Parent Handbook
Printed August 28, 2017
Within the child lies the fate of the future. --Maria Montessori
Our Mission and Core Values
At Bridgeview Montessori School, we learn to dig deep.
We cultivate creative process
· Encourage exploration
· Inspire self-expression
· Teach independent decision making
We grow empowered and resilient people
· Encourage the right lessons at the right time
· Inspire self-knowledge
· Teach conflict resolution
We hold community close
· Encourage peace and kindness
· Inspire every voice
· Teach the purpose of quiet
The Purpose of a Bridgeview Montessori Education
Our school is dedicated to the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori and follows a philosophy of child-centered education. Our goal is for each child to fulfill his or her potential in a safe, caring and inspired environment.
· Each child is valued as a unique individual.
· Beginning at an early age, Montessori students develop a sense of order, coordination, concentration, and independence.
· Students are part of a close, caring community.
· Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits.
· Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge.
· Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach.
· Given the freedom and support to question, to probe deeply, and to make connections, Montessori students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners. They are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly— a skill set for the 21st century.*
*Excerpted from the website for the American Montessori Society, an organization of which Bridgeview Montessori is an Associate Member.
Policy on Nondiscrimination
Bridgeview Montessori School does not in any way discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, national/ethnic origin, physical disability, toileting status, gender identity or expression, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of its hiring, admissions, and educational policies, or in any other school program.
Annual Circle of Giving
When Jean Rice and Palmer True founded our school, they had a vision of a cohesive community that would foster respect, caring, and peace and would take as its foundation the teachings and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. Children with a wide range of academic and social skills have thrived at Bridgeview Montessori School. Like all nonprofit independent schools, our school depends on the generosity of parents, alumni and friends to accomplish its envisioned goals. The funds needed to supplement operating expenses are derived from our Annual Circle of Giving campaign, which is announced in the fall of each school year. Your tax deductible gifts of any amount are essential to the vitality of our school. Each contribution is always deeply appreciated.
About the School
Bridgeview Montessori School is dedicated to providing a quality educational experience for the Children’s House (CH) child (2.9 - 6 years old) and the Elementary child (6 - 12 years old) in a caring environment that is conducive to learning. The classrooms are multi-aged groups with a teacher for every ten students in the Children’s House classrooms and for every twelve students in the Elementary classrooms. Kindergarten and Elementary students attend classes five full days a week. Classes for students age four and below are offered on either a full-day or part-day basis, and may be on either a 5-day, 4-day, or 3-day basis. Priority may be given to five full day applicants.
In the CH program, a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities may be provided in the areas of practical life, sensorial, math, language, geography and cultural studies, science, Spanish, art, yoga, and music, with many opportunities to express one’s imagination in dramatic play. There is also a daily group time and outdoor play time, which include gross motor activities. As part of an individualized program we attempt to help each student become independent. Every student is given the opportunity to progress at his or her own pace and developmental level.
The Elementary program includes studies in language arts, mathematics, cultural studies, biology, history, geography, science, Spanish, yoga, computer usage, music, drama, and physical education, with a strong emphasis on the arts. This age group will also take advantage of the many resources on the Cape and in the greater Boston area, making use of this broader environment to visit nature centers, museums, etc. Using multi-sensory materials and an inter-disciplinary approach, the Montessori elementary teacher guides the student in building basic math and language skills through a series of sequentially instructed exercises. Cultural Studies include biology, history, geography and science. The arts will include art sessions with an introduction to aesthetics and the elements and principals of design while working with a variety of tools and mediums. Students will integrate observation and studies of individual artists.
The CH program is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Parents may contact EEC for information regarding the program's regulatory compliance history. Their contact information is:
EEC Southeast and Cape Cod Office, 1 Washington Street, Suite 20, Taunton, MA 02780, 508-828-5025.
Admissions
Following an initial parental visit, applications will be accepted. Priority will be given to returning students and siblings. Priority may also be given to five full day applicants.
Children’s House Programs
5 Days, Kindergarten, 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
5 Days, Full Day, 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
5 Days, Part Day, 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
4 Days, Full Day, 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
4 Days, Part Day, 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
3 Days, Full Day, 8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
3 Days, Part Day, 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Elementary Programs
5 Days, Elementary I, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
5 Days, Elementary II, 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
General Policies and Procedures
Advertising and Notices
Announcements for Bridgemail and Views from the Bridge newsletters are limited to student and school related information and events only. We may authorize distribution of outside events for children upon request at the requesting person’s expense.
