PittsburghMontessoriPreK-5
201SouthGrahamStreet |Pittsburgh, PA15206 |Phone:412.529.2010 |Fax:412.665.2038
ParentHotline:412.529.4357 |
Welcome!
Kellie Meyer, Interim Principal
PittsburghMontessoriSchoolispublicmagnet schoolservingchildren of36months inagethrough early adolescence.What beganin1980 asaschool withabout140studentsand astaffofsixnow serves over400students.
Throughouttheyears,ourbeliefinand dedicationto thephilosophydevelopedbyDr.MariaMontessori hasremainedsteadfast.Webelievethatthrough
ourworkwithchildren,thereismuch thatwecan do individuallyand collectively tobringhumanityto adeeperunderstanding,ahigher well-being,and
agreaterspirituality. Eachyear, wethoughtfully rededicateourcommunitytotheservice ofthechild, Montessoriideals,and thebeliefthateducation is thestrongestarmamentofpeace.
Thefaculty,staff,students,parentsand communityofPittsburghMontessoriSchoolembracethe Montessorimethodtoeducateourchildren.Our missionistorespecteachchildbyproviding apeacefulenvironmentthatfostersself-directed learning,encouragescreativethinking,and cultivatesaloveforlifelonglearning.
Welcometoourlearningcommunity!
“Weshallwalktogether onthispath oflife,forall things arepartoftheuniverse, and areconnectedwitheachother toformone wholeunity.”
-MariaMontessori
ThequalitiesoftheMontessoriapproachthatImost valueasaparentisteachingthe“whole”child,notjust thestudent-afuturecitizenoftheworld!Ilovethat theylearnthe‘interconnectedness’ofreading,math, language,geography,history,science,peaceandthe artstogivethemadeeper,well-roundededucation.
-Kathryn Sitter
Parent
OurExpectationsforallstudents
Allstudentswillworktotheirfullestpotentialtomeet thestandardsset forthinthePittsburghMontessori PreK-5 curriculum,bythedistrict,and bythestate.
OurCoreBeliefs
We believethatthelearningenvironmentat
PittsburghMontessoriPreK-5 helpsstudentsto:
• Attainskillsthatallowthemtobecomeindependently functioningadultsandlife-longlearners
• Developtheinnatedesiretowork hard and make positive contributions to their community and society
• Internalizethegroundrulesthatsetboundaries fortheirinteractionswithintheschoolandinthe community
• Become self-directed,confident andmorally independent
• Become Promise and career ready
• Developasensitivitytothenaturalworldandthe human condition
OurVision
OurvisionistoperpetuatetheMontessori philosophyinapeacefuleducationalenvironment. Theuniquenessofeachstudentwillguide ourteachersinnurturing thechild’scuriosity aswellas implementingmeaningfuland creativeinstructional methodsto educate the whole child.
AnOverview
Celia’sHouse(ages3-6)
Dr.Montessoridevelopedaschoolthatdiffered fromthetraditionaladult-centeredclassroom. She namedherfirstschool the“Casa DeiBambini”or theChildren’sHouse.
Herchoiceofwordsemphasizedthattheclassroom wasnotthedomainofadults,butacarefullyprepared environmentthatfacilitatedthedevelopment
ofthewholechild,givingstudentsasenseof independence,self-confidenceandcommunity.
PittsburghMontessorihas7primaryclassrooms: Celia’s House*isaplaceofdiscoverywith
fourkeyelements:
• Practicallife:mirrors theactivitiesofourculture-such ascareofself, care of theenvironment,mannersand socialbehavior
• Sensorial:handsonexplorationswithbeautifully craftedmaterialsthat reflectthequalitiesandfacts oftheworld
• Mathematical:mathematicalconceptsareexplored throughmanipulationofthoughtfullydesignedand carefully sequencedmaterials
• Language:languageis introduced tochildreninthree stages:introduction,kinesthetic(touch andshow), andcheckingforunderstanding
*Celia’sHouseexists forustoday asamemoryof thevisionand dreamofourlateprincipal,
CeliaM.Flewellen.
PittsburghMontessorihas6lowerelementary classrooms.
