Issuu

Pines Montessori School

ALL FAMILY

2026-2027

Handbook CONTRIBUTING SIGNIFICANTLY TO A BETTER WORLD SINCE 1977

Address: 3535 Cedar Knolls Drive Kingwood, Texas 77339 www.pinesmontessori.com

Pines Montessori School

About Pines Our school was founded in 1977. What began as just one Primary classroom on Woodland Hills Drive in a strip shopping center in Kingwood, Texas has grown into the largest and most established Montessori school in the Kingwood/Humble/Atascocita area. In 1983 we moved to our nearly 5 acres of land where we serve Infants (6 weeks) through Middle School (age 15).

We believe that Pines Montessori is more than a school and we believe that Montessori is more than an educational method – it is a philosophy of life. We are honored to have been a part of nurturing so many students who, over the years, have created their own personal histories in our world. We look forward to what the future will bring for your children and the impact they will make for decades to come. Our school is legally named Pines Educational Assistance Corporation, but we do business as Pines Montessori School. We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees, together with the Head of School, and our broader community each play an important role in fulfilling the mission of our school and its governance. The Head of School is the primary voice for our school and the management of Pines. The role the Trustees play is essential and is manifested by partnering with the Head of School to guide our community, while providing the accountability required to effectively carry out our school’s mission. 2

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Accreditation Memberships and Licensure International Montessori Council IMC

Texas Education and Advocacy for Montessori

Next accreditation visit is 2029

Cognia

Texas Private School Association

Next accreditation visit is 2028

Health and Human Services HHS sends an inspector out to our school at least once a year. These visits are generally unannounced. After each visit, we receive an inspection form. Our report is always posted all parents, staff and visitors to view. It is located by the front desk. Our reports may also be viewed online. You may contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission online or by mail at Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 2017 N. Frazier, C-1, Conroe, Texas 77301. You can access Minimum Standards online: Minimum Standards You may also reach the HHSC using any of these numbers: Toll Free 1.800.862.5252 Local Office 936.756.1551 Houston 713.940.3009 All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Funding

Our school is a not-for-profit educational organization that relies entirely on tuition to fund the salaries of our exceptional staff, as well as for the maintenance of facilities and quality educational materials. Any disruption in the collection of tuition puts our school at financial risk. All accounts must be kept up-to-date. The school will be forced to withhold any and all services to students whose accounts have fallen behind unless written arrangements have been made for deferred payment. Your cooperation is essential and very much appreciated. Please never hesitate to contact us if you need to make a personalized financial arrangement to remain current with your tuition payments. We are happy to assist you in structuring something that will work for both of us and will keep your child at Pines!

Tuition and Fees Tuition and fees are invoiced by the first day of each month. For your convenience, your child’s annual tuition is divided into 10 or 12 equal payments based on which contract is chosen. Your first payment for each school year is billed on June 1st (12 month) or August 1st (10 month).

Unfortunate Legal Language In the event it becomes necessary for Pines Montessori School to retain counsel to collect any amount due by the persons responsible for payments, the responsible party shall pay all attorney fees and court costs incurred by Pines Montessori School whether suit is filed or not.

You will be sent a statement, via email, and may elect to use direct debiting of your bank account or credit card to pay your bill. The debiting of your account or credit card charges will occur on the tenth day of each month or the closest business day. Any questions concerning your balance should be addressed during the period between the first and tenth of the month. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Funding

Please make sure that we have your current email address. If your tuition payment is received after the tenth of the month, a late fee of $20.00 will be assessed unless prior arrangements have been made with the Finance Office. 2.5% will be added to payments made by credit or debit card. Cash, check, and ACH withdrawal payments will remain free of service charges. Please make sure that we have your current email address. Your monthly statements emailed include our tax ID and services provided. These may be used as support for your tax filing at year end.

Splitting the Bill We appreciate that sometimes several people contribute to a student’s tuition. Grandparents, divorced parents, etc. It is NOT the responsibility of our Finance Office to “split the bill”. The signer of the Financial Agreement is responsible for arranging payments by other parties.

Tuition Assistance and Texas Educational Freedom Accounts Pines Montessori Board of Trustees makes available a limited amount of tuition assistance to currently enrolled families who, without this assistance, could not continue their child’s education. Tuition Assistance is offered during the Continued Enrollment period in February. Instructions on how to apply is sent home with the Continued Enrollment paperwork and is due at the end of this period. Please keep these deadline dates in mind when applying. Funding is limited and is awarded on demonstrated need and timeliness of the application and support documents. The Board will respond with an award letter based on current available funding and needs. Please note that if a family qualifies for TEFA, the Tuition Assistance through Pines is not available. It is the responsibility of the family applying for TEFA to follow all instructions and provide all necessary documentation. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

School Interruption While this was originally designed in response to the pandemic, we can experience school interruptions due to weather events such as hurricanes, freak ice storms and the like. If we ever pivot to any of the following scenarios we will communicate this to you in writing.

Everyone in School 100% tuition and fees at every level

Partial or Complete School Closure No online offerings. A classroom/s or school is deemed inoperable. Extended Care and Lunch will be not refunded. Equal to or less than 10 school days 100% tuition

Greater than 10 school days We will contact you

Partial or Complete School Closure Yes, online offerings. This reduction is only for those affected and does not include sibling classrooms if they are deemed operational. Extended Care and Lunch will be refunded Equal to or less than 10 school days 100% tuition

Greater than 10 school days See below

3rd year Primary - Lower Elementary/ Upper Elementary - Middle School 100% tuition 1st and 2nd year Primary ⅔ tuition

All Community Handbook

Infants and Toddlers 50 % tuition

Pines Montessori School

Enrollment Provisional Period We have developed a provisional 30-60 day period for a new child and family to Pines Montessori School. During this time, we fully expect that both you and your child will experience an adjustment period as you begin new routines with new teachers and new friends. During this adjustment time, we will all practice open communication and cooperation as we work together.

What Does This Look Like?

Keep the line of communication open and honest. Have a question about anything… ask! There is a lot for you as parents and extended family members to learn about Pines as you all are adjusting as well. Please make yourself available for emails, phone calls and meetings. If this transition is smooth, then, at the conclusion of this 30-60 day time period, the provisional period will end. If it is deemed that your child is not progressing as successfully as we would expect during this period, we will arrange a meeting that will include you, your child’s teacher, and the Head of School.Our goal for this meeting is to collaboratively create a plan that makes this transition more successful or come to the conclusion, together, that perhaps the needs of your child would be better served in another educational setting. We always want what is best for your child. Our guiding principal is that if the needs of any one child takes away from the teacher’s ability to teach the other children, or if the sense of community in the classroom or the school is not safe, healthy and supportive, then Pines may not be the correct educational setting. If this is the case, we do reserve the right to disenroll children from Pines Montessori School.

Honesty

I Honesty is paramount in meeting the needs of your child and the needs of your family at Pines. No student is ever discriminated against because of honest information you share with us prior to or during your child’s enrollment process. If we do discover that you omit or misrepresent any information on your child’s application or during the application process, or withhold information whilst your child is enrolled we reserve the right to disenroll. Let’s not let this happen.

