PARENTHANDBOOK

2015-16Dear Parents,

The Alef Bet Montessori staff is excited to welcome you back for another school year. As a new or returning parent, we encourage you to review the school’s revised Parent Handbook. In it you will find important phone numbers as well as updated information and policies for our School.

We thank you for cooperating with us and we look forward to a wonderful year together.

Ayelet "Ellie" Lichtash Executive Director

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SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND HOURSSchool Message Line (301) 556-5010(also inclement weather line) info@alefbetmontessori.orgUsing the School Message Line or e-mail is the BEST way to leave messages for the school. These are checked at least twice a day by staff.

Main Office, Assistant to the Director 301-556-5010 info@alefbetmontessori.org

Executive Director, Ayelet Lichtash 301-556-5010 Ellie@alefbetmontessori.org

Business Office, Janel Herman 301-556-5010 Janel@alefbetmontessori.org

SCHOOL HOURS

Toddler and Primary ClassesHalf Day 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Full Day/Kindergarten Program 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.Early Bird Drop Off 7:30 a.m.After Care (Mon – Thurs. No Fridays) 3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Late Arrival: Doors close at 8:45 a.m., after that please sign your child into late arrival.Late Pickup: Doors close at 3:00 p.m., children picked up after that time will be transferred to after care and parents will be charged for after care for that day.Late After Care Pickup: Parents arriving 15 minutes after pick up time will be charged $1 per minute from that time on.

Elementary ClassArrival: Doors open at 8:00 a.m. class starts 8:15 sharply.Mondays -Thursday (Team Sport Day) 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Fridays 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

CALENDARYearly Calendar In your “Back To School” packet you will find a calendar for the year. We reserve the right to make changes to the calendar throughout the year and we will inform parents promptly about any changes.

Important items on the calendar are:Orientation Night – This important evening is designed for new families. If you joined our school midyear and missed last year’s orientation night or you are new to the school then you must attend this important night. Information during this evening will not be repeated later on.

Back to School Night – All parents of the school are required to attend the Back to School Night - even the parents who attended the Orientation Night.

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IMPORTANT GLOSSARYToddler … ages 18 months – 35 monthPrimary ….ages 3 – 6 years old Elementary Program ….1st – 6th gradeLower El ….1st, 2nd and 3rd grades.Upper El …4th, 5th and 6th grades

ARRIVAL / DISMISSALArrival Arriving at the school you may park your car or join the “kiss & ride” car-pool line (see below). The parking lot can accommodate every parent/caregiver's car. However, we strongly encourage families to use our “kiss & ride" car-pool line. This system allows us to control traffic in our parking lot and ensure the children's safety.

“Kiss & Ride” or Park? – Efficient Car Pool Line Procedures

Kiss and Ride: A staff member will come to your car, assist your child/children out of the car and escort them to class. Please stay in your car and keep moving up the line until a staff member greets you. When parents stay seated in their cars, the carpool line moves at a quicker pace. This procedure prevents cars from stacking up and blocking traffic on Tilden Lane and controls the flow of traffic to keep our parking lot safe. It is also a courtesy to other parents so they will not be unexpectedly delayed exiting the school. Do not leave your car unattended when using the “kiss & ride” car pool line. If you need to apply sun screen, tie your child’s shoes, get them dressed, etc., please park your car.

Park: If you need to get out of your car to assist your child or escort them to the door, please park your car in the parking lot. Please do not get out of your car while in the carpool line.

Whether you are using kiss and ride or parking, please drive IN to the parking lot at the entrance and OUT by driving through the exit.

Whittier Woods Facility – Carpool line

WHITTIER BLVD.

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Whittier WoodsParkingLot

School Building

Entrance

Carpool line – Kiss & Ride

Carpool line stops here

Tardiness in the MorningPlease be on time. When your child arrives late, it means something has been missed and it is disruptive to the class. Usually, a child that is late feels distraught and misplaced. The class has already started and he/she missed the welcoming part of the morning. Being on time is important in our classroom. We record the late arrivals and after 3 times within the same month, we will send you a letter explaining why it is important to be on time.

DismissalThere are currently several dismissal times: 12:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:30 and 4:45 p.m. The pickup grace period is within 15 minutes after the scheduled time. (Dismissal starts at the assigned time and continues for 15 min). Please consult the school's calendar for early dismissal days. Once your child has been dismissed by a staff member you are welcome to play on the playground with your child under your supervision. We thank you for making sure that you pickup your child on time.

Late Pick-Up Policy Please be mindful to pick up your children on time. The pickup grace period is within 15 minutes after the scheduled dismissal time. (Dismissal starts at the time prescribed and continues for 15 min). After 15 minutes, children who have not been picked up will be transferred to the aftercare program and parents will be charged the aftercare drop off rate. If your child’s dismissal time is 2:45 p.m. we will wait until 3 p.m. At 3 p.m. the child will be signed in to After Care. We start charging an after care fee at 3 p.m.

During early or noon dismissal please make sure to pickup at 11:45 a.m. Our staff must return to work in the classroom. Parents of children who are dismissed early can choose to sign up for a later dismissal (no later than 3 p.m. on Friday) on specific days with advance notice. If you would like to sign up for a later dismissal on a specific day, please contact our office. We have after-school daycare until 4:45 p.m. Our staff is available only until 5:00 p.m. sharp. Our staff is entitled to leave on time. A late pick-up fee of $1 applies for every minute that parents are late.

Extended Day Options. Please let the office know if you are interested in these programs.

Early Bird: Doors open at 7:30. Children will be transferred to their classes at the start of the school day.

After Care 3:00p.m. – 4:45 p.m., Mon – Thurs.Children signed up for aftercare will be transferred to the aftercare program at 3:00 p.m., Mon. – Thurs. We do not offer extended day on Fridays. The afternoon activities will include games, arts, resting time and snack. There will NOT be an Extended Day option for the days that the school closes at noon time for noon dismissal (such as Parent-Teacher Conferences and so forth). Parents can also use aftercare on a drop in basis by informing info@alefbetmontessori.org, and paying to janel@alefbetmontessori.org.

