Table of Contents
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Welcome to Edgemont
2014-2015 Calendar
Who’s Who at Edgemont
Principal – Ms. Cheryl Hopper
Teachers
Specials Teachers
Teacher Assistants
Resource Teachers and Curriculum Support
Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) – Mr. Steve Bell
Child Study Team
School Secretary – Mrs. Lori Mascellino
School Nurse – Mrs. Nancy Otskey
Custodians – Mr. Brian Guarino (Head Custodian) and Mr. Manuel Balta
Your Edgemont Teachers 2014-2015
Easy Ways to Stay Connected
What is the PTA?
The Edgemont Parent-Teacher Association
Membership
What is the SAT?
Edgemont School Action Team (SAT)
SAIL (Gifted and talented) Sub-Committee
Special Education Parents Advisory Committee (SEPAC) Sub-Committee
Family Engagement Sub-Committee
School Safety and Invitation Sub-Committee
English Language Learners Sub-Committee
Assessing your Child’s Progress
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Progress Reports
Testing/Assessment
School Performance Reports
If Your Child Needs Special Help
RtI (Response to Intervention)
SAIL (Students Accelerated in Learning)
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council)
Rainbows
Learning Opportunities for the Family
Assemblies
General Assemblies
Student Performances
Poetry Night
Math Night
SAT Sponsored Educational programs
District-Wide Workshops
General School Information
Arrival Procedures
Drop off
If your child is late
Dismissal Procedures
Busser
After-care
Walker
Bus Procedures
Before and After School Care
Walkers
Parking
If Your Child is Absent
Release of a Child During the School Day
If Your Child Feels Sick or is Hurt at School
School Visitors
School Lunch
Lost and Found
School Safety
School Closings
Delayed Opening
Worsening Weather Conditions and After-School Activities
School Health and Wellness
School Medical Requirements
School Health Guide
School Medication Policy
Allergies
Excused from PE (gym class)
Wellness
Understanding a Montessori Education
A Responsive and Flexible Environment
Progressive & Developmentally Appropriate Materials
A Comfort with Developmental Differences
Non-competitive Environment
Teacher as Facilitator and Model
The Core Curriculum at Edgemont School
Language Arts
Math
Cosmic Studies
Music
Programs Complementing the Core Curriculum
Orff Ensemble
Art EXTRAvaganza Program
English as a Second Language
Service Learning
Outdoor Learning Environment and Lab
Peaceable Schools Model
Field Trips
Student Council and School Leadership Team
PTA Events and Programs
PTA PROGRAMS
Class Parents
Enrichment Program
Hospitality
Green Initiatives
Dads’ Group
Publicity
Spirit Wear
Direct Donation Program
Webmaster
PTA EVENTS
Ice Cream Social
Welcome Tent
Walk to School Days
Family Gardening Days
Book Fairs
Harvest Day Celebration
Adult Night Out
The Halloween Mash
Pot Luck Suppers
Winter Family YMCA Night
Family Ski Outing
Elementary School Tours
Read-a-thon
Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
Earth Month Eco Program
TV Turn-Off Week
Teacher Appreciation Month
Talent Show
School Play
Fun Day
PTA Contacts
PTAExecutiveBoard2013-2014
PTA Chairs 2013-2014
School Coordinated Fundraisers
MFEE Toasts to the Teachers
Fifth Grade Fundraising Activities
Holiday Bazaar
Bake Sales
Notes
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Welcome to Edgemont
Dear Edgemont Families,
Welcome to Edgemont Montessori School!
At Edgemont Montessori, academic and personal growth is nourished every day. We have a talented, highly qualified professional staff working in learner-centered classrooms where individual attention is the philosophical essence, culture, and foundation. We create a nurturing, student-friendly environment where students are enhanced, engaged, and enriched, and are able to express, explore, and excel!
Involvement by families is encouraged and viewed as essential for educating each student to the fullest potential as an active and natural life-long learner. There’s a real cooperative and collaborative spirit at Edgemont that is directly tied to our strong home-school partnerships, and our peaceful, family-like learning environment.
