minds Montessori School (SMMS) for your child’s education. We look forward to partnering with you to support your child through their development and academic learning experiences. This parent handbook serves as a primary resource to learn about the SMMS and applicable policies and procedures.

Many families have their first experience with Montessori when they first tour SMMS during the admission process. The daily lessons and learning activities in a Sprouting Minds classroom are different than a traditional experience you may have experienced in your own schooling. Montessori is an inquiry-based, hands on curriculum where the students “learn to think” which is a very different kind of education.

Unlike the traditional teacher-centered education, the Montessori education is focused on inspiring children to drive their own learning. Teachers guide the students and provide help, while encouraging students to choose their tasks and decide how to best approach each challenge.

Children who attend Montessori schools learn to value cooperation, stay within the framework of rules and think about how their actions affect others. Students retain their creativity and push themselves to excel due to their love of learning and their own natural curiosity. Above and beyond standard school subjects, Montessori students are taught how to fit a larger worldview into their thinking and encouraged to be curious and creative students.

Please be sure to read any emails or newsletters that are sent home to stay informed. You can also keep informed through our Facebook page, website or by joining our Sprouting Minds Family Association. Please attend regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences and parent education events. We want you to understand how your child is learning and what they are learning. We also want to be able to answer the questions as to “why” they are doing their learning process a certain way. It is our goal to create an environment that fosters open communication, creates an understanding of each other’s expectations, and a mutual respect for the core educational values and principles at SMMS.

As you review this handbook, please let us know if you have questions or if there is anything that we need to know about your family that would help in making sure we are providing the best learning opportunities for your child.


MONTESSORI HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY The Montessori Method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Dr. Montessori’s Method has been time tested, with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures throughout the world. It debuted in 1907 with her first school with low-income students. The school’s success resounded throughout Italy and soon schools opened up on all continents.

Montessori Philosophy is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared learning environment. It is an approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, cognitive.

HALLMARKS OF MONTESSORI

Components necessary for a program to be considered authentically Montessori include multiage groupings that foster peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and guided choice of work activity. In addition, a full complement of specially designed Montessori learning materials are meticulously arranged and available for use in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

The teacher, child, and environment create a learning triangle. The classroom is prepared by the teacher to encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order. The child, through individual choice, makes use of what the environment offers to develop himself, interacting with the teacher when support and/or guidance is needed.

Multiage groupings are a hallmark of the Montessori Method: younger children learn from older children; older children reinforce their learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered. This arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions.

Dr. Montessori observed that children experience sensitive periods, or windows of opportunity, as they grow. As their students develop, Montessori teachers match appropriate lessons and materials to these sensitive periods when learning is most naturally absorbed and internalized.

In early childhood, Montessori students learn through sensory-motor activities, working with materials that develop their cognitive powers through direct experience: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching, and movement.

In the elementary years, the child continues to organize his thinking through work with the Montessori learning materials and an interdisciplinary curriculum as he passes from the concrete to the abstract. He begins the application of his knowledge to real-world experiences.


The chart below briefly compares a Montessori educational environment to a traditional one:

Montessori Traditional

Based on helping the natural development of the human being.

Based on the transfer of a national curriculum

Children learn at their own pace and follow their own individual interests.

Children learn from a set curriculum, according to a time frame that is the same for everyone.

A discovery model where children teach themselves using materials specially prepared for that purpose.

Children are taught by the teacher. Learning is based on set subjects and is limited to what is given

Learning is based on the fact that physical exploration and cognition are linked

Children sit at a desk and learn from a whiteboard and worksheets

Works in collaboration with the children and observes where they are headed in their academic work to prepare for the next step.

The class is teacher led

The child’s individual development brings its own reward and therefore motivation.

Motivation is achieved by a system of rewards and punishments

Multi-age classrooms Single-aged classrooms

Long uninterrupted work cycles, to encourage focus and interest.

Block time, period lessons. Moving to the next subject when time is up

Children are encouraged to speak and work in groups

Working and learning without emphasis on social development


MISSION

Our mission is to prepare our students socially, emotionally and academically to be fulfilled individuals who make a positive contribution to family and society.

CORE VALUES

Respect is the underlying foundation of our core values. Each child should grow at Sprouting Minds Montessori School to develop these values:

• I respect myself: true learning is respect • I respect others: we are social beings and our actions affect others • I respect my environment: we are the caretakers of our community

We are working on normalization (a child in harmony with self and environment). This is accomplished as a child learns to work and enjoys working. Work (the process, not the product) is what brings fulfillment of the Five Main Goals:

1. Concentration: The ability to observe and comprehend, the ability to remain focused on a task for ever increasing amounts of time.

2. Independence: in choices, in decision-making, in care of person and environment and in the responsibility for learning.

3. Inner Discipline: necessary for social and academic development 4. Purposeful Activity: learning to engage in purposeful activity, as opposed to chaotic or

nervous activity. 5. Joyful Accomplishment: to experience the feeling of, and to quest for joyful accomplishment

(the positive experience is what propels a child to accept himself and desire further knowledge).

With these goals in mind, each child is guided in development:

1. Physical - potential learning problems can first be spotted in a young child’s ability to control movements.

2. Emotional - young children need patience and guidance to learn to control and express their feelings.

3. Intellectual - young children are collectors of knowledge (they absorb it from their environment).

4. Mental - to know, to experience, to use all known information for experiments and problem- solving.

5. Spiritual - develops strength of character, revelation of true personality, and desire to be of service to others.


COMMUNICATION SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION

School Hours Monday - Friday, 8:15 am - 2:45 pm

Additional Care Hours Monday-Friday, 7:30-5:30

Phone 716-805-7658

General email [email protected]

Website www.sproutingmindsny.com

Facebook @sproutingmindsny

STAFF

Head of School Sammie Trent Technology Coordinator

Chris Trent

Infant & Toddler Community

Michelle Filozof: Community Director and Teacher Ashley Dryden: Teacher Kristin Boller: Assistant

Children’s House Megan Coe: Teacher Megan Miller: Assistant

Elementary Sammie Trent: Teacher Amber Terhart: Assistant

PROGRAM SCHEDULES

Program Begins Ends

Infant Toddler Community 7:30 am 5:30 pm

Children’s House 8:15 am 2:45 pm

Elementary 8:15 am 2:45 pm

Before and After School Care Early Day 7:30 am Late Day at 4:30

Extended Day at 5:30 pm

School Care 7:30 am 5:30 pm

Summer Program 7:30 am 5:30 pm


WHO TO CONTACT WHEN When parents have questions and/or concerns it is important to know who to contact. It is our intention to work together to answer questions and address concerns as effectively as possible. Please use the following guidelines when contacting us:

What Who How

Questions regarding your child in the classroom including everything from academics to behavior

Your Child’s Teacher Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to get in touch with your child’s teacher.

Questions regarding admissions, change in schedule, registration, re-registration, or transitions

Head of School,

Sammie Trent

Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to set up an appointment.

