MONTESSORI
ASM
CURRICULUM
Integrated Arts
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Table of Contents
General Information………………………………..4
Mission Statement
ASM History
Affiliation
Organization
Montessori Philosophy
The Prepared Environment
Admission Information.............................................8
Enrollment Procedure
Reenrollment Procedure
Wait Last
Tuition Payments
Withdrawals and Refunds
Fees for Late Pick-Up
Tuition Contract
Program Information..............................................13
Process for Student Placement
Process for Classroom Placements
Provisional (Trial) Period
New Student Orientation
Elementary and Middle School
Student Provisional Period
Children’s Records
Procedure for Obtaining Student’s records
Amending the Record
Referral Services
Arrivals/Dismissals
School Closings and Emergency Information
Carpools
Communications
Fire Drills/Evacuation in Emergencies
Contingency plans for Emergency situations
Health Procedures.................................................20
Mildly Ill Children
Medication policies
Required medication forms
Long Term Medications
Short Term Medications
Managing Infectious Disease
Notification of Contagious Disease
Return to the Program
Allergies
Handwashing Procedures
Toileting Procedures—Children’s House
Sanitation Guidelines for Infection Control
Monitoring the Environment
Accidents and Emergencies...................................26
Accident Report Form
Central Log of Injuries
First Aid Equipment
Use of First Aid and Supplies
Emergency Transportation/Notification of Parents
Parent Involvement, Participation and Community Service.................
27Fundraising and Annual Fund
Classroom Observations
Conferences and Reports
Field Trips
Emergency Procedures for Field Trips
Snacks
Lunch
Birthdays
Celebrations/Holidays
Clothing and Personal Belongings
Mailboxes
Playground Safety
Notices and Advertising
Identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect
Discipline Policy....................................................33
Student Dismissal Procedure
Tolerance and Harassment policy
Principles
Responsibilities
ASM Consequence Policy
Children’s House
Lower and Upper Elementary
Expectations from Parents
Middle School behavior expectation
ASM Sexual Harassment Policy
Problem Solving Procedure
Faculty and Staff..................................................46
LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 14, 2006
SCHOOL HANDBOOK
Welcome to the Andover School of Montessori! We are pleased that you have made the decision to enroll your child in our Montessori environment. All parents, staff, and board members--are working together to provide the tools in the environment which will stimulate and enhance individual creativity, discovery and academic achievement. The school has committed to provide quality education which enables each student to develop within themselves the basic habits, attitude, skills and ideas which are essential for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning. We hope you will enjoy your involvement with the Andover School of Montessori.
Mission Statement
Andover School of Montessori fosters the growth of joyous learners and responsible citizens. We encourage curiosity, deep thinking and respect for oneself and others.
In support of Maria Montessori's philosophy we:
Advocate learning through collaboration and communication
Provide learning in a climate of support and experimentation
Promote service to others
Instill a sense of community
Model integrity and civility
Embrace peace, challenge prejudice and respect difference
Recognize that many perspectives inform the human experience
ASM History
The Andover School of Montessori, Inc. is a board-run, non-profit corporation, which was organized in 1975. The school started in February, 1975, in a rented classroom at St. Augustine's School in Andover. At that time one morning session and one afternoon session were offered. In September, 1979, the school moved to the St. Michael's School building in North Andover, expanding its program to two morning sessions, one afternoon session, and an Extended Day program for five year olds. In 1982 the Afternoon Care program was introduced. At this time 54 children were enrolled. Further expansion occurred in September, 1985, when the school rented an additional two classrooms at St. Michael's and then occupied the entire first floor. Enrollment was increased to 59 students. In 1987 a fourth, morning classroom was added increasing enrollment to 75 children. In 1993 extended hours were offered for working parents and in 1994 an elementary class was added. In 1995, the Elementary classes moved to new quarters in the First Calvary Baptist Church in North Andover. 1996 is the year we moved into our new building on 7.5 acres in Andover and opened two additional elementary classes (Lower and Upper). During the 2000-2001 school year, another Lower Elementary class was added and the physical expansion of our facility was begun. September 2001 saw the addition of the Middle School program, as well as the physical space that included a library, art room, science lab, multi-purpose room and a staff room, thus completing ASM’s growth and expansion plans.