We may occasionally choose to print and distribute a Business Directory to Bridgeview Montessori families with submissions from the Bridgeview Montessori Community.
Attendance and Punctuality
Our Montessori curriculum is based on each student’s consistent attendance as it requires continuity of presentations and reviews which bring our students to mastery. Regular interaction with peers and teachers in well planned community learning activities are vital for each student’s developmental, academic growth, and self esteem.
We encourage all parents to make sure that their child arrives on time at School. Any student not picked up at dismissal time will be placed in After Care and the parent will be invoiced accordingly. (See section Before and After Care for more details.)
Please notify the School by phone if your child will be unexpectedly absent (leave a message if necessary). If a child’s absence is planned in advance, please notify the School’s Administrative Assistant in writing at least a week prior to the absence. Students who are physically absent from school will be recorded as absent.
Missed class/home work due to absence is expected to be made up after student returns to school. Teachers are not required to send home class/home work in advance of a student’s absence. Student and teacher will agree as to time allotted for makeup work.
We expect that, as much as possible, family trips will be planned to occur within the scheduled holiday dates, teacher in service days, and early release days, as listed on our school calendar. If you should schedule a trip or a day-off other than during these scheduled breaks, you must inform the School in writing of the planned absence.
In cases of chronic or irregular absence, the Head of School or Education Director (ED) may request a physician’s statement certifying that the prolonged absence is justified.
If your child’s attendance is recognized as sporadic and/or inconsistent, then you may receive a formal letter stating that we have a concern in this area.
Our School policy takes individual situations into account, such as health issues. Once a student misses more than 10 days of school without approval from the Head of School, that student is placed on academic probation; if additional school days are missed from this point forward, the result may be expulsion.
We, of course, encourage students to attend school without excessive tardiness or absenteeism.
Class time missed due to late arrival or early dismissal is counted towards the student’s attendance.
Early dismissals interrupt your child’s education. It is advisable to avoid early dismissal if possible. Medical appointments do, at times, need to be scheduled and we understand this. However, we urge times other than school hours for such routine appointments.
If you are requesting an early dismissal for your child, please note the following procedures:
1. A note must be sent to your child’s teacher indicating the date and time of pickup as well as the person, if different from yourself, who will make the pickup.
2. Report to the front desk when you enter the School. Your child will be either waiting for you, if practicable, or he/she will be called to the front desk for you.
A child who is consistently tardy misses crucial opportunities, both social and academically. In addition, an individual child’s tardiness disrupts his/her teacher(s) and classmates.
Five (5) tardies (arrival after student’s program begins) may constitute one day’s-absence.
Five (5) early dismissals (departure before student’s program ends) may constitute one day’s absence.
Only elementary student’s attendance is transferred to Progress Reports for permanent record.
Background Record Checks
The School adheres to the Background Record Check (BRC) policies set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). Each staff member, substitute teacher, potential new employee, student intern, Elementary field study driver or chaperone, or regular volunteer who has regular contact with children is required to submit written consent for Background Record Checks, which consists of a Criminal Offender Record Investigation (CORI), and may include the following:
o a Department of Children and Families (DCF) background record check of abuse or neglect;
o a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check;
o a fingerprint-based check of the national and state criminal history databases.
Staff members, substitutes, interns, and volunteers may be reimbursed fees paid after completing a fingerprint scan as part of the CORI/SORI process in accordance with regulations. A receipt must be submitted to the School once fingerprinting has been completed.
The Head of School will maintain screening and compliance with the Massachusetts Background Record Check system.
Before and After Care
Professionally supervised child care is available from 7:45 a.m. until the start of the student’s program in the morning, and from the end of the student’s program (not earlier than 3 p.m.) until 5:30 p.m. The payment for the use of this program is the responsibility of the parents who use it and must agree to utilize it in accordance with the Before Care and After Care Policy for Parents, a separate document distributed to parents.
The number of students in Before and After Care each day is restricted by the School’s state license, but a limited number of spaces may be available on a “drop-in” daily basis for children of parents who have an unanticipated need for this service. Parents who unexpectedly need to place a child in Before or After Care on a given day must contact a School Administrator to confirm that a space is available. Parents requesting regular use of Before or After Care need to fill out a registration form, which will be provided by the Administrative Assistant.
Before and After Care begin on the first day of school. After Care is closed on Oct 31 and on the last day of school. On half days of school, After Care is available on a first come first served basis, with priority given to that particular day’s regular attendees, including sibling After Care registrants. Regular fees will begin to accrue starting at 12 p.m. for CH attendees on CH half days of school.
