PARENT
HANDBOOK
2015-16
Dear Parents,
The Alef Bet Montessori staff is excited to welcome you back for another school year. As a new or returning parent, we encourage you to review the school’s revised Parent Handbook. In it you will find important phone numbers as well as updated information and policies for our School.
We thank you for cooperating with us and we look forward to a wonderful year together.
Ayelet "Ellie" Lichtash
Executive Director
SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND HOURS
School Message Line(301) 556-5010
(also inclement weather line)
Using the School Message Line or e-mail is the BEST way to leave messages for the school. These are checked at least twice a day by staff.
Main Office, Assistant to the Director 301-556-5010
Executive Director, AyeletLichtash301-556-5010
Business Office, Janel Herman301-556-5010
SCHOOL HOURS
Toddler and Primary Classes
Half Day8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Full Day/Kindergarten Program8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Early Bird Drop Off 7:30 a.m.
After Care (Mon – Thurs. No Fridays)3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Late Arrival:Doors close at 8:45 a.m., after that please sign your child into late arrival.
Late Pickup:Doors close at 3:00 p.m., children picked up after that time will be transferred to after care and parents will be charged for after care for that day.
Late After Care Pickup: Parents arriving 15 minutes after pick up time will be charged $1 per minute from that time on.
Elementary Class
Arrival: Doors open at 8:00 a.m. class starts 8:15 sharply.
Mondays -Thursday (Team Sport Day)8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fridays8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
CALENDAR
Yearly Calendar
In your “Back To School” packet you will find a calendar for the year. We reserve the right to make changes to the calendar throughout the year and we will inform parents promptly about any changes.
Important items on the calendar are:
Orientation Night – This important evening is designed for new families. If you joined our school midyear and missed last year’s orientation night or you are new to the school then you must attend this important night. Information during this evening will not be repeated later on.
Back to School Night – All parents of the school are required to attend the Back to School Night - even the parents who attended the Orientation Night.
IMPORTANT GLOSSARY
Toddler … ages 18 months – 35 month
Primary ….ages 3 – 6 years old
Elementary Program ….1st – 6th grade
Lower El ….1st, 2nd and 3rd grades.
Upper El …4th, 5th and 6th grades
ARRIVAL / DISMISSAL
Arrival
Arriving at the school you may park your car or join the “kiss & ride” car-pool line (see below). The parking lot can accommodate every parent/caregiver's car. However, we strongly encourage families to use our “kiss & ride" car-pool line. This system allows us to control traffic in our parking lot and ensure the children's safety.
“Kiss & Ride” or Park? – Efficient Car Pool Line Procedures
Kiss and Ride: A staff member will come to your car, assist your child/children out of the car and escort them to class. Pleasestay in your car and keep moving up the line until a staff member greets you. When parents stay seated in their cars, the carpool line moves at a quicker pace. This procedure prevents cars from stacking up and blocking traffic on Tilden Lane and controls the flow of traffic to keep our parking lot safe. It is also a courtesy to other parents so they will not be unexpectedly delayed exiting the school. Do not leave your car unattended when using the “kiss & ride” car pool line. If you need to apply sun screen, tie your child’s shoes, get them dressed, etc.,please park your car.
Park: If you need to get out of your car to assist your child or escort them to the door, please park your car in the parking lot. Please do not get out of your car while in the carpool line.
Whether you are using kiss and ride or parking, please drive IN to the parking lot at the entrance and OUT by driving through the exit.
Whittier Woods Facility – Carpool line
WHITTIER BLVD.
Tardiness in the Morning
Please be on time. When your child arrives late, it means something has been missed and it is disruptive to the class. Usually, a child that is late feels distraught and misplaced. The class has already started and he/she missed the welcoming part of the morning. Being on time is important in our classroom. We record the late arrivals and after 3 times within the same month, we will send you a letter explaining why it is important to be on time.
Dismissal
There are currently several dismissal times: 12:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 3:30 and 4:45 p.m. The pickup grace period is within 15 minutes after the scheduled time. (Dismissal starts at the assigned time and continues for 15 min). Please consult the school's calendar for early dismissal days. Once your child has been dismissed by a staff member you are welcome to play on the playground with your child under your supervision. We thank you for making sure that you pickup your child on time.
Late Pick-Up Policy
Please be mindful to pick up your children on time. The pickup grace period is within 15 minutes after the scheduled dismissal time. (Dismissal starts at the time prescribed and continues for 15 min). After 15 minutes, children who have not been picked up will be transferred to the aftercare program and parents will be charged the aftercare drop off rate. If your child’s dismissal time is 2:45 p.m. we will wait until 3 p.m. At 3 p.m. the child will be signed in to After Care. We start charging an after care fee at 3 p.m.
