SCHOOL POLICIES
ABSENCE: It is important that every parent makes sure they are sending healthy students with healthy family members to school. All of us need to work together to make sure we are protecting our students and our staff from any illness. This means, we cannot send sick students or students who were exposed to an illness to school. We all need to work together to keep MCS a healthy place for learning.
Please report your child’s absence to the MCS office each day of the absence.
Extended vacations during the school year are not encouraged. Notify your child’s lead teacher and the MCS office prior to the planned absence.
No reduction or credit in tuition is granted for absence.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL: Arrival and dismissal schedule times after phase-in:
ARRIVAL DISMISSAL
early childhood and toddlers 8:25 A.M. – 8:45 A.M. 12:15 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.
kindergarten 8:25 A.M. – 8:45 A.M. 3:10 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
elementary 8:25 A.M. – 8:45 A.M. 3:10 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES (click here).
If you are late at arrival you must come to the front entrance. No student should enter or leave the school unescorted.
Several classrooms begin the day with presentations of new materials and important announcements. It is extremely important that you arrive at school on time for your child to benefit from this information.
If you need to pick up your child early, contact the MCS office 15 minutes prior to your arrival. Your child will be at the front office ready for pick up. If you are delayed, contact the school office so your child can remain in class until you arrive.
Students picked up after dismissal will be sent to the MCS office. Use the front entrance to pick up your child. After two late “pick-ups”, parents will be charged a fee at the after school program late fee rates.
BACKGROUND CHECK: A background check is required yearly by our insurance agent for any parents who volunteers to chaperone and/or assist or work with students. Your original background check will be kept on file in the school office.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: The before and after school program is open to students enrolled in the early childhood, kindergarten, and/or elementary programs. The program is available on a daily or part-time basis. Students must attend their regular class session in order to attend the after school program.
Contact the school office to request a Tuition Agreement for the Before and After School Programs.
Early childhood students who stay after 12:30 P.M. will need a complete lunch in a regular-sized lunch box with your child’s name and last initial by the handle. Click here for a MILK SERVICE ORDER FORM.
Students must arrive no later than 8:00 A.M. for the before school program.
After 3:30 P.M., ring the back doorbell to notify MCS staff that you are here to pick up your child from the after school program.
TELEPHONE THE MCS OFFICE BY 10:00 A.M. REGARDING YOUR CHILD’S AFTERNOON SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: If child abuse or neglect is suspected, the school will contact the Department of Child Services (DCS) to make a report.
CLASSROOM PARTIES: Kindergarten and elementary classrooms will resume holiday parties this year.
No individual party favors or special take home treats will be permitted for individual student birthdays or holidays. Party invitations and gifts will not be distributed at school. If you need an address, please contact the MCS office.
If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, contact your child’s lead teacher for further information for birthday treat suggestions.
CLASSROOM SNACKS:
Toddler Program:
Miss Nicole will have a snack calendar and will provide a list of safe snacks for toddlers. She will provide further information at the Parent Orientation meeting.
Early Childhood and Kindergarten Programs:
Mrs. Hill and Ms. Judy’s classroom will receive a snack calendar indicating the child’s day for snack. Snack must be an individually prepackaged snack, for example, granola bars, pretzels, and/or graham crackers. NO INDIVIDUAL HOMEMADE OR HOME PACKAGED SNACKS.
Mrs. Sarnecki’s classroom will receive a snack calendar indicating the child’s day for snack specifying when each student is responsible for snack. Suggestions for nutritious snacks will be included with the first emailed snack calendar.
Mrs. Gulotta’s students will need to bring their own healthy snack each day (no fruit cups, pudding cups, yogurt cups or tubes, or applesauce cups or pouches).
Kindergarten and after school early childhood students who stay will need an additional afternoon snack.
Elementary Programs:
Ms. Farva’s, Ms. Espinoza’s, Mrs. Kusiak’s, and Mr. Stan’s students will need to bring their own fruit or vegetable snacks each day (no fruit cups, pudding cups, yogurt cups or tubes, or applesauce cups or pouches).
CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE SCHOOL: All notes, payments, messages, and other correspondence for the MCS school office are to be hand delivered at arrival and/or dismissal. The office staff will channel information to the appropriate person.
Students who need to bring cell phones to contact parents after school must give their cell phone to their lead teacher at arrival. These students must remember to ask for their cell phone at the of the school day.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE CLASSROOMS: During classroom hours, the staff’s primary responsibility is the children. Instructional time and observational time are valuable. The use of electronic communication devices is not permitted during class time or scheduled work hours unless authorized by the administration.
DISCIPLINE: Students are expected to show respect for themselves, each other, the environment and each adult with whom they associate within the school, during school activities or programs, and at school sponsored events/activities. We strongly encourage parents or guardians to address inappropriate behavior at school events.
