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.

 

 

School Days and Hours

Daily School Hours

• Infant                           9:00am – 3:00pm
• Toddler                        9:00am – 12:00pm (Half Day)
• Toddler                        9:00am – 3:00pm
• Pre-Primary                 8:45am – 12:00pm (Half 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.  Please refer to the separate 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.

 

Extended Day

Parents interested in Extended Day must enroll in advance.  Morning care (7:00 – 9:00 a.m.) is available at a flat rate of $1,000 for the academic year.  Afternoon care (3:00 – 6:00 p.m.) is available at a flat rate of $1,500 for the academic year.  Unlimited Extended Day care is available at flat rate of $2,000 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 in the front of the office entrance or placed in the red box within the main office.   Tuition is due on the first of each month.  A 5% late fee will be added after the 5^th of the month; 10% will be added after the 10^th of the month: and 15% will be added after the 15^th of the month.  The statement you receive is just a courtesy and should not be mistaken for a dated invoice.  Parents must never send tuition in with their child nor give it to teacher, an assistant, 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 contact 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) 

 

These documents must be current; 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.  

 

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.  

 

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.    

 

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.    

 

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 (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 with back straps only (no flip-flops or open toed sandals)

Field Trip uniforms for Pre-Primary and Elementary students consist of an evergreen polo shirt with Bridges logo and khaki bottoms.  Please see Field Trip Uniforms section on page 7.

 

Any student not adhering to the school policy will be asked to comply or sent home accordingly.

 

Physical Education (PE) Uniforms: Elementary and Explorer Students

The PE uniform is a gray t-shirt with Bridges logo and navy blue athletic shorts that are appropriate in length, together with 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.

 

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 athletic shoes with socks.

 

 

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.  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 one time a week.  Families 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 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 is available 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.  Juice is included. 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 parents’ opportunity to have lunch with their child.  A Together Tuesday Calendar is sent out each month listing the parents’ assigned special day to lunch with their 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 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.” These students may participate in off-campus field trips relating 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 (evergreen polo shirt with Bridges logo and khaki bottoms) on all field trips.  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.

 

Chaperones

Volunteer chaperones are vital to the success and safety of our trips.  In a continuing effort to ensure the security and safety of our children, we ask that any parent who will be volunteering or visiting regularly on campus, chaperoning or accompanying children on a field trip have a background screening.  If you are chaperoning a trip at the request of Bridges Montessori to maintain ratio standards, Bridges Montessori will incur the cost of the background screening.  If you are volunteering/visiting or attending a trip to accompany your child, you will need to pay the $14 fee, plus an additional $11 for each county you have lived in during the past seven years.

 

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 old and under 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 Guideline form will be made available for prior review.  These guidelines must be strictly followed during the visit.  Please check in with the office upon your arrival.  You will be escorted to the classroom.   

 

 

 

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 2^nd through 5^th grade Elementary students.    Standardized testing for third year Pre-Primary (Explorers) and 1^st grade students will take place. If, at any time, the teacher, Department Head, and/or Principal 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 Elementary students will have an 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 Pre-Primary Explorer Students participate in the Bear Buddies Program which allows students to bring home a book in their Bear Buddy Bag.  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 (no chocolate) to share with the entire class on his/her birthday.  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.

 

 

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). Attendance at Parent Education Workshops counts for double the amount of scheduled hour(s) of participation.  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.  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 a 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.