Affiliations
Andover School of Montessori has been fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1985 and holds a membership in the Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. The lead teachers are Montessori trained, and many hold advanced degrees, and they maintain professional memberships in the American Montessori Society (AMS). ASM has attained accreditation from the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE) and the American Montessori Society. ASM is also approved by the Andover School Committee for elementary and middle school programs. ASM is affiliated with the New England League of Middle Schools, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, the North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA), the Montessori Schools of Massachusetts (MSM), the Andover Educational Improvement Association (AEIA), the Granite State Council of the International Reading Association, Parent-to-Parent, and Parents of Independent Schools (PIN).
Organization
Every parent or guardian of an enrolled child is automatically a member of the corporation and enjoys full voting rights. All currently employed teachers are associate members of the corporation. The school is governed by a nine member Board of Directors consisting of parents of currently enrolled students and members from the community. The Head of School attends all board meetings but is not a voting member. The Board meets regularly to determine school policies and is accountable for the school's resources. The Board selects and monitors the Head of School who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school.
The by-laws of the corporation are available in the school office. The Treasurer at the annual business meeting held in the spring presents a statement of the financial affairs of the school. At this meeting, Board members are elected by the general members of the corporation. Board officers are elected by the Board of Directors at the Board meeting following the annual membership meeting.
Parents play a very important role in the functioning of the school and are expected to participate in various aspects of the operation such as Parents’ Association (PACE), Committees (ad hoc or sub-committees to the Board), fundraising , Head of School selection, snack preparation, maintenance, long-range planning, etc..
Montessori Philosophy
An idea fundamental to Montessori philosophy is that the child has an innate desire to develop her human potential in all its dimensions. Equally intrinsic to Montessori philosophy is the belief that the young child has an "absorbent" mind. Maria Montessori believed that just as a baby learns to walk and talk spontaneously and without the direction of an adult, so is the child able to absorb and process all sorts of information from her environment, and in effect, to teach herself. Thus, Maria Montessori believed that the primary job of childhood is for the child to "create" a person he or she is to become.
Maria Montessori was the first woman accepted by the University of Rome Medical school and graduated with honors in 1896. She did a great deal of her early work in children’s wards of the local hospitals and went on to work with mentally challenged children, and studied the works of Itard and Seguin, innovative scientists of the time. Using their methods and didactic materials, she worked extensively with the education of these children. At the end of her work with them, many of them passed the state tests on a level with the normal children. Montessori then concluded that there was something wrong with the regular education program and devoted the remainder of her life to studying and improving that education. Many of her recommendations such as movable tables and chairs, the need for special nutrition, and time out of doors came from her background as a physician.
In 1903, Montessori was asked to start a special program which she named “Casa de Bambini” or “Children’s House” for the children of working parents in a new public housing area in the San Lorenzo district of Rome. The developers hoped that with organized activities, the children would not mark the walls and be otherwise destructive to the new buildings. By observing these children and their teachers (whom she called Directresses) Montessori further developed her philosophy of education.
Through these undertakings, Montessori became aware of the value of a prepared environment which meets the child’s needs and foster’s the inherent joy in learning.
This philosophical framework leads to the Montessori environment: an environment that is carefully planned to include materials that meet the cognitive and developmental needs of the child, and which enable the child to learn through her personal interactions with the environment. Because the child has been prepared for each new material she is able to proceed at her own rate. The self-correcting characteristics of each exercise, combined with the fact that the child has been prepared for each new step, leads to successful experiences which lead to further successful experiences and independence.
The Prepared Environment
Montessori wanted this environment to be open-ended, not a fixed system. She believed the classroom should be innovative, full of constant experimentation based upon the teacher’s observation of the child. It is a nourishing place of self-construction, which reveals personality and growth patterns. Not only must it meet the needs of all the children but also safeguard against any obstacles.