Students are encouraged to discuss mutual problems. In the event an intervention is needed, a staff member will intervene in a firm, positive manner. Procedures include talking to the student, removing the student from the situation, re-directing the student to another activity, allowing the student to “take a break”, and conferring with the parent/guardian. MCS staff will deal with inappropriate behavior within the school. The parent/guardian will be contacted if inappropriate behavior continues, or if behavior is detrimental to other students or to the functioning of the classroom environment. Continued inappropriate behavior may lead to suspension and possible dismissal. Corporal punishment is prohibited.
Unacceptable student behaviors on school property, or at school sponsored events may result in immediate suspension. Unacceptable behavior may include, but not be limited to: arson, threatening or causing bodily harm to self or others, cheating, fighting, harassment, bullying, illegal activities, inappropriate behavior, obscenity, possessing disruptive items, profanity, sexual misconduct, theft, use of illegal drugs, and vandalism. A professional evaluation before returning to school may be required. All information regarding a student’s behavior and subsequent processing is strictly confidential.
The school is concerned with the welfare and the appropriate placement of all students. Parents/guardians may request a conference with the staff and administration regarding the needs of the student.
DISMISSAL: MCS strives to offer quality programs for its students. In the event that your child’s lead teacher does not believe that the program meets your child’s needs, your lead teacher will confer with you regarding placement.
If dismissal of a child is recommended by a lead teacher, the parent is only responsible for tuition and fees used during the enrollment period.
DRESS CODE: Students should dress appropriately and comfortably to suit the weather. Washable clothes which are easily manipulated are strongly recommended. Students who are enrolled in the after school, kindergarten, and elementary programs should be prepared for outside activities.
In an effort to maintain good air circulation, classrooms may have a window open and an iWave purifying device with fan operating during the school day. The rooms may be cool, and you may want to have a sweater/sweatshirt at school for your child.
Slippers, open toe sandals/shoes, crocs, and footwear with heels over one inch are not permitted. Only shoes with backs may be worn at school.
Head, neck, and wrist accessories, as well as moveable sequined apparel can be distracting to your child and often other children want to touch them. PLEASE take these facts into consideration when encouraging your child to make appropriate choices.
All outer garments should be labeled with your child’s first name and last initial.
Snow boots (any type of boots worn outside on a snowy day) and snow pants may be needed for outdoor activities during the winter. Your child may not wear snow boots during the school day. Students will need to bring a pair of indoor shoes on days they wear snow boots.
The staff and/or administration reserve the right to use its discretion in determining the type of clothing appropriate for the school setting.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING: In case of severe weather conditions, parents should rely on their own judgment as to whether to transport their child to school. Classes will be canceled as little as possible. We realize that an emergency school closing can be extremely inconvenient, especially if both parents work. We will make every attempt to give you as much advance notice as possible. Please remember that if classes must be canceled, we do so only for the safety and well-being of the students and the staff. If it becomes necessary to close the school due to severe weather conditions, information regarding school closing will be posted on the MCS website and an email communication will be sent.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS: Various after school activities for students enrolled in the after school, kindergarten, and/or elementary programs may be offered during the school year. Information regarding these programs will be distributed to the students. The student’s parents/guardians are responsible for any additional fees for these activities.
FIELD TRIPS: Each school year the lead teachers (either individually or in combination) may take the students on field trips. Special permission from the parents of each student is required (FIELD TRIP RELEASE FORM or special release form). School is not in session for students not attending field trips. There is usually a fee charged for admission and/or rental of buses. The activity fee covers transportation and/or admission costs for elementary students.
FINANCIAL AID: Minimal funds are available to assist families with economic hardships to enable their child to continue in our Montessori program. Please contact the school office for additional information and an application. All information is confidential.
HEAD LICE: Although not considered a health hazard, a child with lice and/or nits (unhatched egg casings) will be sent home to receive treatment. Before your child returns to school, carefully inspect your child’s scalp to ensure that no evidence of living insects or nits are present.
HEALTH AND ILLNESS:
When your child is ill, contact the office and leave a message for your child’s lead teacher.
All skin infections, cuts, and/or scrapes should be covered by a clean, dry bandage until healed. Any child with uncovered open or draining wounds will be removed from the classroom and a parent/guardian will be called to care for the wound. This is a precaution for the safety of the child and the other children in the classroom.
Sometimes factors unrelated to a child’s illness influence the decision on whether or not to send a child to school. The parent’s work schedule, the car pool arrangements, the money spent, or the child’s desire to attend sometimes incline us to allow a child to attend who really should not.
If the spread of colds, flu, and other illnesses can be decreased, the total days missed will also decrease, and we will all benefit. To help decrease the spread of illness, the following policy should be adhered to in deciding whether or not to send a child to school.
