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December 2015 News

Dates to Remember
No PAB meeting in December
12/15 Cookie pick up after12pm
12/21/15 -1/1/16 CMP Winter Break, No School
1/8 January tuition due
3/4 Moms Night Out!  630pm.
Happy Holidays from CMP!
Enjoy your children during CMP’s winter break 12/21/15 – 1/1/16!  We hope you get to check a few things off the winter break bucket list below.

Cookie Fundraiser
If you participated in the annual cookie fundraiser, cookies will be available Tuesday 12/15 after 12pm.  Please be prepared to take the cold cookies and treats home at that time.

When is My Child Too Sick to Come to School?
Licensing regulations require the director to call you to pick up your child should he/she show signs of:

  • An incessant cough
  • Green mucus/nose
  • Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Nausea;  These are symptoms that require a student to remain at home until a normal diet is tolerated. If child is sent home due to illness children must stay home the following day of school.
  • An unexplained rash; Rashes or patches of broken itchy skin need to be examined if they appear to be spreading or not improving.
  • Temperature above 101.5 F;  A fever of 101.5 degrees or more signals an illness that is probably going to make a student uncomfortable and unable to function well in class.  Your child should stay home until her/she is feeling better; your child should be fever-free for 24 hours without using Tylenol or advil/ibuprofen. If child is sent home due to illness children must stay home the following day of school.
  • Pink eye or other Infections Diseases; Diseases such as impetigo, pink eye with thick drainage and strep throat require a doctor’s examination and prescription for medication.  Contacting the doctor and using the medicine as directed for the full recommended length of time are necessary.  Once medication has been started and the child is feeling well, he/she may return to school.  Student’s with chicken pox may return to school when all the scabs are completely dried and no new lesions are developing (usually 5 – 7 days).
  • Complaints of a sore throat or earache
  • Injuries;  If a student has an injury that causes continuous discomfort, the student should not attend school until the condition is checked by a doctor or it improves.  Injuries that interfere with class participation need a medical evaluation.

If your child is picked up due to illness, the child may return to CMP after 24 hours and free from any symptoms.

  • If your child is ill in the morning we ask that you keep them home all day and not bring them in the afternoon.
  • All contagious illnesses will be posted on the bulletin board per state regulations.

Two commonly asked questions concerning sick children:

When can a child return to school?  If your child is sick and is unable to participate fully in the program and activities, including outdoor play time, then he/she should not be at school.  If you bring a sick child back to school too early, you risk getting them sick again and you expose all of the other children and staff to potential illness.  Please be sure your child is well enough to participate fully before returning to school.

What happens when a child becomes ill while at school? If your child becomes ill while at school, we will contact you immediately and require that you come to pick-up your child.  After being contacted, every effort must be made by the parents to come and pick up the child as soon as possible.  If we do not reach you, then we will call your emergency pick up numbers.  While waiting to be picked up, your child will be isolated from the other children for their comfort and to prevent spreading illness.

REMINDER:  Please be sure to call the office if your child contracts a communicable disease so that we can post a notice (names are never posted).

Reminders

* We would like to keep the garbage can on the playground for the children/teachers to use.  Thank you from refraining
from using, we really appreciate it!
* A reminder to not leave cars running in the parking lot.  An adult must be inside the car if the vehicle is on.
* When siblings accompany for drop offs and picks ups, we ask that they please stay in the coatrooms, and close by on the playgrounds.  Teachers can not be responsible for their care, and we want all to be safe. Thank you for your help with this.
* No boots in the classrooms please.  Thank you for leaving a pair of slippers or shoes in your child’s cubbie to help avoid
forgetting.

Getting Ready for Tax Season?

CMP’s Tax Id # 39-17-53172     If you are in need of a childcare receipt, please let Debby know.  Receipts will be processed in order of request on Mondays.

Call for PAB Members!

