SCHOOL RULES & POLICIES

The below contains rules and policies that help our school run smooth.  Being a small, independent Montessori Preschool, the organization of the schedule and attention each child receives is vital to their experience.  I keep this foremost in mind when implementing the below rules and policies. Please take a few minutes of your time to thoroughly read the below and feel free to reference this page throughout the year.  As always, if you have questions, feel free to contact me anytime!

CONTACT

---

School has begun!

​Welcome!  Thank you for choosing our Montessori Preschool to be a part of your child's growth!  We're excited for the upcoming year!  The staff has been working very hard to prepare for a totally fabulous school year. Below is a quick reference policy guideline to help things run smooth.  As always, feel free to contact us via email with any and all questions.

---

Contact Information

901-384-0912 is the Urgent Line.  Please call this number for urgent matters . It is the number to reach both buildings and the aftercare program in the Lagniappe Building.  Please don't call during naptime if you can help it. (1:00pm-2:00pm).                                             
The best way to contact Olivia is by email at GoMemphisChildren@Gmail.com 

---

Facebook

​We will be posting photos and videos weekly! Please like and follow Olivia's Montessori Facebook Page to stay up to date on all posts!

---

How we beat the Heat!

​Welcome to a HOT beginning of the school year. You might be wondering what we will do to beat the heat. If the temp is over 100, we stay inside. The staff brings lots of cold water and a large spray bottle on the playground. We mist the children as needed. We have ordered a big yard sprinkler for outdoor fun.

---

Constant Contact

Please remember that I’m only a click away every day. Do you have an idea, suggestion, thought? Do you have a concern, a compliment, or a question? As a small school, I don’t have the luxury of an office assistant or desk secretary but you do have access to me. One click away, here I am at  GoMemphisChildren@Gmail.com
FYI: If you will be kind enough to make an appointment with me it would help me to be 100% efficient. Carpool is the worst possible time to try to chat. Thank you! I appreciate your consideration!!!!

---

What to expect for new students

NEW STUDENTS WILL LEARN THIS FIRST
New children begin by learning these skills:

• How to line up

1. Follows the person in front of him/her
2. Remains in line
3. Doesn’t touch the body of the person in front of him/her

• Rug Rules

1. Can walk AROUND the work area rug rather than on it
2. Can roll and store rug

• Bathroom Rules

1. Can differentiate between the hot (red) and cold (blue) taps
2. Flushes the potty
3. Can wipe own bottom
4. Remembers that one child goes into the bathroom at a time
5. Knows that an open door means that the bathroom is unoccupied
6. Knows that a closed door means that the bathroom is occupied
7. Can wash hands thoroughly
8. Uses pump on liquid soap
9. Leaves the bathroom “beautiful” for the next person
10. Is fully potty trained

• Doors

1. Child can open the door to the Lagniappe
2. Child can open the door to the Lagniappe bathroom
3. Child can open the door to the classroom
4. Child can open the door the classroom bathroom

• Carry a chair

1. Child can carry a chair the safe and correct way
2. Child does not bump chair into walls, classroom materials or other children
3. Child remembers to push chair in quietly when finished using it

• The way to sit at line time

1. Child can sit cross-legged during group time (that way they do not trip other children)
2. Child sits BEHIND the red line so that no one’s view is obstructed
3. Child is quiet, doesn’t chat with friends, during group time
4. Child does not talk out (this is the only time of day they are required to be quiet)
5. Child participates at line time

• Lunch

1. Can locate their name and lunch bag
2. Can locate plates, napkins, spoons, cups
3. Is able to open lunch containers
4. Puts all lunch on plate and trash in trash can BEFORE eating
5. Sits with feet in front
6. Uses quiet voice
7. Eats rather than plays during lunch
8. Remains seated during lunch
9. Cleans area after eating

• Scissors

1. Knows how to safely carry scissors

• Work Materials

1. Takes one work material at a time
2. Puts each work item away when through
3. Remembers that food goes in your mouth but not the work materials
4. Completes work material before putting it away

• Cubby

1. Child can locate their cubby
2. Child puts work in their storage space

• Social Skills

1. Child is respectful of teachers (accepts verbal direction, doesn’t interrupt or talk over)
2. Child is respectful of peers
3. Child interacts positively with other children

• Trustworthy

1. Exhibits signs of trustworthiness

---

What to expect after school at first...

​Usually the children are VERY tired when they return to school or they are new students. Their brains are stimulated all day long. We don’t pressure the children at school but they become tired for the first few days. Please give them a couple of weeks and they will adjust. Until then they will need our patience as they adjust or readjust to the daily schedule. If your kindergarten child is still tired after a couple of weeks pass, please be sure to send me an e-mail and let me know.

---

What to bring

1. Bring your child!
2. Bring a lunch bag that has your child’s name on it and fill it with 2-3 healthy choices of food. I would really prefer for the children to find their very own cup and then fill it at the water fountain but if you absolutely must send a juice box it’s OK.
3. If you are in the aftercare program (3:00-6:00) please send a non-perishable snack for a/c. Does not need to be refrigerated. 