RELATIVE NO-SHOW
- After initial 24 hours of uncomplicated common cold when secretion has become less runny.
- Upper respiratory infection where the cough is not severe enough to be disruptive to the child or to others.
- Injuries where ambulation can be maintained without help. Plaster casts and slings should not keep a child from attending school.
ABSOLUTE NO-SHOW
- Childhood diseases — mumps, chicken pox, strep throat, impetigo, conjunctivitis, pertussis, scarlet fever, etc. Communicable diseases should be reported to the school office immediately.
- Any fever, vomiting or diarrhea: The child should not return to school for 48 hours after problem ceases without fever reducers and/or other medications that mask the symptoms.
- Any skin rash which has not been diagnosed by a doctor. A parent/guardian will be notified when possible skin infections are detected.
IF CHILDREN COME TO SCHOOL WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE CONDITIONS, THEY MAY BE SENT HOME.
Parents/guardians are responsible for notifying the school of any emotional, behavioral, allergies, and/or medical conditions/problems that may require the administration of medicine and/or management while the child is at school. The appropriate staff will meet with you to prepare a written Individual Care Plan (ICP).
HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION:
Check with your medical provider to verify that your child is current on all immunizations. Click here for 2023 – 2024 IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS.
A Health and Immunization Form must be completed upon initial enrollment, when a toddler transfers to an early childhood program, and when a student enters the kindergarten program.
Contact the school office to update immunization information or send a new update immunization record from your child’s physician.
Those students who have not returned the completed Health and Immunization Form within 20 days of the first day of class will be suspended from class until the form is received. No reduction or credit in tuition is granted for suspensions.
Any parent/guardian that objects to their child being immunized, tested, examined and/or treated due to religious objections must submit an annual form stating the objection is made on a religious basis. Contact the MCS office for a copy of this form. MCS may remove children from school who do not have documentation of immunity in the event of communicable disease outbreak at MCS. This is required by the local and/or state department of health and/or applicable statutes and/or regulations.
LATE FEES: A late fee is automatically charged to your account each month on any payment received more than five business days after the due date.
Students picked up after dismissal will be sent to the MCS office. After two late “pickups”, parents will be charged a late fee at the after school program late fee rates.
Click here for TUITION AGREEMENT FOR BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM.
A late fee is charged for any hour (or portion thereof) beyond closing of the After School Program.
LEAD TEACHER: If you wish to speak with your child’s lead teacher, either send a note requesting that the lead teacher call you at her/his convenience or call the MCS office and leave a message for your child’s teacher. Emails to your child’s teacher may not be checked daily. IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT YOUR CHILD’S INSTRUCTOR DURING CLASS TIME, CONTACT THE MCS OFFICE. (See CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE SCHOOL and CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE CLASSROOMS.)
MEDICATION: When a student needs any medication at school, a written note (signed and dated) from the student’s parent/guardian is required with the following information:
student’s name,
name of medication,
prescription number,
dosage of medication, and
time(s) to be taken.
Click here for MCS PARENT AUTHORIZATION TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION FORM.
The medication, in the original container with the student’s name and dosage, and a copy of the above authorization form must be hand delivered to MCS at arrival or dismissal by the parent/guardian.
Medication may be administered by an administrator, student’s lead teacher, or any other staff member so designated.
You will receive a written acknowledgment when medication is administered/dispensed.
OBSERVATION: Parents are welcome to observe the classrooms. Contact your child’s lead teacher to schedule your observation. Frequent visitors to the classrooms can hinder learner outcomes.
OFFICE: The school office will be staffed from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. weekdays during the school year. The administrator may be called at home in the evenings or on weekends.
PARENT CONFERENCES: Conferences are scheduled in the fall. Your child’s lead teacher will notify you as to the specific time.
Observation-conferences begin during the first week in January for students enrolled in the toddler, early childhood, kindergarten, and first level of elementary programs. Your child’s lead teacher will notify you as to the specific date. During this time, you will have an opportunity to work with your child, observe the classroom, and meet with the lead teacher.
If you would like a conference with your child’s lead teacher at any other time, please contact the school office or your child’s lead teacher.
PARENTS’ RIGHTS: Both parents of a student enrolled at Montessori Children’s Schoolhouse have a right to participate in all school functions, confer with their child’s lead teacher, and receive school information. A student may be released to either parent. In cases of divorce or legal separation, these rights will be granted to both parents unless the school receives a copy of a court order which affects these rights.
PAYMENTS: The Board of Directors sets tuition, fees, and payment plan options each year. Any alternative payment schedule from parents must be presented, in writing, each year to the Board of Directors for approval.
If payments are not made pursuant to the agreed upon procedures, your child will be suspended from class until all due payments are received.
If payment on a student’s account is not paid in full by the end of the school year, the Board of Directors will turn the account over for collection. No student will be enrolled for a new school year unless the student’s account for the present school year is paid in full by the last business day in June.
