Blessed Star Montessori Christian School Orientation 2020-2021
Staff, curriculum, COVID-19 safety measures, courses, and school options at Blessed Star Montessori Christian School for the 2020-2021 school year. Emphasizing respect for children, the school focuses on practical life skills, sensorial experiences, language, mathematics, and culture in its curriculum. Offering diverse courses and online learning options, the school ensures a safe environment with stringent COVID-19 protocols.
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Blessed Star Montessori Christian School Orientation 2020 2021 School Year
Staff New Parent Ambassador Alonda Jones Ms. Olivia Director Teacher Ms. Alexis Administrator Teacher
Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future. - Dr. Maria Montessori
Covid-19 Safety More sanitizing materials and donations Wear masks and shields, work behind barriers Call ahead if you or your child is sick/if you ve been in contact with someone who tested positive Reduced shared items 6 ft. working distance Temperature checks daily Do not enter building for drop off and pickup
Curriculum 5 Primary Domains of Focus Practical Life: Adaptation of the child to his environment and growth of his independence. Sensorial: Experiences that are designed to develop the five senses as well as the ability to discriminate between shapes and sizes Language & Communication: Manners and proper writing formats Mathematics: Experiences that develop an understanding of the function of numbers Culture: Sciences, Social Studies, and the Arts encourage a healthy understanding of our natural environment, interest in STEAM, and the benefits of diversity in our world
Courses Core Subjects Math Language Arts Social Studies Science Electives Music & Art STEAM Spanish Intro to IT
1stWeek at School School Calendar posted Monday the 17th Test Week Decision made at end of week More time for parent conferencing Student Online Learning Tour
School Options Option A: All Online M Independent T W Th F Fiil Independent Work Online Online Conferencing Work Option B: Hybrid Learning M T W Th F Online School Online School Conferencing
Online School Option Online/Independent Schedule P.E. Math/L.A. Science/S.S. Lunch Electives Review P.E. 9:30 - 10 10 - 11 11 12 12 1 1 2 2 2:30 2:30 3 P.E. IXL Math/L.A. IXL Science/S.S. Lunch Take Home Packets Duolingo P.E. Free Rice & Khan Academy = Fillers
Typical Day at School Decision must last for entire 1st semester Schedule subject to change Accountability log Independent work Take Home Packets, IXL, Duolingo, Free Rice, Khan Academy Friday Conferences: Sign up for times Student review & parent questions/concerns
Participation Grade 10% of each subject grade Attendance and Attention At home and school Lower participation grade Unexcused absence, disrupting class, not being prepared, late assignments, distracted online learning Recording available Will not redeem participation grade
Internet Safety Zero tolerance of cyber bullying Do not open suspicious/unexpected links Only put in necessary info when creating accounts Parental locks installed on school computers Not 100% effective Do not talk to strangers online Zoom meetings Parents prepare for supervision to avoid distractions and disruptive behavior
Parking Nice Weather = Parking Spots Septic Tanks Do not park over the yellow-painted septic tank covers You can drive over them, but they cannot bear the weight of a parked vehicle. Carport Two lanes Only park during rain Wait behind yellow septic tank No parking in front of car port
Drop Off Temporary Procedure Parents do not walk in Wait outside Outside sign in and no contact temperature check Arrival Time & Tardiness Arrive at 8:00 8:30 Tardy after 8:30 No admission after 9:30 except for emergency/doctor Not recorded 1st week Goodbye Spot
Pickup Pick up time specified in Enrollment & Payment Contract Call office in an emergency/leave message Late pick up payments are to be paid directly to the teacher at the time the child is picked up. 15 minutes late = $10 late fee Over 15 minutes = additional $1/minute Authorized Pickup Those who are not parents must have Photo ID (School will make a copy) Written Consent from parent (signed) No minors may pickup students Students only released to safe vehicles Must have an attached passenger seat
Signing In and Out All children must be signed in and out Notify staff upon arrival No available staff member = do not leave We are not responsible for children until we know that they have arrived and are in the building
Attendance Notify the office Maintain consistency, avoid readjustment Tuition is due even if a child is absent from school Unexcused absence over 10 days per year = Required summer school or loss of scholarship
Illness Contagious = No School Any symptoms of being sick = No school Negative test required to return Be symptom-free for 24 hours With Covid-19, quarantine for 14 days On antibiotics (if appropriate) for 24 hours Doctor s note stating the child is not contagious. Blessed Star adheres strictly to notices issued by the Health Department related to illness outbreaks that require children to be symptom-free for longer than 24 hours before returning to school.
Inclement Weather Monitor WEAR TV for updates and school closings Have immediate access to all emergency numbers to contact parents, guardian or responsible person Contact parents, guardian or responsible person to pick up child Move children and staff to center room if evacuation becomes necessary Practice weather and intruder drills A detailed version of the Emergency plan is available upon request
Dress Code No writing or characters, hats, open-toed shoes, or jewelry Exception: small stud earrings may be worn if they are not removed at school School is not responsible for lost jewelry Weather appropriate Please apply sunscreen to your child before school Send bug spray with a permission slip Clothes will get dirty!
