Parental involvement is an essential element in the life of our school. Being involved helps you to communicate with other parents, the teaching staff and the administrators. Throughout the year, you will be invited to attend parent education evenings and Guild meetings. The importance of these evenings cannot be over emphasized and it benefits your child when you make every effort to attend.

Parents are encouraged to have an open communication with the teachers, staff and administration of Montessori By The Sea. We try our best to meet the special needs of the parents because we understand that every parent has certain views about what is most beneficial to their child. Feel free to communicate your views and we will incorporate as many as possible into the program to produce a mutually beneficial partnership. Please be aware that Montessori By The Sea will always do what works best for the entire school community and is in keeping with the Montessori philosophy.

In the event that a significant change occurs in your home, please inform the school. All information will be regarded as confidential. These events can carry over to your child's school experience, and we would like to be able to reassure your child. We will accept your judgment as to the kinds of changes that may affect your child’s behavior, security and general well-being. Common causes of distress include:

· either or both parents being away from home;

· a new person living in the home;

· illness of a family member;

· any hospitalization;

· accident or death in the family;

· new caregiver;

· birth of a sibling;

· separation or divorce;

· death of a pet.

Conversely, we will let you know of events at school that may affect your child. Working as a team, we can make this a rewarding and very enjoyable experience for you and your child.

We also appreciate it when parents inform us about progress or new skills that the child is showing at home.

MBTS Parent’s Guild

All parents are members of the Parent’s Guild; however, it is up to you to decide how active a participant you would like to be. This association aids the school by organizing fundraisers for educational materials and equipment, supporting worthy causes in the community and showing appreciation for teachers and staff. At the beginning of the school year parents are provided with the names of the parents on the Executive Committee of the Guild. Elections and the AGM are held early in the school year. (Please see the school calendar on page 4.) All parents are strongly encouraged to become involved.

Parent Conferences

During the year, we will schedule parent/teacher conferences to inform you of your child's progress at the school. At the end of the year (twice a year for Elementary students), a written report of your child's academic and social progress is presented to you. If at any time during the year the teacher has any concerns about your child, you will be called in for a conference.

Conferences may also be initiated by parents at any time throughout the year should you deem it necessary. If an appointment is made or a conference is scheduled, please plan to attend this meeting on time.

For both parents and staff it may be difficult to discuss problems that a child may be having. These conversations are necessary for the well-being of the child and the earlier we alert the parents to it, the better the chance of a positive outcome for the child. In certain instances, we may recommend outside help (this may include but not be limited to: counseling, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) when the problem warrants it and expect that we will have full parental support regarding any recommendations. Montessori By The Sea is willing to assist where feasible.

Classroom Participation

Parents who have a talent, career, or hobby that may be interesting to the children are encouraged to make arrangements to share this information. Parents are also welcome to share anything they may have to aid in Montessori By The Sea's various curriculum studies.

Parent Education Montessori By The Sea believes that education is a family concern, and we will present several educational seminars for parents throughout the school year. We expect parents to attend at least half of the parent education nights offered each year. These informative sessions will give you an overview on the Montessori philosophy and teaching materials. Each meeting has a different topic including math, language, and cultural subjects, as well as current information regarding child development and behavior. Montessori teaching methods and materials are different from those used in other schools. We want you to share our confidence in them and to see for yourself why they are so successful. Parents will also be invited to participate with staff in selected in-service sessions, which may include topics such as pediatric first aid, etc.

Parent Library

We highly recommend and encourage parents to become familiar with the Montessori philosophy. We therefore provide a wide array of informative books, videos and magazines, which are available for parents to checkout in the office. These books range in topic from childcare to the Montessori philosophy.

Volunteers

Parents are welcomed to sign-up as a volunteer at the school. Volunteers may be called upon to come into the school if the need arises. Please let us know of any areas in which you would like to volunteer.