Parent/Student Handbook

Toddler Pre-Primary K-3

Evelyn Thorpe-Hibbler (Owner) ehibbler1stclass@gmail.com

Erin Thorpe-Parish (Director) eparish1stclass@gmail.com

1336 Peabody Avenue | Memphis, TN 38104 | 901-274-5622

www.1stclassmontessori.com

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Profile and Philosophy

First Class Montessori School is a non-denominational, non-discriminatory school that offers a unique educational curriculum for children age 2 to grade 3. First Class Montessori School was founded in 1991 by Evelyn Thorpe-Hibbler and Richard M. Cole, III., Esq. The first school opened its doors in 1991 and is located in the Annesdale and Central Gardens Historical District in the Midtown area of Memphis, Tennessee. The second school is located in Cordova, Tennessee and opened its doors in the Fall of 2008. Our staff includes teachers trained in Montessori, Early Childhood and Elementary Education. At 1st Class, we are committed to developing the whole child by instilling in them the importance of education, positive attitudes and self-worth. In the Montessori classroom, our student’s self-image plays an important role in their educational experience. We believe that all children are capable of learning when they are not pressured but given the opportunity to develop skills at their desired pace in the proper environment. Therefore, our children learn from presentations, which challenge their tactile senses. Self-discipline and independence are significant tools that are acquired in our “3-year cycle”. As a result of teaching the process instead of the product, we have observed that the students are more relaxed, concentrate better, follow a sequence of steps, and willingly complete their tasks. As the teachers monitor and guide, the children become more confident and self-sufficient. First Class Montessori School’s ultimate goal is to lay a strong foundation for children so that they may go on to become active, productive members of society.

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Twelve Points of the Montessori Method

1. It is based on years of patient observation of child nature by the greatest educational genius since Froebel.

2. It has proved itself of universal application. Within a single generation it has been tried with complete success with children of almost every civilized nation. Race, color, climate, nationality, social rank, or type of civilization – all these make no difference to its successful application.

3. It has revealed the small child as a lover of work, intellectual work, spontaneously chosen and carried

out with profound joy.

4. It is based on the child’s imperious need to learn by doing. At each stage in the child’s mental growth, corresponding occupations are provided by means of which he develops his faculties.

5. While it offers the child a maximum of spontaneity, it nevertheless enables him to reach the same, or

even higher discipline than formerly.

6. Though it does away with the necessity of coercion by means of rewards and punishments, it achieves a higher discipline than formerly. It is an active discipline, which originates within the child and is not imposed from without.

7. It is based on a profound respect for the child’s personality and removes from him the preponderant

influence of the adult, thus leaving him room to grow in biological independence. Hence, the child is allowed a large measure of liberty (not license), which forms the basis of real discipline.

8. It enables the teacher to deal with each child individually in each subject, and thus guide him according

to his individual requirements.

9. Each child works at his own pace. Hence the quick child is not held back by the slow, nor is the latter, in trying to keep up with the former, obliged to flounder along hopelessly out of his depth. Each stone in the mental edifice is well and truly laid before the next is added.

10. It does away with the competitive spirit and its train of baneful results. More than this, at every turn it

presents endless opportunities among the children for mutual help – which is joyfully given and gratefully received.

11. Since the child works from his own free choice, without competition and coercion, he is freed form

danger of over-strain, feelings of inferiority, and other experiences, which are apt to be the unconscious cause of profound mental disturbances in later life.

12. Finally, the Montessori method develops the whole personality of the child, not merely his intellectual

faculties but also his powers of deliberation, initiative and independent choice, with their emotional compliments. By living as a free member of a real social community, the child is trained in those fundamental social qualities which form the basis for good citizenship.

