Parent-Teacher Conferences
 Conference sessions are offered each school year for parents to discuss the progress of their children.  The first session is Thursday,  November 7th from 12:40 p.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m. and Friday, November 8th from 8:00 a.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m.   The second session will be in April. 
 You will receive your Progress Reports on October 30th.  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 Wednesday, November 9th. 
We must have the originals returned 
There is no school during the conference sessions, however the Extended Care Program is in session.

Policy Change
Due to multiple Postal issues you may now turn payments into the office instead of mailing.  Thank you

Classroom Rosters are Ready! Please call the office to request a classroom roster.

Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour.
​Daylight Savings Time ends November 3rd,2024.
 
Coming Events
Thursday, November 7th
Parent-Teacher Conferences
NO PM CLASSES
All Day K and All Day classes
dismiss at 11:30
Extended Care Program In Session
 
Friday, November 8th
Parent-Teacher Conferences
NO SCHOOL
Extended Care Program
In Session
 
NO SCHOOL
Thanksgiving Holiday
 Wednesday, November 27th Through Friday, November 29th
 
NO SCHOOL
Winter Break
Monday, December 23rd through Monday, January 6th
School resumes Tuesday, January 7th

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.

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 without the aid of fever reducing medication 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.
 

Thank you for your efforts in keeping the school a cell phone free zone.  Your children
appreciate it more than you know!  And you and your child will reap the rewards!
 


 

​Last Day Celebration
Our annual tradition of celebrating the school year on the last day at the Columbus Zoo will continue!  On Friday, May 24th, all children and family members are invited to the zoo for the celebration!  The day will begin with a ceremony to acknowledge those children who have completed their Kindergarten year at Dublin Montessori Academy, and are entering first grade.  The ceremony will be followed by a continental breakfast.  The festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude around 11:00 a.m.  The rest of the day is yours!  Hopefully, the weather will be beautiful and you can enjoy the zoo with your family and friends!  Gates will open at 9:00 a.m.  It will be necessary for everyone to enter through the public admission gates.  Please be sure to allow enough time as lines do usually begin to form.  This year we are having our celebration at the Pavilion.  It is located near entry plaza on the left, past the gift shop.
We will be sending an invitation home with your child in the coming weeks.  A RESPONSE IS REQUIRED.  The school will be paying for any non-member students and their parents.  This invitation will help us to determine how many admissions to purchase as well as how many guests to expect.  If you are a member of the zoo, be sure to bring your membership card as it will be checked upon entering.  All other guests will need to pay admission.  Children under 2 are free and parking passes will be provided to non-members.  Check your invitation for details on how you can pre-purchase admission tickets. The school will be closed with no Extended Care available.  All children must be accompanied by an adult at the ceremony.  We hope that everyone can attend! 


Graduation Rehearsal
 Traditionally, on the final day at the school before graduation, the graduates have a practice ceremony at 10:00 a.m.  We ask that all afternoon kindergartners who are graduating to first grade arrive at school on Thursday, May 23rd at 10:00 A.M. 
After practice, the graduates will be treated to lunch with the teachers.  The lunch will be pizza, carrot sticks, apple slices and ice cream.  If you wish to supplement your child’s lunch, please feel free to do so.  If you have any questions, please call the office.

Proper Footwear Required!
With the spring weather comes lots of outdoor time!   Proper shoes are necessary for the play area as safety is our main concern.  We ask you to dress your child in an athletic type shoe and keep the sandals, backless shoes and heels for other times.  Thank you.
 
 
Last Community Service Project for the Year!
 This year has flown by and with that we are excited to announce our final community service project.  A mission of all the teachers at Dublin Montessori is teaching the children about inclusion of children of all abilities. With that in mind, from May 1st to May 23rd we will be raising funds for Team Heart and Sole; a community of runners (teammates) that push “champions” via special wheelchairs adapted for endurance running.  To learn more about the team you can visit their website:  www.teamheartsole.org.  (You may donate online as well).  Dublin Montessori will be collecting “paper money”  and Miss Sheidler will be delivering the donations to the team on race day!  Your donations will be used to purchase new equipment as well as help with race fees.  We are inviting  two of the  champions to visit the school and share what this group means to them and their families.  We would like to invite our families to participate in the 2FGR race on May 23rd.  With varying distances from kids fun run to a 10K, there are many ways to participate while seeing Team Heart and Sole in action!  You can sign up here: www.signup.com (2 FGR Presents the DSACO Run for Down Syndrome).  Thank you for your generous donations throughout the year and we hope to see many of you on May 23rd!
 
