Parent Handbook

2014 - 2015

2730 Woods Lane

Rogers, AR 72756
(479) 936-7615 office
(479) 936-7616 fax
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 Statement of Rights
4 Nondiscrimination Policy
4 Child Maltreatment Reporting
4 Suspected Licensing Violations
4 License/Certification Information

GENERAL INFORMATION
6 History
6 Accreditation, Affiliation, Licenses, & Membership
6 Happenings and Traditions
7 Mission of ANH Montessori School
9 Common Misconceptions about Montessori
10 Administration
10 Communication

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
12 Application and Admission Procedure
12 Enrollment Options
13 Tuition
13 Probationary Period
13 Re-Enrollment Procedure
14 Early Drop Off & Late Pickup
14 Late Payments
14 Tuition Payments
14 Waiving of Tuition
14 Withdrawal Policy

ACADEMIC PROCEDURES
16 Additional Programs
16 Class Placement & Transitions
17 Conferences
17 Field Trips
18 Observations
18 Hints for Observing
19 Homework
20 Student Assessment
21 Student Records

GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

23 Attendance
23 Accident or Incident Reports
23 Arrival and Dismissal Procedure
24 Birthdays
24 Behavior Guidance Policy
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 24 Building Safety
25 Car Line Procedure
25 Communication
25 Confidentiality
26 Conflict Resolution
26 Daily Schedule
26 Enrollment Changes
26 Fundraising
26 Illness
27 Immunization Records
27 Inclement Weather
27 Lunch
27 Medication
28 Personal Effects
28 Pickup Information
28 Potty Training/Bathroom Independence
29 Progress Reports
29 School Calendar
29 Sharing Day
29 Snack
29 Social Media
29 Sound of the Week
29 Spanish
30 Tardiness

PARENT EDUCATION AND INVOLVEMENT

32 Community Service Hours
32 Conferences
32 Help Days
32 Observation
32 Parents Link to Classrooms
33 Parent Work Day
33 Silent Journey
33 Frequently Asked Questions

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Statement of Rights
ANH Montessori School reserves the right to change, modify, cancel, suspend, or interpret any
part of the Parent Handbook, policies and practices without advance notice and without
statement of cause for justification. All decisions made will be in the best interest of the
children, school, and parents. You will be notified via email memo, newsletter, or mail.

Nondiscrimination Policy
ANH Montessori School has a nondiscrimination policy with respect to student admission. We
do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.

Child Maltreatment Reporting

ANH Montessori School is a state mandated child maltreatment notification facility. If you
suspect child maltreatment please call the child maltreatment hotline number 1-800-482-5964.

Suspected Licensing Violations

If you suspect a licensing violation you may contact Candace Gonzales, CCLS at
479-273-9011 ext.194 or the Licensing Central Office located in Little Rock, Arkansas at
1-800-445-3316.

License / Certification Information

ANH Montessori School will provide information regarding access to the Kindergarten
Readiness Skills, prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, to the parents of all three
and four-year-old children enrolled. (ACT 825 of 2003)

Children may be subject to interviews by licensing staff, child maltreatment investigators and/or
law enforcement officials for the purpose of determining licensing compliance or for investigative
purposes. (Child interviews do not require parental notice or consent.)

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 GENERAL
INFORMATION

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 GENERAL INFORMATION

HISTORY
ANH Montessori School was founded by Nick and Amanda Rumancik, in September of
2006, with the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori in mind. The schools first location was
on Hudson Road, just south of our current location. It was started with approximately
12 students and grew quickly to 68 students ages six weeks to six years old in four
classrooms. It became apparent that more space was needed. In October of 2008 the
school relocated to our current location, where there are over 100 students in seven
classrooms. The staff has grown from three members to 20 members.

ACCREDITATION, AFFILIATION, LICENSES, & MEMBERSHIP

IMA-membership
NAMTA-membership
AMS-membership
AMI-membership
ANH Montessori School is licensed by the State of Arkansas Department of Health
and Human Services

HAPPENINGS AND TRADITIONS

Art Show
This is a great opportunity to see the work being done throughout the whole
school. The art/work will be displayed in the hallways for you to enjoy.

Book Fair
It has become tradition to hold a Scholastics Book Fair in the Spring. The money
raised by the book fair will go to purchase books for the classroom libraries.

Parent Orientation (New and Returning)-August

These meetings are designed to formally introduce staff and go over the Parent
Handbook. You will receive information pertinent to your childs classroom as
well as the whole school.

Family Picnic-September
This is a wonderful community event where we rely on each family to bring a dish
to share. It is a great way to meet the families of ANH Montessori School.
Extended family and friends are always welcome to attend. You should bring
lawn chairs or a blanket for relaxing on the playground while visiting.

Link to the Classroom

These meetings are held throughout the school year. They are to help you
understand the Montessori philosophy and how it relates to your family and
home. Childcare is provided.

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Help Day
This is a great opportunity to fulfill your community service hours. There are
three help days a school year. Each classroom will make a list of items that need
to be done in the classroom and community spaces. Your attendance at Help
Day is essential to the day-to-day operation of the school. We use your
community service time to keep our maintenance budget low.

Parent Observations and Conferences

Observations are great opportunity for you to connect with your childs classroom
while the children are present. These are scheduled three times a year. The
week following your observation you return for a conference to discuss any
questions you may have as well as be updated on your childs progress.

Spring Concert-May
This is a performance put on by each Primary class, Elementary class, and some
years the Toddler classes. They will sing and/or perform a skit for your
entertainment. Location is to be determined annually.