TheLowerElementaryClassroom: (First–Third Grades, Ages 6-9)
TheLowerElementaryclassroomdiffersfromthe traditionalclassroominmany ways: bytheuseof sensorialmaterials,bytheprocessesinwhichthe studentsbecomeindependentlearners,and bymulti-agegroupings.ThePittsburghMontessori classroomprovideschildren withopportunities tolearn insmall groups,chooseworks andcompletetasksattheirownpace.ItisbasedonDr. Montessori’sphilosophythatthehandleads
mind.Montessorimaterials supplementand supportthePittsburghPublic Schoolscore curricula.
PittsburghMontessorihasfour upper elementary classrooms: ages 9-12 (Fourth-Fifth Grades)
TheUpper Elementary:(Ages 9-12)
TheMontessoriphilosophyencourageseachchild tobecomeanindependentthinker andself-reliant citizen. Thesetwoeducationalgoalsare combined
inacomprehensivecurriculumthatistaughtthrough small group and whole classinstruction.
PittsburghMontessoriPreK-5
MontessoriEducation
Glorious,Genuine
Welcoming,Educating,Growing
Successful,Opportunities,Independent,Knowledgeable
Enterprising,Communicating,Thinking
Peaceful,Respectful
Us!
SchoolProcedures
Bell Schedule
OurdayatPittsburghMontessoribeginsat9:10a.m. and endsat3:51p.m.
Admissions
PittsburghMontessoriPreK-5 isaMagnetschool. Inorder toapply, parents,inperson,must registerduring districtdesignatedregistrationperiods. Preferenceisgiven tosiblings.Thereisaschool lotterywithregisteredfamilies inDecember.
Withdrawalsortransfers
At Pittsburgh Montessori we discourage mid-year transfers, however ifastudentisgoing towithdraw ortransferto anotherschool,theparentorguardian must informtheschool inwritingofthedateofthe intendedwithdrawaland thenewschool thechild willbeattending.
Priortothestudent’s lastdayof attendance, the student should check with the main office toverifythatallbooks and supplieshavebeen returned.All books,property,ormoneyobligationsmust bemet atthetimeofwithdrawalbeforeschoolrecordscan besenttothenewschool.
Arrival/dismissal
Arrivals:All3and4yearoldstudentsmustbe escortedtotheirclassroombyanadult.Carriders shouldparkonRoup Avenueandescorttheirchild insidethebuilding.AllK-5studentsmustenter throughthecafeteriaentranceonSouthGraham
Street.Ifstudentsareeatingbreakfast,theymuststay inthecafeteriaandsitatthedesignatedtables.Our schooldaybeginsat9:10a.m.Pleasedonotdrop yourchildoffbefore8:45a.m.Allarrivalsafter9:10 a.m.must reporttothemainofficetobesignedin.
Dismissals:All3and 4year oldstudents will be dismissed by a teacher at the Cafeteria doors at Roup Avenue.Allother students(K-5)are dismissedfromtheirhomerooms beginningat3:51p.m.Ifyoumust changeyour child’sregulardismissalroutine,pleasesendanote toschool withyourchild.Ifanimmediatechangeis necessary,youmust notifytheschool by2:30p.m. Changesafter 2:30p.m.presentconfusiontoour dailydismissal routine andarediscouraged.
Specialnote toparents/guardians:
K-5parentsare encouragednottoescorttheirchild tohis/herclassroom.Ifyouwouldliketomeet withyourchild’steacher,pleasecalltoschedule
anappointment.
AttendanceProcedures
Regularattendancetoschoolandclassescontribute
toyourchild’sacademicandsocialsuccess.However, itisunderstandablethatastudentwillmissschool
duetoillness,sickness,orotheremergencies.
When studentsare absentfromschool forlegal reasons,awrittenexplanationoftheabsencemust beprovidedwithin10daysofthestudent’sreturn
toschool.Thisletter shouldbesubmittedtothe homeroomteacher. Attendancechangeswill notbe madeafter 10days.
Astudentmustattendschool95percent ofeach reportperiodtoreceiveapassinggradeand keeptheirmagnetstatus.Ifa studentmissessix unexcuseddaysofschoolinanyreportperiod,
the studentwillreceiveafailinggrade.Homeroomteacherswillcontactparents/guardiansregarding studentsthathavemissedthreeunexcuseddaysof school.Aftercontacthasbeenmade,alegalnotice willbesenthome;thethreedaysdonothavetobe consecutive.Alegalcitationwillbefiledwithdistrict magistrateaftersixdaysofunexcusedabsences.
