To our families and friends of Dublin Montessori Academy
We are sad to announce that Dublin Montessori Academy will be temporarily closed due to the State’s mandated order.  Our school will officially be closed March 30th through April 30th. More updates will follow as we are given information.  Please follow the orders to keep you and your families healthy.  Until we resume, Mrs. Roshon and the staff will greatly miss each and every one of you.

School Closings
 We have implemented a new alert system.  You will receive a text or voice call to alert you of school closings due to weather,  special events, scheduled days off, etc.  By now you should have received 2 messages, please let us know what you think or if you haven’t received the messages. 
Montessori classes will close when Dublin City Schools close, however we make every effort to keep the Extended Care program open.  DMA will be open regular hours even if Dublin City Schools is on a delay.  You may call the school if you are in doubt, as the status of the school will be on the voicemail. 

Cold Weather
 If the cold weather would ever decide that it is here to stay, it will be important for your child to dress appropriately so that he or she can participate in outdoor play.  The classes will go outside if the temperature is above 26 degrees and weather permits.  This becomes  challenging for your child to remember the additional articles of clothing.  Please discuss with your child colors, etc. of their clothing so that they may readily identify their things.  All items should be labeled so that we can help your child find what belongs to them.  We often have duplicate articles so labeling is especially important.  You may also want to change your child’s extra set of clothing that you provided at the beginning of the year. 

When sending your child to school in snow boots, please make sure to send in a pair of shoes to change into.  Snow boots make it difficult for a young child to maneuver around the classroom during the day. 
 

 Coming Events

Winter Break Begins
Monday, December 23rd

Winter Break Ends
Friday, January 3rd

Classes Resume
Monday, January 6th


Dear Parents
We love all of the homemade snacks that you provide for our classrooms. However when baking, we are asking that you provide a list of the ingredients so we can check ingredients for our children with various food allergies.  Otherwise, when providing a purchased box or bagged snack we do require the snack come in the original packaging.
Thank you.
 

The Tradition Continues
One tradition that we have had for many years is a food collection for St. Stephen’s Community House.    The need this year is more dire than ever with empty shelves in many  food pantries around the United States.  With our support, St. Stephen’s offers hope and encouragement to many families during the holiday season.   They are truly grateful for our donations.  Beginning November 25th through December 9th, your child can bring in any canned goods or unopened non-perishable food.  This is a wonderful way to show the children how their individual efforts can come together and affect so many!  Requested food items include, but is not limited to:  rice, pasta, canned tuna/chicken, cereals, baby food and dry baby cereal, formula, spaghetti sauce, soups, peanut butter & jelly, canned beans, canned vegetables, breakfast bars, , Hamburger Helper, fruit snacks, and macaroni & cheese dinners.  Gift cards to local grocers are always welcomed.   
Collection ends December 10th

Pick Ups Other than Parents
We all have occasions when we have additional people pick our children up from school.  When informing us of a pick up change, please provide a phone number of that person. 
Thank you.
 

 

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Two conferences sessions are offered each school year for parents to discuss the progress of their children.  The first session is Monday, November 11th from 8:00 a.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 12th from 12:40 p.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m.  The second session will be in April.  All Day Kindergarteners and All Day Classes (unless enrolled in Extended Care) as well as children in the lunch program will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday.  You will receive your Progress Reports on November 4th.  If you would like to schedule a parent-teacher conference, please call the school for an appointment.  Conferences are twenty minutes long.  Children do not attend the conference.  Please bring the Progress Report with your signatures to the conference.  If you do not wish to have a conference at this time, please sign the report and return it by Friday, November 8th. 
We must have the originals returned 
 
 There is no school during the conference sessions, however the Extended Care Program is in session.
 

Coming Events

Parent-Teacher Conferences
NO SCHOOL
Extended Care Program In Session
Monday, November 11th

Conferences
No P.M. Classes
Tuesday, November 12th
  
Thanksgiving Holiday
Wednesday, November 27th
Through Friday, November 29th

Parent Rosters are Ready! 
Please stop by the front office to request one for your child’s classroom(s).

