Parent Handbook - Crystal Lake Montessori School

Crystal Lake
Montessori School
Parent Handbook
Location
3013 S. Country Club Road
Woodstock, Illinois 60098
Telephone Number
School: (815) 338-0013
Web Site
www.clms.org
E-mail: clms13@clms.org
Accredited by the American Montessori Society
Recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education
Licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services
An International Peace Site
National Wildlife Habitat
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CLMS HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Statement of Purpose and Goals
The Montessori Philosophy
Peace Site
Statement of Services
Enrollment Policy
Enrollment and Admission Procedure
Discharge Policy
Special Needs Policy
Tuition Payment
Arrival Procedures
Dismissal Procedures
Snow Days
Illness Policy
Car Pools
What to Wear to School
Backpacks
Toys from Home
Gum, Candy and Party Invitations
Nutrition
Adjustment to School
About Giving Support
Discipline
Field Trips (Off Campus Experiences)
Holiday Celebrations
Parent-School Communications
Standardized Testing
Student Records
Financial Requirements for Graduation & Transfer of Records
Visitation and Observation
Parent-Teacher Lending Library
Community Service Program
Concealed Carry and Prohibited Weapons Policy
CLMS Parents Group
Helpful Hints on Applying Montessori Principles at Home
Suggested Reading
Parking Lot Procedures
CLMS Arrival & Dismissal Chart
Verification Receipt of CLMS Parent Handbook
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CRYSTAL LAKE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
PARENT HANDBOOK
Welcome to the Crystal Lake Montessori School. We are so glad that you have chosen to be a
part of our community. This handbook has been written and provided to help you know and
understand our policies and procedures which have been written to ensure health, happiness,
and safety for everyone.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND GOALS: The primary purpose of the Crystal Lake Montessori School
is to provide a peaceful, respectful, enriched educational environment where children are helped
to develop themselves emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually towards reaching their
full potential as happy, successful, respectful, contributing individuals. In support of this primary
purpose, we also strive to give encouragement and opportunities to improve skills to parents
and educators through daily positive support of each other, parenting classes, professional inservice programs and workshops. We will also strive to reach out to the community at large
through an open door observation policy and sharing of the Montessori philosophy and methods
with fellow educators and interested parents.
THE MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY: This system of education is both a philosophy of child growth and
a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on the child’s developmental needs for freedom
within limits. In a carefully prepared environment, which guarantees exposure to materials and
experiences, the child develops intelligence, respect and a caring spirit as well as physical and
social skills. It is designed to take full advantage of the self-motivation and unique ability of
children to develop their own capabilities. Premises of Montessori education are:
 Children are to be respected as different from adults, and as individuals who
differ from each other. Respect is a corner stone of the Montessori
philosophy. It is developed and nurtured within the whole community. The
goal is mutual respect for all.
 The child possesses unusual sensitivity and mental powers for absorbing and
learning from his or her environment that are unlike those of the adult both
in quality and capacity.
 The child has a deep love and need for purposeful activity. He or she acts,
however, not as an adult for profit and completion of a job, but for the sake
of the activity itself. It is this activity which accomplishes the child’s most
important goal: the development of self --- psychologically, socially,
physically and mentally.
PEACE SITE: In 1995, the Crystal Lake Montessori School became an International Peace Site,
which means we support, nurture and teach peacemaking, problem solving and conflict
resolution. We maintain a Peace library, mentor other schools to become International Peace
sites and with a global perspective, encourage respect, helpfulness and harmony for a Peaceful
Healthy World.
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STATEMENT OF SERVICES: We offer programs for children birth through Middle School (age
14). Parent/Infant-Child classes (birth—2 year old children) meet once a week for one and onehalf hours a week; Infant/Toddler Full Day ( 12 weeks-3 year old children) meets three or five
full days a week;Toddlers (2-3 year old children) meet for three hours twice, three or five days a
week; Early Childhood (3-6 year old children) meet for either three hours a day in the morning
or the afternoon or a full day from 8:15 to 3:15 five days a week. The Kindergarten student may
also enroll in the Kindergarten Extension Program, which is an additional four hours a day, three
or five days a week. Our Elementary (6-9 years old & 9-12 years old) and Middle School (12-14
years old) classes meet from 8:30 to 3:30 daily. We also offer a small before and/or after school
program and various enrichment and summer classes.