During early or noon dismissal please make sure to pickup at 11:45 a.m. Our staff must return to work in the classroom. Parents of children who are dismissed early can choose to sign up for a later dismissal (no later than 3 p.m. on Friday) on specific days with advance notice. If you would like to sign up for a later dismissal on a specific day, please contact our office. We have after-school daycare until 4:45 p.m. Our staff is available only until 5:00 p.m. sharp. Our staff is entitled to leave on time.
A late pick-up fee of $1 applies for every minute that parents are late.
Extended Day Options. Please let the office know if you are interested in these programs.
Early Bird: Doors open at 7:30. Children will be transferred to their classes at the start of the school day.
After Care 3:00p.m. – 4:45 p.m., Mon – Thurs.
Children signed up for aftercare will be transferred to the aftercare program at 3:00 p.m., Mon. – Thurs. We do not offer extended day on Fridays. The afternoon activities will include games, arts, resting time and snack. There will NOT be an Extended Day option for the days that the school closes at noon time for noon dismissal (such as Parent-Teacher Conferences and so forth). Parents can also use aftercare on a drop in basis by , and paying to .
TRANSITION AND FIRST DAYS
On the first week of school we expect new children, both in the Toddlers and Primary classrooms, to go through a Transition Period.
During the Transition Period, the Toddlers are expected to attend one hour during the first week. We slowly extend that hour into 2 ½ hours on the second week and only later start the child on a full day program.
The Primary class children attend half day for the first week of school (noon dismissal) as part of their Transition Period.
It is hard for a child to say goodbye. It is difficult for the child to understand that you will always come back for her. There is no way to explain to a small child that in 2 & 1/2 hours Mommy will be back. Children ages 18months to 5yearsoldare not capable of understanding the concept of TIME as we do. Only in the Elementary class do they start realizing how short a minute is in comparison to an hour. There is a little switch in the brain that kicks in at the Elementary level. But before that, children cannot tell what is one minute vs. 7 minutes vs. 2 hours. They can only sense it through the rhythms of the people and activities around them.
What can we do to help the child? How do we transition? There are no shortcuts, no free rides. Transitions are always difficult. Talk to your child at home. Say that you are going to school and Mommy/Daddy will always come back. Assure them that you are confident – as their little sensors can tell when you are lying about it. Believe in your heart that they are in a good place.
Once in school, a child will become accustomed to the order and sequence of the activities in the class. This way, he/she learns a routine. The routine helps him/her understand the following: first we sing, then we read, then we play, then we eat, then we go outside, then we sing again and then MOMMY COMES BACK! “Mommy Comes Back” is a sweet song that can be found at
COMMUNICATION
How Does the School Communicate with Parents?
We use the contact information provided on the Application Form and Emergency form to contact the parents. MSDE require that Parents keep the school updated through the year if daytime phone numbers, designated emergency numbers, or email change, so that you can be reached if necessary. In case of a health question or problem, the school should be able to contact you directly and immediately.
Emails
We communicate school information to parents primarily via email. Note – If you have not received an email from us this summer bymid August, welcoming you to the school that means that you are not on our email list. Please email to be added to the list serve.
Website
Our school has its own website, Please check the website Parents Placeon a weekly basis. Messages from the school will be posted on the Parent section. Parents can also find the online postings of events and photos, the school calendar and school forms. Two weekly postings on Parents Place are:
Director’s Desk
Each week we post timely and important messages on our Director’s Desk. We will e-mail you a link to this page each week.
Weekly Bulletin
This is a weekly report from your class teacher. The teacher post comments and stories from the class, including pictures and photos. Please be sure to check it each week. We will email you a link to this page each week.
How Do Parents Communicate with the School?
School Message Line301-556-5010
(also inclement weather line)
Using the School Message phone or email is the BEST way to leave messages for the school. These are checked at least twice a day by staff.
For questions about payments or receipts, please email Janel, our Business Manager, at .
For other communications concerning your children:
The staff believes that parents’ issues and concerns about the School are best addressed and resolved by prompt, direct and open discussion. If a parent has a particular concern related to a classroom situation, it is encouraged that the parents speak directly with the child’s lead teacher. If the parent does not feel the problem has been effectively resolved after speaking with the lead teacher, the parent should request a meeting with the Executive Director. She will then determine what action, if any, is necessary. The Executive Director will inform the parent and the teacher how the School proposes to deal with the issue. Issues regarding any other member of the staff or any administrator should also be raised with the Executive Director, who will follow up with a similar procedure to such issues.