Questions regarding Additional Services, After or Before School Services, and Summer Programs

Head of School,

Sammie Trent

Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to set up an additional service.

Questions regarding Infant Toddler Community

Director of Community,

Michelle Filozof

Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to set up an additional service.

Questions regarding money, tuition, fees, billing, auto withdrawal, account balances

Head of School, Sammie Trent (Children’s House and Elementary)

Director of Community, Michelle Filozof (Infant and Toddler Community)

Email ([email protected]) or call the office (716.805.7658) to reach them.

Still not sure where your question should be directed?

Head of School,

Sammie Trent

Email ([email protected]) and it will be directed to the person who can handle your specific question.

Grievance Procedure: In the event a problem exists; SMMS wants to correct it as quickly as possible. This can only be achieved if it is identified and communicated immediately. Parents with concerns should first discuss them with the classroom teacher if the concern is not related to a teacher or staff member. If the classroom teacher is unable to resolve the concern independently and to the satisfaction of the parent, then the matter should be brought to the attention of the Head of School.


COMMUNICATION TOOLS Communication is of vital importance to ensure understanding and efficient operations of our school. SMMS has several avenues for communicating with parents:

Remind: Information will be sent upon enrollment to get your account set up and download the app for your devices. This is used mostly for direct communication and reminders to parents.

Email: This method is used frequently. All staff members check email regularly and will use this as a secondary form of communication with you.

Transparent Classroom: This website is used to keep track of your child’s progress, track attendance for the school day, sign them in and out of additional services among other things.

Website: Our web address is www.sproutingmindsny.com. Our website has information about Montessori, our individual programs, an updated calendar, photos of events, staff email addresses, school cancellation information, newsletters and more. Please visit often to stay informed and up to date on school happenings.

Facebook: School information is also available on our Facebook page. We use Facebook to share pictures and information on daily school activities, upcoming SMFA or school events and general information about our school.

Take Home Folders: Information that cannot be sent electronically from school or that requires hard copies will be sent home with your child. Children’s House will send information home on Fridays. Elementary will send information home as needed. We’ll keep these hard copies to a minimum, but we do suggest that you regularly ask your child if anything was sent home.

CONTACTING YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER In general, your child’s teacher is not available for conversations during the morning arrival time due to obligations to the children. If you need to speak to a teacher, please make an appointment or call before 8:15AM. Information about trips, appointments, illnesses or other miscellaneous considerations should be emailed (or text) to your child’s teacher, to the direct school email, or written down and given to the teacher.


SCHOOL PROGRAMS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Our educational programs form a continuum from newborn through the sixth grade. Each program offers developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences designed to maximize each child’s learning and thinking capabilities. In the following descriptions, the ages quoted are approximate. SMMS reserves the right to alter age minimums or maximums based on individual and community needs. Please go to the SMMS website for additional curriculum information beyond the following:

CHILDREN’S HOUSE (3-6 YEARS, INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN) This classroom is staffed by two adults – one Montessori Teacher and one trained Assistant. We maintain a 7:1 child/staff ratio or smaller with a maximum class size of 12. Children explore and investigate well over 150 learning activities grouped as the arts, geography, literacy, mathematics, practical life, botany, zoology and science, and sensorial. The children develop self-confidence, initiative, persistence, independence, concentration, orderliness, cooperation, and respect for others.

Comfort: All children are given regular, physical and emotional comfort, as the need arises. Positive interactions like hugs, smiling and laughing are strongly encouraged, though never forced. Children are also promoted to help their peers through troubles, and to search them out for help.

Work Cycle: Children engage in Montessori activities comprised of a balance of individual and small group lessons. Lessons revolve around the curriculum of Sprouting Minds. A long uninterrupted block of time is ideal for concentration and focus on the children’s self-chosen work. Snack is available to children on demand throughout the morning. Snack is available to students on demand during the work cycle.

Sleeping: Children rest and meditate for at least 30 minutes. Children who dream and fall asleep are welcome to sleep as long as they need, but will be gently woken before dismissal. Children who do not fall asleep engage in quiet and peaceful individual activities.

Outside Play: Children engage in outdoor play, weather permitting, or have indoor play. Both indoor and outdoor play is a mixture of structured and free play activities that help children engage in physical fitness that builds strength, burns energy and promotes balance and gross motor skills.


LOWER ELEMENTARY AND UPPER ELEMENTARY (FIRST THROUGH SIXTH GRADE) The Elementary Programs are designed for children from first through sixth grade. Our Elementary classrooms are staffed by a Montessori Teacher and a part-time trained Assistant. We maintain a 12:1 Child/Teacher ratio or smaller with a maximum class size of 15.

Elementary students study a broad curriculum emphasizing exploratory materials designed to provide instruction in literacy, mathematics, geometry, history, geography, science, biology, botany, chemistry, earth science, geography, geology, government and a green curriculum. Children also work to become responsible for time management, self-guided learning, and effective teamwork with others.

The elementary years are divided into two groups. Lower Elementary (LE) is for children in the first through third grades. Upper Elementary (UE) is for children in fourth through sixth grades. Children in each program work through a set curriculum at a rate that is determined by both ability and interest. The programs are combined in one room with one teacher or in separate classes based on enrollment need.

Morning Meeting: A time where the class comes together to discuss things pertinent to the community of the classroom. Each student has the opportunity first thing in the morning to share their work plans with the teacher for that day.

Work Cycle: Children engage in Montessori activities comprised of a balance of individual and small group lessons. These lessons are determined by the student and the teacher during the formation of their work plan. Lessons revolve around the curriculum of SMMS. A long uninterrupted block of time is ideal for concentration and focus on the children’s self-chosen work. A small snack is available to children on demand throughout the morning.

Outside Play: Children engage in outdoor play, weather permitting, or have indoor play. Both indoor and outdoor play is a mixture of structured and free play activities that help children engage in physical fitness that builds strength, burns energy and promotes balance and gross motor skills.

Afternoon Work Cycle: Children are given 2 days a week of Physical Education for one hour. When PE is not the activity this time may be used for planned going outs, doing library research on a current work topic, continue Montessori lessons, complete classroom jobs, silent reading, literature circles, art, music or other collaborate efforts.

PHYSICAL HEALTH EDUCATION The physical education curriculum formally begins during the Kindergarten year and offers age appropriate learning experiences for each child in a variety of content areas such as basic movement skills, physical fitness, rhythm and dance, games, sports, tumbling, yoga, karate and health. Our program encourages each child to do their best and guides them to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.


ADDITIONAL SERVICES Early Day, Late Day and Extended Day services are available on a contractual basis. Due to limited space in these programs, we accept registrations on a first-come, first-serve basis. These services are provided by additional staff, not necessarily the classroom’s Teachers. School care and Summer care are full day programs with the flexibility for what time the family needs. The price is the same for these services regardless of time spent in the program for the day.