From the Montessori Revolution in Education, By E.M. Standing

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Toddler Curriculum

Our Montessori based Toddler Curriculum supports the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of

each child. Toddlers strengthen speech and language development and both fine and gross motor skills as they

explore self, family and the world in which they live. The 1st Class toddler program prepares children for

preschool work by exposing them to each area of original Montessori curriculum. The toddlers learn

concentration, coordination, language skills, responsibility and respect—all of which prepare them well for a

successful transition into the Primary/Preschool environment. PRACTICAL LIFE

The word ―practical means obtained through practice, designed for use, workable and sensible. In our practical

life area, children are taught the basic household activities, such as sweeping, cleaning, personal hygiene, table

manners, pouring, spooning, tweezing, etc. This method of ―practice stimulates the mind and body,

strengthens the fine motor muscles, and prepares the child for other areas in the Montessori environment. It

also helps the child to gain a sense of independence and order. The ―basics of life- something children are

familiar with and may encounter in their everyday lives – is the overall aim.

The student will build and strengthen the following areas such as:

• Physical skills (Fine & Gross Motor)

Ex. Control of movement, walking the line, spooning, pouring and tweezing, etc.)

• Respect and care for the environment

Ex. Sweeping, wiping tables, recycling, etc.

• Grace, courtesy, and etiquette

Ex. Greeting someone, saying "Please" and "Thank you"

• Independence

Ex. Washing hands, Hanging up a coat, etc.

SENSORIAL In this area, materials have been developed to challenge the senses and encourage the child to discover his

dominion. It is best to allow children to do something they are familiar with, then present the next activity

according to what they already know and are capable of performing. They internalize the variations of what they

see, feel, and hear through repetition using the materials, thereby relating it to their intelligence.

The student will:

• Grasp and maintain concepts such as size, shape, color, and other attractive features.

• Construct materials as demonstrated.

• Experience sensations that are essential to their development.

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MATHEMATICS

Counting activities (1-4 and 1-10)

• Counting fingers, animals, children, objects in the environment, etc.

Counting songs

• Spindles boxes

• Sandpaper numerals

Concept of Time

• Daily routine

• Periods of the day (morning, afternoon, evening)

• Seasons

LANGUAGE

The child creates his/her language with his ―unconscious mind—absorbing his existing environment. He/she

uses words or imitates what he has learned from adults and other children. It is our responsibility at 1st Class

Montessori School to use proper grammar and clearly articulate responses to the children. A toddler’s growing

consciousness or oral language is a factor in their success when learning to read. Being read to are advantageous

to the child’s educational growth in the area of language.

