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MHFC/MHESParentHandbook2016-17

www.montessorihouseforchildren.com

MontessoriHouseforChildren(MHFC)

20625LakemontBendLane&

MontessoriHouseElementarySchool(MHES)

7233MasonRoad

Richmond,Texas77407

Phone 281-239-3400Fax 281-239-3466

“Educationisanaturalprocesscarriedoutbythehumanindividual,andisacquirednotbylisteningtowords,butbyexperiencesintheenvironment”

MariaMontessori

TableofContents

AboutUs……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1

• PurposeofHandbook• MissionStatement• History

o MontessoriHouseforChildreno MontessoriEducationFundInc.(MEFI)o MontessoriHouseElementarySchool(MHES)

• Philosophy• ParentsareEssential• PartnershipAgreement• Affiliations&Memberships• WhatmakesMontessoriUnique• DesiredLearningOutcomes• SuggestedReading

SchoolAdministration,Faculty&Support…………………………………………………………………………………………………………5

• Governance• Admin• AuxiliaryStaff• Faculty• MontessoriCredentials• ProfessionalDevelopment• FacultyIn-Service• FacultyAssignments

ParentInvolvement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6

• ParentsareEssential• ParentAssociationofVolunteers(PAV)• ParentInvolvementOpportunities

SchoolPrograms………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7

• Extended&Full-DayPrograms• AcademicYear• FullYear• SummerSessions• AfterschoolEnrichmentPrograms

AdmissionsPolicies&Procedures…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

• AdmissionProcess• AdmissionDecisions• AdmissionPolicy• FinancialPolicy• WithdrawalPolicy• StudentRecords• NewStudent6-weekFollow-up• Immunizations

• VisionandHearingScreeningClassroomPlacement,Transition&Moving-Up………………………………………………………………………………………………11

• SchoolConsiderations• ParentRequests• ClassroomTransfers• NewStudentTransition• Moving-Up• ReadinessGuidelinesforElementary

GettingtoandfromSchool…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13

• TimelyArrival• Arrival&DesignatedDrive-throughTimes• Dismissal• LatePick-up• Procedureforchangeinpick-up/releaseofchild• Separation• SafetyPolicies• Absences

PoliciesandProcedures………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………….15

• UninterruptedWorkPeriod• Discipline• DressCode• SchoolConfidentialityandSocialMedia• TransportingChildren• Possessions• Observations/OpenDoorPolicy• Babysitting/AttendingChildren’sParties• Nutrition&CateredLunchProgram• FamilySupportive

Communication………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20

• ProperlinesofCommunication• BusinessHours• Changesincontactinformation• ClassroomCommunication• Contactingyourchild’steacher• CommunicationfromSchool• SchoolClosing&otherEmergencies

Illness………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………22• Whentokeepachildhome• Medications• GuidelinesforHeadLice• Sunscreen&InsectRepellants

SchoolCommunities……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24

• DevelopmentalDistinctions

• Elementary• EarlyChildhood• Toddler

ClassroomLife………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………….32

• Homework• MissingMaterials• StudentAssessment• Parent/TeacherConferences• ConferenceReports• ProduceBasket• LunchOptions• Laundry• RestPeriod• CelebrationofLife(Birthday)• CulturalandCommunityEvents• StudyofLivingThings• WaterPlay

Health&Safety……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..36

• AccidentsandEmergencies• CommunicationDuringanEmergency• TravelAlertStatus• DailyInspections• AnnualInspections• BuildingSecurity• PolicyonChildAbuseReporting• Gang-FreeZone• LocalLicensingOffice• Smoking

EmergencyPreparednessPlan………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………38

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AboutUs PurposeofThisHandbookToprovideserviceofprofessionalqualitytothecommunity,MontessoriHouseforChildren)andMontessoriHouseElementarySchool(MHES)musthavesoundpracticesthroughwhichtheseservicesaremosteffectivelyoffered.Tosimplifyourtwoentities,thelowerschool,MontessoriHouseforChildren(MHFC),andtheupperschool,MontessoriHouseElementarySchool(MHES)willbothbereferredtoas“School”inthisHandbook.TheSchoolworksinpartnershipwithparentstosupportandfosterwholechilddevelopment.Parent,teacher,childandschoolformaunionbasedonmutualrespectandsupportwhich,inturn,enhanceseveryone’sunderstanding,knowledge,andinsightandoffersacohesive,preparedlearningenvironment.TheParentHandbookAcknowledgmentForm(includedinregistration)indicatesyouragreementwiththeSchool’sphilosophy,mission,policiesandgoalsofMontessoriEducationandagreementtoadheretotheSchool’spoliciescontainedwithin.MissionStatementTocultivatehumanpotential.History

MontessoriHouseforChildren(MHFC)MHFCwasfoundedin2006,asuccessororganizationtoLakeviewMontessoriSchoolinSugarLand,TX,originallyfoundedin1997.MHFCisaprivate,non-sectarianschoolwithaninternationalclientelefromover34countries.MHFCeducatesstudentsagedToddlerthroughEarlyChildhood,~18monthsthrough6years.

MontessoriEducationFundInc.(MEFI)Foundedin2013,MEFIisa501(c)(3)nonprofitcorporationthatoperatesasaseparateentityfromMHFCSchool.MEFIhastwocomponents1)Operationsofthenon-profitMontessoriElementarySchooland2)ProviderofEducationalServicestotheSchoolandCommunity.

• ElementarytuitionsupportsoperationsoftheElementarySchool(facultysalaries,educationalmaterials,classroomfurnishings,operatingexpensesfortheElementarySchool).

• Contributions(fundraisinganddonations)towardsMEFI’sgeneralfundsupports

“educationalservices”.EducationalservicesarethosethatfallunderthemissionandgoalsofMontessori-tuitionassistance,communityoutreach,assistancetowardsprofessionaldevelopmentandparenteducation.

Allcontributions,donationsandfundsreceivedbyMEFI“generalfund”aretaxdeductible.

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MontessoriHouseElementarySchool(MHES)Fallof2016marksthegrandopeningofournewestbuilding,whichhousestheElementarySchoolandHandworksStudio.TheElementarySchoolisanon-profit501(c)(3)organization,governedbytheMEFI.TheElementarySchoolinitiallybeganin2013aspartofMHFCandhasgrowneversince.MHESeducatesstudentsaged~6through12years.

PhilosophyMontessoriEducationisguidedbytheworkandwritingsofDr.MariaMontessori(1870-1952).Atitscore,thephilosophyissimple,tofollowthechild,whichassumesthateverychildisauniqueindividualwhoisnaturallydriventogrow,developandlearn.Theeducationalgoalsincludeinstillinginchildrenaloveoflearning,theabilitytomakeappropriatelearningchoices,andrespectforoneself,otherpeople,andtheirphysicalsurroundings.ParentsareEssentialParentsarethechild’sfirstandmostimportanteducator.WebelieveasparentslearnandexperienceMontessoriwiththeirchild,thatapowerfulalliancewilldevelopthatsupportseachchildintheirquestforlearningandself-fulfillment.PartnershipAgreementSchoolandparentsenteracooperativerelationshipatSchool. TheParentsideistomakeacontinuingefforttounderstandandembracetheMontessoriapproach,togetinvolvedinthelifeoftheschoolcommunity,tomodelrespectinallassociationswithothersinthecommunityandtostrivetoincorporateMontessoriprincipalsinparentingskillsinordertoachieveconsistencybetweenhomeandschool.TheSchoolsideistofollowthecommitmenttodevelopthewholechild-emotionally,socially,physicallyandacademically,tomodelandpracticehumanvirtuesandpractices,tocommunicateeffectivelywithparentsandtomaintainhighstandardsintheprogram,guidesandcurriculum.AffiliationsandMembershipsAmericanMontessoriSociety(AMS)MHFC/MHES schools are members of the American Montessori Society. Credentialed teachers mustholdMontessori credentials in the level(s) they are teaching. These credentialsmust be issued by ateachereducationprogramaccreditedby theMontessoriAccreditationCouncil forTeacherEducation(MACTE).Eco-SchoolEco-SchoolsUSAisaholisticprogram.Itstrivestomakeenvironmentalawarenessandactionanintrinsicpartofthelifeandcultureofaschool,includingstudents,teachers,administrativestaff,non-teachingstaffandparents,aswellasthelocalcommunity.Eco-SchoolsUSAworkstoextendlearningbeyondtheclassroomanddevelopresponsibleenvironmentalattitudesandcommitments,bothathomeandinthewidercommunity.

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NationalWildlifeFederationTheSchoolhasbeendesignatedaCertifiedWildlifeHabitatinourplayspaceswhichprovidewater,foodandsheltertotheareawildlife.Allstudentsareinvolvedinthepleasuresoftakingcareoflivingthingsandwatchingthemintheirnaturalenvironment.KatyPrairieConservancyTheSchoolsupportstheenvironmenteffortsthatareongoingintheTexasCoastalPlainregion,especiallybytheKatyPrairieConservancybyhavingourown‘PocketPrairie’,whichbenefitstheecosystembyhavingauthenticTexasNativeplantsinouryardsandenvironments.WhatMakesMontessoriUnique

• Multiageclassesallowteacherstodevelopcloseandlong-termrelationshipswiththeirstudents,allowthemtoknoweachother'slearningstylewell,andencourageolderstudentstobecomerolemodels,mentors,andleaderstoyoungerstudents.

• Integratedcurriculumiscarefullystructuredandconnectssubjectswithinprograms(e.g.,historyandculturalartstomaximizetheopportunityforlearningandbuildsfromprogramtoprogramtoprogressfromconcretetoabstractlearning).

• Independenceisnurturedandleadstochildrenbecomingpurposeful,motivated,andconfidentintheirownabilities.

• Peaceandconflictresolutionaretaughtdailyandchildrenlearntobeapartofawarm,respectful,andsupportivecommunity.

• CharacterdevelopmentisacentralfocusoftheAMSMontessoricurriculum.• Hands-onlearningiscentraltothecurriculuminallprogramsandleadstochildrenbeing

engagedratherthanpassivewiththeirwork.• Carefullypreparedenvironmentswithmultisensory,sequential,andself-correctingmaterialsto

supportself-directedlearning.• Familyandschoolpartnership–teachers,parentsandstudentscollaboratetosupportthe

missionandgoalsoftheMontessoriprogram.• Self-expressionisnurturedinallchildren.Childrenexperienceart,music,poetry,theater,

writing,andotherformsofcreativeartswithconfidenceandpassion.Montessoriinthe21stCentury.TheAmericanMontessoriSociety.2003

DesiredLearningOutcomes Theoutcomesweaspiretoteacharelifelongdevelopments.TheoriginalAmericanMontessoriagendaoflearneroutcomesareasfollows.

• Independence:Isthechildabletochoosehisorherownwork,applyenergytothatwork,completeittoapersonalcriterionofcompletion,takeandreturntheworktotheplaceitiscustomarilykept,insuchawaythatanotherchildwillbeabletofindtheworkreadytodo?Isthechildabletoseekhelp?Isthechildabletolocateresourcestocontinuetheself-chosentaskwithoutnecessarilyinvolvingtheteacher?

• ConfidenceandCompetence:Arethechild’sself-perceivedsuccessesfarmorenumerousthan

hisorherself-perceivedfailures?Isthechildcapableofself-correctingwork,uponobservation,

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reflection,ordiscussion?Canthechildmanagetheavailablearrayof“stuff”withaclearsenseofpurpose?

• Autonomy:Canthechildacceptorrejectinclusioninanotherchild’sworkorworkgroupwith

equanimity?

• IntrinsicMotivation:Isthechilddrawntocontinueworkingfortheapparentpurepleasureofsodoing?Doesthechild,oncehavingachievedaparticularcompetence,moveontorevelinmasterybyshowingothers?

• AbilitytoHandleExternalAuthority:Isthechildabletoacceptthe“groundrules”ofthegroup

asappropriateinhisorherdealingwithotherchildren?Isthechild,distantfromtheteacher,abletofunctionasiftheteacherwerenearby?

• SocialResponsibility:Independentandautonomouspersonsarealwaysapartofagroupand

mustattainindependenceandautonomythroughparticipationingroupactivity.Thelossofthesequalitiesbyoneofagroupisalossforall.Dostudentsattainindependenceandautonomyand,atthesametime,developsocialresponsibility?

• AcademicPreparation:InMontessorieducation,childrenlearntolearnbylearning.Academic

preparationentailsactivationandcultivationofinherentpowersandprocessesthroughwhichthelearnerbecomesasupplierofmeaningsorofthings-meaningfully-known.Academicskillsareessentialtolearningandknowing,nottheaimoflearningandknowing.Dostudentsacquireacademicskillsandapplytheminlearningtolearn?