ENROLLMENT POLICY: Our school welcomes children of all races, nationalities and creeds. We will
aim at a balance of ages and sexes in each class. Preference will be given to children being reenrolled, siblings, children transferring from other Montessori schools, and those continuing on
into the Elementary Program. Children enrolling in the Early Childhood (ages 3-6) classes
need have toileting skills.
To reserve a space in the Elementary Program, parents need to purchase a $1000
Bond. The bond is refundable if the School is notified in writing between January 15 and May 1
of the school year prior to the school year your child will not be returning. If notification is
received during this time, the bond is refunded in the fall following the school year the child
leaves the school. The bond will be forfeited if the student withdraws during any school
year unless the full year’s tuition contract obligations are fulfilled. CLMS reserves the
right to deduct any unpaid or unsatisfied amounts owed by the parents/legal guardians/parties
responsible for school tuition amounts to CLMS from the Elementary Bond prior to refunding any
amount. If your child is a graduate of CLMS Middle School program, you may request refund of
the bond, in writing, no later than one year after your child’s graduation date. This bond plays a
vital role in supporting the needs of our Elementary Program and is a way of designating which
students will be attending the Elementary Program. A bond may be purchased at any time to
reserve a place in future year groups. We will be limiting the number of definite places in a
single year group, on a first come basis. Please note that the number of children in a
single year group in the Early Childhood Program is considerably larger than the
number of first grade students, so the Elementary Program is NOT set up to automatically
accommodate all the children who attend the Early Childhood 3-6 Program.
Enrollment in the Middle School (7th and 8th grades) is also limited to a specific number in each
year group. Due to the curriculum being set up on a two-year cycle, we require a two- year
commitment for both 7th and 8th grades. Paying a $1000 deposit towards each year’s
tuition will reserve space in each year group.
ENROLLMENT AND ADMISSION PROCEDURE:
Arrange an appointment to observe the school in session.
Complete and return the Tuition Agreement with the enrollment fee, materials
fee, activity fee and enrollment deposit which is 10% of the annual tuition. Fees
and the 10% tuition deposit are nonrefundable after May 1 of the year
in which you are enrolling your child. The purpose of this policy is to insure
that we are notified by May 1 of any opening that will be available for the
upcoming year.
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Complete and return the following forms for your child’s file:
1.
Identification and Emergency Information Card
2.
Physician’s Report
3.
Child’s History Questionnaire
4.
Permission Form
5.
Tuition Agreement
Arrange for your child’s orientation during which each individual child is given an
orientation to the school facility, staff and activities for Toddler and Early
Childhood parents.
Attend the parent orientation during which the school policies and procedures
are explained. Sign the enclosed Verification Receipt that states you have read
and understand the information put forth in this handbook. This signed form will
be placed in your child’s file. This handbook is the governing document for CLMS
policies.
New families interested in enrolling Elementary students must also:
Schedule an observation and interview with the school administration.
Have your student visit for three to five days at the Crystal Lake Montessori
School.
Send Student Transfer Questionnaire to your child’s current teacher.
Complete the Crystal Lake Montessori School enrollment form and submit it
along with a $1,000 elementary bond payment ($500 bond payment if on
elementary wait list).
After the student’s visit and receipt of the Student Transfer Questionnaire, the Educational
Planning Team will meet to decide if the student meets the Crystal Lake Montessori School
criteria and has a strong chance of being successful in our program. The Educational
Planning Team is made up of the administrator and representatives from classrooms that
might potentially serve the student.
DISCHARGE POLICY: Occasionally a child does not make a satisfactory adjustment or
develops a need that we cannot adequately serve. Occasionally a parent does not
show the supportive, cooperative attitude, which we need. In such cases the school
reserves the right at anytime, to ask that the student be withdrawn either in his/her own
interest, in the interest of the class or the school. If a child is withdrawn under these
circumstances, any tuition prepaid will be refunded.
SPECIAL NEEDS POLICY: If your child has special needs, the school must be informed. A written
explanation of special needs must be provided by the parent or guardian at the time of
enrollment. If the school staff feels a child has special needs or would like professional
evaluation of a child for the purpose of determining his or her specific needs, the parents need
to give full cooperation and support in securing the help necessary to meet their
child’s needs in order for the child to continue in our program.
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Tuition Agreement: Completing and signing the Tuition Agreement represents your
understanding that your child will be enrolled and admitted for the entire academic term. Your
agreement to pay tuition as stated in the contract is binding and represents an obligation to pay
tuition in full.