Pre-reading

• Matching picture cards

• Picture cards with oral language from teacher

• Stories read aloud

• Size and shape discrimination exercises

• Picture-word cards

Matching

• Tracing objects

• Tracing shapes

Pre-writing

• Sandbox tracing

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Toddler Daily Schedule

Early Morning Care

6:45-7:30 a.m. Self-directed play/breakfast

School Day Schedule

7:30-8:20 a.m. Arrival of students/Pull Up Change & Potty Time

8:30-8:50 a.m. Line Time

9:00-9:15 a.m. Snack Time

9:25-9:50 a.m. Montessori Work Period

10:00-10:45 a.m. Story Time/Craft/Group Lesson/ Outdoor Play

10:45-11:00 p.m. Pull Up Change & Potty Time/Prepare for Lunch

11:00-11:30 a.m. Lunch Time

11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nap Time

1:30-2:00 p.m. Pull Up Change & Potty Time

2:00-2:20 p.m. Snack Time

2:30-3:00 p.m. Story Time/Movement Time

3:00 p.m. Regular Day Dismissal/After-Care Transition

After-Care Schedule

3:00-3:15 p.m. Pull Up Change & Potty Time

3:30-4:00 p.m. Small Group Time

4:00-4:20 p.m. Last snack

4:00-6:00 p.m. Recreational play

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Early Childhood Curriculum At 1st Class Montessori School, we are greatly concerned about the thought process of children and their behavior in a well-prepared environment. We share the views of Jean Piaget (1896-1980) and Maria Montessori (1872-1952), which describe the child as one who is constantly constructing their inner being through movement and manipulation of objects. As the preschool child develops mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually, he/she also possesses sensitive periods for language, movement, order, work and others. Therefore, it is our responsibility and desire to assist the child in becoming the best person he/she can be. Since we realize that each individual has unique background experiences, inherited qualities and personalities, we address specific needs that will guarantee success. Our curriculum is designed to enhance proper learning and development. PRACTICAL LIFE The word “practical” means obtained through practice, designed for use, workable and sensible. In our practical life area, children are taught the basic household activities, such as sweeping, cleaning, personal hygiene, table manners, pouring, spooning, tweezing, etc. This method of “practice” stimulates the mind and body, strengthens the fine motor muscles, and prepares the child for other areas in the Montessori environment. The basics of life, something children are familiar with and may encounter in their everyday lives, is the overall aim. The student will:

• Take care of the environment by cleaning, sweeping, dusting, etc.

• Show independence and order by working alone at his/her own pace.

• Concentrate on various ways of manipulating certain materials.

• Engage socially with others using good manners and showing grace and courtesy.

SENSORIAL In this area, materials have been developed to challenge the senses and encourage the child to discover his dominion. It is best to allow children to do something they are familiar with, then present the next activity according to what they already know and are capable of performing. They internalize what they see, feel, and hear thereby relating it to their intelligence. The student will:

• Grasp and maintain concepts such as size, shape, color, and other attractive features.

• Construct materials as demonstrated.

• Experience sensations that are essential to their development.

• Make decisions concerning variations and extensions of various materials. MATHEMATICS In everyday life, certain situations will require on-the-spot thinking that will require flexibility of the teacher and

the student. Through trial and error, the child learns to eliminate certain steps in solving problems. He/she is

able to mentally calculate numbers because of the process of repetition that takes place in certain activities. In

math, the idea is to teach or guide the child from concrete to abstract thinking.

The math environment consists of materials that are designed for tactile, visual, and physical experiences. In the

math curriculum, counting numerals, golden beads, rods and other materials prepare the child for higher

learning.

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The student will:

• Learn about one-to-one correspondence, associate quantities with numerals, practice using the decimal system, etc.

• Play math games with peers and respond to math questions as well as work individually to solve math problems.

• Recite numbers in English, Spanish, Japanese and Swahili.

LANGUAGE According to Maria Montessori, “All children pass through a period in which they can only pronounce syllables; then they pronounce whole words, and finally, they use to perfection all the rules of syntax and grammar.” In the language area, materials such as the metal insets, sandpaper letters, the movable alphabets, and others are used for the purpose of reading and writing. There are prerequisites in other areas of the classroom that the child must experience before manipulating certain materials in this area. The child creates his/her language with his unconscious mind absorbing his existing environment. He/she uses words or imitates what he has learned from adults and other children. It is our responsibility at First Class Montessori School to use proper grammar and clearly articulate responses to the children. Young children’s growing consciousness or oral or written language is a factor in their success when learning to read. Reading and being read to are advantageous to the child’s educational growth in the area of language. The student will:

• Repeat and discuss rhyming words, phonetic sounds, spelling and develop reading skills.

• Sing poetic songs and recite nursery rhymes.

• Practice handwriting and develop skills used for writing words, sentences and paragraphs.

• Role-play and discuss other activities which will assist in the development of reading skills. At 1st Class Montessori School, we want our children to be able to communicate in ways other than “verbal speech” alone. Therefore, we have incorporated sign language, Swahili, Spanish, and Japanese in our curriculum to enhance our overall language area. Translations are written in various areas in the school for the benefit of our parents and observers. GEOGRAPHY, SCIENCE, MUSIC, ART, AND PHYSICAL FITNESS These are other essential subjects that are taught throughout the Montessori program. Our staff’s role is to

observe and facilitate as well as guide our students carefully and joyfully from one area of learning to another.