Hello Fellow PAB Community Members.  The parent advisory board (PAB) is looking for 1 or 2 volunteers to join us.  Many of the current PAB members will have graduating students this year, and we want to ensure a successful transition for CMP as we move on to new adventures with our children next year.  The PAB is involved in many aspects of CMP such as bringing parents together at various events, fundraising to keep tuition costs down, and sharing ideas on how to make CMP the best for our kids.  I invite you to our next meeting (second Thursday of the month) 1/14.  Please consider taking the time to learn more about your child’s school, get to know the administrators and teachers that attend, and fellow parents on the board.  If you have any questions, I can be reached via email atjennakgay@gmail.com.  Thanks, Jenna (Owen T’s mom, middle foor, and Brody T, alum)

 

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November 2015 News

Dates to Remember
11/6 Tuition Due
11/6 Cookie Orders Due
Make your holiday baking easier! The annual Cookie dough sale has begun!
11/12 PAB Meeting 7pm at CMP
11/26 and 11/27 Happy Thanksgiving (No School)

Parents Night Out 2015

Thank you to so many of you for all the help in making another CMP event such fun! A big shout out to the amazing committee members;
Leah Viola, Lisa Hoeme, Jen Trost, Jenna Gay, Amy Holste and Abby Riesen.  The funds used are going towards the CMP’s Spring inservice training trip to Chicago.

Montessori Small Hands
www.montessoriservices.com
The cute catalog you will find in your child’s mailbox includes some wonderful gift giving ideas for your child(ren) this holiday.  We, at CMP feel that these are great choices in partnering all that your child does at school.  Many of these products are affordable, safe and great finds!  When you place your order and include CMP’s number: 104170 , a small portion gets sent to CMP that is used for the playgrounds.
When is My Child Too Sick to Come to School?
Licensing regulations require the director to call you to pick up your child should he/she show signs of:

  • An incessant cough
  • Green mucus/nose
  • Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Nausea;  These are symptoms that require a student to remain at home until a normal diet is tolerated. If child is sent home due to illness children must stay home the following day of school.
  • An unexplained rash; Rashes or patches of broken itchy skin need to be examined if they appear to be spreading or not improving.
  • Temperature above 101.5 F;  A fever of 101.5 degrees or more signals an illness that is probably going to make a student uncomfortable and unable to function well in class.  Your child should stay home until her/she is feeling better; your child should be fever-free for 24 hours without using Tylenol or advil/ibuprofen. If child is sent home due to illness children must stay home the following day of school.
  • Pink eye or other Infections Diseases; Diseases such as impetigo, pink eye with thick drainage and strep throat require a doctor’s examination and prescription for medication.  Contacting the doctor and using the medicine as directed for the full recommended length of time are necessary.  Once medication has been started and the child is feeling well, he/she may return to school.  Student’s with chicken pox may return to school when all the scabs are completely dried and no new lesions are developing (usually 5 – 7 days).
  • Complaints of a sore throat or earache
  • Injuries;  If a student has an injury that causes continuous discomfort, the student should not attend school until the condition is checked by a doctor or it improves.  Injuries that interfere with class participation need a medical evaluation.

If your child is picked up due to illness, the child may return to CMP after 24 hours and free from any symptoms.

  • If your child is ill in the morning we ask that you keep them home all day and not bring them in the afternoon.
  • All contagious illnesses will be posted on the bulletin board per state regulations.

Two commonly asked questions concerning sick children:

When can a child return to school?  If your child is sick and is unable to participate fully in the program and activities, including outdoor play time, then he/she should not be at school.  If you bring a sick child back to school too early, you risk getting them sick again and you expose all of the other children and staff to potential illness.  Please be sure your child is well enough to participate fully before returning to school.

What happens when a child becomes ill while at school?  If your child becomes ill while at school, we will contact you immediately and require that you come to pick-up your child.  After being contacted, every effort must be made by the parents to come and pick up the child as soon as possible.  If we do not reach you, then we will call your emergency pick up numbers.  While waiting to be picked up, your child will be isolated from the other children for their comfort and to prevent spreading illness.

REMINDER:  Please be sure to call the office if your child contracts a communicable disease so that we can post a notice (names are never posted).

We Need Your Help

*A woodpecker visited our CMP parking signs…Yikes!  It appears that a woodpecker thought that our sign were real wood and did some significant damage.
We are looking for a volunteer to carefully remove the signs.  Debby will bring them to the company in Verona, and then if that volunteer could replace back on the posts, it would be appreciated!
*The entry lights to Debby and Patty’s classroom needs some looking at. (inside the building)
*CMP needs bales of Hay… (4-5?) one for the gardens, and the rest for the bottom of the sledding hill.  If you have access to any, that’d be super!
*The vegetable gardens need to be put to bed…This can be done at any time, and we have helpful hands if desired!

