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ADMISSIONS
The admission procedure is as follows:
· Appointment and campus tour with the Head of School or appointed designee
· Application (where applicable-accompanied with a $25 non-refundable fee)
· Transfer of Records and Teacher Recommendations (where applicable)
· Interview with the Department Head (where applicable)
· Admissions Decision
There is a thirty (30) day probationary period for all new students. At the end of this period the student will be evaluated based on academic performance and behavior.
Days and Hours
Infant Hours
· Infant Full 9:00am - 3:00pm
· Infant Extended 7:00am - 6:00pm
Daily School Hours
· Toddler 9:00am - 12:00pm (Half Day)
· Toddler 9:00am - 3:00pm
· Pre-Primary 8:45am - 12:00pm (1/2 Day)*
· Pre-Primary 8:45am - 2:45pm
· Jr. Elementary 8:30am - 3:00pm
· Sr. Elementary 8:30am - 3:00pm
*All children four years and older must attend school from 8:45 am to 2:45 pm in order to ensure that each child will be equally prepared to enter our Elementary program.
Closing
Extended Day families are provided alternative care on the following “Extended Day Only” days: i.e. Parent-Teacher Conferences, Holiday, Winter and Spring Breaks. On these days, childcare is provided (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) at an additional fee of $25 per day. This fee will be automatically billed to those accounts prior to the month of service. If you do not intend to utilize the service, written notification must be submitted to the office two weeks prior to date of service in order for the charge to be reversed. With the exception of the Infant room, the entire school is closed on all legal holidays, in-service days and one week in August for maintenance. On Teacher Work Days, no childcare will be provided; please refer to the current year School Calendar for specifics. The Infant program is a twelve (12) month program. Refer to the Infant Room Calendar for specifics.
Emergency Closing
In case of an emergency closing, Bridges Montessori usually follows Martin County School District guidelines. For emergency closings and special events, the Bridges phone master system will call all families within the current directory with specific information or instructions. Please note the outgoing phone number on the phone master is 772 221-9787. A “Ready to Respond” emergency preparedness plan has been implemented at Bridges in the case of severe emergencies. All families receive hotline cards with pertinent contact information. Callers to the hotline hear a recorded message with the most current information available on the status of Bridges and may be connected with an Emergency Management Operator for further information at any time.
Extended Day
Parents interested in Extended Day must enroll in advance. Morning care (7:00 – class start time) is available at a flat rate of $1,040 for the academic year. Afternoon care (2:45 – 6:00 p.m.) is available at a flat rate of $1,560 for the academic year. Morning and Afternoon care is available at flat rate of $2,080 for the academic year. Payment plans are available for these fees. For those children not enrolled in the program, parents will be billed at a rate of $10.00 per child per hour; the hour is not prorated. Any pick-up after 6:00 p.m. will be billed at $1.00 per minute. See the Extended Day Calendar for a listing of days when no care is provided.
The office must approve any extended care drop-offs in order to ensure appropriate staff-child ratios. Parents using Extended Day must notify a staff member when arriving and departing, and they must sign their child in and out. It is the responsibility of the parent to check the child’s class file daily for school communications or provide us with an e-mail address in which communications will be emailed directly to families.
Tuition
All payments, in envelopes, should be dropped in the Green Communication Mailbox located on the curb in the parking lot directly in front of the office entrance or placed in the black box within the main office. Tuition is due on the first of each month. A 5% late fee will be added after the 5th of the month; 10% will be added after the 10th of the month: and 15% will be added after the 15th of the month. The statement you receive is just a courtesy and should not be mistaken for a dated invoice. Parents must either mail in payment or drop off in the listed boxes. They must never send payments in with their child nor give it to faculty, staff or safety patrol member.
Arrival and Departure
Car Line
It is a traditional Montessori practice to pick up and deliver children in car line. This enables gentle separations and smooth transitions for parents and children. All Pre-Primary and Elementary students are dropped off and picked up at the Media Center entrance. All Toddlers are dropped off and picked up at the Office entrance. Infants are walked to their classroom by the parent. Once a parent/guardian signs out his/her child, the child is considered to be in the care and custody of the parent. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children on campus once they have signed them out. Please note, children are only allowed to play on the playground designated as appropriate to their age. For the safety of the children, Toddlers are not allowed on the Pre-Primary Playground and Pre-Primary friends are not allowed on the Elementary Playground.
Car line times:
Toddler 8:45am - 9:00am
Pre-Primary 8:25am - 8:40am
Elementary 8:10am - 8:25am
Senior Elementary students act as Safety Patrols to escort Pre-Primary and Elementary students to their cars. Parents must not leave their cars when in car line, even for a moment. If you need to come into school, you must first park. Please observe all designated parking spaces as labeled. This facilitates the orderly movement of traffic during these busy periods.
Arrival
Please be sure to have your child at school on time. Late arrivals are very disruptive to the classroom and heighten the anxiety of the child entering a class in progress. Late students will not be accepted into the classroom without an administrative escort or a signed office pass. All children arriving late must be taken to the office and signed in by a parent or guardian. For obvious safety reasons, never drop your child off unattended.
Departure
A child will not be released to any person other than a parent unless that person is listed on the Registration Form and written or verbal permission is given in advance through the school office. Identification must be made available for staff upon pick up by the alternate driver. A child being released early must be picked up from the office. A parent or guardian must sign-out his/her child when removing him/her earlier than the regular dismissal time.
Attendance
Because of the nature of the Montessori environment, it is essential that children attend class on a regular basis. Tardiness and absences interrupt the flow of learning and often impede the child’s academic, social, and emotional progress. Absences exceeding nine days per semester (two semesters per year) will require a conference to assess the child’s progress and to make recommendations regarding the requirements for academic advancement. The State of Florida Truancy Statute “amends the definition of habitual truant to be a ‘student who has 15 unexcused absences with 90 calendar days with or without the knowledge or consent of the student’s parent or legal guardian’.” Bridges Montessori will make no exceptions for truancy as it is described in the statute. Parents should inform the office by 9:00 a.m. if a child is going to be absent that day.