I know that all Edgemont families want their children to succeed and are eager to gather information from their school so as to remain good partners in their children’s education. To this end, Edgemont’s School Action Team (SAT), in cooperation with the PTA, has put together this informative handbook to help families better navigate and connect with our school. Be sure to keep this useful tool handy! As Edgemont's principal, I also promise that my door is always open for any further questions or conversation.
Cheryl Hopper
Principal
Edgemont Montessori School
2014-2015 Calendar
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August
264-5 pmIce Cream Social
289:30 amKindergarten Play Date
September
25 pmKindergarten Play Date
48:15amFirst Day of School
48:15 amPTA Welcome Tent
189:30 amPTA Orientation Meeting
25School Closed (Rosh Hashanah)
29-10/3Fall Book Fair
October
27 pmBack to School Night
6-20Kidstuff Coupon Book Fundraiser
8Walk, Bike, and Bus to School Day
10all dayHarvest Day
13School Closed
231:10 pmEarly Dismissal
241:15 pmPeace Assembly/Parade
246:30-9:30pmHalloween Mash/Bake Sale
November
1 – 30Artware Fundraiser
4Walk, Bike, and Bus to School Day/Spirit Day
4Election Day Bake Sale
6-7School Closed (NJEA Convention)
116:30pmPTA Meeting
131:10 pmEarly Dismissal
261:10 pmEarly Dismissal
27-28School Closed (Thanksgiving)
December
2Walk, Bike, and Bus to School Day/Spirit Day
10-12Parent-teacher conferences/Early Dismissal
19Holiday Sing
231:10 pmEarly Dismissal
24-1/2School Closed (Winter break)
January
5Return from Winter break
6all daySpirit Day
9Movie Night
136:30pmPTA Meeting
19-20School closed (MLK holiday)
23Talent Show
February
3Walk, Bike, and Bus to School Day/Spirit Day
7Skiing/Tubing Fundraiser
121:10 pmEarly Dismissal
16-17School closed (President’s Weekend)
26-27Parent-teacher conferences/Early Dismissal
28Green Eggs & Ham Family Breakfast Fundraiser
March
3Walk, Bike, and Bus to School Day/Spirit Day
96:30pmPTA Meeting
217:00 pmFamily Y Night
23Read-a-Thon begins
April
1 – 30Earth Month
3 School Closed (Good Friday)
7Walk, Bike, and Bus to School Day/Spirit Day
91:10 pmEarly Dismissal
13 – 17Scholastic Book Fair
20-24School Closed (Spring Break)
May “Teacher Appreciation Month”
5Walk, Bike, and Bus to School Day/Spirit Day
126:30 pm PTA Meeting
22-25School Closed (Memorial Day)
June
41:10 pmEarly Dismissal
5Fun Day
8Rain Date - Fun Day
12Moving Up Ceremony
221:10 pmEarly Dismissal
231:10 pmEarly Dismissal
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Who’s Who at Edgemont
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Principal –Ms. Cheryl Hopper
As the school decision-maker,the principal sets the academic and administrative expectations for the school. Consult with her on general policy matters or if you need assistance beyond what your teacher can provide. Ms. Hopper can be reached via email at or by calling the school office.
Teachers
The homeroom teachers instruct your child in the core subjects such as math and language arts. If you have any questions or concerns, they are your primary source for information. They can tell you about your child’s academic and social progress. Check with your teacher about their preferred method of communication (phone, email, backpack note). See next page for a list of teachers and their email addresses.
Specials Teachers
These subject specialists teach scheduled classes across the school, such as art, Phys. Ed., Spanish, technology, and music. See next page for a list of these teachers and their email addresses.
Teacher Assistants
The teacher assistants provide the teachers with key support and help provide individual attention to students who need it. See next page for list of teacher assistants by class.
Resource Teachers and Curriculum Support
These teachers work with students individually or in small groups to meet special learning needs.
Mrs. Lisa Adams (Math Coach)
Ms. Jennette Williams (Curriculum Support)
Ms. Beth Martin (ESL)
Mrs. Karen Plaskow (Resource Room/Inclusion Support)
Mrs. Justine Goldman (Resource Room/Inclusion Support)
Mrs. Susan Weiner-Hand (Occupational Therapist)
Mrs. Janice Fowler (Speech Therapist)
Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) – Mr. Steve Bell
Mr. Bell works with students and families to address issues that may hinder academic and social success.