Cold weather is approaching so please check your child’s spare
clothing box to see that the shorts and tee shirts are replaced with pants and long sleeved shirts. It is also very helpful to label all jackets, hats and gloves.

Lunch Reminders
 We thank you for providing nutritious  lunches including all the food groups (school provides organic milk) with the appropriate portions.  Keep in mind your child’s size in relation to the proportions.  A healthy lunch gives your child the energy they need for their afternoon.  If a treat is packed, your child knows that eating all the lunch must be accomplished before the treat (dessert) can be enjoyed.  That’s why you see those items returning home unopened and uneaten.  Remember, trail mix, dried fruits or a small granola bar are great treats to provide for dessert.  Yogurt is a great source of calcium with out the added sugar found in pudding.  Always check the label not only to see if an item is low fat, but also for the amount of sugar.  Notes are a great way to remind your child you are thinking of them without the extra calories.  Remembering to supply your child with utensils is also greatly appreciated.
 

Illness Policy
 
In compliance with state law, our communicable disease policy as related in the Parent Handbook states that a child with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, must be free from fever twenty-four hours before returning to school.  We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to maintain a healthy environment.  Please help us show consideration for each other’s children by complying with this policy.  If your child is ill and is going to be absent from school, a phone call to the school is appreciated.  If the illness is communicable, we need to know so that we can inform other parents to watch for symptoms.
 


 

Speech and Hearing Screenings
The Columbus Speech and Hearing Center will conduct speech/language and/or hearing screenings on Wednesday,
October 23rd.  We are offering this as a service.  There is no obligation to participate.  The cost of each hearing and speech screening is $10.00 or $20.00 for both.  Signed permission slips and payment are required in advance.  Results are provided within a day or two.  This information will be distributed on Friday, October 6th.  If you have any questions, please call the office. 
 
 Snack Program
The monthly snack program is a wonderful way for your
children to experience Montessori at home and share their
efforts with their classmates.  Attached you will find the monthly snack calendar where we have assigned a day to
almost every child (sometimes there are not enough days to go around).  On this day, we ask that you provide a nutritious snack choosing 1 item from 2 of the food groups (fruit/vegetable cut for serving).  If juice is a selection, please be aware that juice manufacturers love to mislead us on their labels with all of the wonderful nutrition information, however a small percentage of actual juice listed in fine print.   The school will furnish cups and napkins.  For snack ideas, please refer to the Nutrition Guide and Healthy Snack Habits information sheet you received with your new school handbook.
 
In an effort to make it simpler for parents with children in multiple classrooms, snack assignments have been scheduled on the same day.  If you would prefer a different arrangement, please call the office.  We want this to be a positive experience for everyone! 
 
Student Arrival
 So much happens at the beginning
 of a student’s day.  Socialization, sharing and building a routine help build a child’s confidence and to feel like a part of the classroom.  We recognize that there will be an occasional tardiness, but ask that the children arrive at school on time.  Morning session begins at 8:30 am and ends at 11:30.  Afternoon session begins at 12:30 pm and ends at 3:30, with classrooms 1 & 3 beginning dismissal at 3:20 due to the number of children completing their day.
Thank you for your commitment.

