Dear Parents,
Welcome to the Saguaro classroom community! I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. I am excited to start the new school year.
*Please take the time to read the following information about our classroom and how it functions.
Morning Drop Off:
I cannot stress enough the importance of having the children arrive to school on time since children at this age are very sensitive to their sense of order and routine. Children generally tend to transition more successfully when a quicker goodbye occurs between them and their parents. If it is a tough drop off, you can call the office to check how your little one is doing.
Drop Off Schedule:
Extended Day
7:30 – 8:00am:
Please enter through the playground gate and drop your child off on the playground. Sign in will be on the playground.
8:00 – 8:30am:
Please enter through the playground gate and proceed to the classroom. Sign in will be in the Saguaros’ classroom outdoor environment.
After 8:30 am (Tardy):
If you arrive late to school (after 8:30am), please enter through the front lobby. Sign in will be in the Children’s House hallway.
Half Day or School Day (8:15 – 8:30 am):
Please enter through the playground gate and proceed to the classroom. Sign in will be in the Saguaros’ classroom outdoor environment.
After 8:30 am (Tardy):
If you arrive late to school (after 8:30am), please enter through the front lobby. Sign in will be in the Children’s House hallway.
Pick Up Schedule:
School Day (3:00 -3:15pm):
Please enter through the playground gate and proceed to the classroom. Sign out will be in the Saguaros’ classroom outdoor environment.
Half Day (11:45am)/All Day (after 3:15pm):
Please enter through the front lobby. Sign out will be in the Children’s House hallway.
Sign In/Out:
Your child must be signed in/out every day by an adult over 18 years of age as required by the State of Arizona’s Department of Health Services.
Water Bottles:
Children are no longer required to bring personal water bottles to school. Water will be available for the children in the classroom and on the playground.
Snack
We kindly request that every family brings snack for the classroom twice during the school year. Please sign your name for two dates that are convenient for you. The sign-up sheet is next to the sign in and out. I will provide you with the snack shopping list the Thursday before the Monday that you are assigned to bring snack.
Lunch
Please remember to pack a healthy lunch for your child. Water will be served at lunch so there is no need to pack a drink. Children should also have an ice pack in their lunchbox. Lunchtime is considered as an extension of our practical life exercises. Therefore, it is very essential that all foods are packed in containers which your child can open independently.
Birthday Celebrations:
The Saguaro community loves to celebrate your child’s birthday in the classroom in a Montessori fashion. We would love to have a birthday ceremony for your child at either 11:15am or 2:30pm. For the ceremony, we ask that you send one picture per year to represent the child’s life. If you would like to bring a treat to share with the classroom, please send individual pre-packaged treats. Parent participation is optional, please communicate with me ahead of time if you would like to attend a birthday celebration.
Museum Table/Interest Table:
Sharing is encouraged, and your child is more than welcome to bring an item to share as long as it is educational. In addition, your child should be able to present his/her item in an informative manner. If this is challenging, please write a little note so the teachers can help him/her out.
Nappers:
If your child takes a nap, please make sure to bring a crib size sheet and blanket in a plastic box with his/her name clearly marked on it. The nappers will nap in the afternoon after lunchtime. The nap boxes will be sent home every Friday for you to wash. Please remember to bring the nap items back on the following Monday.
Spare Clothes:
Please bring spare clothes in a one-gallon size Ziploc bag with your child’s name clearly marked on it. It will be placed in the classroom cubbies in case of emergency or if your child is in need of a change.
Folders:
The children will have their own folders in the classroom. Once they complete their work, they will store them in their folder. After I review your child’s work throughout the course of the month, I will send them home for you to see.
Classroom Meeting:
Throughout the school year, several classroom meetings are scheduled. Please refer to the school calendar for specific dates. Every family is strongly recommended to attend this event. This will allow us to get acquainted with each other and give you a chance to know what is going on in the classroom and at school.
Communication:
Please feel free to come to me with any concerns or questions. I always love hearing from parents. My preferred time to meet is after school (between 3:15-4pm). If you are unable to meet me during these times, we can arrange another time that accommodates both of our schedules. You can email me to schedule an appointment with me. Please be aware that it may be difficult for me to communicate with parents during drop off/pick up time as the children require my full attention.
My email address is: yookyung@keystonemontessori.com. I try to be as responsive as possible and will respond within 48 hours at the latest.
Classroom updates and announcements are posted once a month on our school website: www.keystonemontessori.com. Please make it a habit to check the website regularly.
Thank you and welcome to the Saguaro classroom community!
Ms. Yoo-Kyung.