January 2022

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.
 

November 2021

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

 

​October 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!
 
 

April 2021

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.