MISSION OF ANH MONTESSORI SCHOOL

The mission of ANH Montessori School is to provide a prepared environment that inspires
children to develop inner discipline, self-assurance, and a love of learning.

Program and Environment

The tendency toward purposeful activity is human. Learning is natural, self-satisfying
and lifelong.
True happiness is a product of sustained involvement in challenging, purposeful
activities that provide a feeling of self-worth and satisfaction.
Concentration deepens involvement and offers an intrinsic reward separate from the
accomplishment of a particular goal.
There are periods in a child's development when the acquisition of particular
knowledge and skills is accomplished with greater ease. These sensitive periods
must guide the curriculum.
The environments and teaching methods will reflect the changing needs of students
as they move through a series of metamorphic stages from birth to maturity.
An atmosphere of order, beauty and harmony best supports the work of the individual
and invites participation.
Children learn best through engagement with materials and activities which are self-
correcting and isolate basic concepts.
The work of the young child is like the work of an adult.
Children use the environment to construct themselves; adults often work to achieve an
end result.
Activities that promote cooperation rather than competition are encouraged and lead
to individual well-being and a more cohesive society.
Children develop character through direct involvement in and responsibility for conflict
resolution.
Younger children need experiences and materials leading to physical independence,
socialization, sensorial awareness, development of concentration, language and
mathematical exploration, cultural exposure and opportunities for creative expression.
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 Older children need materials and resources to acquire a common body of knowledge
that will enable them to function as adults. In line with this, the integrated curriculum
strives to provide the student with a wide program of study opportunities for
independent research and guidance tools to become self-directed and life-long
learners.

Students and Teachers

The support of the independence of the child is the foundation on which the
interdependence of humanity is based.
Students need the opportunity to exercise choice, in widening circles, as they
demonstrate the ability to make sound judgments and accept responsibility for their
choices.
The development of inner discipline is fostered by allowing students to take initiative in
choosing their focus of activity, following their own inner timetable, completing cycles
of activity and participating in the evaluation process within the limits of time and
readiness. The adult provides explicit and reasonable limits and the structure that
allows the student to feel secure.
Mistakes are a natural facet of learning. The environment should enhance the
development of a friendly relationship to error as one of the means for growth and self-
improvement.
Multi-age grouping provides the student with a valuable experience that allows
confirmation of skills and exposure to a wider range of experiences that include the
opportunity to guide others.
If an adult performs an activity that could have been accomplished by a child, the child
loses an opportunity for growth.
The role of the teacher is to help the children in the natural process of learning. The
teacher creates opportunity for observation of students in order to assess their
individual needs. Continuing education of the teachers is maintained in order to meet
those needs.

Family and Society

Children are content and more likely to succeed when supported by a home and
school that share common values. The school recognizes the role of the family as the
first and primary education and supports this work through parent and community
education.
Education must be viewed as a partnership, where mutual trust and open lines of
communication are maintained among all parties.
A respect and appreciation of life in all its forms is taught and molded at all levels of
school life. Students will be aided in becoming conscious of the universe as the
embodiment of order and harmony; work at all levels of society will be valued as a
critical aspect of the whole.

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COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MONTESSORI
By Barbara Hacker

Choices The children should be able to choose whatever they want. The ability to
make good choices is an important life skill to learn, but it is not accomplished by giving
children open-ended choices. It is facilitated by giving limited, age-appropriate choices.
It is never appropriate to open the closet to young child and ask, What do you want to
wear? or the refrigerator door and ask, What do you want to eat? Children do need to
develop a sense of personal preference and a sense of what is appropriate for the
situation. This can be facilitated by a parent saying, It is a cool day-a good day for a
turtleneck. Would you like to wear the red one or the blue one? Parents should offer
limited choices where all the alternatives are good. In school, the children can choose
from activities they have already been shown how to do.

Independence In Montessori the children have to do everything themselves. The

Montessori Philosophy of education does encourage the fostering of independence, but
a key component of this is teaching children the specifics of how to do things
themselves. First, the child must be taught a skill, such as how to hang up his coat.
Only after the child is taught the skill, is he expected to do so for himself. If the task is
too hard (such as the hook is too high), the child cannot be successful. If the task is
manageable and the adult picks up the coat where the child has dropped it, the child will
not gain responsibility and independence.

At school, children are taught to hang their coats on their cubby hooks. Some children
do it easily. Others stand and hold their coat without making an attempt and say, I
cant. The children are shown again and assured that they can do it. The adults role
must be to teach the skill, allow enough time for the child to do it alone and then step
back and allow the child the dignity and self-esteem that comes from being able to take
care of his/her own needs.

Academics The aim of Montessori is to teach the children academics at an early age.
The aim is what Maria Montessori called the normalized child, which is a child who is
centered, well balanced and free of issues to act out. The characteristics of a
normalized child are: calm, hard-working, motivated, self-directed, able to make
reasonable choices, joyful, helpful, respectful, non-possessive and obedient to
reasonable authority. When all these characteristics are in place, there is a by-product
of accelerated learning that seems to happen effortlessly.

Home The home needs to be made into a Montessori classroom. It is not

necessary or helpful to transform ones home into a Montessori classroom. There are,
however, certain principles one can extract from a school environment to apply at home.
In order for the child to be independent about appropriate home tasks there should be
physical arrangements that make it feasible. For example, if a child is to be
independent in brushing his teeth, he may need a step to access the sink. If a child is to
be independent making his bed, the bed may need to be placed away from the wall. If a
child is to be independent in managing his coat, pajamas, etc., a set of hooks and a
hamper at the childs level are appropriate. In order to clean up his own messes, a
child-size whiskbroom, dustpan, mop, and dust cloth should be accessible to the child.