Although Maria Montessori placed emphasis on the environment, it is important to keep in mind several key ideas:
1) She regarded the environment secondary to life itself. In the Montessori Method she states:
"It can modify, it can help or hinder, but it cannot create. The origins of species and individuals lie within. The child doesn’t grow because the environment is nourishing. She grows because the potential life within her grows, making itself visible."
2) The environment is carefully prepared for the child by a knowledgeable and sensitive, qualified Montessori teacher.
3) The adult is a participant in the child’s life, living and growing within it. The eventual outcome of the class depends upon the teacher’s ability to participate with the children in a life of becoming.
The Montessori Children's House environment has four major areas. The Practical Life area aids in the development of the child's concentration, coordination, independence and order. Each material in the Sensorial area provides a means for the child to focus on a particular sensory perception, thereby enhancing the child's ability to perceive similarities and differences, to grade and match, etc. The Math area aids in development of the mathematical mind. Working with the concrete materials gives the child a solid impression of the concept and enables her to gradually comprehend abstract mathematical concepts. The materials in the Language area lay the ground work for reading and writing. There are also many activities in the areas of Art, Music, and the social and natural Sciences that enrich the child's development as well as her understanding of the world around her.
The Montessori Elementary and Middle School environments are prepared so that individualized learning establishes an intimate contact between child, teacher, and work. Instruction deals in the concrete and concerns itself with the basics as compatible with the development of the child. All subjects are interconnected: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Spanish, Technology, and Cultural Studies. In addition, all the faculty and students know each other; it is like a family. Work is shared and learning is vitalized by social life. Adding to the community spirit is parent involvement. Because of the open-ended Montessori environment, there is no limit to what the child can do. In collaboration with the teacher, all kinds and levels of learning take place, thereby maximizing the individual potential of each child.
Admission Information
The Andover School of Montessori does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, disabilities, marital status or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission or hiring policies, and other school administered programs.
· A child must be three years of age by September 15th (children are expected to be toilet trained, or at least attempting).
· The ideal student is a good citizen who is respectful. ASM seeks to create and maintain a student body consisting of students with varying capabilities who will flourish and add to the Montessori environment and community.
· Elementary and Middle School-aged children will have equal weight given to academic and behavioral qualifications, as well as prior school and school-related experiences. Candidates will be screened in reading, writing and arithmetic. The teachers will observe and evaluate the child’s behavior during his/her visit to the school. Included in required documentation are current school records.
· For younger applicants, the perceived ability to adapt to Montessori methods, as well as behavior, is critical to a student’s admission.
· Factors in acceptance:
• Suitability of the program for the student
• Age and sex distribution in the classroom
• Family Commitment (as outlined in application letter)
• Consideration is given to applicants with prior Montessori experience, siblings of currently enrolled students (including the length of time a family has been associated with ASM)
• During the re-enrollment period (January - February) spaces are held for currently enrolled students.
• If the school has full enrollment the applicants' names are placed on a waiting list. As space becomes available, the Admission Director notifies the parents and proceeds with the next step of the enrollment process.
No new students will be accepted after January 1 for the current school year.
Enrollment Procedure
1. Complete the application and return it to the school office with the non-refundable application fee. This includes a letter by the parents explaining their goals for their child, how they hope ASM will meet those expectations, and how the families plan on being involved with the ASM community.
2. Visit ASM during an Open House (which will be scheduled once the application form has been received). You will have the opportunity to view a video on Montessori education, speak with an administrator and observe the classes from our one-way mirrors.
3. Elementary and Middle School candidates must return a teacher reference form (two for Middle School applicants) as well as copies of their transcripts from previous schooling, before the child visits ASM.
4. School visits are required for all student applicants. Children’s House applicants will be screened on a Saturday, in March, at which time they will work with a teacher and be able to choose other work as well. Elementary applicants visit the classroom for an entire morning session, and Middle School visit for the entire day.