• SpiritualAwareness:Montessoriviewsthechildasaspiritualembryo.Implicationsare

conveyedbythemetaphor.Allhumansarespiritualbeingsaswellasphysicalbeings.Theyhavespiritualhealthaswellasphysicalhealth.Montessoriseesnoneedtoestablishwhetherornotthesourceofspiritistheologicalanddoesnotoffertheologicalexplanation.Thespiritualembryosimplythrivesonspiritualinvestment.Theinvestmentcanbetheological,humane,oracombinationofthetwo.Whatarethespiritualoutcomesofschoolexperience?

• CitizensoftheWorld:Allchildrenarepartofbothaworldpoliticalsystemandaworld

ecologicalsystem.Bothsystemshavetheirconstitutionsandallmustlearntolivebytheletterandspiritoftheirlaws.Asanaturalist,Montessoriknewaboutthelawsofmindandofnatureandunderstoodtheconsequencesofdisobeyingeitherofthem.Whatarethecitizenshipoutcomesofschoolexperience?Arethechildrenacquiringcivicvirtue?Aretheyacquiringdispositionstounderstandthenaturalworld,tocherishit,andtoliveharmoniouslywithinit?

SuggestedReadingBelowisapartiallistofMontessoripublications.E.MortimerStanding,TheMontessoriMethod:ARevolutioninEducationRitaKramer,MariaMontessori:ABiographyAngelineLillard,TheScienceBehindtheGeniusPaulaPolkandL.L.Jessen,MontessorifromtheStartNancyMcCormickRambusch,LearningHowtoLearn:AnAmericanApproachtoMontessori’sWritings

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Dr.MariaMontessori,TheMontessoriMethodDr.MariaMontessori,Dr.Montessori'sOwnHandbookDr.MariaMontessori,TheAdvancedMontessoriMethod,I&IIDr.MariaMontessori,TheAbsorbentMindDr.MariaMontessori,ToEducatetheHumanPotentialDr.MariaMontessori,TheSecretofChildhoodSchoolAdministration,Faculty&Support Governance

MHFC-Fromitsformationtothepresentday,MHFChasbeengovernedbyafoundingBoardofDirectors(sixmembers).ThisisastrategicplanningBoardthatestablishedthecoremissionandgoalsoftheSchoolandoverseesthebusinessoperations.MHES–BeginningintheFallof2016,MHESisapartoftheMontessoriEducationFund(a501c3publiccharity)andisincludedinthecharteroftheMEFIBoardofDirectors.ThisisastrategicplanningBoardthatoverseesthebusinessoperationsoftheMEFI,includingtheElementarySchool.

AdminHeadofSchool BarbaraNelsonBusinessManager PamNelsonAdmissionsCoordinator YanethPoo Before/AfterschoolCoordinator NeelofurSurtyDevelopment&AdvancementCoordinator TheresaO’TooleAdminandparentvolunteerliaison NormaAnguloGeneralAdmin BlancaSmith,OmerKlug SchoolCook MaryRussellBuildingMaintenance ElliotGarciaAuxiliarystaffTheseareprivatecontractorswhoworkwithTHESCHOOLstudentsduringand/oraftertheschoolday.Parentspayfeesdirectlytotheseauxiliarystaff.Speech-LanguagePathologist JenniferSchababerle,M.S.CCC-SLP

www.katyspeechtherapy.com BoardCertifiedBehaviorAnalyst GracielaUmerez,M.Ed.BCBA [email protected]

FacultyTheschoolaimstoensurethattheToddler,EarlyChildhoodandElementarySchoolteachersaretrainedinMontessoripedagogyundertheauspicesoftheAmericanMontessoriSociety(AMS)orAssociation

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MontessoriInternational(AMI).TheSchoolpridesitselfonthequality,educationaldepthandtalentofitsfaculty.TeacherBioscanbefoundontheSchoolweb-site.MontessoriCredentialsAMSCredentialedteachershavesuccessfullycompletedtheirMACTEaffiliatedMontessoritraininginadditiontoholdingaBA,BSorhigherdegree.AMSAssociateCredentialedteachershavesuccessfullycompletedtheirMACTEaffiliatedMontessoritraining.THESCHOOL’SteachersworkingwithattheEClevelorhigherhaveatleastaBachelor’sdegreeinadditiontotheirMontessoricredential.ProfessionalDevelopmentFacultyarerequiredtoaddtotheirtrainingeachyearbycompletingaminimumof24hoursofadditionalprofessionaldevelopment,whichmayincludeattendanceatnationalorlocalconferences,universitycourses,orin-serviceworksponsoredbytheSchool.DonationsmadetoMEFIcontributetowardsfacultyprofessionaldevelopment.FacultyIn-ServiceFacultyin-servicedaysaremarkedontheschoolcalendar.Thesedaysareusedforanumberofpurposes,includingworkshops,facultymeetings,andpreparationoftheenvironment.Facultyareactivelyworkingintheclassroomsatleastoneweekpriortotheopeningofschoolinthefallandseveraldaysafterschooldismissesforthesummer,inordertopreparetheclassroomenvironmentsandteachingmaterials.AMontessoriclassroomisahighlyenrichedandcomplexenvironmentthatdemandsmuchtimeandeffortfromthefacultytoprepareandmaintain.Consequently,Montessorischoolstypicallydevotemoredaystopreparationthanotherschoolsdo.FacultyAssignmentsFacultyincludesleadguides,assistants,supportstaffandsubstituteteachers.Changesinfacultyfortheupcomingschoolyearareformallyannounced,oncecontractsaresigned.Anychangesafterschoolyearbeginsarecommunicatedtoparentsbyletter.

ParentInvolvement Thevolunteerforceisessentialtoenrichingthecommunitylifeoftheschool.Whatonepersoncan’tdo,manycanandit’sagreatwaytomeetandconnectotherparents.Also,researchprovidesevidencethatchildrenbenefitfromparentalinvolvementinschool.Notonlyintheareaofacademics(motivation,engagement,performance),butalsowithmentalhealth(resilienceandself-esteem)andsocialfunctioning(developingrelationships).Knowingthatthebiggestobstacleforparentsistime,wehavestructuredeventsandmeetingstocoincidewithchildcareorinvolvetheentirefamily.

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ParentInvolvementOpportunitiesVolunteeropportunitiesareavailablethroughtheParentAssociationofVolunteers(PAV)andthroughouttheschoolcommunity.ParentVolunteerAssociationismadeupofparents,guardian,andadministratorswhofunctionasthebackboneofourvolunteerforceandhelpourschooltofulfillitsmissionandcreateasenseofcommunity.Officersareelectedonanannualbasis.Our3maingoalsare:CommunityBuilding,Social/SpecialEvents,andtheMEFIAnnualFundraisingCampaign.ThePAVmeetsonthesecondTuesdayofeachmonthfrom5-6:00pm(childcareisavailable).InformationisprovidedtoallparentsduringParentOrientation,orbycontactingNormaAnguloatnorma@mhfcschool.com.HowcanIbeinvolved?

• AttendPAVMeetings• Assistineventcoordination(throughPAV)• Hosta“ParentCoffee”(heldmonthlyatMHFC)• JointheEco-SchoolActionteam(includesgardening)• JointheCareCommittee(extendscaretofamilieswithintheschool–intimeofcelebrationor

ofneed)• BecomeaRoomParent

RoomParentshaveauniqueopportunitytobeapartoftheirchildren’sclassroomexperience.TheyserveasrepresentativesoftheirclassroominthePAV.StillothersoffergoodsandservicesinsupportofourPAVefforts.Otheropportunitiesinclude:

Classroom:• ParentReaders(ECandLowerElementary):Excellentopportunitytosupportandencourage

ouremergentandfluentreaders.• CulturalEnrichment:Shareyourculturalcelebrationsandcustomsthroughclassroomactivities.• LibraryAssistants:Collect/returnlibrarybooksfortheclassroomonamonthlybasis.Whole-School:• Drive-throughAssistance:Greetarrivingstudentsindrive-through,assistingoutoftheircars.• GrandparentGroup:Grandparentsarewelcometobeapartofanyoneoftheabove-mentioned

opportunities;grandparentsareofgreatsignificancetoourcommunity.

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SchoolPrograms Extended-Day AcademicDay 8:30–2:30 (T&EC)

8:30–2:55 (EL) Full-Day Includesbefore/after-schoolcare 6:30–8:30 (morningcare) 2:30–6:00 (EC/Tafter-schoolcare) 2:55–6:00 (ELafter-schoolcare) TheschoolisstaffedaccordingtostudentpopulationandfollowsStatemandates.Requestsforextensionsbeyondtheprogramtimeyouhaveregisteredmaybeaccommodatedonaspaceavailablebasisandneedpriorapproval.AcademicYearFull-Day&Extended-dayElementaryandECprogramsfollowtheAcademicSchoolYearCalendar:2016-17AcademicCalendar(Summersessions’enrollmentisseparate).Full-YearProgramTheToddlerFull-Dayprogramisyear-round:August–July(summersessionsareincluded).TheToddlerExtended-Dayprogramisclosedforthesummer.SummerSessionsSummersessionsforEarlyChildhoodandElementarybeginthefirstfullweekinJuneandendonFriday,oneweekpriortothestartofschool.

• RegistrationforsummersessionsbeginsMarch1• Toddlersummersessionsareincludedinthefull-dayprogram.

After-SchoolEnrichmentPrograms(ECandElementaryonly)Duringtheacademicterm,awidevarietyofextra-curricularprogramsareofferedthroughindependentprovidersbeginningat2:30pm.Informationabouttheseprogramsactivitiesisavailableduringparentorientationandthereafteronourwebsiteoratthefrontoffice.Enrollmentandpaymentofchosenprogramsarehandleddirectlythroughtheproviders.

AdmissionsPoliciesandProcedures AdmissionProcess

• SchoolTourand/orscheduledclassroomobservation• SubmitApplication(Elementarystudentsincludepriorteacher’srecommendationform)• Teacher/ChildInterview(ECandElementaryLevel)• NoticeofAcceptance(orwaitingpoolstatus)• Completedenrollment(form&fees)• Home/Classvisit(T)

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AdmissionDecisionsChildrenareevaluatedonthebasisofreadinessforschoolandpotentialforsuccessinaMontessoriclassroom.Itisequallyimportanttodeterminewhethertheparents’educationalphilosophyandgoalsarecompatiblewiththatofTHESCHOOL.AdmissionPolicyElementary(LowerEL6-9yrs.andUpperEL9-12yrs.)Studentsmustbe6yearsofagebySeptember1sttoenterLowerElementary;alistdetailingdesiredmilestonescanbefoundonpage12ofthishandbook.MeetingthesesuggestedmilestoneswillhelptoensuresuccessintheElementaryclassroom.ElementarystudentscomingfromourECprogramoranotherMontessorischoolaregivenpriority.Studentscomingfromnon-Montessoribackgroundsareeligibleforadmission,basedoncongruencewiththeMontessoriclassroom.Elementarystudentapplicationsrequirethemostrecentprogressreport/reportcardandaconfidentialteacher-recommendationform.Theteacher-recommendationformmustbesignedbytheparents,forreleaseofinformation,andmaileddirectlyfromthepreviousschool,toMHES.TheseformscanbeobtainedfromtheAdmissionOffice.Avisitwillbescheduledforthestudentandaninformalassessmentwillbemadeofthechildoncetheapplicationandteacher-recommendationformsarereceived.EarlyChildhood(EC)TheEarlyChildhoodcommunityisathreetofouryearprogram,startingat~threeyearsofageandcontinuingthroughagesix.Admittingchildrenatthefirstyear,agethree,andcontinuingthroughtheendofthecycle,agesix,isoptimalfortheirgrowthanddevelopmentandwillhelpensurereadinessforthenextlevel.InfollowingthisprocedureweareabletomaintaintheintegrityoftheclassroomandofferallstudentsaqualityMontessorieducationalenvironment.Toddler(T)Childrenages~18monthsuptoagethreemaybegintheirMontessoriexperienceinourToddlerCommunity.FinancialPolicyNewStudents:Anon-refundablesecuritydepositfeeisdueuponsubmittalofenrollmentformsCurrentStudentRe-enrollment:Re-enrollmentFeb1–15:Anon-refundablere-enrollmentof$100.00plusmaterialfees,aredueuponsubmittalofre-enrollment.Re-enrollmentafterFeb15:Anon-refundablesecuritydepositfeeisdueuponsubmittalofre-

