Welcome to Classroom 7 Orientation 2014-2015 School Year

1. Welcome to Classroom 7 Orientation 2014-2015 School Year

2. Classroom Team Lead Directress – Ms. Peggy Shupp Email: pshupp@desertgardenmontessori.org Co-Lead Directress – Ms. Carmi Rivera Email: crivera@desertgardenmontessori.org Late Day Staff – Ms. Kristen Neuendorff Email: kneuendorff@desertgardenmontessori.org Homeroom Parent– Ms. Erin Bronner Email: gourmet10s@aol.com

3. Arrival and Departure Arrival time for Primary students is 8:00. Between 8:00 and 8:30 is a “slow start” period during which children will be working independently. Children will be marked tardy after 8:30. Arrival separate with your child at the front door please arrive as quietly as possible Departure have student say goodbye before leaving allow your child to gather his/her items independently pick up any soiled/wet clothing

4. Supply List • At least 2 sets of clothes – weather appropriate • Framed photograph of your family • Nappers - crib-size sheet and small blanket • Select 3-5 items from the supply list at the location below. • http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1NH9MYVONYYRI/ref=cm_sw_su_w • Supply List is also located on our website Classroom page.

5. Daily Routine/Schedule • 7:00 – 7:30 – Early Care • 7:30 – 10:30 – Morning Work Cycle • 10:30 – 10:50 – Group Time • 10:50 – 11:15 – Play time for napping students • 11:00 – 11:45 – Lunch in garden for non-napping students • 11:20 – 12:00 – Lunch time for napping students • 11:45 – 12:30 – Play time for non-napping students • 12:30 – 2:30 – Afternoon Work Cycle/Nap time • 2:30 – 3:00 – Play time (weather permitting) • 3:00 – 6:00 – Late Day Work Cycle/Snack available

6. Dress for Success • Please be mindful to dress your child in weather appropriate attire.  • We ask that your child wear shoes that support their ankle.  Sandals are fine if they provide a strap around the ankle.  Please, NO flip flops,  high heels or crocs. • Your child will only be allowed to attend fitness if they are wearing tennis shoes. • Young ladies are encouraged to wear  shorts under their skirts shorter than their knees.  This extra layer will support your child as she moves through the environment and her busy day.

7. Sharing • We offer sharing on Monday-Friday. The teacher will announce through Montessori Compass when your child’s day is. • The sharing basket is located inside our closet on the right side. • Sharing items are educational items that offer a child an opportunity to engage in a formal public speaking process. • Items can be related to our monthly themes!

8. Lunch • New, napping students will be eating lunch indoors with Ms. Carmi while non-napping students will be eating lunch in the garden with Ms. Peggy. This design aides the children in eating with Grace and Courtesy and supports the physical size difference in students (tables are larger in the garden, whereas classroom tables are lower and more manageable for the younger children.) • After napping children eat lunch, they will transition directly into napping time in the classroom. Non-napping children will transition to recess and language circle

9. Specials in Our Environment • Spanish – Ms.Carmi Rivera Spanish immersion throughout entire day Our goal is for Ms. Carmi to speak Spanish 100% of the time • Fitness – Ms. Ronda Jameel Tuesday & Friday 9:00-10:30 am (weather permitting) • Gardening - Ms. Krista Monday through Friday 9:00-10:30 am (weather permitting) • Music – Ms. Mary Hu Thursday 10:30-11:00 am (all students) Friday 11:00 (for nappers), 12:30 for non-nappers

10. Walk Around the Sun In Primary, your child’s birthday is an opportunity for a celebration. • Please schedule the birthday celebration through the front desk 7 days in advance. • Our Walk Around the Sun time is from 8:00-8:30am • Please enjoy creating a picture poster board with your child with snapshots from each year of their life. • Family members are invited. Please feel free to share stories from your child’s life. This is a big event and a wonderful time to celebrate your child.

11. Field Trips • We have scheduled two outgoing trips for the school year. These field trips are a wonderful educational and community building experience for your child. We will be forwarding more information and requesting volunteers at a later date.

12. Child’s Work • Each child has a cubby where paper items can be placed in the classroom. Children may take their work home every day. • Please check your child’s lobby folder at the end of each week.

13. Parent Partnerships • Read to your child every day **WE CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH • Review any works brought home with your child. Discuss and listen to your child’s thoughts on their favorite items.

14. Scantron • August and April • Adaptive • K – 9 (Primary 3rd years) • Areas of Assessment • READING • MATH

15. Conferences • Conference 1 Goal Setting (August/September) • Reflecting on the first few weeks • Setting goals for the year • Conference 2 (November/December) • Progress Report • Mid-term discussion • Conference 3 (April/May) • Progress Report • Re-cap and look ahead

16. Communication • Montessori Compass • Website • Emails • Phone Calls • Person-to-Person (limited during class time) • Office Hours every other Tuesday 3:15 – 4:30

17. Resources Located on the Classroom Page on our website: • Daily Schedule • Supply List • Orientation Slide Show CR7 2014-15 Located under the Parent Resources dropdown: • Parent Handbook 2014-15