Health and Safety
Students must have the following documents on file prior to attending school:
· Florida Certification of Immunization form (DH 680)
· State of Florida School Entry Health Exam (DH 3040)
Immunizations must remain current and School Entry Health Exams must be completed within the last two years. Your child may not attend class until both records are on file. Family physicians have the proper medical forms required by the county Health Department. Please refer to the included Samples in the Parent Forms.
Illness
Bridges Montessori will not accept sick children into class. If a child has a fresh cold or contagious symptom such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat, or any type of parasite, parents may not send him/her to school. If a child has a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea he/she may not return to school for at least 24 hours after the symptoms abate. If a child becomes ill at school, he/she will be isolated immediately, and the parents will be notified for pick-up. If your child will be absent due to illness, please call the office by 9:00am. For Infants and Toddlers, please refer to the Infant/Toddler Illness Guidelines in the Enrollment Packet.
Bridges Montessori will make the final decision whether or not to exclude a child from school.
Medication
Parents must fill out a Bright Horizons Authorization for Administration of Medication form in the office for all prescription medications. Medications may only be given per the directions on the container. All children under the age of two (2) must have a physicians’ written prescription stating the dosage amount that accompanies all prescription and non-prescription drugs. Parents are responsible for giving their child’s medications directly to the main office. An office staff member will administer medications. All medications administered are recorded on the Bright Horizons Administration of Medication Log. Please refer to the Authorization for Administration of Medication in the Enrollment Packet.
Sun Protection
As part of the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, children do spend time outdoors. We encourage parents to provide their child/ren with a hat, sun protective clothing, and sunscreen. Parents who wish sunscreen to be applied at school must sign a Sunscreen Authorization form. Sunscreen provided by a parent/guardian must state “for child’s use” and be clearly labeled with the child’s name. Appropriate staff may then apply sunscreen that is provided by a parent/guardian if the child is not capable of applying it to him or herself. Sunscreen will remain in the office. Please refer to the Sunscreen and Insect Repellant Permission Slip in the Enrollment Packet.
Animals
Per insurance requirements, families may not bring pets or animals on school property.
Dress
School Uniforms
Bridges Montessori requires Elementary Students to wear a school uniform. The uniform, on non-P.E. days consists of:
· Any top, any color, from the Lands End School Catalog www.landsend.com/school (all tops must have the Bridges Logo)
· Any khaki or plaid bottom, any style, from the Lands End School Catalog (aLL bottoms must be purchased from the catalog)
· Closed-toe shoes only (no flip-flops or open toed sandals). Laces must be tied on shoes with shoelaces.
Dress Code
Toddler
· Easily removable clothing to support self sufficiency. No one piece outfits with fasteners.
· Socks for indoor environment
· Closed-toe sandals with back straps, no sandals
· Closed-toe shoes
· Velcro shoes
It is important for Toddlers to be free to move around and explore their outside environment. Many are still working on running and climbing skills, therefore we recommend a supportive sneaker or shoe to be worn.
Pre-Primary
· Easily removable clothing to support self sufficiency
· Closed-toe sandals with back straps
· Closed-toe shoes
· Third Year Students (Explorers) should wear the school P.E. uniform to school on PE days, as well as supportive, athletic shoes with socks.
Any student not adhering to the school policy will be asked to comply or sent home accordingly.
Field Trip Uniforms
Pre-Primary and Elementary field trip uniforms consist of an evergreen polo shirt with Bridges logo and khaki bottoms from the Lands End catalog. During hot temperature months. Elementary students may wear a chambray blue polo shirt from the Lands End catalog with the Bridges logo. For safety reasons, all students must wear the same colored shirts on field trips. Families will be notified of shirt color on the field trip form prior to each trip.
Physical Education (PE) Uniforms
Elementary and Explorer Student’s uniform consists of a gray Bridges logo t-shirt and navy blue athletic shorts that are appropriate in length, together with supportive, athletic shoes and socks.
· Explorers, Junior Elementary and Senior Elementary students must wear their PE uniform to school on PE days. If there is a field trip on a PE day, the students must wear the field trip uniform and appropriate shoes.
Lunches and Snacks
Lunch
Bridges Montessori encourages healthy eating practices and environmentally conscious, waste-free packaging. All students are required to bring their lunch and noon beverages in a thermal lunchbox. Preprimary and Elementary students are required to have a re-usable water bottle. All daily lunches must also include a cloth placemat and a napkin. Do not send in foods that require heating. Children may not bring candy, gum, soda, or other “junk food” to school (inappropriate items will be returned with the lunchbox). Half-day Pre-Primary students do not participate in class lunches.
Toddler
Toddler “community lunch” takes place at various times throughout the year. Families are notified in advance and are assigned foods to bring in and share with the community on a rotating basis.
Snack
Infant/Toddler
Our Infant and Toddler environments are nut safe. Infant families should send in individually labeled snacks with their child. Each month, parents of Toddler students receive a weekly snack rotation menu that lists snack assignments (one family per week).
Pre-Primary
Each month, parents of Pre-Primary students receive a Snack Calendar- a rotation schedule which lets them know in advance when they are expected to provide a healthy snack for their child’s class. A suggestion sheet for nutritious snacks can be found in the Parent Forms and in the office. On a child’s snack day, he/she is also designated “Helping Hands” and has many special privileges and responsibilities. A basket will be sent home with your child the night before, and it can be given to a teacher in the morning. Staff and Safety Patrol students ensure that snacks are carried to the classroom on your child’s snack day.
If for any reason parents do not bring snack on their child’s assigned day, they will have a 24-hour period to replenish the back-up supply or $50 will be billed to their account.
Elementary
All Elementary students are required to bring their own healthy snacks.
Pizza Day
Friday is Pizza Day. If you are interested in purchasing cheese pizza for your child, you must sign up in the office. The monthly cost will be billed to your account prior to each month. If school is closed on Friday, pizza will be provided on the last day that school is in session that week. There will be no reimbursements under any circumstances.