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enrollment.SiblingDiscount:A10%tuitiondiscountisapplicableforasibling(onthelowertuition)PaymentOptions:SemesterPaymentsdueAug1&Jan1 SummerSessionIpaymentdueMay1TenPaymentsdueAug1throughMay1* SummerSessionIIpaymentdueJune1MonthlyPayments(ToddlerFull-Day/year-roundprogram)dueAug1–July1 *The10-monthpaymentscheduleisformulatedby:AnnualTuition÷9.5withthe.5paymentdueAug.1andtheremaining9paymentsdueSept.1throughMay1.Tuitionislatewhenreceivedfive (5)calendardaysaftertheduedate.Alatefeeof10%isappliedafter this grace period. The school reserves the right to suspend attendance orwithdraw a child iftuition isnotpaidwithin10calendardaysof theduedate.Abank service feeof$25 ischargedforreturnedchecks.A10%tuitiondiscountisapplicableforasibling(onthelowertuition).Refundsorallowancesintuitionwillnotbemadetocompensateforextendedabsencesintheeventofillness, vacations, inclement weather, school holidays or other circumstances. All admission, re-enrollmentandmaterial/activityfeesarenon-refundable.TheSCHOOLreservestherighttoterminatetheenrollmentcontractif:

• Theparentorguardiandoesnotconsistentlyfollowpolicies,proceduresandguidelinesasstatedintheParentHandbook;

• Thestudent’sbehavior,orlackofcooperation,isdeemedunacceptable;• Thestudentposesaphysicalorpsychologicalthreattothemselves,staff,oranother

childwithintheschoolenvironment;• Tuitionpaymentsarenotpaid;

WithdrawalPolicyThe Security Deposit will be applied to the last month of the final academic term attended at THESCHOOL,provided30dayswrittennoticeisgiven.If,foranyreasonthestudentwithdrawsorisrequiredtowithdrawpriortothelastmonthoftheacademicterm,thedepositisnon-refundable.(Forextended-dayToddlersandEC/ELstudents,theacademictermendsinMay.Forfull-dayToddlers,theacademicyearendsinJuly).*Tuitiondepositmayberefundedduetofamilyrelocationinexcessof20miles–with30dayswrittennotice.StudentRecordsStudentrecordsmustbecompletepriortothechild’sfirstdayandpriortothetoddlerhome/schoolvisits.Studentrecordsarekeptintheadmissionofficeandincludecompleteregistrationforms,progressreportsandconferencenotes.Allstudentrecordsremainthepropertyoftheschool.Studentrecordsareconfidentialandcanonlybereleasedwithwrittenparentpermission.

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NewStudentSix-WeekFollow-upNewstudentsnormallyassimilate intoaMontessorienvironmentwitheaseand joy. Because it takesabout30daystoestablishhabitsandlearnthegroundrules,thereistimegivenforthistransition.TheLeadteacherprovidesasix-weekfollow-upeitherbymeetingwiththeparentsinperson,orbyphone,toletthemknowhowtheirchildhasadjusted.ImmunizationsEachchildenrolledoradmittedmustmeetapplicableimmunizationrequirementsspecifiedbytheTX.Dept.ofStateHealthServices.HearingandVisionScreeningStaterequiresallchildrenage4bySeptember1streceivevision/hearingscreening.Weprovidethisscreeningatthebeginningoftheschoolyearoryoumayobtainonyourownandprovidetheschoolwithresults.ResultsmustbeprovidedbyMay1st.

ClassroomPlacement,Transitions&Move-ups SchoolConsiderationsTheMontessoriplacementprocessisdifferentfromwhatparentsmayhaveexperiencedinchildcarecentersorstandardschoolswhereaplacementisoftendeterminedbyfillingthespacesona“firstcome,firstserve”basis.Montessoriisnotateacher-centerededucationalsystem;itischild-centered.Placementisdeterminedbymatchingtheskillsandneedsoftheindividualwiththeskillsandneedsofthelearningcommunity.Theteacherisonepartofthelearningcommunity.Otherfactorsincludedareage,genderandthepersonalitieswithineachcommunity.ParentRequestsTheSchoolisresponsibleforprovidingqualifiedandtalentedteachersineveryclassroomandworksveryhardtoensurethateachchildisplacedintheenvironmentwhereher/hisneedswillbemet.Classroomplacementsarebasedonthesecriteriaandnotonparentrequestsforaparticularteacherorclassroom.ClassroomTransfersBecausethecompositionofalearningcommunityisselectedverycarefully,itisunusualforchildrentobetransferredfromoneclasstoanotherduringthethree-yearcycle.However,ifthereappearstobeabeneficialreasonforachangeinclassroom,youwillbenotifiedandincludedintheevaluativeprocess.NewStudentTransition(ToddlerCommunity)Followingacceptance,yourchild’steacherwillcontactyoutoschedulethehome/schoolvisits.Duringthehomevisit,theschedulefortransitionwillbediscussedandaplanagreedto.FollowingthisprocessoftransitionisavitalaspectofintroducingourSchooltobothparentsandchild.Ideally,thescheduleisasfollows:

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1. ParentObservation2. HomeVisit/SchoolVisit3. Begintransitionschedule

Moving-UpMostcommonly,move-upsoccurinAugust,atthestartoftheschool.Occasionally,toddlerswillmove-upinJanuary.TransitionsduringSchoolHolidays/BreaksandtheSummerSessionsareuncommon,duetomergingclassroomsanddifferencesinregularlead/assistantteachers.MovefromToddlertoEarlyChildhoodWhenitisdeterminedthatyourchildisreadyto‘moveup’,thefollowingprocessisfollowed:

• ParentobservestheECclassroomand/orparent/teachermeetingisarrangedtodiscussthedifferences/shareimportantinformation.

• ThechildmayvisittheECclassroomforanintroductionofthenewenvironment.• Thefinalmove-upcanbecelebratedbyformallymovingthechild’sbelongingsfromoneroom

toanother.Also,thechild’srecordsandinformationwillbetransferredtothechild’snewteacher.

MovefromEarlyChildhoodintoLowerElementaryThemovefromEarlyChildhoodintoLowerElementarymarkstheendofthefirstplaneofdevelopmentandtheonsetofthesecondplane.TheidealageforentryintotheLowerElementaryissixyearsbySeptember1st.Indeterminingachild’sreadinessformovingup,facultyfirstconsiderssocialandemotionalmaturity.Wealsolookverycloselyatthechild’sacademicskills.ThechildneedstobereadingandwritingwithfluencytoprosperattheElementarylevel.Therealsoneedstobeastrongsenseofself-directionandindependence,andtheabilitytoworkwithconcentration–aloneorincooperationwithagroup.ElementaryteachersbeginobservingcandidatesinJanuary.Afterplacementinthespring,candidateswillbeinvitedtovisittheclassforamorning.ReadinessGuidelinesLowerElementary:Social/EmotionalDomain:

• Understandingandexperiencewiththeprocessofconflictresolution• Socialawareness–thechildrespectsothers,self,andthematerialsintheroom• Childexhibitsafairamountofself-controlandself-discipline• Thechildhasthedesireandabilitytobealeaderamongyoungerchildren• Thechildhastheabilitytoworkindependently,withoutthefrequentdirectionorinvolvement

fromtheteacherandhassomeidearegardingtimemanagementCognitiveDomain:

Math:• Thechildexhibitsastrongunderstandingofthedecimalsystemandplacevalue• Hasexperienceandunderstandingofthefourmathematicaloperations• Hasaclearunderstandingandexperiencewithlinearcounting

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• HasreceivedupperlevelsensorialexperienceswiththegeometrymaterialsReading:

• Hascommittedtomemorymanyofthephonogramandpuzzlewords• Canreadsimpleand/orcomplexsentencesthatincludeshortvowels,longvowelsandsight

words• Canexpressthoughtsthroughsimplewrittensentencesandphrases

Writing:• Holdsapencilcorrectly• Writeslegiblyincursiveandisabletoformalllowercaseletters• Knowshowtowritefirstandlastnameaswellasthedate

Cultural:Receivedlessonsandmaintainsanintellectualcuriosityaboutculturalsubjects

Other:Grossmotorskillsareadequatelydevelopedsothatthechilddisplaysbodilycontrolandcoordination.

Thisisaguideanditexpressesanidealforreadinessonpaper.Inorderforchildrentofullyembraceandenjoytheelementarycurriculumasitisdesigned,thechildrenneedtohavetheskillsnecessarytoengageinextensiveresearch.Weallalsoagreethatholdingchildrenbackcanbeproblematic(childrenmaturingaftertwoyearsofelementaryandneedingtomoveup).Ifthechild’ssocialandemotionalreadinessisthere,weagreethatthechildshouldmoveup.GettingtoandfromSchool

TimelyArrivalSchoolbeginspromptlyat8:30am.AfamilyconsideringTHESCHOOLshoulddetermineiftheirschedulesandfamilycircumstancespermitconsistenton-timeattendancebeforeenrollingintheschool.Childrenarrivingafter8:30aremarkedastardy.Frequentlatearrivalisconsideredproblematicasitinterruptstheworkperiodofyourchildandothers.Habituallatearrivalwillbeaddressedbythefollowing:

1. Teacherwillmeetwithparentsdirectlytodiscussplansfortimelyarrival.2. Headofschoolwillmeetwithparentstoreachasolution.

Weaskthatdiscretionarydental/doctorappointmentandwell-checksbescheduledlaterintheday,soasnottodisrupttheroutineofyourchildandthatofothers.

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ArrivalBeforeSchoolArrival–arrivalsbetween6:30–8:20a.m.parentsareaskedtoescorttheirchildrenintoeithertheirclassroom.DriveThroughArrival-Thedrivethroughlaneopenspromptlyat8:20andclosesat8:30orasthelastcarinlineexits.Thesafetyofourchildrenalwayscomesfirst;therefore,useofthedrive-throughlaneismandatoryforALLstudentsarriving/departingatthesespecifictimesandwillbestrictlyenforced.Designateddrive-throughtimes:

8:20–8:30 MorningArrival2:30–2:40 T&ECextended-daydismissal3:00 Elementaryextended-daydismissal

LateArrival-Shouldyourarrivechildlate(after8:30),youwillbeaskedtosign-inyourchildonthelatearrivalform.Ifyourchildneedshelpwalkingtoclass,astaffmemberwillescorthim/hertotheclassroom.Parentsarenotpermittedtoescorttheirchildrenbeyondthelobbyonceclasshasstarted.DismissalDrivethroughDismissal-Childrenaregatheredattheentranceoftheschoolunderthecoveredareaandwalkedtotheircarbyateacher.After-schoolPickUpPleasepickyourchildupfromtheirclassroomdoorandwaitoutsidetheclassroomforyourchildtoputawayhiswork.LatePick-upIntheeventthatyouarerunninglate,pleasenotifytheschool.Latepickupforextended-daydismissals:Afterthelastcarhasleftthecarpoollane,childrenwillbebroughtintothefrontofficeandacallwillbemadetoparents.ParentsarrivingafterthispointwillcomeintotheSchoolandsigntheirchildout.Thereisalatepick-upfeeof$20ifarriving15minutesbeyonddismissaltimeand$1perminutethereafter.Latepickaftertheschoolisclosed(6pm):Thereisa5-minutegraceperiod.5–15minuteslateis$20;beyond15minutesis$1perminutethereafter.SeparationToeaseseparation,weaskparentstoestablisharoutinethatisassuringandencouragesindependence:

• Helpyourchildbykeepingtoaschedule• Encourageindependencesuchaswalkingontheirownorhelpingtocarryhis/herbelongings.

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• Short&sweetgoodbyes-lingeringusuallycausesemotionaldistressforthechild.• Onceachildenterstheclassroom,ateacherwarmlygreetshim/her.

SafetyPolicies

• Postedspeedlimitis5mphondriveway,parkinglotandcarpoollane.• Stayinyourcarwhileindrivethrough.• Pedestriantrafficisprohibitedduringdesignateddrive-throughtimes• Childrenaretoexit/enteronthepassengerside.• Allchildrenyoungerthan8yearsold,unlesstallerthan4’9”arerequiredtobeinthe

appropriatechildsafetyseatsystemwhenevertheyrideinapassengervehicle.Thesafetyseatsystemmustbeinstalledaccordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions.Staffwillnotplaceachildintoavehiclethatdoesnotappeartomeettheserequirements.