Early Day: 7:30-8:15am

Before school care is available to all Children’s House and Elementary Students. This is a relaxed indoor care program in the Children’s House environment. Children may bring breakfast and eat at school if they arrive before 8am. This is an additional service and fee structure that can be found on the enrollment paperwork.

After School Care: Two Options

Late Day: until 4:30pm

Extended Day: until 5:30pm

This is an after-school care program where children can read, study, play games or use a variety of open ended materials. Children will also enjoy daily time outside as weather allows. Late Day Students are located in their respective classrooms. Extended Day students are located in the Children’s House.

Drop-in Early, Late or Extended Day

Early, Late or Extended Day may be used on an as-needed basis provided there is space. These placements will only be assigned a maximum of two weeks in advance. This service is generally meant for a last-minute or emergency reason. There is an additional $5.00 charge per time used on top of the cost of care for that day.

School Care: 7:30-5:30

School care is available on certain days by our after school care staff when we are closed during the school year. Please refer to the calendar for what days School Care is applicable, you do not need to sign up for every day School Care is available. School care does not follow the classroom curriculum and provides open ended activities and projects without a main educational goal. Children must be in attendance by 9AM for school care.

SUMMER PROGRAM Sprouting Minds Montessori School offers a 10 week summer program. Our program is available for any child who finished a previous year in the Children’s House or Elementary. Children must have attended at least a quarter of the previous school year prior to beginning the summer session. The summer session does not follow the school year curriculum and allows the students to have time for open ended activities and projects without a main education goal. Children must be in attendance 9AM to 3PM for the summer program. This helps maintain consistency in routines and the day with all the children in the program. It also gives ample time for any goings out or neighborhood experiences during the day.


ADMISSIONS POLICIES APPLICATION PROCESS

Each prospective family must take the following steps to complete the application process:

1. Application Interested families must submit an application for their child. Families with children applying to elementary will need a release of information form and a teacher recommendation form. Parents need to give these forms to their child’s current school. The applicant’s current school will send the recommendations, transcript and any standardized testing directly to Sprouting Minds

2. Parent Visit Prospective parents are required to have a private tour of the school. They will be given an opportunity to observe a classroom for 15-20 minutes followed by an opportunity to have all questions answered. Prior to the parent visit, parents are required to read the parent handbook. Children are not to attend the initial visit.

3. Parent Interview and Student Visit We request that all parents and/or guardians be present for the parent interview. Elementary children are asked to bring a sample of work from their current school if enrolled. The child will visit one on one with their potential teacher. The child visit will help the teacher get a sense of the child and their fit with the school and future classroom. During the student visit the teacher will determine a baseline of general knowledge, communication skills and ability to follow direction and lead themselves to an answer. Students should be self-directed and good communicators to create a classroom community. The parents will have opportunity to observe a class and the administrator can interview parents to determine the families fit with the goals and philosophy of the school.

4. Notification Decisions for admission are made on a rolling basis starting March 1st. We do our best to provide a balanced classroom of ages. Parents will receive a response approximately two weeks after all required application materials and have been submitted and visit have been made. A deposit and enrollment contract are due within 14 days of notification of admission.

ENROLLMENT POLICIES Enrollment Agreements will be offered to new applicants starting in March and continue until classroom openings are full. Applications are considered on an individual basis. Our goal is to ensure that our school will be able to offer the applicant the best possible learning environment to meet his/her specific needs. We are committed to helping families make the best match between family, student and school by striving to ensure that the goals and values of each student and family are in alignment with our school.

Waiting Lists: Waiting lists are kept when classes reach maximum capacity. As openings occur, students on the waiting list are contacted and admitted based on several factors which include the application date, desired starting date, and student makeup of the requested program among other things. No applicant will be placed on the waiting list without receipt of a completed application. When placing students from the waiting list into a classroom, students of current families and employees are given priority.


WITHDRAWAL POLICY Sprouting Minds Montessori School reserves the right to require a parent to withdraw a child from the school if it is the opinion of the School that either the child or the parents are not adhering to the policies of the school or if the school determines that withdrawal is in the best interest of the child or the school.

PROGRAM TRANSITIONS

Student transitions between programs are determined by several factors. To ensure student success, transitions are monitored by teachers of the current classroom, teachers of the student’s next classroom, and administration.

Factors that impact the timing of transitions include age, social and developmental needs, concentration and focusing abilities, and academic skills. Teachers and administration will work closely with the parents during this process and encourage input and feedback to ensure a successful transition. All final decisions are at the discretion of the Head of School.

In general, students in our Infant Toddler Community move into the Children’s House program in September or February closest to when they turn the age of 3. Transitions from Children’s House to Lower Elementary must begin at the start of the academic year. Transitions between Lower and Upper Elementary occur at the beginning of the academic school year and in rare occurrences in the middle of the school year.

CLASSROOM RATIOS All class sizes are designed to be large enough to optimize each child’s learning experience, but small enough to allow for appropriate guidance and supervision. Because the Montessori classroom has a three-year cycle, ratios are typically adjusted to maintain the efficacy of this structure. Our general student to adult ratios are:

Infant and Toddler Community - 4:1

Children’s House - 7:1

Elementary - 12:1


BILLING POLICIES TUITION AND FEE PAYMENT PROCEDURES

SMMS is supported by student tuition and fees. All tuition and fees (with the exception of the security deposit) are collected via auto withdrawal or personal check (to be delivered by an adult). Please refer to the enrollment agreement for tuition due dates, costs and deposits and fees.

TUITION Tuition does not cover additional fees, summer programs, additional services, specialty offerings and other miscellaneous fees.

Fee and tuition auto withdrawals are made on the 1st of each month or the prior business day if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday.

Tuition payments are required even when a student is absent due to illness, family vacations, etc.

A tuition discount is offered to families with more than one child currently enrolled in the school – a $500 discount for the second child and a $1,000 discount for each additional child. In order to receive this discount, families must have at least one child enrolled in the Elementary program.

Midyear Changes

When midyear changes have been agreed upon and approved by the Head of School the following process will be adhered to determine new tuition costs.

The per school day rate of tuition will be used to determine the cost of the remaining days of service for the current academic year.

Any adjustments to the payment schedule will be determined by SMMS and communicated via email and with an updated enrollment agreement.

The updated enrollment agreement must be signed and returned to SMMS.

Tuition changes and adjustments will be effective for the next month of tuition payments after the midyear change date.

Re-enrollment

Update enrollment agreements will be provided to families for signature by March 1st. A new deposit will need to be given at that time to maintain enrollment.

WITHDRAWALS AND REFUNDS Please refer to the enrollment agreement for deposits, withdrawals and refunds.

If for any reason SMMS formally asks a student to withdraw, refunded tuition is prorated to the day of departure, not including the deposit. If a family is asked to leave due to non-payment or policy breaking the full tuition is stull due. All fees are non-refundable.

NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS/NON-PAYMENT All tuition payments are due the 1st of the month. Any payments received after the 2nd of the month will be subject to a $50 late fee.


A fee of $50.00 (fifty dollars) will be assessed for non-sufficient funds (NSF).