Phone Directories
Phone Directories will soon be out!  A huge thank you to Elizabeth Zinger (and her mom) for this incredible work!  May it provide you with helpful numbers, and information!  (If you can assist with copies/stapling together, please let Debby know)

Reminders/Helpful hints:

-Check your child’s extra clothes box to replace the shorts with pants, etc.
-Slippers are great at this time of year and through the winter
-Hold hands in the parking lot, please do not leave your car engine on.
-Clean out mailboxes daily.
-Winter Clothing Help: mittens please (water proof ones, once the snow begins), slip on boots only, and please no scarves or gloves!

Inside & Outside Fun!

To allow your child to be as independent as possible in the coming colder weather, please try to outfit him or her in a coat (and hat, mittens, etc.) that is within their capabilities to put on and to remove; for ease and safety, it is best if all clothing allows freedom of movement (no gloves please) and a full range of vision. Putting names on every piece of clothing including each mitten, hat, sweater and coat is helpful. Thank you!

Welcome to a festive time of the year!

The next few months promise to bring excitement and many traditional family gatherings. It is the time for children to become aware of the traditions, etiquettes of behaviors and of listening to family stories. It is the time of sweet smells of food. One’s personality and characteristics draw heavily from the memories of our childhood. The values, norms and traditions are transmitted and behaviors are repeated and handed over to the next generation. History is a continuum… and history happens every day. We as parents are the writers of history and we must do it consciously! So, consider making the holidays NOT stressful, NOT cramped with shopping and work, but time that is balanced. Have festive and quieter moments with your children… Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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October 2015 News

Dates to Remember
10/2  October tuition due
10/6  Picture Day
10/8  Pumpkin Patch Trip
10/8  Parent Advisory Board Meeting @ CMP, 6:30pm
10/23 Parents Night Out at Cherokee Country Club, 6:30pm
10/29 Halloween Celebration in morning
10/30  No School- Teacher Inservice

 

Daily Reminders

  • Please remember to sign your child in and out each day.
  • Check mailboxes and dry erase boards for important notices.
  • Assist us with safety by not allowing your child through the gate at pick up with out you. The gates are only meant for adults to open. The yellow lines on the playground are for where children need to stay behind until their adult has picked them up.
  • No umbrellas at school please.
  • Please no boots of any kind in the classrooms. We ask that you be sure to have inside shoes/slippers for the classrooms.
  • Food for heating up at lunch should be in a microwave safe container please. Thank you for assisting us with this busy time of day by having all food prepped, peeled and ready for your child to enjoy.
  • Thank you for accommodating a timely pick up, by giving yourself ample time to collect belongings and sign up BEFORE the contracted pick up time.
  • Winter is around the corner! Begin the search for child friendly outdoor gear to be sure your child is prepared for the fun outside times ahead!

 

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip 2015
Watch mailboxes for an itinerary for the day.

  • Be sure to dress your child appropriately for the outdoors, from head to toes please!
  • Lunch at the farm is enjoyed when it is user friendly, please be sure to pack a drink and no heat ups. A sack lunch bag with disposable bags is helpful.
  • For those chaperoning: Please find directions at the sign in or log in Eugsters Pumpkin Patch Stoughton,WI in your GPS. At the patch, we do not purchase anything but pumpkins for the students, please help keep this smooth by not offering to purchase treats, etc.. during our trip. We also, as a school opt NOT to go in the Screaming Silo, or the playgrounds, so that we can be all inclusive and make the most of our time at the “farm”. Thanks for coming!

 

A Look Inside Your Child’s Early Educational Journey & Some Answers to Your Questions From a Parental Perspective…
What will my child be experiencing at Countryside? How does the Montessori classroom actually work? Over the course of the day, children are free to explore the classroom and complete work in each of the main areas: Mathematics, Practical Life, Language, Arts, Sensorial, Culture and Science. As the child’s classroom guide (teacher), we introduce inquiry-based learning activities by teaching lessons one-on-one or to small groups of children. We recognize that each child will learn at his or her own pace. Your child is encouraged to explore all areas of the classroom. We track each child’s progress and build on their individual needs and successes.