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Another principle that can be taken from the classroom is that the childrens activities be
arranged on shelves where they can be seen and accessed easily instead of in toy
boxes. Parents should be cautious about not having out too many toys at one time. It
is preferable to have a few well-chosen things that are appropriate for the childs current
developmental stage and keep the rest in storage to rotate. Children want to feel part of
the family and ongoing household activities. A step stool in the kitchen that allows the
child to participate in cooking at the counter is appropriate. Ideally, for eating, the type
of high chair that pulls right up to the family table (rather than the type with a tray) can
be used. Lacking one of these, phone books have served many families well. Children
need a small table of their own for their own activities, but they want to be part of the
family at meal times at the big table.

ADMINISTRATION
ANH Montessori School is solely owned and operated by Nick and Amanda Rumancik.
The purpose is to provide an excellent foundation for each individual to build on as they
grow. Nick and Amanda take on the responsibility of financial stability, strategic
planning for the future of the school, and hiring staff members.

Daily operation is handled by Amanda Rumancik.

COMMUNICATION
The administration and staff members understand the importance of communication in
promoting a sense of partnership within the community. Please use the following
information to ensure that the appropriate person is contacted with pertinent
information.

ANH Montessori School

2730 N. Woods Ln.
Rogers, AR 72756

Phone: To reach any employee of the school, call 479-936-7615.

Email: Administration and Guide Email addresses are firstname@anhmontessori.com
Fax: 479-936-7616

Website
www.anhmontessori.com The school website has general information regarding the
different classrooms, staff information, calendar, and an admissions section for future
families.

Office Hours
By appointment.

Although office hours are limited, messages are checked regularly.

Announcements
All calendar reminders and other important information is sent via email and posted to
our Facebook page.

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 FINANCIAL
INFORMATION

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 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURE

It is important to determine whether the parents educational philosophy is compatible
with that of ANH Montessori School. The admissions process consists of a school visit
and submission of the following paperwork: an admission application, a parent
questionnaire, a tuition calculator, and the first months tuition payment to secure your
childs enrollment. Older children may be asked to spend time in the classroom prior to
acceptance for admission. ANH Montessori School welcomes all qualified individuals
regardless of sex, race, color, creed, disability, national or ethnic origin.

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
We have two different calendar options: Traditional Year Montessori (TYM) and All Year
Montessori (AYM). The students enrolled in the TYM program are in school 10 months
from August to May with various breaks during the year. The students enrolled in the
AYM program are in school 12 months with limited days closed. The hours vary in each
program as noted below.

Environments Hours Age Brief Description

1 work cycle and
TYM Half Day 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Infant - 4 1/2
snack
2 work cycles, 2
TYM Full Day 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Infant - 6 snacks, rest time and
outdoor time
2 work cycles, 2
AYM Full Day 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Infant - 6 snacks, rest time and
outdoor time
2 work cycles, 3
AYM All Day 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Infant - 6 snacks, rest time and
2 outdoor times
2 work cycles, 2
Elementary
8:30 a.m. 3:15 p.m. 6 - 12 snacks, and outdoor
TYM Full Day
time
2 work cycles, 2
Elementary
8:30 a.m. 3:15 p.m. 6 - 12 snacks, and outdoor
AYM Full Day
time
2 work cycles, 3
Elementary
7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 - 12 snacks, and 2
AYM All Day
outdoor times
***Lunch is to be provided by the childs guardians.

***A rest period in the afternoon will also be available for those children who nap.

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TUITION
Environments Hours Tuition Per Month Tuition Per Year
TYM Half Day 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. $455.00 x 10 mo. $4,550.00
TYM Full Day 8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. $655.00 x 10 mo. $6,550.00
AYM Full Day 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. $655.00 x 12 mo. $7,860.00
AYM All Day 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. $900.00 x 12 mo. $10,800.00
Elementary
8:30 a.m. 3:15 p.m. $675.00 x 10 mo. $6,750.00
TYM Full Day
Elementary
8:30 a.m. 3:15 p.m. $675.00 x 12 mo. $8,100.00
AYM Full Day
Elementary
7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. $917.00 x 12 mo. $11,004.00
AYM All Day

Discounts Available-10% discount given for payment in full prior to June 5th, 2014
5% discount given for payment in full prior to July 5th, 2014
5% multi-student discount for more than one child enrolled

Payments may be made in full or monthly. There are no refunds for illnesses or
absences. Late payments will incur penalties as noted on page 14. Tuition rates
given are subject to change without notice.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD
There is a period of adaptation that each child goes through when entering a new
environment. We allow six to 12 weeks for this adaptation. If your child is struggling
with this, you will be informed during the six to12 week period and we will work together
to find a strategy to help your child adapt to the environment. If at the end of the 12
weeks your child has not made any improvements the school reserves the right to
dismiss him/her from the school. This is a last resort as we want each child to be
successful in the classroom.

RE-ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
Re-Enrollment packets will be sent home on March 15th and should be completed and
returned to the school no later than March 31st.

Families enrolled in the TYM program should remit payment in full or the 1st months
payment no later than June 5th. This payment reserves your childs space for the
following school year. Auto-debit will not be used for the first months payment.

Families enrolled in the AYM program choosing to remit payment in full, should follow
the schools discount schedule. AYM families on a monthly payment schedule can
continue their payment plan. The school supply fee will be due June 5th.

Failure to return the Re-Enrollment packet and/or the proper payment will result in the
forfeiting of your childs space.

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EARLY DROP OFF & LATE PICKUP
There is a dollar per minute early drop off or late pickup fee. You will be considered
early before 7:30am, and 8:15am and late after 11:45am, 3:30pm and 5:30pm,
according to your enrollment status. You will be billed through the office.