5. If ASM has an opening for your child, you will receive an acceptance packet, including an enrollment form, a tuition contract and a bond agreement.. Return these forms within two weeks.
6. When the School has received the non-refundable 10% deposit, enrollment form, bond, and the signed tuition and bond agreements, a space will be reserved for your child.
Re-enrollment Procedure
1. No application fee is required for re-enrolling students.
2. Re-enrollment of current students takes place between January and February.
3. The Tuition contract and enrollment fee of 10% is due in February.
4. After re-enrollment period ends, no space will be reserved for a returning student until the current year's tuition has been paid in full.
Wait List
• Families of students offered Wait List positions will be notified as space becomes available.
• Tuition will be prorated and a tuition schedule will be set up to assure full payment by February 1st.
• Standard school policies regarding withdrawals, dismissal and refunds apply.
Tuition Payments
1. The non-refundable enrollment fee is deducted from the total tuition.
2. ASM offers three tuition plans:
a. Total tuition paid at the time of enrollment, 1.5% discount;
b. Tuition paid in equal installments beginning May 1 (or upon enrollment) and ending January 1;
c. Half tuition paid at time of enrollment and half on or before August 1.
3. A $15 late fee is charged payments 15 days past due per month times the number of months it is late.
4. For enrollments after the first month of school, tuition is prorated.
5. Extremely delinquent payments (two payments behind), the parents will be notified first by the Business Manager then Head of School and final notification will be from the Treasurer. If payment is not arranged within two weeks of the notification date, the child will not be allowed to attend class in excess of the paid tuition.
Withdrawals and Refunds
The Head of School must be notified in writing of any withdrawals. For students withdrawing from any ASM program, refunds will be made in accordance with the following policy:
1. The Application and the Enrollment fees are not refundable;
2. Withdrawal/Refund policy:
Withdrawal before July 1--tuition paid in excess of the non-refundable fees is refunded.
Withdrawal on or after July 1--no refund will be given on prepaid tuition.
Fees for Late Pick-Up
A late fee is charged for late pick-up at a rate of $5.00 for every 5 minutes.
ANDOVER SCHOOL of MONTESSORI
2006-2007 Tuition Contract
In connection with the enrollment of ______________________ at the Andover School of Montessori as set forth on the accompanying Enrollment Form, I/we hereby agree as follows:
1. (Re)Enrollment fees are non-refundable and are not transferable or assignable, but are applied toward the child’s tuition.
2. Payment Terms: Please indicate how you wish to pay your tuition balance:
___Payment in full with this enrollment (family receives 1.5% discount on tuition)
___Half payment with this enrollment; half payment on or before August 1, 2006.
___Equal installments, the first due on May 1, 2006 and the last due on Jan. 1, 2007.
3. For late entries (after October 1) the final payment may be made on February 1, 2007.
4. A $15 fee is charged for payments fifteen (15) days past due per month times the number of months it is late.
5. WITHDRAWAL/REFUND POLICY
If a child withdraws from the School before July 1, 2006, the School will retain the (re)enrollment fee and the family remains responsible for 20% of the tuition, whether paid in advance or not; any other prepaid tuition shall be refunded
If a child withdraws from the School on or after July 1, 2006, the School will retain the (re)enrollment fee and the family remains responsible for 100% of the tuition; no refund will be given on prepaid tuition.
I/we understand and agree to the above conditions.
_____________________________ ____________________________________
(Parent/Guardian) (Parent/Guardian)
Date: __________________ Date: _______________________________
Andover School of Montessori
By: _____________________________
Head of School
400 South Main St., Andover, MA 01810
(978) 475-2299 (fax) 978 475-1290
e-mail: admission@andomon.org
website: www.andomon.org
Program Information
The Andover School of Montessori offers a variety of programs as outlined below:
Seven-thirty Drop Off is available to a limited number of ASM students. Advance reservations are required and priority is given to those needing this early service daily. You and your child should proceed directly to the Science Room or Mrs. Edmands’ classrooms. The cost will be billed monthly or may be contracted yearly with the tuition.