Our classroom has children three to six years of age all together. This age span enables older children to model behavior and work for younger children, thus providing a calm and peaceful environment that reflects our community from the very beginning. Since children’s verbal, reasoning and social skills develop at an individual pace, a multi-aged grouping provides opportunities for all the children to have positive interactions with other students and enables teachers to create flexible learning groups that are tailored to each child’s readiness.

One of the hallmarks of Countryside and Montessori education is a fundamental respect for others which is shown by students and faculty alike with the tone in the classroom always purposeful. Children learn to respect the work of others, to quietly indicate their need for attention from a teacher, and to appreciate the value of others’ contributions in the classroom. When children are absorbed in their work, disruptions are rare but do happen (the beauty of learning). The teacher is always there to help with problem solving, to listen, model appropriate behavior, and respond. It soon becomes age appropriately innate in the child. The first thing we work on is friendship (how to be a friend) and the role of being a member of a community. As your child feels comfortable all the other learning pieces grow from there.

 

For New and Old Parents!
Separation and Routine-kick it off right!!!!
Sometimes at the beginning of the school year, a child has difficulty being separated from Mom, Dad, or the caregiver at drop off.-very normal behavior! There are also very real times it is hard for us as parents to let go of our little ones. The best way to grow through these moments is by creating a routine. Our children look to us to set the stage.

A routine is a set of actions that are repeated at regular intervals. Routines provide comfort and predictability. Some simple ways to help your child are as follows:

Preparation: During quiet times with your child, remind him/ her that Mommy, Daddy (or whoever is the pick-up person) ALWAYS comes back. In the car say, “I’ll be back to pick you up after playtime.”

Routines: We sat down at line time the other day and the children came up with some ways to say goodbye that made them feel good. It ranged from two kisses and a hug, get a kissing hand, high fiving, and straight out of the mouth a babe ”all I need is a little squeeze.” So find what works for you and stick to it. Remember a routine has to be created and done several times to be a routine-then your child is clear about expectations. Short and sweet routines work. After a quick, meaningful good-bye in the coatroom, you are both on your way to enjoy the day.
Separation: It is very helpful to arrive at School by 8:30. At the latest 8:45. Please know that your child may cry for a few minutes until she realizes the environment is a safe and happy place to be. Once this realization occurs, the tears dissipate, the interest in the classroom is kindled, and the child becomes involved in her work. A teacher is happy to help if you desire. We will reassure your child is that you will return and that you love them along with lots of TLC…

Remember a goodbye routine provides a supportive framework for your child for now and the future. You have made a wonderful decision on choosing CMP as a school; trust your judgment and yourself — we’re all in this together!

 

Important Daily Check Ins

  • State Law-Attendance-sign in and out on sheet by writing initials and time (state licensing).
  • Arriving by 8:30 assures your child will get morning lessons and plenty of un- interrupted work time. Please do not arrive after 8:45 as your child will misses morning meeting lessons and it disrupts the class already working.
  • Sharing a soft and routine goodbye in coatroom (see all school newsletter for tips) is appreciated. Your positivity is reassuring to your child.
  • Save toys for home. Remind children they have special toys at school and for home.
  • No need to write food heat ups in the communication journal-we check each lunchbox daily.

 

Countryside Montessori Parent Advisory Board (PAB)
This is a group of up to parents and teachers that work to provide input to support the Preschool with the goal of establishing and maintaining a high quality and program for all families.

The main purpose of the PAB is:

  • To serve as a resource to families and staff in program preparation, outreach, fundraising, and delivery.
  • To recommend policies consistent with the goals of the program.
  • To serve as a sounding board and source of ideas for the staff and families.
  • To plan, organize, and create family activities and events that support the mission of CMP.

Meetings:
The Board members consists of officer positions of Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer and committee members
Time:
6:30-8:00 pm
Second Thursday of each month
Location:
Countryside Montessori Preschool
New members-Join us on Thursday October 8th, 2015

 

Volunteer!
Countryside Montessori is always in need of volunteers to help with the community activities. We encourage you to help out in any of the following areas. Please see Administrators if interested. Thank you!

  • Outdoor beautification projects
  • Small household type jobs or handyman work
  • Coloring, cutting, repairing and repainting materials
  • Sewing projects
  • Carpentry and woodworking
  • Posting CMP advertisements
  • Computer maintenance
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CMP Introduces Spanish Inclusion Program! Coming Fall 2015!

