Stone Soup

Parent Handbook

Dear Parents: Welcome to Montessori House Inc. Please take time to read this handbook thoroughly, and then keep it in a handy place for frequent reference. All parents are expected to be familiar with the school policies and to abide by them.

Sincerely, Sherie Richardson Administrator

Montessori

"The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six. For this is the time when man's intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed. At no other age has the child greater need of intelligent help" Maria Montessori, M.D,

Mission Statement

The mission of Montessori House Inc. is to provide a quality educational program as an alternative to public school education. It is our mission, through the Montessori method, to meet individual children's needs while simultaneously creating an atmosphere of cooperation, teamwork and group participation involving parents in unique student related programs and offering viable intellectual growth and a continued desire and enthusiasm to learn for all students.

Goals

Montessori House, Inc. has as its goal to serve the community by providing an authentic Montessori environment and education for all students. The four core curriculum areas, practical life, sensorial, math and language, are enhanced by cultural studies including music, art and geography. We believe in Maria Montessori's philosophy that all children are unique, curious about their world, and are born with a desire to learn. We respect these characteristics and it is our goal to provide an environment where the child will have a quality learning experience.

Admissions

• Preschool: The child should be at least three years of age or have previous Montessori experience. To provide maximum advantage of the Montessori method, including the kindergarten year, we recommend a three-year program. Children should be toilet trained and weaned. Manageable behavior and obedience are expected. The child should be able to follow simple directions, such as, "Put the puzzle on the shelf and come sit down." If no spaces are available in the school, the child may be placed on a waiting list after submitting a completed enrollment form, having an interview with the administrator and paying the $50.00 nonrefundable registration fee. Placement is dependent upon space available. Children may be enrolled at any time during the school year. Enrollment of Special Children will be decided upon on a case-by-case basis.
• K thru 3: A tour is arranged and a family member and the child tour the school with an administrator who will explain what happens in classes. This is a time to ask questions to determine how your child will do in this environment. If at all possible, an observation should be arranged so that the parent can see first hand how active learning occurs. An application packet is completed in a timely manner. All documents are required. Students and siblings of those already attending the school will have first priority for new year enrollment. Parents will be notified of dates for enrollment, usually beginning April 1. Minimum age of entering kindergarten is usually 5 years, with exception of those children turning 5 by December 31, if they exhibit signs of readiness and pass a screening procedure. All students residing in the state of Arizona are eligible. When classroom occupancy has reached the limit of our charter through determination of best placement by the administrator, children's names may be placed on a list and chosen to fill vacancies depending on space in available in class.
  

Attendance, Discipline, Tardiness, and Departure

• Attendance: An important step in admission is that parents read and agree to observe the attendance policy (Addendum A). Regular attendance is most important. Please call school if absent (480-464-2800) Parents can actually cost the school money by allowing their children to miss school unnecessarily.
• Discipline: An important step in admission is that parents read and agree to observe our discipline policy (Addendum B).All children will be directed to positive choices for their behavior at school. The Montessori environment encourages students to develop self-control. However, when children come from other schools it sometimes takes time for this sense of freedom and choice with responsibility and accountability, to make a difference in a child's self control. If a child is having a particular behavior problem that is not corrected after using positive classroom management, the parent will be called and an agreement reached between the teacher, parent, and child as to how the child will correct the negative behavior. If this does not solve the problem, the parent will be called and asked to come and spend time in the classroom with the child during the class period to more fully help the child manage his behavior. If this does not resolve the problem, the child, parent, teacher, and administrator will meet to determine if the child should be asked to leave the school. The child may then be expelled.
• Tardiness: Classes begin with lessons, which help children succeed during their school day. It is very important that children arrive on time (8:30 a.m.). Children feel embarrassed about coming into school late. Please make every effort to enhance your child's self esteem and success at school by being on time.
• Departure: School ends at 12:30 p.m. for the preschool program and at 3:30 p.m. for the K-3 program. Teachers will have children ready to go home and will look for you as you drive through. Children will only be dismissed to those who are authorized by the parent.

Sign-out: If you are picking up your child early, you must sign out in the office; include your name, time, and reason as indicated on the form which is available in the office. At arrival and dismissal time, teachers are responsible for the children; it is difficult for them to engage in conversation with parents. If you need to deliver a message or consult with a teacher, either send a note with your child or call the office. If you have business in the school, please park in designated parking areas, not in the middle of the driveway or on the side of the street. Do not, under any circumstances leave your vehicle unattended in drive, especially with motor running. That "30 second stop" easily runs into many minutes, and you not only block traffic but create a danger with your vehicle when you fail to use designated parking spaces.