We offer two payment options:
By the year (preferred method)
In monthly installments through the SMART Tuition Management Service
A 10% tuition deposit is prepaid with enrollment. If you wish to pay the remaining tuition in one
lump sum, which we greatly appreciate, payment is due by September 1st. Please make checks
out directly to CLMS.
If paying by monthly installments for the School Year you must complete the SMART enrollment
on line at www.enrollwithsmart.com by May 1 to enroll in the 12 month payment schedule ( June
– May) or by August 1 to enroll in the 8 month payment schedule (September-April). Monthly
payments will be made according to your choice of payment method with SMART. There is a
small annual bookkeeping fee per family charged by the SMART Tuition Management Service. If
you have any tuition questions please call our Business Manager.
Refund Policy: Written Notification of withdrawal is required. Fees and 10% tuition deposit are
nonrefundable after May 1 of the year in which you are enrolling your child.
Tuition is considered “Prepaid” when payment for tuition is made in advance of a school year.
Such payments are usually made through the SMART Tuition program or at school. Refund
requests for tuition prepayments for properly withdrawn students prior to May 1 will be honored.
Refund requests for tuition prepayments after May 1 will not be honored.
Students withdrawing during any school year are not entitled to any refunds of tuition,
enrollment deposits, elementary bonds or fees and remain liable for the remaining contracted
tuition balance.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES: Drop-Off and Pick-Up will take place at the double doors by the gym
entrance (see diagram on page 13). These doors will only be unlocked and staffed during posted
times. All walk-ins and late arrivals: always use the front doors (by the offices). This is
an important safety issue.
ON TIME PLEASE!!! NOT EARLY AND NOT LATE!!! The teachers need the time before and
after each session to prepare the school environment for the maximum benefit of your child.
The doors will be unlocked and staffed at 8:15—8:45 A.M. and 12:30—12:45 P.M. for
arrival and at 11:00 –11:15 A.M. and 3:15—3:45 P.M. For dismissal, Please refer to the
chart on page 13 for each program’s specific arrival and dismissal information. A child’s
entire day may be affected by late arrival, giving a sense of discomfort entering the class while
group or individual activities are already underway, followed by a feeling of trying to catch up all
day long. Please try to avoid placing your child in this situation by allowing plenty of time for a
timely arrival.
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UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THE SCHOOL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR A
CHILD THAT HAS NOT BEEN WALKED INTO THE BUILDING BY AN ADULT OR GREETED
AT THE DROP-OFF POINT upon his or her arrival.
Due to limited parking, we encourage you to use the circular route to unload and pick up
children. With cooperation, the cars using this route should flow smoothly around to the
designated point. If you arrive early, please pull into a parking place. You may not park or stand
in the circular drive. This backs up traffic and does not allow cars to enter and exit the school. If
you cannot turn into the lot due to traffic, please pull past the drive and wait on McConnell Road
or Robin Hill Road for a few minutes. NEVER BACK UP TRAFFIC ON COUNTRY CLUB ROAD.
It is too busy, and someone might become impatient and try to pass causing a serious accident.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES: Please be on time!!! It is very stressful to a child to be unexpectedly
left at school as the other children leave for home. If you are unable to pick up your child on
time, please call us so that we can explain to your child why you are delayed. You may make
arrangements to have your child attend afterschool for the day.
For many reasons, a child might not be ready to leave the school when it is your turn in the car
pool line. When asked, please drive around again or park and come into the school.
No child will be released to a person not authorized by a parent to pick the child up. The
authorized person must be identified in a written note or on the emergency card. You MUST
HAVE AN ASSIGNED DISMISSAL NUMBER CLEARLY ON DISPLAY in order to pick up
children for the circle route.
Please do not use Cell phones in the parking lot unless you are parked in a parking space.
It is illegal and very dangerous.
