Private school parent handbook

They want anybody to see their policies and procedures. Expectations are better set if that important information is out there in full view. Most online private school handbooks are in PDF format. It is extremely difficult to alter PDF files. They also are easy to print out if a hard copy is necessary. Handbooks serve several purposes.

They explain rules and regulations, policies and procedures. They also detail the consequences for not adhering to those policies and procedures. A handbook is written to ensure the smooth, safe running of the school and its community. The school is responsible for your child's safety while he is at school or involved with school-related activities such as sports and other school activities held off campus. One purpose a good school handbook serves is to explain policies. For example, if the school issues report cards 3 times a year, the handbook will stipulate when and how the report cards are issued.

Boarding schools list their weekend policies in their handbooks. If you want to take a weekend away from school, your parents need to communicate their permission to the school.

Your daughter cannot decide that she wants to spend the weekend in Boston without your knowing. One of the reasons schools have strict, well-enforced policies and procedures is because they take their role of surrogate parent very seriously. That's one of the things a parent pays for when he sends his child off to private school: safety and security.

Take medications, for example. Most schools will not allow students to have medications with them while at school. Another aspect which most handbooks address is conduct while at school but off campus. Let's say your daughter and some of her classmates are permitted to walk into town. Their behavior must follow the school's guidelines even though they technically are not on school grounds.

You know how teenagers bridle against restrictions and rules. Reminder Letters:. If you receive a reminder letter concerning your balance please do not be offended. We often send letters to parents to just update them on their balance especially at the beginning of the year when multiple fees are due.

If you do receive a letter and feel that the balance is not correct please just come and talk with personnel in the office as Im sure a solution can be found. We recommend to always get a receipt at time of payment and keep these receipts as verification. We have found that if you will pay according to the above required payment schedule that there are very seldom any issues.

Yearly Contract Renewal. Security Gates. At the time that your contract is signed you will be asked to give us a 5 digit code. To get into the gate enter your 5 digit number and then press the sign.

To exit, press the exit button that is located on the brick wall of the building. It is of upmost importance and security that you let each person enter his or her own pin number. M and everyone must ring the bell and be buzzed in.

Let them ring the bell for entry. Please sign your name in a legible fashion. Dad, mom, uncle, aunt is not acceptable. We do not allow any child to leave the center with anyone other than the guardians listed on their Pre-Admission form or the persons listed on that form as authorized pick ups.

If others are to pick up your child that are not already listed, the center must be notified in writing. For those listed as authorized pickups, when they pick the child up for the first time or if they have not picked the child up enough for the teacher to recognize them they will be required to show I. D to verify their identity. You must also sign your child out on the sign out sheet at the time of pick up.

No child can be released to anyone under the age of Please be respectful of parking. Drop Off. All doors are open at A. If your child arrives before 7 they will need to go to the front door of the Nursery building, which is the building on the right. No child of any age will be allowed in after 10 a. K3: By 9 a. K4 - 2nd Grd: By The different arrival times of our classes is due to the amount work each class must accomplish as they get older.

We are a learning facility and our dedication to learning requires the older children to adhere to structure and a schedule. The lesson times of the older children begin earlier in the day. Late Pickup. The center closes at P. If there is an emergency and you cannot pick your child up, please try to make arrangements to have them picked up by someone else and notify the office at the center. The late fees will be added to your account and be required to be paid at minimum along with your next tuition payment if not before.

Removing Your Child from Care. A 2 week notice in writing is required prior to withdrawal of your child from the center. If we do not receive the proper notification, the family leaving is responsible for 2 weeks tuition to account for neglect of notification. Proper notification allows us to fill the spot promptly so that a drop in funding does not occur. If you are asked to leave the center due to non-payment or due to student rules and behavior violations you will be required to pay for the above listed 2 weeks as set forth within the contract.

Our center is cleaned and sanitized on a daily basis to help control germs and bacteria. If at all possible keep your child at home if you observe any of the following symptoms: Nasal discharge that is green or yellow, complaints of ear pain, productive cough, severe sore throat, eyes that are pink, burning, itching, or producing discharge, diarrhea or vomiting in previous 24 hours, or fever.

Children exhibiting any of these symptoms will be sent home until symptoms have been absent for 24 hours. Please refer to the following guidelines as to when your child can return to school for different illnesses. Exception to the rules will be considered on a case by case basis. Please understand that we must be concerned about the health of all the children in our care and we do not want to expose them to ANY un-necessary germs. Medicines must be given directly to the teacher so that it may be properly locked up.

A DHR required medicine form must be filled out properly before the center can administer any medicine. Unlabeled medicine will not be given. We can not give any medicines without this form including but not limited to; Tylenol, Desitin Cream, all prescription meds ETC. Breakfast should be paid for daily or pre-paid.

Children on the federal food program are not charged for Breakfast or lunch. See office for details If your child is not in the lunchroom by they will not be allowed to eat because our lunchroom staff must begin preparing lunch by this time.