Together Tuesday
Together Tuesday is the Pre-Primary parent’s opportunity to have lunch with their child. Together Tuesday dates are included on the monthly Snack Calendars. Refer to your classroom packet for more specific information on your chance to have lunch with your child. Please check in at the office prior to going to your child’s class. Visitor’s name badges must be worn while on campus. Together Tuesday is only for students enrolled in the full day program.
Please notify the office by 9:00a.m. if you are unable to attend on your child’s designated lunch date.
Please refrain from bringing in “fast food” for your child on this day as it goes against our healthy eating practices policy.
Field Trips
Field trips are an integral part of the Montessori holistic curriculum; participation is mandatory. If a child misses a field trip, appropriate make-up work will be assigned.
Toddler/Pre-Primary Field Trips
Toddler and Pre-Primary students will participate in on-campus “field trips.” Pre-Primary students may participate in off-campus field trips related to community service and performance rehearsals. Explorers will participate in an end of the year off campus trip.
Forms
A notarized Transportation/Emergency Medical Form for each child must be on file in the school office. Bridges Montessori staff will always notify parents in advance of any field trip. A permission slip will be sent home detailing the educational objective, date, time and any special attire that may be required. It is your responsibility to sign and return the consent form as soon as possible. If the form is not returned by the morning of the trip, the child will not be permitted to participate.
Uniforms
For safety’s sake, all Pre-Primary through Elementary students must wear the Bridges Montessori field trip uniform on all field trips (refer to Field Trip Uniforms section). If a child arrives after the field trip has departed, the child must leave school for the day; we will not be responsible for providing care.
Fees
All Toddler, Pre-Primary and Elementary field trip fees are included in the annual tuition with the exception of the end-of-the-year trips. We try to anticipate all field trips in the annual tuition, however, if an unscheduled trip of an exceptional nature presents itself, the additional field trip will be offered, and the fee will be charged to your account.
Transportation
Transportation for field trips is by our school bus. The school bus is equipped with lap belts for the older students and safety harnesses for the younger friends who are under 4 years of age and less than 40 pounds. You may request the use of the safety harness regardless of the age and weight of your child (please make your request in writing).
Observation
After the first month of school, parent observations can be arranged through the school office with one-day prior notice. An Observation Guidelines form will be made available for prior review. Please check in with the office upon your arrival. You will be escorted to the classroom.
Please refer to Observation Guidelines in the Enrollment Packet. These guidelines should be strictly followed during the visit.
STUDENT PROGRESS
Progress Reports
Pre-Primary and Elementary progress reports will be issued two times per year. Bridges Montessori does not send daily or weekly activity reports home for Pre-Primary or Elementary Students. Formal Parent/Teacher conferences are provided three times per year; see School Calendar for dates. Elementary Teachers also provide two Interim Progress Reports per year. If at any other time parents need to communicate with their child’s teacher, they should call the classroom after 3:15 p.m. or schedule a conference through the school office.
All Infants and Toddlers will receive daily activity reports. A summary progress report will be issued bi-annually.
Testing
Bridges employs a variety of means to assess the progress of the students; authentic, performance-based, and standardized assessments are used to understand and evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses. Formal, standardized testing is administered three times a year to 2nd through 6th grade Elementary students. Standardized testing for third year Pre-Primary (Explorers) and 1st grade students will take place one time a year for internal purposes. If, at any time, the teacher, Department Head, and/or Administration determine additional testing is necessary for diagnosis and evaluation and/or instructional modifications, parents will be required (at their own cost) to obtain an outside, professional evaluation within thirty (30) days of the request.
Coordinating Outside Support Services
We fully support parents in the linking and coordinating of private educational support services for their child. We do not, however, have a separate space on campus designated solely for the purpose of tutoring and/or therapies (such as speech or occupational therapy). On an as needed, “first come-first served” basis, we will make reasonable efforts to make space available, if scheduling permits. However, we cannot guarantee that space will always be available. Please contact the office if you would like to try and coordinate the provision of services on site.
DISCIPLINE
We believe that a child in an environment of love, trust, and respect will gain self-discipline and a desire to learn and succeed in a positive way. Our teachers are trained in Conscious Discipline by Dr. Becky Bailey and find this approach most consistent with Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy. We do not use corporal punishment at any time.
We believe that discipline is a necessary component of learning. In order to assure your child a quality education, it is important to have a written discipline policy that is understood by the parent as well as the child. Each class has an individual classroom discipline policy understood by the children in that room. We also have a general school discipline policy, which includes the following:
· Control verbal and physical aggression toward others; use appropriate means of conflict resolution
· Handle school property and materials in an appropriate manner (It will be the parents’ responsibility to replace any school property that is intentionally destroyed.)
· Respect the rights of other children and staff members
In instances where aggression is provoked, we ask children to take the following steps:
· Verbally express their displeasure
· Walk away from the situation
· Ask for intervention from a teacher
Our approach to discipline challenges is an individual one, and consequences for behavior are determined according to each child’s personal and developmental needs. Staff members immediately discuss discipline issues with children and notify parents in writing about incidents. Other natural and logical consequences for unsafe or disruptive behavior may include temporary removal from the classroom, activity, or area.
Biting
Toddler
Toddlers will occasionally go through periods of biting behavior. This can be attributed to several normal developmental processes (i.e. teething, impulsiveness/lack of self-control, making an impact, excitement/overstimulation, frustration). While we strive to keep all children safe and secure, toddler biting is expected. Our response to biting will be; care for and help the child who was bitten, help the child who bit learn other behavior and work with the child who bit and examine the setting so that the biting will stop. It may be necessary to confer with parents to develop a combined strategy if the behavior persists. We reserve the right to recommend dismissal should it become necessary for the protection of others in the environment.
Pre-Primary
Biting at the Pre-Primary level is a serious situation and requires a more immediate and committed response. Children who bite will be removed from the environment after the incident. After repeated incidents of biting by a Pre-Primary student, parents will be asked to confer with the teacher and administration in order to develop a strategy for safety in the learning environment. Possible consequences of biting at this level may include parents picking up the child from school, temporary suspension from school, probation, and expulsion.