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TRANSITION AND FIRST DAYSOn the first week of school we expect new children, both in the Toddlers and Primary classrooms, to go through a Transition Period.

During the Transition Period, the Toddlers are expected to attend one hour during the first week. We slowly extend that hour into 2 & ½ hours on the second week and only later start the child on a full day program.

The Primary class children attend half day for the first week of school (noon dismissal) as part of their Transition Period.

It is hard for a child to say goodbye. It is difficult for the child to understand that you will al-ways come back for her. There is no way to explain to a small child that in 2 & 1/2 hours Mommy will be back. Children ages 18 months to 5 years old are not capable of under-standing the concept of TIME as we do. Only in the Elementary class do they start realiz-ing how short a minute is in comparison to an hour. There is a little switch in the brain that kicks in at the Elementary level. But before that, children cannot tell what is one minute vs. 7 minutes vs. 2 hours. They can only sense it through the rhythms of the people and activi-ties around them.

What can we do to help the child? How do we transition?  There are no shortcuts, no free rides. Transitions are always difficult. Talk to your child at home. Say that you are going to school and Mommy/Daddy will always come back. Assure them that you are confident – as their little sensors can tell when you are lying about it. Believe in your heart that they are in a good place.

Once in school, a child will become accustomed to the order and sequence of the activities in the class. This way, he/she learns a routine. The routine helps him/her understand the following: first we sing, then we read, then we play, then we eat, then we go outside, then we sing again and then MOMMY COMES BACK! “Mommy Comes Back” is a sweet song that can be found at www.cdbaby.com.

COMMUNICATION

How Does the School Communicate with Parents?

We use the contact information provided on the Application Form and Emergency form to contact the parents. MSDE require that Parents keep the school updated through the year if daytime phone numbers, designated emergency numbers, or email change, so that you can be reached if necessary. In case of a health question or problem, the school should be able to contact you directly and immediately.

Emails We communicate school information to parents primarily via email. Note – If you have not received an email from us this summer by mid August, welcoming you to the school that means that you are not on our email list. Please email info@alefbetmontessori.org to be added to the list serve.

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WebsiteOur school has its own website, www.AlefBetMontessori.org. Please check the website Parents Place on a weekly basis. Messages from the school will be posted on the Parent section. Parents can also find the online postings of events and photos, the school calendar and school forms. Two weekly postings on Parents Place are: Director’s DeskEach week we post timely and important messages on our Director’s Desk. We will e-mail you a link to this page each week.

Weekly BulletinThis is a weekly report from your class teacher. The teacher post comments and stories from the class, including pictures and photos. Please be sure to check it each week. We will email you a link to this page each week.

How Do Parents Communicate with the School?

School Message Line 301-556-5010 (also inclement weather line) info@alefbetmontessori.org

Using the School Message phone or email is the BEST way to leave messages for the school. These are checked at least twice a day by staff.

For questions about payments or receipts, please email Janel, our Business Manager, at janel@alefbetmontessori.org.

For other communications concerning your children:The staff believes that parents’ issues and concerns about the School are best addressed and resolved by prompt, direct and open discussion. If a parent has a particular concern related to a classroom situation, it is encouraged that the parents speak directly with the child’s lead teacher. If the parent does not feel the problem has been effectively resolved after speaking with the lead teacher, the parent should request a meeting with the Executive Director. She will then determine what action, if any, is necessary. The Executive Director will inform the parent and the teacher how the School proposes to deal with the issue. Issues regarding any other member of the staff or any administrator should also be raised with the Executive Director, who will follow up with a similar procedure to such issues.

Communication from the Executive DirectorThe Executive Director, Ayelet “Ellie” Lichtash, writes and meets with the School’s parents throughout the year to share school news and to maintain an open line of communication. Parents are invited to “Coffee with the Director” each month (Check the caledar for dates) between 8:45 – 9:30 a.m. If you need to meet privately or schedule a different time, you can call or email Ayelet, to schedule an appointment that is mutually convenient.

Communication with TeachersWe ask parents to understand that the beginning and close of the school day is a busy time for teachers and therefore not recommended as an opportunity for discussing serious issues. Parents are invited to meet with the teachers for general sessions every first

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Wednesday of the month from 2 – 2:45 p.m. To privately communicate with your child’s teacher, please leave a phone message at 301-556-5010 ext.1 or send the teacher a note. There is a “Parent Note to Teacher” form at the back of this handbook. Please indicate in your phone or written message, specific times when you would be available to speak via telephone or in person, and briefly describe the topic or issue if possible.

Parents’ Visit and Class Observation Parents are most welcome to observe our class while it is in action. The first month or two of the year is always piled with breaks for the High Holidays. However, by later in the Fall, the children settle into the classroom routine and we are ready to invite you for a visit at the end of the second month. We will allocate time slots every Friday after the High Holidays during November, December and January to allow parents this opportunity. Send us an email to info@alefbetmontessori.org, so that we do not have more than 2 observers per class at a time. While observing the children, please be reminded that they are ‘working’ on tasks or chores and interruptions, such as loud voices, might distract them from their work. It is just like having another person walking into your office and talking to a third person while you are working. So come and enjoy watching us concentrate!

Inclement Weather / Area Emergency (ext. 1)Our school follows the Montgomery County Public Schools for closings and late openings on the first day of snow only. After that if there are additional snow days, parents should call the school message line at 301-556-5010, ext. 1 and listen to the recorded message. For all other emergency public school closures, a message will be left on the School Message line (ext. 1) to inform parents what action will be taken at Alef Bet Montessori. A message will be available by 7:15 a.m. or as soon as the action for the school has been determined. In the case of an early dismissal, the staff will also attempt to notify all parents/caregivers by phone.