All of the materials serve a specific purpose – to further develop eye/hand coordination, fine muscle control,

independence, and other direct aims. Our philosophy is to incorporate stimulating activities, share views,

observe and fulfill needs, respect the child, and all our children to create or construct their personality through

real-life experiences, at their own pace.

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Early Childhood Daily Schedule

Early Morning Care 6:45-7:30 a.m. Leisure play/breakfast

School Day Schedule

7:30-8:20 a.m. Arrival of students

8:30-8:50 a.m. Line Time (Letters of the week, phonetic sounds, Montessori lessons, Foreign

Languages, Geography and History) 9:00-10:45 a.m. The Montessori Work Period

11:00-11:30 a.m. Early Childhood Lunch 12:00-12:30 p.m. Kindergarten & 1st Grade Lunch 11:45-1:30 p.m. Nap Time

1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Snack/Story/Movement Time

2:00-2:30 p.m. Spanish

2:30-2:50 p.m. Recap

3:00 p.m. Regular Day Dismissal/After-Care Transition

After-Care Schedule

3:00-3:30 p.m. Outdoor Play

3:30-4:00 p.m. Reading

4:00-4:20 p.m. Snack

4:00-6:00 p.m. Recreational play

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Admissions & Enrollment

Admission & Enrollment Fees Application Fee $25.00 New Student Registration Fee $350.00 (includes new “Happi Nappi," & sleeping mat) Re-Enrollment Fee $250.00 *Fees may vary for field trips. Monthly Tuition & Fees

Monthly Annual Annual paid by 8/2

3-Day Program (3 consistent days each week) $550.00 $5,500.00 $4,950.00

Half Day Program (8am-12pm Mon-Fri) $550.00 $5,500.00 $4,950.00

Regular Day (8am-3pm Mon-Fri) $700.00 $7,000.00 $6,300.00

Early-Care (6:45am-7:30am Mon-Fri) $35.00

After-Care (3pm-6pm Mon-Fri) $100.00

“Pizza Friday” Lunch (optional) $10.00

Additional Expenses

• Families are responsible for purchasing student uniforms at the designated vendor, Spikner, 1210 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104. The 1CMS contact is Jetona Branch, 901-725-1757.

• Kindergarten – 2nd grade students take the Stanford Achievement Test – a one-time fee of $25.

• All students are required to bring their own lunch and two snacks inside an insulated lunch box Monday – Thursday. Lunch is provided on Fridays for the cost of $10.00/month consisting of cheese pizza and a side of fresh fruit. This is optional.

Tuition Payment Schedule First Class Montessori School offers families two payment options. Under the annual plan, the tuition balance is due no later than the first day of school in order to receive the 10% discounted rate. Families opting for the monthly payment plan pay the tuition balance in 10 equal payments on the first day of each month. Note: Tuition costs shall be reduced by 10% where a family’s second or third child is enrolled in 1st Class Montessori School. Summer Camp First Class Montessori School provides an academically enriched summer camp along with fun field trips. If you would like to enroll your child in our summer school program, please fill out the summer enrollment form in May and return it to your school to ensure your child’s space.

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1210 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104

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Policies and Regulations

TUITION/PAYMENTS

• Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. Any payments received after the 3rd must include the $50 late

fee. Pertaining to any month, if the tuition has not been paid by the 10th, the student may not return to school until after tuition is paid in full, including the $50 late fee.

• Payments can be paid using checks or money orders can be placed in the tuition drop box. There is a $35 return check fee. Tuition payments are not to be given to teachers.

• Receipts for checks or money orders are written by administration personnel only.

• Any changes to a family’s tuition plan are determined by the School Director only.

• Enrollment costs secure a spot in the school for your child, not for attendance. The absence of a student (sick, vacation) from the school does not materially decrease enrollment expenses. With this in mind, parents/guardians are held responsible for monthly tuition. However, for absences due to chronic or extensive illnesses which require hospitalization, an exception will be considered. A sixty (60) day written notice is required for withdrawals, including when a family moves out of the city, otherwise tuition for the remainder of the school year is still due.