Elementary Level Discipline
Any form of intentional physical violence or verbal aggression, whether it is initiated or it is in retaliation, is not permitted in the Elementary environments at Bridges Montessori. This includes, but is not limited to swearing, hitting, biting, choking, kicking, and aggressive pushing. These choices will result in immediate removal from the environment, along with written parent notification.
When a child’s actions are severely or repeatedly hurtful or disruptive, a conference will be scheduled in which the teacher, parents, and administration can devise a plan aimed toward the child’s success. Consequences for serious or chronic incidents may include removal from classroom, asking parents to pick up the child from school, suspension from school, probation with implementation of recommended strategies, and expulsion.
We reserve the right to modify our discipline policy due to exceptional circumstances.
Media Center
All Explorer and Elementary students have the opportunity to visit the Media Center at least one time a week and will be permitted to check out two books at a time. The loan period on books checked out from the Media Center is one week. All books must be returned or renewed on or before their due date. Students will not be permitted to check out a book if they have an overdue, lost, or damaged book. All damaged or lost books must be paid for or replaced.
Birthdays
Birthdays are a special time at Bridges Montessori. The children enjoy a celebration that is both educational and fun. Each teacher has their own special classroom ceremony and will be happy to plan with the parent in advance. Your child may bring a treat to share with the entire class on his/her birthday. We ask that you refrain from bringing in treats with chocolate, artificial dyes or excessive frosting/sugar. To reinforce the power of giving as well as receiving, each child is asked to donate a book to the school on his/her birthday. Special labels are placed in these books to acknowledge the child’s gift and birthday; books can be new or old favorites.
In order to avoid hurt feelings, parents may not distribute party invitations through school unless the entire class is receiving them. Invitations should be given to the office for disbursement. Please see Snack Guidelines in the Parent Forms for birthday snack ideas.
Class Holiday Celebration
Holiday celebrations are often incorporated in the Montessori curriculum but are not expressed in an overtly religious, traditional, or commercial manner (i.e., parties, treats, games). Bridges Montessori supports the teachers in their individuality and in their choices when it comes to whether or how holidays are celebrated. All Elementary students incorporate the study of world religions as part of their cultural curriculum.
Show & Share
Children are asked to bring only educational objects for sharing at school. These can be educational games, handmade crafts, or a natural object discovered by the child. Non-educational toys are not permitted.
Commercial Characters
Bridges Montessori discourages the use of items imprinted with commercial characters. Dr. Maria Montessori expressed very strong beliefs that children should be grounded in reality. The staff feels that manufacturers are programming children to associate materialism and consumerism with entertainment and happiness. Parents will help reinforce the values taught at Bridges Montessori by not sending lunch boxes, t-shirts, shoes, or other personal items adorned with commercial products to school. Bridges Montessori strictly prohibits any characters that promote violence as a means of resolving conflict (i.e., Transformers, Power Rangers, Pokemon, Spiderman, etc.) If a child has a long established security item that contains a nonviolent commercial character, this will be allowed at rest time.
A “No Commercial Characters” reminder note will be sent home with any inappropriate items brought into school.
Parent Participation
Hours
All parents will be required to contribute to the enrichment of the school environment by assisting in the school, attending informational meetings, joining project committees, or completing individual assignments. This ensures a reasonable fee policy and allows children to witness parental involvement with their education. Each family is required fifteen (15) participation hours per year. Volunteer sign-up sheets are distributed at the beginning of each school year. Parents are responsible for logging participation hours on the Bridges Montessori Parent Intranet (www.bridgesmontessori.net). As per the parent-school contract, any non-participation hours will be billed by March 15th at a rate of $20 per hour.
Workshops
All parents are required to attend the scheduled Parent Education Workshops. Please review the current School Calendar for workshop dates and times.
Each workshop is specifically designed to provide parents with needed knowledge regarding Montessori philosophy, teaching methods and materials, curriculum, schedules, expectations and assessment. During the assigned workshop time, presentations and open discussion takes place between teachers and parents. The information and focus of each workshop is different, and assists parents in understanding the process behind the growth, developmental and educational progress their child makes throughout the school year.
We believe that parent education is a vital part of a student’s overall success. It is also a great opportunity for parents to gain volunteer hours. Because we value these workshops so greatly, parents receive double the amount of scheduled workshop time in volunteer hours. For example, if the workshop is scheduled for one hour, you can submit two volunteer hours per parent attending a workshop.
We welcome your ideas for new Parent Education Workshop topics.
Parent-Staff Relations
Communication
Communication is extremely important to us at Bridges Montessori. Our primary mode of communication is via email. The secondary mode is via carline flyer distribution. Parents will receive flyer information at morning car line. Parents whose children are in Extended Day should check their child’s file on a daily basis. Please be diligent in checking for your child’s information. Folders are provided for both parents of separate households. It is the responsibility of the parents to check their child’s file for school information. Pre-Primary and Junior Elementary students will have designated “Take Home Days” on which a child may bring home a portion of his or her work. Please remember that Montessori children, especially those in Pre-Primary, work primarily with hands-on materials in the classroom.
We invite you to use our Parent Intranet which can be accessed through our website, www.bridgesmontessori.net. This is a confidential arena and may only be accessed by the Bridges Community. You will be assigned your own username and password.
Description of communication on Parent Intranet:
· Calendar – Upcoming events at Bridges
· Discussion Board – Floating/on-going discussions between parents
· Student Assignments - Applicable to Elementary students only
· Volunteer Hours Submission
Concerns
If parents have a question or concern, they may schedule an appointment with our teaching staff through the office, fill out a Parental Concern Form, or leave a message on the classroom voice mail. Under no circumstances may parents approach a teacher with concerns or issues on an impromptu basis prior to or during classroom hours. Parents are strictly forbidden to approach any staff member or child in a verbally or physically aggressive or threatening manner. Parents not adhering to these guidelines will not be invited to return to the campus.
Student-Teacher After School
It is a policy at Bridges that staff may not care for or tutor children who are in their classroom after school hours. When staff members become too familiar with students in an after school situation, it can affect the student-teacher relationship within the classroom.