Children's House Half Day is the multi-aged Montessori program for children 3 years to 6 years of age. It is held five mornings or five afternoons a week from 8:30 to 11:05 a.m. or from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. Children 3 years of age are only enrolled for half day programs.
Children's House Full Day involves a double session of the core programs, or half day in a multi-aged program and half day in Extended Day. All full day children have an hour break for lunch followed by recess. Full day programs are available for children 4 years or older.
Extended Day is held 5 days a week and is designed for returning students who will be five years old by September 15. (Half day kindergarten-aged children will be in a multi-aged Children's House program.) It is an extended time in the Montessori environment designed specifically for 5 year olds. Opportunities for individual and group activities of special interest to children of this age are provided.
Elementary - Children aged 6 to 9 years (Grades 1-3) or 9-12 years (Grades 4, 5 and 6)
Individual academic excellence is encouraged in this cooperative environment. At the same time, we recognize that each human is a uniquely endowed individual living a whole life in a whole world. Within our environments, fine and gross motor skills are refined, independence is nurtured, organizational skills are developed and a love of learning is instilled. The curriculum includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Geography, History and Cultural Studies, the Sciences, Spanish, Music, Art and Physical Education. Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. each day.
Middle School - The ASM Middle School is a two year program for students aged 12 to 14. Curriculum (Language Arts, Science and Cultural Studies) is presented in thematic units, with the exclusion of mathematics, which is taught individually so students can work and learn at their own pace. Students are also involved in community service, both within the school community and beyond. The goal of the middle school is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for students to grow, mature and maintain the love of learning which they have acquired during their years in the ASM community. Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. each day.
After School Care is available for children of all ages until 6:00 p.m. This program will be run by the local YMCA and all arrangements regarding the program, billing, etc. will be directed to their attention.
In-A-Pinch Programs - ASM will be able to offer In-a-Pinch Early Drop Off services (between 7:30-8:30 am). The YMCA will not be able to provide In-a-Pinch services for After School Care, due to programming regulations.
Fun Days are offered for In-Service, Conference and most Vacation Days for children of all ages and can be contracted through the YMCA program.
Process for Student Placement
Classes are assigned by the Head of School with input from the CH Program Director, Admissions Director and staff. Class assignments are made with consideration given to balancing the classrooms for age, sex, time at ASM and special circumstances.
Process for Classroom Placements
Late April - Early May
Students who will be transitioning to the next level in fall begin classroom visits on a scheduled basis. Teachers get to work with and observe these students at work.
Mid May to June
Teaching Staff and Head of School meet to begin the process of placing students in each of the classes.
Considerations:
1. Individual student learning styles, temperament, maturity, independence and ability to make work choices and complete work
2. Classroom profiles (number of returning 2nd and 3rd year students, number of boys and girls, number of special needs)
3. Friends and siblings* already in the classrooms (or in the group of transitioning students)
*As a general rule, siblings ARE NOT placed in the same classroom
Provisional (Trial) Period
All students enrolling in any program for the first time are given a six week trial period. The child may be removed from the program if ASM should decide during this period that the program is not meeting the child's needs. A meeting will be held with the teacher and parents (and possibly Head of School and/or Children’s House Program Director) to discuss the problem. All such attempts to resolve the issue will be documented.
Tuition will be prorated for the time attended and any excess will be refunded.
New Student Orientation
The first few days of our Children’s House program is designed to help the new children get accustomed to their new environments. The schedule is as follows:
- The first day of school for new Children's House students and their parents is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. or 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
- The second day is also for new students with or without parents. The session is from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. or 12:15 to 2:00 p.m.
- On the third day the sessions are from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. or 12:15 to 2:00 p.m.. This is without parents in the room (if possible).
- On the fourth day ALL Children’s House students (new and returning) attend from 8:30-10:15 a.m. and/or from 12:15 - 2:30 p.m. This is also without parents in the room (if possible).
