Parent Handbook 2019-2020
OUR MISSION –
“To provide a Montessori environment that inspires children to reach their potential through meaningful work.”
Table of Contents Founder’s Thoughts Code of Ethics About Oak Farm School Philosophy School Affiliations Faculty Promise Freedom and Discipline Differences in Education Curriculum General Infant Toddler Primary Elementary Middle School High School Peace Education Special Programs Assessments, Vision, and Hearing Screening Learning Differences Classroom Days and Hours Before-Care and After-Care Programs Arrival and Dismissal Procedures Classrooms General Attendance-Victorian Farmhouse Attendance-Elem and Secondary Bus Transportation Policies and Procedures Cell Phones Tuition Policy Tuition Discounts Early/Late Arrival/Departure Arrival/Dismissal Before/After Scheduled time Tuition Late Fees and Returned Checks Withdrawal Fee Business Transactions Enrollment and Withdrawal Policy Non-Solicitation
3 4 5 5 5 5-6 6 7 8 8 8 8 8-9 9 9-10 10 10 10 10-11 11-12 12 12-15 16 116-17 16 17 17 17 17 17-18 18 18 18 19 19 19
Student Records Request Greeting Provisional Enrollment Conditional Enrollment Discipline Oak Farm Bus Rules & Procedures Oak Farm Bus Rider Code of Conduct School Closings or Delays Weather/Emergency Alert Phone System Communication Office Teachers Conferences Administration School Directory Communication Chart Visitor Policies General Classroom Observations Snacks Lunch Program School-Lunch Program General Clothing Cold Weather Guide Volunteering at Oak Farm Playground Personal Articles Special Events Cultural Events and Holidays General Birthdays are Holidays Too Health Care Policies Accidents Medications Absences Immunization Record Illnesses Is my child too sick for school? Allergies Procedures for Notification Appendix 1
19 19 19 19 20 20-21 21 21-22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 23 23-24 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 27-28 29-30 31 31 32
Thoughts from our late founder, Lorene Dekko Salsbery. (1961-2009) “We talk about choice all the time with the children, but it is wonderful that we have choices, too: the choice to place our children in a non-traditional rather than a traditional school, a private school rather than a public school, a school that does not limit the ability to choose based on financial need. It was with this premise that Oak Farm Montessori School came into existence. Because of this financial freedom, we can focus on volunteerism rather than a capital campaign, scholarship drive, or endowment-building. An infrastructure has been put into place with our parent organization in order for parents to continue building upon what has been started. People refer to Oak Farm as my school, but this school does not belong to anyone. Rather it belongs to everyone–the entire greater community in northeast Indiana—and was created by much effort to demonstrate the potential of children in a system that works for them and our immediate community of students, parents, and grandparents. Change is imperative, and change we have. Change is reacting to unforeseen circumstances, change is moving from a small start-up to a growing mid-size school, change is finding the right style of leadership, and change is proactively addressing problems as opportunities. Change is never ending, and how we respond to change can make all the difference in the forward positive motion of this school. I think you will see stability at Oak Farm as we mature and continue to respond to the needs of the organization.”
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CODE OF ETHICS OF THE AMERICAN MONTESSORI SOCIETY (Adopted by the AMS Board of Directors October 1969. Expanded June, 1975) As American Montessori Society members, we pledge to conduct ourselves professionally and personally in ways that will reflect our respect for each other and for the children we serve. We will do whatever is within our talents and capacity to protect the rights of each child to have freedom and opportunity to develop his/her full potential. AMS requires that all member schools and teacher-education programs comply with the AMS Code of Ethics. AMS relies solely on self-compliance of this Code. PRINCIPAL I – Commitment to the Student In fulfillment of the obligation to the children, the educator: 1. shall encourage independent action in the pursuit of learning. 2. shall protect the opportunity to provide for participation in educational programs without regard to race, sex, color, creed, or national origin. 3. shall protect the health and safety of students. 4. shall honor professional commitments and maintain obligations and contracts while never soliciting nor involving students or their parents in schemes for commercial gain. 5. shall keep in confidence information that has been secured in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law. PRINCIPAL II – Commitment to the Public The Montessori educator shares in the responsibility for the development of policy relating to the extension of educational opportunity for all and for interpreting educational programs and policies to the public. In fulfilling these goals, the educator: 1. 2.
shall support his/her professional society and not misrepresent its policies in public discussion. Whenever speaking or writing about policies, the educator should take the precaution to distinguish his/her private views from the official position of the Society. shall not interfere with nor exploit the rights and responsibilities of colleagues within the teaching profession.
PRINCIPAL III – Commitment to the Profession The Montessori educator makes efforts to raise professional standards and conditions to attract persons worthy of trust to careers in Montessori education. In fulfilling these goals the educator: 1. 2. 3. 4.
shall extend just and equitable treatments to all members of the Montessori education profession. shall represent his/her own professional qualifications with clarity and true intent. shall apply for, accept, offer, recommend, and assign professional positions and responsibilities on the basis of professional preparation and legal qualifications. shall use honest and effective methods of administering his/her duties, his/her use of time, and the conducting of any business.
All AMS Montessori teachers, members, and AMS School Affiliates are expected to uphold and abide by the CODE OF ETHICS.
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ABOUT OAK FARM MONTESSORI SCHOOL Oak Farm Montessori School is a private, non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Directors and committed to providing a unique child-centered environment employing the educational methods of Dr. Maria Montessori. Oak Farm has chosen a Montessori approach to education because we believe that education begins at birth, continues throughout life, and is not limited to just academic pursuits. We also chose Montessori because it is based upon respect for the individual child, respect for all people of the world, and respect for all forms of life. Our farm school has the opportunity to teach children to be at home in the world of nature. Strengthening the connection with nature and the environment is an integral part of Oak Farm’s curriculum. We seek to instill in our students, parents, and faculty not only a reverence for the Earth, its water, and all living things, but also a sense of stewardship for the environment based on our individual responsibility for the beauty of the land and the health of our ecosystems. We believe that being at home in the world of nature is basic to being a whole and healthy human being. We recognize, and take seriously, the opportunity to influence positively the adult a child will one day become. Oak Farm is committed to giving students the skills that they will need to succeed in the real world of the 21st century. They need more than a solid academic foundation. They need to learn the skills to enable them to adapt to a rapidly changing society. At Oak Farm Montessori School, we teach our students to think, not simply to memorize then forget, because we are convinced that learning the right answer is not enough. We must help students learn how to learn. This is preparation for life. SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY Oak Farm’s philosophy follows Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy concerning a child’s education and whole self-development. We also have our own vision of how to benefit our children and where Oak Farm is headed for years to come. The children will always come first. That is why Oak Farm exists . . . for the children. We want to offer the communities in which we live a higher and more fulfilling opportunity for education. Along with Dr. Montessori’s vision and outline for children’s education, we, too, at Oak Farm Montessori School set high standards for our children and their families. The success of our school lies in the families and faculty of Oak Farm. Each faculty member must have a general love for children and a need to help them become caring and respectful human beings who will one day be the leaders of our world. The families of Oak Farm Montessori School must also believe in the philosophy and vision in order for their children to benefit fully from their experience at Oak Farm. Teaching and encouraging children, whether in the classroom, in an administrative role, or elsewhere, are the most important jobs we have. All faculty members are expected to be a role model for our children. They watch us and look to us for guidance, advice, and, sometimes, just a kind word. They need to know they are loved and safe here at all times. SCHOOL ACCREDITATION/VALIDATION/AFFLILIATION Oak Farm Montessori School is accredited by with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), validated by United Montessori Schools of IN (UMSI) and affiliated with North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA), and we follow their strict guidelines. Oak Farm’s accreditation, validation and affiliation with these organizations assures you that Oak Farm Montessori is providing an authentic Montessori program using Montessori materials and Montessori-certified teachers. Oak Farm will provide parents and caregivers with information from these organizations such as magazines, articles, books, and videos. FACULTY PROMISE We are professional people working together to provide a warm, loving, and nurturing environment for our students. We understand that we have a significant impact on our students’ ability to learn, grow, create, develop, and relate peacefully and respectfully to other people and to the natural world. We share a vision of both inner and global peace. We work to achieve that peace through our own daily experiences, and we are committed to being role models of kindness, courtesy, and respect for our 5
students. We will endeavor to instill in our students and parents a reverence for the Earth and all living things. We will teach our students to be stewards of the environment based upon our responsibility to take care of the Earth and its ecosystems. We commit to educate the child more “fully”: physically.
intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and
FREEDOM AND DISCIPLINE The Montessori environment includes a fine balance between structure and freedom. The concept that freedom carries responsibility is gradually introduced from the beginning of school. Freedom does not mean being able to do solely what you want to do. It does involve being able to identify what is constructive and beneficial and being able to carry that out. Our ground rules are few and simple and are designed to aid the student in acquiring self-respect, respect for others, and respect for the environment. As we observe the classroom, we often find ways to redirect a student before misbehavior becomes a problem. However, each classroom spends considerable time teaching the students what the guiding principles are and models those principles in different situations until the students understand and accept them well. Specifically, we use a democratic process for conflict resolution. Oak Farm uses a positive disciplinary approach with students. If discipline is necessary, natural and logical consequences are used. Disciplinary concerns will be addressed with parents and caregivers and may result in the development of a Student Action Plan. Intended physical contact such as kicking, hitting, biting, verbal abuse, or “bullying” of any kind will not be tolerated. Additionally, weapons such as knives, daggers, and other dangerous objects such as lighters may not be brought to school. If any of these behaviors occur, we will ask to meet with you to determine a plan to provide additional support to your child, which may include a requirement for consultation with an outside professional. Occasionally, we must ask that the student not attend school while the behavior is being addressed. In cases of repeated occurrences of dangerous behavior, we may rescind the offer of enrollment. We put considerable thought and effort into helping each student learn skills that will make it possible for him/her to contribute to the group and feel a part of it. If you are having any problems with your child and would like to discuss them, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, program coordinator, Director of Student Services, or Head of School.
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CURRICULUM In General Montessori materials are designed to capture the student’s attention and to correspond to inner needs and interests. After a teacher introduces the student to a material, he/she is free to use the material whenever he/she likes, for as long as he/she wishes, undisturbed by others. Many materials are selfcorrecting. If the student makes a mistake, he/she can see it without an adult pointing out the errors. Montessori materials are open-ended. The teacher suggests a first use for the material. After that, the student may discover many other uses. Sometimes a student may encounter the materials at different age levels, with increasingly sophisticated work possibilities suggested at each level. The classrooms, infant through elementary, are established with specific goals in mind. The students in each classroom progress in all developmental areas: intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Our classrooms are not graded, which allows for flexibility in ages and curriculum. Following the Montessori philosophy of individualized instruction allows the student to advance without the restriction of grading. Infant—6 Weeks to 18 Months Old Infants are born with tremendous potential; they are eager to learn, explore, and try new things. Dr. Montessori’s research and experience as well as current information teaches us that brain and physical development progress faster at this time than at any other time in life. In the carefully prepared infant Montessori environment, the babies are provided with rich sensory materials and a calm but stimulating setting. They learn to use their large muscles for crawling, walking, and running. They use their small muscles for grasping and touching and, later, for eating, writing, and painting pictures. At Oak Farm Montessori School, infants have plenty of room and time for work and to use exciting materials that stimulate their need to learn. Montessori-trained, caring adults help infants develop strong, loving, trusting relationships and attachments that will help to prepare them socially and emotionally for adulthood. Toddler—18 Months to 3 Years Old Oak Farm’s toddler environment is designed to be a gentle transition from home to school. Through close cooperation between parents and teachers, the children gradually become able to separate from their parents without anxiety. In a respectful and gentle way, the teachers support the child’s natural development, with the focus on the encouragement of independence. Toddlers begin building the foundation for who they are to become. They are beginning to form their character, self-esteem, purpose of life, social skills, and learning processes. Activities are positioned around the room for toddlers to select independently. The Montessori pedagogy helps the toddlers to begin to experience the concept of sequence, form, shape, movement, and sound. The activities change and evolve as the child grows physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Primary—3 to 6 Years Old Oak Farm’s carefully planned primary environments for 3-6 year olds have been created using Montessori principles. These specially prepared environments support the students’ natural desire to learn. The academically enriched atmosphere is embedded in a well-ordered social community. Order, concentration, coordination, and independence are nurtured through the use of Montessori materials. The materials and environment also build a foundation for math, writing, reading, and cultural subjects such as geography, the sciences, history, art and music. Each child is honored as an individual learner, maximizing his/her potential. The teacher has an in-depth relationship with each student based on respect, warmth, patience, and understanding. Elementary—6 to 12 Years Old The Montessori elementary environment is a uniquely personal and dynamic educational environment. Students are viewed as individuals, and lessons are given to meet their needs according to their level of development. Students actively reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired in the primary classroom and are now prepared for independent, self-directed study. Students work in partnership with 8
the teacher to develop a personal lesson plan. The elementary experience is a period of culture, where children are eager to learn about their own cultural heritage and that of people around the globe. It is also a time of imagination, which makes it possible to introduce subjects ranging from the study of microscopic organisms to the analysis of distances between galaxies. In all of their studies, students move from the research of concrete objects to more abstract general knowledge. A significant goal of the elementary program, as Dr. Montessori saw it, was to help children understand the world around them and their responsibility toward it. She saw education as the means for transforming our world into a place of peace. This goal can only be met through strengthening the students’ ability to classify, understand, appreciate, and empathize with their world and its contents. Middle School—12 to 14 Years Old During adolescence, the young person experiences changes unknown since the infant and toddler age. Here again, the body and brain both change and develop rapidly. The students are in a state of flux, but this time they are learning how to become members of society. They are no longer children, not yet adults, but are eager to understand the adult world they will soon enter. All of their Montessori environments have been carefully prepared for them in their education thus far. However, now they are ready to prepare an environment for themselves. The land-based Montessori middle school gives adolescents what they need most—the space to create their own identity. They now use the “freedom through discipline” they have learned through all the other Montessori planes to begin to understand themselves. In the elementary classroom they explored the world. Now, they explore themselves in relation to that world. With the land as their classroom they begin to ask the questions of themselves, “What can I do? What are my strengths? What will be my place in adult society?” With adult encouragement and guidance and aided by the knowledge they’ll learn in their academic classes, they continue to choose different activities during this time of self-exploration, but many times now these activities involve collaboration and collective effort. In the course of the child’s Montessori education the goal has been the ability to be engaged, focused, and disciplined in his or her educational choices. Now, after this has been achieved, a land-based Montessori education seeks the “valorization” of each individual. No matter what a student’s skill level, academic level, or achievement level, all young people will, along with their peers and their teachers, learn that they have the ability and the right to share their talents, their enthusiasm, and their compassion with the world. When this occurs, the goal of valorization has been achieved. High School—14 to 18 Years Old Our one of a kind high school integrates exploration, discovery, creativity, innovation and technology in all courses of study. The high school provides teenagers opportunities to use their talents to impact and engage with society in powerful ways through Environmental and Social Impact Projects.