Only families enrolled in the AYM All Day program or who have made special
arrangements through the office will be allowed to arrive prior to 8:15am or stay past
3:30pm.

LATE PAYMENTS
Payments are considered late if received after the 5th of the month regardless of
whether you have received an invoice. You will be charged a 10% late payment penalty
on your monthly tuition rate if your payment is more than 10 days late. Payments that
are 15+ days late and/or repeated late payments will result in the dismissal of the
student.

TUITION PAYMENTS
Tuition payments may be made in full for an entire school year or on a monthly basis.
All monthly tuition payments will be due on the 5th of each month.

WAIVING OF TUITION
In order to waive tuition for an extended leave (one month or longer than one month),
ANH Montessori School requires six (6) months advance notice in writing. If advance
notice is not given, regular monthly tuition will be required. No more than one month
tuition will be waived.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY
If you need to withdraw your child during a school year, a written 30 day notice is
required. No refunds will be given on tuition paid by monthly payments. Refunds for
tuition paid in full will be determined by the number of months left in the school year less
the discount. For example: AYM Full Day Annual Tuition with discount = $7,074.00,
withdrawal occurs January 31st, monthly tuition without discount is $655.00 x 6 months
(August to January) = $3,930.00, Annual tuition $7,074.00 - $3,930.00 = $3,144.00
tuition refund.

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 ACADEMIC
PROCEDURES

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 ACADEMIC PROCEDURES

Parents should keep the teachers informed of any changes in home situations that
might affect their child. Additionally, parents should contact their childs teacher if
anything comes up in conversation with their child that the parents think the school
should know.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
ANH Montessori School has cooperative agreements with the following individuals or
companies to provide classes throughout the year at an additional cost. You may
contact the office for more information regarding Happy/Legends Soccer and Karate.
For Art, Dance, and Piano please contact the individual listed.

Art, Karen Mauchline- karen@anhmontessori.com

Dance, Sara Brady- sara@anhmontessori.com
Piano, Cindy McMillan- cindy@anhmontessori.com

CLASS PLACEMENT & TRANSITIONS

New students are introduced into the classroom by way of staggered starts. This
process starts new students on different days allowing the guide to spend adequate
time with each new student. Returning students will start first.

When students begin to take interest in more challenging work, they will be invited to
visit the next level classroom, or stay for a longer work day to prepare for a successful
transition. It is important for parents to listen to their child to help prepare him/her for a
transition. He/She will probably express a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Change
can be scary. Listening to the childs feelings and expressing support will make a
difference.

Transition can be discussed with your childs classroom guide. **Tuition will be adjusted
at the time transitioning takes place.

ANH Montessori considers the following factors when deciding in what classes to place
students, in order to prepare effective class make-up for multi-age grouping.

Building Community
At each level, children are clustered in learning communities for a two or three year
period. These communities provide a number of advantages not found in traditional
schools. Children work with others who are older and younger than themselves. The
older students serve as role models and tutors for the younger students, and in the
process they gain confidence in their own abilities and self-esteem regarding their skill
level and expertise. The younger ones watch the older ones and in the process gain a
clear vision of what is expected of them. They have the benefit of working with and
learning from their peers as well as the teacher. This community is a direct preparation
for life in the family and in the work place.
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Balance of Needs and Learning Styles
Each learning community develops its own personality. The placement of children in
these communities as they move from one level to another is a very important task.
Each community needs a blend of learning and personality styles so that it truly reflects
larger communities. Grouping children by their intellectual abilities or age would defeat
the greater goal of establishing a sense of community in the classroom.

Siblings and Friends

Siblings and clusters of friends are not usually placed together. A child grows from
developing new relationships with others. Building community requires individuals to
extend themselves beyond their immediate circle of comfortable relationships.

Three-Year Commitment
Because the composition of a learning community is selected very carefully, it is rare for
children to be transferred from one community to another during this three-year period.
The school asks parents and children to make a three-year commitment to the learning
community and, within that three-year period, to take the opportunity of getting to know
other parents and children so that adults can also experience the benefit of a
community network.

CONFERENCES
There will be three scheduled conferences per school year. One will be in the fall, one
will be in the winter, and one in the spring. AYM students will have the option of an
additional conference during the summer. During these individual conferences, parents
and the guide discuss all aspects of a childs development. The purpose of these
meetings is not just to report but also to exchange information necessary to facilitate
proper guidance of the child. Parents can share information about their child and their
home life. Guides also use this opportunity to answer questions about the classroom,
the school and to explain in detail the specific skills and concepts the child has
acquired.

Both parents are urged to attend conferences. Conferences are scheduled and
communicated by the respective guide.

If the guide feels it is necessary to conference more than three times during the year
she will contact you to schedule a time. If you feel it is necessary to conference more
than three times during the school year please schedule a time with your childs guide.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are reserved for the Elementary classes. Parents must sign and return
permission slips for each field trip. Parents will receive at least one-weeks notice of
these field trips. Parents may be requested to drive.

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OBSERVATIONS
Parents are welcome to visit and observe at ANH Montessori School. We expect each
family to observe twice in a school calendar year. Observations begin after the first six
weeks of school. After the initial six weeks of school you may observe anytime
throughout the year. If you wish to observe at a time other than the designated
observation times you must schedule the time with your childs guide.

To minimize disruption, parents should not bring cell phones, cameras, video recorders
or other electronic devices into the classroom. The following guidelines should be
followed when observing at each level:

Infant and Toddler

Observation in the infant and toddler communities is through the one-way windows.
Parents should plan to stay approximately 30 minutes. Parents should be as still as
possible. Observers should refrain from conversation at the window, and are
encouraged to go outside to visit with each other. Parents should write down any
questions they have about their observation on the Observation Log for follow-up during
conferences.