SNOW DAYS: If weather conditions necessitate school closure, you will receive a call from CLMS
through the SchoolReach calling service. It will also be announced on 105.5 FM, WGN; WLS;
WBBM, AM 780; 94.7 FM and B96 FM on your radio or NBC; WGN; FOX; and CLTV on your
TV. You may call 847-238-1234 or go to www.clms.org and click on “Emergency Closing
Center.” Even when we do not call a snow day, you should use your best judgment regarding
the safety of the roads you travel.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME IF HE/SHE HAS:
 diarrhea (not related to teething and/or allergies) or vomiting within the last 24 hours
 a cold that is less than three days old
 a heavy nasal discharge
 a fever or has had one during the previous 24-hour period
 a constant cough
 a fussy, cranky, generally not him/herself behavior pattern, symptoms of possible
communicable diseases (these are usually sniffles, reddened eyes, sore throat, headache
and abdominal pain, plus a fever). Please notify the school at once if your child does
have a communicable disease.
 Becomes overly tired. Rest at such times may prevent the development of serious illness.
A brief health inspection is given upon each child’s arrival. If at that time or if at any time during
the session any of the above symptoms are noted, the child will be isolated and parents
requested to take him/her home. Please notify the school if your child will be absent, or if
anything out of the ordinary is happening at home which may have an effect on your child’s
behavior such as a grandmother visiting, illness of a parent, or an upcoming move or trip.
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Check your car for safety. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS USE SEAT BELTS and LOCK
DOORS. Drive carefully. Do not hurry. Life is more precious than time.
WHAT TO WEAR TO SCHOOL: For the young children, think of your child’s comfort (and necessary
toilet use) and provide simple clothing that is free of complicated fastenings. Think of the messy
art activities, and provide washable clothing. Think of our playground and provide sturdy
clothing. Think of changeable weather and dress your child warmly. Provide sweaters and
jackets even on the first sunny fall days. It is easy to remove an unnecessary item but
impossible to put on something you do not have. For all of our students, please be sure
your child is not wearing clothing that is in disrepair, immodest, or inappropriate.
Despite current fashion trends, clothing symbolizing alcohol, tobacco products, drug
related graffiti, war or camouflage is not appropriate. Clothing that is seen as sexist,
racist, or gang-related in the opinion of the administration must not be worn at CLMS
or at related school functions. Students will be asked to remove offensive clothing or
locate suitable replacements before being allowed to enter or return to class. Please
remember CLMS is an International Peace Site; therefore please refrain from clothing
that reflects any violence, including military wear.
For playing outside while there is snow on the ground, all children (0-14 years of age) need
BOOTS, SNOW PANTS, MITTENS or GLOVES and a HEAD COVERING, besides a COAT or
JACKET. Please remember to send along a pair of shoes or slippers for him/her to wear in
school, as they are not allowed to wear the boots in the classroom. Students also need safe
shoes for use in the gym.
Please LABEL CLOTHING: put labels on all outer garments, including hats, boots and mittens.
If you do not have commercial labels, use adhesive tape. Because LOST AND FOUND gets out of
hand, we will donate unclaimed items to a worthy cause on the first day of each month.
A note to 2-3 Year Old Program Parents: If your child is not toilet-trained, please send
along a supply of diapers and wipes and a plastic bag for soiled diapers in his/her tote
bag. It is a good idea to have a complete extra set of clothing at school for your child in case of
toilet accidents, slipping in a mud puddle, and spillage during water activities, etc. Please send it
in a plastic bag in his/her tote bag each day.
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BACK PACKS: It is ESSENTIAL that each child has a tote bag or backpack that is labeled
and brought every day. Each child’s backpack will be hung with his/her coat and be a
container for mittens, hats, extra shoes, artwork, newsletters, school projects, etc. WITHOUT A
TOTE BAG OR BACKPACK, THINGS GET LOST QUICKLY!! Please check backpacks each
day for notes and on Wednesday of each week for communication folders. Be sure to
return the folders to school the next day. Again, please remember CLMS is an
International Peace Site; therefore please refrain from backpacks that reflect any
violence, including camouflage and military gear.
TOYS FROM HOME: Please see that your child’s toys are left at home or in the car. If an
item is brought to school, we cannot be responsible for it. A child is heartbroken if a
special toy is broken or disappears. It can be a constant distraction; even if it is placed in his/her
tote bag in the coatroom, the child usually worries about it and feels a need to check on it
constantly. An occasional book, record, or tape for curriculum enrichment is appreciated. If your
child has something of educational value (i.e., a souvenir from a trip to a foreign country) that
he/she would like to share, please discuss it with the teacher so arrangements can be made.