- Regular Children's House session hours (8:30-11:05 a.m.; 12:15-2:45 p.m.) begin on Monday of the following week (Full Day Children’s House sessions begin on this date). This schedule is contingent on the school calendar.
Elementary and Middle School
ALL Elementary and Middle School students attend school from 8:30 a.m. -2:55 p.m. everyday beginning on the first day of school.
Student Provisional Period
After the six week provisional period, every effort will be made to have a child remain in school until the end of the school year. Circumstances under which a child may need to leave the program include but are not limited to the following:
· Parental Choice -- moving, financial considerations, or dissatisfaction with the program.
· Inappropriateness of the Program for the Child--the schedule or the program are a mismatch for the child (i.e. the child needs more hours or time than is available, a Middle School student remaining on conditional enrollment for 2 or more consecutive semesters).
· Parental Inability or Unwillingness to Conform to Practices and Policies--failure to provide updated medical information, behind two months in tuition, unwillingness to obtain needed services for the child (see Plan for Referral Services)
· Safety of the Other Children in the Program--chronic biting or aggressive behavior--actions that a child is able to control, but fails to do so.
Children's Records
Information contained in a students file is privileged and strictly confidential. ASM will not distribute or release information of these records without written consent of the child's parents. The school will notify the parents if a record is subpoenaed.
Procedure for Obtaining Students Records
- Submit a written request to the Head of School
- Allow at least 2 business day for the information to be compiled
- The original written request becomes part of the record and is annotated with the date that the record was released and the initials of the person who released the records
- Records may be released to parents on the last day of attendance upon prior request.
Amending the Record
Parents have the right to amend their child’s record.
- Parents may request a meeting with their child’s teacher to discuss material they feel is inaccurate
- Within one week, parents will be informed in writing as to any changes that may or may not be made in their child’s record. Any changes will be made in a timely manner.
Referral Services
Referrals to appropriate social, mental health, education and medical services may be needed by children in our care. Parents and/or staff may request such referrals. The Head of School will be notified of any request. The teachers and Head of School will confer to decide what action will be taken. The Head of School will document such meetings.
A conference with parents, teachers and Head will be scheduled as soon as possible. At this meeting, referral information will be provided; phone numbers, specialists and sample referral letters, information regarding advocacy, early intervention and Chapter 766.
When written referrals are requested, parents must sign a “release of information” form giving consent. Should a parent refuse such consent when a referral is requested by the school and the staff believes the information to be vital to the success of the child in the program, “Student Dismissal” procedures may be institued. A written record will be provided of all referrals, conferences and team meetings.
No resource professional will be called in to observe or discuss a child without parental permission.
The school will make every effort to implement any remedial plan recommended by professional resource persons or agency.
SPED Contacts
ANDOVER 978-623-8540
978-623-8858
NORTH ANDOVER 978-794-1717
METHUEN 978-681-1310
HAVERHILL 978-374-3435
NORTH READING 978-664-7823
READING 781-942-9129
781-942-9179
Child/Family Counselors:
Betty Luke 978-459-5427 (children 8+)
Rose Wetmore 978-975-2107
Betty Case 978-256-1467
Arrivals and Dismissals
Except for those children signed up for 7:30 a.m. Drop Off, the school building will open at 8:15 a.m. Please do not leave children unattended in the halls between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.! During the arrival period, parents are to supervise their children (and any carpool children) in taking off outdoor clothing, putting away lunch boxes, etc.
Children's House children should be brought to the classrooms between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. or 12:15 and 12:25 p.m. It is important that arrival time be carefully observed. Late arrivals can be disruptive and are potentially embarrassing to the child. Parents are responsible for escorting their child as well as carpool children to the classrooms and making sure that a teaching staff member is aware of the child's presence.
