During your visit, take a moment to choose from the list of volunteer opportunities offered for involvement in your child's education. All parents are expected to give of their time to support the programs at Discovery. We have many events throughout the school year where parents may assist with activities. Being involved not only helps your child, but it offers a chance to meet other parents and establish new friendships.
Parents of returning students may sign up to volunteer for events, or to be a reading volunteer, by calling me during the teacher work week (Aug. 18-22) at 247-5781. I know some of you have favorite activities you enjoy doing in the classroom, and so I'd be happy to sign you up!
The 2008-2009 school year for the Pre-Primary Class will begin Monday, August 25th, for returning students ONLY. New students begin Tuesday, August 26th.
Your child's teachers are from varied backgrounds and experiences. I have taught as a Montessori teacher in Georgia, California, Nevada, and Florida. I developed our present 3-6 year old Pre-Primary Program at Discovery Montessori in 1994.
Debbie McMenamy worked with me several years ago, moved down to Lower Elementary, and then back to assist with Ms. Robin. Now she is back in my classroom and we are looking forward to working together once more, teaching and helping your children develop.
Our team is rounded out with Laurie Peterson, who grew up here in Jacksonville, and has been a floater at Discovery for the past two years. I am looking forward to having her in my classroom, where she can grow and expand her knowledge. We have a terrific team and are excited and look forward to a wonderful year with your children.
Arrival time is 8:25 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. at the front entrance of the Pre-Primary building (1520 Shetter Ave). Please pull into the semi-circular drive (by making a right hand turn only) and pull as far forward as possible. A teacher will greet your child and escort him/her into the classroom. You are asked to please remain in your car at all times. Be aware that your child may be slightly apprehensive about returning after the long summer vacation. Please say a cheerful good-bye as you leave your child in the care of the teacher. A lingering farewell makes the child think they have something to fear. A matter-of-fact approach helps the child feel more secure, and is what we recommend for your departure.
During September we will focus on learning classroom procedures and getting to know each other's names. We call this "normalization", or getting accustomed to the environment. Students with previous Montessori experience have an opportunity to demonstrate the proper care of the equipment and materials. We will encourage politeness, courtesy, and classroom manners.
Snack will be available during the morning classroom time. A snack date list for the school year is enclosed. Each family is asked to participate on a rotating weekly basis. The children really do enjoy providing the snack for the class, so please try to include their ideas and enlist their help when it is your turn to shop for snack. We endeavor to provide nutritious, low sugar, finger food snacks. The children prepare and serve to themselves. A list of suggested snack items will be sent prior to your snack week. For children eating lunch at school, the lunchboxes (please, no backpacks due to lack of storage space!) need to be self contained (cold foods able to be kept cold, hot foods in thermos, etc.). Please send juices and utensils needed for lunch. Due to limited refrigerator space, we cannot keep foods cold, nor will we be able to heat lunch items for your child. Please do not send cookies or candy in the lunches as we have no way to brush teeth.
Please be sure all students send a change of clothes (including socks and underwear) on the first day they attend school. These items must be clearly marked with your child's name. In the event of a water accident, the wet clothes will be placed in a bag and sent home with your child to be washed and returned. Also, please remember that we have a uniform policy at Discovery, which is clearly outlined in your parent handbook.
I look forward to meeting our new students on August 22nd and seeing our returning students August 25th. Have a wonderful summer!
Sincerely,
Dotty Rashba
Pre-Primary Class Lead Teacher
Files for Your Information:
Dotty Classroom Schedule
Dotty Snack Calendar 08-09
Dotty Classroom Celebration Calendar
Dotty's Open House Schedule 2008-09
Pre-Primary Social Screening
Health - Illness Policy