Continued Enrollment Each February, we send home your Letter of Intention for continued enrollment. This letter ensures that your child’s place in our school is secure and helps us plan for the upcoming school year. It is very important that this is signed and returned, with the continued enrollment fee, by the due date indicted on the letter. If you do not return this letter by the due date, your child’s place in their class will be forfeited. Unfortunately, you will then need to reapply and will be assessed a new enrollment fee. Your child’s place may very well be filled by a new applicant.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Enrollment Divorced and Separated Families

Upon enrollment we expect that you will share with us all information regarding parental custody and rights and payment arrangements. This is the only way we can support you. We will not choose sides between parents. Please do not place us in this awkward position. Any time custody arrangements are changed, the school MUST be made aware of and supplied with the court order or comparable legal documents that speaks to this change. In situations where a non-custodial parent wishes to become involved in school activities or wishes to have contact with or take custody of their child while they are at school this is what we will follow: Ordinarily, we (the school) will not resist or interfere with a non-custodial parent’s involvement in our school, or access to their child, or their records unless we are presented with a court order or comparable legal documents restricting such involvement or access. We will not otherwise choose sides between parents. A non-custodial parent may not take custody of their child or remove their child from school premises unless the parent presents either a written court order or a written authorization signed by the custodial parent permitting such custody. Invitations to join the Pines App and therefore have the ability to sign up for activities and Parent Teacher Conferences will be sent to the custodial enrolling parent/s. unless we are presented with a court order or comparable legal documents authorizing such involvement or access.

Withdrawal IWe do require that you inform us, in writing, 60 days before your child’s last day of attendance. This is to ensure that you receive a refund of your deposit. We understand that there may be a time that a 60-day notice may not be possible.While we wish that we could refund your deposit we rely on consistent tuition to fund our school. These funds help reduce the economic loss we will experience until we are able to enroll another family. Provided we receive proper written notification of withdrawal, any unearned prepaid tuition and deposits held by us will be refunded within 6 – 8 weeks of actual withdrawal All records concerning your child are held in the strictest confidence. Confidential records are kept in locked file cabinets. Only the school administrators and your child’s teacher have access. If an activity requires parental consent, we will only accept consent from the custodial parent unless authority to grant consent is given to the non-custodial parent by a court order or comparable legal document. If the actions of parents, custodial or non-custodial, become disruptive to the operation of our school, we do have the right to restrict access by such parents, and to take other necessary actions up to and including dismissal. Please let’s not let it get to this point. All Community Handbook

PINES MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Arrival and Dismissal All classroom communities at Pines Montessori School are Monday through Friday. Class times/Arrival and Dismissal procedures are explained in the Community Handbooks.

Extended Morning Care* Please walk your student to the Morning Care classroom using your Extended Care family key card. There is no carline available during Extended Care. Your Parent Key Card will let you into the Butterfly Garden Gate and the Peace Garden Gate. If you would like to send a healthy breakfast with your child, we ask that they be able to eat this independently before 7:30 am. *All families enrolled in Extended Care will receive Guidelines for Extended Care in an additional document.

Core School Day Arrival is between 8:00 - 8:15 am All gates are open during arrival time. No parent key card needed. Please understand that your child’s late arrival is really inconsiderate to the other children and their families that have arrived on time. It also sets the tone for your child that their “work” (school) is as important as your work. Their future work ethic begins now. We do understand the occasional morning rush, weather, traffic etc. We have loads of experience in helping families develop a morning routine that supports arriving on time every day. If you are in need of suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Should you use carline or park your car? Both of these options are available every day. Knowing your child’s level of independence, mood for the morning, your schedule, the weather, please choose what will make your morning most successful. Here are some tips we have developed. Either method you choose, please understand that this is not the time for a conversation with your child’s teacher. We are very happy to make a time to chat when we are not supervising the arrival of children in the presence of cars.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Arrival and Dismissal Park and Walk

Our parking lot is not safe.

This works well for families who: have the time to park and walk have a child who separates well from you at the classroom door ALL families (Toddlers- Upper Elementary) choosing to park and walk their child to class must use the paved walkway between the Butterfly Garden brick wall and the Pines marquee. Enter through the Butterfly Garden gate and walk to class.

It is just like any street or highway. We love that you feel safe and that you may feel like you are helping us but please do not unbuckle your child until you have pulled up next to the teacher. Being unbuckled, hanging out of windows and sunroof’s is just a tragedy waiting to happen.

Carline- in the main parking lot

Sorry for being so blunt.

This works well for families who: like the opportunity to kiss and go who are prepared for a quick departure have a child who separates well from you in the car If you choose this option, the teacher will open your back door, unbuckle your child and will walk them up the stairs and to their classroom door. The success of carline depends on you being prepared when the teacher approaches your car.This means having their belongings for class ready. There is no reason for you to get out of your car or for you to be on your phone at all during this very important time of the day. Period. Turn your car’s engine off and lock it when you leave your vehicle. Take all your children with you if you park your car. Leave no pets in your car either. Wait until you are at your vehicle if you have the option of starting your car remotely. If you want to hear the stories behind these bullet points, park your car safely and come in. They are all true!

10 All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Arrival and Dismissal

What if I’m late to Dismissal?

Ten minutes after the conclusion of carline your child will be signed into Extended Care and full drop-in Extended Care rates will apply.

Drop-In Availability Drop-in Extended Care is defined as an occasional need and can ONLY be reserved through the Front Office.We really will try to accommodate your need but we cannot guarantee that we will have room. Please call us as soon as you know you will need this for availability/cost and the gate key card code. Extended Care is the extension of your child’s school day, therefore it is only available to you if your child has attended school for the entire school day.

Bicycles, Car Seats, Strollers and Animals

Late Pick Up Fees Extended Care PM

We do understand that sometimes you may be running late. Please understand that our teachers have families that they need to go home to as well. If this becomes repetitive, we will assess a late fee of $15.00 for the first 10 minutes and $10.00 for each subsequent 10- minute segment after, or part thereof to cover our additional staffing costs. We will call your emergency contact person to pick up your child if we cannot get a hold of you. Pines Montessori Extended Care closes at 6:30 pm.

· All bicycles must be walked on and off campus. · No riding in parking lots or on sidewalks. · It is the LAW- children under 18 must wear a helmet. · You are welcome to leave your child’s bike at school. We will place it within our gates. · Arrival and Dismissal are both very busy times. If you are riding with your child, please allow just a few minutes for traffic to thin out. ·Primary children will only be allowed to ride a bicycle home with parental supervision. We can keep your car seat, bicycle and stroller at school until dismissal.

You MUST keep your animal leashed and under your control at all times. We cannot be responsible for any injury caused by your pet on our campus. No animal, leashed, unleashed, in a stroller or carried in arms are permitted within the school gates or in the classrooms. Service animals excluded.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR ATTENDANCE

Prompt arrival and consistent attendance are essential for your child to:

Tardiness

self-develop self-educate succeed

Arriving after 8:15 am is considered tardy.

If you arrive late you must: Park your car and obtain a Parent Key Card in the Front Office. Walk your child to their classroom. Make sure that the teacher acknowledges your child’s late arrival without disruption to the class. Your child may not walk alone to class. Since class has already begun, your child’s teacher will be unable to have time for a conversation with you. If you do not see a teacher outside, then you are late. NEVER drop your student off when there is no teacher present. You need to walk them to the Front Office.

Why is arriving on time every day so important for your child? It sends the message that your child’s work day (school) is a priority to you. It teaches your child the valuable lesson of personal responsibility and punctuality. It impacts your child’s education. It permits your child to participate in cooperative learning experiences. It helps your child form friendships. It allows your child the time they need to settle and outline their work for the day.

Great work ethic begins now. You know how hard it is to gain traction when you are late for work. This is no different for your child. It also disrupts the tone of the classroom as the other children stop their work to wonder why their friend was late.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR ATTENDANCE

Prompt arrival and consistent attendance are essential for your child to: self-develop self-educate succeed

Excessive tardiness/absenteeism can, unfortunately, be grounds for dismissal. If tardiness and/or absenteeism becomes excessive or habitual, we will call to schedule a parent/teacher conference with you. We define excessive tardiness and absences as time lost that impacts your child’s and/or the classroom community. This is up to our discretion. We keep attendance records and this information is reported on all report cards and school transcripts. We want to work with your family so your child can benefit from what our school can offer. This is only possible if your child is present at school.

Absences You MUST call or email the Front Office or use the Pines App to communicate all absences. We care about why your child is not at school. Here are some typical reasons for an absence from school:

Due to Illness

If your child is ill, you MUST call or email the Front Office or use the Pines App in the morning. If your child has been given a diagnosis by a doctor, or is experiencing symptoms considered to be contagious, you MUST, MUST contact the Front Office.