Failure to remedy a NSF situation over the course of 15 days may lead to a suspension or termination of services.

In the event that SMMS must take legal action to collect delinquent accounts, SMMS will also pursue collection costs.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES Additional Services are invoiced around the 15th of the month and withdrawn on the 1st or the next business day if the 1st occurs on a weekend or holiday. You will be billed for these services whenever school is scheduled to be in session based on the SMMS calendar, whether you use it or not. We require a two-week notice to accommodate changes in your schedule.

Summer School tuition is made in two installments via auto-withdrawal. The first installment occurs shortly after registration opens. The second installment is made at the beginning of June. Summer School registrations made after May are paid by check.

STUDENT RECORDS SMMS has adopted a policy about the rights of parents and students with respect to school records. This policy complies with federal and state laws guaranteeing the right to examine and challenge the contents of student records. The New York State Department of Education has said that all school records are deemed private. This means that SMMS cannot release any information without permission.

STUDENT INFORMATION PACKET The student information packet must be completed and turned into the school every year. The due date for these forms is August 1st. Student’s will not be allowed to attend school until these forms have been completed and turned into school. Please see our website for the necessary forms that you must complete for the program your child will be attending.

There are two options for completing and returning these forms:

Download each form, print each form, fill them in, and then bring them back to school or scan and email them back to school.

Download each form, fill in each form on your computer, then either print each form and bring them to school or email the forms back to us.

Forms that require a signature must be signed with live ink, not a computerized signature.


ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Normal arrival time begins at 8:15. Arrival and dismissal procedures are designed to facilitate greater independence and freedom for your child. Safety is of the utmost importance at Sprouting Minds Montessori School.

EARLY ARRIVAL Receiving children for early morning drop off begins at 7:30. Children may not be left alone before arrival time, children will need to be signed-in in the mudroom.

ARRIVAL- SCHOOL DAY Arrival is between 8:15-8:30. Parents can use our morning arrival parking lot procedure outlined in the parking lot section of the handbook, making the car the separation point or they may walk their child in. Children then have the added benefit of entering the building independently. If parents elect to walk their child into the building, the doors at the mudroom will be the separation point. The children then walk through the mudroom and into the classrooms independently.

DISMISSAL- SCHOOL DAY Dismissal is between 2:45-3:00. Pick up functions similar to the drop off procedures.

We will only release children to those adults authorized by parents. If we do not recognize the person picking up your child SMMS staff will not release a child from the school and will contact you immediately. This is to assure the safety of your child. We ALWAYS err on the side of caution.

LATE ARRIVAL It is important for your child to arrive at school on time for the start of the school day, but we do understand that late arrivals happen. Late arrival is considered any time after 8:30am.

• Call to let us know you will be late. • Please park and escort your child into the school. Do not drop your child off outside to walk

into school alone. • Sign in at the classroom upon your arrival so that we can account for your child’s

attendance.

EARLY DEPARTURE If your student if leaving early for the day this must be communicated with the office and the assigned teacher. Please park and sign your child out for the day in the classroom


PARKING LOT SUPERVISION

Staff will be outside of the building at 8:15 to begin drop off. Drop off will end at 8:25. Please obey traffic flow and safety procedures outlined below.

TRAFFIC FLOW Prior to 8:15 am, you may pull into the parking lot and form a line along the back of the building leading to the front door.

Staff members will appear at 8:15 am, which is a signal to pull forward and stop in front of the side gate.

Once stopped, a staff member will open the door and greet you and your child.

Children should get out of the car by themselves, if possible.

If a child is having a difficult morning or refuses to get out of the car, you may be asked to park and walk with your child into the mudroom.

Staff members will receive children until 8:25 am. If you arrive after 8:25 am, please park and walk with your child into the building. Please sign your child in at their classroom. Do not park on the driving path as this area must be kept open in case of emergencies.

SAFETY PROCEDURES The parking lot is a busy place during arrival and departure times. Accidents are more likely to happen when drivers are distracted. The parking lot is a CELL PHONE FREE ZONE and has a SPEED LIMIT of 5 miles per hour. Do not put the children at risk by talking on the phone or speeding in the parking lot.

The back parking lot is reserved for parent parking. Parking is used for drop-off and pick-up that requires exiting your car. Car should not be parked in the driving path.

Student drop off and pick up flows through the parking lot to the front of the building.

Please do not use the disabled spaces without the appropriate disabled placard or plate.


DISCIPLINARY PHILOSOPHY OUR PREPARED ENVIRONMENT

The Sprouting Minds Montessori School expects all members of our school, including children, parents, faculty and staff, to treat each other with grace, courtesy, and respect. As a Montessori school, we emphasize education over punishment and respect over disrespect. In keeping with our Montessori philosophy and curriculum, our tradition is to prepare children for life. We teach children skills to handle conflicts and difficult social situations, minimize and respond to bullying, and know when to independently solve problems and when to get help. Our goal is to help each child develop his/her full potential in a safe and nurturing learning environment.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE MONTESSORI METHOD As a Montessori school, we hold as a part of our mission the belief that each child develops to his/her full potential in a safe and nurturing environment.

As a Montessori community we promote the following Universal Expectations:

Be Responsible & Respectful for Yourself, Others & the Environment

This basic set of universal expectations applies to all children to assure that each child has a safe and secure learning environment. Internal motivation and self-discipline are the goals of SMMS’s character development. Nevertheless, problems do occur as the children learn more about themselves and their relationship to others. Our goal is for children to grow into ethical, independent thinkers who are willing to stand for what is right and to take action when necessary. We provide children with skills, knowledge, and strategies to respect and acknowledge differences and to give support to others when needed.

We do this through our Core Character Education:

Conscious Discipline, Grace & Courtesy, Peace Education and Mindfulness

This begins in the Infant Toddler and Children's House programs. As students enter the Elementary program, they begin their exploration of the Montessori values of freedom and responsibility, which tie personal freedom to the willingness to take responsibility for one's words and actions. They also begin the Cosmic Education curriculum, which introduces the child to the world beyond their own neighborhood and their own ideas. They continue their work in Peace Education by learning conflict resolution and furthering their social skills. Through conscious discipline they learn self-coping skills and a feelings positive environment.

We believe that rewards and punishments are ineffective tools for discipline and academic success and, therefore, use them limitedly as a strategy. Instead we work to identify the child’s needs in a positive manner. We attempt to understand the child’s behaviors as strategies for meeting their needs. We can then work with the child to creatively develop alternative ways for meeting needs. We approach issues through natural and logical consequences, recognizing the importance of the student becoming responsible and self-reliant.


School Culture

Montessori Teachers are not an authority over children but works together as co-creators of the school environment. As a result of multi-age groupings, students may have the same Teacher for multiple years. This enables development of rapport and trust. These supportive connections can serve as the basis for strong behavioral health and provide students with the comfort to confide in adults.

In addition, Conscious Discipline transforms the culture of our school and provides simple tools to use every day to make character education a natural part of the child’s experience. Please see our school programs section for more information on Conscious Discipline.