Coming Events
 
Friday, May 3rd
2024-2025
Tuition Agreements Due
 
Thursday, May 23rd
Graduation Rehearsal and Kindergarten
Pizza Party

Thursday, May 23rd
Last Day of School

 Friday, May 24th
Graduation Celebration At the Zoo
 

​School Closings
If it becomes necessary to close school  because of winter weather you will receive a text  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 if you haven’t received any messages. 
Montessori classes will close when Dublin City Schools close.  You may also contact the school regarding the status.

Monday, January 15th
Martin Luther King Day
NO SCHOOL/NO EXTENDED CARE

Thursday, January 25th 
Parent Open House
4:30 to 6:30 pm

Open House for Our Parents
 This occasion is a time for you to spend with your child in the classroom.  Your children are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to show you what they have achieved and what they are striving to accomplish.  Plan on enjoying some homemade refreshments!  Please mark your calendar for Thursday, January 25th.  The venue is open house which begins at 4:30 and concludes at 7:00.  Stay tuned for more information regarding this fun event.
 
 Coming Soon! Registration 2024-2025
Registration forms for next year will be going out in February.  It is already time to begin thinking about what you would like to do.  If there is a sibling that you would like to register, please let us know and we will send home the appropriate form.  It is different than what current students will receive.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office at 614-761-2020.
 
Kindergarten in Montessori
 With registration right around the corner, many of our families are deciding whether to keep their children in Montessori for the kindergarten year or send them to their local or private school. The parent meeting on January 11th is designed to answer questions or concerns parents might have regarding this quandary.  If you have any questions regarding keeping your child in Montessori for their most important year…..please feel free to reach out to us so that we can address your concerns.  All questions are important, and we want to be able to help you with your choices. 
Thank you so very much!


Reminder
The school will be completely closed on Monday, February 19th for Presidents’ Day. 
There will be NO Extended Care on that day.
 

 


 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

December 2023

Planning Ahead
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.  Thank You! 
 
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 announced on our text system as well as on the voicemail. 
 
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. 
  
Winter Break Begins
Thursday, December 21st

Winter Break Ends
Tuesday, January 2nd

Classes Resume
Wednesday, January 3rd
 
Parent Meeting
Thursday, January, 11th
7:00 - 8:30 pm
 
NO SCHOOL/NO EXTENDED CARE
Martin Luther King Day
Monday, January 15th 

Open House for DMA Families
Thursday, January 25th
4:30—6:30 pm
 
Thank you for providing such wonderful prepared snacks.  Please keep in mind that the portions need to be small.  For example:  2 apple slices, 1/2 banana, 6—8 grapes cut in half lengthwise, 2 carrots cut in half lengthwise, 2 orange slices, no more than 6—8 pretzels, 1/4 cup of goldfish, 2 crackers, etc.  We greatly appreciate all the extra effort in providing nutritional  safe servings for our children.  As always, if in doubt, please contact the office.
 
 



 
 
 

​

May 2023​

As the school year comes to an end we want to thank you for a wonderful  year.  The children have grown not only physically but also in so many other ways.  What a joy it is to spend time with them.  Thank you for sharing your most special gifts with us.  It is a privilege to be a part of their lives! 
 
To the graduates- we will miss you next year, but know that you are well prepared for the adventure that lies ahead.
 
The newsletter will resume in October.  If there are any comments or suggestions as to additional content you  would like to see in it , please let us know!  We hope you all enjoy your summer!
 

Graduation Rehearsal
 
Traditionally, on the final day at the school before graduation, the graduates have a practice ceremony at 10:00 a.m.  We ask that all afternoon kindergartners who are graduating to first grade arrive at school on Thursday, May 25th at 10:00 A.M. 
After practice, the graduates will be treated to lunch with the teachers.  The lunch will be pizza, carrot sticks, apple slices and ice cream.  If you wish to supplement your child’s lunch, please feel free to do so.  If you have any questions, please call the
office.
 