Passion and Possibilities Projects
Students focus on long-term community projects, moving outside the walls of the school and engaging with the community. These two two-year immersions are an integral part of the curriculum.
Business
A school-run business provides an opportunity for meaningful work under the guidance of an adult specialist. Students have hands-on experiences with economics, sales, bookkeeping, marketing and complete knowledge of all aspects of the operations of their chosen business.
Intersessions
Twice a year, students participate in immersion studies lasting one to two weeks. In the fall, the study topics are mandatory, based on grade level; and in the spring, students may choose from a list of creative offerings. Many will involve travel, whether to nearby locations or foreign countries.
Course of Study 9
The focus of the program is on developing relevant life skills so that students will graduate poised to be successful in whatever endeavor they choose. Courses fall into three categories: Self Expression, Academic Development and Preparation for Adult Life. From creative writing to language studies and integrated sciences, an emphasis on exploration, entrepreneurship and use of hands-on technologies is a common thread that runs through all three categories. Peace Education Peace is a way of life and a change of attitude from being competitive to cooperative, from reactive to proactive. Dr. Maria Montessori called on educators to teach peace to our children in every way and at every opportunity. She made it clear that the Montessori philosophy of education is not just about teaching children to read and write, but an effort to build a global community by raising children in the ways of peacemaking. In her vision, schools would liberate the human spirit and teach tomorrow’s leaders how to create, sustain, and enjoy a culture of respect and peace. Learning how to work and play together with others in a peaceful and caring community is perhaps the most critical life skill Oak Farm Montessori School can teach your child. Everyday kindness and courtesy are vital practical-life skills taught at Oak Farm. Our students come to understand and accept that we all have responsibilities to other people. They develop a clear sense of values and social conscience. Our students are taught everyday ethics and interpersonal skills from the beginning, and we insist that every person in our community be treated with dignity and respect. Special Programs Special programs provide students with enrichment studies to complement and enhance our curriculum. These programs include music, art, physical education, nature study, STEAM, cooking, theater and foreign language. Assessments, Vision and Hearing Screening To ensure that students are meeting developmental and academic milestones, Oak Farm provides vision and hearing screenings and reading and math assessments. There is no cost to parents for these services. Vision and hearing screening is provided for all students at grade levels Kindergarten, 3rd year lower elementary and 6th year upper elementary, and for new students in 1st grade and above. To guide us in supporting children’s language and math development, we assess children’s reading and math progress at the start and at the end of kindergarten through 6th grade. A teacher created Montessori assessment is used to measure math progress, while Fountas and Pinnell is used to measure reading level. The assessment results will help the teacher identify a starting point for instruction early in the year. In addition, the assessment helps to pinpoint any reading difficulties that may exist. Classroom teachers conduct the assessments. The results will be shared with parents during Parent Teacher Conference. However, if difficulties come to light through the assessment, the school will notify the parents immediately and discuss recommendations. Learning Differences & Special Needs Oak Farm’s goal is to provide an environment that allows children to reach their fullest potential. Teachers and administrators work with families in an effort to provide a successful social, emotional and academic experience for all children throughout their time at Oak Farm. We recognize that children have varied learning needs, and at times may require additional support in certain areas. We are committed to working with children with learning challenges and diagnosed disabilities to the best of our ability so that they may have a fair and reasonable opportunity for success. In determining the supports and accommodations that can be provided, Oak Farm will consider the extent to which the accommodations may affect the classroom environment or the nature of the 10
program, the reasonableness of a requested accommodation, whether its financial or resource costs create an undue burden on the School and its personnel, and the cooperation of the parents in supporting Oak Farm’s recommendations. The School's behavioral expectations of the students will not be altered, though academic objectives may be modified when it is deemed to be in the child’s best interest. The School may make recommendations for parents to seek support from outside professionals, and the School reserves the right to evaluate test results and to review testing conducted by outside parties. Parents, teachers and administrators work together to create and facilitate an individualized support plan (ISP), facilitated by the Director of Student Services. An ISP may be requested by teachers or by parents by contacting the Director of Student Services. Teachers, parents and the Director of Student Services will meet regularly to review and adjust the plan that has been developed to determine progress. While Oak Farm is committed to supporting all of its students, the School may determine that a child’s needs would be better served in a different setting. The School provides a Speech Language Pathologist and a Reading Interventionist to support students who would benefit from remediation in developing speech, language and reading skills. When the Speech Language Pathologist, Reading Interventionist and classroom teachers agree that a child would benefit from those services, a recommendation is made, and a student support team meeting is held with parents to consider supplementing their child’s programming. CLASSROOMS, DAYS, and HOURS Infant Program The Infant program is 5 full days, Monday through Friday of each week. Students arriving prior to 8:30 a.m. or dismissing after 3:30 p.m. are to be enrolled in Before or After Care. Classroom hours:
7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Full-Day Arrival:
8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Full-Day Dismissal:
3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Before Care:
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
After Care:
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The infant program is closed every other Friday. Please refer to the school calendar for specific classroom closure dates. Toddler Program The Toddler program offers 3 half days (8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.) or 3 or 5 full days (8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.). The 3-day programs (both half day and full day) are Tuesday through Thursday of each week. Students arriving prior to 8:25 a.m. or dismissing after 3:30 p.m. are to be enrolled in Before Care or After Care. Classroom hours:
7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Half-Day and Full-Day Arrival:
8:25 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Half-Day Dismissal:
11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Full-Day Dismissal:
3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Before Care:
7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
After Care:
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The toddler program is closed every other Friday. Please refer to the school calendar for specific classroom closure dates. 11
Primary Classrooms: The Primary program offers 5 half days (8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.) or 5 full days (8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.) Students arriving prior to 8:25 a.m. or dismissing after 3:30 p.m. are to be enrolled in Before Care or After Care. Classroom hours, 5 Half Days:
8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Arrival:
8:25 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Dismissal:
11:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Before Care:
7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Classroom hours, 5 Full Days:
8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Arrival:
8:25 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Dismissal:
3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Early Care:
7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
After Care:
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Elementary and Middle-School Classrooms The Elementary and Middle School classroom hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students arriving prior to 8:15 a.m. or dismissing after 3:45 p.m. are to be enrolled in Before Care or After Care. Arrival:
8:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal:
3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Before Care:
7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
After Care:
3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
High School The High School classroom hours are 8:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students arriving prior to 8:10 a.m. or dismissing after 3:45 p.m. are to be enrolled in Before Care or After Care. Arrival:
8:10 a.m. to 8:25 a.m.
Dismissal:
3:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Before Care:
7:00 a.m. to 8:10 a.m.