Due to Doctor Appointments

Within the school day Morning appointments take away from your child’s uninterrupted work cycle. We ask, as much as possible, that doctor appointments be made after lunch or after school.

Due to Vacations

Within the school year We ask, as much as possible, that your family trips be planned to occur within the scheduled holiday dates and professional development days that we list on our school calendar. Please note that your tuition is not reduced because of vacations. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR ATTENDANCE

Prompt arrival and consistent attendance are essential for your child to: self-develop self-educate succeed

Picking Up Early If it is at all possible we ask that you do not pick up your student during the very busy transition time of 2:30 and 3:00 pm. Prior to 2:30 pm you must: As much as possible please call the Front Office to let us know of your arrival time. It takes students several minutes to put their work away and collect their things. When you arrive, park your car and come to the Front Office NEVER leave other children in your car. Call the Front Office and we can bring your student to the car.

Release of Your Children Your student will only be released to you, their parent/guardians, or adults 18 years or older who you authorize for pick-up listed in your SchoolCues. If an adult other than the authorized person you listed is to pick up your child: We require either written notice (a note or an email) or a phone call from you. All after school activities and arrangements should be scheduled in advance as much as possible. You must inform us if your child is going home with friends or others. We will not take your child’s word or the word of the other adult until we confirm this with you. Please make sure that all parties have the appropriate child restraints in their vehicles. We cannot be held responsible if they arrive without the proper safety equipment. In the event of custody agreements, we can only honor legal documents. We cannot take the word of one party or the other without this documentation.Please help us by disclosing to us the information we need to know to keep your child safe and to maintain all custody arrangements. Please see: Divorced and Separated Families Changes to your Student Account can be made throughout the year as needed. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR

We are educating children and we know that often their inappropriate behavior is the result of frustration, impulsiveness or thoughtlessness rather than cruelty. We feel that if we address these issues as a community early and provide our children with tools they need to handle anger, to think before speaking or acting, and to be empathetic when dealing with others, we can provide a learning environment in which each and every student feels secure and loved. Therefore, our emphasis is always placed on:

Our Parents as Our Partners

It is amazing how the smallest change in your child’s routine and life can often alter their behavior. Even if we, as adults, believe that we are shielding them from these experiences. A child can feel our body language and tone of voice. We ask that you please share with your child’s teacher, as soon as possible, any changes that occur in your family’s life. We would be happy to arrange a time to talk if you would like to discuss this matter in detail.

Here are some examples of what we are talking about: Loss of a family member, including pets Moving or staying somewhere other than home (relative/friend’s or hotel) for more than one day Change in family environment (separation, divorce, new partner, new baby) Changes in health including adding or stopping medication

Other things that really help: Attend all scheduled conferences and reply, in a timely manner, to all communications regarding your child’s behavior. If it is recommended that your family seek outside services, please seriously consider. It is very helpful to include other professionals. Permit your child’s outside professionals to freely communicate with the Pines’ staff.. Provide the school with copies of all reports so that we can better serve your child.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR Parents as Role Models

Your children observe you and imitate your behavioral responses and those that are used by the significant adults in their environment. Please practice using respectful and kind words to your children and to others.Your children will see that the same behavior is reciprocated and will use this as well. By demonstrating to your children a variety of healthy responses to frustration and set-backs, as well as modeling effective problemsolving techniques and non-judgmental communication, your child will learn to establish their own self-control.

Here are some examples of what we are talking about: Really be present to your child- Put your cell phone down and talk with your child. Use “Please” and “Thank You” often with your child. If you use these phrases with them, they will use them with you and others. Show your child that it is ok to make mistakes. If you forget something, or take a wrong turn, talk about how you are going to get back on track.

Fostering Skills in Children It is our belief that skills such as learning to listen carefully, to calm oneself, to generate suggestions, to imagine someone else’s point of view, etc. must be taught and cultivated both at home and at school. Therefore, adults must look for the underlying reasons for a given behavior instead of reacting to the surface situation.

Here are some examples of what we are talking about: Look for the reasons behind the behavior. Is your child hungry or tired? Talk with them about taking a break to eat or drink before tackling a big piece of work. Share with your child what you use to calm yourself, deep breathes, calming music, a walk on the greenbelt. Help your child find one that works for him/her.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR Our Process Tools

So, inevitably, some instance will occur that requires an adult to help redirect. Here are some of the process tools we employ:

An Incident Occurs All children involved will be addressed by the staff member who witnessed or was made aware of the incident. All children’s voices are equal.

Initial Meeting The staff member will speak respectfully with the child/children to determine the severity and intent of the situation.

An Inquiry The child/children instigating the incident will be taken aside to determine what initiated the incident. Information from other children, and/or teachers, as well as using resources such as the child’s personal file may be reviewed. If needed or necessary, the Head of School becomes involved. All meetings/conversations will be held outside of the child’s classroom to assure privacy. Notes will be taken.

Parent Meetings

Because we want to create a relationship of partnering with you, you must attend any meeting that your child’s teacher may call to discuss a situation regarding your child’s behavior.

So what could this meeting look like? If it is age-appropriate, a child may be invited to some or all of a meeting with parents. The child initiating the incident may be asked to explain what has happened and any background leading to the incident at this meeting.

You are, singlehandedly, the most important teacher in your child’s life. “If you choose Montessori education for your children, choose it for yourself as well.” Maren Schmidt Seeing Your Child- The Montessori Way

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR

So what could this meeting look like?

Appropriate school personnel will acknowledge the integrity with which this child approached the situation and his/her willingness to take responsibilities for their actions. Together, we will discuss possible outcomes. We will always give you time to process and respond. We will always take notes so that we can all be accountable.

Follow Up- Individual All children involved will have regular check-in sessions with appropriate school personnel. The Head of School will meet with the involved personnel to debrief the incident, identify additional resources for the child/children, the teacher(s) or the school and refine the system.

Follow Up- Group

(There may be a discussion among the parties involved to discuss and reinforce the community values.) The Head of School will meet with the involved personnel to debrief the incident, identify additional resources for the student(s), the teacher(s) or the school and refine the system.

Incident Reports These forms are emailed to the families of all students involved and the originals are placed in each student’s confidential file. We do not name the other student’s involved in the incident on the form.Please do not ask us to do so.Your student may divulge this information to you, but we will keep confidentiality on both sides. Originals of all reports are filed in the Front Office. You must reply to the emailed report acknowledging that it was received and read.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR Return to the Community It is important that the child is returned to the community as soon as appropriate for the healing to begin. Amends will be made for the incident (see Restorative Justice below). Depending on the situation, a meeting with the community will be facilitated by a teacher or the Head of School. The child, when appropriate, will be present.

Peace Talks- Lower Elementary Members of the community (students and teachers) offer suggestions for resolution of the matter at hand without blaming. Importance is placed on how a member of the group feels when the group discusses his or her actions. Each member must speak from the heart. The group facilitates themselves, often appointing an elder in the group to lead the discussion. Often, this discussion is between the students alone or with teacher support.

Peer Mediation- Upper Elementary and Middle School Having built upon years of conflict resolution, a student or students of similar age or situation are called in to act as a guide for classmates. Together, they work toward a positive resolution of a disagreement. Teachers are on hand to support.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR

Our Documentation Tools

Teacher Observation Observation is a foundational tool of all Montessori-trained educators and is used in a variety of ways, in both the academic and social arenas, to evaluate a child’s progress and inform teacher-directed lessons. These observations will allow teachers to monitor the social, emotional and behavioral development of each child, as well as foster effective learning, identifying when additional supports may be needed. Teachers keep notes on the children’s behavior, which can often detect patterns and can help them to plan redirection and offer suggestions to other staff and parents. These are confidential notes and only relevant portions will be shared with relevant parties.