Primary
Observations of the Primary communities are done in the classroom. Parents should
plan to stay approximately 30 minutes. Parents are asked to refrain from conversation
with the children in the classroom. I came to watch you work, is a good phrase to use
when questioned by the children. Parents should not help children with their activities.
The point of observation is to see an accurate reflection of the childrens day. The guide
cannot take time from the classroom to converse with parents during or immediately
following their observation. Parents should write down any questions they have about
their observation on the Observation Log for follow-up during conferences.

Elementary
Observation of the Elementary community is done in the classroom. Parents should
plan to stay approximately one hour. The guide cannot visit with parents during or after
the observation. Parents should wait in the threshold of the doorway until invited into
the classroom. Parents may sit where they have an overall view of the environment.
After 15-30 minutes, parents may change to another vantage point. Parents should not
engage children in conversation. Children may volunteer to show their work. Parents
cannot actively observe the class if they are involved in an activity. A polite Hello and
direct response to questions are fine. Then parents should quietly ask the child to
return to work. Parents may remind the children that they came to watch them work.
Parents should write down any questions they have about their observation on the
Observation Log for follow-up during conferences.

HINTS FOR OBSERVING

The environment of an ANH Montessori classroom is very diverse. Children are
engaged in purposeful movement, and there are flurries of activity and conversation.
The guide is usually found giving a lesson on a rug or at a table or even observing
unobtrusively from another area in the room.
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Visual Perspective
Parents should make the effort to alternate between an overall view of the entire
classroom and focusing on one child. The child will be less self-conscious, and parents
will see him in the context of the whole class.

Audio Perspective
Parents should listen to the noise level as it rises and falls within different groups of
children. Parents will generally hear a hum of voices as opposed to shouting or
disruptive talking. At times there will be an exclamation of excitement denoting a new
discovery.

Learning Style
Parents will notice that children have their own learning styles. With some types of
materials parents will see groups of children working cooperatively. With others,
parents will find one child working independently. Other children will seem to drift
aimlessly at times, seemingly not engaged in any direct activity. Often, this child is
engaged in his own method of observation and is actively absorbing information. It will
be helpful for parents to alternate their focus on these three patterns of visual, auditory
and learning style. Also, parents should note the ease and joy with which the children
work. Parents will notice the intense self-gratification that this unique learning
experience affords the children.

Child-Child Interaction
Parents should listen to the way (the style and content) the children talk to each other--
the level of respect as well as the normal pushes and pulls of childhood. Very often
observers new to Montessori are surprised that a child will jealously guard his work and
tell another classmate that he is disturbing his work. As a result of the verbal
communication the child will leave. Other new observers are bemused by the
politeness with which one child will ask another if he would, Care for a piece of apple?
and the other will respond, Yes, please. Thank you.

After Your Visit

Observation is highly recommended. It helps give parents a better view of how their
child is working in the classroom. A parent taking the time to visit will give the child the
sense of how much the work he does at school is valued by his parent. Questions
about an observation can be directed to the classroom guide or school Administrator.

HOMEWORK
Primary and Lower Elementary Homework
Homework, in a Montessori sense, is work that the child does at home as an extension
of his or her own interests. This work should be meaningful and of high interest to the
child. It should have a purpose. No educational system can be successful in preparing
children for a place in society without parental support. Education is a cooperative effort
that begins at home and is supplemented by the schools. For these reasons it is
expected that parents take an active part in choosing homework appropriate for the
child.

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Homework encompasses a variety of activities, including your childs regular chores. It
can help the child develop language skills, cultural awareness, make math a real part of
the home environment and give the child a voice in family decisions.

Both Primary and Elementary children benefit from the following:

Taking weekly trips to the library
Reading aloud to the child (Research has shown that children who are read to on a
regular basis learn to read more easily than children who have not had this
experience.)
Setting the table, helping with food preparation, cleaning up afterwards.
Taking walks together-(Look for different leaf shapes, animals, different kinds of
architecture, etc.)
Visiting the zoo
Visiting museums
Attending musical events
Making music as a family

The child from age six and on continues to benefit from real life activities. The guide
can suggest activities that are related to academic activities, but this is a minor aspect
of homework. In any case, Montessori homework does not consist of ditto sheets or
workbooks.

A parent who shares an activity that has great meaning to him will expand his childs
outlook and build a bond around that shared activity.

Parents can help their children be successful in life by helping them develop a good
attitude about work - whether it be for doing chores or for doing other activities together.
This will only occur if the activities are done in a fun way and not as a drill. Children
should know that their parents believe that they will be successful in doing the chores, in
doing activities together and in doing work in school. What parents believe about their
children is exactly what their children will believe about themselves and that is one of
the most important factors in school success. Parents should feel free to discuss
homework or other concerns they have with their childs guide.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Montessori teachers are trained in the observation of children, and the Montessori
classroom is an environment in which the teacher observes each childs social,
emotional, physical and cognitive growth to understand how each student is developing.
This information is shared with parents in several ways, including written reports of
observations and regular conferences.

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STUDENT RECORDS
Student records are kept by the Administration and include conference reports,
attendance records, and work records. All records remain the property of ANH
Montessori School. All student records are confidential. However, parents have the
right to review and request a release of their childs records to another school. All
requests for transfer of records must go through the Office. In the event of family
disputes involving custody, visitation rights, etc., ANH Montessori School abides by
restrictions established by court order or custody papers. These documents are kept on
file with the students record.