The Before Care and After Care fee is $10 per hour per child, rounded up to the next half hour.
Birthdays
It is a Montessori tradition to celebrate each child’s birthday.
In CH, a birthday walk is an opportunity for you to join your child in a celebration of her/his life! Share stories as your child walks around a glowing candle which represents the shining sun. Recall events from each year with photographs and anecdotes that bring to life your child’s journey through the world. Some families make posters with mounted pictures; others share small albums. Siblings, grandparents and other extended family members are invited to sit and watch your child delight in this joyful celebration. The birthday walk is generally between ten and fifteen minutes. You may provide a healthy snack for the entire class to make the event fun and nourishing for all.
Elementary parents may talk with your child’s teacher about how to celebrate your child’s birthday.
Bridgeview Family Association (BFA)
All parents and or guardians of children attending Bridgeview Montessori School are members of the Bridgeview Family Association (BFA), (formerly known as BPA).
The BFA is a service organization that aims to make the everyday experience at Bridgeview Montessori School as enjoyable, rewarding, and enriching as possible for students, faculty and staff through volunteer efforts and parent involvement.
Responsibilities to the Head of School
· Coordinate all BFA events, including but not limited to social, fundraising, parent education programs, etc., with the School administration.
Responsibilities to Community
· To encourage members of the parent community to share ownership of our School by becoming an integral part of the on-going enrichment of the Montessori experience.
· Notices of the first meeting will be distributed to parents at the end of summer or early fall.
· Maintain open and positive communication with staff and families.
Bullying Prevention
Bullying in any form, physical, verbal, written or cyber, is and has never been tolerated at our School. We value a compassionate, safe and peaceful community. Every adult and child within our learning community is united in the daily practice of conflict resolution. Respect and empathy are practiced every day through attentive listening, voicing opinions, collaborative problem solving, and valuing acts of kindness. Students are guided by teachers throughout the school day, including lunch and recess. A sense of responsibility for self and others, modeled by teachers, grows within each child.
All students are encouraged, whether a victim or a witness of bullying, to talk to a teacher or administrator. Parents should also feel free to report any incident of bullying to any member of our faculty. Our School will take prompt action to address such incidents.
Child Abuse or Neglect
Each staff member understands that under Massachusetts General Laws, he/she is a mandated reporter and is under legal obligation to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. He/she is immune by law from civil or criminal liability regardless of whether or not the report is confirmed.
As an overall policy, the School will protect children from abuse and neglect while they are under the care and custody of our School, either on-site or on field trips or other off-premises activities.
When any staff member has a suspicion of child abuse or neglect, he/she will report his/her concern immediately to the Department of Children and Families (DCF), or to the Head of School, or to an Education Director. The Head of School or ED will immediately report the suspected abuse or neglect to the DCF.
The Head of School or ED will notify the EEC immediately after filing a 51A report with the DCF, or upon learning that a 51A report has been filed alleging abuse or neglect of a child while in the care of the School or during a school related activity. A complete written report of each incident will be maintained in the office of the Head of School.
The School will cooperate in all investigations of abuse and neglect, including identifying parents of children currently or previously enrolled in the program. The School will provide consent for disclosure to the EEC of information from, and allowing the EEC to disclose information to, any person and/or agency the EEC may specify as necessary to the prompt investigation of allegations and protection of children. It is understood that failure to cooperate may be grounds for suspension, revocation, or refusal to issue or renew a license.
The School’s procedures also ensure that an allegedly abusive or neglectful staff member will not work directly with children until a DCF investigation is completed and for such further time as the EEC requires.
Clothing
Simple, loose, easy to manage clothing is best for children. A pair of slippers, which the student can manage independently, are to be worn while the student is indoors. (Please no open back slip-ons, "big head" or action figure slippers, but crocs are acceptable for indoor use.) CH parents should send in an extra set of clothes in a ziplock bag to keep at the School for their child. Please label all of your child’s clothing and slippers. Please dress your child appropriately for daily outside play, which should include snow pants and boots during winter months. All students wear boots, sneakers, or closed toed shoes on the playground. Crocs, flip-flops and sandals are discouraged for safety reasons.
Diapering and Toileting
Due to the convenient location of the bathrooms, the children are free to use them as needed. The teacher will be in sight and hearing to supervise the child and assist if needed. A staff member will accompany the child into the school if the child is outside on the playground and wishes to use the bathroom. The School will supply a change of clothing for any unexpected needs. Parents are requested to launder and return school clothing.
A child will never be reprimanded for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet. Children will be toilet-trained in accordance with the requests of their parents and consistent with the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental abilities.