Managing My Behavior Form As age appropriate, students may be asked to write about their behavior and offer ways to use Restorative Justice to rectify the situation. Often, this discussion is between the student and the teacher and the form remains in the student’s classroom file.

Incident Report As stated above.

Internal Incident/ Behavioral Report Log This document records all classroom Incident and Behavioral Reports on one grid so that teachers can scan to detect patterns in behavior, children, time of day, etc. These are confidential notes and are only shared with relevant parties.

We must lay the foundation for peace ourselves by constructing a social environment, a new world for the child and adolescent, so that their individual consciences may develop. A vast education reform and above all a vast social reform are called for today. Dr. Maria Montessori All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR

Contacting Families

Families may be contacted by calling, emailing or arranging a meeting to get additional information regarding a particular situation. Notes from these meetings are kept in the student’s confidential file.You must make yourselves available for this communication

REQUIRED OUTCOMES- every time Perform Restorative Justice Our goal is for a student to repent honestly and unconditionally as is age-appropriate. This means that they assume responsibility for their deed, admit the wrongness of what was done, express a strong desire not to do it again, assume responsibility for the damage, and begin to mend the torn relationship. This is always a work in progress. These are the 3 R’s that they are working through: Restitution- fixing what the student did Resolution- figuring out a way to keep the incident from happening again Reconciliation- healing with the person or persons they harmed The student will be involved in the construction of an authentic solution such as: Sincere restitution to the other people involved Community service to the classroom or school Replacing/repairing an object or paying for replacement

OUTCOMES Taken into consideration will be: Age and maturity level of the student The personality and temperament of the student Special needs of the student involved The severity of damage or hurt caused by the misbehavior or rule violation The surrounding circumstances and/or precipitating events The nature of the behavior(s) or pattern or frequency of behavior Relationship between the people involved All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR OUTCOMES

As appropriate, one or more of the following will be considered: Loss of privileges as related to the situation Close supervision of the student as related to the incident Removal from the classroom community to the Front Office or other appropriate place Suspension Sent home early from school for the remainder of the day Sent home from school one or more full days The student must be picked up promptly. If a parent cannot arrive promptly, then another adult must be contacted to pick up the student If it is necessary for a student to be picked up early from school, please make sure that the following home expectations are followed: The student should remain in his/her room or private space until time of school day dismissal The student should not be allowed any screen time or use electronics Your student should be expected to choose something like a book that would be similar to that at school Please understand that sending a student home from school is a last resort due to inappropriate behavior that has been redirected many times. This should not be a fun time at home. We greatly appreciate your support in helping students understand what behaviors are acceptable and appropriate. Request for additional services such as medical evaluation, individual or family counseling provided by the family, may be required to continue enrollment.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR

Revocation of Child’s Enrollment

If a child’s behavior poses a continuing disruption to the class If the health or safety of the school community is impacted If the parents are unwilling to support the school in its effort to modify the child’s behavior If the parent’s behavior contributes or distracts from a successful resolution If threats of massive bodily harm or death are made, appropriate authorities will be contacted

Referral for Special Evaluation for Services We are all sensitive to the academic and behavioral progress of each child. Occasionally, a teacher will observe that a child is having difficultly- physically, academically, or behaviorally. Each teacher will carefully document his/her observations and consult with the Head of School and appropriate staff. A parent-teacher conference will then be scheduled. Recommendations for further evaluation will be discussed and modifications may be required to ensure continued enrollment in the school. It is the up to the discretion of the school if Pines has the capacity and capability to meet the needs of an individual student whilst balancing the needs of the entire classroom community. The school depends on the swift cooperation of the family to assist with testing and other support measures to ensure the child’s progress and continued enrollment in the school. Failure to cooperate or support the school could lead to disenrollment. Whenever an outside specialist, such as a speech and language pathologist, educational diagnostician, psychologist, psychiatrist, occupational or physical therapist, medical, etc. is working with your student or conferring with your family, the school requires, as a condition of continued enrollment, that we be included in conferences/discussions and that we “If you choose Montessori education receive copies of written reports so that we can better serve your student. for your children, choose it for yourself as well.” We recognize that there are some actions that are a safety issue but may be unique and the school therefore reserves the right to consider the consequences on an individual basis Maren Schmidt and to deviate from policy when necessary. In those instances, all consequences will be Seeing Your Child- The Montessori Way considered and acted upon after two members of the administration come to a consensus, taking into consideration the unique circumstances, welfare of the student, and the school as a whole. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR Pines Montessori School does not support: Corporal punishment at any age level Bribes or threats of any kind External rewards that tend to reduce intrinsic motivation Punitive punishments

Bullying Bullying is the repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, use by one or more individuals (bully, aggressor) of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target (victim), where there is: Physical, emotional and/or verbal mistreatment and harm to a target (or a target’s property). An imbalance of power (real or perceived due to age, size, status or support of the peer group). Intent to inflict injury or discomfort. Threat of further aggression. The creation of an environment of fear. Direct Bullying: Visible, open attacks on a target (i.e. hitting, intimidation, taunting). Indirect Bullying: Less visible actions on a target (i.e. social isolation, intentional exclusion, spreading rumors, writing hurtful graffiti). Cyber Bullying can include, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, photos, text messages and internet postings. Unwarranted contact may take place in, or occur on, social networks, blogs, or text. Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying. Appropriate authorities may be contacted. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR Bullying You, as parents, are solely responsible for the access that you give to your student and the supervision of your students’ behavior both in the real and virtual world when they are in your care. Understand that if cyber bullying occurs outside of school hours and on devices and platforms that are provided by you, we can partner with you and your student, but this is not our responsibility. We are here to help. Please inform us if you have any concerns whatsoever- with your student or another student at Pines. We are a community and we can work together to help our adolescents make good choices. Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying. Appropriate authorities may be contacted.

Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Free School Students who use or possess alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping devices or other chemical substances during school hours or on school property are subject to action by the school. We expect that you will monitor your students’ activities so that they are in safe and healthy environments and therefore, not exposed to the abuse of chemical substances. We are here to help. Please inform us if you have any concerns whatsoever- with your student or another student at Pines. We are a community and we can work together to help our adolescents make good choices.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNICATION Phone We have one phone number. We will always get your message to a teacher, answer your question or get you to a place where you can leave a voicemail for your child’s teacher or other staff member. Generally, we do not place phone calls directly to the classroom as it is disruptive to others, but we do make an opportunity for your child’s teacher to return your call as soon as possible. If your message is urgent or time sensitive, it will be relayed immediately. Promise.

Written If you want to drop us a note, please place it in an obvious spot for your child’s teacher to discover, or ask your child to hand it to their teacher or the Front Office upon arrival to school. You will receive a written or verbal response within the school day. Your child’s classroom has an email account for communication to be exchanged. The teachers have limited opportunities to view emails during the school day since they are with your children most of the day. Therefore, please allow 24-36 hours for your child’s teacher to reply. Emails are a great way to ask questions or get information about something a week or so away. If you are in need of a teacher’s immediate response, please call the school or email the Front Office. Emails sent to class emails after 8:00 am will be responded to after 3:00 pm.

We believe...

that our school environment is made more complete through thoughtful communication. We believe that good old fashioned face to face and phone conversation work the best, but we understand that email and social media work great as well. Therefore, it is really important that you keep us posted of any email, home address and/or phone number changes. Also, watch for papers sent home on Fridays in your child’s Pines school bags. Please remove all information and send the bags back on Monday morning. Never hesitate to call us with any questions you may have. We love the opportunity to help! We have listed a few ways we keep the lines of communication open.