ADMISSIONS
The admission procedure is as follows:
· Appointment and campus tour with the Head of School or appointed designee
· Application (where applicable-accompanied with a $25 non-refundable fee)
· Transfer of Records and Teacher Recommendations (where applicable)
· Interview with the Department Head (where applicable)
· Admissions Decision
There is a thirty (30) day probationary period for all new students. At the end of this period the student will be evaluated based on academic performance and behavior.
Days and Hours
Infant Hours
· Infant Full 9:00am - 3:00pm
· Infant Extended 7:00am - 6:00pm
Daily School Hours
· Toddler 9:00am - 12:00pm (Half Day)
· Toddler 9:00am - 3:00pm
· Pre-Primary 8:45am - 12:00pm (1/2 Day)*
· Pre-Primary 8:45am - 2:45pm
· Jr. Elementary 8:30am - 3:00pm
· Sr. Elementary 8:30am - 3:00pm
*All children four years and older must attend school from 8:45 am to 2:45 pm in order to ensure that each child will be equally prepared to enter our Elementary program.
Closing
Extended Day families are provided alternative care on the following “Extended Day Only” days: i.e. Parent-Teacher Conferences, Holiday, Winter and Spring Breaks. On these days, childcare is provided (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) at an additional fee of $25 per day. This fee will be automatically billed to those accounts prior to the month of service. If you do not intend to utilize the service, written notification must be submitted to the office two weeks prior to date of service in order for the charge to be reversed. With the exception of the Infant room, the entire school is closed on all legal holidays, in-service days and one week in August for maintenance. On Teacher Work Days, no childcare will be provided; please refer to the current year School Calendar for specifics. The Infant program is a twelve (12) month program. Refer to the Infant Room Calendar for specifics.
Emergency Closing
In case of an emergency closing, Bridges Montessori usually follows Martin County School District guidelines. For emergency closings and special events, the Bridges phone master system will call all families within the current directory with specific information or instructions. Please note the outgoing phone number on the phone master is 772 221-9787. A “Ready to Respond” emergency preparedness plan has been implemented at Bridges in the case of severe emergencies. All families receive hotline cards with pertinent contact information. Callers to the hotline hear a recorded message with the most current information available on the status of Bridges and may be connected with an Emergency Management Operator for further information at any time.
Extended Day
Parents interested in Extended Day must enroll in advance. Morning care (7:00 – class start time) is available at a flat rate of $1,040 for the academic year. Afternoon care (2:45 – 6:00 p.m.) is available at a flat rate of $1,560 for the academic year. Morning and Afternoon care is available at flat rate of $2,080 for the academic year. Payment plans are available for these fees. For those children not enrolled in the program, parents will be billed at a rate of $10.00 per child per hour; the hour is not prorated. Any pick-up after 6:00 p.m. will be billed at $1.00 per minute. See the Extended Day Calendar for a listing of days when no care is provided.
The office must approve any extended care drop-offs in order to ensure appropriate staff-child ratios. Parents using Extended Day must notify a staff member when arriving and departing, and they must sign their child in and out. It is the responsibility of the parent to check the child’s class file daily for school communications or provide us with an e-mail address in which communications will be emailed directly to families.
Tuition
All payments, in envelopes, should be dropped in the Green Communication Mailbox located on the curb in the parking lot directly in front of the office entrance or placed in the black box within the main office. Tuition is due on the first of each month. A 5% late fee will be added after the 5th of the month; 10% will be added after the 10th of the month: and 15% will be added after the 15th of the month. The statement you receive is just a courtesy and should not be mistaken for a dated invoice. Parents must either mail in payment or drop off in the listed boxes. They must never send payments in with their child nor give it to faculty, staff or safety patrol member.
Arrival and Departure
Car Line
It is a traditional Montessori practice to pick up and deliver children in car line. This enables gentle separations and smooth transitions for parents and children. All Pre-Primary and Elementary students are dropped off and picked up at the Media Center entrance. All Toddlers are dropped off and picked up at the Office entrance. Infants are walked to their classroom by the parent. Once a parent/guardian signs out his/her child, the child is considered to be in the care and custody of the parent. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children on campus once they have signed them out. Please note, children are only allowed to play on the playground designated as appropriate to their age. For the safety of the children, Toddlers are not allowed on the Pre-Primary Playground and Pre-Primary friends are not allowed on the Elementary Playground.
Car line times:
Toddler 8:45am - 9:00am
Pre-Primary 8:25am - 8:40am
Elementary 8:10am - 8:25am
Senior Elementary students act as Safety Patrols to escort Pre-Primary and Elementary students to their cars. Parents must not leave their cars when in car line, even for a moment. If you need to come into school, you must first park. Please observe all designated parking spaces as labeled. This facilitates the orderly movement of traffic during these busy periods.
Arrival
Please be sure to have your child at school on time. Late arrivals are very disruptive to the classroom and heighten the anxiety of the child entering a class in progress. Late students will not be accepted into the classroom without an administrative escort or a signed office pass. All children arriving late must be taken to the office and signed in by a parent or guardian. For obvious safety reasons, never drop your child off unattended.
Departure
A child will not be released to any person other than a parent unless that person is listed on the Registration Form and written or verbal permission is given in advance through the school office. Identification must be made available for staff upon pick up by the alternate driver. A child being released early must be picked up from the office. A parent or guardian must sign-out his/her child when removing him/her earlier than the regular dismissal time.
Attendance
Because of the nature of the Montessori environment, it is essential that children attend class on a regular basis. Tardiness and absences interrupt the flow of learning and often impede the child’s academic, social, and emotional progress. Absences exceeding nine days per semester (two semesters per year) will require a conference to assess the child’s progress and to make recommendations regarding the requirements for academic advancement. The State of Florida Truancy Statute “amends the definition of habitual truant to be a ‘student who has 15 unexcused absences with 90 calendar days with or without the knowledge or consent of the student’s parent or legal guardian’.” Bridges Montessori will make no exceptions for truancy as it is described in the statute. Parents should inform the office by 9:00 a.m. if a child is going to be absent that day.