After Care (Independent Study):
3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Before Care and After Care Programs: Students enrolled in the Before Care and After Care Programs are scheduled to arrive and dismiss at the times shown on the student’s enrollment materials. There is no 15-minute grace period for these programs. Students arriving and dismissing at times other than those noted on the enrollment materials will be subject to early-arrival or late-dismissal fees. Oak Farm Montessori School has limited enrollment in the Before Care and After Care Programs. Please check with the school’s administration for available spaces. Your child must be enrolled in these programs to attend.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES – Carline Guidelines We ask that you take caution when driving on Oak Farm’s campus, particularly during car line. We do 12
not have traffic officers directing traffic, so each driver is responsible for the safety of those in and around their car. Please make every effort to observe the following safety guidelines: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Drive at a reduced speed at all times on our grounds – 5 mph. Refrain from cell phone use while in your vehicle. Take extra caution when entering or exiting car line lanes or when passing, and be observant of traffic around you. Have all passengers remain seated in the vehicle in the required child restraints. Keep car line moving; saving lengthy conversations with teachers for phone or meeting times. For Green Farmhouse carline, always use Victorian Drive The roundabout is one-way. Please do not shortcut going the wrong direction on the roundabout. If you have a student in the Green Farmhouse and the Red Barn, drop off at the Green Farmhouse first using Victorian Drive then proceed around the roundabout to get in the carline for the Red Barn The Lower Elementary courtyard is NOT a roundabout. Students should remain seated and buckled in the proper child restraints until the vehicle is in the student drop off area or, in the case of Primary and Toddler carline where the student is unable to unbuckle themselves, a faculty member is available to unbuckle the students. Stay in your lane and follow the signs. Do not swerve around other cars to pass or switch lanes to exit more quickly. All drives are no passing. Red barn traffic should exit the campus using Victorian Drive Students will not be released to vehicles where the proper child restraints are not present and available for the driver to use.
For families with students enrolled in the various levels and buildings at Oak Farm, please follow the following arrival or “drop off” order. Drop off order 8:10 am – 8:25 am High School Any order, 8:15 am – 8:30 am Lower Elementary (Green Farmhouse FIRST, then Red Barn) Upper Elementary Middle School 8:25 am – 8:45 am Primary & Toddler Infant
For dismissal, please follow the following dismissal or “pick up” order. Pick up order
3:15 pm – 3:30 pm Infant Toddler & Primary Any order, 3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Lower Elementary (Green Farmhouse FIRST, then Red Barn) Upper Elementary Middle School High School (See maps on next page)
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ALL CLASSROOMS In General Oak Farm Montessori School will not release a student to anyone other than a parent, guardian, or other authorized individual as noted on the enrollment materials. All authorized individuals must be on the list and have the proper child seats. Picture identification may be required before a student is released to an authorized individual. Temporary authorization may be given under special circumstances. Attendance at the Infant, Toddler, and Primary Levels For the children to self-develop and self-educate, they must experience the rhythm of regular attendance. They must be present for the day-to-day events in the prepared environment. They need to experience the unfolding of the individual children and the evolving of the community. Much of the development of the children at Oak Farm Montessori School is subtle and indirect. Although most of the activities are individual and the teacher works with each one individually, there exists a web of unconscious interconnectedness in the community. Montessori calls this “society by cohesion.” The individual child cannot be a part of this social cohesion unless he is present regularly. Each individual child is important to the whole group. Each moment of the group’s life is important to the individual members. For this reason, we ask that your child attend school regularly. If your child will be absent, please let us know. If there is some compelling reason for your child to be absent for an extended period of time, please consult with the teacher. When a child of this age level is absent, it may be difficult for her to reconnect and resume her self-development and self-education. The absorbent mind and the sensitive periods that characterize this stage of development require a predictable flow of days, a predictable sequence of events within those days, and a predictable response to the urges and drive that so strongly direct development. For this reason Oak Farm Montessori School provides a 5-day-per-week program, even in the infant and toddler community. We ask that you make every effort to avoid absences if at all possible. Attendance at the Elementary Levels For the children to self-develop and self-educate, they must be present. Be sure your child only misses school when absolutely necessary. At the elementary level, children work independently and collaboratively. They form different work and study groups that change for various projects. Great waves of activity rise up, overtake the children, and then recede. The teacher at the elementary level gives presentations to the children in groups. If a child is absent, he/she will miss the presentation and be unable to participate with his/her group. He/She may feel out of sorts and at odds with the community. Later, when he/she receives the presentation he/she missed, the wave of activity for that work may have passed. Now he/she may have to work alone, unsupported by his/her best work partners. The teacher, the community, and the child will be called upon to make a great effort to overcome the difficulty. When a child is absent, the group is incomplete, and the role played by the absent child leaves a gap. If a child is absent often, the other children may feel they cannot count on that person. They may be inclined to select as work partners other children upon whom they can count to be present. A child who is perceived in this manner may feel disengaged and out of step with his/her community. His/Her learning and development can be affected. For all of these reasons, we ask that you avoid absences when at all possible. At the elementary age social activity and interaction are critical for the coming adult to understand the function of society and collaborative effort. Since the classes are inquiry based, when a student misses class, he/she also misses the opportunity to learn from other students and to share opinions and ideas. Likewise, the other students come to view the often-absent student as an outsider, one they cannot depend upon for work or community efforts. Families of students with more than five (5) consecutive absences will be contacted with the teachers’ concerns. Parents are urged to avoid taking their child out of school before vacation periods or returning them late. Such absences disrupt the child’s learning. Missed lessons are very difficult to make up and students may 16
need to remain after school for a tutorial. Secondary Attendance Oak Farm Montessori School Secondary Program believes that there is a direct relationship between good attendance and high achievement. Students with strong school attendance achieve mastery learning, enjoy school, realize success, gain the necessary credits for graduation, and learn positive habits that carry over to their personal and occupational achievement. Oak Farm Montessori School requires 95% attendance rate policy for 7th-12th years. Students will need to provide doctors’ notes as documentation for missing school time for appointments and illnesses. Students below 95% attendance will receive an incomplete for that semester and need to make up the missed work in summer school to receive credit. With special permission and arrangements, students may organize to make up the work/ time during intersessions and other times outside of classes. For less than 5% absences, work can be made up during the semester. Bus Transportation For transportation convenience, Oak Farm does have a bus system that has pick up and drop off locations in the Fort Wayne area. Primary (at least 3 years old) though High School Students are eligible to ride the bus. Information and registration forms may be requested through Admissions or at the Victorian Farmhouse administrative offices. Prekindergarten students are now required to be in a car seat with both a shoulder restraint and a lap belt. The capacity for prekindergarten students is 10 bus riders. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Cell Phones Please use discretion on your cell phone while on campus and especially in the school. Please silence or keep your ringer on a very low volume. Cell phones may not be used in the classrooms. Also, please do not use your cell phones while in the car line at arrival or dismissal. By wishing your child a good day and greeting him/her when you are together again, parents are following the same practice as in the classroom. Tuition Policy Tuition is due on the first day of each month, along with any applicable bus fees. The first tuition installment is due on June 1st prior to the start of the school year. The remaining tuition installments are due September 1st to April 1st. All checks and money orders are payable to Oak Farm Montessori School. Oak Farm will provide monthly or annual tuition receipts or statements upon request. Tuition is based on a nine-month school year, end of August through May. If a student enrolls after June 1, the payment installments may be revised to include a May installment. Tuition Discounts Oak Farm offers a family discount as follows: youngest child, full tuition; second child, 10% reduction; third child, 25% reduction; and fourth child, 30% reduction. An additional discount of 5% is available for tuition paid annually. Oak Farm applies discounts and scholarships in a certain order. Please contact Oak Farm’s accounting department for assistance in these calculations. Late Arrivals, Appointments, and Early Dismissals Any student drop-off or pick-up outside of the normal arrival and dismissal times must be documented. The following steps will be followed to ensure the safety of the child: Infant through Elementary: 1. Parent/guardian reports to the Victorian Farmhouse to sign-in/out child. 2. Oak Farm personnel documents request, then notifies appropriate classroom teacher of the child’s impending arrival or departure. 3. Parent/guardian reports to the classroom cubby door to drop-off or pick-up the child. 17