Areferraltochildrenyouthandfamilyserviceswill bemadeafterexcessiveabsences.Ifyouhaveany concernsinregardtotheattendanceprocedures, pleaserefertothePPSCodeofStudentConductor contacttheattendanceofficer.
Make-up Work
Theschool isobligatedtoprovidemake-upwork forexcusedabsences.Studentsandtheirparents are responsibleforrequestingmake-upwork immediatelyupon thestudent’s return toschool.
Ifdatesofastudent’sabsenceare knowninadvance,theteachershouldbenotifiedand plannedassignmentsmaybegiven.Atleast24hours’ noticeisappreciatedtogatherworkfortheabsentstudent.
Cancellation ordelayofschool
Cancellationorschooldelaystake placeonlyduring circumstancessuchasextremeweather,equipment failure,orpubliccrisis. Schoolboardadministrators are awareofthehardship whichcan becausedby anabruptcancellation;therefore,schoolwillnotbe cancelledunlessasignificantsafetyriskhasbeen createdbyunusualcircumstances.Everypractical meansisusedtonotifyparentsofacancellation, including radio, television,and newspapers. In
theunusualcircumstance where schoolmust becancelled during theschool day, teachers
willdetermine thatallstudentshavesatisfactory transportationand supervisionbeforereleasing them.Theemergencypermissionslipisfoundinthe back ofthishandbook.
Earlydismissals
Anearly dismissalwillbegrantedforthesame reasonsthatare givenforlegalabsences.Medical appointments foryourchildshould bescheduled afterschool hourswheneverpossible.Awrittennote withthenameand telephonenumberoftheparent orguardian making theearly dismissalrequestis requiredand mustbebroughttothemain office.A followuptelephonecallmaybemadebytheoffice stafftoverifyand confirmtheearly dismissal.
Allearly dismissalsare verifiedbeforeachildis issuedtheearly dismissalpass.Aparent/guardian must comeintotheschool topick-up thechildfor anearly dismissal. Nostudentwillbecalled tothe officeuntilaparentarrives.Earlydismissalsare discouragedafter 3:00p.m.
Doctoranddentistappointments
Parents/guardiansare expectedtomakeevery efforttoscheduledoctor anddentistappointments outside ofschoolhours.However,when thisisnotpossible, studentswillbeexcused.
BusrouteandOperatingProcedures
Parents/Guardianswillreceive notification bymail stating bus routesand operatingpolicies.
Busroutesand stopsareplannedbythe TransportationDepartmentattheBoardofEducation. Parentswhowishtomakerequestsorhave
questionsregardingbustransportationshouldcontact thePPS TransportationDepartmentat 412.529.3980.
TheBoard ofEducationpolicystatesthat“the privilege ofbeing transportedshallbewithdrawn inrespecttoanypupilwhoisunmanageable,or
who,byhis/herconduct, endangersthepropertyor safety ofothers.”Ifaviolationoccurs,astudentmay receiveasuspensionfromtransportationprivileges.
Theultimate penaltywillbeacompleteloss of transportationprivileges.
Ifyourchildissuspendedfromthebus,itisyour responsibilitytogetyourchildtoschool.Abus suspensionisnotanexcusedabsence.
Tardiness
Promptarrivalatschool isexpectedofallstudents. Latearrivaldisruptsclassand causesloss ofinstructiontime.Anystudentwhoarrives atschool after 9:10a.m. isconsideredtardy.Anote mustaccompanyalllatestudents.Alllatearrivals mustreport tothemain officetobesignedin.
Before andafter-schoolCare
Ourschool offers abefore-and after-schoolcare program through the Thelma Lovette YMCA.TheprogramoperatesMonday throughFriday, 7:00–9:10a.m., andimmediatelyfollowing school dismissal.Theprogramendsat6:00p.m. Pleasecall412.315.0987formore information.
SchooldressCode:
• Shorts/skortsandskirtscannotbeshorterthan threeinchesabove theknee.
• Nobarestomach-shortshirtsthat cannotbe tuckedin.Nohalters,tubetops,spaghettistrap tops,wide-armedornett-shirts.Nosee-through clothing.Shouldersmustbecovered.
• Nopantspulleddown. Pantsaretobeworn atthewaist.
• Noclothingthat advertises,suggests,or symbolizesillegalsubstances.
• Noinappropriateslogansoroffensivestatements onanyitems.
