Newsletter February 27, 2023
A Look Back
Coffee with the Director
We had our first Coffee with the Director on Wednesday, February 15th at 8:30AM in the MPR (Multi-Purpose Room). This is an informal meeting where we discuss topics such as school policies, procedures, the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, childcare, parenting, positive discipline, and other related topics. We are hoping that this will be a great way to have a dialogue with our parents to help us meet the needs of our students, staff, and community. Coffee and donuts were served and we had a great conversation about some of our emergency procedures and some ideas for how we can enhance our communication with parents about student progress and class activities. I hope you will join us at our next Coffee with the Director on Wednesday, March 15th at 8:30AM.
Construction Update/Elementary Classroom Relocated
We have completed construction on the facility and all the rooms are now cleared to be occupied! However, we are still waiting on Community Care Licensing to relicense rooms for different age groups. Last week the Lower Elementary Program (grades 1-3) moved to their new class located by the lobby (see pictures below). There is now a student entrance to the facility behind the lobby which will give access to the remainder of the facility. The current door code will work for this entrance as well. We will be changing the code in the very near future, so please be on the lookout for that notification.
We will be opening an additional Children's House Program (3-6 year old class) where the Elementary Class use to be. We are in the process of setting up the environment while we wait for our licensing agency to come. Our Elementary Room is still being used by the Elementary Class for morning and afternoon daycare until our licensing agency comes to license the new room. We are looking forward to being completely done with our project and we are hoping we are weeks away from having a 4th Children's House classroom ready to open. Below is a map of our campus once licensing has completed their inspection.
CAMPUS MAP
A Look Ahead
Casino Night
The Montessori Academy of Upland Parent Teacher Committee is holding a Casino Night Fundraiser on Saturday, March 18, 2023. This is event is only for persons 18 years of age or older. Tickets can be purchased online or in the school office. Childcare is available on site, more info about the childcare program will go out this week. We hope you can join us, we will be having traditional Casino Games to play, food, drinks, raffle and have a silent auction of things made by the the classes. Get out your best 80's themed outfit and join us for a night out! If you would like to donate items there is a QR code for some items we need for the event. Thank you so much for your continued support!
Reminders
Napping Supplies
We have been experiencing a consistent volume of children forgetting to bring their napping supplies on a regular basis. On some days we have nearly exhausted our supply of extra sheets and blankets. These sheets and blankets also need to be laundered which can compact our already tight schedule with the two washers and two dryers we have available. We are considering needing to charging a fee to cover this extra expense of laundering sheets and blankets, however at this time we are hoping that a friendly reminder will help parents remember that it is important their child has all the supplies needed for the day. Also, please make sure you label the sheet and blanket you send so that we are able to ensure it is not mixed up and sent home. Let the office know if you have not received a bedding bag to transport and store your child's bedding at school, or if the bag provided has fallen apart, so that we can get a one to you.
Winter Weather
Outside time is an important part of a child's day. With the forecast of continued wet and cold temperatures we still intend on going out to play whenever possible. However, play time may be shortened or the time of play moved to provide safer conditions. We will not go outside during strong winds, when actively raining, or with large amounts of standing water on the playground. However, with proper attire students who are walking should be able to spend an amount of time outside fi the temperature is above 40 degrees. Our teachers always keep in mind the children's safety and may choose to keep children in and do alternative exercise activities when weather would be uncomfortable. Below is a chart that I find is useful and good guidance for childcare centers. We will only go out in the GREEN temperatures for cold weather and both the GREEN and YELLOW for hot temperatures (not to exceed 100 degrees). Please let me know if you have any questions about this policy.
Enrollment: Spring Break and 2023-2024 School Year
Spring Break is coming up March 27th through 31st. Enrollment forms have gone out to sign up for care during this time. Some families have previously included this time in their contract. However, please return the enrollment form anyway just to confirm that you are still needing these days. Forms are due by Friday, March 17, 2023. Please contact the office if you have any questions.
Enrollment forms and tuition fee schedules for Summer School and the 2023-2024 School Year will go out Wednesday, March 1st. As with most other goods and services, we are also having to raise our rates again this year to keep up with the rising cost of running our programs. Attached is calendar for the upcoming school year for your reference. This calendar is also up on our website. We look forward to having you and your children back with us next year!
Have a great week!
Adam Thewes, Director