A teacher will be out to greet you as you arrive for drop-off or pick-up. The children will be seated on benches waiting for pick-up. Please be patient. Pull in the south entrance and up to the yellow striped line by the handicap parking space. The teacher will bring your child to your car, open the door, and be sure your child gets in and gets buckled up. If it is drop-off, remain in line and the teacher will open your door, help the children out, and see that they get safely up on the sidewalk. Wait your turn. Be patient. Pull on out the north end of the driveway and make a left turn back out to Lehi Road. Do not go down in the cul-de-sac and turn around. Remember, this is a residential neighborhood and we do not want to create unnecessary traffic that might cause neighbors to complain. Remember: the speed limit on Lehi Road is 30 mph.

Classroom Observation

All parents are invited to observe their child in class. Please let the office know ahead of time in order to avoid overcrowding in the classroom. Pick up observation guidelines at the office prior to the observation.

Parent Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are conducted 2 times during the school year - October and April. There is no excuse good enough for missing these conferences as the teachers are willing to schedule them at any time parents are available to attend. Your child deserves for you to attend these important meetings. Sign-up sheets will be available a week prior to these conferences.

Field Trips

The purpose of field trips is to enhance learning. All field trips are age-appropriate. Sometimes we cannot bring the real item to the school (such as the Verde River), so we need to go and visit. We welcome participation of parents on field trips. If you would like to become involved in field trips, please tell your child's teacher. All drivers must show proof of current license, registration, and insurance. All children participating in field trips must turn in a signed permission slip.

Health

There is a staff member present at all times who is trained in health and safety procedures. In case of illness or injury, parents would be contacted immediately. Parents are asked in enrollment packet for persons to notify in case of emergency in case the school cannot reach parents. If necessary, a child would be transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Before entering Montessori House, Inc., each child must be immunized for DPT, polio, MMR, and Hib. Or parents must sign a written exemption. In case of outbreak of an immunizible disease and child is not immunized, such family will be notified to keep the child away from school until a safe time has elapsed.

We ask that parents keep their child home on days that the child has:

1. Inflamed eyes or ear, or a heavy discharge from either.
2. A rash
3. A temperature over 99
4. An upset stomach or vomiting
5. Any contagious disease, i.e. chicken pox
6. A contagious bacterial infection, e.g. strep

Medication: We will not administer medications at school. Many medications are now long lasting and may be administered in the mornings and again in the evenings. Please ask your doctor if it is possible to prescribe this type of medication because school staff will not administer it.

Show and Tell

We encourage children to bring objects of educational value such as plants, flowers, shells, nature and science objects, tapes, books, current newspaper articles or pictures to school at any time. It should be understood, however, that these will have to be worked into the teacher's classroom plans and may not be able to be presented that day. We do not have a regular show and tell day but usually take some time before lunch to share these items at our gathering time. We ask you to cooperate, however, in seeing that toys, treasures, money, play jewelry, etc., be left at home. We also do not want Barbies, Disney items, or other such fads brought to school. These items only cause trouble since the children cannot play with them during the school period and they are easily lost or broken. Cowboy boots, guns, holsters, gum and candy also fall into this category. Live animals may be brought to school, but please talk to the teacher first.

Dress Code

Children's clothing should not be an obstacle to their enjoyment of the activities at school. Their clothes should allow them to run and climb and play freely. Certain accessories are a distraction to children at school-jewelry, purses, hats, sunglasses, toys, and money. These items are better left at home. Dresses are acceptable for girls or knee-length shorts and long pants. Blouses and shirts should have sleeves. Boys should wear knee-length shorts or long pants, shirts with sleeves and avoid T-shirts with fad based pictures (monsters, pokemon,batman, etc.)

We strongly recommend that soft-soled shoes be worn to enable the children to effectively participate in activities which will develop coordination. Hard leather-soled shoes and cowboy boots can be hazardous as well as defeat the purpose of these activities. Also, do not send your child to school in "flops" or sandals. Shoes with closed toes are acceptable. Socks should be worn with shoes.

Although we do wear aprons for some of our work involving water, paint, food, etc., accidents still happen and we would encourage you to not have your child wear some of his/her most expensive or favorite "good" clothes. We ask that all children bring an extra set of clothes (socks, too) with his name marked on it. This way, if your child ever needs a change of clothing, it is available. Also, we do not use diapers or pull-ups at our school. If the child is working on or new at potty training, please send him/her to school in real underwear or under panties, and provide a few extra pairs for accidents if they occur.

Our program stresses independence and clothes that allow a child to dress and undress himself, without help, are preferred and of great benefit in that regard. Avoid difficult snaps, belts, shoulder straps, or anything that your child cannot undo or do himself.

