CLASSROOM INFORMATION
The Montessori classroom is composed of multi-aged children which enables the children to be involved in peer teaching and lends itself well to small group instruction. The younger children wish to emulate what the older children are doing, and the older children become role models. Our environment is prepared to meet the child's needs and interests. My job is to prepare the class beautifully and appropriately to meet such needs. Mrs. Motti and I will guide the students toward appropriate work to help develop independence, concentration, and coordination. Our main goal is to teach the children to respect themselves, others and the materials in the classroom. Children are given the chance to work at their own pace and to explore their surroundings. The class rules include using a "6 inch" voice, slow and controlled movement, and treating each other with respect.
ATTENDANCE
Each day the first bell rings at 8:25. It is helpful if your child is here at that time, in order for him/her to be able to put away belongings in the cubby, visit with friends and be sitting on the line by the 8:30 tardy bell. Regular attendance promotes positive work patterns and gives the message that school is important. Of course if your child is sick, he/she needs to be at home, but frequent absences cause your child to miss valuable class instruction. In the event of an absence, please phone the school office and send a written note on the day of your child's return to school, so the absence may be marked excused. You may also e-mail me that information. Early in the year, there may be tears and clingy children. You, as a parent, can help put an end to this, if you say your goodbyes at the door and quickly leave. I have been teaching for over 30 years and I am use to acclimating children to their new environment. Mrs. Motti and I can help your child adjust to the classroom easier if you are not there. Please follow this policy to help your child, other children in the class, and me get the year off to a good start. I want to thank all my parents for following these guidelines. Even though we have had a few tears, they quickly stopped because parents did not come into the room and prolong good-byes. Usually most of the tears are for the parent's benefit, and once they are gone the tears soon stop.
TARDINESS
Please have your child in the classroom by 8:30 each day. Morning announcements begin at this time, and a late arrival is disruptive. We have a set routine beginning as soon as the second bell rings. If your child is late, you need to go to the office and get a tardy slip for the child to bring in to me. This is very important in order to keep accurate records on attendance. DISMISSAL
Pre-k's are dissmissed to extended day at 1:30 each day. Pre-k car riders are also dismissed at this time with a safety patrol. Kathy Bear or another adult will always be present at the car rider area to assist in getting your child in the car. If you choose to come to the classroom to pick up your child, I ask that you do not come in or look through the door. Dismissal is a busy time and it demands all our attention to get the children ready to leave. Please do not try to take your child out 5 or 10 minutes early. It is very disruptive to the routine of the class. If your child's dismissal routine changes, even for one day, we must have a note in writing.
TEACHER/PARENT COMMUNICATION
Good communication between parents and the teacher is essential for the success of your child in school. If you need to speak to me in the morning, please knock and come in to the room before the bell rings. After 8:30, my attention must be entirely on the children. Also, afternoon communication needs to be after all children have been picked up. Each day your child brings home a planner. Mrs. Motti or I give a synopsis of the activities and lessons that your child has had on that day, and also give a "face" to show how the child's work habits and behavior were on that day. Parents need to read this daily and initial by the work and behavior faces. Parents are also welcome to write notes or questions in the planner. This website will be updated weekly. You may also e-mail me at home at jeffbeth_boyd@bellsouth.net. My phone number at school is 992-3600 extension 125. Please do not call me at school between 8:30 and
Conferences may be scheduled at any time. Please send a note in the daily planner and note the times that are convenient for you. Phone conferences are also an option. I wish to be available to you when you have a concern or question.