Our school safety protocol prohibits late drop-offs or early dismissals without prior notification of Oak Farm personnel. When dropping a child off late, picking up a child for an appointment during the school day, or picking up a child from school early, parents/guardians should not go to the classroom without first reporting in to the Victorian Farm House. Middle school and high school students may be signed in to their building directly. Students Arriving Prior to or Dismissing After the Scheduled Class Times If a student arrives prior to his/her scheduled arrival time or leaves after his/her scheduled dismissal time, the parents and caregivers are billed for the before care or after care fee for the time the child arrives or is picked-up according to the Oak Farm Tuition and Fee Schedule. All fees are billed and payable with the next month’s tuition. If a child is picked up after the aftercare program is scheduled to end a fee of $20 per 15 minutes per child will be charged. Tuition Late Fees and Returned Check Fees If tuition is not paid by the fifteenth day of each month, parents will receive a reminder of the amount due. After 30 days past due a late fee of $25 per month will be added to the account. If the first day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, tuition is due prior to the first. If tuition and late fees are not paid within 45 days, the student may be withdrawn from school. Account balances older than 90 days past due may be sent to a collection agency at the discretion of administration. The returned check fee is $25.00. Withdrawal Fee
Oak Farm Montessori School Withdrawal Obligation Schedule
Withdrawal notice must be in writing to the Director of Admissions (email is acceptable)
Withdrawal (Notifications for 2019-2020 School Year)
Obligation to Pay (based on Annual Tuition)
May 1 - May 31, 2019 June 1 - August 16, 2019
11% 25%
Withdrawal (Last day of student attendance)
Obligation to Pay (based on Annual Tuition)
August 16, 2019 - September 1 September 2 - November 1 November 2, 2019 - January 1, 2020 After January 1, 2020
25% 50% 75% 100%
This schedule is effective for the 2019-2020 school year enrollment.
We ask that you transact business in the administration office located in the Victorian Farmhouse.
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Business Transactions We ask that you transact business and make all payments in the administration office located in the Victorian Farmhouse. Oak Farm is not responsible for payments sent with students in backpacks and/or tote bags. Enrollment and Withdrawal Policy Oak Farm does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or handicap. Students are admitted throughout the course of the academic year as deemed appropriate by the faculty. Tuition is not subject to adjustment because of absence due to illness, vacations, or school closure. If a student withdraws, the parents or guardians may be liable for a withdrawal fee the withdrawal is made at Oak Farm’s request. Oak Farm Montessori School reserves the right to ask a parent or guardian to withdraw a child if it is the opinion of the faculty that the student is not able to benefit from the program, has a negative influence upon a classroom, or does not abide by expectations of safety and peaceful, courteous behavior towards others. Non-Solicitation Solicitation or distribution of literature for personal financial gain or indoctrination to faculty members, students, or the parent body during school hours or on Oak Farm’s campus is not allowed. Student and parents are welcome to make presentations of their family culture, religion and traditions in the classroom. If you wish to schedule a presentation, contact your child’s teacher. Student Record Requests Oak Farm will provide progress reports, attendance reports and middle school transcripts to schools upon request. Oak Farm does not require a parent or guardian signature to provide the above student records. Oak Farm will provide any additional student records with a parent signature. Oak Farm will not release any records to a school if the current tuition is in a delinquent status. Once the tuition is up-todate, the records will be released and sent to the school requesting the information. Greeting The culture of the Oak Farm Montessori community is based on respect. At the same time, it is more informal so that adults are addressed by their first names rather than by their last names or with a title such as Ms., Mr., or Mrs. Provisional Enrollment Oak Farm reserves the right to terminate enrollment agreements in cases where the School determines your child’s social, emotional or learning needs are not being met, if you are acting out of accordance with school policies or recommendations, or if you are 10 days tardy in payment of tuition or fees. When recommendations are made to observe school policies or for you to seek evaluations or services from outside professionals for your child, we will expect you to do so within 30 days. During this time, your child will be considered under “provisional enrollment” status until you provide confirmation of support of School recommendations or requests. Conditional Enrollment If your child’s enrollment process began late in the school year or during the summer, your child may be enrolled in the fall under a status of “conditional enrollment.” This means that your family has been unable to complete the necessary observations and classroom visits. Your family will be required to complete the enrollment process as determined by the classroom faculty and administration. The administrative faculty will notify you of your enrollment obligations for the month of September after receipt of your child’s enrollment application. If enrollment obligations have not been completed in a timely manner, or if it has been determined that Oak Farm is not a good match for your family, your child will not be enrolled. Tuition will not be payable until the student’s status has been changed to “Enrolled.” At which time the amount of tuition due will correspond to the portion of the month that the student attended Oak Farm regardless of the student’s enrollment status. Registration and programs fees are payable for students under conditional enrollment and are not refunded or prorated if the student’s status 19
does not change to “Enrolled.” Discipline The goal of discipline is to help a child learn the skills they lack to achieve belonging in appropriate ways. All children should be treated with kindness, friendliness, patience, and respect. We want the children to develop a positive self-image and respect for themselves, others and the environment. The School believes that by treating the children with fairness and respect, they will react in kind. Faculty shall establish guiding principles according to the School’s guidelines to maintain an orderly, productive, respectful, and peaceful environment and consistently expect all children to adhere to them. Our guiding principles are basic and faculty should spend considerable time teaching them and review them often with children: • No child may hurt another in any way. • No child may disturb the work of another either by physical contact without invitation, or by using a loud voice or disturbing behavior. • No child may misuse the materials. • We walk in the classroom and in all other areas inside the building. The adults in the classroom model a positive, caring attitude and follow the established guiding principles themselves. When problems arise with one or more children, the adult will do the following: • Take a positive approach, reminding the child of your belief in their potential; • Encourage reflection, empathy, and “cool-down”; • Teach a democratic process for conflict resolution that empowers children to solve problems independently; • Make use of logical and natural consequences; • Enforce the expectation that the student(s) make amends for negative choices; • Involve the child(ren) in identifying solutions to prevent the problem from occurring in the future. For serious problems in which an extended calming down period is needed for the student or the school, a student may be sent home. This should not be viewed or communicated as either punishment or a solution to the long-term problem. It is simply the first step before a conference can be held to create a plan to resolve the problem. The classroom lead teacher or an administrator should discuss this with the parent. When a pattern of concerning behavior occurs (3 or more times in a, two-week period), we seek consultation with the Director of Student Services to create a Behavior Action Plan (see below) and call student support team meeting with the parents to communicate the concerns and Action Plan. This may include a requirement for consultation with an outside professional. Intended physical contact such as kicking, hitting, biting, verbal abuse, or bullying of any kind must not be tolerated. Additionally, weapons such as knives, daggers, and other dangerous objects such as lighters may not be brought to school. If an elementary or secondary child engages in a physical fight while at school, makes a threat of violence while at school, or intentionally brings or uses a dangerous weapon or object while school, a suspension MUST be issued. In cases of repeated occurrences of serious behavior, we will limit the child’s participation in our program and/or rescind the offer of enrollment until the child can demonstrate observance of the school’s ground rules. Oak Farm Bus Rules and Procedures Due to the nature of this service we will not be able to accommodate late arrivals during pick up time. The Oak Farm bus will leave at the originally scheduled time at the pick-up location. The only exception to this time will be on delay days. It is the parent’s responsibility to be aware of these delays and to provide the school with an accurate phone number so that you may be placed on our FACTS Parent Alert list. 20
It is the parent’s responsibility to remain with your child until they are able to board the school bus. Children cannot be unsupervised during this time, and it is not the responsibility of the driver to provide that supervision. For the safety of our bus riders, our bus will not be able to stop at any point along the route to pick up/drop off students. The bus will only stop at the designated bus stops. If you miss a bus stop, continue to the next bus stop. Do attempt to distract or contact the bus driver in order to get the driver to stop at another location or turn around and return to a bus stop. Do not attempt to block the path of the bus to facilitate your children getting on the bus. The driver is not allowed to receive calls or texts while driving the bus. Our bus is now equipped with a video camera for safety reasons. Oak Farm Montessori School reserves the right to refuse this service to any child/parent not abiding by the agreed upon conditions. Please refer to the Oak Farm Bus Rider Code of Conduct for further details.