If the child has an accident, a staff member, after putting on latex-free gloves, will assist the child as needed in cleaning themselves and replacing his/her soiled clothes with fresh ones. Any soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag for the child to bring home for laundering.
Should a child require diapering, the teacher will gather the supplies needed and follow the diapering procedure which is posted at the diapering areas. At no time will the child be without teacher guidance. The teacher will use a disposable paper liner under the child and wear gloves. Soiled diapers will be disposed of in a covered and lined garbage can. The diapering area will be cleaned with disinfectant according to the posted plan.
Where appropriate in the process, independence with dress and hand washing will be encouraged. Before leaving the bathroom, both teacher and child will wash hands with water and liquid soap, using friction, and dry hands with an individual disposable towel.
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
Each family will receive a Parking Plan and instructions on how to line up your vehicle during drop-off time and park during pick-up times. At drop-off a teacher will assist your child from the right side of your vehicle and insure that he/she enters the School and knows how to get to his/her classroom. At pick-up time, please park your car as indicated in the Parking Plan and proceed to the school door from which your child will be discharged. You will be asked to sign your child out. Children will only be released to parents or individuals specifically authorized in writing by a parent or legal guardian.
When you drop off your child, you may hand a teacher a note about anything that we should know: for example, your child did not eat breakfast; or something is going on in your child's life that is upsetting or exciting; or your child will be picked up early that day; or someone different will be picking up your child, etc.
Emergency Card/First Aid and Medical Care Consent Form
An Emergency card must be completed and returned to the school before the first day of school. This form is required by law, and the authorization portion must be complete. The first point of contact will always be the parents; however, you must list back-up names and phone numbers of at least two people who can be contacted in case of any emergency in the event parents are not reachable. Please list the names of people who agree to be available to come to school in the case of an emergency.
Emergency Closings
An early closing of the School may seem prudent in case of the following emergency situations: Fire, natural disaster, loss of power, loss of heat, loss of water. The School staff will notify the parents, or emergency contact if needed, that an early dismissal is necessary.
Evacuation Plan: In case of need to evacuate the school property – Please refer to the Health Care Policies.
Family Contact Information
Within the first month of school, all enrolled families will receive a list of students, which may include student’s mailing address, phone number, parent(s’) name, and classroom. This list is for communication among our families and faculty and is not to be used for soliciting. Mailing and Email addresses will only be used by the school faculty and Board of Trustees, unless authorized by individual family. The blue permission form submitted for each child is used for authorization of contact information.
Field Studies - Children’s House
Although there won’t be CH field studies that originate from School, there may be occasional field study activities at offsite locations where parents, children and teachers will meet. Each CH family will receive written notification in advance of such offsite activities.
Field Studies - Elementary
Each Elementary family will receive written notification of offsite field studies in advance, which may be in the form of a permission slip or a notice. It is important that an appropriate permission slip be on file for each offsite field study for every student in order to participate in a field study.
Students may be transported for field studies in private vehicles, which may include a parent or teacher driver. Drivers will adhere to all Massachusetts state seat belt and child restraint laws. Each volunteer driver must have on file with the School a copy of their current driver’s license and Automobile Insurance Coverage Selection Page. In addition, each driver, chaperone, or volunteer must have on record at the School evidence that he/she has been cleared through a BRC within the past three years. There may be a nominal fee associated with some field studies.
Fitness Class and/or Recess Non Participation due to Injury
Elementary students who are unable to participate in Fitness class will attend their Fitness class and observe the lessons.
If for any reason a student is unable to observe Fitness class, then student must be picked up from school at 1:00 p.m.
Students who do not participate in Fitness and/or Recess due to a physical injury need to submit a note from a parent or doctor stating the student may resume full physical activities.
Home Assignments for Elementary Students
We assign a reasonable amount of traditional homework so that children have the time to pursue personal interests that contribute to their development as well rounded, lifelong learners. In keeping with the idea of nurturing interests, our home assignments are designed to allow students to continue developing a love for knowledge, personal expression, and reinforce skills learned in the classroom. Individual classroom teachers will provide more information about particular assignments and homework schedules. We ask that parents assist their children in achieving homework success by creating quiet homework spaces and scheduling their time so that they can complete the assignments by the provided due dates.
Elementary I home assignments are generally literacy based with students choosing related projects that reflect their individual learning styles and interests. These projects are to be completed over a period of days, and often involve reading and preparing some type of presentation. Additionally, other home assignments may be organic or spontaneous extensions of the work being done in class.