Child Study Team
The Child Study Teamidentifies,evaluates, and plans individualized education programs for students experiencinglearning difficulties.
Mrs. Gail Derivan (Social Worker)
Ms. Stella Silver (Psychologist)
Ms. Margaret Omariba (Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC))
School Secretary – Mrs. Lori Mascellino
Mrs. Mascellino is the person who greets you when you call or visit the school office. She is an expert in all things Edgemont and can direct you to the appropriate resource for answers.
School Nurse – Mrs. Nancy Otskey
Mrs. Otskey works to ensure the well being of students through the promotion and maintenance of good health habits.She provides screenings, referrals, and care when your child becomes ill or injured at school.
Custodians – Mr. Brian Guarino (Head Custodian) and Mr. Manuel Balta
Our custodians keep our Edgemont facilities clean and safe for our children.
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Your Edgemont Teachers 2014-2015
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Kindergarten
Ms. Angelique Kenney
Assistant - Mrs. S. Wood
Ms. Carissa Olivi
Assistants- Ms. Elizabeth Williams and
Ms. Diane Anglin
First Grade
Mrs. Kathy Hart
Assistant – Ms.Melissa Banks
Mrs. Corrine
Ms. Jeanette Sullivan and
Ms. Richelle Hawkins
Second Grade
Ms. Kate Pastorino
Assistant – Mrs. Deborah O’Hagan
Ms. Mary Fiumara
Assistant - Ms. Kaitlin Doffont
Third Grade
Mrs. Stacy Heuschkel
Assistant –Ms. Amanda Mayoff
Ms. Regina O’Connor
Assistant –Mrs. Carol Giamella
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Avril Fagan
Assistant –Mrs. Barbara Mayer
Ms. Robin Alvarado
Assistant – Mr. J. Brick
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Anna Passamano
Assistant – Mrs. Laura Darpino
Ms. Lindsay Kepniss
Assistant –Ms. Darline Dowdy
Specials Teachers
Mr. Max Mellman - Music
Mrs. Lucia Melhuish - Art
Mr. Gerald Silvera - Phys. Ed.
Mrs. Gloria Lepari - Cosmic Studies
Mrs. Lisa Adams - Math Coach
Mrs. Traci Cioffi - Technology Coordinator
Ms. Yancy Sandoval – Spanish
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Easy Ways to Stay Connected
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Read the Principal’s Friday Letter
The Principal’s Friday Letter keeps families up-to-date on current events and important issues at Edgemont. Find it in your child’s backpack, in your email or on the Edgemont Website.
Read the PTA’s Friday Letter
The PTA’s letter keeps the community abreast of upcoming PTA events and meetings. The PTA letter currently comes by backpacks.
Check you child’s backpack
Notices from the district, school, PTA, and your child’s teacher are sent home in their backpacks. You can also send messages to the teacher, the office, or the PTA via backpacks in the morning.
Reach out to your child’s teacher
Check with individual teachers for their preferred means of communication, such as backpack note, phone call, or email.
Schedule a parent-teacher conference
Parent-teacher conferences are offered at least once a year to discuss your child’s progress; however, you may request other conferences at any time throughout the year.
Attend Back-to-School Night - 10/02/14
Back-to-School Night is an excellent opportunity to visit your child’s classroom and get an overview of the school year from your child’s teacher.
Attend PTA Meetings
PTA meetings are held about six times a year, usually at 6:30 pm on Tuesday evenings. These meetings give the community an opportunity to hear about upcoming events and help set the direction for the PTA.Childcare is provided. Check the PTA calendar on pages 4-5for the schedule.
Check your email
The District, Edgemont School, the PTA, and your class parentall send out current event reminders and informational notices to the Edgemont School community via email. To receive email notifications, make sure the District and the School have your current email addresses.
Go Online
Three websites offer up-to-date information to Edgemont Families about their school:
- The Montclair Public School District website at
- The Edgemont School website at
- The Edgemont PTA website at
Sign up for Skyward
This new portal on the Montclair School District website gives you access to a variety of your student’s information. Be sure to create an account and keep your contact information current.
Opt in to the School Directory
Opt in on Skyward to participate in the directory in order to stay connected to the school community and to be accessible to your child’s classmates for play dates, birthday party invitations, etc.