Emphasis on Community Montessori schools allow for independence and, at the same time, foster collaboration. Students may occasionally meet as a whole class to reflect on what they are learning, both academically and socially. Class agreements are made that are often reviewed or referred to during this time. This supports students in making decisions that have a positive effect on their peers.

Safe Learning Environment The prepared environments promote safety and learning and place a strong focus on the child as a whole in an individualized learning environment, which includes academic achievement and social skills development. Our programs promote inquiry through both independent and collaborative exploration. The classroom materials and instruction are differentiated to provide students at all levels with satisfying work. Through a combination of self-directed and teacher-directed learning, students are engaged in high level, non-competitive tasks that absorb their attention and build their confidence. Given these aspects of the Montessori Method, students are less likely to engage in negative behaviors.

Observation

Observation is a fundamental tool of all Montessori educators. Observation is used in a variety of ways, in both the academic and social arenas, to evaluate student progress and identify lessons directed by the Teachers. These observations allow Teachers to monitor the social, emotional and behavioral development of each student and to foster effective learning, identifying when additional support may be needed. This may lead to, for example, providing lessons on social skills.


STUDENT INTERVENTION TIERED SUPPORT

In keeping with Montessori philosophy and working with every child individually in support of their academic and behavioral growth, we have developed guidelines to support students who may benefit from additional intervention services. These services can be for academic or behavioral purposes. These additional intervention services are only utilized when standard Montessori methods do not prove effective.

We have identified four levels of support services.

Tier 1 - Our Standard Curriculum

The Montessori method will successfully meet the needs of approximately 80% of our children. Our Montessori Curriculum is grounded in standard Montessori methods both academically and behaviorally. Examples of standard Montessori curriculum provided to students are a prepared environment, small group and one on one lessons, regular observations, hands on Montessori materials, frequent movement, grace and courtesy, conscious discipline, student choice and low student to teacher ratios.

Tier 2 Support

Tier 2 supports are typically utilized for approximately 15% of our children. Tier 2 supports begin when a specific academic or behavioral concern has been identified by the teacher. Tier 2 supports target these identified concerns and may involve the use of an intervention strategy to encourage growth in the concern. Examples of supports and interventions that could be provided are: more frequent small group, increased one on one lessons and follow-up activities, scheduled frequent observations on the specific concern, or a change in the child’s schedule. Teachers will complete an initial concerns form and communication with parents will occur prior to the implementation of any Tier 2 supports.

Tier 3 Support

Tier 3 supports are typically utilized for approximately 5% of our children. Tier 3 supports are a continuation of tier 2 supports and begin when tier 2 supports are not effective. A child study team comprised of our Teachers from all classroom levels, parents and the Head of School, is engaged and further supports the planned intervention strategy for the child. This could include a specific individualized plan and scheduled intensive observations by members of the child study team. The child study team serves as a support and as fresh eyes to provided additional insight and perspective on ways to support the child’s needs. Communication with parents will occur prior to the implementation of any Tier 3 supports.

Tier 4 Support

Tier 4 support utilizes East Aurora Schools for the purposes of an evaluation. Referrals for evaluation are not taken lightly and are decided in collaboration with the Head of School, teachers, and parents. The evaluation is conducted by East Aurora Schools in collaboration with parents. At the end of the evaluation process a determination will be made regarding the qualification for additional services provided by East Aurora Schools. Once the evaluation is completed, parents and East Aurora Schools will meet to discuss the findings and determine next steps.


STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

SMMS believes that it is important to establish an understanding of developmentally unacceptable behaviors to ensure our safe and respectful environment. The following behaviors may be subject to disciplinary action if they are deemed unacceptable by staff and head of school:

Acts of dishonesty

Any criminal activity or violation of the law

Cheating & plagiarism

Failing to follow the instructions of an SMMS staff member

Gang activity

Inappropriate physical contact with another person, as well as excessive physical aggression and fighting

Possession of weapons

Substantially interrupting the learning environment

Theft

Threats of violence

Using language, the is inappropriate in a school setting. Inappropriate language includes abusive, profane, obscene, or threatening language. Inappropriate language also includes language that constitutes cyberbullying, bullying, discrimination, harassment, or hazing. Teasing and name-calling may also be considered inappropriate language.


BULLYING PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION This policy is intended to address bullying behavior on the part of students enrolled in the school at the time of the incident. The scope of this policy covers any activity (whether initiated within the classroom, on the school grounds, at home through the use of SMMS accounts or during school trips) that has a demonstrated, adverse impact on a targeted child.

In this plan, we address our Montessori philosophy as it relates to nurturing and promoting compassionate behavior. We describe our school's approach to addressing bullying that is consistent with our core values.

All members of the SMMS community are expected to participate in this plan.

The Head of School is responsible for the implementation and administration of the plan, and questions and concerns related to this plan may be referred to the Head of School.

Parents are asked to follow through with issues communicated by teachers.

All children, parents, faculty, and staff are to refrain from participating in spreading rumors, accusations, and negatively commenting about children, parents, faculty, and staff.

Developmentally appropriate behaviors may sometimes be perceived as bullying in the eyes of an adult. If this is found to be the case, a behavioral therapist or analyst will be contacted to get their thoughts on the situation before any actions are done on the part of SMMS.

Definitions

A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons, and he or she has difficulty defending him or herself.

Bullying can take on many forms such as verbal, non-verbal, written, electronic, or physical behavior. Bullying can include derogatory comments and bad names; social exclusion or isolation; physical harm; lies and false rumors; theft; threat or being forced or coerced to do something against one's individual will.

Reporting

We are intent upon creating a school culture that encourages the community to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behavior, both experienced and witnessed. We are a community committed to addressing these incidents and empowering students to be part of the solution. The school has an open reporting system where any concerned person may report any incident of bullying.


HEALTH Sprouting Minds Montessori School takes the health and safety of its children very seriously. School personnel are trained in first aid and CPR by the Red Cross or National Safety Council. We err on the side of caution in cases related to illness and accidents.

REPORTING ABSENCES Regular attendance at school is very important for the children. Prolonged absences can be affect learning. All absences must be reported. If your child will be absent from school, please notify the office before 8:15am and let us know the reason for their absence. Attendance is taken in each classroom at the end of the official arrival time (8:30am) and all absences are reported to the office. If your child is not present at school at this time, and you have not notified us, we will call you at home or at work. Prolonged absences OR absences that are not consistently reported to the office may require a meeting with the Head of School.

SCHOOL NURSE

While SMMS does not employ a nurse, a public health nurse visits SMMS yearly and provides a full range of health related services including hearing and vision tests for students.

ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOL SMMS keeps emergency contact information on file in the school office. Please notify the office of any change to your primary contact information. We will notify you immediately of an emergency or serious illness.

If a student has an accident requiring first aid at school, we will assess the situation and take one of three actions:

Administer first aid before your child returns to activities and alert parents with a note home. Administer first aid and contact parents as a precautionary measure. Administer first aid or CPR, call 911 for help, and then notify parents. In all cases, an accident report will be provided to you, which specifies the details of the accident.