Elementary II students are asked to complete both short range and long range assignments. Typically, there is a predictable weekly homework schedule. This may include such things as reading with written reflections, math work that is an extension of school lessons, and spelling. Longer research assignments are also completed at home. These projects allow the students to work with long range planning as they meet multiple deadlines.
Missed class/home work due to absence is expected to be made up after student returns to school. Teachers are not required to send home class/home work in advance of a student’s absence. Student and teacher will agree as to time allotted for makeup work.
Illness (including mildly ill) – Please refer to the Health Care Policies.
Lost and Found
Please label all of your child’s belongings. In the event that we cannot identify the owner of a given item, that item will be placed in our lost and found bin located near the front desk. Unclaimed lost and found items are periodically donated to a local nonprofit organization.
Lunches and Snacks
Each student should have a lunch box that is clearly labeled with his/her name. Please include a balanced nutritious lunch and drink. Ideas include: a sandwich with protein; bagel with cream cheese; yogurt; fresh fruit; fresh vegetables with a dip; juice box or any non-spilling cup or container with juice or milk. (No glass-lined thermos bottles, please.) Also, please provide any necessary utensils including two cloth napkins for your child to eat the lunch that you have prepared. In order to assure safety around allergic reactions, students are not allowed to exchange or share food. Students have water available to them at all times in their classrooms.
Elementary students provide their own snacks, which should be packed separately from their lunch. In the CH program, the School and parents jointly provide the daily snack. The School provides a grain; the parents provide fruits or vegetables on a weekly rotation basis. The snack schedule is organized by a room parent and distributed within the first few weeks of school.
Children with severe, life threatening food allergies may attend our school. This may lead to our decision to prohibit such foods from the whole school or from individual classrooms. We will notify families of the details via email and Parent Notice Box folder as needed.
Organizational Chart
The Organizational Chart is emailed to enrolled families within the first week of school and it is also posted in the hallway on the main floor. The Organizational Chart is updated annually.
Parent Communication
We believe that informed, honest, and straightforward communication is key in creating an effective and productive family/School match. To help accomplish this, the School has a number of channels of communication in place to inform both parents and students.
· Bridgemail: At the end of each week, Bridgemail is disseminated to the parent body and faculty through email. Bridgemail is a key source of information including a calendar section containing upcoming important dates, and an announcement section containing small informational blurbs about upcoming events, special classroom requests and School news. Bridgemail is limited to student and school related information and events only.
· Cell Phones: We have asked that our faculty and staff refrain from text messaging with parents.
· Conferences: In addition to the scheduled parent/teacher conferences (see Parent/Teacher Conference section below), a parent, teacher or administrator may ask to schedule a conference at any time. To schedule this conference, call the School or send a note with your child requesting a conference time.
· Email: Email is a communication method used by faculty members. Early in the year, parents will receive a list of faculty email addresses. Teachers will check their emails once a day and will reply within 24 hours, Monday – Friday. Email is also used for notices, announcements, and general communication between faculty and staff and parents. Announcements are limited to school related events and notices only. In addition, the BFA may also send school related information, announcements, requests for volunteers, etc. via parent emails. Please keep us updated with your email address while enrolled at our School.
· Parent Notice Box Folders: Each student has a hanging folder labeled with his or her name and stored in a classroom color-coded file box. These boxes are accessible at pickup, and parents and/or caregivers should check them daily. Faculty use these to circulate classroom or/and all school announcements, permission slips, volunteer requests, etc. Folders may also be used for distributing students’ work, Scholastic Book orders, pizza order forms, and local community programs for children (nonprofit and for profit), and for parents to distribute birthday invitations and/or thank you notes.
· Parent Observations: Parents are always welcome to visit the school at any time, and we encourage parents to observe a class in session. You may schedule an observation time with your child’s teachers.
· Phone Calls: Parents are encouraged to call the School whenever they have a question, observation or concern. Please leave a message for your child’s teacher, including convenient times for a return call. The Head of School and/or Education Directors are also available to field calls when appropriate.
· Social Media: Visit our Bridgeview Montessori School Facebook page to see inside our school. Although we encourage parents to check us out on Facebook, we do not encourage our faculty and staff to “friend” parents. Thanks for your understanding.
· Staff and Faculty Mailboxes: Parents may communicate with staff and faculty by putting notes in their mailboxes.
Direct, constructive, and respectful communication is encouraged at all times and is critical to the growth and vitality of all School relationships including School/parent, teacher/student, student/student, parent/parent, etc.