Children's House dismissal is from 11:05 to 11:15 a.m. and from 2:45 to 2:55 p.m. At 11:15 and 2:55 p.m. children who have not been picked up will be taken to the office and a late fee will be assessed. Elementary and Middle School dismissal is from 2:55 to 3:05 p.m. At 3:05 p.m., children who have not been picked up will be taken to the office and a late fee will be assessed. Timely pick-up is important. Parents should contact the front desk if an Early Pick-up needs to be arranged and the child will be brought/sent to the office for dismissal.
Parents and Caregivers should NEVER PARK IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL as this is a safety code violation. Please use the side and front lots whenever you need to park your vehicle.
Please notify the school if you will be late for morning or afternoon dismissal.
School Closings and Emergency Information
Andover School of Montessori closes for bad weather whenever the Andover school system closes. Delayed opening will also follow the Andover school system. Watch the local morning news reports for Andover Public School closings or delays. As always, use your best judgment whether or not to transport a child during poor driving conditions.
Carpools
Parents are provided with class lists before the first day of school in order that carpools may be formed. A list of each carpool, including signed parental authorizations, must be submitted to the office before carpooling begins. If someone other than a carpool member or an authorized pick-up person is to get your child at school, a written authorization must be sent to your child's teacher. Please be sure that an adult is responsible for getting the note to your child's teacher at the beginning of the session. Please observe safety rules while in the Parking Lot area.
CHILDREN WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON!!
Communications
ASM believes strongly in communication between parents, staff and the Head of School. If you have concerns that may effect the behavior of your child, we would appreciate you to bring it to our attention.
A note to the teacher, or a call before or after school would be most helpful. Staff members are always willing to assist with any problems or trouble that you or your child may encounter. It is important for staff to be informed in order to respond appropriately.
Fire Drills & Evacuation in Emergencies
10 drills will occur throughout the school year and summer session. Some drills will be announced, while others will not, so as to prepare for actual emergencies. When an actual emergency occurs, the following plan is in place:
· A separate evacuation diagram will be posted and used at each exit of each room.
· The evacuation diagram must describe a designated meeting area in the event of an emergency evacuation of children.
· An accurate daily attendance log recorded at the time of child’s arrival will be used for roll call.
· An accurate log of dates and times of all drills and notes about the effectiveness or problems of any drill will be kept at the reception area.
· A system is designed delegating one adult to lead children out of the building during emergencies and drills and the other adult is to check for stragglers.
· Additional child-specific emergency evacuation procedures must be posted at each exit for any child with special needs who requires additional assistance during evacuation.
Contingency Plan for Emergency Situations
In accordance with state and local ordinances, ASM is required to have an emergency evacuation plan in the event that we have to leave the premises. Listed below are the two situations in which we would most probably have to enact the plan:
IN CASE OF FIRE, NATURAL DISASTER, OR SITUATION (chemical spills, bomb threats) NECESSITATING EVACUATION OF ASM, students will be transported by bus to the SHED program facilities on Phillips St., in Andover.
IN CASE OF POWER OUTAGE AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF HEAT (when the temperature of the building reaches 65 degrees and continues to drop), students would be transported to the SHED program facilities on Phillips St., in Andover.
Face Sheets with student information will be brought and we will call parents to inform them of the change of location. Signs will also be posted at the school.
Directions to the SHED program facility: Phone Number: 978-623-8460
Follow Rte. 28N to Phillips St. Turn onto Phillips St. and travel ˝ mile. You will see a sign on your right and we will be located in the wooden building.
We hope to never need to use this plan, but in the event that it must be used, we are prepared.
