Additionally, Cara Doud will be joining our classroom as an associate teacher. Cara is a Montessori parent and is currently pursuing her Master degree from Barry University in Elementary Montessori Education.
Meet the Teacher Day will be Friday, August 22nd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This will give new students an opportunity to see our building and classroom, and give your child a chance to become acquainted with me and the other teachers. You will be given a chance to volunteer in our classroom this year. You will be getting a complete list of classroom events during the Room-Mom meeting the first week of school, to volunteer for these events. All parents are expected to give of their time to support the programs at Discovery. Being involved not only helps your child, but it offers a chance to meet other parents and establish new friendships.
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.
Arrival time is 8:25 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. at the front entrance of the Pre-Primary building. Please enter the driveway from 15th St. South and continue around the circular drive to our front door located on the east side of the building. A teacher will greet your child and escort him/her into the classroom. You are asked to 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.
At your child's pick up time, same as during drop off, enter the driveway from 15th St. South and stay close to the building to allow for out-going traffic. A teacher will walk your child to the car, when leaving Discovery please follow the exit signs towards Shetter Avenue.
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 that 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 in a labeled plastic bag with a change of clothes (including socks and underwear) on the first day they attend school. Please remember that we have a uniform policy at Discovery, which will be clearly outlined in your Parent Handbook.
I look forward to meeting our students on August 22nd. I hope you all are having a wonderful, restful summer, sharing and exploring with your child. I am looking forward to seeing all my students, and working and learning with each of them this coming year.
Respectfully,
Robin Thomas
Pre-Primary Class Lead Teacher
Files for Your Information:
Robin Classroom Schedule
Robin Open House Schedule 08-09
Robin Calendar of Events 08-09
Celebration of Life Calendar
Snack Calendar
Pre-Primary Social Screening
Health - Illness Policy