Parent and Teacher Conferences
Scheduled parent/teacher conferences occur twice each year; there is no school for students during conference days. Please refer to the school calendar. In addition to the scheduled parent/teacher conferences, a parent, teacher or administrator may ask to schedule a conference at any time. To schedule this conference, call the School or send a note with your child requesting a conference time.
Physical Examination and Immunizations
All students aged six or younger must have an annual physical examination by a licensed physician, as required by the Department of Early Education and Care, and MA Dept. of Public Health. CH students must provide proof of a lead screening test. No CH student may begin the school year without proof of an up-to-date physical. Students in the Elementary program are expected to have a physical examination by a licensed physician at least every two years; a record of such physical must be supplied to the school. Immunizations in accordance with state requirements must be up-to-date for all students.
Privacy
For the purpose of being compliant with the Massachusetts data privacy law, personal information (PI) is as defined in the regulations: a MA resident's first name and last name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements that relate to such resident:
(a) Social Security number;
(b) driver's license number or state-issued identification card number; or
(c) financial account number, or credit or debit card number, with or without any required security code, access code, personal identification number or password, that would permit access to a resident’s financial account; provided, however, that PI shall not include information that is lawfully obtained from publicly available information, or from federal, state or local government records lawfully made available to the general public.
When we collect personal identifiable information, we keep it confidential. Only authorized personnel who need to see the information may have access to it. All confidential information is kept in a locked file, or stored on a password protected computer. When we need to remove personal information, it is shredded or incinerated.
Program Transitions
We are dedicated to smooth transitions for each child as he/she enters or leaves any of our programs. To this end, our Program Transition Policy includes:
· Each child entering one of our programs will be invited with their family on a tour of the School, including bathroom areas. This will occur before the start of school.
· If a child is transitioning into one of our programs from a different school, Bridgeview Montessori School will request records and information from the other program with the parents’ permission.
· Parents will be encouraged to schedule a transition meeting with the teachers to plan for the transition ahead of time. When appropriate, the child may be included in the meetings to show collaboration between teachers and family.
· When a child transitions from one classroom to another or between programs (CH to Elementary, Elementary I to Elementary II) teachers will meet for information sharing and collaboration on behalf of students.
· Each child will be personally assisted by the teachers in a developmentally appropriate way to ensure the best possible scenario for a transition out of a program. This may be done through: one-to-one conversations between teacher and child about transition feelings, facilitating possible visits to the new classroom beforehand (i.e. programs within the same building), and opportunities for the child to talk at circle time with peers about the transition to say goodbye, and for the group to share a goodbye with the child/children.
In the case of a child leaving one of our programs because of a suspension or termination, the School will continue to strive for the procedures listed above, in addition to those in the Suspension and Termination Policy.
Progress Reports
In-depth student progress reports are prepared by classroom teachers and distributed to parents twice yearly for CH students and three times yearly for Elementary students. A CH student with a diagnosed special need and/or disability will receive a written progress report every three months.
Records
All information contained in a student's record is privileged and confidential. The School will not distribute or release information to anyone not directly related to implementing the program plan for the student without written consent of the student's parent(s). An authorization form is available for that purpose. The School will notify the parent(s) if a student's record is subpoenaed. The child’s parent(s) shall, upon request, have access to their child's record, and may request in writing a copy of records at any time.
Records Destruction
The School will maintain student records up to seven years after the student's enrollment ends. A parent or guardian may contact the school to request student records no earlier than five years after the student's enrollment ends. Arrangements can be made to pick up records, or records can be mailed. Reasonable fees may apply for mailing records. Records will be destroyed seven years after the student's enrollment ends.
Referral Services
When a child is exhibiting social, emotional, and/or academic challenges that are of concern to faculty and/or parents, the School will look more deeply at the issues in question. The first steps will be information gathering steps and may include: meetings with parents, teachers, Education Directors and Head of School. Notes will be taken and shared with all parties. If parents are currently working with specialists who may have pertinent information to share, the School would welcome that input.
When appropriate, the School may suggest a referral to an appropriate testing resource or community program that might assist the family and child. The aim is to widen the understanding of the total child.
A list of community resources contact information can be found in our Health Care Policies.
Rest Mats
All CH students who are in the full day program but who are not Kindergarten age will be provided a rest mat. Students in this program should have a blanket and, if desired, a small, washable stuffed toy for the rest portion of the afternoon. Blanket, rest mat, and stuffed toy will be laundered weekly by parent.