---

What children DO NOT bring to school

​Please leave PULL UPS, toys, pacifiers, computer games, security blankets, stuffed animals, backpacks, gum, candy and excessive jewelry, etc. at home. Your child is old enough to wear jewelry when they keep it out of their mouth and on their body. (It takes time away from teaching to play “look for the lost jewelry”)
Thank you so much for your support.

---

Before School Care 7:30am

7:30 AM is the Arrival time! Please pull your vehicle up to the Lagniappe Building. Children say goodbye to their parent at the door and then they step into the building to put their own lunch away. Building independence is a big part of the Montessori Curriculum.
No one is allowed admittance prior to 7:30 a.m.. The staff often arrives prior to 7:30 a.m. so that we can prepare ourselves for our teaching day.  We are not ready to accept students until 7:30 a.m. sharp.
​
Children enjoy working with manipulatives, reading books, drawing pictures and things of that nature during before care.

---

School Time! 8:15am Arrival

When children arrive at school, parents please pull up to the ramp. Miss Franklin will greet you, hand out notes, accept notes and assist your child from their car seat as they enter the school.  Please review this process with your child.  If your child is crying and not able to get out of the car then you will be expected to drive around and re-enter the carpool.  If your child continues to cry then you may ask a teaching guide to assist you with your child or you may take your child home and try again the next day.
 
Children are expected to exit from the right rear.  These rules apply to anyone that drops your child off at school, including relatives and babysitters. We will make an exception if you have a baby on the right rear. 

---

Please Arrive on Time!

All students must arrive on time at 8:15 a.m. daily.  Students are not admitted to school prior to 8:15 a.m.unless they are enrolled in the before care program OR, THIS IS NEW, IF THE STAFF FEELS THAT TRAFFIC IS TOO CONGESTED WE MIGHT GREET EARLIER. This is not a paid service, please do not rely on this. Students are not admitted to school past 8:30 unless advance arrangements have been made or there was a catastrophic event that prevented you from arriving on time. In this event, it is your responsibility to inform the teaching guide.

---

School Lunch Procedure

Lunch:  Lunches are sent in a lunch box every day but Friday.

• Please be sure to add an ice pack for foods that need to be kept cool.
• Please send food in containers that your child can open.
• Please do not send napkins. We want your child to learn a routine.
• Please do not send utensils. We want your child to learn a routine.
• Please do not send medication in your child’s lunch box. It is illegal.

Because of time constraints microwave lunches are prohibited. At school we are all dedicated to the importance of healthy eating.  Please do not send the following items in your child’s lunch; lunchables, pirate booty, veggie straws, candy, potato chips, pudding, jello, ice cream, iced cookies or any other high salt or sugar content, highly processed foods.  We do enjoy treats during holiday celebrations.

---

Nap Time

​Children nap daily from 1:00-2:00pm in the Lagniappe Building. We provide thick covered mats but we ask you to send a fitted crib sheet. Kindergarten children usually don’t nap. If they are tired they are allowed to nap.

---

Sheet Duty

​If your child naps please help keep their sheets clean. You will be asked to wash the sheets a few times in the school year (2-3). A staff member will hand you the weekly laundry on Friday at the car pool if it is your turn. We would like for you to have the items returned to us on the following Monday morning when your child arrives. If your child is absent please send the wash back by 8:15 a.m. on Monday or you can leave the items on the doorstep at OMP. THANK YOU!

---

2:45 p.m. DEPARTURE 

​When you arrive to pick up your child at 2:45 p.m.please note that traffic stops at the double white line.  Parents remain in their vehicle (prior to 2:45 p.m.). At 2:45 p.m. the first four parents get out and walk to the South Room door or the green tape on the deck.  This process continues 4 cars at a time until all children are picked up. This is a high stress period for the staff as we try to serve the parents who have to get to their next location. Sometimes they are rushing to pick up their other children. Please show all consideration by working with us to have a safe and efficient daily dismissal.

---

Late Pick Up Fees

​Children are dismissed at 2:45. Your child is ready to go. If your child hasn’t been picked up by 3:00 there will be a $5 per minute late fee.
 
There is no roll-over into aftercare. Aftercare arrangements are made in advance. If your child is not picked up there will be a $5 a minute late fee, not an aftercare fee.
 
If you would like to REGISTER your child for a drop in aftercare day, please make prior arrangements.
 
Payment is due prior to service.
The rate is $15 per afternoon when payment is received prior to service.
The rate is $20 per afternoon when payment is received after service.

---

After-care Dismissal

Thank you in advance for following this outline!
If the children are on the small playground near the circular driveway please pull up to the gate, get out of your vehicle, and come get your child. Mrs. Johnson will dismiss your child out of the gate to you.
 
When the children are playing in the Lagniappe building please pull around in front of the Lagniappe Bldg. so that Mrs. Johnson can see your license plate. PLEASE WAIT.  Your child needs your patience as they put away their play materials. Children often have a difficult time putting their materials away when a parent is standing in sight. Please allow Mrs. Johnson enough time to have your child put their play materials away before they step out of the building to you.