• Noclothingdesignedtobewornasundergarments orpajamasaretobeworn.
• Nohats,hoods,coatsorjacketsare tobewornin school. Hats aretoberemovedbefore entering thebuilding.
• Nobandanasorscarves.
Illness,injuryandMedications
Incaseofillnessorinjury,astudentwillbecaredfor temporarilybytheschoolnurseoramemberofthe school staff.Schoolpersonnelwillrenderfirstaid treatment only.Analternatenameand emergencytelephonenumber and the name ofthestudent’s familydoctormust beonfileattheschool. Contagious illnesses willrequireaparent/guardiantopickthechildup fromschool.
Ifastudentmust bringmedicationtoschool,the followingrequirements must bemet.
Prescriptions, inhalers, and over-the-counter medications(suchasaspirin orcoughdrops):
• Mustbeclearlyidentifiedastothe nameandtype ofmedication
• Mustcarryaprescriptionlabelwiththechild’s name,drug identity,dosageinstructions,doctor’s name,andprescriptiondate
• Mustincludeanotedatedandsignedbythe parentanddoctor givingthechild’sname,dosage amounts,specificdosagetimes,andother instructionsifnecessary
• Mustbeleftinthemainofficeand will be administered by the nurse on the days she is at Montessori or by a district nurse on other days. No medications (including over-the-counter medicines will be administered by school personnel other than the nurse).
PittsburghMontessoriPreK-5 hasapart-timenurse availabletoallstudents.Astudentmust havea
hallpasstoseethenurse.
Cafeteria
Breakfast and lunchare serveddailyinthe cafeteria.Thecafeteria istheheartoftheschool. Astronginsistenceongood conductoccursinthecafeteria.Thestudentshavetimetointeractduring recess.Attheendoflunch, studentsare pickedupfromthecafeteria orplaygroundbytheirteacher and escortedback totheirclass.
Cafeteriarules
• Whenanadultclaps,childrenrespond thesame clappingpatternandraisethreefingers.These signalsrepresentatimetobequiet.
• Stayinyourseat.
• Talkwithasoftvoice
• Keephandsandfeettoyourself
• Whenyourtableiscalledtolineup,dosoquietly andinalphabeticalorder.
• Usewalkingfeetatalltimes.
• Allstudentsare responsibleforpracticinggood tablemanners.
• Allstudentsare responsibleforcleaningthearea around theirseat
Food and Drink
Food anddrinksarenottobecarriedthroughout theschool.Theyare restrictedtothecafeteria and classroom.Food anddrinksarepermittedinthe classroomduring classsnacktime.Ourschool has anogumpolicy.Studentsare expectedtocomply withthispolicy.
Playgroundsupervision
Schoolstaffand parentvolunteerswillsupervisetheplayground.Supervisedplaytimeisduring lunchrecess.Theplaygroundisnotsupervisedbefore
and after school.Studentsare expectedtoleavefor homeimmediatelyfollowingdismissal.
Recess
Weatherpermitting;studentsare givenrecessduring thelunch period.Adecisiontohaveoutside recessduring coldweatherdependsupon thetemperatureand thewindchillfactor. Studentsshouldalwaysdressforoutside recess.Studentswillhavesupervisedfreetimein thegym, computer laband classroomsoninclementdays.
Fieldtrips
Dr.Montessoribelievedthat“goingout”isbeneficial forstudents.Fieldtripsprovideanopportunityfor educationalenrichmentforstudentsina supervisedoff-campussetting.
Whilethesetripsare educational, theyinvolve risksthatare differentfromthenormal schoolday. Teachers,withtheapprovaloftheprincipal, mayexclude anystudentif thestudent’sbehaviorhas beenunacceptableonprioroccasions.
Parentsmayoccasionallybeaskedtosendmoney fortheirchildtoparticipateinafieldtrip.Please contact theschool officeifyouare unabletopayfor anevent.Apermissionformsignedbytheparent/ guardian isrequiredforfield trips.
Announcements
Aweekly communicationfolderpreparedbythe principal, staff,studentsand communitywillbe senthomeonWednesdays.School/community announcementsshouldbeplacedinthePTSC basketinthemain officebyTuesday.