Communication from the Executive Director
The Executive Director, Ayelet “Ellie”Lichtash, writes and meets with the School’s parents throughout the year to share school news and to maintain an open line of communication. Parents are invited to “Coffee with the Director” each month (Check the caledar for dates) between 8:45 – 9:30 a.m. If you need to meet privately or schedule a different time, you can call or email Ayelet, to schedule an appointment that is mutually convenient.
Communication with Teachers
We ask parents to understand that the beginning and close of the school day is a busy time for teachers and therefore not recommended as an opportunity for discussing serious issues. Parents are invited to meet with the teachers for general sessions every first Wednesday of the monthfrom 2 – 2:45 p.m. To privately communicate with your child’s teacher, please leave a phone message at 301-556-5010ext.1 or send the teacher a note. There is a “Parent Note to Teacher” form at the back of this handbook. Please indicate in your phone or written message, specific times when you would be available to speak via telephone or in person, and briefly describe the topic or issue if possible.
Parents’ Visit and Class Observation
Parents are most welcome to observe our class while it is in action. The first month or two of the year is always piled with breaks forthe High Holidays. However, by later in the Fall, the children settle into the classroom routine and we are ready to invite you for a visit at the end of the second month. We will allocate time slots every Friday after the High Holidays during November, December and January to allow parents this opportunity. Send us an email to , so that we do not have more than 2 observers per class at a time. While observing the children, please be reminded that they are ‘working’ on tasks or chores and interruptions, such as loud voices, might distract them from their work. It is just like having another person walking into your office and talking to a third person while you are working. So come and enjoy watching us concentrate!
Inclement Weather / Area Emergency (ext. 1)
Our school follows the Montgomery County Public Schools for closings and late openings on the first day of snow only. After that if there are additional snow days, parents should call the school message line at 301-556-5010, ext. 1 and listen to the recorded message. For all other emergency public school closures, a message will be left on the School Message line (ext. 1) to inform parents what action will be taken at Alef Bet Montessori. A message will be available by 7:15 a.m. or as soon as the action for the school has been determined. In the case of an early dismissal, the staff will also attempt to notify all parents/caregivers by phone.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences will be held twice a year in December and March.The purpose of the conference is to communicate and provide information about each student’s growth in social, emotional and academic areas, as well as other aspects of each student’s development. Parents and teachers can also request additional conferences should the need arise. We provide a student record for your child.
School Publications
A School Newsletter is published twice a year. It is intended to keep parents abreast of curriculum, important school dates and other classroom news and information. This is in addition to the Weekly Bulletin posted on the website that the teaching staff produces at the end of the week to inform parents what happened in the classroom that week. Parents are welcome to volunteer and help in the publication of the Newsletter.
We Want Feedback
We pride ourselves on our flexibility and responsiveness. It is tragic to us if we hear too late about something we could have fixed what has spoiled a student’s or parent’s experience. Let us hear from you! (We take compliments too!)
BEHAVIOR & CONDUCT
PARENTS
Code of Conduct
Families with a child enrolled at Alef Bet Montessori become an integral part of our School Community. To be a successful community, the School needs and expects the cooperation of its parents, who must understand and embrace the school’s mission, share its core values and fully support its curriculum, faculty and staff. When joined by a common set of beliefs and purposes, the School and its parents form a powerful team with far-reaching positive effects on children and the entire community. The enrollment of your child at Alef Bet Montessori indicates the parents’ willingness to abide by the following guidelines.
- Privacy: Please help us maintain the mutual trust and respect we all need to keep our community healthy by safeguarding the privacy of children, parents and staff. Passing on confidential, damaging or hurtful information is not acceptable. Keep staff and parent email addresses and phone numbers confidential. Use contact information for school-related business only, unless you receive permission otherwise.
- Conflicts: Conflicts between parents or parents and staff should be addressed in a calm and private manner, preferably in person or with a respectful note. Phone calls and emails should not be used to express anger, frustration or criticism. Meetings are to be held by appointment at a mutually convenient time.
- Etiquette: Alef Bet Montessori teachers, staff and parents are all expected to strive for high standards of etiquette and behavior. Commitments should be honored, criticism should be constructive and genial, and “thank yous” should be frequent.
- Communication: Parents best support a school climate of trust and respect by communicating concerns openly and constructively to the teacher or staff member closest to the problem. The use of mass emails to contact fellow parents about sensitive issues involving Alef Bet policy, teachers, staff or students is inappropriate and counterproductive.
- Volunteerism: When a parent agrees to perform a service for the school the entire community is counting on that person to fulfill their promise. If it becomes clear that a parent cannot, they should contact a member of the Parent Committee and arrange for a replacement right away.
STAFF