• Useofcellphoneswhiledrivingisprohibitedinschoolzones.Thisincludesourdrivethroughlanes.THESCHOOLasksthatallparentsrefrainfromcellularusewhileintheparkinglotand/orwhiledroppingofforpickingupyourchild.

• Youareresponsibleforyourchild’ssafetyenteringandexitingtheschool.• ONLYstaffandadultspushthe“RedButton”thatreleasesthedoorlock.• Parkinginthe‘firelane’isprohibited.

ProceduresforChangesinPick-upRoutineorreleaseofChildren

• Yourchildwillbeallowedtoleavetheschoolonlywithparentsorpersonsdesignatedonenrollmentform.Inanemergency,oriftherearetemporarydeparturearrangements,theparentmustsendawrittennotegivingthename,dateandidentifyinginformationaboutthepersonpickingupthechild.Thispersonmustgiveproperidentification,suchasavaliddriver’slicense.Wewillmakeacopyoftheirlicenseandkeepitinyourchild’sfile.

AbsencesPleasenotifytheschoolofanyplannedabsencesorcallthefrontofficeifyourchild’sabsenceisduetoillness.Whenachild’sattendanceisinconsistenttothepointthatthechildand/orclassroomisadverselyaffected,theSchoolwillmeetwiththeparentstoreachasolution.Pleasemakeeveryefforttoensureyourchild’sregularattendance.Inthisregard,wespecificallyrequestthatyouschedulefamilyvacationsandtripstocoincidewithschoolholidays.ElementaryStudents:Attendancestandardsrequireastudentattend90%ofinstructionaldayspersemester.Absencesarecalculatedbyday.

PoliciesandProcedures UninterruptedWorkPeriodAsperouraccreditingagency,theAmericanMontessoriSociety,wearetoupholdthestandardofprovidinganuninterruptedworktime.AMSStandard3.9states:Schoolsaretoallocateandprotect

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largeblocksofuninterruptedinstructionaltimetosupportstudentlearning.Optimallearningtakesplaceduringtwo-tothree-hourblocksoftime.Schoolsshouldmakeeveryefforttoscheduleenrichmentprogramsandtransitiontimestoaccommodatetheseblocks.Thepurposeoflong,uninterruptedblocksofworktimeistoallowstudentstofreelyselectwork,eventuallybecomingabsorbedinworkthathasaparticularfascinationforthematthispointintheirdevelopment.Interruptionsdisturbthedevelopmentofthechild'sfocus,concentration,andopportunitytodeeplydelveintowork.Duringthisuninterruptedworktime,teachersalsohavetheopportunitytopresentlessonstothechildren,ensuringthatlessonsaregivenandworkisexploredinallareasoftheclassroom.Ourdaybeginsat8:30andcontinuesthroughto2:30/2:55.Anintegralpartofyourchild’sdayistheuninterruptedblockofworktime.Thisisofutmostimportancetoyourchildforhisacademic,personalandsocialgrowth.Ourdailyscheduleisdesignedsothatallchildrenareincludedinthiscommunityeffort,regardlessoftheirchosenprogram.Itisalsoameasureofrespecttoallthestudentsalreadyworkingthatweexpectnodisruptionsoncethemorningworkperiodhasstarted.DisciplineTheeducationalphilosophyofTHESCHOOListhatreal,effectivedisciplineisonethatcomesfromwithinaperson.DevelopingthisinnerdisciplineisoneoftheobjectivesMontessorieducation.Itisourbeliefthatinnerdisciplinedevelopsinachildthroughactiveinvolvementinself-chosentasksandthedevelopmentofself-control.ThedevelopmentofinnerdisciplineinachildisalwaysthegoalofaTHESCHOOL.Theclearorganizationofthephysicalenvironment;thestructure,consistency,andpredictabilityofdailyschoollife;theindirectmannerofteachinginterpersonalskillsthroughthelessonsof"graceandcourtesy";therelianceonpeermodelingandcoachingchannelpositivebehaviorandappreciationandempathyhelptolimitdifficulties.BehaviorswhicharecontrarytoourCODEOFCONDUCTwillbeaddressedimmediatelyandappropriately:

• Disruptivebehavior,whichdeprivesothersoflearning.• Intimidation,verbalabuse,physicalthreatsandhurtfulacts(suchashitting,punching,kickingor

biting).• Destructionofschoolproperty(classroom&playgroundequipment,supplies).

Itisourbeliefthatifthegroundrulesareconsistentlyfollowedandpositivelyreinforced,thenecessityofexternaldisciplinewillbediminished.However,whensuchexternaldisciplineisdeemednecessary,thefollowingwillbeobservedwithoutfailure:

• Suggestalternativeactivities;re-direct.• Persistentmisbehaviorinagroupsettingmaybedealtwithbytemporaryremovalfromthe

group,butremainintheclassroom.Behavioralexpectationsaremadeveryclearandthechildisaskedifhe/sheisreadytoreturntothegroup.

• Talkwiththechildwhoisinneedofhelp,worktobuildunderstanding.Facilitateproblem-solvingaswellexploringideasforalternativesbehaviorchoices.

• Teachthechildthatemotionsarerealandvalid,andhowtodealwiththeminconstructivewayswithkindwordsratherthanphysicalresponses.

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• Allowfornaturalorreasonableconsequencestotakeplacethatareunderstoodandlogicaltothechild,ex:Cleaningupafteraspill.

• Recognizeandencourageconcentratedandappropriateefforts.• Modelappropriatebehaviorsandactions.

Undernocircumstancesshallanychildbesubjectedtocorporalpunishmentinanymanneruponthebodyortoverbalabuse.

Weencourageourparentstomirrorthesebasicbehaviorsathome,tomakeforconsistentenvironmentsinyourchild’smainareasoflife.Whileaparentisonschoolgrounds,theabove-mentionedguidelinesmustbefollowed.Innearlyallcasesapplicationoftheforegoingguidelineswillsuffice.However,ifthechildstillfindsitdifficulttofunctionwellwithinthecommunity,thefollowingprocedureswillbefollowed:

1. Parents/teacherconferencetodeterminejointplanwhichaddressesunacceptablebehavior.HeadofSchoolwillbenotifiedoftheplanwithafollow-upwithin1week.

2. Parent/Director/Teacherconferencetomakerecommendationsinregardstooutsidereferralsandadditionalbehaviormanagementprogram(s).Parent/directorcommunicationonaweeklybasisuntildeterminationofimprovementisreached.

3. TheDirectorwillmakesuggestionsregardingalternativeschoolsthatmaybettermeetstheneedsofthechild,asnecessary.

Theschoolreservestherighttoterminatetheattendanceofanystudentorfamilywhosepresenceisconsideredbytheschooltobedetrimentaltothebestinterestoftheschooland/orchildren.Theschoolreservestherighttoaskaparenttocollecttheirchildfromschoolasanappropriateactionwhenthechildisdisplayingharmfulbehavior.Actsresultinginphysicaland/orverbalinjuryofanotherpersonarenottolerated.Suchbehaviorisgroundsforimmediateexclusionfromschool:

1. 1stoccurrence,parentsmustcomefortheirchildwithpermissiontoreturnthefollowingday.2. 2ndoccurrence,parentsmustcomefortheirchildandthechildmustnotreturnthefollowing

day.3. 3rdoccurrence,thechildwillbeabletoreturnfollowingtreatmentwithprofessionalservices

andwitharemedialbehavioralplan.DressCodeEveryFridayisSchoolSpritDay,adaytowearyourgreenSchoolT-Shirt!Schoolt-shirtsareavailableforpurchase,pleaseseethefrontoffice.TheSchoolpromotesanenvironmentFREEofmediainfluences.Weaskforyoursupportourefforttoprotectthisenvironmentbydressingchildreninattire(shirts,shorts,shoes,jackets,etc.)freeofpopular

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TVshows,moviecharacters(Cinderella,SpiderMan,Hulk,Dora,Bratz,andotherTV/moviestars).Blinkingshoesandshoesthatmakesoundsareadistractionandarenotpermittedinschool.Childrenshouldbedressedappropriatelyforweather,activitiesandcomfort-painting,gardening,waterworkandfoodpreparationtakesplaceeveryday.Leathershoesand‘tennisshoes’aremostpracticalforourplaygroundsurface.Cowboybootsandflip-flopsshouldnotbeworn,astheyaresafetyconcernsforyourchildandothers.SchoolConfidentialityandSocialMediaPolicyItisourdutytoprotecttheconfidentialityorourstudents,parentsandstaff.Releaseofrecords,sharinginformationordiscussionofcurrentorformermembersofourcommunityisagainstschoolpolicy.Allwhobelongtotheschoolareexpectedtofollowthispolicy.Parentswhopostpicturesofchildrenfromtheschoolmusthavepermissionfromthatchild’sparenttodoso.Childrenshouldnotbenamedinpostings.Tomaintaintheprofessionalrelationshipbetweenparentandteacher,staffmembersarenotpermittedto“friend”currentfamilieswithintheSchool.TransportingchildrenOurschoolhasapolicythatnoenrolledchildbetransportedtoorfromthechild’shometotheschoolbyfaculty.TheElementarySchoolprogramincludes‘goingout’tripsaspartofthelearningexperience.Notificationswithparentalconsentformswillbesentpriortotheoccasions.Parentswillhavetheoptionoftransportingtheirownchildorwillaskfortransportfromaparentvolunteer.Employees’maybeinvolvedintransportationprovidedproperdocumentationisonfile(seeElementaryCommunity/Chaperone)PossessionsWhatNottoBringtoSchool

• Clothing,books,magazines/catalogswithmediarelatedcharacters• Backpacks(Elementarystudentsonlymaybringbackpacks)• Shoeswithlights• Toys,stuffedanimalsandelectronicdevices• Sippycups,bottles,pacifiers,blanketsorpillows• Accessoriesthatcausedistractionforothers• Valuables

WhattoBringtoSchoolPleasesee“SchoolCommunities”forspecificinformationonitemsneededforschool.

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LostandFoundUnlabeledlost/founditemsarekeptinasmallboxlocatedintheLobby.Followingeachsemester,unclaimeditemsaredonatedtoacharitableorganization.Observation/OpenDoorPolicyParentsarefreetovisittheschoolatanytimeduringschoolhourstoobservetheirchildandprogramactivities.Werequestthatyouscheduleatimewiththefrontoffice,whosejobitistomanagenumbersandtimesofvisitsineachclassroominanyoneday.Unannouncedclassroomobservationsaredonefromoutsidetheclassroomwindowtoprotecttheconcentrationofthechildrenworkingandtheclassroomenvironment.Classroomobservationsarestronglyencouragedandscheduledduringtheschoolyear,afternewstudentshavesettledin(October–April).Thereareguidelinesforenteringclassroomsandrecordingobservationswithoutdisruptingtheworkingchildren.Staffisavailableafterobservationstoanswerquestions.Babysitting,AttendingChildren’sPartiesTomaintaintheprofessionalintegrityofourschool,employeesofTHESCHOOLmustnotprovidebabysittingorchildcareservicesforstudentsOFTHESCHOOL.Employeesmaynotattendbirthdaypartiesforstudentscurrentlyenrolledunlessitistoaccompanytheirownchild.

EmployeesofTHESCHOOLmustrefrainfromdiscussingtheSchool’sstudentsorissueswhentheyareinthecompanyofparentsbeforeorafterschoolhours;ex:publicencounters,sportsevents,etc.Mini-conferencesmustnotoccurawayfromschool;pleasecontactduringschoolhourstoscheduleanappointmentwithyourchild’steacher.NutritionTHESCHOOLisalow-sugarfacilityandfoodfromfastfoodrestaurantsisnotallowed.Thispolicyistobefollowedinbreakfasts,snacks,lunchesbroughttoschoolandincommunitycelebrations(suchasbirthdays)andspecialoccasions.Intheeventthatfoodbroughttoschoolisnotlowinsugar,itwillbereturnedhomewithyourchild.Theschoolserveswaterandmilk.Drinksfromhomemustbelowsugar,waterormilk.Juicedrinksand“sippycups”arenotallowed.Breakfastisavailablefrom6:30–8:00a.m.forfull-daychildren.Snackisofferedmid-morningforToddlerandECchildrenandmid-afternoon(schedulesvaryperclass)forfull-daychildren.Foodprepisalsoapartoftheclassroom,andthisisinadditiontosnackslistedonourmenu.Breakfast,snackandlunchmenusarepostedonthewebsite.