Oak Farm Bus Rider Code of Conduct All students riding the bus are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct: 1. The bus is to be considered an extension of the classroom and the same decorum and respect for property and one another required in the classroom is required on the bus. 2. Language should always be appropriate. 3. Students must remain seated and wearing their seatbelts at all times. 4. Students must refrain from physical contact with others. 5. No electronics of any kind are permitted to be used on the bus. This includes mp3 players, cell phones, iPods, iPads, Kindles or other electronic readers, and video games. If these items are found to be in use, they will be held for the day by an Oak Farm staff member and returned to a parent or guardian at the end of the day. 6. Secondary student volunteers will act as guides and remind any student violating the Code of Conduct that he or she is in breach. Such breaches will be filed. In the event a student is reported for a breach of the Code of Conduct three times during the academic semester, then that student will not be able to ride the bus for the next five consecutive school days. Students who continue to violate behavior expectations on the bus may be removed permanently from the bus service. School Closings or Delays Notice of emergency closings or delays will be broadcast on the following radio and TV stations: WOWO (1190 AM Ft. Wayne) WMEE (97.3 FM Ft. Wayne) Fort Wayne television stations 15, 21, and 33. Oak Farm monitors local school public school districts to determine any delay or closing for Oak Farm. If the temperature with wind chill is -19 or warmer, Oak Farm will monitor the status of two other private schools to determine if school will be delayed or closed. If the temperature with wind chill is -20 or colder, Oak Farm will delay or close at our discretion. Whenever possible, the decision to delay the start of school in the morning or to close school will be made the evening before or by 6:00am. If weather conditions warrant a second decision, the decision will be made by 8:00am. The times of the first and second decision is based upon the time Oak Farm initiates the notification to parents not when parents will actually receive the notification. When a school delay is called, the delay is from 8:30 a.m. Oak Farm has adopted two delay options: a 1-hour delay and a 2-hour delay. 21
A 1-hour delay means that students may begin arriving in their classrooms at 9:30. School will be open on 1-hour delay days for half-day students and the school lunch program will be as planned. A 2-hour delay means that students may begin arriving in their classrooms at 10:30. School will be closed to half-day students and the lunch program may be modified to a lunch menu that can be prepared for the normal lunch time. Please note that there will be no before care on school delay days. Oak Farm reserves the right to delay or close school for certain situations that may deviate from the information provided here. Notice of delays and closures will be made by radio and television broadcasts. Parents will be notified by phone using the FACTS Parent alert Service and will provide updates as changes are made to the status of the school. Parents are also encouraged to utilize the text alert services through local radio and TV stations as a backup to our alert notification service. If Noble County officials declare weather advisory, the school will take appropriate action based upon the restrictions placed on travel by the advisory. If the decision is made for early dismissal, parents will be notified using the FACTS Parent Alert Service as well as by radio and television broadcasts. Please make sure Oak Farm has up-to-date emergency contact numbers. If Oak Farm is open and you are uncomfortable driving, you may elect to not bring your child to school. Use your own discretion. Please keep in mind that the safety of our faculty, parents, and children will be the determining factor in our decisions. The school year will not be extended to make up days lost due to weather. Instead, Oak Farm has chosen to include an appropriate number of make-up days in the school calendar. After 3 closings, we will begin to use the designated make-up days. Weather/Emergency Alert Phone Service Oak Farm uses FACTS Parent Alert Service to provide notification to parents and guardians in the event of a delay, closure, or emergency. Parents are asked to provide contact information online by logging in to Parents web and completing the appropriate web forms. A list of these numbers will be created and used for notifying parents of school delays and closings. This list will be used to alert parents in the event of an emergency at Oak Farm. COMMUNICATION Office Oak Farm has an administrative office located in the Victorian Farmhouse. All calls or questions should be directed to this office. Teachers We cannot over-emphasize the importance of open communication between parents and teachers. Changes in your household can be unsettling for your child. Situations such as birth of a baby, separation of parents, vacations, a visitor, a death in the family, the death of a pet, or even a small change that may seem insignificant to an adult can upset your child and cause problems at school. If we are aware of changes at home, we can be more understanding and responsive to a child’s changing behavior at school. In the event that a meeting is required with the parents and school faculty, the individual requesting the meeting will provide the attendees with a specific agenda (written or verbal) and schedule an appointment. This will allow everyone to review the situational facts, prepare questions, investigate the 22
circumstances, and gather information, documentation, or facts. Conferences Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice each year (October and March) to discuss your child’s progress. Parents/Guardians are expected to attend. Middle school and High school conferences are student led, and these students are expected to attend. Informal conferences with your child’s teacher should be by appointment. In addition, teachers are always available for on-going communication, and parents are welcome to observe the classrooms. Administration We welcome open dialogue with parents. Please feel free to voice your comments, concerns, and compliments that relate to the entire school. Parent or faculty “grapevines” tend to distort original messages. Appointments are recommended. Please do not let a problem become a crisis before you call us. Any specific classroom concerns should be directed to the appropriate lead teacher. The offices of Head of School, CFO, Human Resources, Community Relations, Accounting and Purchasing, and Office Manager are located in the Victorian Farmhouse. Admissions is located in the Middle School. The Director of curriculum and Student Services is located in the High School. School Directory A school directory will be available on Parentsweb (FACTS). The parent directory may include names (parents and students), home addresses, home telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, and classrooms. Parents must elect to be included in the parent directory. Permission must be indicated on the appropriate online enrollment form. If a parent does not elect to be included in the school directory, information (addresses and telephone numbers) will not be shared with other parents by the faculty. Communication Chart As a general guideline, please contact the following individuals for the topic noted. Academic Questions/Concerns Business Administration Infant/Toddler Questions/Concerns Primary/Elementary Questions/Concerns Secondary Questions/Concerns Whole School Admissions Tuition & Tuition Statements Speech or Reading Services School Store Absences School-Lunch Program Property Manager Volunteers
Bridget York Lauren Moyer Bridget York Bridget York Bridget York Krissy Mulholland Kelly Elias Bridget York Kelly Elias Main Office Noah Starr Ben Bollinger Nicole Lowe