Parent/Teacher ConferencesParent teacher conferences will be held twice a year in December and March. The purpose of the conference is to communicate and provide information about each student’s growth in social, emotional and academic areas, as well as other aspects of each student’s development. Parents and teachers can also request additional conferences should the need arise. We provide a student record for your child.

School PublicationsA School Newsletter is published twice a year. It is intended to keep parents abreast of curriculum, important school dates and other classroom news and information. This is in addition to the Weekly Bulletin posted on the website that the teaching staff produces at the end of the week to inform parents what happened in the classroom that week. Parents are welcome to volunteer and help in the publication of the Newsletter.

We Want FeedbackWe pride ourselves on our flexibility and responsiveness. It is tragic to us if we hear too late about something we could have fixed what has spoiled a student’s or parent’s experience. Let us hear from you! (We take compliments too!)

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BEHAVIOR & CONDUCT

PARENTS Code of ConductFamilies with a child enrolled at Alef Bet Montessori become an integral part of our School Community. To be a successful community, the School needs and expects the cooperation of its parents, who must understand and embrace the school’s mission, share its core values and fully support its curriculum, faculty and staff. When joined by a common set of beliefs and purposes, the School and its parents form a powerful team with far-reaching positive effects on children and the entire community. The enrollment of your child at Alef Bet Montessori indicates the parents’ willingness to abide by the following guidelines.

Privacy: Please help us maintain the mutual trust and respect we all need to keep our community healthy by safeguarding the privacy of children, parents and staff. Passing on confidential, damaging or hurtful information is not acceptable. Keep staff and parent email addresses and phone numbers confidential. Use contact information for school-related business only, unless you receive permission otherwise.

Conflicts: Conflicts between parents or parents and staff should be addressed in a calm and private manner, preferably in person or with a respectful note. Phone calls and emails should not be used to express anger, frustration or criticism. Meetings are to be held by appointment at a mutually convenient time.

Etiquette: Alef Bet Montessori teachers, staff and parents are all expected to strive for high standards of etiquette and behavior. Commitments should be honored, criticism should be constructive and genial, and “thank yous” should be frequent.

Communication: Parents best support a school climate of trust and respect by communi-cating concerns openly and constructively to the teacher or staff member closest to the problem. The use of mass emails to contact fellow parents about sensitive issues involving Alef Bet policy, teachers, staff or students is inappropriate and counterproductive.

Volunteerism: When a parent agrees to perform a service for the school the entire com-munity is counting on that person to fulfill their promise. If it becomes clear that a parent cannot, they should contact a member of the Parent Committee and arrange for a replace-ment right away.

STAFFCode of ConductAlef Bet Montessori teachers and staff exert a strong influence on children to become better educated, but perhaps even more importantly, they also help them to mature by modeling adult working relationships based upon civility, honesty and respect. It is with the latter in mind that the staff has agreed to work with these principles of conduct in mind.

Give open and honest feedback (because you care) Speak about the issue - not the person Acknowledge each others’ accomplishments Reframe problems into opportunities Clearly define roles & expectations

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Work on building constructive relationships with every team member Always keep the mission & vision of the School in mind Serve as positive role models for the children

STUDENTS

Discipline It is our responsibility as adults to help foster healthy and happy interactions. Developing social attitudes begin in the home. Classroom rules are centered on respect for others and our environment. The children are asked to respect another child’s privacy. A disruption usually happens by accident and the children first tell each other what he or she did to disturb the work. This is usually sufficient. If the behavior continues, the child is encouraged to enlist a teacher’s help and together they talk to the child involved. If the problem should persist, or a child needs help with confronting another child, we will assist in a dialogue exchange of listening and mirroring with the children involved.

In the Montessori system we do not use "time out" or punishments. We use techniques from methods such as Positive Discipline, Montessori Peace Education and Parent Effectiveness Training. We help the children learn to listen, respond and work out an agreement. In addition, we encourage even the shy child to speak up and respond to how he/she is feeling.

Social-emotional health is one of the most critical factors in a child’s healthy development and school readiness. Responsive relationships and positive discipline techniques create supportive environments where children can grow and thrive. Some examples of positive discipline techniques that we use include:

providing choices; (offering a variety of activity and material choices) using redirection; (positive discipline technique where the adult changes the child’s

direction or focus from a negative behavior/experience to a positive one) having clear rules and expectations using reflection using problem solving and developing clear rules and expectations with input from

older toddlers and preschoolers. Input from the children encourages children to feel ownership of their classroom environment, in how it is run in respect to materials, teachers and friends.

Chronic misbehavior results in unhappy children and a disruptive learning environment. When a child becomes disruptive, parents will be notified. If the behavior continues, parents will be asked to seek professional guidance. Our responsibility to your child includes the obligation to limit this disruption from the learning experience. If a child cannot modify her behavior, the parents will be asked to remove their child from our school. Parents are responsible to reimburse or replace any school property deliberately damaged or broken by their child. We try to involve the child as much as possible in the replacement and repairs of any broken materials or property.

Please remember that we, as teachers and parents, need to be in continual communication concerning the social interactions of each child.

Potty Training Policy

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Usually parents start training their children at 2 or 2 & ½ years old to use the potty. In our Toddler classroom, the teacher may initiate a training program for a child that is ready even earlier. This is not a requirement for the Toddler Program. However, Potty Training is a requirement for enrollment at the Primary Class ages 3 to 6. At the beginning of the year, the child is expected to begin potty training, although it is not required that the child master it. The child can wear pull-ups and change into underwear at school. As long as the child has begun with the training, the school staff can help in the training. It is also important that they be able to care for themselves after using the toilet. Even though children are toilet trained, they still may have occasional accidents. It is important to have a change of clothing for them that are appropriate for the weather. A child who is not fully potty trained cannot register for the extended day.

