Philosophy
At Woodward Montessori we believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, loving & stimulating atmosphere in which to grow & mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.
Goals
Woodward Montessori provides an enriched environment which incorporates the basic philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori including activities in sensorial, practical life, math, language, science, and writing which will enable the child to:
- Learn through practical experience and self-discovery.
- Grow in confidence & trust of self and others.
- Learn to live with others, to share, and to cooperate.
- Develop a wholesome spirit of independence and initiative.
- Learn new skills: mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Discipline
Discipline is a learning process. It should not be a negative or a physical punishment. Discipline will be handled in the following ways:
- Redirect the child or children who are having issues to another area or activity.
- Discuss the problem, suggest ways to handle the situation in a positive manner.
- Brainstorm with the group.
- Work with the parents to ensure that consequences are consistent at home and at school.
- It’s our aim to help each child develop self-discipline. This is done through the use of an ordered environment and logical and constant consequences, where each child learns how to be respectful of the environment, themselves as well as others.
- Recommended reading: “Discovery of the Child” by Maria Montessori,“Practical Solutions to Practically Every Problem” by Steffen Saifer and “Positive Discipline” by Dr. Jane Nelsen.
Arrival and Pick Up
Parents need to sign their child in and out each day. At pick up time, please check your child’s art file & the sign in area for items that may need to be taken home. If someone other than a parent is picking the child up, a “Pick Up” card must be filled out beforehand. This person will need to bring a photo ID before we will release the child to them. No child will be released to anyone other than a parent, unless specific arrangements are made in advance.
Please remember that the school closes promptly at 5:00/ 3:30 on Fridays. Please arrive early enough to collect your child’s belongings, sign them out and be exiting the building before closing time. Emergency care begins at 5:01. A fee of $5 per 10 minutes, or portion thereof, is payable to the closing teacher on that day or the child’s next school day.
Orientation and Adjustment
For the first few weeks, we provide each child with extra support & attention to help make the adjustment to our program as comfortable as possible. We also work to maintain open lines of communication at all times. Occasionally during the adjustment period, the child has difficulty adapting to the expectations presented in the Montessori program. After working with the child & family we may conclude that another schedule or type of program would be more beneficial for the child.
Nutrition
Woodward Montessori provides both morning and afternoon snack. We strongly believe in the importance of good nutrition, thus we do not serve sugary or highly-processed foods. Please keep this in mind when packing your child’s lunch and exclude these types of foods. The school provides cow’s milk at lunchtime. Please make sure to include at least 2 servings from each food group in your child’s lunch.
Clothing
Clothing needs to be comfortable, easy to take on & off, loose fitting, and durable. It needs to be warm in the winter. A coat with a hood or a hat are needed on days when it may rain. During the day we are on the floor doing “rug work,” painting with water colors, and enjoying the playground. It’s important that children are dressed in clothing that is appropriate for all of the experiences. Please be sure that your child wears safe footwear. Backless sandals, heels, and cowboy boots are not appropriate for school. Shoes should be good for running, climbing and playing.
Health Rules
Oregon law requires all students have Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Varicella , Hepatitis A and B, and Haemophilus Influenzea B (HIB) immunizations before children may come to school, unless an exemption form is submitted.
- If your child has had a fever they need to be fever free for 24 hours before they may return to school.
- Children with active cold symptoms (runny nose, coughs, sneezes) should stay at home.
- We will administer medication prescribed by a physician. Please fill out a “Medical Consent” form and give the medicine in the original container to the teacher. Medication is given at 11:30 AM only.
- A child must be well enough to participate in all aspects of our program in order to come to school. If they are too ill to go outside, they are too ill to be at school. In the event that your child becomes ill during the school day, the parents will be notified and need to pick up their child within one hour.
- Please notify the school by 9:00 AM if your child will be child absent due to illness, just taking a day off, or has any communicable condition.
Medical Emergency Procedures-
In case of illness or accident, one staff member will administer the necessary first aid while the other will contact the parents (or emergency assistance first if the event is severe.) The child will be isolated and monitored while awaiting help.