• Tuition costs shall be reduced by 10% where a family’s second or third child is enrolled in 1st Class Montessori School. In addition, if tuition is paid for the year, a 10% discount is given.

• Parents/guardians agrees to pay all costs of the collection including reasonable attorney fees in all or any part of the tuition reserved herein is collected after maturity with the aid of an attorney.

DROP-OFF/PICK-UP

• Each morning, children are to be escorted into the school by an adult and properly signed in. For families who choose to use the morning drop line (8 a.m.-8:30 a.m.), please make sure that your child is ready to exit the car promptly with his/her things. A teacher will sign your child in as “present” once inside of the building.

• If extra preparation time is needed for your child in the mornings, please park in a space that will not inconvenience others. The restaurant next door, Bhan Thai, has available parking in the mornings.

• School begins promptly at 8 a.m. for students in levels Kindergarten and up. School begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. for children in Pre-Primary and Pre-K. Any children arriving after 8 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. are considered tardy.

• Please do not block the drive at any time of the day. Always park in an available space except for the reserved space for the school director or the space marked “Molly” next door.

• Regular day students are to be picked up at 3 p.m. There is a fifteen-minute grace period. After 3:15 p.m., your child will be checked into after-care and a charge of $1.00 per minute will begin immediately.

• After-care students are to be picked up no later than 6 p.m. A charge of $1.00 per minute after 6 p.m. will be enforced immediately.

• If an individual is to pick up a child and is not listed on his/her file, the parent must call ahead of time to inform the staff. This person must present photo identification matching the name that the parent has given. The responsible individual picking up must also sign the child out.

(Note: 1st Class Montessori School reserves the right to review/change their Admissions and Enrollment Policy at any given time. The present document annuls and supersedes the previous Policies and Regulations as well as General and Financial Conditions.)

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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Policies and Regulations (cont.) TARDIES/ABSENCES

• Each child’s presence is vital to every day of the school year. Without full cooperation, it is difficult to provide your child with a culturally rich learning experience.

• First Class Montessori School is an accredited school by the Department of Education. Standards must be met and rules must be followed. (The following does not pertain to the Toddler Program.)

• After 9:00 a.m., children are not allowed to attend classes unless they have medical documentation.

• 10 unexcused tardies is grounds for dismissal.

• The school allows each child 10 unexcused absences. Any additional absences are also grounds for dismissal or (by state law) retaining your child.

• If your child will be absent or tardy, please notify the school ahead of time or within that same day. • Absences will be considered excused with the evidence of a doctor’s note or a signed letter from the

parent.

SUSPENSIONS/EXPULSIONS

• Hitting, kicking, unsuitable language or harmful actions toward other children or staff are not allowed. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior! The first inappropriate action will result in a verbal warning from the director and consultation with the parents. The second action will result in a written warning and/or a suspension and further consultation with the parents. Upon the third action, the child will be expelled.

• If your child has been diagnosed with any type of behavioral, emotional, social or learning disorder, the director must be informed with paperwork from a professional. If questionable behavior has been observed, the director has grounds to request a meeting with the parents to know how to educate your child effectively.

MEALS

• First Class Montessori School is a sugar-free school, therefore, sweets are not allowed. Chocolate, candy, sweet cakes with a sugary filling, juices and gum are prohibited at school. We make an exception for sweet treats on holidays such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Please see our list of suitable snacks attached to this packet.

• First Class Montessori School does not serve breakfast. Breakfast brought from home must be prepared and eaten no later than 8:20 a.m. We must have all children on the line by 8:30 a.m. in order to begin on time.

• All students are required to bring their own lunch and two snacks inside a compact insulated lunch box Monday – Thursday. We are happy to warm up any food that requires it. Cheese pizza and fruit are served on Fridays which is optional with purchase.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• If your child is ill or shows clear signs of infectious health symptoms, please do not send him/her to school. We must do our best to avoid the contamination of other children and staff.