Dress Code To mark Shabbat, blue and white clothing is required as standard dress for Fridays. Please provide an extra winter set of clothing for your child, to be kept in the class.

Make sure to mark your child's name on the clothing and keep it in a sealed bag or shoe box.

Toddlers should also have a diaper bag with extra diapers, wipes and a blanket. Parents who would like their child to nap at school, should send a sheet, a blanket

and a pillow with their child. Sheets and covers should be picked up every Friday to be washed, and brought back on Monday. Please mark your items with your child's name.

Winter outdoor play requires a heavy coat, mittens, hat and boots. Please make sure to have all these items on hand before the weather turns cold. We will play outdoors in most weather, including snow.

Bringing Materials from HomeParents please do not allow your child to bring toys to school. If your child wishes to bring in an educational book, game or other item, please discuss this with your child’s teacher. We have found that these items can get lost or broken and it can cause bad feelings among the children.

School PropertyParents are responsible for reimbursing or replacing any school property deliberately damaged or broken by their child.

PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL

The week before school starts we recommend taking the following steps to prepare you home and your family for school:

Gradually adjust the bed time. Good sleep is a major factor in our children’s development and behavior. It is better to start dinner at 6 p.m. and allow children time in their PJs by 7:30 p.m. so that they get enough sleep during the week before school starts. Please make sure your child gets enough sleep (10 -12 hours at night). Recommended bedtime is 7:30 or 8 p.m.

Eliminate morning electronics viewing (TV, iPod, iPhone, iPad, DVD, any Screen Time). Our children’s brains are greatly impacted by the viewing of electronics. It often effects their behavior and their attitude. We also highly recommend limiting the afternoon viewing time for a half an hour to an hour per day. Often children will be

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resistant to attend school or participate in morning regular activities (breakfast and getting dressed by themselves because of the overstimulation of electronic viewing.

Talk to your child about school and let them know they will be attending school. However, it is important not to build up false expectations about school such as a “countdown.”

Toddler First Day of School (ages 18 months – 3 years)Please bring a picture of your child on the first day of school to be placed on his cubby so that he/she can recognize their own spot.

Toddler Day in Brief Children in the Toddler class start with a nice welcoming exercise at 8:45 a.m. They move into a morning routine of Montessori “work” until around 10 a.m. At that time snack is served and they eat together around the table as a community. They will visit the play-ground and play outside at around 10:45 for half an hour. After the outdoor play, they will go back into the classroom for circle time and prepare for lunch at 11:30. Most of our tod-dlers nap at noon time until around 2 p.m. The after nap activities include story time, play-ful toys and more.

Primary First Day of School (ages 3 years – 6 years old)Please bring a change of clothes and slippers the first day of school to be kept at school.

Primary Day in Brief Children in the Primary class start with a nice welcoming exercise at 8:45 a.m. with circle time. They sing and say Tefilah (prayers). At 9 a.m. they move into a morning routine of Montessori “work” until around 11:50 a.m. during the morning the children enjoy snack as they please. They will visit the playground and play outside for half an hour either at 11 or 11:30 a.m. After the outdoor play, they will go back into the classroom for lunch at noon time. At 12:30 p.m., they will enjoy some free play until 1 p.m. At that time, the older children who can stay longer will resume the classroom work of Montessori. Younger children will continue free play at our playroom or outside.

EMERGENCY & SECURITY POLICY

EmergenciesAll full-time staff members are trained in child CPR/First Aid. When your child has an emergency or is ill, a staff member will notify you immediately. We will make all attempts to contact you immediately to review or discuss a plan of action. Please be sure all your student forms are updated and current, including all phone contacts.

Evacuation PolicyPlease be informed of the following procedures for the unlikely event of an emergency that requires evacuation of the School. Staff members will take the first aid bags, Emergency Forms, Attendance Sheet and evacuate the children to the parking lot.

Leaving the SchoolPlease be advised that no child will be released to someone other than their parents without a written authorization. Parents can submit a release form that includes the names of your child’s caregiver and others you have authorized to pick up your child at Alef Bet

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Montessori on a regular basis. Please keep the form updated. If someone other than those authorized on the form will be taking your child home, please alert the staff with a written note that includes the name of the person that will be picking up your child from school along with contact information for that person.

Main Door Policy The front entrance door is locked at all times with the exception of morning drop off and afternoon pick up times. All visitors must be buzzed in by the main office. Upon entering or leaving the school, parents need to make sure the door is closed behind them.

Playground Area Policy The Playground is a gated area. During the morning, outdoor playtime, there will be staff members outside with the children. If one or more children need to be escorted inside, such as to go to the bathroom, the other staff members will remain on the playground and one will go with the children and return with them to assure their whereabouts. Furthermore, one of the three staff members will be stationed at the playground to secure the gate at all times. Each day the number of children present that day will be posted on the Emergency Door bulletin board. Before entering the building after playtime, the children are required to line up with their buddy partner.

VisitorsUnknown visitors to our school should understand that they will be asked to “sign in,” stating name, address, reason for visit and show proof of ID with photo and or driver’s license.

Reporting of Child AbuseAny staff member of the school who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subject to abuse or neglect, or has observed the child being subject to circumstances or conditions which could result in abuse or neglect, shall immediately report such observations to the county department of human services or local law enforcement.

Parents suspecting any type of abuse can make reports through the same agency or local law enforcement. The reporting agency is Child Protective Services 240-777-4417

HEALTH ITEMS

Health & Health Forms In compliance with Maryland law, the school is required to have a health inventory form, emergency contact information and immunization log for each child attending the class. In the absence of these forms, the child cannot be admitted to the class. The forms have to be in the office before the first day of school.

Sick PolicyIf your child is sick with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea please check with your pediatrician when the child can attend school again. Make sure your child is free from fever or other related symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to school. In the case of Conjunctivitis or “Pink Eye,” we require that the child remain at home for a full 48 hours after being on medication before returning to school.