Health and Safety
Students must have the following documents on file prior to attending school:
· Florida Certification of Immunization form (DH 680)
· State of Florida School Entry Health Exam (DH 3040)
Immunizations must remain current and School Entry Health Exams must be completed within the last two years. Your child may not attend class until both records are on file. Family physicians have the proper medical forms required by the county Health Department. Please refer to the included Samples in the Parent Forms.
Illness
Bridges Montessori will not accept sick children into class. If a child has a fresh cold or contagious symptom such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat, or any type of parasite, parents may not send him/her to school. If a child has a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea he/she may not return to school for at least 24 hours after the symptoms abate. If a child becomes ill at school, he/she will be isolated immediately, and the parents will be notified for pick-up. If your child will be absent due to illness, please call the office by 9:00am. For Infants and Toddlers, please refer to the Infant/Toddler Illness Guidelines in the Enrollment Packet.
Bridges Montessori will make the final decision whether or not to exclude a child from school.
Medication
Parents must fill out a Bright Horizons Authorization for Administration of Medication form in the office for all prescription medications. Medications may only be given per the directions on the container. All children under the age of two (2) must have a physicians’ written prescription stating the dosage amount that accompanies all prescription and non-prescription drugs. Parents are responsible for giving their child’s medications directly to the main office. An office staff member will administer medications. All medications administered are recorded on the Bright Horizons Administration of Medication Log. Please refer to the Authorization for Administration of Medication in the Enrollment Packet.
Sun Protection
As part of the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, children do spend time outdoors. We encourage parents to provide their child/ren with a hat, sun protective clothing, and sunscreen. Parents who wish sunscreen to be applied at school must sign a Sunscreen Authorization form. Sunscreen provided by a parent/guardian must state “for child’s use” and be clearly labeled with the child’s name. Appropriate staff may then apply sunscreen that is provided by a parent/guardian if the child is not capable of applying it to him or herself. Sunscreen will remain in the office. Please refer to the Sunscreen and Insect Repellant Permission Slip in the Enrollment Packet.
Animals
Per insurance requirements, families may not bring pets or animals on school property.
Dress
School Uniforms
Bridges Montessori requires Elementary Students to wear a school uniform. The uniform, on non-P.E. days consists of:
· Any top, any color, from the Lands End School Catalog www.landsend.com/school (all tops must have the Bridges Logo)
· Any khaki or plaid bottom, any style, from the Lands End School Catalog (aLL bottoms must be purchased from the catalog)
· Closed-toe shoes only (no flip-flops or open toed sandals). Laces must be tied on shoes with shoelaces.
Dress Code
Toddler
· Easily removable clothing to support self sufficiency. No one piece outfits with fasteners.
· Socks for indoor environment
· Closed-toe sandals with back straps, no sandals
· Closed-toe shoes
· Velcro shoes
It is important for Toddlers to be free to move around and explore their outside environment. Many are still working on running and climbing skills, therefore we recommend a supportive sneaker or shoe to be worn.
Pre-Primary
· Easily removable clothing to support self sufficiency
· Closed-toe sandals with back straps
· Closed-toe shoes
· Third Year Students (Explorers) should wear the school P.E. uniform to school on PE days, as well as supportive, athletic shoes with socks.
Any student not adhering to the school policy will be asked to comply or sent home accordingly.
Field Trip Uniforms
Pre-Primary and Elementary field trip uniforms consist of an evergreen polo shirt with Bridges logo and khaki bottoms from the Lands End catalog. During hot temperature months. Elementary students may wear a chambray blue polo shirt from the Lands End catalog with the Bridges logo. For safety reasons, all students must wear the same colored shirts on field trips. Families will be notified of shirt color on the field trip form prior to each trip.
Physical Education (PE) Uniforms
Elementary and Explorer Student’s uniform consists of a gray Bridges logo t-shirt and navy blue athletic shorts that are appropriate in length, together with supportive, athletic shoes and socks.
· Explorers, Junior Elementary and Senior Elementary students must wear their PE uniform to school on PE days. If there is a field trip on a PE day, the students must wear the field trip uniform and appropriate shoes.
Lunches and Snacks
Lunch
Bridges Montessori encourages healthy eating practices and environmentally conscious, waste-free packaging. All students are required to bring their lunch and noon beverages in a thermal lunchbox. Preprimary and Elementary students are required to have a re-usable water bottle. All daily lunches must also include a cloth placemat and a napkin. Do not send in foods that require heating. Children may not bring candy, gum, soda, or other “junk food” to school (inappropriate items will be returned with the lunchbox). Half-day Pre-Primary students do not participate in class lunches.
Toddler
Toddler “community lunch” takes place at various times throughout the year. Families are notified in advance and are assigned foods to bring in and share with the community on a rotating basis.
Snack
Infant/Toddler
Our Infant and Toddler environments are nut safe. Infant families should send in individually labeled snacks with their child. Each month, parents of Toddler students receive a weekly snack rotation menu that lists snack assignments (one family per week).
Pre-Primary
Each month, parents of Pre-Primary students receive a Snack Calendar- a rotation schedule which lets them know in advance when they are expected to provide a healthy snack for their child’s class. A suggestion sheet for nutritious snacks can be found in the Parent Forms and in the office. On a child’s snack day, he/she is also designated “Helping Hands” and has many special privileges and responsibilities. A basket will be sent home with your child the night before, and it can be given to a teacher in the morning. Staff and Safety Patrol students ensure that snacks are carried to the classroom on your child’s snack day.
If for any reason parents do not bring snack on their child’s assigned day, they will have a 24-hour period to replenish the back-up supply or $50 will be billed to their account.
Elementary
All Elementary students are required to bring their own healthy snacks.
Pizza Day
Friday is Pizza Day. If you are interested in purchasing cheese pizza for your child, you must sign up in the office. The monthly cost will be billed to your account prior to each month. If school is closed on Friday, pizza will be provided on the last day that school is in session that week. There will be no reimbursements under any circumstances.