Last Day Celebration
 
Our annual tradition of celebrating the school year on the last day at the Columbus Zoo will continue!  On Friday, May 26th, all children and family members are invited to the zoo for the celebration!  The day will begin with a ceremony to acknowledge those children who have completed their Kindergarten year at Dublin Montessori Academy, and are entering first grade.  The ceremony will be followed by a continental breakfast.  The festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude around 11:00 a.m.  The rest of the day is yours!  Hopefully, the weather will be beautiful and you can enjoy the zoo with your family and friends!  Gates will open at 9:00 a.m.  It will be necessary for everyone to enter through the public admission gates.  Please be sure to allow enough time as lines do usually begin to form.  This year we are having our celebration at the Pavilion.  It is located near entry plaza on the left, past the gift shop.
We will be sending an invitation home with your child in the coming weeks.  A RESPONSE IS REQUIRED.  The school will be paying for any non-member students and their parents.  This invitation will help us to determine how many admissions to purchase as well as how many guests to expect.  If you are a member of the zoo, be sure to bring your membership card as it will be checked upon entering.  All other guests will need to pay admission.  Children under 2 are free and parking passes will be provided to non-members.  Check your invitation for details on how you can pre-purchase admission tickets. The school will be closed with no Extended Care available.  All children must be accompanied by an adult at the ceremony.  We hope that everyone can attend! 
 

Coming Events

 
Wednesday, May 10th
2023-2024 Tuition Agreements Due
 
Thursday, May 25th
Graduation Rehearsal and Kindergarten Pizza Party
 
Thursday, May 25th
Last Day of School

Friday, May 26th
Graduation Celebration At the Zoo
 

Mrs. Bennett C-SLDI is still accepting clients for the summer who may need reading intervention and for language difficulties.  She is also offering fun literacy sessions to keep children engaged over the summer.  Please contact the office for Mrs. Bennett’s contact information.

Parent Teacher Conferences
The second conference session for the school year will be offered on Wednesday, April 5th and Thursday, April 6th.  There will be NO PM CLASSES on April 5th and NO CLASSES on Thursday, April 6th, however, the Extended Care Program will be in session.  Progress reports will be distributed the week before the conference session and should be signed and returned at your scheduled time or by Tuesday, April 4th if you will not be attending.  Please call the office to schedule an appointment.

 
Coming Events
NO SCHOOL
Spring Break
Monday, March 20th through
Friday, March 24th
Extended Care Program
NOT In Session
 
Montessori Classes and Extended Care Resume
Monday, March 27th
 
NO PM CLASSES
Parent-Teacher Conferences 
Extended Care Program IN Session
Wednesday, April 5th
All Day K/Classes
Dismiss at 11:30
Conference Hours
12:40 to 4:40 pm

NO SCHOOL
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Extended Care Program IN Session
Thursday, April 6th
8:00 am to 4:40 pm

NO SCHOOL
Good Friday
Friday, April 7th
 
Graduation Day at The Zoo
Friday, May 26th

​Friendly Reminder
It is important that your child arrive at school on time.  Many magical things happen at the beginning circle!
 

Dear Parents,
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 Zoo is making some adjustments to their program and we will keep you informed if changes may occur with our event. 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.
 

Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday, March 12th
 
Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 5th
 
American Sign Language
The month of March (hopefully) brings warmer weather and our springtime themed book When Spring Comes. We will practice signs such as grass, egg, mud, bubbles, spring, and flowers. Additionally, our class will reiterate our manual alphabet now that we know A-Z with P.D. Eastman’s The Alphabet Book. We will also enjoy another book by Taro Gomi entitled Over the Ocean where we will learn signs such as ocean, farm, city, building and country.
 
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. 
Thank you
 

Thank You!
Thank you to all the parents that helped provide the napkins, plates, cups, cookies, frosting, strawberries and milk for the Valentine’s Day party.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

Registration 2023-2024
Registration forms are attached to the newsletter. 
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 10th  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.
Effective for the 2023-24 school year:
A change to the tuition policy will be as follows:
1. First child—full tuition under all circumstances
2. Second child— 20% discount on full tuition for this child only.
3. Three or more—10% discount on full tuition for each child beyond two.
These discounts apply to the Montessori tuition only.  They are not applicable to extended care fees.
 
 
Coming Events
2023-2024 Registration due Friday, February 10th

Valentine’s Day Party
Tuesday, February 14th
 
Presidents’ Day
No School/No Extended Care
Monday, February 20th

Spring Break
No School/No Extended Care
Monday, March 20th through Friday, March 24th
 
 
REMINDER!
The school will be completely closed on Monday, February 20th
for Presidents’ Day.
There will be NO Extended Care.
 