GUM, CANDY AND PARTY INVITATIONS: Please keep all food, candy and gum at home or in
your car. Even in tote bags they are big temptations and a constant concern! DO NOT send
party invitations for distribution at school and DO NOT have children leave for parties
from the school. The children who are not included may have their feelings hurt
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Please DO NOT send a special treat for birthdays. Each
class has a special way of acknowledging birthdays, and then you may celebrate at home. If
you would like to give a gift to the class in honor of your child’s birthday, like a special book or
activity from the Wish Tree, please see your child’s teachers to make arrangements.
EARLY CHILDHOOD SNACKS and FLOWERS: For the Early Childhood classes, parents are
asked to sign up to bring NON-SUGAR food preparation items as designated by the teachers to
be prepared during class time by the children. We also ask parents to sign up to bring fresh
flowers for flower arranging activities and to add touches of beauty and nature to the learning
environment.
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CLMS NUTRITION PROGRAM:
MISSION STATEMENT
Crystal Lake Montessori School is committed to nutritional health. Students will be
empowered to develop physically and intellectually by making healthy, nutritional choices.
RATIONALE
Modern brain and nutrition research demonstrate the irrefutable link between mind and
body. Healthy food taken into the body creates a healthy brain and steady energy level.
Educating our students to make good nutritional choices supports:
 Eating foods that are more effectively used by the body
 Increased mental performance, concentration, and sharpened memory
 Consistency of mood and energy level.
 The establishment of life-long, healthy eating habits
EXPECTATIONS
Your child should not bring the following food items to school:
 Beverages with added sugar (pop, Capri Sun, Hi C, Gatorade, fruit “drinks” or punch, etc.)
 Candy, cookies, cake, Jell-O, or pudding
 Fruit snacks or rollups that are not 100% fruit
 Anything with frosting, added chocolate, candy sprinkles, or refined sugar (i.e. corn syrup,
fructose).
 Food items artificially sweetened with aspartame (NutraSweet), saccharine, Splenda, etc.
A lunch containing items from all of the food groups below constitute a well-balanced
nutritional lunch recommended by CLMS:
 Protein Source -meat, fish, cheese, eggs, beans, nuts, yogurt
 Complex Carbohydrates– whole grain bread, rice, crackers, pretzels
 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
 Beverage - milk, water, 100% fruit juice
ADJUSTMENT TO SCHOOL: Parents of new toddler students are invited to join your child in
the classroom for his or her first three sessions if you feel that your child will need the
transition time. To encourage your child’s independence, please sit in the chairs provided for
you to sit in at the front of the classroom. It is fine if your child wishes to sit with you and just
watch, or return to you if he or she feels the need. Our goal is to make each child feel
comfortable and confident enough to join the class independently as soon as possible. Please
bring a book to read so you can be absorbed in your own activity, encouraging your child to
become involved in class activities.
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Tell your child exactly what you plan to do, how many days you’ll be staying, where you’ll be
sitting, etc. NEVER, under any circumstances should you “sneak out” without telling the child
you are leaving. When you do leave, it may help to emphasize when you’ll be back, and what
you will be doing after that. When you decide to go, GO QUICKLY, do not draw out the process.
That is difficult on the child, the class, the teachers, and on you. Separation is sometimes
difficult for both parent and child, this is normal. Be honest about your feelings and allow your
child to have his/her feelings. Let him or her know it is all right to feel a little sad, or scared, or
mad... and still go to school. Give special attention at home for a while. If you haven’t already
done so, set aside a special “loving time” just for this child every day, so you both can count on
it.
ABOUT GIVING SUPPORT: If you convey to your child, with or without words, that you are sure
he/she will enjoy school, you encourage him/her to feel secure, comfortable, and free to enjoy
it. When you pick your child up after school, try to avoid the question, “What did you do today?”
He or she may be enjoying this new independence and not feel like sharing yet, or she/he may
truly not remember the experience specifically enough, all at once, to relate it to you. This kind
of question puts the child on the spot, as does, “Did you have fun at school?” If part of him/her
feels guilty at this separation (or would like you to), he/she may well say “no!” even if he has
had a perfectly marvelous time! If you say instead, “It looks like you had quite a day a school!” .
. . or say nothing, it can leave things open for your child to tell you about it gradually, as he or
she remembers and wants to share with you.
