Introduction. MontessoriMavi is a place where your child will feel happy and secure while he is learning, where he is treated and respected as an individual and where he feels comfortable in his surrounds while realizing what is expected of him in this new situation. A child's first school experience has a great effect on his future feeling concerning school and the learning process, therefore it is vitally important to make a wise decision in these early years of a your child's educational experience. We also encourage parents to be actively involved.

The return on your investment in Montessori will be enhanced if there is a consistency between your home and your child's classroom. This does not mean putting Montessori materials in your living room. It means taking the Montessori perspective.  With this perspective, your attitudes, your pace, your expectations, and the limits you establish for your child will be in keeping with the principles that Maria Montessori developed for her teachers - principles that came from her lifelong observation of the nature of children. To gain this perspective, you can read Montessori's writings, attend parent information sessions, take part in parent observations.

Montessori Visits. You can arrange a one with the Directress , who will visit your home and provide valuable advice on extending the Montessori method to the home environment.

Arrival & Departure. To start and end the day in an organized manner, and especially to avoid confusion during arrival and departures, please follow these procedures:

Late arrival. It is important that children arrive on time, as the beginning of the school day sets a tone for the classroom. Children who are rushed and arrive late may not be in the right frame of mind to begin their activities. We ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your child has the opportunity to begin his/her work at the start of class. Parents should not enter classrooms or disturb teachers once the day has begun. Once classes have started, bring your child to the office. Please wait until your child can be escorted to class. This will minimize the effect on both your child and the rest of the class.

Late pick-up. Parents who arrive late to pick-up their child must go to the office, even if your child is outside in the playground. Your child will be in our Lunch program or our After School program, depending on the time of day. There is also a small fee for this accommodation.

Early and Special Dismissals. Should your child leave before the regular dismissal time, the parent must give a signed and dated note to the teacher at the beginning of the day. Telephone calls to rearrange plans are not allowed, except in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, notify the office as soon as possible. Under all circumstances, come to the office to pick up your child, even if your child is outside on the playground. Guardians, other than parents, who are unfamiliar to staff, will be asked to show proof of identity, even for those listed on emergency contact forms.

Parent Visits. Parents are invited to visit the school at any time by appointment. It is helpful to remember that children do not always act the same when their parents are watching them; therefore, observations are not true indicators of a child’s progress in a group. Visits serve more to give you a feeling for the day’s activities and the varied choices your child may make. Please sit quietly as you observe the class in operation. To minimize disruption to the class, we request that you do not move around the room, try to work with your child, or engage the teachers in conversation. We hope your observation will enable you to better understand the Montessori philosophy and curricula, and your child’s response to the prepared environment.

The school calendar has special observation days scheduled: Mothers Day, Fathers Day, and Grandparents Day.

Conferences are scheduled regularly. Parents are expected to participate, as they should for all activities that connect the school to the child and the parent.

We request that children not be brought to the conference so that you can have a thoughtful discussion with your child’s teacher. Please arrange for child care as children cannot be unattended at the school.

On a daily basis, teachers are more available at the end of the day’s session rather than as children are arriving for the day. If there arises a need to speak with your child’s teacher, please send a note or call the office with a message. Teachers will return your calls as quickly as possible. Our teachers are as interested and concerned as you, but they are not always able to respond when their attention must be on all the children in the class or when others are able to overhear. Additional conferences may always be scheduled during the year.

Conferences serve not only to keep parents informed of their child’s progress, but also to keep teachers abreast of family changes or parents concerns. All conferences are confidential between the school and parent. Remember to let us know of any temporary changes to the child’s life that may affect his/her enjoyment of the day.

General. Everyone is expected to dress simply and appropriately for school in washable clothes that are neat, clean, and in good condition. Clothing should be easy to pull on and off so your child may function independently. By avoiding suspenders, belts, sandals and one-piece body suits, you make it easier for your child to participate safely in all the classroom activities.

Shoes. All students go outside most days. Appropriate shoes for school are sneakers or other casual shoes that may get dirty. The best sneakers for outdoor activities have laces that must be tied. Clogs, party shoes, or open-toed sandals are not appropriate for safe outside play. Please send an extra pair of shoes to wear inside the school, which will be left in your child's cubby (please label the shoes with your child's name). Inside shoes should be plain slippers or sneakers. These shoes help keep our inside environment clean and allows the student an opportunity to put their shoes on independently.

Extra Clothes. Students should have a full set of extra clothing, including two pairs of socks and underwear. Please put all items in a plastic bag labeled with the child’s name. Should your child not be wearing the same clothes worn to school, please be sure to request the soiled clothes to take home for cleaning. If your child is still in diapers, please keep a few days  supply at the school at all times. This way, your child will always wear the brand that fits your child most comfortably. Please label all clothing and the diaper bag with your child's name.

Outdoor dress. Each day children will have the opportunity to be outdoors. Please send students to school with appropriate outer garments, depending on the day’s forecast. Provide clothing that is easy to move around , thus encouraging their physical independence.

Role models. We do not permit or promote violent/combative TV heroes (Spiderman, Power Rangers, Pokemon, Power Puff, etc.). We ask you not to send your child with clothing, backpacks, shoes, costumes, or lunch boxes with these characters on them.

Food

Lunch. We provide healthy and nutritious food. They are mostly prepared in house. However we hire an external caterer when our in house cook is unavailable.  On Fridays' its Lunch Box Day. Children can bring their own food and drink that are nutritious. Planning ahead with your young child to prepare the lunch together can be a wonderful activity to share. Older children can be expected to take on this responsibility. You may send warm lunches in an insulated container. Please do not send soda or candy. With respect to our environment all food should be packed in recyclable containers and drinks in thermoses or reusable containers (no juice boxes, "lunchables," or tube yogurt). We will encourage your child to finish what you send with them and return anything uneaten at the end of the day. The children will not be sharing their lunches.

Snacks. Snack time is an integral part of our Practical Life curriculum. It is a learning experience that teaches grace and courtesy. Parents are encouraged to participate in this process by bringing healthy snacks or food, which we will use in that day's lesson. This would include fresh fruit, vegetables, popcorn, eggs, crackers, etc. Sign-up sheets are available in each classroom at the beginning of the school year.

Peanut Butter. Due to the severity of some children’s allergic reaction to peanut butter, we request the parents’ cooperation in creating a "peanut butter free" environment.

Nap Time. Children who stay with us for the full day may need to nap. The children will be encouraged to do so in a quiet room set aside for that purpose in the afternoon. The children who nap may not use a pacifier or bottle. Nap time "cuddles" (stuffed animals, blankets) are allowed.

Field Trips. A few times a year the school may arrange field trips to places of interest related to the curriculum. Permission slips will be distributed in advance and must be returned for a child to go on the field trips.