Parent Provided Class Snack Information
Some parents have wondered “When is snack served in the classroom?”  With the exception of special occasions such as birthdays or days of Mindful Music and Movement or American Sign Language where time is restricted, snack is placed in the classroom at the beginning of the session.  Two children at a time may take a seat at the designated snack table and serve themselves the snack that has been provided by a parent according to the snack calendar.  If snack does not arrive at the beginning of the session, a substitution will be made in order to allow enough time for every child to participate.  The children really enjoy this time to eat and visit with a friend. 
 
A couple friendly reminders…
Fruits and vegetables are ideal snacks.  When providing them, please make certain that they are cut into safe portions for serving children 3—6. Examples:  Grapes sliced lengthwise, oranges peeled and carrots cut in half.
 
Our school is NUT FREE—please read all ingredients to be assured there are no nuts.  So many labels now say “may contain nuts” and cannot be served.
 
Individual portions are not necessary, please provide snacks in original packaging as we check all ingredients.
 
Avoid snacks with trans fat (partially hydrogenated oil).  Trans fats are industrial fats that keep products shelf stable, so all your crackers, all your snack chips have fat in them, and that fat is usually going to be a trans fat.  The only way to know that it’s trans fat is to look at the ingredients and see the words ’partially hydrogenated oil’.
 
The school does not keep a supply of spoons; therefore, if the snack you provide for your child’s class requires spoons, please be sure to send them along with the snack. 
 
Thank you for your interest and participation!

Outside Play Please excuse the Mud!
Following the rules of ODJFS 5101:2-12-17, all children who are in attendance four or more consecutive daylight hours must go outside.  Suitable weather: a minimum of 25° to a maximum of 90°.  Therefore during the freezing and thawing days, our play yard gets very muddy.  Please provide boots for your children so that they may partake in the outdoor activities.

Child Pick Up
Thank you for providing the office with a note regarding the transportation of your children.  Just a reminder,  when both parents are out of town and transportation has been assigned to friends, neighbors or relatives; please be certain to indicate their contact information on the permission note.
 


 

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. 
 
Planning Ahead
 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.  Thank You! 
 
School Closings
 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 announce on our text system as well as on the voicemail. 
 
Coming Events
Winter Break Begins
Monday, December 19th

Winter Break Ends
Friday, December 30th

Classes Resume
Monday, January 2nd
 
Parent Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Thursday, January, 12th
 
NO SCHOOL NO EXTENDED CARE
Martin Luther King Day
Monday, January 16th

Open House for DMA Families
4:30—6:30 pm  
Thursday, January 26th

 
Annual Food Drive for St. Stephen’s Community House
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 30th 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 are 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 November 30th to December 9th
 

American Sign Language
In the month of November our American Sign Language class explored several books including : If You Take a Mouse to School. The Thank You Book and My Friends.  We learned the signs for various things you find around the classroom (blocks, paper, pencil, table, books to name a few).  We also learned the signs for various animals including bat, snake, bird, worm and many more.  We studied letters A thru J and can sign at least one thing that begins with these letters.
In the month of December our American Sign Language class will take a look at If You Take a Mouse to The Movies and Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice.  We will learn to count to 25 with one hand.  We will also practice cold weather signs through song.
 
​
Thank you for providing such wonderful prepared snacks.  Please keep in mind that the portions need to be small.  For example:  2 apple slices, 1/2 banana, 6—8 grapes cut in half lengthwise, 2 carrots cut in half lengthwise, 2 orange slices, no more than 6—8 pretzels, 1/4 cup of goldfish, 2 crackers, etc.  We greatly appreciate all the extra effort in providing nutritional  safe servings for our children.  As always, if in doubt, please contact the office.
 

​Parent-Teacher Conferences
 Conference sessions are offered each school year for parents to discuss the progress of their children.  The first session is Thursday,  November 10th from 12:40 p.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m. and Friday, November 11th from 8:00 a.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m.   The second session will be in April. 
 You will receive your Progress Reports on November 3rd.  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 Wednesday, November 9th. 
We must have the originals returned 
 
 There is no school during the conference sessions, however the Extended Care Program is in session.
 
Parent Rosters are Ready! 
Please call to request a classroom roster.