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Children who are deemed too sick to be in school will be sent home. If parents cannot be reached, a person noted on the Emergency Forms will be asked to pick up the child. Our school is not licensed to care for sick children. If a child must be isolated from other children due to illness, he/she will be kept in a quiet area of the classroom on a rest mat. All contagious diseases must be reported to the Executive Director Office and will be posted for parents to see.

We must ask for each and every parent’s cooperation with issues which are extremely important for the well being of all. We must have complete cooperation in keeping contagious diseases out of the school. It is the school’s responsibility to determine whether a child is too sick to be permitted into class, as we must protect all the children. The following situations will at all times require a child to not be permitted into class or for the child to be picked up:

1. any fever2. any unidentified rash3. drainage from the eyes or nose which is greenish in color4. diarrhea or persistent cramping5. vomiting6. infected skin patches of any nature7. dark, tea colored urine/blood in urine or bowel8. sore throat or trouble swallowing9. severe coughing10. difficulty breathing11. any unusual behavior that might be associated with illness

Medications and SunscreensWe prefer not to give any medications to our students. If your child must have medication, the State law mandates doctor’s permission in writing. Please send the medication in the prescription container. We will not administer non-prescription drugs of any kind (including cough drops and vitamins). In addition, you and your physician must fill out a medication permission form. Please allow time to fill out a form and send it to your doctor. If any medication is found in a lunch box or backpack, it will be taken away and disposed of properly. You must give prescription medication and the form to the Executive Director for it to be put in a locked box in the kitchen.

We strongly encourage you to apply sun screen / bug repellent before your child is brought to school. It is difficult for the staff to apply lotion to all the children.

Allergies Under no circumstances shall any staff member administer any type of antihistamines with or without a doctor’s permission. Parents and the school provide daily snack for the children and therefore you must inform us if you child has any allergies regarding food and beverages of any kind. Please write a list of any allergies and give it to the school for us to keep on file and inform the Executive Director and your child’s teacher.

Parents, in order to help us accommodate children with allergies, please check with your child’s teacher before bringing in any class snacks that are not on the approved snack list. Also, after breakfast, please make sure to have your child wash her hands before coming

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to school so no leftover residue from an unknown food is transferred to the classroom.

Head Lice Head lice infestations are a recurring issue in schools everywhere. Head lice can be ex-tremely inconvenient and time-consuming to treat, and can cause discomfort, but they do not cause or spread disease. Head lice occur in people of every age, social status and in-come and should not be a cause for guilt, embarrassment, or anger. They do not indicate a lack of cleanliness or poor care of your child, and are simply an inconvenience that must be dealt with. We follow the most current recommendations of the county Health Depart-ment in these situations.

Prevention: Head lice infestations can be prevented if children refrain from sharing hairbrushes, combs, and hats.  Hairbrushes and combs at school are for personal use only.

Lice at School: If live lice or nits are observed on a child at school, we will contact parents immediately and the child must be picked up and taken home to be treated before he or she can return to school. All school families will be informed that lice have been observed, and all children may be checked for lice as the situation warrants.

After Treatment: Children returning to school after lice treatment will be checked by staff.  If lice or nits are found again, the child will be sent home as before where they will need to receive another treatment.  If lice or nits are found, it is best practice to continue treatments for up to 3-4 days.

Information: More information is available on our website under Parents Page for parents who must treat head lice at home, or for parents who want to educate themselves about prevention and treatment.

Diaper Changing in ClassroomOur Diaper Changing policy follows the strict rules of the Office of Childcare (MD State Dept. of Education). Changing diapers is done by our staff and Hand Washing policy is adhered to strictly.

FOOD ITEMS

Lunch, Snacks and NutritionWe strive to educate our children at an early age to learn good nutritional habits and ask parents to provide nutritious and wholesome food for snacks and lunches. We do not allow children to share lunches for various reasons (allergies, food restrictions, etc…). There are a few items we STRONGLY discourage placing in your child’s lunch or allowing your child to eat before school. These items include candy, soda and any highly processed food items. These items have little to no food value and can contribute to how a child functions during the day.

The school provides healthy snacks for the children consisting of water, crackers, cheese, fresh and dry fruits and vegetables. Parents will be asked to sign up for one or two dates during the school year when they will provide the weekly snacks for the classroom

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Toddler’s Snack Our school follows the directions of the Office of Childcare and Maryland State Department of Education regarding the recommendation of hazard and chocking food items (such as hotdogs, fresh carrots, etc.).

Kashrut Lunch at school must be dairy or parve. We would like to keep a "common ground" as a basic rule which makes it possible for every family at the school to feel comfortable. Therefore, kashrut standards are maintained throughout the school. For that purpose, items such as challah for Shabbat or birthday cupcakes, must be bought in a kosher store such as: Moti’s Market, Simply Kosher, Shalom Kosher Market, The Kosher Pastry Oven, Shaul's Kosher Market, The Breadsmith and Goldberg's Bagels (for challah). Packaged items must have a reliable kosher sign (see snack list for acceptable kosher signs).

Pizza Friday We would like to have Friday lunch together. Pizza will be available on Friday. Please ask a staffer for a form or go to our website in the parents form section to print one out.

List / Shabbat Party List Please mark your calendar for the dates that your family is assigned to supply snack and

Shabbat items for the class. For a week of snacks you will be provided with a list for the classroom. For the Shabbat party please provide: two rolls (small challahs), one sliced challah, and

one large bottle of kosher grape juice, such as Kedem. 