• According to DOE laws and rules, medications that are administered at school must be in the original container prescribed by the child’s pediatrician. If a child has medication to be administered, a medication form must be specifically filled out and signed.

• All parents will be notified immediately in case of an accident or emergency.

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Policies and Regulations (cont.)

• If a child is on daily medication prescribed by a professional physician due to a diagnosis for any type of neuropsychological disorders (ex. ADD, ADHD, etc.), the director must be informed with paperwork from a professional. Proper paperwork must be present on file.

• If a child is in weekly therapy due to speech, behavioral or emotional issues, the director must be informed with paperwork from a professional. Proper paperwork must be present on file.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

• Unless otherwise stated, FCMS follows the Shelby County Schools guidelines regarding inclement weather.

• In cases of inclement weather, if there is notification to close ahead of time and take precaution, we will call, text and/or email to inform you about pick-up. Please have your mobile phone number and email always updated in your child’s file.

• If there is notification of Shelby County Schools closing due to inclement weather, we will do the same.

(Note: FCMS also shares information about school closings with the local news media.) NOTICES

• Each parent is responsible for reading the notices posted at the entrance or on the sign-in sheet as well as those sent home. It is the parent’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of all information regarding the school.

MEETINGS/CONFERENCES

• At least one parent must be present for every conference or meeting. This includes Open House, Parent Education meetings, etc.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

• If a birthday celebration is to be given, please notify the staff one week ahead of time.

• Our school time is valuable, therefore the allotted time frame for each celebration is 1:30-2:00pm (30 minutes).

• 1st Class Montessori School is a sugar-free school. Sweets and treats are allowed to be brought for certain holidays. Therefore, we do not allow the following:

- Cake or cupcakes with frosting - Ice cream - Goody bags with candy

We are happy to suggest some ideas for birthday treats:

- Small cookies or mini muffins - Fresh fruit or veggies - Chips, pretzels, veggie straws, raisins, etc. - Greek yogurt parfaits

• Please provide all disposable serving utensils (plates, spoons, napkins, etc.)

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Acceptable Daily Uniform Attire

The following is a detailed description of the appropriate

colors and uniform attire for 1CMS students attending

Monday-Thursday. Please remember that “casual” day is

Friday. Uniforms can be purchased at Spikner and order

forms are available at the school.

Girls Boys

• Plaid jumper with powder blue peter-pan blouse with 1CMS logo

• Powder blue polo or peter-pan blouse with 1CMS logo and navy blue shorts, pants, skirts or “skorts”

• Tights and long sleeve undershirts must be solid white, navy blue or gray (no designs/patterns)

• Navy blue sweater with/without school logo may be worn with the 1CMS powder blue polo or blouse

• Navy blue jacket with/without school logo

• Jeans/Casual Wear - Friday only!

• Powder blue polo or collared button down with 1CMS logo and navy blue shorts or pants

• Long sleeve undershirts must be solid white, navy blue or gray (no designs/patterns)

• Navy blue sweater vest with 1CMS logo may be worn with the polo or button down

• Navy blue sweater with/without 1CMS logo may be worn with the powder blue polo or button down

• Navy blue jacket with/without 1CMS logo

• Jeans/Casual Wear - Friday only!

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Healthy Snack Suggestions

Since 1st Class Montessori School is a “sugar-free school,” below we have provided a list of healthy snack suggestions to

include in your child’s lunch on a daily basis. ☺

CRACKERS AND SUCH

Pretzels, snack crackers, Goldfish, Animal, Graham, etc.

Popcorn (pre-popped at home)

Sugar-free cereal

Fruit, cereal or granola bars

Muffins

Bagel bites

FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Grapes, raisins or yogurt raisins

Bananas, Apples, Oranges, etc. (pre-cut at home)

Applesauce or fruit cups

Sliced pickles

Carrot sticks, celery or cucumbers w/ ranch dip

DAIRY

Cubed cheese, string cheese, etc.