Congratulations Miss Sheidler!!
We would like to congratulate Miss Sheidler for her success in completing the Columbus Marathon and raising over a thousand dollars for Nationwide Children’s’ Hospital.  With her swift speed, agility, and determination she ran a time of 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 6 seconds, which qualified her for the Boston Marathon! It is you, our wonderful parents, who need to be congratulated for your generosity and giving spirit.    We thank you for supporting our first community fundraising campaign and helping the children and families at Nationwide Children’s’ Hospital.
 
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour.  Daylight Savings Time ends November 6th,2022.
 

Coming Events

Parent-Teacher
Conferences
NO PM CLASSES
All Day K and All Day classes
dismiss at 11:30
Extended Care Program
In Session
Thursday,
November 10th
***************************
Parent-Teacher
Conferences
NO SCHOOL
Extended Care Program
In Session
Friday,
November 11th
***************************
 NO SCHOOL
Thanksgiving
Holiday
Wednesday,
November 23rd
Through Friday,
November 25th
***************************
NO SCHOOL
Winter Break
Monday, December 19th through Friday, December 30th

Thank you for your efforts in keeping the school a cell phone free zone.  Your children appreciate it more than you know!  And you and your child will reap the rewards!



You may have noticed that we keep classroom windows and doors slightly open to encourage air circulation. With the weather cooling down, you may want to have your child bring in a sweater or jacket to wear in the classroom if they get cold during the day.  Sweaters/jackets can be left on their hooks for convenience.
 
Also, the children will be outside daily with weather permitting.  We are suggesting that you send in boots for outside play when wet—the boots can also remain here at school. 
 
We also would like to remind you to label all clothing that gets taken off during the day. (Jackets, coats, etc).
Also check your child’s spare clothing to replace shorts and tee shirts with pants and long sleeved shirts.


 Helpful Hints When Observing
 
 We welcome our parents to observe the classroom at any time.
 
We respectfully request that certain guidelines be followed:
 
· Hand sanitizer is available at the front door for your use as entering building.
  
· 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.
 
· Use of cell phones is not permitted. 
 
· Taking pictures of the classroom is not permitted.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 

Monday, January 17th
No School/NO EXTENDED CARE
Martin Luther King Day

COLUMBUS SPEECH AND HEARING
We have moved the date for speech and hearing evaluations to Thursday, March 3rd.  Information will be sent home in February.

MASKING
Thank you to our families for your continued support of our recent mask mandate for All children and Staff!  With the current surge in the virus we are determined to do everything we can to keep us all safe and well.  The mandate will be explored at the end of January and information will follow as to removing or extending mandate.

​
Happy New Year
As the New Year is upon us and we close the doors on 2021, most of us are happy the year has ended and a new one has begun.  There is always hope in a new year.  A new beginning, a new perspective and new ideas and dreams.  The future is always fresh and unknown.  Everything and anything seem possible.
 
We are thrilled that we were able to reopen in September safely.  And, that as each day passes, we mark off on the calendar, “today was safe, today was a success”.  Tiny steps day by day is how the school proceeded into the COVID unknown.  Our wish for 2022 is that each and every family, every child, and every staff member will continue the New Year in good health.
 
Without you – our families – reopening would not have been possible.  We are sincerely grateful to you for your faith, trust and belief in our school.  It is because of you that we are here!  Our hopes, dreams and prayers are for a safe and healthy New Year for All.


 If it becomes necessary to close school  because of winter weather you will receive a text  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 if you haven’t received any messages. 
Montessori classes will close when Dublin City Schools close, however, with Dublin’s on line schedule, it is our understanding that there will be no school closing for inclement weather.  So it is important that you are aware that your notification of the schools status will come through a phone alert.  You may also contact the school regarding the status.

 Coming Soon!  Registration 2022-2023
 Registration forms for next year will be going out in February.  It is already time to begin thinking about what you would like to do.  If there is a sibling that you would like to register, please let us know and we will send home the appropriate form.  It is different than what current students will receive.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office at 614-761-2020.

Our Parents are WONDERFUL!
We have so many generous hearts around Dublin Montessori!  It is such a warm feeling to see the foyer filled with food!  St. Stephen’s is again so grateful to receive the food items. So very appreciated!

We are thankful for your time and thoughtfulness to support the causes that we have embraced.  We love this opportunity to show the children what group efforts can accomplish!  Your generosity is overwhelming!  Due to the  the COVID-19 virus causing so many people to be out of work; and in need to provide for their families, pay rent, utility bills, medical bills and put food on the table; one of our parents suggested that we might do another food collection during the school year.  What a great idea!  So, we will be sponsoring another collection to benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.  Stay tuned for further information on this great giving event.
Thank you so much!