Field Trips

On planned field trips the transportation may either be provided by the school, parents or use of the metro. In either situation, written permission by the parents must be given. The number of staff will be the same as the staff ratio at school. Children will never be permitted to ride in the front of a vehicle under any circumstances. Children will remain seated at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Children will be loaded and unladed out of the path of moving vehicles. Children will be loaded and unloaded out of the path of moving vehicles. Children will never be unattended at any time during transporting or during the field trip. At least one staff member will ensure that all children are secure in seat belts and car seats before the vehicle is in motion. The staff will have access to a first aid kit at all times. The staff members will ensure that the doors of the vehicle are secure before the vehicle is in motion. The staff will ensure that the children remain belted and seated at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

School buses provided by the school for a Primary class field trip can hold car seats for children 25 lbs and up. Parents of children who do not meet the requirement will be asked to arrange for alternate transportation.

STUDENT LIFE

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Birthdays: Classroom CelebrationWe would love to celebrate your child’s birthday with you. We will sing songs and eat cupcakes (that you can buy at a kosher store: Moti’s Market, Shalom’s, Kosher Pastry Oven, The Breadsmith, Sunflower Bakery or Shaul’s). In the classroom, children have the opportunity to celebrate their birthday by participating in a “Birthday Walk.” Parents are encourage bring photos of the child from each year and to write a short note about each year of their child’s life. We will read it with the class. This involves a circle time experience when your child walks around the sun, marking the globe cycle, equivalent to their number of years. If your child is soon to have a birthday, please coordinate with your child’s teacher a few days prior to the date. We encourage parents to join us in this ceremony and to share photographs and stories of your child, to recognize how they have grown and changed during their life thus far.

Birthday Parties/Invitations outside of school Birthday parties and other gatherings outside of school, which members of the class are invited, should not be held on Saturdays. Please provide kosher food and drinks at parties or gatherings to which members of your child's class are invited. Even if there is only one child who keeps kosher, providing kosher food such as pizza, drinks, candy and cake for everyone is assuring that no child is made to feel "different" or excluded. Party invitations may be distributed at school only if the entire class is invited to ensure that all children feel comfortable and respected.  

Extra-curricular Class Activities Our enrichment program includes arts and crafts projects on relevant subjects of the school curriculum: Little Hands Baking, Yoga class, and Music classes. This curriculum is subject to changes and alterations. Field trips are scheduled throughout the year. Please check the calendar and make sure to sign the authorization form and return to the office by the designated time.

Ways to Participate, Get Involved and Contribute Alef Bet Montessori is a non-profit charitable organization. Our joy is having our children explore the love of learning and their Jewish identities. For that reason, our tuition fees are lower than most other Montessori schools in the area. We encourage parents to consider contributions and donations to our school. Some ways you can help: Gifts of cash (during the Annual Giving Campaign), donation of supplies and meaningful volunteerism (help with events and activities at the school, fund-raising and public relations and of course: Join the Parent Committee).

How can you Volunteer? Here are few options for parents to get involved:1. Sign up for a position on the PTO - (Parent Teacher Organization) to help with school

events.2. Start a Dance, Soccer, Drama or Gym class for the Primary level. 3. Volunteer on a Field Trip. 4. Help Organize the Hanukkah, Purim or Lag B’Omer Party. 5. Start a Music Kids lesson class for our students.

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESSOur school is taking part in the national effort to be ready for emergencies. FEMA has recently published a full guidelines called "Are You Ready?" an in-depth guide to citizen preparedness. This is an informative guide for times of natural emergencies such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more, including Technological Hazards and Terrorism. Being prepared can reduce fear and anxiety. It is highly recommended that all families print our a copy of Emergency Contact Numbers that can be found under this section of Parents Page and keep it next to your phone. More info can be found on the Department of Homeland Security's website www.ready.gov or by calling 1-800-be-ready for printed information.  Emergency Contact Numbers 

Agency/Service Telephone Numbers

Ambulance 911

Emergency Operations – County Cert: 240-777-2300

Evacuation Site – Walt Whittman High School 301-320-6600

Health Department 240-777-3986

Hospital – Suburban Hospital 240-826-6000

Hospital – Shady Grove Hospital 301-253-6300

Local Office of Child Care 240-314-1400

Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222

Utilities – Water 1-800-828-6431

Utilities – Electric (PEPCO) 202-833-7500

Utilities – Gas (Washington Gas) 1-888-941-4328

Local Emergency Alert System (EAS) Radio Stn. WTOP 103.5 FM, WGOP 540 AM, WYKS 93.9, WSMO 98.3

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ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (revised July 27, 2015)

This addendum refers only to the Elementary Program. Please read the Parent Handbook in addition to this section about Elementary Program.

ARRIVAL /DISMISSAL

Arrival: Doors open at 8:00 a.m.Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Thursday (Team Sport Day) 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Afternoon pickup

location varies.Fridays 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Arrival Please be on time. When your child arrives late, it means something has been missed and it is disruptive to the class. Usually, a child that is late feels distraught and misplaced. The class has already started and she missed the welcoming part of the morning. Being on time is important in our classroom.

DismissalDismissal time starts at 3:30 p.m. Pick up is within 15 minutes after the scheduled time. Please consult the school's calendar for early dismissal days. Dismissal is held only through the main entrance door. We thank you for making sure that you pick up your child on time.

Late Pick-Up Policy The Pick-up grace period is within 15 minutes after the scheduled pick up time. Please be mindful to pick up your children on time. After 15 minutes, the child will be signed in to After Care and parents will be charged the aftercare fee.

On noon dismissal days please make sure to pick up by 12:15 p.m. Our staff must return to work in the classroom. A late pick-up fee of $1 applies for every minute that parents are late.

COMMUNICATION

Communication with the Elementary Class

Communication with TeachersWe ask parents to understand that the beginning and close of the school day is a busy time for teachers and therefore not recommended as an opportunity for discussing serious issues. Parents are invited to meet with the teachers for general sessions every first Thursday of the month from 3 – 3:30 p.m. while our children are at Sport Session. Parents may also request a phone or in person meeting with the teacher at any time.