Emergency Plans
Fire & earthquake drills are held on a regular basis. In the event of a major disaster, staff members will remain with the children until all parents have picked up their children. Should we need to evacuate due to damage, we will assemble at the far reaches of the school property.
Sharing Days
On Sharing Days, items of interest such as seeds, books, pictures, CDs, shells, insects, etc., are always welcome. Please label the item with your child’s name to avoid confusion and place the item in the “Sharing Basket.” If you are bringing a book please help your child find their favorite page and then mark it with a bookmark.
*Please remind children that toys should remain at home.
Parent Communications
Newsletters are published each month; they are our method of notifying parents of upcoming events, current studies, school closures, and other important information. Please take time to read them carefully each month. Please feel free to call the school with a question or concern. Elizabeth’s office time is 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM, Monday – Thursday. This is a time when she is out of the classroom and is best able to speak directly with you. Additionally, you may email her with minor concerns or to schedule a conference.
Conferences
Academic conferences are held in the Fall and again in the Spring and at other times by special arrangement.
School Calendar
Woodward Montessori follows the Portland Public Schools holiday schedule. We will not close for teacher in-service days. The summer session is an optional program where we focus on activities and in-depth studies related to science, culture and our environment.
Tuition Fee
Our School Year tuition is an annual amount that is divided into 10 equal monthly payments. The first payment is due on August 25th& the last is due May 25th. Tuition is due each month on the 25th. A grace period is given through the 31st (or last school day) of the month.
*A late fee of $15 is charged for tuition received after the grace period has concluded. If tuition is not received by the 5th of the month in question, your child may not be admitted to school until all fees have been paid.
*Please note that there is a $30 charge for checks returned due to non-sufficient funds.
Deposit
Each family is required to maintain a security deposit equal to 3 weeks’ tuition. When 45 days’ written notice is given, this will be applied to your child’s last month of tuition. Students not enrolling in the summer session, but continuing on in the fall need to keep their deposit with the school to reserve their space.
Exchange & Make Up Days
The monthly schedule of each child is arranged in advance. In the event that you would like to occasionally add a day, you may check to see if there is space available and a fee will be charged for the extra service (see tuition chart for details.)
Snow Policy
We follow the Portland Public School schedule for inclement weather. If they are closed or opening late we will be closed or opening late. If they have a 2-hour, snow-related delay we will delay opening until 9:30 and lesson time will be altered to reflect this. Pick up time will remain the same.
Withdrawal
In the event that you choose to withdraw, we require 45 days written notice in order for your deposit to be applied to the last month’s tuition. The Registration Fee is non-refundable. Click here to download form.
Schedule change
Schedule changes require 21 days prior notice and are subject to availability and at director’s discretion.
Vacations
Vacation credit is only given during the Summer session. Up to 2 weeks of credit can be applied for when 3 weeks (21 days) prior notice is given. Click here to download form.
*No credit is given for vacations taken during the school year.
Field Trip Policy
Woodward Montessori will obtain written permission from parents prior to leaving the school for a field trip. In the event that we need parent volunteers or drivers, a sign-up sheet will be posted by the sign in/out book.
Concerns
Please do not let a concern become a crisis. Feel free to call anytime to speak with a teacher. Elizabeth is out of the classroom and in the office Monday – Thursday from 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM. For minor questions or concerns, you may leave a voicemail after hours or send an email.
School Hours
School year 7:30 AM–5:00 PM; Summer program 8:00 AM– 5:00 P.M.
The half-day program begins at 8:30 AM and concludes at 11:30 A.M.
The Academic Program begins at 8:30 A.M. and concludes at 3:30 P.M. The Extended day Program begins at 7:30 and concludes at 5:00 PM
**All students need to arrive by 9:00 AM to ensure that they have socialization time prior to the academic lesson and Montessori work-time.
Children are not permitted on the school premises prior to the school opening time. Only children requiring Emergency Care shall be in the school after 5:00 PM.