Information for Parents
ACCIDENTS-Reports of accidents will be sent home on the same day that any incidents may occur. We will record as much information as we have been able to establish as to how the accident occurred. C.P.R./First Aid-Individuals with these certifications are present at the school to assist with any emergencies. We are one of the few NJ non-public schools to have received a "crash kit" from the state for catastrophic situations. We are fortunate that the materials have never had to be used.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS-We have a special way of commemorating your child's birthday. Your child's teacher will explain the details. Please advise her of your intent to visit so that a mutually convenient date/time can be selected. Those who have summer birthdays are welcome to celebrate half birthdays. Birthday snacks are always welcome. We ask that they are simple treats, such as Munchkins, puddings or fruit. We cannot be responsible for the distribution of birthday invitations, playdate invites, etc.
CANDY POLICY-We request that no candy items be brought to school for distribution. Although we recognize the generosity of our parents, bags of candy for birthdays and holidays create confusion and jealousy for the children.
CLASS LISTS-Lists of names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mails are available for your child's classmates. They are handy for outside birthday parties and playdates, but are not to be used for solicitation purposes. Lists are available in the office. At times, students move or enter a class later in the year, so if you are planning a party then, please check for the most recent list.
CLOTHING-Please send in a complete change of clothing for your child. These will be used for incidents such as spilled juice, wetness from water activities or bathroom incidents. Wet clothing will be sent home with an explanation. Please return the spare clothing so that a set is ready for your child. As seasons and sizes change, alternate clothes should be sent in. Upon receipt, the existing clothes will be returned to you.
- Slippers-Slippers are worn daily in the classroom and stored in cubbies. Please select simple slippers. Large or light-up slippers are discouraged due to safety concerns and distraction for the class.
- Playground shoes-Please send in an extra pair of outside shoes to be kept at school and used on the playground. We suggest that they are sneakers that still fit and can get dirty. The request is due to the yellow residue from the pea gravel playground surface.
- Labeling-Please label all of your child's clothing.
- Style-Montessori encourages children to care for themselves as much as possible. Items such as overalls are extremely difficult for children to undo when racing to the bathroom. Buttons on a bulky coat may be difficult for little fingers. Our intent is to help minimize the frustration level of children seeking to be as independent as other children. Children will be active and using many mediums during the school day. Simple playwear is recommended.
- Cold Weather Clothes-Please send your child with (labeled) hats, gloves and scarves during colder weather. Boots and snow pants are required for outside play on snow days.
- Accessories-Parents are discouraged from dressing your child in expensive hairpieces, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, etc. These items usually distract most children, are removed by the child and sometimes lost. We accept no responsibility for expensive items broken or lost at the school.
COMMUNICATION-Parents will receive a newsletter via Constant Contact on a monthly basis. This will explain present and upcoming activities planned for the class. Notes can be sent to your child's teacher and phone messages may be left if you would like to discuss any particular matter. Scheduled conferences are held in the fall and spring. Also, Conference can be called by either the teacher or parent at any time during the school year. Questions concerning your child's academic, social or emotional progress should be directed to the teacher. Please send notes or call the office to request a return phone call. Teachers are unavailable to speak to parents when class is in session. Scheduled conferences are held in the fall and spring of each year. Other conferences may be held throughout the year at the will of either the parent or teacher.
DISCIPLINE-Disciplinary matters are handled as gently as possible. We refrain from using words such as "time out" as much as possible. Typically, children are spoken to privately and quietly if an infraction occurs. Our voices may elevate if a situation becomes a health or safety matter. We ask that you remind your child of our basic requirements-no hitting, yelling, spitting or biting. We also ask that each child respect the other children, including items they are working with.
DUES-As with most schools, there is a $25 fee for HSA (Home & School Association) dues. These are payable in September of each year and are used as start-up funds and for supplemental school supplies. Checks should be made payable to Naudain Academy HSA.
HOLIDAY PARTIES-The teachers will organize all celebrations for the classes. Parent helpers will be selected on a rotating basis from those who have responded on the Volunteer Form. This gives all interested parents a chance to participate
HOURS-The morning sessions begin promptly at 9:00; the afternoon begins at 12:30. All Day students are welcome from 7:30 until 6:00.
ILLNESS-Children who exhibit any of the illnesses or symptoms of illness listed below will not be permitted to attend school unless we have received a medical diagnosis from a licensed physician indicating that the child poses no serious health risk to themselves or other children. These include, but aren't limited to: severe pain or discomfort; acute diarrhea; vomiting or fever within 24 hours; sore throat or severe coughing; yellow eyes or jaundiced skin; red eyes with discharge; infected, untreated patches; difficult or rapid breathing; skin rashes; weeping or bleeding skin lesions that have not been treating; swollen joints; visibly enlarged lymph nodes or blood in the urine.