Parent/Teacher conferencesParent teacher conferences will be held twice a year in December and March. The purpose of the conference is to communicate and provide information about each student’s growth in academic areas, as well as other aspects of each student’s development.

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Parents and teachers can also request additional conferences should the need arise.

Thursdays – Extracurricular Sport Day

Thursdays are Team Sports Days, designed for the full class. However, due to the cost of coaches and entry fees, additional charges will be assessed for this program.

We offer a variety of sports throughout the year. These may included Soccer, Ice Skating, Baseball, Basketball and Flag Football.

Ice SkatingFor Ice Skating, your children will be transported to Cabin John Ice Rink. During that season, pick up will be at the Cabin John Ice Rink. Children should wear school’s uniform polo with our logo, mittens and a warm jacket. The coaches are part of the Ice Rink Staff. The children will be divided into classes according to their level. The session runs January- March.

OTHER POLICIES

Dress Code Our school has purchased a School Polo Shirt with the logo of the school at a very

affordable price. You can buy them from the school. Girls are asked to wear skirts reaching to or below the knee. Boys are asked to wear pants, plain colors. Students are expected to wear their

school Polo shirt to school each day. To mark Shabbat, blue and white clothing is required as standard dress for Fridays. The boys will be wearing a kippah or cap in class Children must change into indoor shoes upon entering the school room.

Bringing Materials from HomeParents: please do not allow your child to bring toys to school, electronics of any kind, or wooden or metal bats. If your child wishes to bring in an educational book, game or other item, please discuss this with your child’s teacher. We have found that these items can get lost or broken and it can cause bad feelings among the children.

Cell PhonesMany families find it convenient to have older children begin to carry cell phones. If your child brings a cell phone to school, it will be turned off and left in his/her backpack during school hours. If you need to communicate with your child during the school day, please use the regular school phone message system.

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HEALTH & FOOD

Lunches, Snacks and Cooking ProjectsWe support good nutritious habits and ask parents to provide nutritious and wholesome food for lunches. The plan is to have a cooperative snack. Each family in turn will get a snack list two or three times a year and will provide the snack for the whole class for the week. This allows the children to eat together, discuss their snack in Hebrew and prepare the snack themselves. We do not allow children to share lunches for various reasons (allergies, food restrictions, kashrut etc…). There are a few items we strongly discourage placing in your child’s lunches or allowing your child to eat before school. These items include candy, soda and any highly processed food items. These items have little to no food value and can affect how a child functions during the day.

Some elementary children enjoy a snack, but most do not need it. We do not provide snacks for the class, but children are allowed to eat a small part of their lunch at a snack table if they are particularly hungry. Your children are now old enough to pack their own lunches and can include snacks if they choose, as long as they follow our food guidelines.

Kashrut Lunch and snacks at school must be dairy or parve. (See the Parent Handbook for details.)Those food items that are brought to share with the class should be store bought and approved by Alef Bet Administration. All cooking projects at school must be approved by Alef Bet Adminsitration as well. Parents are welcome to use the kitchen at the school for cooking projects, with adult or a teacher’s assistance.

BirthdaysIn the elementary class, the birthday celebrations are group parties, planned monthly or quarterly by the students involved. They may include cupcakes or other refreshments. All parents will be notified at least a week in advance of a party and all refreshments will follow our guidelines for lunches, snacks and cooking.

Field Trips

Field Trips, Going Out and CampingWhile our elementary class will have a few all-class field trips during the year, far more common will be student-planned, small group “Going Out” trips.

Elementary students are prepared and encouraged to become active explorers of their communities. Typical “Going Out” trips include going shopping for cooking, art and science supplies, visiting libraries and museums to do research for particular group projects, and exploring nature centers, parks and local historical landmarks. These trips are planned and led by the students as the need arises, in small groups, and usually chaperoned by parents. Before students are allowed to plan a “Going Out” trip, they are expected to demonstrate certain necessary skills, (such as reading maps and counting change from a purchase) and must receive a “Going Out” trip ID card.

We hope to begin a tradition of an annual camping trip for our class. This will require

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extensive assistance from parents. You will receive more details in the Fall, but all families are encouraged to send one parent – details to follow.

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Parent Volunteers All parents have skills and knowledge that could be beneficial to our class community. We encourage you to share these with our students throughout their elementary years. Skills such as knitting, plant care, architectural drawing and origami have been very popular, as well as short talks on historical, economic, artistic and scientific issues that relate to the students’ projects. In the first Monday folder of the year there will be a parent interest and skill survey so the students know what kind of skills and topics are available. They will then invite parents to share with them as needs or interests arise. Other parent volunteer opportunities will include assisting with our annual camping trip and holiday celebrations, and chaperoning and driving for Going Out trips.

Homework and Grading

Class FolderOn the first day of each school week, students are collecting the work that they have completed during the last week in a folder. In this folder will be work goals or project due dates for the week, completed work, and other class information such as permission slips. The folder should be returned to school each Friday containing any work or other documents that need to be returned to school. Learning to keep track of the Monday folder is an important task for the personal development of the student. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the folder comes home on Monday and comes back to school on Friday. Parents can assist their children in developing this skill by asking about the contents of the folder each Monday.

Study HabitsMany families find that having a designated spot for the Monday folder at home helps the student keep track of it during the week; others find that keeping it in the student’s backpack works best. It is often helpful to have the Monday folder spot in the same location where the child studies at home. All elementary students need a neat, well-lit, comfortable spot to study and do schoolwork, supplied with pencils and paper and anything else the student needs to study. This spot can be a desk in the student’s room, a particular seat at the dining room table, or a corner of another room, as long as it’s relatively quiet, and away from the television and other distractions.

Computer UseThe Montessori Method encourages the full development of the physical and sensorial capacities of the child. Beginning at around age nine, when these aspects of the brain have usually reached optimum development through real-life experience, we begin introducing computer use, particularly for research and keyboarding skills. We will have a computer and printer in the classroom for research, keyboarding practice and writing purposes. Computer use at home should be carefully monitored and can be included by the students in their weekly homework plan.