SICK AT SCHOOL If a student becomes ill at school and/or cannot participate in regular activities, we will call you to pick him/her up as soon as possible. Children will be sent home as soon as possible if any of the following is experienced: an illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities (as determined by the staff); an illness results in a greater need for care than the staff can reasonably provide without compromising the health or safety of other children in the classroom.

• Fever accompanied by behavior changes or other signs/symptoms of illness- • Signs/symptoms of severe illness, including but not limited to: lethargy, uncontrolled coughing,

inexplicable irritability or persistent crying, difficulty breathing, and/or wheezing, acting vastly different than their normal and typical observed behaviors

Sprouting Minds reserves the right to make the final determination of exclusion due to illness. Any exceptions to our illness policy will require a written note from a licensed health care professional stating that the child is not contagious. If your child is too ill to go outside, they are too ill to be present at Sprouting Minds.


ADMINISTERING MEDICATION AT SCHOOL For the safety of students, it is recommended that medication be given at home whenever possible. For example, medication prescribed three times a day can be given before school, after school and at bedtime. If medication must be given during school hours, it must be administered by family members, with the exception of topical ointments and creams, emergency inhalers and epinephrine auto injectors.

ALLERGIES Allergies are common. SMMS does prohibit families from sending items to school that are common allergens for the overall safety of all students (peanuts and nuts). Please talk with your child about the dangers of allergens and to be a conscientious lunch preparer! Our teachers will make you aware of any allergies present in your child’s classroom.

It is of the utmost importance that you provide the school with all information regarding any allergy your child may have. We will plan accordingly in respect to classroom pets, snacks, etc. Upon initial enrollment, please be sure to fully disclose any allergies on the health form documents. If an allergy develops AFTER enrollment, please notify us immediately. We need to know how to care for your child. SMMS staff is trained in the use of EpiPens. If a student does have an EpiPen, it is required that you provide the school with two along with the Medical Authorization form.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES OR ILLNESSES You must contact the school office within 24 hours if your child contracts a communicable disease (i.e. chicken pox, strep throat, scabies, impetigo, ringworm, lice, conjunctivitis). We will notify you by letter whenever we confirm that your child could have been exposed to any communicable disease at school. The Health Department listing of Communicable Diseases is available in the SMMS office. Let SMMS know the nature of your child’s illness or if your child has a communicable illness as we keep records of this information for the State.

WHEN TO STAY HOME Students should stay home when:

§ Severe cold, cough, or sore throat. § Skin rash, especially if draining – unless

medical opinion states the rash is not contagious and note provided.

§ Temperature of 100 degrees or more with or without symptoms of an illness.

§ Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.

§ Any other sign of acute illness. § Until results of laboratory tests (i.e., throat

culture, nasal swab) are known.

WHEN TO RETURN TO SCHOOL Students may return to school when:

§ Well enough to participate in normal school activities.

§ Free of all symptoms for 24 hours. § Temperature remains normal for a 24-

hour period without the use of fever reducing medications.

§ On an antibiotic for at least 24 hours OR § Your health care provider states your

child can return to school.

Additional guidelines can be found in the office.


VACCINATIONS Sprouting Minds Montessori School is required by New York State Law to have a physician signed Health Care Summary form for all children. The Health Care form is included in the student information packet. Current immunization records are required for each child enrolled.

All immunization forms must be on file in the office by the FIRST day of school or the child will be unable to attend school until the immunizations are up to date or an appointment is scheduled for the purpose of accomplishing this.

Exemptions

If there is a medical reason for a child not receiving vaccinations, we must have a physician’s written explanation on file in the office. Parents may religiously oppose immunization. In this case, parents will complete and notarize a letter stating their religious objection.

HEAD LICE AND NITS Due to the tenacious nature of head lice/nits, SMMS urges parents to follow these procedures closely. When head lice are discovered at school, the parent/guardian of the child will be notified immediately. The child will be picked up immediately and return to school 24 hours after the first application of treatment has been completed per directions sent home with the child.

SUNSCREEN SMMS staff may only apply sunscreen to children with written permission from parents. Students should bring sunscreen to school for their own, personal use only. Sunscreen will be applied in accordance with the UV scale, between 3-8. When UV rating is above 8 children will remain indoors to protect them from harmful radiation from the sun.


SAFETY AND SCHOOL SECURITY GENERAL SAFETY MEASURES

SMMS is a controlled access facility. The doors are only open during arrival, pickup, and special events. If you arrive at the school outside of these times, please ring the doorbell located at the front door. Parents, it is important that you let staff members open the doors for unknown individuals waiting at the door, you do not know every individual involved with the school. If you are not attended to immediately, it may mean that we’ve stepped out of the office. Please be patient; someone will be with you shortly.

SIGNING IN AND OUT Anytime you come to the school during normal working hours to visit, volunteer, or observe, you must sign in at the classroom. Please sign the visitor or volunteer log when you enter and leave the school, except during large school gatherings.

AUTHORIZED PICK UP PERSON(S) You must complete and turn in the pickup form indicating who is authorized to pick up your child. We will only release your child to those individuals you have indicated on your form. You may add or delete people from the form in writing. In the event an unauthorized person comes to pick your child up we will attempt to call parents and emergency contacts to determine next steps. The child will not be released until we have contacted someone.

SEVERE WEATHER DRILLS The school runs severe weather drills during certain times of the year. During a severe weather watch or warning, an administrator continually monitors the school’s weather alarm and local news stations for updates.

FIRE DRILLS Fire drills will be regularly conducted throughout the school year. These drills will be announced and unannounced to ensure proper awareness of procedures for staff and students. All faculty and staff have pre-arranged responsibilities in the event of a drill or a real fire. In the event of a real fire, activation of the school’s fire alarm will automatically summon the local fire department. Upon evacuation, all classrooms will gather at their designated locations and parents will be notified.

INTRUDER DRILLS Practicing drills is a key element to ensure the school is as prepared as possible for potentially unsafe and threatening situations. In the event of an unknown or potentially threatening individual or situation on our property, the school has protocols to address multiple scenarios. The administration will periodically schedule stranger drills to make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible. During these drills information is given to the students about the drill in a developmentally appropriate way.


SCHOOL CLOSURE Sprouting Minds Montessori School typically follows East Aurora School District for closure purposes.

SMMS Closure/Early Dismissal Policy

1. When the East Aurora School District (EA) closes due to snow or ice, SMMS will also close.

2. When EA schools are delayed due to snow or ice, SMMS will open for school at 10:30 am unless otherwise specified. Early Arrival programs will be cancelled.

3. When EA closes due to cold temperatures, SMMS will have school unless otherwise notified.

4. Parents will be notified regarding early dismissal due to inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances or utility failure.

Communication of Closure, Delay or Early Dismissal

We will announce school delays or closures due to weather or unforeseen circumstances via remind app, on our website and, Facebook page, and on the “School Closing” information on WKBW and WIVB tv and websites.

