Parents' Association

ASM Parents' Association PACE Mission Statement:
Just as Montessori education encourages children to take on responsibility for the care and organization of the community within the classrooms, so the ASM Parents' Association encourages parents to take on responsibility for the school community at large. To that end, the mission of the Parents' Association shall be to build community by supporting ASM administration and staff and the Board of Directors and by enhancing the relationships between the different constituencies of the ASM community.

The Parents' Association will:

1. Recruit and staff volunteer activities throughout the school year. This includes fundraising, room parents, field trip organization, special events, the library committee, the technology committee, classroom preparation, and other miscellaneous tasks. At the beginning of the year, the PA will conduct a "volunteer fair" to help orient parents as to the needs of the school and what they can do to help.

2. Organize non-administration elements of Open Houses, Parent Orientations, and other events that welcome visitors into the school.

3. Recognize the efforts of teachers, staff, and volunteers for their contributions to the community.

4. With the oversight of the director, publish the Portfolio Newsletter.

5. When possible, fund special educational programs for the school that will augment and not interfere with our children's Montessori education.

6. Work with and through the administration to foster positive publicity about the school with local news agencies and community groups.

7. Encourage parents' understanding of the Montessori Method by working with administration and staff to develop suitable programs and materials that will demonstrate the philosophies and applications of the Method in ASM classrooms.

9. Inform parents of the roles and responsibilities of school officials.

Parent Orientation Sheet

What follows are a few tips to help you start the school year. It is by no means an all-inclusive guide. Please contact your mentor or another parent or call a Parents Association officer if you need further guidance. We're here to help!

Communication: On Thursdays the TIP (Thursday Information Packet) will be sent home with your child and, if you choose, be sent to your email address, along with any other information or school work that your child's teacher would like to share with you.

The Portfolio Newsletter, the school newsletter, is available in the school lobby.

The Classroom

The children should wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. They play outside during a part of each day, unless the weather is extremely inclement. All garments should be labeled. You are asked to provide a pair of slippers for your child to wear in the classroom. When your child hangs up his or her coat each morning, he or she should remove shoes and put on slippers. You may leave the slippers at school in the designated spot. Please provide a change of clothing appropriate for the season. Include underwear and socks, as well as a plastic bag for damp clothes to be sent home in. These will be stored in plastic shoe boxes provided by the Parents' Association.

Snacks

Elementary students bring their own snack for the day. Children's House students provide snack for the entire class once/month, enough for 20 children. Please also bring a large bottle of juice (48 oz) You will be provided with a snack calendar each month so you'll know when it's your turn to bring snack. The teachers will also post this calendar in their classrooms. If your child has any food allergies, please alert your Room Parent and the teachers. Children's House students celebrate birthdays by bringing a birthday snack -- please provide food low in sugar; coordinate this with the parent in charge of the snack calendar in your child's room.

SNACKS SHOULD BE LOW IN SUGAR, WITH NO NUTS OR NUT OILS (check the ingredients) AND NO CHOCOLATE OR CANDY PIECES.

Please do not send cookies, candy, chips, cheese curls, etc.

Lunch

Please observe that the same nutrition guidelines are to be observed in packing your child's lunch. Also, please provide a labeled cloth napkin with your child's lunch each day. Remember to label their lunch box or bag and please remove any candy from ready-made lunches.

Pick-up & Drop-off Times

The school opens at 7:30am for Early Drop Off.

Parents cannot leave Children's House students unattended until the classroom doors open at 8:30 am.

Morning Session begins between 8:30-8:40am and pick up is from 11:00-11:15am

Afternoon Session begins between 12:20-12:40pm.

Pick up for Children's House is between 3:15pm.

Pick up for Elementary and Middle School is 3:00pm.

When you arrive to pick up your child, REMAIN IN YOUR CAR and have a sign with your name clearly visible displayed in the window. The teacher will place your child in the car and buckle him in.

School Closings

When the Andover School system closes for inclement weather, ASM will close, too. When school is closed due to inclement weather, a no school announcement is posted on WBZ-TV, channel 4. Our parent notification system also places calls to all ASM families. In case of emergency or unexpected early dismissal, families are contacted through the parent notification system

After School Programs

After School care is a program available with advance reservation and runs from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. for any child. Planned activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, board games and free play are featured throughout the week. This program is now run by the Andover/North Andover YMCA.

Fun Days are offered for In-Service, Conference, and most Vacation Days and are open for children of all ages. The children participate in seasonal arts and crafts, and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. Information and applications are made available prior to the Fun Day and reservations MUST be made in advance (students enrolled in the YMCA After School program are given first consideration for registration). Contact the YMCA for more information (978-685-3541).

Please consult your Parent Handbook for further details.