October 2018

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.