Uniforms Required everyday Must be free of stains, holes and most wrinkles Refer to separate handout for approved Land s End and Target uniform styles; Check with director for other brands and discounts Please dress your child in clothes that they can change without assistance Bring a clean spare change of clothes Weather appropriate Ziploc bag
Personal Belongings Label all personal belongings with their full name Even lunch boxes and extra clothes We are not responsible for lost items Return school materials
Nutrition at School Follow USDA nutritional guidelines for children http://www.mypyramid.gov/ Minimize sugar in shared snacks For birthdays find healthy alternatives Always discuss acceptable treats with your child s teacher in advance. No shared snacks for the time being
School Food Breakfast at Early Drop Off must be dry Granola bars, dried fruits, hard boiled egg Bring solid color water bottle and lunch box every day Not allowed to eat junk food at school Ready to eat. No fridge or microwave, peeling, or cutting necessary. No medicine stored in lunch box Respect allergies of classmates
Classroom Ground Rules 3 R s: Respect for self, others, & environment Push in chairs, put work away Walk around work rugs Roll up work-rug tightly, keeping ends even Respect the work of other students Use Peace sign instead of shh Use walking feet, inside voice, and gentle hands Cross legs and keep hands to yourself Clean up whatever is spilled or dropped Raise a quiet hand to talk Carry one thing, using both hands
Playground Ground Rules Use walking feet while on cement sidewalk Feet first down the slide Fences are not to be climbed Protect flowers, garden, and wildlife Mulch stays on the ground Play without being rough
Cell Phone Usage Parents: No cell phone Parking lot Entering & exiting building Students: Emergencies Only Turn in cell phones Use for emergencies
Discipline Students will always be treated with respect and dignity Children will not be yelled at or ridiculed in front of others Staff may never discipline out of anger or loss of self-control Our staff will give a disruptive child every opportunity to understand what is expected of him/her Administration can ask a child to be immediately dismissed if severe disruptive behavior occurs Corporal punishment is not allowed on school property by parents or staff Use positive discipline and supportive language
Field Trips Virtual Field Trips CDC Guidelines
Field Trips Continued For children age 6 and older. Real world learning and social skill development Must have prior written parental approval Must wear a school uniform Must be appropriately strapped in cars Chaperones and exchange of contact info required Younger siblings allowed with advanced approval Those who drive must bring copy of license and insurance
Summer Learning Camp Children aged 3 to 14 years Various themes to give children the opportunity to express, explore, and create while actively learning Indoor and outdoor activities are offered daily Field trips that emphasize learning End of camp Finale provides children the chance to share they have learned and created More information during Spring semester
Teamwork Partnership between parents, students and teachers Help your child succeed Guidelines are meant to maintain a safe and nurturing environment for children It is important that parents follow all guidelines Failure to adhere to our policies and the procedures may result in your child s dismissal from Blessed Star.
Parent Involvement Set a good example You help our school succeed. Thank you! Volunteering Minimum 25 hours, by end of April Log hours in the Volunteer Binder $20 per hour that cannot be completed Parent Ambassador Fundraising Account Examples Cultural information/skills Assemble learning materials Coordinate events/fundraisers Photography & scrapbook IT help Facility improvements Grant writing Marketing Serve on the Accreditation Committee
Parent Conferences Communication is a vital part of a child s education Two formal Parent Conference times each year Fall and Spring Discuss progress, concerns, expectations School Calendar Sign up in advance (Bloomz)
Communication Top Priority: Attending to students! Address questions by appointment Request Methods Phone call with message Email admin@blessedstar.com acurtis@blessedstar.com Message through Bloomz Essential for success Important Information: Email Bloomz notifications/ & sign up Facebook Review with Students: Planners Binders Homework Folders
Admissions and Enrollment Application & Enrollment forms New Parents Only Immunization Record/Physical exam from a certified FL Physician or Religious Exemption Birth certificate Emergency Information/chronic medical care Parent Portal Emergency Phone Number list Parent Portal Health History Form/Medical Information Parent Portal Information on who may pick up the child and a copy of their driver s license Parent Portal
Admissions and Enrollment Handbook Acknowledgement - Website Field trip Emergency Form - Website Influenza Brochure - Website Playground Consent - Website Risk of Covid-19 form Website Permission for Food Activities - Website Volunteer Acknowledgement/Log - Website
Tuition and Payments Due on the first day of the month, delinquent after the 15th Contracts are for 10 or 12 months with the 1st payment in June, Last payment in May Contracts received after June will be prorated through May Withdrawal of a child after May 1, 2020, tuition for the remainder of the enrollment year as stated in the Enrollment Contract will be due and payable, with no refund or reduction of registration fee or tuition, and any unpaid balance.
Updated School Website Parent Portal New grading system My School Worx Donations Online tuition Important links Bloomz and Step Up
Additional Items Google Classroom Student accept invites Parent Ambassador Board President volunteer Discuss school needs and how to meet them at least once a month Bridge between school and parents
Thank You for Coming! Final Thoughts & Prayer