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CateredLunchesareavailablethrough“TheSimplyFreshKitchen”.Enrollmentandpaymentarehandledthroughtheproviderat:www.thesimplyfreshkitchen.com.Childrenareencouragedtoeatbutwillnotbeforcedtodoso.Anyrecurringeatingproblemswillbediscussedwiththechild'sparent.FamilySupportive(Breastfeeding)Ourschoolstrivestosupportahealthyfamilylife.Inthateffort,ifyouarenursinganinfantandneedaquietplacetodoso,pleaseletourfrontofficestaffknowandwewillhappilyaccommodateyouandyourchild.

Communications Asan“EcoSchool”,ourprimaryformofcommunicationisviaemail;therefor,itisessentialtohaveaccurateemailcontactinformation.ChangeinContactInformationItisvitalthatwehavecurrentcontactinformationintheeventofanemergency.Ifyouhaveachangeofaddress,e-mail,orphonenumber,updateimmediatelythroughtheMRXparentportal.Anemailwillbesenttoboththeadmissionscoordinatorandyourchild’steacherwiththeupdatedinformation.Contactinformationmayalsobeupdatedviaemailtoyaneth@mhfcschool.comCommunicationfromSchoolTheSchoolsendsquarterlynewslettersandFriday“NewsBlasts”viaemail.UsefulInformationisalsoavailablethrough:

Facebookpage:“Friend”ourFacebookpage&stayup-do-datewithcurrentevents&beneficialtips!MontessoriHouseforChildren:https://www.facebook.com/MontessoriHouseforChildrenMontessoriHouseElementary:https://www.facebook.com/Montessorielementary/

FamilyFolder(locatedinthelobby):Thisfolderisusedforafterschoolextra-curricular/miscellaneouscommunication;pleasecheckonaregularbasis.

ParentPortalsTheSchooluserecord2managementsystems;OnCareisforfamilyrecordsandMRXisforclassroomspecificrecords.Parentswillhaveaccesstoboth:

• OnCare-parentshavereal-timeaccesstofinancialaccountbalance/payonline,printreports(taxstatements,companyreimbursement,etc.)

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• MRXclassroominformation,includingimportantdates,pictures,videos,resources,andclass/schooldirectories.TeachersalsouseMRXeachchild’sMontessorirecordkeepingandgenerateprogressreportsfromthissystem.

ContactingYourChild’sTeacherWevalueopenandconsistentcommunicationregardingyourchild.Duringparentorientation,teacherswillprovideyouwiththeircontactinformation.Ingeneral,weusetwoprimaryforms:

• Contactviaemailattheaddressprovidedbytheteacherduringparentorientation.• Callthefrontofficeandleaveamessageforyourschild’steacher;atimelyresponsewillbe

given.Pleaseavoid:

• Droppingbytheclassroomtospeaktotheteacherduringtheschoolday.• Sendingoralmessagestotheteacherviatheclassroomassistant,frontofficeordrive-through

staff.SchoolClosings&OtherEmergenciesParentswillbenotifiedviaemailofSchoolclosings–informationwillalsobepostedonthewebsiteandupdatedthroughFacebook.Intheeventofaschoolwideemergency,parentswillbesentamessageviaemail.Itisimportantthatparentskeeptheschoolup-to-dateonemergencycontactinformation,includinge-mail.BusinessHours6:30–6:00 SchoolHours9:00–12:00 BusinessOffice8:00–5:00 HOS(byappointment)ProperlinesofCommunicationFormattersrelatedto…. Contact:

Schoolmissionandgoals,faculty,curriculum,academiccounseling,schoolpoliciesand

procedures,safetyandsecurity

HeadofSchoolBarbaraNelson

[email protected] BusinessManager

[email protected]

Admissions,studentrecordsandtransferofrecords

AdmissionsCoordinatorYanethPoo

[email protected]’sprogress,classroomactivitiesand

classroomproceduresClassroomLeadTeacher

Teacher’[email protected]–ParentPortal

ParentAssociationofVolunteers,SchoolObservations,publicrelations,etc.

AdminNormaOrtega

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[email protected],SchoolDevelopment,

School/CommunityEvents,web&socialmediaDevelopment&AdvancementCoordinator

TheresaO’[email protected]

AfterschoolEnrichment/Program

Before/AfterschoolCoordinatorNeeloSurty

[email protected],afterschoolenrichment,parent

resources,forms,newsletter,schoolcalendar,etc.

MHFCWebsitewww.montessorihouseforchildren.com

Illness WhentokeepachildhomeWearenotlicensedtoprovideget-wellcareortoisolatechildrenwhocannotparticipateinschoolactivities.

• Ifyourchild’sillnesspreventsthechildfromparticipatingcomfortablyinthenormalactivitiesoftheday(includingoutdoorplay),yourchildshouldnotbebroughttoschool.

• Ifyourchildisrequiredtohavemorethanonebreathingtreatment/medicinetreatmentperday.

Ifyourchildhasoneofthefollowing,unlessmedicalevaluationbyahealth-careprofessionalindicatesthatyoucanincludethechildinthechild-carecenter'sactivities:

• Tympanic(ear)temperatureequaltoorgreaterthan101degreesand/orbehaviorchangesorothersignsorsymptomsofillness;

• Symptomsandsignsofpossiblesevereillnesssuchaslethargy,abnormalbreathing,uncontrolleddiarrhea,twoormorevomitingepisodesin24hours,rashwithfever,mouthsoreswithdrooling,behaviorchanges,orothersignsthatthechildmaybeseverelyill.

• Ifyourchildhashadtohavefeverreducingmedicineorhashadfeverwithinthepast24hours.• PinkEyePolicy-Ifyourchildhasoneorbotheyesthatareitchy,redorcrusty,DONOTBRING

THEMTOSCHOOL.Ifachilddevelopsanysignsofeyeinfections,theparentwillbecalledtopickupthechild.Childrengoinghomeduetopossibleeyeinfectionsshallremainhomeforatleast24hoursbeforereturningtoschoolandhaveatleast3dosesofmedicine,oranotefromtheirpediatriciansayingwhentheymayreturntoschool.

Whenreturningtoschoolafteranillness,pleaselettheschoolfrontofficeknowofthenatureoftheillnessandthatyourchildhasbeenclearedtoreturntonormalactivitiesatschool.Shouldyourchildbecomeillduringthecourseoftheday,youwillbenotifiedimmediately.Youmustarrangetohavehim/herpickedupassoonaspossible–weareNOTlicensedtoprovidecareforsickchildren.Yourchildwillawaityourarrivalinasafeareaawayfromotherchildren.IfitisdifficultforyoutogettotheSchoolwithinareasonabletime(30–45minutes),pleasedesignateanotherpersontopickupyourchild.

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Childrensenthomeduetofeverorvomiting/diarrheamustbesymptomfreeandwithoutneedforfeverreducingmedicinefor24hrs.beforecomingbacktoschool.Wewillprovideyouan“IllnessReport”lettingyouknowwhatsymptomsyourchildexperiencedatschool.Thisnotewillexplainthe24hr.ruleforreturningtoschool.Ifyourchildhasbeendiagnosedwithacommunicableillness,pleasenotifytheschoolsothattheotherparentscanbealertedtowatchforsymptoms.MedicationsTheschooladministersprescriptionmedicationsonly.Overthecountermedicationswillonlybeadministeredwithwrittenpermissionfromyourchild’sphysician.Medicationsaretocomeintotheschoolintheiroriginalcontainerwithprescriptiondate,doctor’snameandchild’sname.ThesearecheckedinatthefrontdeskandaMedicalAuthorizationFormfilledout(alsolocatedonourweb-site).Anyexceptionsneedtobeaccompaniedbyawrittendoctor’snoteindicatingdosageforthechild.Prescriptionsandbreathingtreatmentsaregivenoncedailyandusuallygivenafterlunch.Medications,suchasdiaperrashcrèmeetc.,willbehandledonacasebasis.GuidelinesforHeadLiceTreatment:Parents/guardiansshouldconsulttheirphysician,pharmacistorTexasLiceSquadforadviceontheproperuseofanapprovedmedicatedshampoofortheheadlice.Excludefromattendance:YesRe-admissionCriteria:Student’sscalpisfreeofliceandnits.Sunscreen&InsectRepellantsIfyouwouldlikeyourchildtowearsunscreenorinsectrepellantatschool,applyittoyourchildpriortosendingthemtoschoolthatmorning.Thoseparentswhowishforsunscreenorinsectrepellanttobereappliedontheirchildintheafternoonaretoprovidetheschoolwithsunscreenandinsectrepellant.Theseitemsmustbelabeledwiththechild’sfirstandlastnameandforsafetyreasonsandwillonlybeusedonthechildwhosenameisonthebottle.Thesecondapplicationwillbeappliedintheafternoon,followinglunch/restperiod.

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SchoolCommunities DevelopmentalDistinctionsToddlerandEarlyChildhoodChildrenagebirththroughagesixareconsideredtobeintheir“firstplaneofdevelopment”.Duringthisperiod,childrenundergosubstantialphysicalandpsychologicaldevelopment.Theyimmenselyenjoywork(purposefulactivity)usingtheconcretedandsensorialmaterialsfoundintheareasoftheclassroom.Atthisstageofdevelopment,childrenpossessanaturalabilityto“absorb”allthatislearnedthroughtheirexperienceswithintheclassroomand‘constructthemselves’asindividuals.ElementaryChildrenagesixthroughtwelveareconsideredtobeintheir“secondplaneofdevelopment”.Duringthisperiod,Dr.MontessorisawchildrenchangeprofoundlyfromtheEarlyChildhoodtotheElementaryyears,inhowtheyapproacheachotherandhowtheyencountertheirenvironment.This"newchild"requiresaneweducationalapproach:MontessoriElementaryprogramsbuildonpriorMontessoriyear’sfoundationtoproducesuccessful,confident,andjoyfulstudents.ElementaryCommunity(LowerandUpper)TheMontessorielementarycurriculumwasdesignedbyDr.MariaMontessoritogivethechildbetweentheagesofsixandtwelvetheopportunitytogainanunderstandingofhowtheuniversecameintobeingandtheplaceofthehumanbeinginthatgreatdrama.Theguidebeginsthisthroughthepresentationoffive“greatstories”.Thesestoriesincludetheoriginoftheuniverse,thecomingoflifeonEarth,thecomingofhumanbeings,thestoryoforalandwrittencommunication,andthestoryofnumbers.Thesestoriesareaspringboardfromwhichthechildbeginstoexploreandappreciatehowinterestingandexcitinglearningcanbe.TheMontessoricurriculumdoesnotpresentisolatedsubjects.Rather,thechildispresentedwiththewhole,fromwhichthepartsemergeinanaturalfashion.Thestoriesarethenreferredtoagainandagainasthechildgainsmoreandmoreknowledge.AwarenessoftheinterrelatednessbetweenalllivingthingsiswhatDr.MariaMontessoricalled“CosmicEducation”.Childrenseethemselvesaspartofawhole.Theybecomeawareoftheirrelationshipswithotherpeopleandthings,whichbringsthemtoanunderstandingoftheresponsibilitytheyhavetoothers.ElementaryEnvironmentMathematicsMathcurriculumisdesignedtohelpstudentsdevelop:(1)aconceptualunderstandingofbasicnumberfactsandfunctions,thevalueofmoney,themeaningoftime,and(2)computationalandproblemsolvingskills.