Zoom This has turned out to be a pretty handy way for us to chat. From now on, if you prefer a Zoom link to be sent to you, we are very happy to meet you on the internet. Zoom can be used for Parent/Teacher conferences and anytime you’re out of town or if makes life for you easier.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

COMMUNICATION In Person We love talking with you. As stated before, please understand that teachers are supervising children throughout the day and cannot carry on a conversation at arrival, dismissal or during class time. These conversations can be meaningfully held when we schedule the time. If you wish to make an appointment with your child’s teacher, please just call the Front Office and we will be happy to arrange a time.

In the Pines APP! This parent only App enables you to sign up for: Parent/Teacher conferences Parent Involvement opportunities You can: Find lunch menus and class wish lists Download your child’s class directories** for parties and playdates See our school calendars with important dates to remember Celebrate your child’s birthday on the school marquee Buy more Pines t-shirts and other cool stuff at our store! Nuts and Bolts- Passwords are generated and emailed to you from the website, not from us. We approve you as a parent of the school prior to a password being issued. If you have any difficulty with App, please email Ms. Mayra mgodoy@pinesmontessori.com for assistance

Most Important The Class List is ONLY for use for birthday parties, family get-togethers, playdates and the like. Deliberately using the personal contact information of our Pines families for the reasons not stated above can result in disenrollment and the possibility of legal action. This is a matter of trust.

All Community Handbook

PINES MONTESSORI SCHOOL

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES Your child’s teachers prepare, twice a year, for a very special time to share your child’s progress with you. This time is a valuable and integral part of our relationship with your family.

It is our expectation that you attend these two conferences. One conference is scheduled each semester. You will sign up for the time and format that works best for you on the Pines App. We offer in person and Zoom. Prior to your conference you will be emailed your child’s progress report so we can jump right in. Your child’s progress is measured in many areas of growth, such as work habits, interests, social skills within the group, and general response to each area of learning. All classroom communities at Pines Montessori School are Monday through Friday. Class times/Arrival and Dismissal procedures are the explained in the or your Additional conferences can always be scheduled through Front Office Community Handbooks. child’s teachers at any time throughout the year.

Divorced and Separated Families We wiil not hold separate conferences. Only one conference time is offered per family. It is your responsiblity to make attending this possble. Just like all other families you can opt for in-person or Zoom or a hybrid.

The education of your child is a true partnership between us all. Although our school has an open door policy regarding visiting the school and your child’s classrooms during all hours of the school day, it is only through deliberate and thoughtful conversations with your child’s teachers that you will truly appreciate “how” and “what” your child is learning.

28 All Community Handbook

PINES MONTESSORI SCHOOL

CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS The work that your child will perform each day requires movement. This work can sometimes be a bit messy, too. Please keep in mind that clothes for school should allow for movement and independence.

Footwear Safe footwear is really important. Injuries can be caused by shoes that are unsafe.We have found that rubber-soled, closed-toe shoes that strap around the back of your child’s feet are the safest to wear. Please leave cowboy boots (except for Go Texan Day), sandals, flip flops, crocs sandals, slides and dress up shoes for the weekends. Thank you.

Indoor Shoes Our classrooms practice the use of indoor shoes. It not only assists with the indoor/outdoor transition, but is beneficial in other ways as well. Having children change into a clean pair of soft or rubber soled, closed-toe, slip on shoes will help keep mud, dirt and sand out of our rooms. This builds upon a wonderful Montessori lesson about care of self and care of the class environment. These "Indoor Shoes" will live here at school in a shoe cubby and can stay until your child outgrows them.

Extra Clothes It is so very important that your child’s teacher has access to a full change of your child’s clothing, including underwear and socks. Accidents happen, and during this time, we do not want your child to feel the additional discomfort of not having their own dry and fresh clothes to change into. Please write your child’s name in a complete set of clothes and place them in a plastic bag for your child’s teacher to store. Just in case.

Outdoor Clothing We go outside every day that the weather permits. Although we may shorten our time outside during weather extremes, please send your child with appropriate protective clothing, jackets, sweaters or hats.

Dress code guidelines are discussed with the Elementary and Middle School communities.

29 All Community Handbook

PINES MONTESSORI SCHOOL

CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS Label, Label, Label… Everything Did we mention label everything? Each month, unlabeled and unclaimed clothing is donated to charity. We like donating but we would rather it not be your child’s clothing. Just label everything and we will make sure that it returns home to you.

Items in Your Child’s Pocket If you notice that your child has brought home a bit of school with them in their pocket, please return it to school .Montessori materials are designed to be attractive which is why your child wanted a piece for themselves, but these materials are costly to replace. With this in mind, we need these tiny cubes and beads returned to school so that other children may still benefit from the material. The absence of the item may render the entire set unusable. Also, return all spoons and forks that make their way home in lunch kits.

Items in Your Child’s Pocket If you notice that your child has brought home a bit of school with them in their pocket, please return it to school.Montessori materials are designed to be attractive which is why your child wanted a piece for themselves, but these materials are costly to replace. With this in mind, we need these tiny cubes and beads returned to school so that other children may still benefit from the material. The absence of the item may render the entire set unusable.Also all spoons and forks that make their way home in lunch kits.

Personal Items Do not send any personal toys, books, sporting equipment, or collectibles and the like to school. All outside items will be collected and sent home at the end of the day.

30 All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Food Lunch

We believe that lunch is a learning process in which your child will practice their Practical Life and Social skills daily. Children eat lunch in their classrooms. They wash their hands, set their own place and decorate their community tables. If your child is participating in our Pines catered lunch program, they will spoon, scoop, or tong their lunch from lovely bowls and dishes onto their plates. If your child is bringing a healthy lunch from home, they will unpack their containers onto their plate. Please practice opening these containers with your child. Only use containers that require little adult assistance. Refrigeration and heating for individual lunches is not available; therefore, ice packs and thermoses are recommended for items that need to be kept cool or warm. While enjoying this meal, the lights are dimmed and music is softly playing. Your child will sit at the table of their choice to share good manners, friendly conversations and a delicious meal. It is a true Montessori dining experience. After your child has finished their meal, they scrape their plate clean to compost and “wash” their plates in a two-part sink of soapy water then clear water. (All dishes are sanitized in a commercial sanitizer). Later on, they will clean the tables and sweep the floor. During this time, they took care of themselves, their environment, and were helpful to their younger peers.

31 All Community Handbook

Foods to Save for Home You could make this list yourself, but in general, we want food that adds nutritional value. Empty calories will not sustain your child throughout their school day. Save caffeinated drinks, candy, gum, donuts and the like for home. Please think of food as the true fuel your child needs to learn and grow and save these “goodies” as special treats at home. Thank you!

Peanut butter and nuts To err on the side of caution please save peanut butter and nuts for home. We want to keep the classroom safe for all children and these yummy foods tend to be the biggest allergen and risk. Again… we thank you.

So that you will know what your child is consuming and to avoid problems with individual food allergies, children are not allowed to share or trade food. Whatever your child does not eat will normally be sent home in your child’s lunch kit so that you may better gauge the quantity and type of food they are eating.

Pines Montessori School

Food Hydration

We provide water for much needed hydration at meals and throughout the day. A small pitcher of fresh water is in your Toddler child’s classroom at all times and your child has a cup available to them at all times of the day. This way, your child can pour water for themselves. In addition, we ask that you provide your child with a labeled water bottle that they are able to open and close. Children take these outside. In our ongoing effort to reduce the amount of trash and litter we produce, please do not send juice/milk boxes or pouches to school. These are difficult to open independently and make unnecessary trash.

Delivery Service Lunches We will not accept lunches delivered by delivery services. Uber Eats, Door Dash, Chick-fil-A and others monopolize the Front Offices time and does not provide for a community meal for students as fast food meals are dropped off at unscheduled times. Have your student pack their own lunch or have them choose from catered lunch. Thank you.