Telephone
Theofficetelephonesare forschoolbusinessonly and arenottobeusedbystudents.Studentsare notallowed tousethetelephonetomakepersonal arrangements.Please,donotask ustogeta studentoutofclass.Wecannotcallstudentstothe officetoreceivepersonalphonecalls. Inurgent situations,amessagewillberelayed tothestudent before theyare dismissed.
Fundraisers
Ourschool willbeholdsmajorfundraising campaigns. Selling willbevoluntaryand no
minimum saleswillberequired. Nopersonalchecks willbeaccepted–cashormoney order only. Classroom orclubfundraisingprojectsmust beapproved bytheprincipal.
Lockers
Alocker isissuedatthebeginningoftheschool year. Thelocker ispropertyoftheschool.Students are nottobringinanythingother thanbooks, pencils,and notebooks. Theschool isnot responsibleforvaluables leftinthelocker. Ifalock isused,givethehomeroomteacherasparekey
orthecombination.Ifvaluables must bebrought, pleasegivethem totheofficeatthebeginningofthe school day.
Itwillbeeachstudent’sresponsibilitytokeepthelocker inorder.Nostickers ormarkingsare permittedinoronthelockers.Ifyouchoosetouse alock,donotgiveyourlocker combinationorkey toanyoneother thanyourhomeroomteacher.Do
notattempt toopenalocker other than theone you havebeenassignedordisciplinaryaction willbe taken.Studentsare notpermittedtochangelockers unlessthechangeisauthorized bytheprincipal. Notifyyourhomeroomteacherofanyproblems.The schooladministrationhastherighttosearchyour locker ifthereisprobablecausefora search.
Lostandfound
Allclothingfoundoncampus,regardlessofitsvalue, isplacedintheLostandFoundboxes. Money, jewelry,glasses,oranyotherarticlesofvalueare turnedintotheoffice.Studentsmayclaimthemafter properidentification.Attheendofeachgradingperiod lostandfounditemsare donatedtoalocalcharity.
Alertnow
AlertNowservice isanautomatictelephonesystem thatPittsburghMontessoriPreK-5 utilizes. Thisservicenotifies parents/guardiansofastudent’s absenceand willactivateasystem-widetelephone callingservice forspecialeventsand emergencynotifications,suchasschooldelays.
SocialWorker/developmentaladvisor
Wehaveafull time developmental advisor/socialworker atourschool.Thesocial workerisavailabletoassiststudentswithquestions, careerchoices,social problems, and crisissituations.Studentsare encouragedtomakeuseof thisprofessional byarranging foranappointment. Classroom teachers can help facilitate these appointments.
Substituteteachers
Everystudentwillperiodicallybetaught bya substituteteacher.Themost commonreason forusing substituteteachersoccurswhen theregularteacherisill.However,substitutesare also usedwhen regularteachersare onleave forpersonalbusiness,professionaltraining, or familyemergencies.Studentsare expectedtobe courteous tosubstituteteachers.Anymisconductin theclassroomwillbeaddressedimmediately.
Academics
Gifted Program
PittsburghPublic Schools(PPS)strives to accommodatestudentswithdifferingneedsby offeringIndividualEducationPlans(IEPs).In addition,PPSoffers apulloutprogramlocatedat thePittsburghGiftedCenter, formerlyGreenway MiddleSchool.Studentsidentified asGifted attendtheGiftedCenterevery Thursday.Tobe eligibleforthegiftedprogram,parents/guardians must submitaletter ofrequesttotheclassroom teacher.Afterarequesthasbeensubmitted,a
Permission toEvaluate formwillbesenthomewith thestudent.Completedformsshould bereturnedtotheDevelopmentalAdviser. Thestudentisthen screenedbytheschoolpsychologist.Theschool psychologistand multiple-disciplinaryteam(MDT) review student’sresultsand portfoliotodetermine eligibility.Parentsand/orteacherscan recommendastudentforanevaluationatanytime.Screenings are discouragedafter May1st. Studentsattending theGiftedProgram are responsibleforanywork theymiss fromtheirhomeschool.
Homework
Homeworkisanessentialpartoftheeducational process.Itisanextensionofthelearningthattakes placeinschool.Homeworkcanprovidepractice opportunitiesthatreinforceclassroomlearningand canprovideopportunitiesforindependentstudy, research,andcreativethinking.Studentsare expected tocompleteallassignmentspromptlyand tothebestoftheirability.Parentsareencouraged
tosupervisethecompletionofhomeworkbutwork shouldbeareflectionofthestudent’sability.The BoardofEducationpolicystatesthatifastudentdoes notcomplete80percentofhis/herhomeworkinany subject,his/hergrademaybeloweredonegrade.