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LanguageLanguagecurriculumisdesignedtohelpstudentsdevelop:(1)themusclecontrolrequiredtoproducewrittenlanguage,(2)thelisteningandreadingskillsrequiredtounderstandthetone,aswellasthesubstance,ofverbalandwrittencommunications,(3)thecriticalthinkingrequiredtoanalyzethoughtsandideasand,(4)thebasicskillsrequiredtocommunicateeffectively,bothorallyandinwriting.Readingskillsacquiredattheprimarylevelarecontinuallyenhancedthroughdirectapplicationsintheclassroomsuchasliterature,poetry,andbookdiscussiongroups.Beingamulti-culturalschool,manylanguagesareheardandspokenhere.Spanishisthe‘secondlanguage’oftheclassroom,withexposuretoalllanguagesofchildrenandteachersincluded.LatinisalsointroducedinLowerElementary.GeometryGeometryhasbeendefinedasanawarenessoftherelationshipbetweenmanandtheobjectsinhisenvironment.Montessorisawthestudyofgeometryaspractical,basedonthephysicalrealityofourworld.Explorationoftheseshapes,andtheirnamesandstructure,providethegroundworkforlaterstudiesrangingoutsidetheconfinesoftheclassroom.CultureCulturalStudiesaredesignedtohelpstudentsappreciatetheimpactofgeographyandtechnologyuponthehistoryofthehumanrace.Montessorimaterialsfamiliarizestudentswithvariousland-forms,bodiesofwater,continents,countries,andcapitalcities.Ahistoricalperspectiveisreinforcedthroughthedevelopmentanduseoftimelinesinconjunctionwithresearchprojectsonsubjectssuchas“TheCreationStory”,“TimelineofLife”,“TimelineofEarlyHumans”and“TheCivilizations”.ScienceTheSciencecurriculumisdesignedto(1)familiarizestudentswithsomeofthefundamentalprinciplesofscientificinvestigation,(2)tostrengthentheirpowersofobservationandcriticalthinking,and(3)toexploresomeofthebasicconceptswithinthefieldsofbiology,chemistry,physicalscience,astronomyandearthscience.FineArtsTheFineArtscurriculum(art,theaterandmusic)isdesignedtofamiliarizestudentswithsomeofthegreatmastersandtoencouragethestudentstorecognizetheFineArtsasacreativemeansforexpressingone’sobservations,feelings,imagination,andpersonalexperiences.Manyoftheclassprojectsthematicallyrelatetootheracademicareas.Elementarystudentsalsohaveweeklyartclasswithanartinstructor.PhysicalFitnessLargerunningandsportsactivitiesoccurintherecreationfielddaily.Elementarystudentsalsohaveweeklyorganizedphysicalfitnesswithaphysicalfitnessinstructor.

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‘GoingOut’Trips“Goingout”ontripsisencouragedfortheElementarystudents.Althoughsomeoutingsmayincludethewholegroup,smallergroupoutingsmaybeinitiatedundertheguidanceoftheteacher.Thepurposeof“goingout”istofosterindependencebymakingconnectionswiththeworldbeyondtheircommunitytosupportongoingclassroomwork.Parentchaperonesmaybenecessaryfortripsinvolvingtravel.

ParentChaperoneresponsibilities:• Parentsmustread,agreetoandsignformsforgoingoutand/ortransportingchildren.• Parentsmustcommittoescortingchildrenfromschooltothefieldtripandfromthefieldtrip

backtoschool.Nosidetripsarepermitted.Parentchaperonesmaynotleavethegroupatthefieldtripsitetoreturnhome.

• Parentsmustbeinchargeofandawareofthechildrentheyareresponsibleforatalltimesonthetrip.

• Parentsmustfollowtheplanandguidelinesestablishedbytheteacherspriortothetrip.• Parentsarediscouragedfrombringingyoungersiblingsonthefieldtrip.Theycannotgivetheir

attentionfullytothestudentstheyareresponsibleforiftheyhaveanotherchildintow.Whattobringtoschool:

• Backpack(suppliesareprovidedbytheschool)• Melamineplateanddrinkingcup• Waterbottle

TypicalSchedule6:30-8:00 Earlymorningcare(breakfastavailable)8:20-8:30 Drive-througharrivals8:30-12:00 Uninterruptedworkperiod(includesoutdoorwork/exploration)12:00-12:30 Lunch12:30-1:00 Lunchcleanup1:00-2:55 Uninterruptedworkperiodandspecials*2:55 ExtendedDayDrive-throughdismissal3:00 AfterschoolEnrichmentProgramsBegin(Independentproviders&separateenrollment)3:00-6:00 After-schoolcare(Includessnack&outdoorexploration)*SpecialsincludeArt,physicalfitnessandSpanish

EarlyChildhood(EC)OurEarlyChildhoodcommunityisathreetofouryearprogramcomprisedofchildrenage~3through6yearsofage.Themixedagegroupingisintentionallydesignedtogivechildrentheuniqueopportunitytosucceedinaminiaturecommunity,wheremutualrespect,caring,sharingandself-reliancecanflourish.Olderchildrenarementorsandrolemodelsfortheyoungerchildren.Throughteachingandmentoringtheyoungerchildren,theirknowledgeisreinforced.

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Completingthecycle(throughagesix)ismostimportantinboththedevelopmentofthechildandfortheclassroomdynamics.ThefinalyearwithintheEarlyChildhoodClassroom(age5asofSept.1)isamonumentalyearandanextremelyrewardingandjoyousexperienceforthechild.Itnotonlyservesastheyearofculminationforallpreviouslessons,itallowsthechildtotransferhisknowledgefromtheabsorbentmind(concrete)totherationalmind(abstract).Italsoprovidesanopportunityforthechildtoembracehisnewpositionofleadershipandmentorship.Knowinghowimportanthisorherroleisintheircommunitybuildsself-esteemandconfidence,whichareprimaryingredientsforfuturesuccess.ECEnvironmentEarlyChildhoodguides(teachers)preparetheclassroomstosupportachild’snaturalcuriosity;encouragecreativityandaidincooperativelearning.Childrenlearnindividuallyandinsmallgroups.Thechildisfreetochooseworkthathasbeenintroducedtohim/herfromthedifferentareasoftheclassroom.Eachclassroomconsistsofthefollowingareas:OutdoorEnvironmentOurworkcontinuesintotheoutdoorclassroom,wherechildrenworkwithourOutdoorNatureGuide.Childrenhavetheopportunitytocultivateourorganicschoolgarden,andlearnaboutbeneficialbugsandcareofwildlife.PracticalLifeExercisessuchaswashingdishes,polishingobjects,settingthetable,wateringplantsandsewingaredesignedtodevelopself-relianceandrespectfortheenvironment.Theseexercisesbuildandrefinethechild’ssenseoforder,concentration,coordinationandindependence,whichpreparesthechildforallotherareasoftheclassroom.Itisthefoundationfromwhichallotherareasconstruct.SensorialActivitiesinthisareacultivatethesensesandhelpthechildbecomeakeenobserver.Thesensorialmaterialsdevelopvisual,tactile,auditoryandolfactorydiscriminationofdifferences.Anotherimportantaspectofthismaterialisthepreparationformoreadvancedskillsinconceptsoflanguage,geometryandscience.LanguageTheMontessorilanguagecurriculumincludesalltheelementsoflanguage:auditory,oral,mechanical,interpretiveandgrammar.Thereisgreatvarietyofmaterialsinthisarea.Themostclassicofwhichincludethesandpaperlettersandmoveablealphabet.Languagedevelopmentisembeddedintheentireclassroom(ratherthananisolatedsubject)withplentyofopportunityforlanguageinallareasofstudy.MathMathmaterialsareestheticallyappealing,preciseandsimple.Thisisoneofthemostdesiredareasoftheclassroom.Concreterepresentationofabstractideasandsymbolshelpthechildunderstandconceptsandpreparehimforfutureextensionsofthework.

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PhysicalandLifeScienceChildrenlearnabouttheworldthroughobservation,experimentationandcareofourenvironment.Youngchildrenlovenatureandaretrulyintriguedbyitsmysteries.Weofferanabundanceofhands-onopportunitiesforchildrentounderstandandappreciatescience.Activitiesrangefromthestudyofanimals,botany,rocks&mineralstosimplescienceexperimentsandtheoutdoors–gardeningandwildlife.CultureCulture:ThestudyofCultureandGeographystartwiththesensorialexplorationofdirectionality,bodyawareness,weatherandthecalendar.Fromtherewebegintostudyourworld,startingwiththesandpaperglobe,identifyinglandandwater,thenbeginningtonamecontinents,oceansandseas.Thepuzzlemapsaccentuatemappingskillsandexplorationofdifferentcountriesandtheircultures.OurCulturalstudiesencompassthetraditions,holidays,musicandfoodfromallovertheworld.OurdiversecommunityofstudentsisalwaysapositiveandinterestingadvantagetoourCulturalstudies.Art,MusicandMovementThechildrenaregivenanopportunitytodeveloptheirgrossandfinemotorskillsthroughcreativemovementandart.Musicisintegraltoourday,incorporatedintomuchofourculturalworkandoftenasasoothingbackgroundtoourworkperiod.Artencouragesthenaturaldesiretocreate.Ourartprogramalsoemphasizestheprocessratherthantheproduct,givingchildrenmorefreedomtobecreative.MusicandArthaveaknownscientificconnectiontocognitivedevelopment,emotionalhealthandacademicachievement.ClothingPleaselabelallclothing.Wearenotresponsibleforunlabeledclothing.Theschoolhasextraclothingshouldyourchildneedacleanchangeofclothes.Itisnotnecessarytosendextraclothes;however,wearehappytoacceptclothesthatyouarenolongerinneedoftoaddtoourschool’ssupply.Whattobringtoschool

• Itemsofinterestfor“show&tell”everyFriday• WaterBottle(labeled)• Framedfamilypicturetodisplayintheclassroom

YourChild’sWorkAmajorityoftheworkcompletedintheclassroomcannotbesenthomebecauseitisapartofourclassroommaterialsonourshelves.Thisisespeciallytrueforyoungerchildrenwhoarenotabletowriteand/orread.Wewillconductobservationopportunitiesthroughtheschoolyearsothatyouwillhavethechancetoseeyourchild’swork.Olderchildrenwhoareworkingonextensionstotheclassroommaterialswilltakehomeworkthathasbeencompleted.‘FridayFolders’areusedtosendworkhome.PleasehelpyourchildrenbecomeresponsibleforreturningtheirfoldertoschoolthefollowingMonday.

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“AfternoonWorker”Theafternoonworkperiod(12:30–2:30)isopentostudentswhoexhibitareadinessforalongerworkday.Prerequisitesforentranceintoextended-dayclassare:

• Strongconcentrationandfocus• Longattentionspan• Controlledbehavior• Followsinstructionswell• Senseofmaturity

Theseattributesusuallydevelopinachildaroundtheageof4½to5yrs.Whentheteacherseesthesedevelopmentsinachild,shewillextendaninvitationtothechildtoattendtheafternoonworkperiod.Childrenwhoare“in-between”willbegiventheopportunitytoengageinaquietactivityafterabriefrestingperiod.ReadingFolderChildrenshowinganinterestinreadingbookswillbesenthomewithabook.Pleaseencourageyourchildtosharethebookwithyoubutbecarefultonotdiscourageyourchildbyforcingthemtoreadit.Readingfolderswillbesenthomeonceperweekuponreturnofthepreviousbook.Show&TellShowandTelliseveryFriday.Yourchildisalwaysencouragedtobringanitemofinterestthatwillenhanceourlearning.Toysarenotpermitted.ParentVolunteersYourinvolvementwillalwaysservetoenhanceyourchild’slearningenjoyment.DuringParentOrientation,parentswillhavetheopportunitytosign-upforvariousvolunteeropportunities.Also,wewelcomespecialtalentsandculturaleventsthatyouwouldliketosharewithus.TypicalSchedule6:30-8:00 Earlymorningcare(breakfastavailable)8:20-8:30 Drive-througharrivals8:30-12:00 Uninterruptedworkperiod(includessnackandoutdoorwork/exploration)12:0012:30 Lunch12:302:30 Restperiodforthosewhonap12:301:00 Lunchcleanup1:002:30 Uninterruptedworkperiod2:30 ExtendedDayDrive-throughdismissal2:30/3:30 AfterschoolEnrichmentPrograms(Independentproviders&separateenrollment)2:456:00 After-schoolcare(Includessnack&outdoorexploration)

ToddlerCommunityThetoddlercommunityprovidesthechildwithanatmosphereoffreedomandrespect;wherehisblossomingindependenceisencouraged.Childrenaregiventhefreedomtomakechoicesandtoexploreinterests.Whilelearningtocareforone’sself,thecommunityandtheenvironmentthechildwilldevelopandpracticeskillsthatserveasthefoundationandpreparationforlife.

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TheGuide’sroleinthecommunityistofollowandobservethechild;discoveringhisneedsandinterestsastheyarerevealed.TheGuidealsooffersassistanceinawaythathelpsthechildtohelphimself.Itisourhopethateverychildwillleavethetoddlercommunitywithafoundationofconfidence,strengthandindependenceuponwhichhewillconstructhisfutureself.TransitionintotheToddlerCommunityWesuggestthefollowingscheduleforintroducingourcommunitytobothparentsandchild:

1. “HomeVisit”-ThepurposeoftheHomeVisitistoestablishthechild/guiderelationship,sharingofinformationaboutthetoddlerenvironmentandatimetolearnmoreaboutyourchild’shistoryandbehaviorpatterns.

2. “SchoolVisit”–Weasktheparentandchildtovisittheclassroomforaboutahalfhourasthechildbecomesfamiliarthenewenvironment.