Cottage cheese

Yogurt or Pudding sticks or cups

The following are not acceptable items

Juices of any kind

Anything chocolate or containing chocolate

Fruit snacks

Oreos, honey buns, Rice Krispy Treats, etc.

Caramel dipping sauce

Thank you for your cooperation!

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New Student Enrollment Process

First Class Montessori School has rolling admissions and offers new enrollment contracts as space is available. First Class Montessori collects and evaluates information from a wide variety of sources for each candidate. Every aspect of a candidate’s file plays an important role in the acceptance process. The admissions criteria depends upon the candidate’s grade level. Our selection process is detailed and thorough. We strive to select students whom we believe to be a good match for our program. Academic standards are important; we consider both standardized test results and day-to-day achievements. We talk extensively to the candidate, with the candidate’s parents, evaluate past and current school information, and implement extracurricular and athletic achievements. Citizenship and service to their current school and community is also important. Admission decisions are based on the applicant’s development and abilities. It is possible that 1st Class Montessori School would deem it appropriate to offer placement in a level to which the candidate did not apply. In such an instance, we have carefully considered various aspects of the applicant’s profile and weighed the implications of alternate grade placement on the child’s future academic, emotional, and social development.

ADMISSIONS (Toddler, Pre-Primary, Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st – 3rd Grade) - Toddlers must between 20-36 months in order to enroll. - A Preschool applicant must meet the birth date requirement. Our grade level placement is based on the August 15th cut-off date. This means that for the year a child is to enter: • Pre-Kindergarten, he/she must be four years old on or before August 15. • Kindergarten, he/she must be five years old on or before August 15. Application process steps to be completed: Step 1: Contact the school to schedule a 15-20 minute Parent/Student Tour Please call our office at 901-274-5622 to schedule your appointment. Appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis (Mondays-Thursdays, 9 am or 9:30 am). Step 2: For children 3 and up, schedule a Student Visitation date (Mondays-Thursdays, 9am-10 am). Step 3: Submit the Student Application (along with $25 fee). Applications submitted more than one year prior to a candidate’s entry year will be kept on file. Step 4: Submit the $350 Enrollment Fee in order to hold your child’s space for the school year. Step 5: Submit all completed documents contained in the Enrollment Packet along with an official up-to-date copy of the child’s shot record. Step 6: Purchase school uniforms, school supplies, etc. as soon as possible.

Acceptance

The $350.00 new student registration fee is due upon acceptance. Accepted students should notify the school

regarding their enrollment decision by returning the signed agreement no later than ten (10) days after being notified

of their acceptance. First Class Montessori School maintains a waiting pool of students to whom a space may be

offered as soon as one becomes available. Therefore, we respectfully ask each family to notify us in a timely manner.

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Re-Enrollment Process

First Class Montessori School has rolling admissions and offers re-enrollment contracts as space is available. First Class Montessori School collects and evaluates information from a wide variety of sources for each candidate. Every aspect of a candidate’s file plays an important role in the acceptance process. The admissions criteria depends upon the candidate’s grade level. Our selection process is detailed and thorough. We strive to select students whom we believe to be a good match for our program. Academic standards are important; we consider both standardized test results and day-to-day achievements. We talk extensively to the candidate, with the candidate’s parents, evaluate past and current school information, and implement extracurricular and athletic achievements. Citizenship and service to their current school and community is also important. Admission decisions are based on the applicant’s development and abilities. It is possible that 1st Class Montessori School would deem it appropriate to offer placement in a level to which the candidate did not apply. In such an instance, we have carefully considered various aspects of the applicant’s profile and weighed the implications of alternate grade placement on the child’s future academic, emotional, and social development.

ADMISSIONS (Toddler, Pre-Primary, Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st – 3rd Grade) A Preschool applicant must meet the birth date requirement. Our grade level placement is based on the August 15th cut-off date. This means that for the year a child is to enter: • Pre-Kindergarten, he/she must be four years old on or before August 15. • Kindergarten, he/she must be five years old on or before August 15. Re-enrollment process steps to be completed: Step 1: Submit the non-refundable re-enrollment fee. Step 2: Submit an updated Student Application and Enrollment Forms along with an official up-to-date copy of the child’s shot record. Step 3: Purchase school uniforms, school supplies, etc. as soon as possible.