Late Arrival Lunches We understand that there are days when the lunch box is left in the car or on the kitchen counter. What we are trying to reduce are lunches that arrive in the Front Office. Children and teachers are unclear if a lunch has been delivered and it throws off the timing of the children eating together. It also pulls several staff members away from the Front Office. This also includes dropping off Chick-fil-A yourself. 32 All Community Handbook

Celebration of Life Your child’s birthday is a special event. We will treat your birthday child with a Pines made Birthday Parfait. Chef Liz and the Kitchen team will deliver this gift on their special day. No need to purchase anything. Please save party favors and balloons for home celebrations.If you are having a birthday party outside of school, please send invitations through the post or through email. A quick link to find the addresses for children in your child’s class can be found on the Pines App. This will take you to SchoolCues. Click on the School Directory. If you need assistance with this, never hesitate to contact the Front Office and we can help you verify any new friends that may have joined your child’s class recently. Sending invitations home privately allows you to invite only the number of children that is appropriate for your family and avoids confusion of lost invitations and disappointed feelings when someone is not invited. A good rule of thumb is inviting the number of children that corresponds with the age your child is turning, plus one for the birthday child!

Pines Montessori School

HEALTH POLICIES Immunizations

The State of Texas requires that you supply us with up-to-date immunization records and other health information before your child’s first day of attendance. Your child’s immunization records should be updated immediately when your child receives new immunizations. Our school participates with IMMTRAC, an online immunizations resource.

Exclusions from Immunization Requirements

Much like the way we balance the classroom communities so that children have friends of different ages and personalities to interact act with, at Pines we endeavor to balance individual family choices with the health and safety of the entire school. Chapter §97.62 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Department of State Health Services describes the conditions under which individuals can seek exemptions from Texas immunization requirements. Because our school serves infants, a population of children who are “yet to be eligible” for many vaccinations, we desire to maintain a high number of vaccination rates amongst our school population. Therefore, only a small number of unvaccinated children are allowed in our school. Children who are not vaccinated may be denied admission. In order to provide protection for all, we must have one of the following current immunization plans declared by your family: 1. Proof of current immunizations from doctor 2. .Documented schedule to become current for immunizations and affidavit for exemption for immunizations not received 3. .Exemption statement dated and signed by a physician for medical exemptions (valid for one year from the date signed by physician) 4. .Notarized Affidavit for Exemption from immunizations for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs (valid for two years from the date of notarization) 5. .Proof of serving in active duty with the armed forces of the United States 6. Due to state and licensing regulations, if you fail to keep your child’s health records up to date, the city and/or state will force us to dismiss your child until your child is current in your plan. We are audited by the City of Houston Health Department. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services states that a child or student, who has not received the required immunizations for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, may be excluded from school in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of the department. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

HEALTH POLICIES Vision & Hearing Screening

The following requirements apply each year for children enrolled in any licensed childcare center, group child-care home or school program at the ages or grades listed below. These screenings can easily take place at your child’s doctor’s office. Just remember when making your child’s appointment, you must request these screenings. Our school will offer an opportunity for the screenings to take place here at school or you can call your neighborhood elementary school for dates and times available each fall for children age-eligible for Kindergarten. Who must be screened? 4 year olds, Kindergartners, 1st, 3rd, and 5th Any other first-time entrants. When must screening be done? Within 120 days of admission or before end of first semester.

Dispensing of Medication at School All medication (prescribed and over the counter-OTC) must be brought to the Front Office and a Medication Dispensing Form completed. Only a designated staff member or you may dispense medication at school. Medications must be in its original container with your child’s name and dosage. We cannot split or share medication between siblings or other children. On this form, you will indicate the times that this medication is to be administered. A daily log of all medication given is kept in the Front Office.If you need this medication for the evening or over the weekend, you may pick it up in the Front Office. Over the counter medications (OTC’s) and herbal remedies are treated the same as prescription medication. It is important that age- appropriate dosage information is clearly indicated and the product is clearly labeled with the name of the product, instructions and date of expiration. We simply cannot give your child something in an unlabeled brown bottle. Medication such as Tylenol or Advil that does not indicate age appropriate dosage must be accompanied by your physician’s recommendation. Medicine that needs to be given for longer than two weeks, or medicine that is for emergency use (asthma medication, inhalers, nebulizers, etc.), requires a Medicine Dispensing Form signed by a physician.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

HEALTH POLICIES Disclosure of Medication Taken at Home

It is very important that you make us aware of all medications, prescription and overthe-counter, that your child is taking, or therapies that they may be receiving, in order to provide you and your child with a safe and appropriate learning environment. Your child’s teachers need to be aware of side effects or accommodations that are necessary for your child’s safety and success.Confidentiality is always maintained. This goes back to the honesty we mentioned earlier.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent We will supply and apply sunscreen and insect repellent if your child is enrolled in Extended PM Care at approximately 3:15 pm each day. You may send a bottle of each product to the Front Office, labeled with your child’s name, if you wish to use your own product. Because these products are locked in separate classrooms, they cannot be shared amongst siblings. If you want protection from the sun and the insects during the morning hours, please apply these products to your children at home. Why, you ask? -It takes time for sunscreen to become effective. -Honestly? 30+ competing smells from sunscreen and insect repellent is too much at the classroom doors. The proper order of application is sunscreen then insect repellent.

Allergies/Chronic Illness We require that you provide us with written detail if your child has a chronic health condition or allergy. We need this information for your child’s safety. Please talk with us so we can develop a plan with you and/or your child’s physician. If you have indicated that your child has a known or suspected allergy or food aversion, we will make a meeting for you to chat with Chef Liz to understand how this could impact snack or food served in the classrooms.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

HEALTH POLICIES Notification of Illness

You MUST 100% call the school if your child is ill, or if you or another family member is ill with a contagious condition that could be COVID or could be something else contagious. It is very important that you inform us of any specific diagnosis made by a healthcare professional (such as COVID, chicken pox, strep throat, pink eye, lice, flu). In order for us to stop the spread of illness, we will notify families, via email, when a communicable illness or infection has been reported in your child’s classroom community. If necessary, the Health Department will be contacted. We ask that you please understand that Pines is just one of the environments that children spend their time. When we learn of a communicable illness or infection and we notify you… this does not mean that it originated at Pines. We are only passing the information that we have been told to you.

Confidentiality is always maintained. Please do not ask us to reveal which child is ill. We really will not tell you. By the time you receive the health notice from us, the child or staff member who reported the illness to the school has already been treated and has returned to school, or is excluded from school until they are cleared to do so. This goes the same with COVID. We will not reveal, judge, shame someone who contracted COVID. We will protect their privacy even as we are contact tracing. Unfortunate but necessary legal words are to followretaliation, discrimination, and harassment will not be tolerated. Please read this… NOTE: We wrote this BEFORE COVID Many of your child’s teachers are working parents as well. Finding care for an ill child when you are working is difficult. We understand. Sending your child to school when you know they are sick, or giving them Tylenol to mask a fever is just placing other children and staff at risk, as well as delaying the treatment of your child’s illness. BC (Before COVID) Please err on the side of caution and keep your ill child home. NOW- DO NOT send an ill child to school. Period. COVID has taught us this. But you know this.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

HEALTH POLICIES Illness and Exclusion

Occasionally, even the healthiest child catches a cold or comes down with some other childhood illness. If your child has a fever, symptoms of a respiratory, gastrointestinal, or other sickness, you must keep him or her at home until the symptoms and/or fever have been gone for at least 24 hours without medication. Your child may return with a doctor’s note if the child is released for school before this 24-hour period is over.

We will call you to pick up your child for any of the following situations. Your child has: a fever of 100.00F or above uncontrolled diarrhea uncontrolled vomiting a rash with fever an illness or symptoms of an illness that prevents your child from participating comfortably in class or outside an illness or symptoms of an illness that requires more care than our staff can provide without compromising the health, safety, and supervision of the other children your child is lethargic and simply not themselves; not eating, toileting, sleeping excessively, etc.