 Drive Thru Procedure
The arrival and dismissal process has so many benefits for the children and parents, however everyone’s safety is our primary concern.  We must keep things moving so that Sawmill Road flows, otherwise you are vulnerable to other traffic problems.  When you reach the parking lot, please be sure that your child is unbuckled and ready to exit the car on the sidewalk side.  If they are not ready or you have car seats to drop off etc., please park and escort your child or deliver the necessary items.  Also, if there is a message that needs to be relayed to the office or teacher, please put it in writing.  The staff’s concentration is on making the start to your child’s day a positive one.   Remembering many messages becomes difficult.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Halloween Celebration!
The Halloween Celebration will take place on Thursday, October 31st.  It is important that your child arrives at normal start time (morning session at 8:30 a.m. and afternoon session at 12:30 p.m.).  It will be an opportunity to share and celebrate with family!  The children will parade in their costumes, sing some wonderful songs to you with their classmates, and serve you cider and doughnut holes as a special treat!  They should arrive in costume.  Masks and props such as swords, knives, guns, etc. should be left at home in the interest of safety.  The children in extended care should arrive with a change of clothes to be more comfortable after their morning class.  The All Day Kindergartners ( and All Day Classes) may stay in costume all day so you may want to choose a costume that is comfortable.  If you are interested in contributing cider, doughnut holes, napkins, etc., please call the office.  We are looking forward to another heartwarming day...a sure bet to bring tears to your eyes!
 

Monday, November 11th
Parent-Teacher Conferences
NO SCHOOL
Extended Care Program In Session
 
  
Tuesday, November 12th
Conferences
No P.M. Classes
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
                                     
 

Parent Sharing!
As you know, the children have an opportunity every day to share something with their classmates as a group.  March and April is their opportunity to share you!   We would greatly welcome you and/or your child to share something about you.  This might include an occupation, hobby, culture, or special passion/tradition that your family practices!  Your presentation does not need to be long...remember the attention span of your audience!  One half hour is suggested to be the maximum amount of time for your presentation.  Please call the office to submit your topic and schedule your day.  We look forward to hearing from you!

GRADUATION
Believe it or not the end of the year is right around the corner.  And with it comes our graduation ceremony at the Columbus Zoo.  The day is set aside for us to say thank you to all our families for a wonderful year, and all families are invited.  However, the focus is on those children who will be leaving us and entering into first grade.  These are our graduates and they are being acknowledged for completing a path and being ready to step into the next adventure…First Grade! 
 
The only children who participate in the ceremony are those who are actually going onto first grade.  You will find this explained in your Handbook and it is quoted as follows:
 
A graduation ceremony is held at the end of May.  The participants are students who have completed their kindergarten course of study at Dublin Montessori and are advancing to first grade. The number of years the child spends in the school is inconsequential, whether it is two, three or four. The ceremony is to acknowledge their entrance into first grade and celebrate them, their achievements and independence.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the office.

The Parent handbook for Dublin Montessori Academy has been updated to feature the new rules required from ODJFS.  If you would like an updated handbook, please stop by the office to get your copy.
 

New Labels on Various Snacks—Please Read Labels.
It has come to our attention that some brands on the market are adding a statement under the ingredient list that states:  May contain almonds, cashews, pecans, milk, wheat, soy.  As you know we are “nut free” when serving classroom snacks and celebration treats.  Please be diligent in reading labels when shopping for your child’s school snacks.  We do like to see that all of snacks brought in to be in the original containers making it easier for us to read the ingredients. When baking for the classroom as in snacks or celebration treats, please include a list of ingredients.  If any snack brought in contains nuts or hydrogenated oil (trans fat) it will be sent home for your family to enjoy.  Please also check juices as they need to be 100% juice. 
 
 
Coming Events

NO SCHOOL Spring Break
No Extended Care
Program NOT In Session
Monday, March 25th through
Friday, March 29th

 
Montessori Classes and Extended Care Resume
Monday, April 1st

NO SCHOOL
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Extended Care Program IN Session
Monday, April 8th

NO P.M. CLASSES
Parent-Teacher Conferences
All Day Children
Dismiss at 11:30
Tuesday, April 9th
 
Graduation Day at the Columbus Zoo
Friday, May 24th



 

Open House for DMA Parents Has been postponed to February 7th due to upcoming weather prediction.
Please join us for the Dublin Montessori Academy Annual Open House.  It is a time for parents to come into the classroom and see what works your child enjoys.  The date is Thursday, February 7th.  It will begin at 4:30 pm and concludes at 7:00 pm. 
 