Studyskills
Thefollowingare studentguidelinesforachieving good studyhabits:
• Cometoclasspreparedwithapositiveattitude andanyotherneededmaterials.
• Beanactiveparticipantinclass.Listenwith youreyes, earsand heartand takepartin classroomactivities.
• Askquestionstoclarifymisunderstandings.
• Planyourdayandscheduletimeforhomework.
• Usewhatislearnedandapplyittonew situations.
• Strivetodotheverybestworkpossible. Just‘gettingby’isnotaworthwhilegoal.
• Havearegularplacetodohomework.
• TurnofftheTVandradioduringhomeworktime.
• Read,read,read—20minutesperday.
Magnet Enrollmentstatus
Studentsenrolledindistrictmagnetprogramsare requiredtomaintainsatisfactoryattendance, citizenship,and academicprogressoritwillbe recommendedthattheirmagnetstatusberescinded forthefollowingschool year. Thestudentwillbe returned totheassignedfeederschool,basedonthestudent’saddressofrecord.
ActivitiesandPrograms After-schoolactivities
Parents/guardiansand studentswillbeinformed ofafter-schoolactivitiesthroughtheWednesday communicationfolder.Permission slipsare requiredforallafter-schoolactivities.Thereare noactivities after schoolonbad weatherdays,when thereare schooldelaysorduring testingdays.Studentsmayberemoved fromanactivityforfailureto comply withrules andguidelinesset forthinthe studenthandbook.Parentsare responsiblefortransportation.
InstrumentalMusic (3rdgrade andabove)
Based on yearly school funding, if an instrumental instructor is secured, interestedstudentsmaybescreenedforinstruction onavariety ofinstruments. Group classesand practices are heldonceaweek.Instrumentsare providedbytheschool district;however,students areresponsiblefortheirinstrumentand itscare
Parental Involvement
Parentinvolvementisacriticalcomponentinthedaily worksofthechildrenatPittsburghMontessori. Weencourageandsupportparentinvolvement. Parentsarealsoencouragedtoattendparent educationsessionsofferedthroughouttheschool year.Checktheweeklycommunicationsfolderfor moreinformation.Adultvolunteersworkingwith studentsmustobtainbothAct34(CriminalHistory BackgroundCheck)andAct151(ChildAbuseHistory BackgroundCheck).Thecostisusuallypaidbythe school.Alimitednumberofrequestsare processedatthebeginningofeachyearwitha volunteerapplication,tothePPSvolunteeroffice. Afterthevolunteerapplicationisapprovedbythe district,acopyoftheapprovaliskeptonfileinthe schooloffice.CopiesarealsoavailableattheOffice ofCommunicationsandMarketingDepartment,PPS BoardofEducation.Applicationsareavailableonline at
Parent TeacherStudentCouncil (PTSC)
Membershipisopentoallpersonsonthefacultyoradministrationoftheschool and allparents/ guardians ofPittsburghMontessoriPreK-5schoolstudents.Theorganization’smemberselect officersannually.Theobjectivesoftheorganizationinclude:
• Establishinganeffectivemethod ofcommunication betweenparents,faculty,administrationandthe schoolboard
• Servingandenhancingtheschoolinpositive mannerswhichbenefitsallstudents
• Augmentingexistingprogramsbyproviding resourcesandprogramsdeemedvaluablein accordance withtheorganization’sobjectives
Parent SchoolCommunityCouncil–PSCC
OurParentSchoolCommunityCouncil meetsonceamonth todiscussschooland communityissues.Itisanopenforumtodiscussand receiveschool reports,TitleIreports, and PTSupdates. Allstakeholdersforthisschool are welcometoattendasweendeavortobuildpositive relationshipsamong alloftheentitiesthatservice ourschool. Notification ofallmeetingsisinthemonthly newsletter.Allparentsare urgedtobecome membersofthePSCCand toactively participate.
ExcellenceforallParent SteeringCommittee
TheSuperintendent’sExcellenceforAllvisionand missionprovidesan opendoorforthecreationof anExcellenceforAllParentSteeringCommittee (formallykeycommunicators).ThiscommitteewillbecompromisedofPreK-12parents/guardiansand grandparentsfromallschools. Representatives will be selected through their PSCCs and by their principals.