CMP is proud to introduce a new Spanish inclusion program this fall! 30 minute classes are offered on Tuesday afternoons. Other than Kindergarten students, the classes are optional to sign up for these classes. (Kindergarten students are required to sign up and will attend their class each Tuesday 2:00­-2:30).

Some important information about the Spanish classes­:

* Guaranteed to have your child speaking Spanish through music, and a fun learning experience.

* CMP has received many referrals and researched this class to have found it a 5 star class.

* Even though classes are in the afternoon, half day students CAN return for their class. Let us know if you have a time preference.

* This is a minimum of a semester commitment. $40.00 a month. The class builds week to week, so there is no mid semester enrollment. Payment is made directly to Mr. Luis at the start of each month, or you may pay for a semester at a time.

* Spanish class sign up is due by August 21st. See Deb or Patty for a sign up sheet. The payment is also due for the first month by August 21st. Class begins 9/8/15.

*Checks made payable to Luis Guillermo.

* Questions? Concerns? Please let us know. We want every child to have this wonderful opportunity!

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April 2015 News

Dates to Remember

4/16  Parent Board Meeting at CMP (6:30)
4/22 Earth day – every day is earth day at CMP!
4/25 (Saturday) Join us for CMP Parent/Teacher Work Day (8:00-1:00)

 

Parent/Teacher Work Day
When: Saturday April 25th (Join us between 8:00-1:00)
Where: At CMP

On Parent/Teacher work day we work together to continue improving the school and playground (indoor and outdoor classrooms) to best meet the needs of children, while maintaining our commitment to a healthy environment.

There is an opportunity for everyone’s skills-painting, raking, gardening, carpentry and more… Be on the lookout for more details soon!

“The education of the whole child at Countryside is a cooperative effort between parents, teachers and students.”

Reading Begins at Home
Did you know that 50 percent of intellectual development takes place between birth and four years of age? That means that parents are important teachers. You provide the foundation of your child’s learning skills right within your own home. You can shape the course of your child’s educational future by the quality of learning experiences you provide before he or she ever goes to school. Here are five watch words designed to help you make the most of your child’s early learning experiences:

Listen: Listen to your child. Pay attention to what he or she is saying. Call attention to sounds. Listening and attaching meaning to sounds are essential skills that must be acquired before a child can read or
succeed in a classroom environment.

Speak: Talk with your child. Direct conversation to him or her from infancy. Help your child learn to distinguish sounds and imitate them. Take a walk together. Talk about the things you see and hear. Help the child classify objects as you see them: foods, plants, and farm animals, birds and cars. Sing to your child. This teaches enjoyment of music and rhythm.

Read: Read to your child every day. Make reading seem enjoyable. Then it will be a skill he or she will want to acquire. Let the child choose a favorite book or story to read. When you read stories, stop in the middle and ask your child what will happen next. Talk about the pictures. Have your child point to objects in the pictures. Take your child to the library. Let him or her see all the different kinds of books there. Buy books that “belong” to your child. Provide a place for your child’s books at home. Remember, if the child sees you reading, then reading becomes something useful in his or her mind.

Move: Help your child roll over, crawl, stand and walk. This develops muscle control. Let your child explore. Provide safe play objects such as boxes of different sizes, blocks, scraps of cloth with different textures, spoons and pans.

Interact: Help your child learn that he or she is a part of a family group. Include your child in planning family activities when appropriate. Give encouragement and praise when it is merited.

Guard: Control your child’s television viewing. Search out better TV programs for children and share them with your child. Talk about the programs you watch. Correct any misconceptions that may have developed from them.

Copied from Growing Together Newsletter for parents of preschool children. May 2009, Vol. 25 No. 5.

CMP Montessori Teachers Have Four Principle Goals:

• To awaken the child’s learning capacity and imagination
• To encourage his normal desire for independence and high sense of self-esteem
• To help him develop the kindness, courtesy and self-discipline that will allow your child to become a full member of society
• To help the child learn how to observe, question, and explore ideas independently

At CMP the teachers closely monitor each student’s progress, keeping the challenge level high. Working with children over two or three years, the teacher gets to know each student’s family, interests, and strengths well. It is truly a partnership between parent and teacher when it comes to your child’s learning.