School Closings
We have implemented a new alert system.  You will receive a text or voice call to alert you of school closings due to weather,  special events, scheduled days off, etc.  By now you should have received some messages, please let us know what you think or if you haven’t received the messages. 
Montessori classes will close when Dublin City Schools close, however we make every effort to keep the Extended Care program open.  You may call the school if you are in doubt, as the status of the school will be on the voicemail. 

Valentine’s Day Party
Our next celebration is fast approaching...another opportunity to spread good cheer to everyone!  On Thursday, February 14th, the children will celebrate Valentine’s Day.  We ask that every child bring in 24 signed Valentine cards for each class that they attend.  Classroom 1 PM has 20 total children. These cards should be in BLANK envelopes.  PLEASE DO NOT ADDRESS THE CARDS.  Special containers are also not necessary because the children will be making their own items in the classroom.  Although parents do not attend, if you are interested in contributing items for the party such as plates, napkins, cups, fruit, etc., please call the office at 614-761-2020 and we will let you know what your child’s teacher has requested.

Coming Events
Valentine’s Day
Party
Thursday,
February 14th

Presidents’ Day
No School/
No Extended Care
Monday,
February 18th
 
2019-2020
Registration due
Friday,
February 15th

Spring Break
No School/
No Extended Care
Monday, March
25th through Friday, March 29th

Registration 2019-2020
Registration forms will be distributed next week for next school year.  These forms are only for current students planning to return next year.  Siblings and referrals must register with a different form which can be obtained in the office.  If you do not receive a registration form for your current student , please call the office.  Forms are due by Friday, February 15th  accompanied by a $200 deposit.  After this deadline, when all currently enrolled students and siblings have had the opportunity to register, the school will then confirm new students for any remaining classroom openings.

Help Us Help The Homeless
Donations are being collected to help the homeless.  All donations will be given to the Salvation Army shelter at Worthington Woods.   Details are on the last page of the newsletter.  We thank you in advance for helping us help our community.


 

 

 
 
 

 

 



 

School Closings
We have implemented a new alert system.  You will receive a text or voice call to alert you of school closings due to weather,  special events, scheduled days off, etc.  By now you should have received 2 messages, please let us know what you think or if you haven’t received the messages. 
Montessori classes will close when Dublin City Schools close, however we make every effort to keep the Extended Care program open.  DMA will be open regular hours even if Dublin City Schools is on a delay.  You may call the school if you are in doubt, as the status of the school will be on the voicemail. 

Coming Events

Winter Break Begins
Monday, December 24th

Winter Break Ends
Friday, January 4th

Classes Resume
Monday, January 7th

If the cold weather would ever decide that it is here to stay, it will be important for your child to dress appropriately so that he or she can participate in outdoor play.  The classes will go outside if the temperature is above 26 degrees and weather permits.  This becomes  challenging for your child to remember the additional articles of clothing.  Please discuss with your child colors, etc. of their clothing so that they may readily identify their things.  All items should be labeled so that we can help your child find what belongs to them.  We often have duplicate articles so labeling is especially important.  You may also want to change your child’s extra set of clothing that you provided at the beginning of the year. 

When sending your child to school in snow boots, please make sure to send in a pair of shoes to change into.  Snow boots make it difficult for a young child to maneuver around the classroom during the day. 
 
Dear Parents,
We love all of the homemade snacks that you provide for our classrooms. However when baking, we are asking that you provide a list of the ingredients so we can check ingredients for our children with various food allergies.  Otherwise, when providing a purchased box or bagged snack we do require the snack come in the original packaging.

With all the special activities within the classroom this time of year, it would be helpful to know if your child will be absent prior to our Winter Break.  If you are planning on leaving early, would you please send a note letting us know. 