Please read this…

Many of your child’s teachers are working parents as well. Finding care for an ill child when you are working is difficult. We understand. But sending your child to school when you know they are sick, or giving them Tylenol to mask a fever is just placing other children and staff at risk, as well as delaying the treatment of your child’s illness.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

HEALTH POLICIES We will call you to pick up your child for any of the following situations. If any of the above symptoms are present, we will call you to pick up your child within one hour. If it is not possible for you to come during this time frame, please let us know who you are authorizing to pick up your child. We cannot release your child to anyone other than you or an authorized person without your written or verbal permission. Please keep your child’s TADS Student Account updated. You will receive a note as to why your child is being sent home and when we expect that they can return to school. The faculty and staff of Pines Montessori School are held to the same exclusion policy as the students. Our policy is to follow all city, county and state health departments.

Cleaning and Disinfecting At the end of the day, and all throughout the school day as needed, the hard surfaces in all communities are cleaned and disinfected We ONLY use cleaning products according to the directions on the label and we have all the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for every product on campus. Always have. As always, all cleaning materials are kept secure and out of reach of children. No cleaning products are used near the children, and we make sure that there is adequate ventilation when using these products to prevent children from inhaling toxic fumes. In fact, no aerosols are used in the classrooms whilst children are present. We routinely clean, sanitize and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched. This also includes cleaning doorknobs, light switches, classroom sink handles, countertops, nap cots, toilets, tables, chairs, shelves, and playground structures. All soft surfaces are laundered regularly. We have a professional janitorial staff nightly.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

HEALTH POLICIES Important Please do not place your child, other children in our school, or our school’s Child Care License in jeopardy by sending your child to school with hand sanitizer, sun block, insect repellent wipes, Benedryl cream, vitamins, cough drops, lip balm, herbal products or any other product of this type in their bags. These items seem very harmless at home, but by law, they must be locked away from children. Also, children do “share” and they are curious. Please understand that we also have many children on campus with life threatening conditions that require that we keep their environment free of certain products that can cause them harm. We cannot do this if we are unaware that children have these products on their person. These can be checked in as med’s in the Front Office if needed. Thank you.

In Case of Emergency Every effort is taken to provide a safe environment for your child; however, accidents can occur. An Incident Report form will be filled out, and a copy will be emailed to you. You must acknowledge receipt of this email. The teacher or a staff member will inform you of the incident and any first aid treatment administered. You are required to have a medical release on file with us in case emergency medical treatment is necessary. It is also necessary to provide an adult emergency contact that the school may call in the event an emergency occurs and we are unable to contact you.

Emergency Contact Person It is very important that the person or persons you list as an Emergency Contact be: ·Aware that they are listed ·Live or work close enough to Pines to pick up your child ·Have a voicemail that is set up Why You Ask? We have called many folks who did not know, cannot get to Pines or even receive our messages. It scares us when we cannot get a hold of anyone.

All Community Handbook

PINES MONTESSORI SCHOOL

CHILD ABUSE AND PREVENTION

To report child abuse, you may reach the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services online at www.txabusehotline.org or by phone at 1.800.252.5400. This hotline number is posted by every phone in our school. As employees, we are required to report all suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation to TDFPS as specified in the Texas Family Code, §261.101. We want you to know that all of our teachers and staff members receive annual training in the prevention of and response to abuse and neglect of children. This training has a focus on prevention, recognition, and reporting of child abuse and neglect, including: (1) Factors indicating when a child is at risk for abuse or neglect; (2) Warning signs indicating a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect; (3) Internal procedures for reporting child abuse or neglect; (4) Community organizations that have training programs available to child-care center staff members, children, and parents. Each year, this training increases our awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect, including warning signs and awareness of prevention techniques that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect. We invite you to join us in these trainings throughout the school year as offered during our Parent Education Night.Please look at our calendar of education nights posted on our parent website and school website.

Community Support Our community has a strong support network. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance please contact FamilyTime in Humble.They offer 24-Hour Crisis Helpline & Emergency Shelter by calling 281.446.2615 or visit www.familytimeccc.org. FamilyTime also offers free counseling and support groups for victims of abuse. A 24-hour crisis helpline. “The Door,” an emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and their children. Hospital accompaniment for victims of abuse including domestic violence and sexual assault victims by trained advocates. Trained staff to provide legal advocacy about issues stemming from abuse. Professional counseling at affordable rates for non-victim issues. Parenting education and anger management classes. Most services are also available in Spanish. 40 All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

SAFETY IN COMMUNITY Community forms the foundation of all the work we perform at Pines Montessori School. It is what keeps students, staff and family’s safe each and every day. Community is how we treat each other, how we speak to each other and how we believe in each other. It is at the heart of each and every decision that is made on campus. Creating a Community means that there is intentionality in everything we do. Our Community here at Pines is intentional. Our classrooms are not designed to merely meet teacher-to-student ratio, but to cultivate relationships so that each child is truly known by his/her teacher. There are only “front row seats” in our classrooms that have no rows of desks and chairs. No child can be “left behind” because we have cultivated a culture of individual attention to each person at Pines, be it a child, parent or teacher. In our ever-changing world, we see example after example of how size really does matter. At Pines, the size of our Community is deliberately kept to “extra-medium”. This size gives our children the amount of friends and experiences that they need in order to explore and grow, and also gives us the intimacy to know the names of each and every one of our students and families. We are keenly aware of how communities can suddenly be shattered by forces that seemingly come from nowhere. While we are aware that a sense of community alone cannot protect an institution, a school, a place of worship or public space, we believe that it is in community that we form our children and students into future citizens who will understand both themselves and others. Our children will know how to ask for help when they are hurting, and will recognize that others may be in need and will offer help. In our Pines Community, our children can practice restorative justice and develop self-control allowing the opportunity for our children to thrive. Pines Montessori School is our home, and this Community keeps us safe. Your children and our faculty and staff spend more time at Pines than we do with our own families. We “live” here, and because we are a community, there is honesty and sharing. As our families grow and change, we can both support and celebrate one another through our accomplishments, as well as offer comfort in our times of need. Community is what shapes us and makes us strong.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

SAFETY IN COMMUNITY

Our Emergency and Crisis Procedural Plan is reviewed at the beginning of each school semester and is practiced often.

We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who is on our campusstudents, staff, parents and visitors. ·We work closely with safety officials in order to ensure our school is well prepared for an emergency. ·We have developed a comprehensive Emergency and Crisis Procedural Plan that serves as a guide to help our staff respond swiftly should a crisis occur in our school. ·Our school is registered with the City of Houston Emergency Information System. If/when information is received all staff/teachers and visitors are notified immediately via the school phone system that permits us to page classrooms or use the whole school intercom. Phones are located in every classroom. ·We are a part of Humble ISD text alert system as well.

As a parent, how can you prepare for a school emergency? Please keep your child’s emergency contact information accurate and notify us should this information change. Please have our Pines App downloaded on all devices and with all parents/guardians. Please save our school’s website in your “favorites” for easy access and read up to date messages. In addition to our strong foundation of community, we practice the following drills with all staff and students: Monthly, we practice fire evacuation drills. These drills vary in time of day and are balanced between primary and secondary exit routes. Fire Drills act as practice opportunities for general evacuation drills. All students are taught to respond to teacher directives, without question, during these times. All communities practice severe weather drills that double as shelter in place drills. Each community is assigned the closest and safest interior room. All faculty members are aware of additional locations if needed. If you arrive on campus during any of our monthly drills or during an active emergency event DO NOT ENTER the school property or interfere with our procedures. Go back to your car until the drill is over or leave campus if it is a true emergency. If we have announced that we are closing the school early due to an emergency situation DO NOT DROP your child off at school. Keep clear of Pines. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

SAFETY IN COMMUNITY

What should you do during a school emergency? When a school emergency has occurred, you can get important information and directions by: Tuning in to local television and radio stations for news alerts. During an emergency, we can anticipate that the phone line into our school may be affected. To avoid delaying emergency responders, we ask that you wait to receive important information from us before going to the school or scene of an emergency. Keeping our phone lines free to make outgoing calls. Do not call or text your student or our staff directly. This distracts us from the emergency at hand. Monitor the Pines App. You can be confident that accurate and timely information will be released to you, the public, and the media during any emergency incident.