Lunches

Here are a few suggestions to aid in the preparation of school lunches for your child. Remember: Do not send juice, pop or any type beverage. We furnish the drinks and we like the child to have the opportunity to pour by himself. Do not send candy, gum, or lots of sweets. The following is a list of a few possibilities for the lunch that you and/or your child pack:

• A protein rich food *such as: ( * lunch boxes are not required to contain sandwiches)

1. Cheese
2. Nuts
3. Peanut butter stuffed into apple or celery stick
4. Cottage cheese, cheese spread in celery sticks or cucumber boats
5. Tuna salad or egg salad
6. Chicken or turkey-cubes, wing, or drumsticks
7. Meat-pieces, slices, or cubes
8. Meatloaf slices
9. Hard cooked egg
10. Yogurt
11. Tortilla with some grated cheese
12. Leftovers from dinner

• A fruit or vegetable
• Something special-the treat that most children look for first in their lunch. This can be both good tasting and good for them :

1. Raisins
2. Popcorn (kettle corn - yum!)
3. Granola bar
4. Cheese and crackers in a package
5. Finger jello
6. Fruit roll-up
7. Sunflower seeds
8. "Redeeming value" cookies such as nutter butter, fig newtons, graham crackers, and oatmeal cookies

• "food for thought" (optional) if you feel like doing something special, include a note or funny drawing for your child. Egos need nourishment, too!

Caution: Lunchables and other so called packaged lunches are not only quite expensive but also extremely high in sodium and fat. Also the children cannot usually open them by himself. Put food in a container your child can open.

Snacks

Snacks are available to the children at all times. Some of our work is food preparation such as carrot or apple slicing, baking a potato, or nuts to crack. There is also a snack table where a child may participate one time during the morning and/or afternoon. Parents usually donate the snacks and juice. A list of what we are having and a sign-up sheet will be available in the office for you to sign and donate whenever possible. Also, paper products are often needed such as toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, etc. These will be included on the snack list along with any other needs.

Parent Meetings

Parent meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month. Various aspects of Montessori education and philosophy will be discussed at these meetings. If there is a specific topic that you are interested in covering, please let the teacher know. No childcare will be provided at these meetings and it is suggested, that except for nursing babies, that children be left at home. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and will last one hour. Montessori-House has formed a parent council to promote involvement with all the families in our school through social and organizational activities. All are strongly encouraged to attend and participate. Meetings are held monthly and will be listed on the calendar with the newsletter.

Corporation Board

The corporation board of Montessori House, Inc. will meet as necessary. This is a policy making and monitoring board and follows open meeting laws. Meeting times, dates, and places will be posted at the school 24 hours in advance. All are welcome.

Policy on Sexual Harassment

Any instance or report or observation of sexual oriented misconduct, whether physical or verbal, from one child to another must be brought to the attention of the school director promptly. The director will document and file details, then proceed according to individual discretion. The incident will be filed separately from student's regular file, in a secure place for confidential reference only, and purged after three years.

Tuition Schedule

Tuition is based on a contracted monthly tuition basis as follows:

Tentative Daily Schedule

Critique

Montessori House, Inc. is established for the sole purpose of providing the very best care and education of young children, and to help parents achieve their highest goals in education of their children and in their family life. It is our goal to follow the teachings of Maria Montessori to the best of our abilities. Parents are expected to become informed on these teachings through study and ready observation, and attendance at parent meetings. Also, we have a small library on hand and it is available for your use. Montessori House is a special school. If you are here and your child is enrolled, it is not by accident. You are probably a very educated parent who is not satisfied with the "norm" and you have checked out many situations for what is best for your child. You will feel a "spirit" here that will differentiate Montessori House from other schools that you have observed. We represent something that is collapsing in society - being "different". Children who are strong in their beliefs and who are leaders in their homes, schools, communities, and society are not "followers". This school exists to form young minds and hearts in the tradition of the past of the America that once was, and of the America that we must bring back. We are loyal to the Montessori method of education, which helps the child to learn to discipline himself, to perfect himself, and to progress at his own pace. We care about academic success and the enthusiasm for knowledge and learning. We care about manners, courtesy, patriotism, human kindness and service to others. We support respect for elders, and above all, respect for parents and teachers. Montessori House was established in 1991 and has thrived on word-of-mouth referrals and we are proud of our good reputation. We thank you for trusting us with your child. We promise to do our best in contributing to his success and happiness in life.

All Montessori inspection reports are available upon request and/or are posted in the school office.

This facility is regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services, 1647 East Morten Avenue, Suite 230, Phoenix, Arizona 85020. Phone: 602-674-4220.

Celebration of Life

This is a very special way for a child to celebrate birthdays. Parents are invited to come for this. Please give us your child's written Celebration of Life when registering; it will be updated each year. Talk to the teacher about this.

The child walks around the circle one time for each year of life. A short paragraph is read as the child walks to describe a few things of importance that happened each year. One time around the circle is for one year.

Example:

First year: John was born in Denver, Colorado, on December 15, 1983. He was a happy healthy baby. During the summer he went to visit his grandmother in Austin, Texas. He took along his favorite toy, a brown bear named Paddington.

Second year: When John was one year old he stood up and walked to his dad. For his birthday, his cousins came to share his birthday cake. He made friends with the next door neighbor's dog, Spot.

And so it continues for each year. A few sentences about the year is adequate. Each year the child is in school here, parents will be asked to add to the history which will become a part of the child's file. We appreciate the time and effort the parents expend to celebrate your child's birthday in this manner.