Dublin Montessori Loves Community Service!
This is the season to share our good fortunes and we have chosen two charities to contribute to this holiday season.
The Tradition Continues
One tradition that we have had for many years is a food collection for St. Stephen’s Community House.    The need this year is more dire than ever with empty shelves in many  food pantries around the United States.  With our support, St. Stephen’s offers hope and encouragement to many families during the holiday season.   They are truly grateful for our donations.  Beginning December 3rd through December 11th, your child can bring in any canned goods or unopened non-perishable food.  This is a wonderful way to show the children how their individual efforts can come together and affect so many!  Requested food items include, but is not limited to:  rice, pasta, tuna, cereals, dry baby cereal, formula, spaghetti sauce, soups, peanut butter & jelly, baby food, tuna, canned beans, canned vegetables, cake mixes, frosting, juice, fruit snacks, and macaroni & cheese dinners.  Gift cards to local grocers are always welcomed.   
Collection ends December 11th

As the weather is changing we invite you, our Dublin Montessori Community, to turn your attention to a different, yet very worthy cause.  On December 9th, Miss Sheidler will join other runners and walkers in the “One Warm Coat” 4 mile run/walk.  Leading up to that event we are asking for donations of new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves and blankets.  These items will be donated to various charities in Delaware County (please see full list of organizations on our school bulletin board).  We will be accepting these items December 3rd to the 7th after which Miss Sheidler will deliver them at the race on Saturday,  December 8th.  We look forward to any and all donations, big or small.
 

Pick Ups Other than Parents
We all have occasions when we have additional people pick our children up from school.  When informing us of a pick up change, please provide a phone number of that person. 

We ask that all cell phones be turned off when entering our building.  It can be distracting to others as they are observing their child.  If you do need to use your cell phone while at our location, feel free to step into an empty room or outside.
 


 

 


 

 


 


 

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Two conferences sessions are offered each school year for parents to discuss the progress of their children.  The first session is Monday, November 12th from 8:00 a.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 13th from 12:40 p.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m.  The second session will be in April.  All Day Kindergarteners and All Day Classes (unless enrolled in Extended Care) as well as children in the lunch program will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday.  You will receive your Progress Reports on November 5th.  If you would like to schedule a parent-teacher conference, please call the school for an appointment.  Conferences are twenty minutes long.  Children do not attend the conference.  Please bring the Progress Report with your signatures to the conference.  If you do not wish to have a conference at this time, please sign the report and return it by Friday, November 9th.  We must have the originals returned.  Copies will be furnished upon request after the signed originals have been returned.  There is no school during the conference sessions, however the Extended Care Program is in session.

Parent-Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL)  Monday, November 12th
Extended Care Program In Session

No P.M. Classes Tuesday, November 13th


Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour.  Daylight Savings Time ends November 4,2018.

Parent Rosters are Ready! 
Please stop by the front office to request one for your child’s classroom(s).
 

Lunch Reminders
We thank you for providing nutritious  lunches including all the food groups (school provides organic milk) with the appropriate portions.  Keep in mind your child’s size in relation to the proportions.  A healthy lunch gives your child the energy they need for their afternoon.  If a treat is packed, your child knows that eating all the lunch must be accomplished before the treat (dessert) can be enjoyed.  That’s why you see those items returning home unopened and uneaten.  Remember, trail mix, dried fruits or a small granola bar are great treats to provide for dessert.  Yogurt is a great source of calcium with out the added sugar found in pudding.  Always check the label not only to see if an item is low fat, but also for the amount of sugar.  Notes are a great way to remind your child you are thinking of them without the extra calories.  Remembering to supply your child with utensils is also greatly appreciated.

Cold weather is approaching so please check your child’s spare
clothing box to see that the shorts and tee shirts are replaced with pants and long sleeved shirts. It is also very helpful to label all jackets, hats and gloves.
 
Just a Reminder
 Our hours of operation are:
       7:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
       Morning classes: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
       Afternoon classes: 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 
Before each class, the teachers are busy preparing the classroom to create the best environment for your child and they are not to receive children prior to start time.
 