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 GENERAL
POLICIES
AND
PROCEDURES

22
 GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE
When your child is going to be absent please give a courtesy call to 479-936-7615.
Please keep absences to a minimum as it affects your childs normalization in the
classroom.

ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT REPORTS

Should an accident or incident occur at school involving your child, you will be notified in
writing by an accident or incident report. In an emergency or medical situation you will
be contacted immediately.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

During morning greeting time, from 8:15am to 8:30am, a staff member will greet your
child at your car and escort them into the building.

Greeting time ends promptly at 8:30am. The door will be locked at this time. Please call
if you are going to arrive later than 8:30am.

We will be encouraging your child to use proper greetings during this time by setting the
example.

Children will ONLY be dismissed to parent(s) or to a person for whom we have written
permission. If there is any doubt about a person, the parent(s) will be called for
verification.

During dismissal times, a staff member will escort your child to the car and greet the
occupants of the car, encouraging the child to do the same.

We are not responsible for buckling the children into their car seats.

Please avoid mini-conferences at the car. If you need to speak to a staff member, you
may call them or schedule a convenient time for a conference.

There is a dollar per minute early drop off or late pickup fee. You will be
considered early before 7:30am and 8:15am and late after 11:45am, 3:30pm and
5:30pm. You will be billed through the office.

In addition to late pick up, please be considerate of staff time. If you arrive AT 5:30pm
you will not be allowing time to look over infant care logs or be updated on potty training
etc.

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BIRTHDAYS
We have a special ceremony for birthdays. This is not to replace a family and friends
party. This is how we acknowledge your childs special day. Parents are welcome to
attend. We do not allow you to bring presents, goodie bags, balloons, high sugar foods,
or other distractions into the classroom. Suggested items to bring are pictures of your
child representing birth and each year following and a nutritious snack to share with the
class. Please schedule a day and time with your childs guide. We try to have the
classroom prepared for the scheduled celebration. Please be considerate of the
scheduled time.

BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE POLICY

At ANH Montessori School we have specific behavior expectations of the children.
These expectations are as follows:
Keep their hands to themselves
Use a quiet indoor voice
Walk
Choose appropriate work; use the work, then put the work away ready for the
next child

The adults in each classroom will encourage the children to develop and adhere to
these expectations by being a role model.

Violation of these rules will be addressed with redirection, by either the guide or the
assistant.

In the case of severely disruptive behavior, which includes but is not limited to - name
calling, biting, tantrums that disrupt the entire class, repeated disrespectfulness - there
will be consequences. The consequences could include, but will not be limited to the
following:
Incident report
Removal of child from the classroom and escorted to the Head of Schools
office
Parents notified and asked to pick up their child from school or event
Conference with parents
Behavior plan may be developed
Possible dismissal

BUILDING SAFETY
All exterior doors remain locked during school hours. Please use the admittance button
located at the East entrance door for admission into the school. You will be admitted
and acknowledged by an ANH Montessori School staff member.

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CAR LINE PROCEDURE
Please follow the car line procedure for all arrivals and dismissals during our scheduled
greeting and dismissing times. The morning greeting time is from 8:15am until 8:30am.
The morning dismissal time is from 11:30am until 11:45am, and the afternoon dismissal
time is from 3:15pm until 3:30pm.

DO NOT park your vehicle to escort your child into school unless you are arriving or
departing at a time other than our scheduled greeting and dismissal times.

Carline is not a time to pass verbal messages. Please send a note, email, or call.

The following is a diagram of the car line:

Woods Lane

Exit Enter
Only

A
N
H
Karate

COMMUNICATION
You can reach us by phone at (479) 936-7615. Writing a note to your childs
guide is also an appropriate means of communication. This cuts down on
classroom interruptions and informs the guide at the beginning of the day of
any changes in your childs routine.
You will receive newsletters periodically throughout the year. These will
provide you with classroom updates/happenings and the school community
news.
See the calendar on our website for all school events and closings.

CONFIDENTIALITY
We welcome parents into the school at various times during the school year (special
events, observations, conferences, community service times, etc.). During this time you
may be exposed to confidential information. This may include observing other children,
over hearing conversations between staff, parents, or students, or written forms. We
expect that you keep all this information confidential. Discussing school related
information outside of the school promotes gossip and is not acceptable.

We also adhere to a no photograph or video policy during all school events (special
events, Birthday celebrations, observations, conferences, community services, etc.).
This is for the privacy of our customers.

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CONFLICT RESOLUTION
At ANH Montessori School we have an open door policy on conflict resolution. When a
situation arises please follow the procedures below to find a resolution:

Address the conflict with the appropriate staff member.

If you cannot find a resolution or you are uncomfortable approaching the staff
member directly involved, contact the Head of School.

Open communication is necessary; always feel free to contact the school Head of
School at (479) 936-7615 or (479) 531-7628.

DAILY SCHEDULE
TYM: AYM:
8:15 8:30 Arrival 7:30 8:00 Arrival/Breakfast
8:30 11:30 Work Time 8:30 11:30 Work Time
11:30 11:45 Half Day Student Dismissal 11:30 1:00 Lunch/Outdoor Time
11:45 1:00 Lunch/Outdoor Time 1:00 3:30 Work/Nap Time
1:00 3:15 Work/Nap Time 3:15 - 3:30 Full Day Dismissal
3:15 3:30 Full Day Student Dismissal 3:30 5:30 Work Time

ENROLLMENT CHANGES
Families are permitted one (1) enrollment change within a school year. Because our
classes are primarily divided between our AYM and TYM enrollment options, changing
schedules can be very difficult due to class placement.