VISITOR POLICIES In General All visitors, including parents, must sign in at the administrative office located in the Victorian Farmhouse and obtain a visitor badge. Visitors will be accompanied at all times while touring Oak Farm. Oak Farm welcomes parents and extended family visits. If possible, let us know prior to the day of the visit and indicate how much time you would like to spend at Oak Farm so that we may do our best to accommodate you. Classroom Observations Parents are encouraged to observe in any level. Observations are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For 23
infant, toddler and primary observations, you may be asked to observe from the observation room. We ask that parents schedule their time by calling and making an appointment. If a teacher requests that a parent observe, it is the responsibility of the parent to make the necessary appointment. SNACKS Oak Farm will provide nutritious snacks for students in the Toddler and Primary classrooms. Donations of specific snack food and milk will be thankfully accepted. Please check with your child’s teacher for appropriate food to donate. Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Secondary teachers will provide guidelines and/or a list of recommended snacks that students may bring for individual use. LUNCH Lunch is a special time for children at Oak Farm Montessori School to reinforce their sense of community. Oak Farm students have the option of either bringing their own lunches or partaking in the school's lunch program. Whichever option your family chooses or perhaps a combination of both, meals at Oak Farm consist of nutritional and healthy food choices with water and/or milk provided by the school. Studies show foods and beverages with high-sugar and -fat content are not nutritionally sound and have a negative effect on children’s behavior and attentiveness. Therefore, since Oak Farm is a low-sugar school, remember that high sugared foods, beverages, candy, fast foods, or soda can NOT be included in lunches or snacks. Please pay close attention of even foods such as yogurt, which often has more than the recommended 12 grams of sugar. Instead, we urge all families to turn to whole foods—organic and locally grown whenever possible—as the staples for your child's nutritional needs. If your child is packing his or her own lunch, please provide a soft lunch box or bag, preferably insulated. Microwaves may be available for heating food but oftentimes only on a limited basis. Since each lunch lasts approximately 30 minutes, too many warm-ups of more than one minute to reheat will have some children trying to rush through their lunch when others are finished. Refrigeration is not available for storage of students' lunches. If necessary, please include an ice pack to keep lunches safely chilled until consumption. The school provides place settings and silverware for lunch. These items are washed at school with the students' assistance. To eliminate other forms of waste often present with packed lunches, we suggest lunch items be packed in reusable containers. A nutritious lunch program is available for all students. Each month we post lunch menus on our website. Students are invited to select which lunches they would prefer to eat. All lunches must be preordered and prepaid. No refunds or credits are given in the event of student absence. What is a "Healthy Diet"? The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that: • has no more than the daily allowance for sodium of 2,400 grams per day; • emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; • includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; • is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars; and • consists of the recommended daily intake of no more than 10% of Calories from sugar a day. Please note that the recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines and in https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ are for the general public over two years of age and are not therapeutic diets for any specific health condition. Any individual, be it child or adult, with a chronic health condition should consult with a health-care provider to determine what dietary pattern is appropriate. To ensure your children grow up healthy, parents need to provide and encourage a large variety of foods. The amount of food that children eat is much less important. A child's appetite may decrease and become more discerning as his or her growth rate slows. As long as a child is gaining weight and has a normal activity level, parents should not be concerned. You can still offer your child a variety of foods but can decrease the serving sizes if he or she does not eat much. 24
Lunch In General Oak Farm Montessori School teaches table manners and etiquette at lunch. We sit at tables with cloth napkins—usually with tablecloths or placemats—place settings, and silverware. We sit properly at the table and converse appropriately at mealtime. Students remain at the table until they are finished with their meal. Please follow through with these lessons at your family’s mealtime. Students clean up afterwards, including loading the dishwasher, washing dishes, and doing the laundry. Parents are welcome to enjoy lunch with their child at school once or twice a year. Please call ahead of time to schedule a lunch date with your child’s teacher. CLOTHING When your child chooses clothing for the day, please keep in mind weather and school activities. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes and socks are essential for outside play. Sandals are not appropriate footwear for an outdoor environment or outdoor work. Please refer to the appropriate classroom “Needs List” for the items required for your child. Indiana winter weather can be very cold. Therefore, dress your children warmly during the winter months. Children must wear mittens or gloves, overshoes/boots, caps and scarves. During winter months, snow pants and boots are required. Bare legs should be covered in the winter. Except in the case of very severe weather, students will spend up to 30 minutes or longer outside during the school day. Students must be dressed warmly enough to be comfortable. COLD WEATHER GUIDE The guidelines used to judge whether or not students will go outside at noon are dependent upon the temperature and wind chill set at each level: • Zero degrees for elementary and secondary. • Ten degrees for primary. • Fifteen degrees for Infant and Toddler. This allows flexibility in allowing for the differences in physical development and the age level of students. VOLUNTEERING AT OAK FARM There are a multitude of opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the school, from working in the classrooms to helping with material making to organizing events to showing support of the teachers and other parents. If you are interested volunteering to help cultivate community, please contact the Community Liaison Director. PLAYGROUND Playground time is for having a fun, relaxing time with our students. The safety of your children is our top priority. Therefore, faculty members are discouraged from lengthy conversations with parents while supervising playground activities. Students are not permitted on the playground unless faculty members are present. This includes when parents are doing weekend animal care. PERSONAL ARTICLES Your child may bring in special items to share such as books, natural science items, or relevant pictures/articles from educationally appropriate newspapers or magazines. We do not allow toys of any kind. In our experience, personal belongings such as money, jewelry, balls, cars, CD’s, and dolls tend to disrupt and sometimes even “disappear,” which is then quite upsetting for the student. Please refer to the appropriate level handbook for more details. 25
SPECIAL EVENTS Please check the school calendar, the community memo, and classroom newsletters for scheduled events. We believe students should have a basic understanding of traditional and non-traditional cultural celebrations. Oak Farm will host various parent gatherings, meetings, and parent-education nights throughout the year.