In case of an early dismissal due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as utility failure, the school will contact parents to come and pick up your child/children. We will contact you as indicated on your emergency information form

Please check the calendar for any planned class closings and full school closing.

SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT SMMS staff members are Mandatory Reporters of suspected child abuse. All reports concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children occurring within a family or in the community will be made to Erie County Child & Family Services. If the report involves possible violations of New York Statutes or Rules that govern this facility, a call will be made to the Department of Education or Office of Children and Family Services. If you suspect abuse of another child please call the statewide number for child protective services: 1-800-342-3720


ATTENDANCE POLICY

ATTENDANCE We are committed to providing a high quality education. Much of our instruction is hands-on and involves student-guide interaction. Consequently, it is difficult for students to catch up after missing significant time from school. Regular attendance is important and helps set the stage for your child’s attitude toward school, consistency of expectations, and to reinforce concepts and skills your child is learning.

We understand that absences are occasionally necessary. Please notify the school and your guide and office as soon as possible, but no later than 8:30 a.m. if your child will not attend that day. Students who are absent or anticipate being absent for two or more days may arrange to get assignments from their teacher ahead of time.

EXCUSED ABSENCES We encourage you to schedule appointments and travel during non-school hours and on scheduled breaks. Some examples of valid conditions for excused absences are:

Illness or injury that makes the student physically unable to attend school If your child has a contagious disease or infection Medical or dental appointments Death in the immediate family Court or administrative proceedings Religious observance Educational opportunity

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES If absences becomes habitual, we will request a conference with you to discuss this situation. We do this because habitual absence affects your child’s educational opportunity as they have missed essential learning and socialization time. Our responsibility is to ensure students are successful and happy at school.

TARDINESS A child is considered tardy when arrival occurs after 8:30am. Please help us manage tardiness. If tardiness becomes habitual, we will request a conference with you to discuss this situation. We do this because habitual tardiness affects the whole classroom and your child has missed essential learning and socialization time. It is difficult to form friendships and make up missed lessons

EARLY DISMISSAL AND RETURN If you intend to pick up your child earlier than their usual end of day, please send administration or the teacher a note or email indicating the time the child will be picked up and when/if returning. When you pick up your child inside the building, you will need to sign them out in the classroom. The same procedure is followed for their return to school.


SCHOOL COMMUNITY NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

Orientation typically takes place during the last week of August. All new students or students moving into a new program and their families are expected to attend whether entering Infant Toddler, Children’s House or Elementary Programs. The purpose of the orientation is to assist your child with becoming accustomed to the classroom and teacher. The orientation also assists your child with developing a sense of belonging and comfort before the school year actually begins.

DRESS CODE Clothing and Shoe Requirements - All Students

All extra clothing and shoes should have the student’s name clearly marked with permanent black ink, preferably in a place that won’t get worn.

Students are outside during all seasons. Your child should be dressed appropriately for the weather and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Students who are continuously without proper outdoor gear will be sent home with a reminder to provide proper gear.

Students must keep a pair of indoor only shoes at the school. This helps keep our environment clean and tidy. Clogs or backless type shoes tend to fall off frequently and are a distraction.

Children’s House Additional Clothing and Shoe Requirements

Children’s House children must have at least two extra sets of clothing stored in a large plastic zip-lock bag at school. This includes shirt, pants, socks and underclothing. Remember to label each item with your child’s name.

Help children become independent dressers by choosing clothing and shoes that allow for self-care in toileting and dressing – elastic, velcro, and loose fitting items are MUCH preferred over snaps, laces and tight clothes until children are more proficient dressers.

Restrictions on Clothing and Shoes - All Students

Children should refrain from wearing clothing and shoes that distract, have hurtful images, or suggest violent or inappropriate behaviors as these items are inappropriate for school. We will help children wearing these items to change into spare clothing and/or contact parents as necessary. If you have questions please contact your child’s teacher.

Shoes may NOT have flashing lights or wheels in them. Shoes MUST have closed toes, no open toed sandals or shoes are allowed for indoor or outdoor use.

Winter Boot Procedures

All children must remove their boots in the mudroom and either put on their shoes at the benches or walk to class in their socked feet. Parents, if for some reason you must go in the classrooms, please respect the children by removing your shoes/boots prior to leaving the mudroom.


LUNCH

At SMMS, lunch is eaten together in the cafeteria upstairs. It is a time for the children to slow down, relax, have quiet conversation, practice basic social skills, and learn good nutritional habits. Children’s House students who are not in kindergarten have a warm lunch provided to them at no additional cost. Children in Kindergarten and above may get a warm meal provided for an additional fee ($4 per meal) and advance notice. To reinforce the learning process of healthy eating, we ask that you:

Prepare a nutritious lunch, including all the basic food groups. SMMS provides milk and water.

Involve your child in helping to prepare lunch.

Use reusable and manageable containers – a child should be able to open it.

Use a sturdy lunch box and label it with your child’s name.

We ask that you do not send the following items:

Carbonated drinks

Candy or foods high in sugar.

Anything that requires more than 2 minutes to “reheat” with a microwave.

If your child forgets his/her lunch, we will do our best with snack foods and any hot meals not claimed for the day.

SNACKS The school provides a light snack for children in Children’s House. Snacks are generously provided by parents for our Elementary classrooms. These snacks are available during the morning work cycle. No child is required to sit for a snack, and may help themselves to one snack per morning when they are hungry.

Snack may consist of juice or milk and nutritious foods such as cheese, crackers, breadsticks, fruits, and vegetables.

SMMS strives to not serve snacks that could be considered “junk food.”

SCHOOL BELONGINGS

In some cases, if a child intentionally damages school materials, we may ask for reimbursement for the cost of the material. If your child brings home a piece of material from the classroom, please return it promptly. Missing pieces render some of the classroom materials unusable. SMMS does not loan or rent any of the Montessori material for home use. In the event the classroom bag is lost or damaged, we would also ask for reimbursement for the cost of replacing the bag.


TOYS AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS

In general, children are encouraged to bring items which are clearly of educational interest, and which are “the real thing,” or a realistic model. Objects from nature, such as flowers, leaves, and stones are also welcomed additions. We also encourage children to bring meaningful items from home, especially objects related to trips or other special events in their lives. Anything related to class studies are excellent items to share.

Children may NOT bring toys, trinkets, candy and gum, cartoon or figure toys, electronic games, pocket knives, mock weapons etc. to school as these cause disruptions and distract from the prepared environment. If such items find their way to school, they will be held for the child until at least the end of the day or until they can be sent home.

LOST AND FOUND Lost and Found items are located in the office and front lobby. Prior to the end of the school year any unclaimed clothing that is not retrieved or labeled will be donated. SMMS will notify parents prior to this donation so you have adequate time to check for lost items.