All charges incurred by the school for non-sufficient funds will be passed on to the payer.
Payments may be made by mail or in-person via credit card (VISA or Mastercard), check, or cash.
Designate the purpose of the payment when payment is made.
MCS continues to monitor increasing expenses, and one of the growing expenses that MCS has recently seen is the transaction fees on debit/credit cards. We are kindly asking that you pay with a personal or bank check, cash, or money order when possible. If you bank online, you can set up a recurring monthly payment that will be mailed directly to MCS. If you do need to use a debit/credit card, we will continue to accept them for tuition and fee payments.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: All students who remain at school for lunch may have an outdoor recess unless it is rainy or severely cold. These students need to be dressed appropriately for the weather.
Scheduled physical activities will be held for elementary students this school year. Parents will be notified in advance as to the scheduled activity.
If any student is unable to participate in any physical activity/recess, a release from the child’s physician must be sent to the MCS office.
RELEASE AUTHORIZATION: Click here for your ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL AUTHORIZATION.
Please return this authorization prior to the start of school or on the first day of school. This authorization names the adults to whom the school may release your child. The school must be informed in writing if any changes occur in this authorization.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Students are expected to participate in the various activities that occur during the school year. These activities are designed for numerous purposes. Some enable the students to broaden their knowledge, acceptance, and appreciation of others’ culture, beliefs, and heritage. Some enable the students to become more aware of the world around them. Some encourage the development of life skills, sportsmanship, and cooperation. Some are scheduled for enjoyment in social situations.
All activities enable the classrooms to develop a community atmosphere and the students to foster respect for others. Every attempt is made to design these activities for the appropriate ages in the classroom.
SECURITY: MCS maintains a “locked door” policy. All school doors are locked during the school day, so a doorbell must be rung for assistance. The school expects all staff members to question any person that they do not recognize. Please do not be offended if you are questioned by any staff member.
We are all responsible for the security of our students and the school. It is your responsibility to notify all authorized persons of pertinent school policies and/or procedures.
- ONLY MCS STAFF MEMBERS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE EXIT CODE.
- REINFORCE with your child the school rule: ONLY STAFF MEMBERS ARE ALLOWED TO OPEN THE DOORS.
Sign in/sign out when you enter or leave MCS.
Only MCS security personnel, city, state, and federal law enforcement personnel are permitted to carry a weapon of any type within the school or at any school sponsored functions.
SPECIAL EVENTS: During the year, special events may be planned for the students and/or families. These events are planned by the committees of the Board. Parents will be made aware of any event that occurs. Please try to participate.
STUDENT RECORDS: A student file shall be maintained for each student for seven years after the student leaves the school. Information in a student file is confidential. Confidentiality of a student file shall not be viewed as being breached when the contents are viewed by staff personnel designated by an administrator or in the event emergency or medical information is needed for the student.
Parents or legal guardians may examine information in a student’s file upon written request. An administrator and/or lead teacher will be present when a student’s file is reviewed. Parents or legal guardians may place signed and dated comments in the student’s file.
A student’s records will be released to another school upon that school’s request.
A student’s records, progress reports/transcripts, and test results will be released to the student’s parent/guardian only when the student’s account is current.
STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS: Students are expected to respect each other within the school environment, which includes outside activities related to school functions. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to discuss with the student’s lead teacher any problems that the child cannot resolve.
SUSPENSION: If your account is 30 days past due and alternative written arrangements for payment have not been made, your child/children will be suspended until all outstanding payments are received.
A student may be suspended if behavior is inappropriate (see DISCIPLINE).
If the Health and Immunization Form is not returned within 20 days of the first day of class, the student will be suspended from class until the form is received.
No reduction or credit in tuition is granted for suspensions.
If a suspended student is not re-instated to the classroom within five school days after suspension, the Board of Directors shall withdraw the suspended student from school. Parents of said student will have thirty days after withdrawal to pay in full tuition used during the student’s enrollment. If payment is not made within these thirty days, the Board of Directors shall turn the account over for collection.
TOILET TRAINED: Students entering an early childhood program are expected to be toilet trained by the start of the school year.
TRANSPORTATION: Provisions for transportation to and from school are left solely to the parents.
TREASURES FROM SCHOOL: Many materials in the classroom consist of small pieces that are attractive to the students. Sometimes these small pieces “find” their way into pockets. These pieces are very important!! If you discover any items, please place them in an envelope addressed to the classroom and return them to school. Please do not reprimand your child.
WITHDRAWAL: Reduction or credit in tuition will not be granted if a student is withdrawn, unless said withdrawal is made at the specific request of the school. If withdrawal is necessitated by an economic hardship, tuition refunds, or a portion thereof, may be considered by the Board of Directors on a written request basis.