When a parent arrives, it is time for the child to go home.
THIS IS A TERRIBLE TIME TO ASK how was your child's day.
Please don't do it.

• It takes the teacher's attention away from the other children.
• It is unprofessional for us to discuss a child in their presence.
• It is embarrassing and often uncomfortable to be discussed publicly.

---

Please, not in front of the children....

​When you have a need to contact the teaching staff please send an e-mail. A child is NEVER discussed in their presence.  At the end of the day the staff will refrain from discussing any conflict or problem with you in front of the children.  Please contact Olivia if you have any questions or concerns. 

---

Daily Communication

​School is an extension of the child’s home environment. Please notify us if there is a significant change in the child’s home environment.  If you have a concern that needs to be addressed e-mail is the best method of communication for the teaching staff.  Meeting times with the directress are available with an appointment.  Communication is very important!  If something is bothering you it is your responsibility to make your concern known to the directress.  It is the intent of OMP to handle any conflict in a professional and peaceful manner.  I welcome the opportunity to address or offer clarification in regard to your concerns.

---

HEALTH / MEDICAL / EMERGENCY

• If your child has had fever, diarrhea or vomiting within the previous twelve hours, the child is to remain at home.  The school cannot and will not allow sick children to be brought into the classroom.
• If your child is too sick to play on the playground, please keep them at home until they feel well enough to participate in school activities.
• The Dept. of Health mandate prohibits any unnecessary contact with fecal matter. Children are expected to be fully potty trained. If your child has a fecal accident you will be called to come and change your child in your vehicle or you may bring them home to change them. Please be prepared by bringing a change mat or towel, wet wipes and a bag for soiled clothes.
• In case of a severe medical emergency 911 medical assistance will be summoned immediately.  Every effort will be made to reach you.  Parents will be expected to assume charges for medical services.
• Medication must be pre-measured. It is the law.
• Do not send medicine in your child’s lunch bag.​
• A medication form must be filled out if it is necessary for your child to take medication during school hours.  The teaching guide will have this form for you or you can access the form by clicking here.

---

Daily Schedule 

School Schedule:  The daily classroom schedule is as follows:

• 8:15             All students arrive for the day
• 8:30             Group/Line Time.  Includes problem solving, sign language, singing, plays, puppet shows, games and group lessons.
• 8:45             Class Time
• 10:30           Outdoor Play
• 11:30            Lunch Story Time
• 12:45           Students prepare for nap
• 1:00             Kindergarten students work on class projects.
• 2:00             Napping children wake
• 2:15             Kindergarten children tidy up
• 2:30             Group Singing or drumming
• 2:45             Children are dismissed
• 3:00-6:00     After school care

---

School Closings

​In the event of a school closing (ice storm, snow, etc), you are expected to make arrangements to pick your child up from school.  OMP follows the schedule for Shelby County Schools.  You WILL NOT hear announcements that specify Olivia’s Montessori Preschool. The announcements are usually made by 6:30 a.m.

---

Birthday Celebrations!

We celebrate a child’s birthday at school by taking an imaginary journey around the sun, (represented by a long yellow candle) one time for each year that the children have been on earth. The child holds a globe and walks around in an elliptical pattern as the teaching guide reads the information that you have supplied.  After the child completes his/her journey they blow out the candle and are sung to. The children are also invited to bring homemade cookies.  The birthday child makes and keeps a special birthday necklace.
We will send home a birthday book celebration reminder near your child’s birthday.
If you plan to have a birthday party for your child you may distribute birthday invitations at school ONLY if all the children are invited.

---

Clothing

Please help your child grow toward independence by providing your child with clothing that can be mastered.

• Tennis shoes or closed toed shoes act as a playground pass because they offer great support for active children. Please don’t send the children to school in boots, Jellies, hard soled shoes or sandals.  
• Overalls and belts can be torturous for children who need to use the bathroom.  A child is ready to wear these items when they are able to unfasten them without assistance.
• Children are ready for jewelry when they can keep it out of their mouth.
• While we do our best to return clothing, we need your help.  Please label your child’s jackets, sweaters and other removable articles of clothing.
• During seasonal changes, please make sure your child has appropriate change of clothing at school.

        RATIONALE FOR THE RULES

Here at OMP, it sometimes seems like I have a LOT of rules, and some of them might appear picky or extreme. These rules were put in place to respond to real-life situations or problems.  I didn't just make them up!
 
The rules I have are the result of 28 years of experience and are designed to create a fair, safe and pleasant environment for everyone.
 
Please remember that the school cannot have a separate set of rules per family. For example, If you wish to break the rule and drop your child off 5-10 minutes before the school opens I would be obligated to allow ALL of the parent body the same privilege. The rules are set to help me create a fair, safe and pleasant environment for everyone.
 
As always, a big THANK YOU  to everybody for understanding and for helping make OMP great.
 
-   Head of School, Olivia Flasdick