Representativeswillattendmeetingsto dialoguewithcentralofficeadministratorsandothers.
Conferences
Parentconferencesare encouragedduring parent student conferencedayinOctober.Additionalparent conferencesmaybearrangedatanytimeduring theschool year.
Anappointmentisnecessaryforallparent conferences.Pleasecalltheofficeoremail theteacherdirectlytoscheduleanappointment.
CodeofConduct Discipline
APittsburghMontessoriPreK-5 classroombelongs tothewhole. Together,theteacherand students willdiscussschoolrules andconsequences.Each classroomrecordscomplimentsonadailybasistobuildtheclassroomcommunityand topractice peaceeducation.ThestaffatPittsburghMontessori willmakeevery efforttoredirectunacceptable behaviors and assignconsequencesthatare meaningfullearningopportunities.
Itistheteacher’sresponsibilitytomaintaindiscipline intheclassroom.Aschool-widedisciplinepolicyhasbeenestablishedand isconsistentlyenforced. The Behavior Matrix is reviewed in all classrooms throughout the year. When astudentishaving aproblem,theteacher mayconferencewiththestudent,conferencewith theparent/guardian,useclassroomdisciplinary procedures,orreferthesituationdirectlytothe principal ordevelopmentaladvisor.Discipline referral formsare usedtorecord behaviorsthatare notcorrected after theteacherhasredirectedthe student.Ifastudentreceivesthreereferralswithinaone weekperiod,thestudentwillbeassigned aSaturdaydetention.TheSaturdaydetention procedureswillbeprovidedasneeded.Formore information,refertotheCodeofStudentConduct includedinthewelcomepacket.
RulesforBehavior
Eachparentand studentisrequiredtosignthe disciplinepolicyforPittsburghMontessoriPreK-5foundintheback ofthishandbook.Thebehavior expectedfromthestudentsisthesamebehavior expectedofthestaff,acombinationofcourtesyand safety considerations.
Cheating
Cheating isaseriouscompromiseofastudent’s integrityand willnotbetolerated—thisincludes plagiarizingtheworkofanother.Ifcheatingis discovered, thestudent’s workwillbeconfiscated.A failinggradewillautomaticallyberecordedforwork and theparent/guardian willbenotified.
Fighting
Fighting isstrictlyforbiddenintheschool, oncampus, and onthebus. Ifsomeonebothersyourchild,adults and schooladministratorswanttoknow.Pittsburgh Montessoristaffwillhandleyourchild’sconcern. Fighting willresult inasuspension.
Suspensions
Suspensionsfromschoolaregivenbytheprincipalfor theveryworstinfractionsofschoolrulesandpolicy. Suspensionsaregivenonlyasalastresort.Itsignifies
GraceandCourtesy
PittsburghMontessoripracticesaweeklyGraceCourtesyskilltopromoteknowledgeofappropriate socialinteractionsandpeacefulrelationships.Every weektheskillispostedinthemainhallway,modeled duringclassmeetingsandpracticedthroughoutthe week.Peacefulinteractionswithin thelearning communityareatthecoreoftheMontessoriMethod ofEducation.
WeeklySkills:
I,
PittsburghMontessori Prek-5 inclement
Weather dismissal Plan
Dear Parents:
Duringthewinter,school maybeletoutearly duetobad weather.Thismayoccur aroundnoon ornear
1:30p.m.
Whenearlydismissaloccurs,weneedtoknowifitis appropriatetosendyourchildhomebeforetheregular dismissaltime. Pleaseindicatewhatshouldhappenon daysofseveresnoworadverseweatherconditions.
Mychildmaybesenthomeontheschoolbus
Mychildcan walkhome.
Mychildistowaitatschool untilsomeonecan pickhim/her up.
Student’s name
homeroom
Parent’sname
Youmaycontact mebyphoneat:
work home cellphone Wehaveacomputerathome yes no
Wehaveaccesstoacomputer yes no
E-mailaddress
Parentsignature
Weare anequalrights andopportunityschooldistrict
Community Resource Guide
Family Resources
Alliance for Community Respite Care - 1(888) 954-2424
A collaborative network of families, providers, community members and advocates who work to ensure the availability of quality respite care.