3. GradualTransition-Overaperiodof(about)threetofivedays,thetransitionoccurswiththechildstayingfromjustashorttimeinthemorningtothefullschedulebytheendoftheweek.

ToeasethetransitionitissuggestedthatthechildhaveexperiencedsomeseparatingfromparentswitheitherfamilyorfriendsbeforeenteringtheTC.ToiletingChildrenactivelyparticipateinthetoiletingprocess.Thechildisencouragedtoremovehisownclothinganddiaperandisofferedtheuseofthetoiletateverydiaperchange.Thisisthebeginningstageofself-toileting.Toiletlearningoccursateachchild’sindividualpace.Aconferencebetweentheparentsandtheguidewillbescheduledtodiscusstheswitchtounderwearoncethechildexhibitsthesesignsofreadiness:

• Continuedsuccesswhilesittingonthetoilet• Diaperstaysdryforlongerperiodsoftime.

Onceyourchildiswearingcloth-trainingpants(underwear),weaskthatparentsdothesameathome.Puttingachildbackintoadiapersendsmixedmessagesandimpedestheprogressthatthechildwishestomake.PrivacyandbodyawarenessOurpracticesareanextensionoftheseMontessorianddevelopmentalviews:

• Bodiesarebeautifulandnatural.Childrenaregivenproperlanguagefortheirbodypartsandhaveanactiveroleinprocessofundressing,dressingandtoileting.

• Learningtodress/undressandusethetoiletincludesbeingwithoutclothes.• Itisrespectfultoatoddlertohelpthembecleanaftertoiletingandplayinginthesandand/or

mud.Summer-timeoutdoorplaymaybefollowedbyanoutdoorshower,asneededbeforereturningtotheclassroomfordressing.

• Thetoddlerclassroomsaretheirownworld(home)whenatschool,adultswhomustentershoulddosowithrespectandunderstandingthattheyareinanother’splace–achild’sspace.

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ClothingPleaselabelallclothing.Wearenotresponsibleforunlabeledclothing.Uponarrivalchildrenchangefromtheirhomeclothestotheirschoolclothes,whichconsistofat-shirtandcottonunderpants(ordiaper).Beforegoinghomeforthedaytheychangebackintotheirhomeclothes.Whenchoosingclothingforyourchild,pleaseconsiderthefollowing,asitshould:

• Allowforfreedomofmovementandbecomfortable.• Beeasytoputonandremove:easyzipperstomanipulate,sleeveswithouttightelastic,only

onelayerofclothing,pantseasytounbutton,largeneckopenings.• Shoesshouldhaverubbersolesandeasyfasteners(Velcro)orslipon.Yourchild’sfootshouldfit

intotheshoewithminimaleffort.• Pleasedonotsend“onesies”(shirtandunderwearinasingleunit)• Threechangesofclothesshouldbekeptatschoolatalltimes

WhattoBringtoSchoolForyourchild’sfirstdayofschool,pleaseprovidethefollowingsupplies:

• 3cottont-shirts(onesizelargerthanthechildnormallywears)clearlylabeledandinagallonsizedziplockbag

• 1dozen(Full-Day)or½dozen(Extended-Day)Gerbercloth-trainingpantssized2T,persemester,orasneeded.(Thesearekeptandlaunderedatschool)

• 1packageofdisposablediapersasneeded• 3-4picturesofyourchildandhisfamily(petsandgrandparentstoo)

WhatnottobringtoSchool

• Sippycup• Pacifier• Blanketsand/orpillow(bedlinensareprovidedbytheschool)• Pull-ups(clothtrainingunderwearareusedduringthetoiletlearningprocess)• Stuffedanimalsortoys

ToddlerEnvironmentEntranceAreaTheareajustinsidetheclassroomdooristhesymbolicpointofseparationfortheparentandthechild.Thechildexchangeskisseswithmomordadandisassuredthathewillbepickeduplater.Thechildisgreetedbyhisteacherandproceedstothecubbyareaforchangingintoschooldayclothes.BathroomThisareaisdifferentinthatthereisnotachangingareabutinsteadabathroomwithoneortwotoilets.Communalunderpantsarestoredhere.Achildsizedsinkisjustoutsidetheroomwithasupplyofsoapandsingleusewashclothsfordryinghands.WorkAreaThisareaisdividedintoseveralsections.Itisthelargestintheenvironmentandincludesthelanguagearea,practicallifematerials,manipulativeandexpressivematerials.DiningArea

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Socialexplorationtakesplacehereandchildreneatfamilystyleatacommunaldiningtable.Teacherseatwiththechildrenmodelinggraceandcourtesy.Childrenserveothersaswellasthemselves.SleepingAreaSleepingmatsarestoredandbroughtoutatnaptime.Linens&blanketsareprovidedbytheschoolandarelaunderedweeklyorasneeded.OutdoorAreaThetoddlerenvironmentopensdirectlyontoaprivateandsecurebutterflygardenwithherbs,birdfeedersandplayequipment.Theearlyimpressionsofnaturalbeauty,observationsoflivingthings,thejoyofbeingoutdoorsandbeingabletoeasilyviewitfromwithintheclassroom–allgiveacontactwithnaturethatnoimageinabookordescriptioncaneverduplicate.Intime,asthetoddlerstartstoseebeyondselfandhis/herownneeds,theywillwanttoparticipateinthecareofwhattheyhavecometolove.Fromappreciationcomesthedesiretoworkwithindoorplants,gardeningandfeedingwildlife.TypicalSchedule6:30–8:00 BreakfastandEarlymorningarrivals8:30–11:30 Uninterruptedworkperiod(includessnack&outdoorexploration) 11:30 Lunch12-2:30 Restperiod2:30 Extended-daydismissal2:45–3:00 Full-daychildrenarise,toileting3:00–6:00 Afternoonworkperiod(includessnack&outdoorexploration) Foodpreparation&snack Outdoorexploration~30minutes Afternoongrouptime(songs&stories) Changeintohomeclothes

ClassroomLife HomeworkGenerallyspeaking,homeworkreferstoacademicwork.However,weMontessorieducatorsliketobroadentheterm:allworkthatisdoneathomeishomework. WehopethatallchildrenleavingSCHOOLforthedayaregiventimetobothrelaxandberesponsiblefortheactivitiessurroundinghomelife.Thepracticeof“reading”greatlyinfluencesastudents’academicsuccess.Forouryoungestchildren,parentsmodelaloveforreadingbyreadingstorieswiththeirchildrenandincorporatingspecific“readingtime”forthefamily.Childrencanalsobeencouragedto“readbypicture”,practicingstorytellingandimagination.Thosechildrenwhohaveskillsnecessaryforearlyreading(emergent

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readers)willbesenthomebooksthatareattheirlevel–helpingtomakethisspecialtimesuccessfulforthechild.HomeworkexpectationsfortheElementaryCommunitymayincludethefollowing:

• Homeandfamilyresponsibilities• Practicedailyreading• Memorizationofweeklyspellingwords(accordingtothe“newrule”)andmathfacts.• ClassroomworkwillbeassignedeveryMondayanddueeachFriday.Throughouteachday,the

studentsareresponsiblefortimemanagementandmeetingtheirresponsibilities.• Projectsofthechild’sownchoosing,eitherrelatedtotopicsbeingexploredinclassoroftheir

owninterest.

Pleasenote:Unfinishedclassroomassignmentswillcarry-overtothenextday.Schoolworkisnottobeworkedonduringparentpick-uptimeorwhileparentsarewaiting.MissingMaterialsAnysmallobjectyoumayfindinyourchild’slunchbox,pockets,orfolders,regardlessofhowinsignificantitmayseem(orwhohesaysgaveittohim),shouldbereturnedasitissignificanttotheclassroom.Itisquitenormalforchildrentopocketthings,especiallytinyorunusualitems,sowehopeyouwillstressonlytheneedtoreturnitandnotmentionthechild’sactofremovingit.Ifyourchildgoesthroughaperiodofpocketing,pleasehelpusduringthattimebycheckingcarefullyeachday.Lethim/herhelpyoucheckandsealtheobjectsinanenvelopeandwrite“fortheschool”onit.Thismayalsobeasignofloveforhisschool,oraneedforsecurity(nottheftatayoungage).StudentAssessmentWeprovide a qualitative evaluation of a child’s performance that takes into consideration thewholechild,includingstrengths,limitations,andsocial,physical,andcreativeachievements.Traditionalgradesprovideaquantitativeevaluationofachild’swork.Gradingcreatesanenvironmentofwinners and losers, undermining the spirit of cooperation and community. Research indicates thatgrading actually reduces creativity, as students aim for work that will be safe and acceptable to theadult.Andthereinliesathirdpowerfulreasonnottousetraditionalgrades:thechildrenbegintoworktopleasetheadultratherthanthemselves,toworkfortheextrinsicratherthantheintrinsicreward.Forthesereasons,Montessoridoesnot“grade”children’swork.Parent/TeacherConferencesParent/teacherconferenceswillbeheldtwiceyearly,duringtheFallandSpringsessions.Dailyquestions,concernsorupdateswillbeaddressedinatimelymanner,outsideofthechildren’sworkperiod.Ifyouwouldliketotalk,calltheschoolandleaveamessageforyourchild’steacherwiththefrontoffice.Ifyouhaveanimmediatequestionorconcern,thefrontofficewillbeabletohelp.

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ProduceBasketToddlerandECparentsareaskedtoparticipateintheproduce/flowerbasketrotationforchildrentouseformorningfoodprepactivities,snackandflowerarranging.Familyinvolvementwillhelptoenrichourchildren’sappreciationforgoodnutrition.Participationisvoluntaryandrotational.Elementarystudentsplanforandpreparemealsonaregularbasis.Volunteerparentsmayhelpinpurchasingsuppliesneededand/orinpreparingthemeals.ConferencesReportsTheteacherswhohaveworkedwithyourchildwillproduceevaluationsduringtheyearofyourchild’sperformanceintheclassroom.Youwillreceivetwowrittenconferencereportseachyear.Thesereportswillbereviewedwithyouinpersonatconferenceswithyourchild’steacheronceeachsemester.Anytime throughout the year, if you have a question about your child’s progress, please contact theteacherforadiscussion.LunchOptionsParentshavetwolunchoptions:THESCHOOLoffersanoptionallunchprogramfromTheSimplyFreshKitchen-mealoptionsincludevegetarian,dairyandglutenfree,insmallandlargesizes.Mealsaremadefreshwithorganicandlocalfoods(whenavailable).Parentsmustorderinadvance,on-line:

1) Logontowww.thesimplyfreshkitchen.com.2) Click“Accounts”inthetopnavigationbar.Thiswilltakeyoutothemainstorepage.3) Clicktheitemlabeled“MontessoriHouseofChildrenLunchPayment”.4) FillintheStudent’sNameandClass5) SelectRegularorLargeportionsize6) Selectthedatesyouwouldliketoorderlunchfor,inthesectionmarked“OrderDates.”7) Ifapplicable,selectadietaryrestrictionfromtheDropdownmenumarked“Dietary

Restrictions.”If“Other”,pleasespecifyintheboxmarked“Comments”atCheckout.8) Clickthebuttonmarked“AddtoCart”andproceedtocheckout.

Ifhomeprovidedlunchesarepreferred,pleasemakesureitmeetsnutritionalguidelinessetforthbytheschoolandstateandincludesthefollowing:

• ClothNapkinorpapernapkinwithcutlery• Healthyandbalancedmealprovidingaprotein,grainfruitandvegetable• Lunchesthatareperishableneedtohaveice-packs.Thermalcontainersmustbeusedfor

warmfood;classroomsarenotequippedwithmicrowaveovens.Donotpackgum,candy,chips,cake,cookies,sodaorfruitjuice.Allfoodallergiesmustbelistedintheschoolenrollmentforms.

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LaundryLaundryofallbedlinensandtoddlertrainingpantsisdoneon-site,weeklyormoreoftenasneeded.Thechildrenfoldalllaundry;thisgivesthemasenseofbelongingandresponsibilitytotheclassroomcommunity.RestPeriodMHFCprovidessleepingmats,linensandablanket.Thesearelaunderedandsanitizedonaweeklybasisormoreoftenasneeded.Everychildhasdifferentsleepneeds.Childrenarerequiredtohavearestperiodbutarenotforcedtosleep.