Health Procedures
Your child's health form must be filled out by your physician and must be returned before the first day of school. New children entering the program must have a completed physical examination within one year prior to entering school. Returning children must have a complete physical for each ye4ar of Children’s House, Kindergarten, 1st Grade – 7th Grade. Required inoculations and immunizations must be up to date before school entry. The only exceptions for immunizations are medical or religious objections. These must be on file prior to school entry. Please note: If your child has a medical or religious objection to a vaccine your child could possibly be subject to exclusion and quarantine in the event of an outbreak of a disease for which they are not immunized. A lead-screening test for children 5 and under is mandatory as well. Immunizations required by the Department of Health must be up-to-date. The immunizations are:
Children’s House Requirements are as follows:
4 HiB 4 DTap/DTP 3 Polio 1 MMR
3 Hepatitis B
1 Varicella or physician documented case of chicken pox
Kindergarten Requirements are as follows:
5 DTap/DTP 4 Polio 2 MMR
3 Hepatitis B
1 Varicella or physician documented case of chicken pox
Grades 1-6 Requirements as follows:
>4 DTap/DTP > 3Polio
2 MMR (1-5) 3 Hepatitis B (1-4)
1 Varicella or physician documented case of chicken pox
Grade 7 Requirements are as follows:
>4 DTap/DTP > 3Polio 1 Td Booster
2 MMR (1-5) 3 Hepatitis B (1-4)
1 Varicella or physician documented case of chicken pox
All vaccinations must be physician documented with at least the month and year of the vaccination. All immunization records must be provided in English. Please provide the nurse with any updated vaccination information.
If your child's medical information should change during the course of the year, (s/he develops an allergy, is put on medication, etc.) you must notify the school nurse in writing.
If your child will not be attending school because s/he is ill, please notify the school.
Children attending ASM are expected to be well enough to participate in all activities including outdoor play.
Please do not send your child to school on days when any of the following symptoms are present:
• fever • rash
• cough • diarrhea
• vomiting • sore throat
• profuse discharge of discolored mucus from nose or eyes
· extremely tired
Mildly Ill Children
Children who become ill* during the day will be allowed to rest in the office until the parent arrives. Please try to pick up your child within a reasonable period after you have been called. We are not able to care for sick children for long periods; the nurse’s office must remain free for other emergencies/illnesses.
*Please Note: any child who vomits or experiences diarrhea MUST be taken home,
even if s/he claims to feel better after the event.
Medication Policies
Medication, (both prescription and over the counter drugs) should not be taken during school hours, if it is possible to achieve the medical regimen at home. Medication to be taken three times a day, can be given before school, after school and at bedtime.
If medications must be taken during the school day, please contact the school nurse for the appropriate forms. If your child is on medication before school entry, please have these forms filled out and the medication available for the first day of school. Please contact the school nurse for the appropriate forms or to make an appointment if needed.
To insure your child’s safety, all medications are to be delivered to school:
1. In a pharmacy labeled container. Ask the pharmacy to provide sepearte bottles for school and home.
2. By the parents/guardian or designated adult, never with the child
We are unable/administer that arrive in baggies or envelopes. Medications are only to be given during school hours.
Required Medication Forms
A physicians order is required for all prescription and non-prescription medications.
Long-Term Medications
Medications which must be taken during school hours for a long-term basis require the following forms to be on file in your child’s health record before any medication is to be given at school.
1. A signed parent/guardian consent and medication administration plan.
2. A medication order signed by prescribing doctor, long-term medications include: inhalers, insulin, etc.
Short-Term Medications
Medications which must be taken during school hours on a short term basis require the following forms to be on file.
1. A signed parent/guardian consent and medication administration plan.
2. A signed physician order (prescription bottle can serve as the order). Example: Antibiotics prescribed for 10 days for an ear infection.
Parents/Guardians may retrieve medications from the school at any time. All unused, discontinued or out-dated medication shall be returned to the parents/guardian at the end of the school year, or they will be discarded.
Managing Infectious Disease
· Children attending ASM are expected to be well enough to participate in all activities, including outdoor play.
· If a child becomes ill* at the program with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea the school will call the parent or emergency contact person to pick up the child as soon as possible.
*Please Note: any child who vomits or experiences diarrhea MUST be taken home,even if s/he claims to feel better after the event.
· Children with symptoms of other contagious diseases, including strep throat, conjunctivitis, or impetigo will be excluded from the program until 24 hours after prescribed treatment has begun, and is afebrile. In the case of a child with exposure to or symptoms of a more serious contagious disease (i.e