DISCIPLINE:
Our school has one very basic rule and its foundation is respect: We respect
ourselves, each other and the school environment, which includes all materials, plants
and animals. This means that no child is allowed to hurt him/herself, others or anything that
belongs to someone else. We teach and nurture peace, conflict resolution skills and inner
discipline; therefore it is unusual to need further discipline. When necessary, in the Early
Childhood classrooms, a child is given a “time out” which is a “thinking time” and is proportional
to the child’s age. For example, a three-year old will sit out for three minutes. After that time,
the teacher will have a conversation with the child, making sure he or she understands the
reason for the rule, and asking the child to think of different choices he or she could make,
ending on a positive note.
In the Elementary and Middle School programs we continue to teach and nurture
peace, conflict resolution, and inner discipline. When necessary, a student will be placed on
the discipline policy plan, which includes nine steps from verbal reminder to permanent dismissal
for students that are not able to be respectful. The object of all of our discipline procedures is to
help the children learn to make good decisions, which benefit themselves as well as others.
Under no circumstances will a child be subject to corporal punishment or verbal abuse.
OFF CAMPUS STUDIES: Elementary Off Campus Studies are part of the classroom curriculum
with related learning activities prior to the trip, during the trip, and following the trip; therefore,
attendance is expected. These trips are usually taken as a group on charter buses. Off Campus
Studies for the Toddler and Early Childhood students are handled differently. Parents are
included in the Early Childhood Off- Campus Studies, providing transportation and supervision
for their children. The Off Campus Studies are much safer and more enjoyable this way. Parents
who are unable to attend must make arrangements for another parent or another adult (perhaps
a grandparent or family friend) to accompany your child. If this proves to be too big a problem,
notify the Director well in advance and arrangements will be made to help you.
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HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS: Out of respect for the children and families of different religions in our
school, we do not celebrate religions holidays. We will be celebrating Halloween with an all
school Saturday fun fair and Valentine’s Day with all class parties and/or activities.
PARENT-SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS: It is our sincere hope that all parents will read this
“Parents’ Handbook” and keep it handy for referral. Please do not hesitate to write a quick
note to ask your child’s teacher any classroom question you may have. Other thoughts,
questions, concerns, or grievances should be directed to the Administrator, Ms. Pam. When you
enroll your child in our school, we assume the responsibility of giving you assistance with special
needs in relation to your child’s school adjustment and his/her growth and development. There
will be Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled for October, January, and May. Other
conferences may be arranged upon the request of a parent or teacher at a mutually agreeable
time. A monthly newsletter will be posted on the CLMS website and sent home via your e-mail
to keep families informed of upcoming events and current happenings. Weekly communication
folders will be sent home each Wednesday. Please visit the CLMS web site for current
information: www.clms.org. We also use School Messenger to broadcast telephone messages,
e-mails and texts. CLMS has a twitter account at CLMS Montessori@CLMS3013.
STANDARDIZED TESTING: All Elementary and Middle School students take standardized tests
annually to teach each student test taking skills, offer an objective measure of each student’s
academic progress, serve as an academic record for transferring records, and to be used as a
diagnostic tool for areas of possible concern. Parents may have a copy of the results by
contacting Ms. Pam.
STUDENT RECORDS: All student records are confidential. Parents have the right to review,
comment on and release their child’s records upon request. Important note! All financial
obligations to CLMS need to be for filled and paid in full for a student to graduate and for student
records to be released.
VISITATION AND OBSERVATION: Teachers will make home visits with children that are new to the
program or level. They will call each family and set up a mutually agreeable time to visit. Each
classroom has its own observation room or window. Parents are welcome and encouraged to
observe anytime.
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PARENT-TEACHER LENDING LIBRARY: We have a Parent-Teacher Lending Library, which includes
books, audiotapes and several videos. A list of these selections is available upon request. The
Office Staff will assist you with check out procedures.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM: One of our commitments at Crystal Lake Montessori School is to
inspire and develop a sense of community between our families. Over the years, many parents
have mentioned that they would really like to be more involved at CLMS. With this in mind, we
have established a Parent Community Service Program. It is based on similar programs going on
across the nation in public and independent schools. This program provides opportunities for
parents to volunteer their time, talents and services.
Concealed Carry and Prohibited Weapons Policy
This policy applies to all CLMS employees (faculty and staff), students, families and visitors.
CLMS maintains a Weapons and Firearms-Free policy for all CLMS property. All persons
are covered by this policy (with exception to a law enforcement officers) are
prohibited:
1. From possessing, storing, carrying, or unlawfully using any weapon or firearm on CLMS
property or in any vehicle owned, leased or controlled by CLMS, even if that person has a
valid federal or state license to possess or carry a firearm.