FIELD TRIPS

The SMMS Contact and Permissions Form provides parent consent for all short walking field trips within a mile or two of the school. For all other field trips, teachers will send out specific permission forms for your approval and signature. The form will contain information about the trip, time of departure, means of transportation, and time they will be returning. Permission slips will be sent out at least 2 weeks in advance. Emergency contact and medical need forms will be taken on all field trips. It is important that parents ensure that these forms are always up to date. Please contact the office to make any changes.

GOING OUTS Maria Montessori's ideal for the Elementary experience was a purposefully limited environment where key lessons provide jumping-off points for additional exploration outside the classroom. Going outs, as known in Montessori terms, is designed to foster independence and resourcefulness, and to give children important real-life experiences. As students pursue greater depth in their work, they find the need to enter the "real world" to gather additional information. Perhaps they visit a museum, interview a specialist, or investigate a rock outcropping firsthand. Trips are typically planned by a small group of students engaged in a specific type of work or research. Through the teacher's assistance, but ultimately on their own, students must plan their own trip, arrange transportation, and make necessary appointments. These Practical Life experiences place the responsibility on the students and allow them to develop vital communication and organizational skills. Going outs are typically for Elementary students.


CONFERENCES AND PROGRESS REPORTS

During conferences you will receive information about your child’s work, progress, and growth. As such, it is vital that you arrange to meet with your child’s Teacher. Two formal conferences are held during the year - one in November and one in March (please refer to the calendar for dates). Arranging your conference times and dates takes place electronically, and you will receive an email regarding how to do this.

EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT Infant Toddler, Children’s House, and Elementary children are not “tested” or graded in the traditional sense. The Teachers instruct them in the use of the materials and then carefully observe their development. Our Teachers are trained to observe and record each child’s progress. This record plays an important role in communicating progress with parents and forms the basis of a progressive evaluation.

Progress reports will be provided during two formal conferences. These conferences are designed to help you understand where your child is in relation to his or her development, not in relationship to other students.

Becoming skilled in time management is a part of our Elementary curriculum. In the Elementary programs, the Teacher plays a greater role in determining each child’s lessons and work because there is a very specific curriculum. In Lower Elementary, the children receive work plans. These plans are both a to-do list and a record of their work and are key documents in understanding what your child is learning. Upper Elementary children also receive work, which is logged into a personal planner. As such, each child tracks what is assigned, when it is due, and what has been completed. The planner is also used for parent communication and can greatly aid parents in understanding what their child is doing day by day.

CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS Parents are encouraged to schedule several observations throughout the school year to further understand their child’s learning activities and progress. During observation, you may wish to note how your child uses the materials, relates to the staff and other children, and becomes responsible for the care of the classroom environment. Formal observations are scheduled from 9:15 am to 10:15 am in the mornings, between mid-November and mid-May. Please contact the office to schedule an observation.

ANIMALS IN THE CLASSROOM

Animals are an important part of the Montessori classroom. Children learn responsibility while caring for animals and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life. Often, there is a need for animals to be cared for over summer months and holidays; we welcome your help with this task.

If your child has pet allergies, please notify the office (in addition to indicating this on the Health Summary Form) so appropriate accommodations can be made. If an allergy develops during the school year, we will ask for medical documentation before removal of any animal from the environment.


SCHOOL TRADITIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS BIRTHDAYS

For birthdays, Children participate in a Sun Ceremony which is a celebration of the child’s life story. You are invited to attend and share photos and memories of your child for each year of life. Please contact your classroom teacher one week in advance to arrange the celebration and to inquire about food allergies. If your child’s birthday falls in the summer, the Sun Ceremony should be arranged on your child’s half-birthday. Your child may bring food to share with the other students. We encourage healthy treats such as fruits or granola bars.

HOLIDAYS Sprouting Minds Montessori School recognizes holidays as historical and cultural events, and each may be studied in some capacity.

RIBBON CEREMONY A ribbon ceremony takes place near the end of each school year as a way to commemorate students’ accomplishments. Students completing their Children’s House cycle will receive a Golden Bead and Medallions are given to students at the completion of their first elementary year with the year they began at SMMS on it. The medallion is threaded on a set of colored ribbons, corresponding to the number of years enrolled, and the colors correspond to the colored bead chains used in Montessori math. This is a special program that represents the transition to the next academic year.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT SPROUTING MINDS FAMILY ASSOCIATION

The Sprouting Minds Family Association (SMFA) offers many opportunities for us to come together as a community. Here is a highlight of some of our larger events led by the SMFA.

Harvest Festival: This event brings families together to celebrate the Fall. Students, faculty, and parent volunteers make soup from scratch. There are games and crafts for the kids. Families and classrooms bring carved pumpkins which are lit and displayed in the yard for all to see.

End of Year Carnival: In the Spring, there is no better way to finish a school year than to have a fun family picnic and carnival. Many games, activities, and raffles are available for people to enjoy! It’s a wonderful way to spend time with other families as we celebrate the end of the year at SMMS.

The SMFA is a great way to get involved at Sprouting Minds Montessori School. The SMFA’s role is to promote greater participation in the school community to enrich each family’s experience and to play a crucial role in enhancing communication between the parents and staff. All parents, staff and students are welcome to participate. In order to fulfill its mission, the SMFA organizes, sponsors, and hosts activities that provide opportunities for parents to participate in the life of the school and benefit the school socially, culturally, and financially including appreciation of our staff. SMFA-coordinated activities can include, but are not limited to:

• Book Fair • Bowling Night • End of Year Carnival • Flower Deliveries

• Garden Work Day • Harvest Festival • Ice Cream Social • Parent Social Night

• Picnic Playdates • Small Hands • Staff Appreciation • Summer Picnic

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Sprouting Minds Montessori School welcomes and greatly appreciates parent participation. Each time your child sees you involved, you make a valuable contribution to your child’s development. Additionally, you are able to connect with other parents and staff which strengthen our school community.

The following are some examples of ways to volunteer your time:

Attending parent orientation night

Attend Montessori parent nights

Observe in any one of the classrooms

Help weed the gardens or water plants

Clear snow during the winter

Help out in one of the school programs

Attend a Family Association event

Set up before an event or clean up after

Give a talk in an area of expertise

Sign up to work in the Elementary classroom

SMMS suggests a minimum of 10 hours over the course of the year or one hour per month. Please check with the office about how you can participate in the school and enhance your child’s educational environment.

RECOMMENDED READING LIST FOR PARENTS

Parenting is a challenge, and there are many insightful books that you might find helpful. A collection is available in the office for your review. Here are some suggestions:

Positive Discipline for Preschoolers — Nelsen (Children’s House Students Specifically)

Parent Talk – Chick Moorman

Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius — Lillard

Montessori Today — Lillard

Montessori: A Modern Approach — Lillard

Touch Points: Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development — Brazelton

How to Talk so Your Child Listens, and How to Listen so Your Child Talks —- Faber

The Absorbent Mind — Montessori

The Secret of Childhood — Montessori

Children’s House 2019-2020 PARENT HANBOOK · Montessori Philosophy is a view of the child as one who is naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a supportive,

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