CULTURAL EVENTS AND HOLIDAYS Maria Montessori’s educational vision is transformative. Not only are children transformed into the people they were meant to be through fulfilling their potential but collectively they change the world by fostering understanding, empathy and an appreciation for cultural diversity. Cultural events and holidays provide a special opportunity for peace education in the Montessori classroom, at any age. By understanding and embracing diversity, children develop an appreciation of other cultures that fosters shared respect and tolerance. Cultural events and holidays add the following to our students’ lives: 1. They help us mark the passage of time and seasons. 2. Winter holidays bring a sense of light and joyfulness to the long, dark winter months. 3. They create a sense of community and a shared bond among groups of people. 4. They provide an opportunity to study history, geography, and culture. 5. They give us chances to experiment with different kinds of artwork and art projects. 6. They help us honor special events and people in our lives. 7. They encourage us to spend time with friends and family. Oak Farm Montessori School views cultural events and holidays as educational opportunities rather than observances. The age of the children determines what and how these events are studied. A young child can be introduced to some custom of the culture, for example eating Irish soda bread on St. Patrick’s Day; an older child may want to research the origins of the holiday and study about Ireland. Our nutrition policy defines the healthy guidelines for food at a cultural event; food shared is related to the cultural origins of the holiday. However, the focus is special rituals (songs, stories, poems, and crafts) and a shared sense of respect and understanding. Birthdays are Holidays Too In Montessori, birthdays are always special. They are a chance for even the youngest child to begin to understand the concept of the passage of time and what “a year” means. Often, a lamp or light will be placed in the middle of a rug. The children will form a circle around the lamp or ball and the birthday child will hold a globe. The number of times the child circles the lamp determines the age of the child. While the birthday child is circling, the children say (or sing), “The earth goes around the sun” once for each time the children circle the lamp. This is a concrete experience for young children to understand the solar year and the meaning of their age. We ask parents not to bring in treats but rather to consider donating a book in your child’s name to the classroom or school library. 26
HEALTH CARE POLICIES Accidents Most faculty members at Oak Farm Montessori School are child-CPR and first-aid certified. Parents/caregivers or persons specified as emergency contacts will be notified in case of an accident. In case of serious injury or sudden illness, 911 will be called first, followed immediately by a call to the parents or caregivers. Medications Oak Farm prefers not to administer medication. However, if parents are unable to give medications before or after school, medications will be administered as described below. In general, all medication requires a medical permission form from the child’s physician, parent, or guardian. The written authorization must contain all of the following information: • Child’s name • Name and prescription number of medication • Specific instructions including dosage, possible side effects, and dates medication is to be given • Reason for the medication • Parent or guardian’s signature All prescription medications must be in the original pharmaceutical container with the child’s name on it. For long-term medications, written authorization must be updated monthly and as a change is made. Classrooms at Oak Farm will provide mosquito repellant and sun block to be applied as needed to the students before outdoor activities. If there are any special requirements for your child relating to the application of mosquito repellant and sun block, these should be indicated in the appropriate area on the enrollment materials. Absences All parents should contact the school at (260) 897-4270 if your child is absent for any reason. Please call the Oak Farm office before 9:30 a.m. For your child’s health and safety and to comply with regulations, Oak Farm keeps a record of absences. Immunization Record Oak Farm must have up-to-date immunization records for each student. A copy of the child’s immunization documentation from the child’s physician or the health department must be provided. If your child is exempt from immunization, Oak Farm requires an exemption on file. Regulations forbid a child from attending school without immunizations or an exemption. Illness Oak Farm must have up-to-date emergency information for each student. The enrollment forms document the student’s medical conditions and emergency information and also provide the parent or guardian’s consent for medical and/or surgical emergency treatment. If emergency medical or surgical treatment is needed, these forms accompany the student to the healthcare provider and provide the physicians with the necessary consents and medical history. Upon any sign of illness, a designated faculty member will evaluate the child’s condition and act accordingly. A parent or guardian will always be notified if a child seems ill. Oak Farm Montessori School insists upon prompt response to notification of a child’s illness, as Oak Farm is not equipped with isolation facilities, and campus-wide exposure could result. This policy promotes your child’s health and well-being as well as the faculty’s and student body’s. Oak Farm will immediately notify parents if the students are exposed to a contagious illness. Parents 27
MUST also notify Oak Farm immediately if their child has been exposed to or contracted a contagious illness or infestation. Faculty members watch each student’s health throughout the day. Because infections spread easily among children, the teachers look for early symptoms requiring the removal of a child from the classroom.
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IS MY CHILD TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL?
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Allergies Not all symptoms constitute removal of a child from the classroom. If your child has allergies, please provide Oak Farm with written notification from your physician. Allergies can usually be managed in the classroom. Some signs of allergies may be clear, watery eye discharge but without fever or pain. If a child suffers from allergies, he/she may be included in the regular day as long as he/she is comfortable and there are enough teachers in the classroom to accommodate any necessary modifications to the regular classroom routine. Any student exclusion from classroom activities would be for the comfort and the safety of the entire classroom. Procedures for Notification If a child has demonstrated symptoms requiring removal from a classroom and the symptoms resolve the same day (with the exception of fever), or the parent takes the child to a healthcare provider and is advised that the child is not infectious, the child may return to school the next day. In the case of a physician determination of non-contagious status, please provide the physician’s note stating that the child is not infectious. However, the classroom teacher will make the final decision about whether a child meets or does not meet the exclusion criteria for participation and the child’s need for care relative to the staff’s ability to provide normal classroom function. Parents and faculty may disagree about whether a child meets or does not meet the exclusion criteria. If the parents and the faculty member disagree and the reason for exclusion relates to the child’s inability to participate or the faculty’s inability to meet the needs of the child without compromising the safety and care of the other students, the teacher is entitled to make the decision of exclusion and cannot be forced by the parent to accept responsibility for the care of an ill or extremely tired child.
ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PARENT HANDBOOK IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY OAK FARM MONTESSORI SCHOOL.
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APPENDIX I RECOMMENDED READING The following is a list of books that either may be helpful to you in your work as a parent or will better acquaint you with the Montessori philosophy: Entire School • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
At Home With Montessori The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have The Blessing of a Skinned Knee Character First The Child in the Family The Child is the Father of the Man The Discovery of the Child Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook Dumbing Us Down Educational Care Emotional Intelligence Endangered Minds Fast Food Nation Finding Flow—The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life Flow The Formation of Man The Geography of Childhood The Hand The Hidden Heart of the Cosmos How to Talk so Kids Will Learn How to Talk so Kids Will Listen How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci— Seven Steps to Genius Every Day In Their Own Way The Inner World of Childhood Last Child in the Woods—Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder Montessori: A Modern Approach Montessori: The Science behind the Genius The Montessori Method The Montessori Way No Contest Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child Raising Self-Reliant Children The Secret of Childhood The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Siblings Without Rivalry Something More Spirit Whisperers The Spiritual Life of Children Touching Understanding the Human Being
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Patricia Oriti Laura and Malcolm Gauld Wendy Mogel, Ph.D. Joseph W. Gauld Maria Montessori Silvana Quattrocchi Maria Montessori Maria Montessori John Taylor Gotto Dr. Mel Levine Daniel Goleman Jane Healy Eric Schlosser Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Mihaly Csikszentnihalyi Maria Montessori Gary Paul Nabham and Stephen Trimble Frank R. Wilson Brian Swimme Adele Faber/Elaine Mazlish Adele Faber/Elaine Mazlish Michael J. Gelb Thomas Armstrong Frances G. Wickes Richard Louv Paula Polk Lillard Angeline Stoll Lillard Maria Montessori Tim Seldin and Paul Epstein Ph. D. Alfie Kohn John Gottman, Ph.D. Stephen Glenn/Jane Nelson Maria Montessori Stephen R. Covey Adele Faber/Elaine Mazlish Jean Grasso Fitzpatrick Chick Moorman Robert Coles Ashley Montagu Sylvia Quatrocchi Montanaro