Acceptance Accepted students will be notified by the school regarding their re-enrollment decision no later than ten (10)

business days after their application is received. First Class Montessori School maintains a waiting pool of

students to whom a space may be offered as soon as one becomes available. Therefore, we respectfully ask

each family to submit their application to us in a timely manner.

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Communication

Communication is vital between parents and teachers. In order to educate your child and report to you outside

of our instructional time, we have established many methods in the following to keep us on the same page:

Email Communication through email is the first and most important form of communication with FCMS. Please check

your email on a regular basis. It is vital that current e-mail addresses for both parents are provided. Through

email, parents will receive notices, reminders, conference scheduling, etc. Questions and concerns may also be

communicated this way.

(Note: Please keep in mind that even though we have easy Internet access, we work with your children

throughout each day. If something is urgent, please call the school.)

Posted Notices Each parent is responsible for reading the notices posted on the “Parent Communication Board” as well as those sent home. It is the parent’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of all information given from the school. All updated policies, notices and reminders are emailed and posted. Please check and/or take these notices with you to read thoroughly so that you may be well-informed. HiMama Daily Communication App HiMama is a communication program served to help our teachers effectively and consistently communicate with you about your child on a daily basis. We will keep you in the loop with digital updates on your child as an addition to verbal communication. HiMama is used by our teachers to record activities and updates throughout the day. Reporting details ranging from constructive work time to naps will provide you with a complete history of your child's experience in our program including photos stored safely and securely in a journal format. Meetings/Conferences At least one parent must be present for every conference or meeting. This includes Open House, Parent Education meetings, etc. Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled in December and May. Each parent is entitled to a 15-minute individual conference with the teacher. The sign-up sheets are available about two weeks prior to the conference dates via email or posted at school. Additionally, written progress reports are issued twice a year. We believe that the communication between you and our school is critical to your child's experience in Montessori education and we will make any reasonable effort to meet with you. Missed appointments can only be rescheduled for remaining open slots that have already been set aside for conferences. Please understand that missed conferences create a considerable hardship on the teachers because they must prepare for the conferences and teach your child at the same time. Making Appointments Please make note that all teachers are busily involved with the children during school time. They are not allowed to have impromptu conferences with parents. If you have any questions to ask your child’s teacher, please do so

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during before school drop-off or after school dismissal time. If you need to discuss anything with your child’s teacher, please leave a note in your child’s homework folder, e-mail her, or make an appointment to discuss it in person. Special meetings may be scheduled before or after school hours. A mutually convenient time for the parent and teacher may be scheduled upon your request. All of our parent-teacher discussions are confidential. Website, Email and Social Media We also post announcements, pictures and pertinent information via Facebook.com/1stclassmontessori for

positive school advertisement and to keep others informed of what we are doing at FCMS. Photographs of

school activities may be used for commercial purposes including website and social media posting. If you object

to your child's photograph being used for such purposes, you must submit written notification to the office

during the first two weeks of the school year.

Parent Volunteers Volunteer opportunities include helping teachers plan holiday parties and special events, designing and directing a class art activity, sharing a talent or knowledge with the children through a classroom presentation, organizing campus cleanup, reading with the older students, going shopping for needed supplies, checking out books from the public library for classroom use, serving as an event coordinators and more. You can sign-up at to be a volunteer at any time. Typically, school PTOs meet periodically throughout the year to plan activities with the staff and parents and to discuss policy as necessary. FCMS does not have an organized PTO at this time. Each school year, a “Parent Liaison” is appointed. This individual is a FCMS parent who is responsible for corresponding with parents about school related activities, events and reminders. He/she also serves as a representative “voice” amongst the parent body.