If you must arrive before the start of class, you may wait with your child in our foyer.  Please see Mrs. Roshon or Mrs. McMullen upon entering the building if arrangements need to be made for your child until class begins.
 
Also, if you arrive after 8:40 a.m. or 12:40 p.m. please ring the bell and walk your child to the classroom door. 
 
Thank you for your adhering to our policies and working toward the safest environment for all of us.

Illness Policy
 In compliance with state law, our communicable disease policy as related in the Parent Handbook states that a child with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, must be free from fever twenty-four hours before returning to school.  We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to maintain a healthy environment.  Please help us show consideration for each other’s children by complying with this policy.  If your child is ill and is going to be absent from school, a phone call to the school is appreciated.  If the illness is communicable, we need to know so that we can inform other parents to watch for symptoms.

Medication
 If necessary, prescription medication can be administered to children attending the Extended Care Program.  The Form JFS01217 must be signed by the attending physician and parent before we can give your child medication. The medication must be in the original container, and given to a staff member upon entering the school.  Please do not put medicine in lunch boxes or backpacks.  We ask that you not send cough drops or lip gloss.  You may request a supply of forms to keep handy to avoid an additional trip to the physician’s office for signature.  Please refer to the Parent Handbook for further details.
 

 Helpful Hints When Observing
 We welcome our parents to observe the classroom at any time, however,  we respectfully request that certain guidelines be followed.
 
The best time to observe is after the children are in the classroom.  This allows them the needed space to get their coats.
 
Please refrain from distracting your children during work or line-up times.
 
Do not open the classroom door to talk to the teacher or your child.  If you need assistance please see someone at  the front office for help.
 
The small window on the door does not have a privacy film, your children can see you.  Please use the large window when watching your child in the classroom. 
 
If possible, please use a quiet voice while observing; your voices can be heard in the classroom.
 
  
 Label, Label, Label
 Coats, jackets, vests, sweatshirts, sweaters that might be taken off during the day, new lunch boxes and other items that might find their way to school  need to be labeled with your child’s name so they can be found.  Thank you!
 

Thanksgiving  Holiday (No School)
Wednesday, November 21st through Friday, November 25th.



 
 



 

 

Speech and Hearing Screenings
The Columbus Speech and Hearing Center will conduct speech/language and/or hearing screenings on Wednesday,
October 17th.  We are offering this as a service.  There is no obligation to participate.  The cost of each hearing and speech screening is $10.00 or $20.00 for both.  Signed permission slips and payment are required in advance.  Results are provided within a day or two.  This information will be distributed on Friday, October 6th.  If you have any questions, please call the office. 
 

 Snack Program
 The monthly snack program is a wonderful way for your
children to experience Montessori at home and share their
efforts with their classmates.  Attached you will find the monthly snack calendar where we have assigned a day to
almost every child (sometimes there are not enough days to go around).  On this day, we ask that you provide a nutritious snack choosing 1 item from 2 of the food groups (fruit/vegetable cut for serving).  If juice is a selection, please be aware that juice manufacturers love to mislead us on their labels with all of the wonderful nutrition information, however a small percentage of actual juice listed in fine print.   The school will furnish cups and napkins.  For snack ideas, please refer to the Nutrition Guide and Healthy Snack Habits information sheet you received with your new school handbook.
 
In an effort to make it simpler for parents with children in multiple classrooms, snack assignments have been scheduled on the same day.  If you would prefer a different arrangement, please call the office.  We want this to be a positive experience for everyone! 
 