Offer to help
Many teachers welcome classroom volunteers on a regular basis or for special projects—if you are interested in volunteering, ask your child’s teacher.
Sign up for the Buddy Program
This program pairs up new and old families to help new parents make connections to the school and to provide them with someone to answer their questions. If you are new to the school and would like to receive a Buddy, please sign up online. Find the link on the Edgemont Montessori School home page.
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What is the PTA?
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The Edgemont Parent-Teacher Association
The Edgemont Montessori PTA is a local unit of the New Jersey State PTA and National PTA. The Edgemont PTA operates under by-laws primarily set by the NJPTA and is a type of corporation called a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization—one that does charitable, service, and educational work. To learn more about those organizations please visit and
The Edgemont Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) serves many roles in the school.The PTA:
- Provides a forum for addressing parent’s issues and concerns and for discussing PTA projects.
- Runs a whole calendar of enriching community events, programs, and fundraisers described later in this handbook.
- Subsidizes the costs of school and PTA activities for families in need, supports the donation of educational materials to the school and classrooms, and often funds such things as assemblies, busses for school trips and parent information seminars.
Membership
The Edgemont PTA welcomes all parents, caregivers, and teachers to PTA meetings and events and encourages everyone to join and be involved. Under PTA by-laws, joining is important for many reasons. Members have the right to vote and take part in the business of the PTA. Officers and committee chairs must be PTA members. The PTA Executive Board—comprised of Officers and Standing Committee Chairs—sets the agenda for the PTA and takes its direction and concerns from members and those who come to the public PTA meetings.
Membership forms are available through the Edgemont PTA website. Simply complete a form and send it back to school via backpack with the nominal membership dues fee in an envelope addressed to the PTA Mailbox. Any family interested in requesting scholarship assistance to join should contact the Edgemont PTA President or Membership VP.
Montclair PTA Council (PTAC)
The Edgemont PTA may also take part in the Montclair PTAC, a district wide organization composed of the presidents of each school's PTA and headed by an elected Executive Board. It is not a unit of the NJPTA or National PTA, but is a local group that comes together to share ideas and concerns in an effort to work towards common goals between all schools. The PTA Council has public meetings at the Montclair Public School District Offices at 22 Valley Road and may sponsor community events from time to time. To learn more about the Montclair PTA Council, please visit
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What is the SATp?
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Edgemont School Action Team for Partnership (SATp)
The School Action Team (SATp) is represented by teachers, the principal, parents, and community members working together to connect family and community involvement with school improvement goals. Edgemont’s SATp aims to:
- Create a welcoming school environment for families
- Engage families and the community in ways that support student achievement and success
The SATp model is organized to provide a sustainable program of school, family, and community partnership. To achieve its goals, the SATp has representatives from the following special interest groups: Teachers, PTA, Grade Levels (K-2 and 3-5), SAIL (gifted and talented), Health and Wellness, Special Education, Family Engagement, English Language Learners, and School Safety and Invitation. These representatives and the principal come together as a group at monthly SAT meetings. These working meetings are open to the school community to observe.
Several of these special interest groups also have sub-committees. The SATp sub-committees are working groups that help the SATp achieve its goals and objectives and work on focused projects:
Special Education Parents Advisory Committee (SEPAC) Sub-Committee
This sub-committee provides support for families with children who may have special needs. Families learn advocacy skills and strategies for supporting their child’s academic, social, and emotional needs. Edgemont’s SEPAC is also represented on the district-wide SEPAC. Focus projects include: Monthly meetings, organizing the district-wide meeting hosted by Edgemont in April, and Montessori on the Move.
Family Engagement Sub-Committee
To meet the district’s goals and objectives for promoting community engagement, Edgemont seeks to engage with families to help broaden school-based and home-based programs to support student achievement. This sub-committee is working on the family-friendliness of our school, engaging families in student learning, and increasing the level of family involvement in academic-based activities. Focused projects include: a family survey, school handbook, buddy-system for new families, increasing collaboration and communication between the home and school setting, and more!
School Safety and Invitation Sub-Committee
This is a sub-committee developed to address issues and concerns raised by the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. This sub-committee considers how to balance issues of school safety while keeping our school both family-friendly and inviting.