If you see something, say something. Ensuring safety at our school is everyone’s responsibility – staff, students, parents and the entire community. As stated above in the opening of our Safety in Community section, we depend on everyone to please report any concerns to the school. Help us by following and respecting policies and procedures of Pines that are put in place for the safety of all. Inform all members of your family and extended families of the school’s rules Remember to always go to the Front Office first before going to a classroom Remember to always sign your child out in the Front Office Please respect our playground hours of after 6:30 pm.

Gate System Our gate system only works with the help of every adult… Please try hard to not be too nice!

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

SAFETY IN COMMUNITY

Gate System

So this is a very happy problem to have… but it will not keep us safe. You see a parent who is late and you politely hold the gate open for them. A parent tells you that they forgot their card and you open the gate for them. You ask a teacher to open a gate for you. Please do not put a Faculty or Staff member in this awkward position. Just go to the Front Office. NEVER ask a student to open a locked gate or a locked door for you. Full stop. Do you see our problem? This is just like it is at your workplace. One badge, one family can enter. This way no family is ever put in the position of feeling uncomfortable when they do not know you and feel obligated to hold open the gate. If everyone comes on time and/ or comes to the office to get their own late pass, then the fence will work for us as designed. So, again, just like the key cards that many of you have at your places of business, please keep the following in mind: Please close the gate behind you Please do not let another person follow you

Emergency Evacuation In the event that we should need to evacuate, children will be relocated to one of two locations. In an emergency, students will be transported by any means possible allowing for a safe transport to the new designated location. By foot: Students will walk a short distance in an orderly manner accompanied by staff. Children under 18 months will be transported in evacuation cribs. By vehicle: Staff or designated adults will use personal vehicles, as necessary, to transport students safely to the designated location.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

SAFETY IN COMMUNITY

Emergency Evacuation The destinations are:

Bear Branch Elementary School Cafeteria 3500 Garden Lake Kingwood, TX 77339

Kingwood High School 2701 Kingwood Drive Kingwood, TX 77339

You will be directed to a specific location where you will be required to show proper identification. As always, please remember that your child can only be released to a parent/guardian or an adult who is documented as an emergency contact.

Inclement Weather Emergencies such as severe weather can disrupt our school day. In extreme cases, this could require us to close school. In the event that such an emergency occurs we will push notices out to you through as many channels as it possible. Look for emails, App messages and App banners, front page of our website, Facebook, outgoing phone message and the like. In general, if the Humble Independent School District is closed or closing early for the day due to inclement weather or an emergency near Pines, we will follow their lead. We monitor all weather alerts locally as well as nationally. This bears repeating… If we are cancelling school early due to inclement weather, loss of power and we cannot get a hold of you. We will begin to call your Emergency Contacts.

Emergency Contact Person Yep! We are repeating this! It is very important that the person or persons you list as an Emergency Contact be: Aware that they are listed Live or work close enough to Pines to pick up your child Have a voicemail that is set up We have called many folks who did not know, cannot get to Pines or even receive our messages. It scares us when we cannot get a hold of anyone.

All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Parent Involvement We Have a Full Calendar of Parent and Child Events

Every month we have something that we hope you will participate in with your child. Monthly is Play in the Park. A great time to watch your child play in our backyard and meet other parents! There is a bake sale at this time as well. Feel free to invite Grandparents and other family too. Download our school calendar and or upload our calendar to yours! Either way you will not want to miss out on International Day of Peace, Fall Parade, Thanksgiving Day Feast, Snowball Run, Winter Cultural Festival, Glass Classroom, Casa dei Pines, EcoFair and The EVENT. Honestly… just to name a few!

Ways to Help Pines Prosper As our Kitchen grows we hold a Kitchen Shower with a list items that will add to our Culinary Teaching Classroom.

We enroll families, not just children. Your involvement in our school is an essential part of our Montessori curriculum. Opportunities to support our shared mission are as varied as you, our families. At the beginning of each school year, we will welcome you and share with you, opportunities to share your time and talent. We believe that Pines Montessori is more than a school and we believe that Montessori is more than an educational method –

Books are Big at Pines. Following Compass Night, we will share how you can celebrate your child’s birthday with a book to Pines. Have a Green Thumb or wish you did? Earth Connections is always on the hunt for soil, compost, seeds and such. Wish Lists are updated all year long. Montessori teachers ask from some very quirky stuff that you just might have in your home or garage.Take a peek often to see what is most needed. Host an 8th Year One week in the Spring Semester our 8th years go off campus for their Externship Week. Do you have a business or a trade that would be willing to host an 8th year student for a week of shadowing you? Reach out to Middleschool@pinesmontessori.com. The EVENT- Held the first Saturday in May this is the greatest opportunity to have the biggest impact on Pines. Free to all, this is an adult only party filled with Silent Auction, Live Auction, Dinner and Games. This one night benefits Pines all year long! All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Parent Involvement Play in Our Backyard

We are very proud of our backyard. We welcome families and visitors from the community to come and enjoy it after school, which is 6:30 pm, on weekends and days that we are closed.We offer several after school play days throughout the school year called Play in the Park. Please look for these on the school calendar. As a family member of our school, you are welcome to reserve the park on a weekend for birthday parties and family events. Parties must be scheduled with the Front Office and a request form with deposit must be completed. Our backyard rules: Our property is closed from dusk to dawn every day. No glass, alcohol or smoking material permitted on premises. All items that have been moved must be replaced as they were found. This includes trash cans, tables, and sand toys. No balloons permitted on playground. All trash must be disposed of inside the dumpster located at the corner of the parking lot. Our outside restroom must be left in a tidy manner and ready for students. Play at your own risk. We remind you that our “outside classroom” is an extension of your child’s learning environment. Our school encourages grace and courtesy, and as such, we ask that you honor the lessons the children learn here at Pines.

Thank you! We have designed the Family Handbook to be your guide. While we realize that it is impossible to answer every question that you might have, we did try to address issues that affect all Pines students and their families. If something does change within the school year, we will notify you in writing. If you have questions that are not addressed in the handbook, please feel free to call or come into the Front Office to get your questions answered.

Thank you! During school hours, all playgrounds and school property are designated for school use only and therefore no one is permitted to play on them until 6:30 pm. All Community Handbook

Pines Montessori School

Things That We Are Required to Tell You We do not offer any splash pad or wading activities on our campus. We do not take any field trips in Infants and Toddlers We are a Gang-Free zone. (Texas Penal Code 71.028) No Smoking, vaping (Texas Education Code §. 38.006) No Alcohol (Texas Health and Safety Code- HEALTH & SAFETY § 481.134) No Drugs (Texas Health and Safety Code - HEALTH & SAFETY § 481.134) No Guns (Texas Penal Code § 46.03(a), (unless Peace Officers) on campus. No Human Trafficking (Texas Penal Code, 20A.02(a) We are also in compliance with all regulations of current law regarding asbestos. Our AHERA Plan is available for your review. So many things to know!

School Zone and Cell Phones Our school is a zoned School Zone and a Cell Phone Free Zone during the posted school zone hours. You can receive a ticket from the Houston Police Department for speeding and/or talking on your cell phone. As stated before, for the safety of all the children and staff, please do not use your cell phone while you are in carline or driving on our property. It only takes a moment for a child to dart out in front of or behind your vehicle. We ask that you focus your attention on the safe arrival and dismissal of children.

Handbooks, by, design are not a fun read, but it is a very important document that can keep us safe and living in community. So… pat yourself on the back… You did it! You finished reading the All School Family Handbook!

All Community Handbook