FUNDRAISING
The school will occasionally participate in a fundraising activity. It will be your familys
choice to participate.

ILLNESS
Keep your child home in the following instances:
Has had a fever in the past 24 hours (Your child needs to be fever free
without medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school.)
Has diarrhea or vomiting in the past 24 hours (Your child needs to be
diarrhea/vomiting free without medication for 24 hours prior to returning to
school.)

Staff members have the right to refuse entrance to any child they believe is ill. Please
know this policy is for the welfare of all the families and staff at ANH Montessori School.

Also, please note that it is impossible to keep one child in from outdoor time. If your
child is too ill to go outside, he/she is probably too ill to be at school.
26
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
The Department of Health and Human Services requires that we keep a record of each
student immunizations on file. We must have a copy before your child can start school.

INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of inclement weather, listen to local news and radio broadcasts. If Rogers Public
Schools or Bentonville Public Schools are closed we will also be closed. When the
schools run on a limited bus route we will be open, however, use your best judgment
with the safety of your family always coming first.

LUNCH
Each child is responsible for bring their own lunch. Lunches must be balanced in
compliance with Minimum Licensing Requirements, section 700, appendix C. A lunch
bag will be provided by the school for lunches. Prepackaged foods in single-serving
containers (or juice boxes) are often difficult for children to open, and, since it cant be
resealed, often results in wasted food. We recommend reusable containers or a
thermos. ANH Montessori School offers water and milk to accompany your childs lunch.

We suggest choosing something from each of the following four food groups:
tuna fish, hard-boiled eggs, slices of meat, chicken, nuts, tofu,
Protein
yogurt, cottage cheese, other cheeses, etc.
Fruits/Vegetables carrots, celery, lettuce, cucumber, apples, bananas, oranges, grapes
Grains whole wheat bread, rye crackers, whole wheat crackers, tortillas
Milk Products milk, cheeses, yogurt

Please, no sweets candy, sugary desserts, etc. or empty snack foods. We have
observed that when their lunches include sweets and empty snack foods, some children
fill up on these and leave the healthy food untouched. Empty foods do not give children
the nourishment they need to have a pleasant and purposeful afternoon. A nice note or
picture is often appreciated as much as a sugary dessert. Unacceptable foods and drink
items will be returned.

MEDICATION
If you must send medication to school with your child, it must be accompanied by
instruction for usage. Once at school, the medication will be kept in your childs
classroom in a medical lock box. Please do not leave any type of medication in your
childs school bag.

Medication will be given to children only with signed parental permission which must
include the date, type, drug name, time and dosage. The medication must be in the
original container, not have an expired date, and be labeled with the childs name.

Aspirin substitutes, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are provided by ANH

Montessori School and will only be dispensed with written parental approval and
consent.
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PERSONAL EFFECTS
All clothing should have your childs name or initials marked somewhere on it, especially
underwear, socks, slippers, coats, jackets, hats, mittens, and gloves. These items are
the ones most often misplaced. We recommend laundry markers for this job.

Your child should have a pair of rubber soled slippers for working in the classroom, a
pair of rain boots for the outdoor classroom, and a change of clothes in their school
provided bag. Please check the clothes in your childs bag occasionally for weather
appropriateness and size. Also, if your child takes a nap in the afternoon, a blanket
and/or pillow will need to be sent from home each week. Additional school bags ($15)
and/or lunch bags ($15) may be purchased from the school.

PICKUP INFORMATION
You should have received and completed an emergency information handout. The
persons listed on this handout are the only ones allowed to pickup your child from ANH
Montessori School. We will not release your child to anyone you have not authorized.
Furthermore, if someone on your list arrives to pickup your child and we have not been
informed in writing, we will contact you to verify permission.

POTTY TRAINING/BATHROOM INDEPENDENCE

The following are the expectations when your child is ready to begin potty training /
become bathroom independent:

Be consistent. Whether at home, school, in the car, or out in public, your child should
be wearing underwear. It is confusing to your child to go back and forth between
underwear and diapers/pull ups and can prolong the process. Taking your child to the
bathroom frequently will also help them be successful.

Be prepared. We will expect accidents, it is how the child learns the difference
between wet and dry. Having all the needed supplies on hand to assist and involve
your child in cleaning up will save a lot of frustration. In the beginning, please send five
full changes of clothes including, underwear, pants/shorts, shirts, socks, and one pair
of extra shoes. Avoid clothing which can be difficult for your child to manipulate
independently, such as, onsies, tights, zippers, snaps, buttons, buckles, belts and tight
fitting clothes.

Stay calm. Becoming extremely upset over accidents or overly excited with success
can cause your child to seek your reaction instead of learning to listen to his/her
body's cues.

Communicate. We will always strive to keep you informed of your child's progress
toward potty training/bathroom independence at school. We expect and appreciate the
same open communication from you. If you feel your child is ready and you are ready
to begin at home, please let us know and we will be happy to assist them at school.
We recommend choosing a weekend when you will be able to devote all of your
attention to potty training at home and then sending your child to school the following
week in underwear.
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PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports will be sent home periodically. Progress reports are for opening lines
of communication, not grading.

SCHOOL CALENDAR
You may access the school calendar via the website (www.anhmontessori.com). There
is also the option to add the calendar to your personal computer or cell phone. Each
event will have descriptions and reminders.

SHARING DAY
Sharing day will be determined by your childs classroom guide.

SNACK
A healthy snack will be provided. However, snack is a choice and it should not be relied
on to compensate for an inadequate breakfast. Your child will be shown how to prepare
for snack and clean up their snack. It is their decision whether to have snack each day.