We serve a morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. Our smaller children especially do not understand why their friends get certain food items but there is not enough for them to have some.

No Candy or Gum will be allowed to be brought onsite by any child. If a child has candy or gum in their possession or in the mouths they will be immediately asked to spit it out or turn it over to the teacher. Small candy and gum is a choking hazard and we do not allow it to be given out on site. No Animals of any size or type are to be brought on premises by Parents for any reason.

If animals are brought, you will be asked to return them to the car immediately. We kindly ask that you do not send any kind of electronic devises such as Gameboys, ipads, cell phones etc with your child. Personal Supplies. Depending on the age of your child, you will be required to bring their own personal items. These items will be personal items that will not be shared. Release Procedures Parents must sign their child out on the computer in the hallway.

If the staff person in charge or teacher does not personally know the parent, they will be asked to show identification. At different times we have to have substitutes or schedule changes. The Montessori Classroom Dr. The Montessori approach is designed to help the child build within themselves the foundations for a lifetime of creative learning. A love of learning and confidence as an independent learner are prerequisites in a world of constant change.

The Montessori Program is based on self-directed, non-competitive activities that help the child develop self-esteem, confidence, and decision-making and problem-solving skills. The multi-age grouping promotes an atmosphere for helping and learning together.

The Montessori teacher prepares the environment and guides the children so that they may progress at their own pace. The Montessori materials will guide your child not only to read and write, but to think creatively and abstractly when faced with challenges. During work time children receive lessons with the whole class, in small groups and one on one. Children practice lessons that the teacher has given to them.

The Montessori method is implemented through the prepared environment and lesson presentations are delivered in a sequence that leads to optimum success for each individual child. If you enter the classroom during work time, please understand that it may appear very casual; however, the children are very busy working.

Emphasis of Growth. Classroom Areas The environment and atmosphere are designed to be conducive to learning and development. Montessori materials are arranged to be attractive and accessible to the children. Practical Life — This area promotes care of self and environment, as well as orderliness, fine motor coordination, and self-confidence and concentration.

Sensorial — Your child will utilize their five senses and develop skills in sequencing, color discrimination, and gradation of various sizes, shapes, and colors. Language — Your child will have an increase in vocabulary with the many enrichment activities available in the classrooms.

Reading is introduced phonetically and many exercises encourage handwriting skills. Math — The math experience begins with concrete activities in order to build a solid foundation in the basics of math. They will progress to more complex and abstract work. Geography — Children will learn about the diverse world around them.

They will make these discoveries using maps, land forms, and many other exciting avenues. Science — Studies will include the world of botany, zoology, geology, and astronomy. Art — Montessori classrooms give children the power to create through many different mediums. The children will create with paint, collages, salt dough, and other things that encourage individuality and creativity.

We always stress the beauty of the process used by the child, rather than the finished product. Children may bring objects from nature such as: rocks, shells, leaves, twigs, plants, flowers, dead insects, etc. Please do not send any toys or play items. They may also bring books, photographs, postcards, or other pictures.

The children really enjoy sharing and it builds their confidence as they gain the ability to speak in front of the group.

Guidance and Discipline — Our goal is to help the child develop self-discipline. First, we must differentiate between discipline and punishment. Punishment is short-term, brings some satisfaction to the adult, but has no long-range educational goals for the child. Discipline on the other hand, is designed to alter behavior and has as its goal long range effects through education of the child.

We want eventually for the child to display self—discipline. Our classrooms have certain rules. Physical means of handling anger or disagreement are inappropriate, and discussions of feelings are encouraged. If a child clearly understands these rules and refuses to cooperate, that is their prerogative.

However, certain consequences will follow. The teacher may first try to distract the child from the negative behavior and direct them to a productive activity. If they persist in the behavior the teacher may have them move around the room holding their hand and restricting freedom. They observe other children doing lessons and they often become interested in an activity. Once a child understands how cooperative behavior will benefit them, he can begin to move toward self-discipline.

Positive behavior is reinforced as a means of discouraging inappropriate behavior. Physical punishment is not used under any circumstances. Rest, food, or toilet training is never associated with punishment or reward. Removal from a situation and loss of privileges, are methods we use for disciplinary purposes as each situation dictate.

We use natural and logical consequences. Enough emphasis cannot be placed on the importance of consistency in discipline. Rules must be reasonable and agreed upon by the adults. A rule cannot exist one day and be unimportant the next. Adults lose credibility and the child is confused.

It is also important to follow through when a statement is made; otherwise nothing is taken seriously. It is a violation of state minimum standards to allow physical punishment on school premises. We must insist that parents refrain from physical punishment or disciplining in a manner which is inconsistent with our policies while on the school property.

If you need help in redirecting your child, please ask a staff member to assist you. The school reserves the right to refuse the enrollment of any child or to ask parents to make alternative arrangements for the care of a child enrolled if we are unable to provide the environment that the child needs, or are unable to manage their behavior. We will also ask for other arrangements if parents do not work with us in a positive manner.