Thank you to our parents for following the guidelines for food preparation for lunch and classroom snacks. 
Please keep these in mind when preparing your child’s lunch and also when providing snack for your child’s classroom.
For Preschoolers (Ages 3-5) the following preparations are recommended:
· Prevent choking by shredding or cutting meat into small pieces, no larger than one half (1/2”) cubes.
· Cut cheese into thin slices or small one-half inch (1/2”) pieces. (Individual lunches only)
· Round foods like hot dogs and grapes should be cut in half lengthwise so the shape is no longer round.
· Cut cherry tomatoes, grapes and strawberries in half.
· Peanut butter (individual lunches only) – spread peanut butter thinly on toast, crackers, fruit or vegetables.  Do not serve in large globs.
· Hard candy over ½” in diameter and gum should not be provided to preschoolers in child care.
 
Reminder
The school will be completely closed on Monday, February 17th for Presidents’ Day. 
There will be NO Extended Care on that day.

      Car Seats and Cold Weather
With the cold weather comes the puffy and heavy coats which can make it difficult securing children in their car seats.  For your child’s safety, please be sure that the car seat is adjusted properly to adapt to your child’s winter outer wear.
Some children prefer to take off their coats, if that is the case; we ask in respect to others in the car line, that you pull over and help your child get safely settled.
 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Conference sessions are offered each school year for parents to discuss the progress of their children.  The first session is Thursday, November 11th from 12:40 p.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m.   The second session is Friday, November, 12th from 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 5:00 p.m.
You will receive your Progress Reports on November 1st. 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 Wednesday, November 10th. 
We must have the originals returned 
 
 There is no school during the conference sessions, however the Extended Care Program is in session.
 
​Thanksgiving Holiday
Wednesday, November 24th
Through
Friday, November 26th

Update to Illness Policy (October 18, 2021)
 
Thank you to all our parents who are being very consciences about keeping their children home until all signs of illness are gone.  Your efforts going above and beyond the guidelines are helping all of us to stay healthy and keeping the school environment a safe place for all.  As a reminder the following are the guidelines for symptom assessment,
quarantine for children and employees:
 
Upon arrival, your child will be given a visual inspection for any signs of illness
Parents will be contacted immediately if a child shows any symptoms:
 
· Illness including a fever of 100 degrees or higher
· Sore throat
· Diarrhea, vomiting or stomach aches
· New onsets of severe headache, especially with a fever
· New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for a child with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, see if there is a change from their usual cough)
· A child with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, to return to school, must be free from fever twenty-four hours without the use medicine and present a negative COVID test
 
If the child is in contact with a family member who has tested positive for COVID and the child tests negative, following the Delaware City Department of Health guidelines, that child must quarantine (stay at home) seven days after the last day of quarantine of the positive family member.  A negative COVID test is required prior to returning to school.  Please feel free to contact the school for clarification of any of these guidelines.

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.


​Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour.  Daylight Savings Time ends November 7, 2021

 

​​Prevention Strategies and Policies for Opening the School Year 2021-2022
 
As mentioned in the cover letter, the school is no longer mandated to follow the ODJFS transitional pandemic child care requirements.  It is suggested that the school follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) operational guidelines for Early Care and Educational/Child Care Programs. COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs (cdc.gov).  Following are the policies and prevention strategies that Dublin Montessori will put into practice.
 

• Promoting vaccinations
• Physical distancing – At this time, parents will not be permitted in the building – At a later time, appointments may be made to observe your child’s the classrooms.
• Ventilation
• Hand washing and respiratory etiquette
• Staying home when sick and getting tested
• Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Masking – is not mandated, but recommended for people who are not fully vaccinated.   You have the right to have your child mask or not mask. The staff also reserves that right to mask or not mask
• Symptom Assessment, Quarantine, Isolation, Discharge procedures will follow the CDC guidelines for children and employees
  • Upon arrival, your child will be given a visual inspection for any signs of illness
  • Parents will be contacted immediately if a child show any symptoms:
  • Of illness including a fever of 100 degrees or higher
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea, vomiting or stomach aches
  •  New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
  •  New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for a child with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, see if there is a change from their usual cough)
• Reporting – The school is to report to ODJFS within 24 business hours, of a positive COVID case for a staff or child incident.  Additionally, the Delaware Department of Health will be notified and we will follow their directions regarding isolation or quarantine procedures.
•  Ventilation and Routine Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfection –
  • Windows and doors (where possible) will be kept open to allow for increased air circulation
  • I-Wave air purifying devices have been installed to reduce pathogens, allergens, particles, creating a healthy environment
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects throughout the day (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, classroom sink handles, shared objects)