Together Tuesday
Together Tuesday is the Pre-Primary parent’s opportunity to have lunch with their child. Together Tuesday dates are included on the monthly Snack Calendars. Refer to your classroom packet for more specific information on your chance to have lunch with your child. Please check in at the office prior to going to your child’s class. Visitor’s name badges must be worn while on campus. Together Tuesday is only for students enrolled in the full day program.
Please notify the office by 9:00a.m. if you are unable to attend on your child’s designated lunch date.
Please refrain from bringing in “fast food” for your child on this day as it goes against our healthy eating practices policy.
Field Trips
Field trips are an integral part of the Montessori holistic curriculum; participation is mandatory. If a child misses a field trip, appropriate make-up work will be assigned.
Toddler/Pre-Primary Field Trips
Toddler and Pre-Primary students will participate in on-campus “field trips.” Pre-Primary students may participate in off-campus field trips related to community service and performance rehearsals. Explorers will participate in an end of the year off campus trip.
Forms
A notarized Transportation/Emergency Medical Form for each child must be on file in the school office. Bridges Montessori staff will always notify parents in advance of any field trip. A permission slip will be sent home detailing the educational objective, date, time and any special attire that may be required. It is your responsibility to sign and return the consent form as soon as possible. If the form is not returned by the morning of the trip, the child will not be permitted to participate.
Uniforms
For safety’s sake, all Pre-Primary through Elementary students must wear the Bridges Montessori field trip uniform on all field trips (refer to Field Trip Uniforms section). If a child arrives after the field trip has departed, the child must leave school for the day; we will not be responsible for providing care.
Fees
All Toddler, Pre-Primary and Elementary field trip fees are included in the annual tuition with the exception of the end-of-the-year trips. We try to anticipate all field trips in the annual tuition, however, if an unscheduled trip of an exceptional nature presents itself, the additional field trip will be offered, and the fee will be charged to your account.
Transportation
Transportation for field trips is by our school bus. The school bus is equipped with lap belts for the older students and safety harnesses for the younger friends who are under 4 years of age and less than 40 pounds. You may request the use of the safety harness regardless of the age and weight of your child (please make your request in writing).
Observation
After the first month of school, parent observations can be arranged through the school office with one-day prior notice. An Observation Guidelines form will be made available for prior review. Please check in with the office upon your arrival. You will be escorted to the classroom.
Please refer to Observation Guidelines in the Enrollment Packet. These guidelines should be strictly followed during the visit.
STUDENT PROGRESS
Progress Reports
Pre-Primary and Elementary progress reports will be issued two times per year. Bridges Montessori does not send daily or weekly activity reports home for Pre-Primary or Elementary Students. Formal Parent/Teacher conferences are provided three times per year; see School Calendar for dates. Elementary Teachers also provide two Interim Progress Reports per year. If at any other time parents need to communicate with their child’s teacher, they should call the classroom after 3:15 p.m. or schedule a conference through the school office.
All Infants and Toddlers will receive daily activity reports. A summary progress report will be issued bi-annually.
Testing
Bridges employs a variety of means to assess the progress of the students; authentic, performance-based, and standardized assessments are used to understand and evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses. Formal, standardized testing is administered three times a year to 2nd through 6th grade Elementary students. Standardized testing for third year Pre-Primary (Explorers) and 1st grade students will take place one time a year for internal purposes. If, at any time, the teacher, Department Head, and/or Administration determine additional testing is necessary for diagnosis and evaluation and/or instructional modifications, parents will be required (at their own cost) to obtain an outside, professional evaluation within thirty (30) days of the request.
Coordinating Outside Support Services
We fully support parents in the linking and coordinating of private educational support services for their child. We do not, however, have a separate space on campus designated solely for the purpose of tutoring and/or therapies (such as speech or occupational therapy). On an as needed, “first come-first served” basis, we will make reasonable efforts to make space available, if scheduling permits. However, we cannot guarantee that space will always be available. Please contact the office if you would like to try and coordinate the provision of services on site.
DISCIPLINE
We believe that a child in an environment of love, trust, and respect will gain self-discipline and a desire to learn and succeed in a positive way. Our teachers are trained in Conscious Discipline by Dr. Becky Bailey and find this approach most consistent with Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy. We do not use corporal punishment at any time.
We believe that discipline is a necessary component of learning. In order to assure your child a quality education, it is important to have a written discipline policy that is understood by the parent as well as the child. Each class has an individual classroom discipline policy understood by the children in that room. We also have a general school discipline policy, which includes the following:
· Control verbal and physical aggression toward others; use appropriate means of conflict resolution
· Handle school property and materials in an appropriate manner (It will be the parents’ responsibility to replace any school property that is intentionally destroyed.)
· Respect the rights of other children and staff members
In instances where aggression is provoked, we ask children to take the following steps:
· Verbally express their displeasure
· Walk away from the situation
· Ask for intervention from a teacher
Our approach to discipline challenges is an individual one, and consequences for behavior are determined according to each child’s personal and developmental needs. Staff members immediately discuss discipline issues with children and notify parents in writing about incidents. Other natural and logical consequences for unsafe or disruptive behavior may include temporary removal from the classroom, activity, or area.
Biting
Toddler
Toddlers will occasionally go through periods of biting behavior. This can be attributed to several normal developmental processes (i.e. teething, impulsiveness/lack of self-control, making an impact, excitement/overstimulation, frustration). While we strive to keep all children safe and secure, toddler biting is expected. Our response to biting will be; care for and help the child who was bitten, help the child who bit learn other behavior and work with the child who bit and examine the setting so that the biting will stop. It may be necessary to confer with parents to develop a combined strategy if the behavior persists. We reserve the right to recommend dismissal should it become necessary for the protection of others in the environment.
Pre-Primary
Biting at the Pre-Primary level is a serious situation and requires a more immediate and committed response. Children who bite will be removed from the environment after the incident. After repeated incidents of biting by a Pre-Primary student, parents will be asked to confer with the teacher and administration in order to develop a strategy for safety in the learning environment. Possible consequences of biting at this level may include parents picking up the child from school, temporary suspension from school, probation, and expulsion.