Coming Events
Picture Day
Monday,
October 1st
 
Columbus Speech and Hearing
Screenings
Wednesday,
October 17th
  
Halloween Celebration
Wednesday,
October 31st
 
Parent-Teacher Conferences
NO SCHOOL
Extended Care Program
In Session
Monday
November 12th
 
Conferences
No P.M. Classes
Tuesday,
November 13th

Student Arrival
 So much happens at the beginning
 of a student’s day.  Socialization, sharing and building a routine help build a child’s confidence and to feel like a part of the classroom.  We recognize that there will be an occasional tardiness, but ask that the children arrive at school on time.  Morning session begins at 8:30 am and ends at 11:30.  Afternoon session begins at 12:30 pm and ends at 3:30, with classrooms 1 & 3 beginning dismissal at 3:20 due to the number of children completing their day.
Thank you for your commitment

Just a Reminder
Personal water bottles are not necessary for your child to bring to school.  We have filtered water in the drinking fountains and filtered water is served at snack and lunch.
 
We also discourage sun glasses as they often get forgotten, lost or broken.  Toys are not permitted for sharing; we like to see the children bring in books, educational objects, crafts, etc. to share with their classrooms.
 
If you have any questions about our policies, please give us a call at 614-761-2020

Halloween Celebration
The Halloween Celebration will take place on Wednesday, October 31st.  It is important that your child arrives at normal start time (morning session at 8:30 a.m. and afternoon session at 12:30 p.m.).  It will be an opportunity to share and celebrate with family!  The children will parade in their costumes, sing some wonderful songs to you with their classmates, and serve you cider and doughnut holes as a special treat!  They should arrive in costume.  Masks and props such as swords, knives, guns, etc. should be left at home in the interest of safety.  The children in extended care should arrive with a change of clothes to be more comfortable after their morning class.  The All Day Kindergartners ( and All Day Classes) may stay in costume all day so you may want to choose a costume that is comfortable.  If you are interested in contributing cider, doughnut holes, napkins, etc., please call the office.  We are looking forward to another heartwarming day...a sure bet to bring tears to your eyes!


 Music and Movement Class
 
Music and Movement class with Mrs. Rachel Amidon will begin on October 5th (both morning and afternoon classes are on Friday).    This class is provided by the school.  There is no enrollment necessary. 
 
Birthdays
 
The birthday cake that you see above is your clue on the snack calendar that a birthday will be celebrated in your child’s classroom.  If your child’s name is with the birthday cake then it is his/her special day at school!  This may not always be on the actual day due to other events, etc.
 Birthdays are very special and unique at our school.  You will want to refer to the handbook to learn all about them.  An exception is made for the classroom snack.  A cookie, lightly frosted cupcakes, brownies or muffins (please make certain that all treats are of the same design and flavor) are acceptable on birthdays.  If the cupcakes arrive with too much icing, please know that they will be altered before serving.  Large napkins are also requested since the children have snack together in circle as a group.
 
Keeping with the Montessori tradition, in honor of the child, we respectfully request that no special gifts such as: novelties or gift bags, be distributed to classmates.
 
Summer Birthdays
Because your child’s birthday occurs during the summer, we would like to celebrate it according to the schedule below.  We will strictly adhere to this policy as we have become inundated with celebrations at the end of the school year. 
Those children with the last name beginning with:
· A through F—January
· G through L—February
· M through R—March
· S through Z—April
Please contact us the month prior if you wish to schedule your choice of days.  If we do not hear from you we respectfully acknowledge that you are choosing not to do a Celebration of Life this school year.
 

MEDICATION
 
Vitamins, over-the-counter medicine and prescription medicine have turned up in our children’s lunch boxes and backpacks.  Please review your handbook regarding our medicine policy.  And, for the safety of all, please do not send medicine of any type including vitamins and cough drops  in a lunch box or backpack.  Please contact the office if your child needs to have prescription administered while at school.  We will advise you of the proper procedure.


 Open Door Policy
 
Although many of you are dropping off your child in line, please know that we welcome your visits any time; as often as you can.  The classroom windows are a wonderful feature that allow you to observe your child’s experiences and  progress in the classroom.  You will also have two parent/teacher conference sessions in the school year.  The first session is in November.