Allegheny Family Network (AFN) - 1(888) 273-2361
Supports and partners with families raising children with emotional and mental health needs to improve their quality of life.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - (412) 622-3114
The Carnegie library has multiple branch locations offering special services such as job career and educational centers.
Child Care Information Services - CCIS of Allegheny County – City - (412) 261-2273 or 1(800) 392-3131
CCIS serves as a primary resource to assist families with child care referrals, emergency childcare, subsidized care for qualifying families, and promotes quality child care by offering training in subjects such as early literacy.
Children’s Health Insurance Program - CHIP - 1(800) 986-5437
Pennsylvania’s program to provide health insurance to all uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance.
Family Resources - (412) 363-1702
Family Resources offers many services to help parents and children improve their relationship along with youth enrichment activities at its centers.
The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania - (412) 281-2535
Helps mentoring programs by providing training, recruiting, quality assistance, and support to increase the number of mentors in the community.
Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center - (412) 281-4404
The PEAL Center is an organization of parents of children with disabilities reaching out to assist other parents and professionals
Pittsburgh Public Schools - (412) 529-4357 (Parent Hotline)
The Pittsburgh Public Schools believes in regular, two-way, meaningful communication connecting student academic learning and other school activities;
to this end the Parent Hotline is one of a number of resources to assist parents and families in engagement.
Right to Education Task Force – (412) 529-2300
The Local Task Force provides opportunities for parents, guardians and community members to ask questions about special education services as well as address concerns that affect students with disabilities in the Pittsburgh Public School District.
Program for Students with Exceptionalities PSE/Oliver
2323 Brighton Rd.
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
United Way of Allegheny County - 211 (HelpLine)
United Way of Allegheny County provides information to families through their online resource Help Connections; agency funding, planning, and
community problem solving for health and human services agencies operating within Allegheny County.
Children’s Services
Achieva - (412) 995-5000
A world-renowned leader in the field of disabilities, known for its innovative programs, and dedication to children with disabilities and their families.
Alliance for Infants and Toddlers - (412) 885-6000
This program provides service coordination, screenings, assessments, family support services, and early intervention service coordination to families
with children between the ages of birth to three years of age.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh - (412) 363-6100 or 1-877-937-2447
Big Brothers Big Sisters increases the self-confidence of children and the probability that they will become fully integrated members of society, leading
productive and rewarding lives through mentoring and enrichment programs.
Boys and Girls Clubs - (412) 782-5710
The BGC is a unique organization consisting of 8 Club facilities, a Charter H.S., Outlet Connection retail venture, Campfire USA, and extension
programs. Our goal is to provide every child with the essential tools needed for a successful & bright future.
Catholic Charities, Child Care Support Services - (412) 456-6999
Catholic Charities provides counseling, refugee resettlement, respite care, utility assistance, emergency relief, tangible assistance services and makes
referrals for clients. In 2007 it expanded services by opening a Free Health Care Center.
Children’s Institute - (412) 420-2400
The Children’s Institute is a nonprofit pediatric rehabilitation facility which provides education services for children ages two to 21 with cognitive or
physical disabilities with in-home services for children and families with special needs.
Girl Scouts - Trillium Council - (412) 566-2570 or 1(800) 248-3355
The Girl Scouts inspires girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service that they may become happy and resourceful citizens.
Greater Pittsburgh Council Boy Scouts of America - (412) 325-7904
The Boy Scouts trains young people in citizenship, service, and physical fitness through the Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing programs, & more.
Junior Achievement of Southwest PA Inc.–(412) 208-4747
JA’s purpose is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise and understand business & economics to improve the quality of their lives.
Parks and Recreation - (412) 255-2539
Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of recreational programs and facilities for use by Pittsburgh citizens.
Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library - (412) 682-4430
The Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library, a cooperative run by volunteers, is an indoor play-space for children, pre-kindergarten, and their caregivers.
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh - (412) 227-4802
The Urban League is the largest social and educational service provider and advocacy agency devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the
economic and social mainstream community in Pittsburgh through its diverse programs.
YMCA - (412) 227-3800
YMCAs serve America’s children, families and communities by “building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”
YouthPlaces - (412) 434-0851
YouthPlaces promotes the positive cognitive, social, physical, emotional and moral development of youth by providing a safe place for them to engage
in a range of activities.
YouthWorks Inc. - (412) 281-6629
YouthWorks builds a community solution to help young people whose potential might be overlooked to pursue employment and career development