Elementary Level Discipline
Any form of intentional physical violence or verbal aggression, whether it is initiated or it is in retaliation, is not permitted in the Elementary environments at Bridges Montessori. This includes, but is not limited to swearing, hitting, biting, choking, kicking, and aggressive pushing. These choices will result in immediate removal from the environment, along with written parent notification.
When a child’s actions are severely or repeatedly hurtful or disruptive, a conference will be scheduled in which the teacher, parents, and administration can devise a plan aimed toward the child’s success. Consequences for serious or chronic incidents may include removal from classroom, asking parents to pick up the child from school, suspension from school, probation with implementation of recommended strategies, and expulsion.
We reserve the right to modify our discipline policy due to exceptional circumstances.
Media Center
All Explorer and Elementary students have the opportunity to visit the Media Center at least one time a week and will be permitted to check out two books at a time. The loan period on books checked out from the Media Center is one week. All books must be returned or renewed on or before their due date. Students will not be permitted to check out a book if they have an overdue, lost, or damaged book. All damaged or lost books must be paid for or replaced.
Birthdays
Birthdays are a special time at Bridges Montessori. The children enjoy a celebration that is both educational and fun. Each teacher has their own special classroom ceremony and will be happy to plan with the parent in advance. Your child may bring a treat to share with the entire class on his/her birthday. We ask that you refrain from bringing in treats with chocolate, artificial dyes or excessive frosting/sugar. To reinforce the power of giving as well as receiving, each child is asked to donate a book to the school on his/her birthday. Special labels are placed in these books to acknowledge the child’s gift and birthday; books can be new or old favorites.
In order to avoid hurt feelings, parents may not distribute party invitations through school unless the entire class is receiving them. Invitations should be given to the office for disbursement. Please see Snack Guidelines in the Parent Forms for birthday snack ideas.
Class Holiday Celebration
Holiday celebrations are often incorporated in the Montessori curriculum but are not expressed in an overtly religious, traditional, or commercial manner (i.e., parties, treats, games). Bridges Montessori supports the teachers in their individuality and in their choices when it comes to whether or how holidays are celebrated. All Elementary students incorporate the study of world religions as part of their cultural curriculum.
Show & Share
Children are asked to bring only educational objects for sharing at school. These can be educational games, handmade crafts, or a natural object discovered by the child. Non-educational toys are not permitted.
Commercial Characters
Bridges Montessori discourages the use of items imprinted with commercial characters. Dr. Maria Montessori expressed very strong beliefs that children should be grounded in reality. The staff feels that manufacturers are programming children to associate materialism and consumerism with entertainment and happiness. Parents will help reinforce the values taught at Bridges Montessori by not sending lunch boxes, t-shirts, shoes, or other personal items adorned with commercial products to school. Bridges Montessori strictly prohibits any characters that promote violence as a means of resolving conflict (i.e., Transformers, Power Rangers, Pokemon, Spiderman, etc.) If a child has a long established security item that contains a nonviolent commercial character, this will be allowed at rest time.
A “No Commercial Characters” reminder note will be sent home with any inappropriate items brought into school.
Parent Participation
Hours
All parents will be required to contribute to the enrichment of the school environment by assisting in the school, attending informational meetings, joining project committees, or completing individual assignments. This ensures a reasonable fee policy and allows children to witness parental involvement with their education. Each family is required fifteen (15) participation hours per year. Volunteer sign-up sheets are distributed at the beginning of each school year. Parents are responsible for logging participation hours on the Bridges Montessori Parent Intranet (www.bridgesmontessori.net). As per the parent-school contract, any non-participation hours will be billed by March 15th at a rate of $20 per hour.
Workshops
All parents are required to attend the scheduled Parent Education Workshops. Please review the current School Calendar for workshop dates and times.
Each workshop is specifically designed to provide parents with needed knowledge regarding Montessori philosophy, teaching methods and materials, curriculum, schedules, expectations and assessment. During the assigned workshop time, presentations and open discussion takes place between teachers and parents. The information and focus of each workshop is different, and assists parents in understanding the process behind the growth, developmental and educational progress their child makes throughout the school year.
We believe that parent education is a vital part of a student’s overall success. It is also a great opportunity for parents to gain volunteer hours. Because we value these workshops so greatly, parents receive double the amount of scheduled workshop time in volunteer hours. For example, if the workshop is scheduled for one hour, you can submit two volunteer hours per parent attending a workshop.
We welcome your ideas for new Parent Education Workshop topics.
Parent-Staff Relations
Communication
Communication is extremely important to us at Bridges Montessori. Our primary mode of communication is via email. The secondary mode is via carline flyer distribution. Parents will receive flyer information at morning car line. Parents whose children are in Extended Day should check their child’s file on a daily basis. Please be diligent in checking for your child’s information. Folders are provided for both parents of separate households. It is the responsibility of the parents to check their child’s file for school information. Pre-Primary and Junior Elementary students will have designated “Take Home Days” on which a child may bring home a portion of his or her work. Please remember that Montessori children, especially those in Pre-Primary, work primarily with hands-on materials in the classroom.
We invite you to use our Parent Intranet which can be accessed through our website, www.bridgesmontessori.net. This is a confidential arena and may only be accessed by the Bridges Community. You will be assigned your own username and password.
Description of communication on Parent Intranet:
· Calendar – Upcoming events at Bridges
· Discussion Board – Floating/on-going discussions between parents
· Student Assignments - Applicable to Elementary students only
· Volunteer Hours Submission
Concerns
If parents have a question or concern, they may schedule an appointment with our teaching staff through the office, fill out a Parental Concern Form, or leave a message on the classroom voice mail. Under no circumstances may parents approach a teacher with concerns or issues on an impromptu basis prior to or during classroom hours. Parents are strictly forbidden to approach any staff member or child in a verbally or physically aggressive or threatening manner. Parents not adhering to these guidelines will not be invited to return to the campus.
Student-Teacher After School
It is a policy at Bridges that staff may not care for or tutor children who are in their classroom after school hours. When staff members become too familiar with students in an after school situation, it can affect the student-teacher relationship within the classroom.
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