School Closings / Delays
School closings and/or delay announcements will be broadcast on Boston TV channel 7, and can also be found on the following websites: www.thebostonchannel.com, www.whdh.com/weather, and http://www.necn.com/weather/school-closings/. In addition, the School telephone will contain a message as to whether school will have a delayed opening, close early, or be closed for the day (occasionally, due to heavy call volume, it may be necessary for you to call more than once to get through to the answering machine). We will also make every effort to email all families as to whether or not the school will be open or if there will be a delayed opening. We are not obligated to make up school days cancelled.
If a serious storm should start while school is in session, please call the school if you are not going to be at your listed phone number. We will contact you by phone and email in the event of an early dismissal due to inclement weather.
Security
The safety of our students, staff and faculty is our highest priority. All exterior doors to the school are kept closed and locked except when a staff member is physically present to control access. Students are not authorized to open doors for parents or visitors.
For your child's protection, we will never release a child to someone other than a parent without written authorization. The staff of the school will require a positive proof of identification for any person we have not previously met.
We practice regular fire drills in accordance with the EEC regulations and the Bourne Fire department.
Procedures for Safety Drills are periodically reviewed and practiced by Staff members.
State Requirement
Asbestos Notification: No asbestos was detected inside the Bridgeview Montessori School building. A copy of our School’s Asbestos Management Plan is available at our administrative office during regular school hours. We will continue to update our AHERA Asbestos Management Plan as required. Any inquiries regarding the management of asbestos-containing materials in our school should be directed to our AHERA Designated Person, Sandy Nickerson, who can be reached at snickerson@bridgeviewmontessori.org and 508-888-3567.
Student Discipline
We believe deeply that clear boundaries, developmentally appropriate ground rules, logical classroom routines, and recognized social norms are key in cultivating appropriate student behavior at Bridgeview Montessori School.
When a student’s behavior is inappropriate for our setting, disciplinary action may include: a conversation with the classroom teacher to explore alternatives to the behavior involved, a conversation with the Head of School or Education Director to explore alternatives to the behavior involved, a conversation with the School, student and parents to explore alternatives to the behavior involved. The School’s goal is to encourage a student to make a good choice; however, if the student shows an inability to make a good behavioral choice, a teacher, Head of School, or ED will impose a natural and logical consequence.
Often that consequence includes a student being asked to be apart from the other students until he or she is able to commit to a change in behavior. Even the youngest student in our school will be asked to articulate that he/she is going to make better choices and change the inappropriate behavior.
In a case that a student’s behavior continues to be disruptive, unsafe, disrespectful, or hurtful and that the School (teachers, Head of School, ED) has exhausted every effort to help the student behave appropriately including multiple conversations with parents, the Head of School may expel the student. (See Student Suspension and Termination section below.)
Student Interns
The School occasionally provides opportunities for student interns to fulfill their Montessori training requirements, paid or unpaid, by working in the classroom. Under the supervision of a teacher, the intern may participate in teaching, planning, classroom preparation, and classroom management. A supervisor from the intern's Montessori training program may make scheduled visits to evaluate the intern's progress and to conference with both the intern and our School’s supervising teacher.
Suspension and Termination
The School will pursue all possible options to avoid suspension or termination of any student due to behavioral, social/emotional or academic concerns, which may include the following steps:
· Documentation and communication of concerns with parents, teacher team, ED and Head of School.
· Meetings with parents to discuss plans for success.
· Referrals for appropriate evaluation and services.
· Upon completion of evaluation(s), school will receive report(s) with the intention to learn how to best support the student.
· As needed, staff opportunities for supportive services in order to support the student.
· Development and implementation of behavior intervention plan for home and program.
· Appropriate follow up with parents, teacher team, ED and Head of School.
If after taking the warranted steps above, the Administration feels the student is unable to be successful at School, the School may dismiss the student. Dismissal of a student requires the approval of the Head of School. Written notification will be made prior to the child’s date of suspension or termination and will include the reason for dismissal. This must include a written explanation of any possible conditions for return.
In addition to classroom concerns as noted above, the following are also possible reasons for student suspension or termination:
1. A clear indication that parent’s educational goals are not aligned with the Montessori philosophy, mission, and goals of Bridgeview Montessori School.
2. Parent(s) not willing to:
v follow school procedures and policies related to attendance, punctuality, drop-off, pick-up, school conferences, Before Care and After Care.
v find positive ways to communicate with the staff and administration regarding questions or concerns about school programs.
v engage in conversations initiated by the school related to questions and concerns.
v represent the School in a positive manner to the community at large.
v seek professional help in assisting with their child who is aggressive and a potential threat to the safety and well being of himself/herself and/or others.