We want your child to feel safe and secure here, and we want you to feel welcome at any time as long as it does not interfere with the classrooms. Parents may observe classrooms and activities on the monitors in the office at any time and they may inspect the building, premise or equipment at any time without having to secure prior approval.

Teachers coordinate special events and activities. They will be held semi-annually for the older classrooms or as the parent, teacher or Director requests. We do ask that you refrain from discussing any problems related to your child in their presence unless the teacher or Director requests it. The Director has an open-door policy and welcomes your comments and suggestions. We maintain a bulletin board in the entrance hallway, any news or changes to policy will be posted there as well as being available on our website and in the parent Handbook.

Contact the office at any time to discuss or review any concerns or questions about the policies and procedures of our school. We have a special way of celebrating Birthdays at Five Star. It is much different than a traditional American Birthday, but that is what makes it so special. This celebration is much more conducive to the classroom environment and sharing with our friends.

We appreciate your thoughtfulness in this celebration. Suspension and Expulsion In general, the school is very open to working with parents regarding behaviors and needs of a child. We require that parents work with us in a positive manner and take time to meet with us if it is requested. We will take all reasonable steps to move a child in a positive direction. A child may be expelled by the School without prior notice, if in the sole opinion of the school, it is in the best interest of the child or in the best interest of the School to expel the child.

Parent Discord — The school is a safe haven for your child. If parents are going through a custody battle or any legal proceedings they will not involve the school or allow their attorney to subpoena any staff.

If we believe that a child is in danger we will call Child Protective Services, as is required by law. The center keeps medicine on the top shelf by the entrance to the kitchen. We maintain dated records with the name of the staff person who administered the medication. Please pick up your medicine after it is no longer required. We routinely give medications at am and pm. If a different time is required please speak with someone in Administration.

All over the counter medication such as Tylenol, Dimetapp, etc. Most contain a disclaimer to consult a physician for children under 2 years old. We will not administer more than the recommended dosage on the label for children over 2 years old unless prescribed by a physician.

Inhalators and Breathing Machines — We strongly encourage parents to administer inhalators and breathing machines themselves.

However, if you need our staff to do it you must sign a complete waiver of liability and explain the procedure in detail to the administrative staff person who is to administer the treatment. Policies Regarding Sick Children — Health Check — Illness and Exclusion Criteria While we take precautions to protect your child against illnesses, most children experience a normal number of infections and illnesses throughout the year.

We follow all the state guidelines regarding sick children. If a child has a sign or symptom of illness or injury or change in behavior the teacher or assistant will call the office for health check. A child with contagious disease or an undiagnosed rash will be sent home and parents are asked to consult a physician before having the child return to school.

Please call the school to let us know of any contagious disease so we can be cautious and observant of others that may display similar symptoms. Your child should not come to school if they have a temperature, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, undiagnosed rash or contagious disease.

Please call the school to inform us that your child is ill. Fever — A child who has a fever is probably contagious and should not come to school or be medicated to lower or mask their fever.

Parents will be asked to take a child home if the child has a fever of degrees under the arm temperature. If your child becomes ill at school we will call you to pick up your child.

A child may be sent home because of any of the aforementioned symptoms or if they have symptoms that prevent the child from participating comfortably in school activities. We cannot emphasize too strongly the need for parents to inform the office in writing of any change of telephone numbers during the year. We must be able to contact someone at all times in case of an emergency. Chickenpox — all lesions are dry and crusted.

Hand, Foot and Mouth — Fever is gone and sores healed. Impetigo — at least 24 hours after the start of medication. If there is no improvement in 48 hours, the child should be reassessed by a physician. Lice and Scabies — following medical treatment and removal of all eggs. Procedures for Handling Medical Emergencies As a general rule, we will call and ask for help whenever someone is severely ill or hurt, and then contact the parent. If a child is ill or is injured, but not in imminent danger, we will get them comfortable and contact the parents or one of the emergency contacts if a parent cannot be reached.

It is very important to keep all contact numbers we have on file current. Hearing and Vision Screening Requirements The state requires that all children 4 years old and over have hearing and vision screening annually. Safety and Security Safety is a responsibility that we take very seriously. Please, always accompany your child inside their classroom unless a staff member is available and offers to do so.

If the class is outside, do not leave your child unattended in the classroom. Take them outside to their teacher. The staff requires proper identification from any unfamiliar persons authorized to pick up a child. Written notification is required for the addition of authorized persons. If there is a last-minute change, you may call and you will be asked your family code word so that we can identify you. We will not release a child to anyone who appears to be impaired by alcohol or any other substance.

We have an access control system for entry into the center. We have electronically monitored fire alarm and security systems. The playground is completely fenced in and has two exits. Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures are done in accordance with State requirements, we have monthly fire drills and lock down drills. While this may be inconvenient and unsettling for some children, it is crucial for the safety of the children that they learn proper emergency evacuation procedures.

Evacuation plans are posted in each classroom. We have a severe weather radio and scanner in the office and are able to keep abreast of developing situations.