It is extremely important that we be made aware of any child with conditions such as asthma or allergies to insect stings, peanuts, etc. and the treatment required. This is so the best possible decisions can be made if the situation occurs. Please notify the school if your child has a contagious condition such as Chicken Pox, Fifth's Disease, Head Lice, Impetigo, Pink Eye, Ringworm or Strep Throat. A doctor's note is required for the child to return to school. In addition, please keep your child home until he or she has been fever-free for 24 hours.
LUNCH-Students who remain for lunch should bring items prepared from home. Please use thermos-type containers to keep lunch hot or cold. We don't have the available staff or supplies to microwave or refrigerate children's lunches. We will, however, assist each child with opening storage containers. Leftover food will be sent home so that you can determine what your child has eaten. Unfinished juice won't be saved. Children are expected and encouraged to display table manners and remain in their seats during lunchtime. We ask that you remind your child that sharing of food is not permitted at the school. Please be sure to include a napkin and eating utensils for your child. We appreciate if lunches can be as healthy as possible with no candy included.
MEDICINE-Medication can only be administered to your child if a Medical Release Form has been completed by the parent. This must be accompanied by a doctor's note/signature, the original prescription bottle and dosage requirements. Forms are available in the office. Please note that non-prescription medicines are not permitted at the school unless prescribed by a doctor as per the above. We are not permitted to use creams nor give Tylenol. Children are not permitted to bring in cough drops, lozenges or saline sprays. These examples are according to our instructions from the state and illustrate that nothing can be administered without the written permission of your child's pediatrician.
NORMALIZATION of the CLASS-Normalization (inner-discipline) is a prime objective of the Montessori program. A normalized child is capable of using the materials in the classroom, undisturbed, for extended periods of time. To establish the individual's right to work peacefully in a place of his/her own choosing at his/her own pace, a series of ground rules are instituted. Some examples include: (a) materials being returned to their proper place on the shelves so they will be readily accessible to other children, (b) speaking in a quiet voice and not running through the classroom so that others will not be disturbed while they work, (c) lessons in ground rules and courtesy. Proper behavior is expected, not only in the classroom, but also in all areas of the building and playground.
OBSERVATIONS-One-way windows are built into each classroom door. If you choose to observe, appointments are not necessary. Simply ring the bell near the office door, sign in the sign-in book and begin your observation. We do ask that you keep your voice low so as to not interrupt the class. The best observation point is to stand a bit away from the window. In this way, the children won't be able to identify who's watching. It's a good idea to not advise your child that you will be observing so that he/she doesn't get distracted in anticipation of your visit.
PEANUT BUTTER POLICY-We request that no peanut butter or peanut products be brought to school for lunch, snack or distribution. This policy is there to protect the children with peanut allergies
SHOW 'N SHARE-The schedule for this activity will be given by your child's teacher. Items from nature, children's art projects, vacation/ holiday mementos and educational items are considerations. Please don't send in toys. Guns, swords, etc. are not permitted in the school.
SNACK-Snack is provided by the parents on a voluntary, rotating basis. Coordination is done by the teacher and parents are asked to send in snack once or twice a month for the class. A list of suggested items will be sent home in the Wednesday folders. Please don't select any food with nuts listed as part of the ingredients. Many of the children have nut allergies. The school provides the juice. If your child is absent on the day when snack has been assigned to you, please don't worry and think you have you have to get the snack to school. There are usually back-up items which can be served.
TOILET TRAINING-Students in the primary program are required to be toilet trained and self-sufficient in caring for their toileting needs. Pull-ups are not considered to be needed for a trained child. We will, of course, assist any child who has an occasional need in this area of development. Students who are not toilet trained will be placed in the toddler program, where toilet training is part of the curriculum.
TUITION-Tuition is due on the first day of each month. There is a $50 late fee and a $50 bounced check fee. If the first falls on a weekend of during a holiday period, please see that your check is sent by the contracted date. In this non-profit school, the funds are required for salaries and operational costs. It would be unfair of us to waive requirements for certain parents while not considering the same for all. The most effective way to see that the office received your checks is to mail the item or bring it to the office. There is a wooden lock box located on top of the cubbies outside Room 1. This is a great depository for those who arrive before or after office hours or during peak office times. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
WORK FOLDERS-Every task in a Montessori classroom is referred to as the child's "work". Please keep in mind that much of the Montessori work is "hands-on" and paperwork won't be generated. However, if your child has completed a paper "work", the item(s) will be sent home in a folder on every Wednesday of the school year. Items from the office will be included in this folder as well. Please return your child's empty folder on the next day that he/she attends school.