3. Any student or parent who presents a potential threat to the safety and well being of himself/herself and/or others.
4. Tuition accounts more than 30 days in arrears without written arrangements being made with Head of School.
5. Excessive absences according to the Attendance and Punctuality policy.
When a student is dismissed from the School, initiated by either the parent or the school, the school will prepare the student for termination in a manner consistent with the child’s developmental ability to understand.
Transportation
The School does not provide any transportation to and from School for students. Students will not be transported to or from school by the School staff members. In case of emergency, the School will dial 911 for transportation. If a student is transported in an emergency vehicle, all efforts will be made for a staff member to accompany the child if the child’s emergency contacts are not available.
Elementary students may be transported for field studies in private vehicles, which may include a parent or teacher driver with appropriate documentation on file. The School will adhere to all Massachusetts state seat belt and child restraint laws.
Valuables, Cell Phones, Electronics and Other Items from Home
Students should not bring any valuables to School. These include cell phones, electronics (see exception below), jewelry, toys, money, etc. If a student needs any of these items for after the school day, these items should be left with the Head of School or ED until dismissal.
Exception to electronics: Students may bring electronic books to school for reading.
Volunteers
We value our community of parents and volunteers. Volunteers bring unique strengths, talents and support in order to provide collaboration between teachers and families to best serve the children. We welcome volunteers in all capacities. In accordance with state licensing regulations from EEC, our School policy includes the following:
Orientation, appropriate training, and supervision will be provided for all volunteers
Documentation of all volunteers through a sign-in/out book, including dates, times, and locations is located near the main entrance
Documentation of each volunteers’ responsibilities will be kept in the volunteers personnel file
CH volunteers will be under the direct visual supervision by a qualified educator at all times during their volunteer time with students
Authorized CORI Reviewers for the School will maintain screening and compliance of all volunteers with the Massachusetts Background Record Check system
Art Studio and Art History
Students have Art Studio once a week for 1 1/2 hours. Art History is integrated into Art Studio time. Art history projects and discussions are designed to reinforce a student's knowledge of a particular art period or artist. Over a period of three years, art of the ancient world is reviewed. Individual artists are also explored starting with the Renaissance period and ending with contemporary artists.
As young artists, students explore the elements of art, line, shape, color, form and texture. We use different media to create 2- and 3-dimensional work. These include drawing and painting materials, clay, paper mache, printmaking, plaster and fibers. One month in the school year is dedicated to intensive clay work, with work brought to completion using our on-site kiln. Although most work is done individually, students also have opportunities to work collaboratively. Each student's book-style portfolio is used to store work and provides an opportunity to review past work and rework if a student feels the need. Students are encouraged to evaluate their art and write about it in their portfolios.
Each year, students enjoy either a presentation from a visiting artist or an art-related field trip or both. Often student art work is employed in "all school" projects such as creating backdrops for school plays. At times, art studio work coincides with classroom themes. For example, as students learn about the middle ages, they explore tapestry and weaving in the art studio.
In May, we celebrate all our hard work by turning the whole school into a gallery and inviting families to attend a "Celebration of Art!" event.
Music and Drama
Music in Children’s House
Music is an important component of the Children’s House. Through developmentally appropriate songs, chants, and dances, children become familiar with important aspects of music-making – moving in rhythm, singing in various tonalities, improvising, listening, using language in musical ways, dancing, and instrument exploration. Students have the opportunity to develop their tonality and singing as well as rhythm and movement both individually and in a group. This basic music competence will form a strong foundation for the life-long enjoyment of music and, if desired later, developmentally appropriate musical instruction.
Music & Drama in Elementary
Our Music and Drama program is based on the belief that all children are inherently musical and creative. Through developmentally appropriate songs, dances, and theater games, we will guide the students in achieving basic music competency, a basic understanding of proper vocal technique, music theory, musicianship, and music history. Creative drama lessons and games will enhance their understanding of the world around them and themselves in addition to their appreciation of theater as an art form. Students will have the opportunity to share their work with our community in concerts and musical programs throughout the school year.
Yoga
Yoga is the ancient Eastern practice of deep stretching, meditation and relaxation which works to unite body, mind and spirit. Children are naturally attracted to the movement and challenge of the Yoga postures. Each Yoga class at Bridgeview consists of greeting, breathing, warm-ups, postures and deep relaxation. We use songs and games to enjoy the lightheartedness and joy of movement. Breathing is at the core of Yoga, and children become still and peaceful as they focus on their breath. The Yoga postures help improve balance, flexibility and strength in all muscles of the body.