 

• Hand washing - All children and staff will engage in hand hygiene at the following times:

• Arrival to the facility
• Before and after preparing food or drinks
• Before having snack and lunch
• After using the toilet or helping a child use the bathroom
• After coming in contact with bodily fluid
• Putting their hands in their mouth or nose
• After playing outdoors
• Anytime hands are visibly soiled
• Upon leaving the school for the day
• Children are to wash their hands after “catching their cough in the bend in their arm” and after using a tissue to clean their nose

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.  The snack program will begin Monday, October 4th.  Snack calendars are provided with this newsletter.  Please refer to your handbook regarding preparation of snacks or call the office with questions.  Thank you.
 
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.
 
Coming Events
Halloween Celebration
Friday,
October 29th

 
Parent-Teacher
Conferences
No P.M. Classes
Thursday,
November 11th
 
 
Parent-Teacher
Conferences
NO SCHOOL
Extended Care
Program
In Session
Friday
November 12th
 
 
October brings the opportunity to offer two programs for our children.
Starting Tuesday, October 5th and every Tuesday there after, your children will be learning American Sign Language with Mrs. Maria Stewart.  This is a new program to our school and we are so excited to have the children learning this universal language.
 
On Fridays, starting in January and every Friday there after, Mrs. Rachel Amidon with Mindful Music and Movement will be getting your children moving and singing, marching and dancing!  We are thrilled to have her return sharing her love of teaching the children songs, rhythms and movement

​
Dear Parents,
 
It has been a grand beginning to a different school year.  We are thrilled to be back, we are thrilled to be with the children and we are thrilled to see our parents.
 
Thank you for your support, belief and trust in our school.
 
We are using as many precautions known to us to keep the school clean and safe for all.
 
There are a few changes to note in the school calendar.  The first one is regarding the Halloween Celebration.  We would love to have the children come in costume and enjoy the day.  Unfortunately, as in the past, we will be unable to have the parents and families join us for a parade and refreshments in the classroom.  So this will be a fun day, just for the children and their classmates.  The school will provide a special sweet treat that day and some fun Halloween activities for the children.
 
Please adjust the school calendar regarding Parent-Teacher Conferences.  They will be held on Monday, November 9th from 8:00 a.m. concluding at 5:00 p.m.   Montessori classes will not be in session, however, the Extended Care Program will be in open.
There will be no conferences on Tuesday, November 10th as indicated on your calendar.  Tuesday will be a normal school day.
 
Also, this is a reminder, that we do welcome parents to visit and observe their child’s classroom.  We are finding that calling ahead to make an appointment is the best, but not totally necessary.  We will limit the number of visitors to four; those with an appointment have priority.
 
If you have questions with any policy or procedures that the school is enacting this year, or if you just need clarification on any issue, please feel free to always reach out and call the office. 
 
Thank you!
 
 

llness Policy
We greatly appreciate the conscience effort our parents are taking when illness strikes their children.  Our parents are keeping the children home when cold symptoms appear, as well as keeping the children home until the child completely recovers from an illness.  In some cases parents are giving them an extra day or two to rest and recover completely.  We thank you for taking those extra steps to help keep the school's environment as safe as possible.


Friendly Reminder
It is important that your child arrive at school on time.  Many magical things happen at the beginning circle!

Calendar
Monday, March 29th through Friday, April 2nd
NO SCHOOL  Spring Break
Extended Care Program NOT In Session
 
Monday, April 5th
Montessori Classes and Extended Care Resume
 
Monday, April 12th
NO SCHOOL Parent-Teacher Conferences
Extended Care Program IN Session

Friday, May 28th
Graduation Day
Last Day of School


Last Day Celebration
 The COVID pandemic altered our last day celebration and kindergarten celebration last year and it is impending our plans for this year’s celebration.  We will keep you informed as the plans fall into place.

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. 

Thank You!
Thank you to all the parents that helped provide the napkins, plates, cups, cookies, frosting, strawberries and milk for the Valentine’s Day party.