Searching For a Wood Craftsman
CMP is looking for a Wood Craftsman to build stairs on the middle floor loft. Please call office if this is your forte.
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March 2015 News

 

Dates to Remember
March 5th  Mom’s Night Out
March 6th Tuition Due (4 weeks)
March 12 & 13th  No School (Teacher Inservice)
March 25th  Post dated tuition checks due for April
March 30-April 6th  Spring Break
April 7th School Resumes
April 10th 1st week deposit of 2015-2016 due

Tuition Note
Please post date and turn in your April tuition checks by March 25.  They are due April 6th, but there is no school due to spring break.  Thank you!

Tax Information
CMP’s Tax Id # 39-17-53172
If you are in need of a childcare receipt, please let Debby know.  Receipts will be processed in order of request on Mondays.
Parent Work Day 2015
Parent Work Day is Saturday April 25th 8:00 am to 1:00 p.m.  We are seeking an individual to Chair this event, which entails directing volunteers to jobs.  This is a family fun event in which parents can help spruce up CMP grounds for spring for the enjoyment of our children!  Please see Debby or Patty if you are interested and available.
Letters of Intent for 2015-2016 School Year

Letters of Intent are due now with the $100.00 material fee and schedule request for the 2015-2016 school year.  We are expecting to be full.  1st week tuition deposits are due no later than Friday, April 10th.

Camp Countryside 2015

Camp Countryside is full!  We have a waiting list for any possible openings.  ContDebby or Patty regarding the wait list.

Refer a Friend

Don’t forget to tell that neighbor or friend about this great school!  When they enroll, (after their first month), you get a free week as a thank you from CMP!  Let an Administrator know about the families you are referring.

Common Parent Questions…and Answers!

Q: What is the latest time my child should/can arrive to school by?
A: Children should be at school no later than 8:40 a.m. unless your child has a morning appointment.  We do appreciate arrival by 10:30 in that case. CMP will not accept arrivals after lunch unless due to an appointment.  Late arrivals cause for hard drop offs, and disruption to the day in progress for the classroom.

Q:  What is CMP’s Vaccination Policy?
A:  We follow the State Child Care/Health guidelines. http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/childCareProviders.cfm We encourage all families to have safe health practices.  If a measles case were to occur in Dane County, we would ask any family with a non immunized child to stay home for the recommended 21 days to keep them and others safe.

Q: Should I be concerned if my child doesn’t have much in their mailbox on most days?
A: No, not at all.  The environment is set up to motivate and activate each child.  The Montessori Philosophy believes in process not product.  What is important is what and how your child is learning, not necessarily a “finished paper piece” to prove it.  Teachers will go over your child’s favorite lessons, and “works” with you at conferences.  If you need tips on what to ask them, check in with a teacher for help- we’re happy to do so.  In the meantime, keep reading books at home.  20 minutes a day is great!

In Gratitude…

We would like to acknowledge that we recognize and appreciate that you as parents had to take the time off and/or find alternative plans for your child for teacher in-service days on March 12-13th. You will be pleased that you did.             These professional development days truly do benefit your child. Research confirms that the most important factor contributing to a student’s success in school is the quality of teaching. Good teaching is not an accident. Especially, when it comes to Early Childhood Education. A teacher can never know enough about how a student learns, what impedes the student’s learning, and how the teacher’s guidance can increase the student’s learning. Professional development is the supportive means for teachers to gain such knowledge that applies to your child.  The theme of the conference is “Fitting the Pieces Together.” This encompassed peace education, language development, science curriculum, nature learning and so much more to help us assist your children with their learning.  The theme rings true, together we can take your child to the next level of learning and the foundation that is built will enable them to naturally have the love of learning from preschool onward.

Montessori in the Public Eye

Countryside Montessori Educators along with other local Montessori schools will be at The Bubbler at Madison’s Central Library. The Madison Friends of Montessori invite you to Madison’s first Montessori Glass Classroom. This is a public demonstration of Montessori where a primary classroom of mixed ages will be set up over two days.
Montessori trained guides will work with children while the public, media and policy makers are welcome to come witness Montessori in action. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Maria Montessori’s first Glass Classroom in 1915 at the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.
LOCATION: The Bubbler at Madison’s Central Library:

FRIDAY, MARCH 6th 3:00-5:30

SATURDAY, MARCH 7th from 9:00-11:30

Volunteers Needed for Parents Night Out 2015!