2. From displaying, brandishing, discharging, or otherwise using any and all weapons or
firearms, including concealed weapons or firearms.
CRYSTAL LAKE MONTESSORI PARENTS GROUP: All parents of enrolled students are members of the
Parent Group. This is an active support organization that provides an enjoyable opportunity for
parents to get to know each other better as well as accomplish some very meaningful goals to
the benefit of the children, teachers and school community. Some of the activities include: fund
raising for new equipment, expanding the school library, workdays at the school, meeting with
special speakers, open-house meetings, fun fairs, culture fairs, science fairs, book fairs, picnics,
all family dances and our annual dinner/dance/auction. …. just to name a few! This organization
provides wonderful opportunities to become actively involved and help the school community.
It is also great way to make some new friends and have lots of fun! Monthly meetings are listed
on the school calendar and also in the monthly newsletter. Please come join us!
SOME HELPFUL HINTS ON APPLYING MONTESSORI PRINCIPLES FOR THE YOUNG CHILD AT HOME:
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Slow down your movements and speech as the child has a slower rhythm than an adult. Allow
your child time to do a task without hurrying.
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Cultivate the art of not helping your child whenever he or she can do a task by him or herself.
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Teach your child with real things. Take time to show the child how to handle objects with care,
and break each activity down into small precise steps.
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Read aloud to your child each day.
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When working with the alphabet, always refer to the sound the letter makes, not the name of the
letter. Learning the names of the letters first makes learning to read a much more difficult task.
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Try to use an initial capital plus lower case letters when helping your child write his or her name
(Kate).
Give your child many opportunities to choose activities and to concentrate without interruptions.
Please do not force learning activities upon your child, follow his or her interests.
Please limit “screen time” (computers, video games, T.V.) to less than 1 hour total per day.
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SUGGESTED READING:
Together with Montessori, by Cam Gordon
Montessori: A Modern Approach, by Paula Polk Lillard
Education for Human Development, by Mario Montessori, Jr.
From Childhood to Adolescence, by Maria Montessori
The Read Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease
Positive Discipline, by Jane Nelson, Ph.D.
Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World, By Stephen Glenn
PARKING LOT PROCEDURES: The Crystal Lake Montessori School uses a circular route for Drop-Off
and Pick-Up procedures. This procedure is illustrated below. With cooperation, especially the
clear display of your car pool number and care, using this route should flow quickly and
smoothly. However, if you cannot turn into the lot due to traffic, please pull past the drive and
wait on McConnell Road or Robin Hill Road. NEVER BACK UP TRAFFIC ON COUNTRY CLUB
ROAD. Someone might become impatient and try to pass, causing a serious accident. The first
few days are bound to be a little slower at arrival and pickup until the children get comfortable
with the procedures. Please have patience. It also is helpful if you move through the pickup
point as quickly as possible. If your child has not come out by the time you are at the point
(blue square, red triangle or green circle), please pull ahead and circle so that the pickup
line will not be delayed. If you arrive early please pull into a parking space. The circle needs to
remain open at all times. ALSO, please pull forward to “the Buckle-Up Zone” to buckle
seat belts. If you need to park and go into the school, please use the Quick Parking spaces as
illustrated below. But once again we encourage you to use the outlined procedure. Thank you for
your cooperation.
Thank you for taking the time to read this handbook. Please keep it in a safe place and let us
know if you need a new copy. Again, we all welcome you to the Crystal Lake Montessori School.
We are a most unique school where parents, teachers and students are partners in education for
life.
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CRYSTAL LAKE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
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8/18/2016
VERIFICATION RECEIPT OF
CLMS PARENT HANDBOOK
The CLMS Parent Handbook contains essential information about Crystal Lake Montessori
School policies. The transmission of this information to you, parents of CLMS students is
absolutely necessary, especially for the safety of your child and all children in our program.
There are also important details for the successful operation of the classrooms and the school.
Please sign this page and return it to our Front Office as soon as you enroll your child. Your
signature on this page will verify your receipt of the CLMS Parent Handbook (via the Crystal
Lake Montessori School website, www.clms.org) for our school records. It verifies that you
have read the CLMS Parent Handbook and your agreement with our policies. A printed copy
is available for you upon request.
Thank you!!!
Parent Signature
Date Read
8/18/2016