SOCIAL MEDIA
ANH Montessori School does post to various social networking sites. We will try to
refrain from posting pictures of students looking directly at the camera. If you have
given photograph permission to ANH Montessori School it is possible that your childs
picture will be used.

Please refrain from friend requesting staff members.

SOUND OF THE WEEK

Each week the Primary Classrooms will be learning the sound of a particular letter.
Your child will be exposed to various items, possibly tasting, smelling or touching
different items that start with the sound of the week. Your child may bring something that
starts with or ends with the sound for the week. We encourage that you explore the
sound with your child throughout the week and see how many items you can discover
that start with and maybe even end with each sound.

SPANISH
Spanish Class is presented to your child two days a week during the Traditional Year
school calendar.

29
TARDINESS
Greeting time ends promptly at 8:30am. The door will be locked at this time, please call
if you are going to arrive later than 8:30am.

Tardiness is very disruptive to our school and the other students in your childs
classroom. When a child enters a classroom already in session, he interrupts other
childrens work and concentration while trying to greet them. Although we want the
children to learn proper greeting courtesies, the time for that is 8:15am until 8:30am.

Arriving late sets a poor example for your child. It is unacceptable.

You will be billed $1.00 per minute for each unexcused tardy.

Your child will be given a tardy slip upon arrival to their classroom. You will be billed at
the end of the month.

While we understand that unpreventable circumstances occur and occasional tardiness

will happen, this policy is to prevent habitual tardiness from becoming a problem for our
school.

30
 PARENT
EDUCATION
AND
INVOLVEMENT

31
 PARENT EDUCATION AND INVOLVEMENT

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS

Each family is required to complete 10 hours of community service doing various
cleaning or projects for the school. You will be required to sign a community service
sheet with the date and hours you worked.

If you prefer to purchase your community service hours you may do so at $20.00 per
hour. Following the last Help Day of the school year community service hours will
be calculated and you will be billed for hours not completed at $20.00 per hour.

CONFERENCES (also found on pages 7 & 17)

There will be three scheduled conferences per school year. One will be in the fall, one
in the winter, and one in the spring. AYM students will have the option of an additional
conference during the summer. Each conference will update you on your childs
progress in the classroom. If the guide feels it is necessary to conference more than
three times during the year she will contact you to schedule a time. If you feel it is
necessary to conference more than three times during the school year please schedule
a time with your childs guide.

HELP DAYS (also found on page 7)

ANH Montessori School will schedule three (3) or four (4) Help Days every school
calendar year. Each family will be required to complete a minimum of five community
service hours at a Help Day every school year. If your family is unable to attend the
Help Days, you may choose to contact the Head of School or Classroom Guide to
schedule additional volunteer opportunities.

OBSERVATION (also found on pages 7 & 18-19)

We expect each family to observe at least twice during a school year calendar. We will
send sign ups for each via email. Observations begin after the first six weeks of school.
You will be provided with observation guidelines prior to observing. After the initial six
weeks of school you may observe anytime throughout the year. If you wish to observe
at a time other than the three designated observation times you must schedule the time
with your childs guide. You should be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes in the
classroom observing.

LTC - LINK TO CLASSROOMS (also found on page 6)

We will offer these meetings at various times throughout the year. Each meeting will
explore a different aspect of your childs classroom environment and the philosophy
used to meet their needs.

Families will be required to attend a minimum of three (3) meetings every school
calendar year. You will be billed $135.00 per meeting requirement not met. Childcare

32
and dinner for the children will be provided at most meetings. Space is limited, so
please contact the office to reserve your childs space.

PARENT WORK DAY

This is opportunity during the school day for you to fulfill your community service hours.
The conference room will have projects from each class to be completed. Please refer
to the calendar for days and times.

SILENT JOURNEY
We will offer at least one Silent Journey during the school year. Silent Journey is an
opportunity to visit each class in silent observation and then repeat the experience with
interaction and lesson work. This journey takes place over a Friday evening and
Saturday morning and counts as two LTC meetings. Both Friday evening and Saturday
morning will have to be attended to count towards LTC credit. Space will be limited.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....

How do I get through the carline?

The first few weeks of school are always hectic for the carline, but things will settle
down after those first few weeks. Please be patient. Arrive early. Drive slowly. DO
NOT park in a parking space and walk your child to class unless you have an infant, or
you are arriving prior to 8:15 a.m. The staff is there at the carline to assist your child in
getting to class. See page 25 for diagram.

What is Montessori?
Montessori Education was developed by Maria Montessori who believed that no human
being is educated by another person. He must do it himself, or it will never be done.
Dr. Montessori felt that the goal of education should be not to fill the child with facts from
a pre-selected course of studies but rather to cultivate his own natural desire to learn.
The Montessori classroom allows each child to experience the excitement of learning by
his own choice rather than by being forced and by helping him to perfect all his natural
tools for learning so that his ability will be at maximum in future learning situations.
Montessori materials have this dual long-range purpose in addition to their immediate
purpose of giving specific information to the child.

How do I contact my childs guide?

You may leave a message for your childs guide via voicemail or email. Guides will
check voicemail and email and return messages daily. You may also pass a note during
morning carline. Please do not expect the morning greeters to remember verbal
messages, as they are greeting many families each morning.

How do I change my childs enrollment?

Please contact the office regarding any enrollment changes requested.

33
How do I complete my Community Service hours?
ANH Montessori School has three Help Days scheduled throughout the calendar year.
Please refer to the school calendar for these dates. Also, your childs guide has many
community service opportunities available for your family.

What is the importance of LTC meeting?

LTC meetings are a great way to connect and explore your childs daily school
environment, learn more about the Montessori Method, and meet other families within
our school community.

34