CelebrationofLife(Birthday)BirthdayPartyInvites–Invitationsarenottogointotheclassroomandarenottobehandedoutbystaff.Invitationscangodirectlyintothefamilyfoldersorsentviae-mail.Classdirectoriesareavailablethroughtheparentportal.Balloons,classdecorations,goodiebags,paidentertainmentandhighsugarsnacksarenotallowedinSchool.ElementaryCommunitiescelebratethroughtheir“MeBox”withclassmates.A“MeBox”canbeabox,bag,carton,etc.–whateveryourchildchooses.Yourchildshouldputwhatevertheywanttoshareaboutthemselvesintheir“MeBox”,anddecoratetheir“MeBox”howevertheychoose(orchoosenotto).Onthedayoftheirbirthdaycelebration,yourchildwillsitattheheadoftheclasscircleandsharetheir“MeBox”withtheotherchildren,teachersandattendingfamily.Somethingschildrenhavebroughtintheir“MeBoxes”include:objectsthatareimportantormeaningfultothem,writtenlistsofthingstheylike,picturesofimportantpeopleintheirlives,orpicturesofplacestheyhavebeenorwouldliketogo.Weencourageyoutoletyourchildcreate,decorateandfilltheirown“MeBox”inwhateverwaytheychoose.Youarewelcome,ifyoulike,tobringasmall“treat”forallofthechildrentoshareafteryourchild’sbirthdaycelebration.Pleaserememberthatthisisalow-sugarfacility--cake,cupcakes,donutsandothersugarytreatsarenotallowed.Fruit,vegetables,oralow-sugardishrepresentingyourfamily’scultureareacceptableoptions.Ifyouarenotsureaboutacertainfooditem,pleasedonothesitatetocontactyourchild’steacher.EarlyChildhoodCommunitiescelebratebirthdaysthroughthe“CelebrationofLife”.Thebirthdaychildholdstheglobeandwalkingarounda“sun”asastoryofhis/herlifeisread.Thisisalovelyandnaturalwaytosymbolicallyexperiencethepassingofyears.Eachclasshasitsownvariationofthistheme.Pleasetalktoyourchild’steacheraheadoftime,ifyouwishtoparticipate.Pictures,simpleoutlinehighlightinganeventforeachyearandalowsugarsnack/fruittraymaybebroughttocelebratetheoccasion.ToddlerCommunitiesmaybringalowsugarsnacktosharewiththeirclassandwealsosuggestdonatingabookorotheritemtotheclassinhonoroftheirchild’sBirthday.

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Cultural&CommunityEventsCultural/Communityeventsinvolvingparentsareintegraltothelifeoftheschool.Manyofthesecelebrationsrevolvearoundtheactivitiesofindividualclasses,whileothersbringthelargercommunitytogether.Whethersmallandinformalororganizedforthewholeschool,celebrationsandritualshighlightandaffirmthevaluesandvisionofourschool.StudyofLivingThingsAtSCHOOLstudentsstudy,observeandcareforanassortmentofplants,insects,amphibians,reptiles,birds,fishandmammals.WaterPlayChildrenenjoymanyaspectsofwater,fromactualworkintheindoorclassroomandinour“outdoorclassroom”/(wateringgardens)toplayinginsprinklersandwatertables.Forthesafetyofyourchild,wewilllimitwateractivitiestoaforementionedusesandwillnothavewadingpoolsonschoolpremises.

Health&Safety AccidentsandEmergenciesShouldyourchildbeinjuredwhileattheschoolwewilladviseyouassoonaspossible.Ourfirstandimmediateconcernwillbetocareforyourchild.Dependingupontheseverityoftheinjury,youwillbecontactedandconsultedabouttheproceduresyouwantfollowed(doctororhospitaletc.).AllofourstaffmembershavebeentrainedandcertifiedinbothFirstAidandCPR.Allsignificantincidents,accidents,injuriesandillnesseswillbedocumentedona“Incident/IllnessReport”andtheparentswillreceiveacopytobesigned;onecopywillremainatschoolandthebottomcopywillgohomewiththeparent.

CommunicationduringanEmergencyTheschoolwillcommunicatewithparentsviae-mailthroughourSchoolmanagementsystem.Itisveryimportanttokeepcontactinformationupdated.Howparentscancommunicatewiththeschool:Dependingonthecircumstances,communicationsmaybelimited:Intheeventthatthephonelinesremainopen,theymaybetiedupiftherearemultiplecallsthatcomeinatthesametime.Ourfirstpriorityintheeventofanemergencyistoensurethatchildrenandschoolstaffaresafe.Oursecondpriorityistocontactparentsandtokeepyouinformed.TheschoolwouldcontacttheSheriff’sDepartmentintheeventofanemergencyandfollowstheirinstructions.CONTACTNUMBERS:

• SHERIFF’SOFFICE:281-342-6116

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• SCHOOLBUSINESSMANAGER:281-468-0160• HEADOFSCHOOL:713-875-3347

TravelAlertStatusAsyoutravelabroadpleasebeawareofhealthandsafetyprecautionsthatcouldpreventthespreadofinfectiousdisease.TheAmericaRedCrossadvisestravelerscomingbackintotheStatefromSARSaffectedareastostayhomefromworkorschoolforatleast10daysinordertomonitoranysymptomsthatmayormaynotappear.Thisproceduremayalsohelppreventthespreadofothercontagiousdiseasessuchastuberculosis,malaria,influenzaandseverediarrheadisease.TofindoutmoreaboutTravelAdvisoriesandhealthvisittheWorldHealOrganization’swebsiteatwww.who.intortheCenterforDiseaseControlatwww.cdc.com.gov.DailyInspectionAnadminpersonconductsgroundsinspectiononadailybasis.However,everyoneisresponsibleforreportinganythingthatlooksunsafeorposesapotentialsafetyhazard.Ifyouencounterahazard,notifyadminimmediately.AnnualInspectionBuildinginspectionsaredoneeachMaybylocalcounty,fireandsafetyinspectors.BuildingSecurityOurschoolhastwosecuritysystems.Thefirstisabadgethatallowsentryintothefoyerofthebuilding,thesecondisalockeddoorthatopenstotheclassrooms/commonareas.Atalltimesexceptdrivethroughtimes,youshoulduseyourbadge.Alwayshaveyourbadgewithyou.Thedoorbellisprimarilyforvisitors.Ifyoumisplaceyourbadge,theschoolwillissueanewoneforafeeof$10/badge.Allvisitorsandvolunteersmustbechecked-inthroughthefrontofficeandareaccompaniedfromtherebyastaffmember.Familymembers(otherthanparents)whowishtovisitmusthaveparentalpermissionandshouldbearrangedinadvance.Weaskallfamiliestopleasekeepinmindthatwhenachildseesafamilymemberatschool,theythinkit’stimetogohome.PolicyonChildAbuse/NeglectReportingStatelawandlicensingrequirementsstatethatchildcarepersonnelarerequiredtoreportimmediatelytothepoliceorChildProtectiveServices(CPS)iftheysuspectchildabuse,neglectorexploitation.Pleasevisitthecorkboardforinformationandwarningsignsthatachildmaybeavictimofabuseorneglect.AllEmployeesarerequiredtoundergoannualtrainingonlawsregardingchildcareprofessionalsandthedutytoreportsuspectedchildabuse&neglect.Thistrainingalsoincludeswarningsignsofabuse&neglectandhowtoreporttoChildProtectiveServices.(CPS)

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Ifyouaretheparentofachildwhoisavictimofabuseorneglect,pleasecalltheChildAbuseHotlineforassistanceandintervention.ChildAbuseHotline(800)252-5400orvisitwww.dfps.state.tx.usGang-FreeZoneTexasHouseBill2086requiresallschoolsandchildcarecenterstonotifyparents/guardiansthatgangrelatedcriminalactivityoranyoneengaginginorganizedcriminalactivitywithin1000feetofachildcarecenterisinviolationofthelawandissubjecttoincreasedpenaltyunderstatelaw.LocalLicensingOffice(713)940-30091110Ave.G(271-6)Rosenberg,TX.77471TheHOShasavailableacopyoftheminimumstandardsforyourreview.THESCHOOL’S’smostrecentLicensinginspectionreportispostedonthecorkboardinthemiddleroomandcanalsobefoundat:www.dfps.state.tx.us/SmokingSmokingisnotpermittedonschoolpropertyoratschoolrelatedfunctions.

SchoolEmergencyPreparednessPlan EmergencyPhoneNumbersIfanemergencyrequirescallingforanambulance,Police,and/orFireDepartment,thefollowingproceduresshouldbefollowed:

• Ambulance/Police/Fire:911• PoisonControlCenter:1-800-222-1222• TDFPS1-800-252-5400/LocalOffice281-341-4082• Forallarea-wideemergencies,listentotheradioforinstructionsfromemergencypersonnel.

PrimarySafeMeetingPlaceInsideschool’sfencedplaygroundalongLakemontBendLaneSecondarySafeMeetingPlaceIfthedangerrequiresanevacuationofoneofourSchoolGrounds,abuildingevacuationtothesecondarybuildingwillbedone.MontessoriHouseforChildren20625LakemontBendLane281-239-3400MontessoriHouseElementarySchool

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7233SouthMasonRd.281-239-3400Onwalktosafemeetingplace:OnceweareonroutetoourSafeMeetingPlace,nochildwillbereleaseduntilwehavereachedourdestination.Aparent’sresponsibility,shoulds/hearriveduringoursafemovementtooursite,istoassistinwhatevermaybeneeded.WewillreleasechildrenonlywhenwehavereceivedadvisementfromtheFortBendCountyEmergencyServices.TrainingandDrillsInaccordancewithStatelaw,firedrillsareconductedmonthly.Buildingevacuationdrillstooursecondarysafemeetingplaceisheldatleastannually.Allstudentsandstaffarerequiredtoparticipateinthesemandateddrills.TheOfficeStaffwillmaintainarecordofthesedrills.Staff/facultywillreceivetrainingontheSchoolEmergencyPlanimplementation,includingtheirrespectiveassignedemergencyresponsefunctionsanduseofsuppliesinthedisasterkits.StaffOrientationtotheEmergencyPlanAllemployeesareorientedtotheEmergencyPlanatleastannually.Orientationincludesareviewofemployees’rolesduringanemergencyandouremergencyprocedures.HomeandFamilyDisasterPreparednessAnimmediatepost-disasterconsiderationformostpeopleisthewellbeingoffamilymembersandlovedones.Sinceitmaynotbepossibleforsomeemployeestoreturnhomefollowingadisaster,allemployeesareencouragedtoinformtheirlovedonesoftheSchool’splananddevelopahomeandfamilydisasterplan.THESCHOOL’Sresponsetospecificsituations:(Inallsituations,staytunedtolocalauthority’semergencynotificationsandinstructions)

Fire-Evacuatetoprimary/secondarysafemeetingplace.ArmedIntruder/ThreateningIndividual-LockDown,ShelterinPlaceBombScare-EvacuateBiologicalAttack(Area-wide)–Lockdown&SealItUpLocalizedBiologicalAttack(Agentfoundinsideabuilding)–CalltheAdministration

ChemicalAttack(Area-Wide)–LockDown&ShelterinPlaceLocalizedChemicalAttack(Agentreleasedinsideabuilding)–EvacuatetheBuildingNuclearWeapon-LockDown&ShelterinPlaceConventionalWeapons(Non-nuclearexplosives)-FollowproceduresforNuclearWeaponsaboveandlockexteriordoors.RadiologicalRelease(“DirtyBomb,”Nuclearreactorbreach)-LockDown&SealItUp

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Earthquake-LockDown&ShelterinPlaceTornado-LockDown&ShelterinPlaceShelterinplace:Shouldweneedto‘shelterinplace’or‘lockdown,’noparentswillbeallowedinoroutofthebuildinguntilwereceiveadvisementfromtheFortBendEmergencyServices(listentotheradio).ParentNotification:Ifpossible,parentswillbenotifiedbye-mailandwewillleaveamessageontheansweringmachineintheschooloffice.Teacherswillusetheirclassroomliststomakecallsbycellularphoneshouldtherenotbeenoughtimetonotifyparentsbye-mailorchangethemessageontheansweringmachine.Ifcellularphonesareinoperable,thechildrenwillremainwiththeirteachersattheSafeMeetingPlaceuntilaparentorapprovedadultarrivestoretrievethem.Parentswillbenotified,inwriting,ofanypolicychange,orchangemadetotheParentHandbook.ThankyouforchoosingMontessoriHouseSchoolforyourchild’seducation,MontessoriHouseforChildrenMontessoriHouseElementarySchool

Documents

MHFC/MHES Parent Handbook 2016-17montessorihouseforchildren.com › ... › 07 › PHB-2016-17-.pdf · MHFC/MHES Parent Handbook 2016-17 Montessori House for Children (MHFC) 20625