HomeworkWhile Montessori elementary students do not have regular homework of the drill-and-practice worksheet type, they often have projects that they need to work on at home: trips to the library, online research (supervised by an adult), and gathering materials for art or science projects. Studying spelling words, vocabulary, or practicing musical instruments and practicing math facts are typical tasks Montessori students might do at home. Our

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students decide at the beginning of each week what tasks they will do at home for the week, if any, and write down their work goals on a reminder form that is placed in the Monday folder. The students then bring the form back on Friday with any completed work and check their own progress toward their goals. These chores are the child’s responsibilities, and the parents need not supervise them.

AssessmentIn the Montessori classroom, assessment is done by observation and narrative reports. We do not give grades. You will receive student reports at your parent conferences which will include a summary of the topics your student has been working on and a discussion of your student’s strengths and areas for improvement. You will also be invited to look through your student’s portfolio at each conference. For students with special needs, any IEPs or educational adaptations recommended by consulted professionals will be followed.

The best way for parents to get a more detailed idea of what and how their students are doing on a regular basis is for parents to go over the work that comes home each week and each month. Each Monday, the students clean off their clipboards and take home any completed work they don’t want to save for their portfolios. Each month, the students choose a selection of their saved work to put in their portfolios, and take the rest home. Discussing this work when it comes home is the best way to get a feel for your child’s progress and interests.

Beginning in 3rd grade, we will also introduce the students to standardized testing. These tests will take up one week per school year, and there is no “test prep” period. We do this, not because we place much weight on these tests, but because when students transition from our school to others, these tests, and test-taking skills, are often necessary.

STUDENT LIFE

Classroom CelebrationParties/Invitations Birthday parties and other gatherings outside of school to which members of the class are invited should not be held on Saturdays. Please provide kosher food and drinks at parties or gatherings to which members of your child's class are invited. We ask that you refrain from asking parents whether they observe Kashrut; we would like everyone to feel comfortable regardless of their level of observance. Even if there is only one child who keeps kosher, providing kosher food such as pizza, drinks, candy and cake for everyone is assuring that no child is made to feel "different" or excluded. Party invitations may be distributed at school only if the entire class is invited to ensure that all children feel comfortable and respected.  

PREPARING FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Summer Skills PracticeFamilies frequently wish to encourage continued learning over the Summer. The best thing the elementary student can do over the summer is read, read, read! There is no formal, required reading list. Students should read anything they enjoy or find informative.

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Other academic skills can be supported by parents simply being aware of opportunities in everyday activities. There are math skills inherent in cooking, planning trips, shopping together, etc. The trick is allowing enough time to include the math in with the other activity in a relaxed fashion! Science and history also crop up in many summer activities.

Keeping a journal during travel is a wonderful way for students to practice writing skills while preserving memories. If your children are comfortable writing in cursive that would be best; if not, a little cursive writing practice each day would be helpful.

Back to School Shopping

Please bring the following for the first day of school: Three boxes of tissues Three rolls of paper towels Two packs of loose leaf notebook paper Two boxes of Ticonderoga pencils, and One set of Prisma colored pencils.

Elementary First Day of School

Please also bring the following to school: A seasonally appropriate, full change of clothes, including underwear and socks. A lab coat/smock for covering clothes during science, art and cooking. (A hand-me

down, oversized t-shirt or button-down shirt works well.) The smock should cover the student’s clothes from the neck to the elbows and down to the legs. (Aprons are not sufficient.)

A good-sized backpack will also be required for each student. The bag should be big enough to fit an 8 ½ by 11 envelope and several books in it. Tiny backpacks are cute but impractical; messenger bags will also work if large enough. Students will probably need their backpacks every day, but especially on Mondays and Fridays

Lunch box with water bottle (to keep in class) and extra snacks. Lunch is dairy or parve. We will not be in a position to heat up the children’s food, so if you want your child to have warm lunches in cold weather, a well-insulated thermos is also a good buy. Please make sure that your child can open and close any thermos or other con-tainers you send in the lunchbox

Indoor shoes to keep in class - shoes must tie.  Your child's siddur, if she/he has one. If not, we will have one for them. First Graders

will celebrate Chag Hasiddur midyear. Older students might also want to include personal items such as deodorant and

feminine hygiene supplies. Weekly, on P.E. and Team Sports Day, students will need sturdy sneakers for PE.

Running, basketball or cross-training shoes are best for this; we will be doing a lot of running and playing on paved surfaces, and thin-soled shoes, while stylish, provide in-sufficient support. (Some students, especially those who have trouble remembering which day they need sneakers for PE, also may leave a spare pair of sneakers in or with their clothes box at school.)

In the winter, outdoor play requires a heavy coat, mittens, hat and boots. Please make sure to have all those items on hand before the weather turns cold. We will play out-doors in most weather, including snow.

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Other important messages Observations days for parents will be posted after the first 2 weeks of class. Parents will get a snack list Elementary will offer pizza on Fridays We refer to Elementary staff by their last name (Rabbi Moses & Morah Racheli)

Day at a glance:o 8:15……. Schedule set up and Tefiloto 9:00…….. Lessonso 11:45……. Luncho 12:15……. Recess (if raining, recess indoors)o 12:45……. Lessonso 3:30 -3:45… Pick up

Each week:o Monday: Folder comes home with “assignments” and any communication

from teacher – Child is responsible for folder!o Thursday: Team Sportso Friday: Child brings the “Monday Folder” back to school

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Alef Bet Montessori SchoolParent Note to Teachers

Parent Name:Child Name:To:Date:Notes:

Alef Bet Montessori SchoolParent Note to Teachers

Parent Name:Child Name:To:Date:Notes:

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