CMP has an annual Parents Night Out event in the fall. It is an evening of food, drink, silent auction and just plain fun with fellow preschool parents! In order to kick this off we need a PNO committee. If you are looking for a way to participate and meet other CMP parents this is a great place to start. Please see Ms. Patty or Jenna Gay (Parent Advisory Board President; jennakgay@gmail.com) to jump on board!  Thank you!

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February 2015 News

Dates to Remember
February 6th Tuition Due
February 8th Open House 10:30-2:30 p.m.
February 12th PAB Meeting, 630pm at CMP
Classroom Valentine Celebrations
March 12 & 13th No School (Teacher Inservice)

2015 Upcoming Events

Save the Date for Moms Night Out!
Thursday March 5th 6:30 p.m. at CMP. Please plan on attending this fun night out, and feel free to bring a friend or two! Chatting, socializing with other mom’s while enjoying coffee/wine. There will be some great vendors as well to offer a bit of shopping/fundraising!

Getting ready for tax season?

CMP’s Tax Id # 39-17-53172

If you are in need of a childcare receipt, please let Debby know. Receipts will be processed in order of request on Mondays.

2015-2016 School Year Letters of Intent
Letters of Intent with the tuition prices are out this week. Please review and turn in as soon as possible to avoid not getting the spots you desire. Note: Both the form and material fee need to be turned in together to ensure placement. We encourage you to talk with your child’s teacher if confused or unsure of next year, especially in regards to 4K and Kindergarten.

Parent Advisory Board
We welcome all parents to attend parent advisory board meetings, held the second Thursday of every month. The parent advisory board gives the opportunity for parents to learn more about CMP and its values. Being a board member or guest gives you the opportunity to get to know your child’s teachers on a different level. Friends are made, your knowledge about your child’s environment and education is broadened, and you are given a chance to make a difference for not only your child, but the children your own child shares their days with! I hope to see you there and hear your ideas about how to make CMP even better! Jenna Gay, mother of Brody (Ms. Brandie) and Owen (Ms. Patty), PAB board president
Questions? Please feel free to email me at jennakgay@gmail.com!

Camp Countryside 2015

We are just about full! If you haven’t enrolled your child, please see an administrator (Debby or Patty) to discuss your options.

Refer a Friend
Don’t forget to tell that neighbor or friend about this great school! When they enroll, (after their first month), you get a free week as a thank you from CMP! Let an Administrator know about the families you are referring.

Pick Up and Drop Off Reminders
Thank you for being sure to arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick up time. This is VERY important. Ex: 12:15 pick ups- arrive OUTSIDE by 12:10. 2:15 & 5:30, arrive in coatrooms no later than 5:20 please. Thank you for your attention and help with this.
1.) Drive in slowly, and please be aware of children
walking in the parking lot.
2.) No cell phone use, unless in a parked car please.
3.) Do NOT allow children to climb on the snow mounds
in the parking lot at any time.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is coming soon…..it will be February 12th at CMP. Be sure to read your classroom newsletter to get the details for your children’s Valentine’s Day party!

Develop Your Child’s Internal Guidance System
When our children “misbehave,” it is easy to be tempted to say, “Stop doing that!” or “If you do that again, I will send you on a time out!” or “Do you want me to take that away from you?” One thing that all of these phrases have in common is that none of them cause the child to do internal reflection and are doomed for failure. They all represent some external control by us as the parent. Our goal is to have our child develop his/her own Internal Guidance System (IGS).

Parenting Practice: This month practice asking questions that cause internal reflection. For example, to a child that back talks ask, “Was that respectful? Backtalk does not sound good.” Or to a child who says something mean to a younger sibling ask, “Was that helpful?” Make sure you ask these questions in a light, curious tone of voice. If you say it in an admonishing or judgmental tone your efforts will be nullified.

“At Countryside Montessori Preschool,

We do second chances,

We apologize, we forgive,

We respect each other,

We keep our promises,

We never give up,

We encourage one another,

We laugh often,

We belong,

We are a family.”

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January 2015 Updates

An update on a few dates/ changes to be aware of:

January 22nd-  100th Day of School.  Children are invited to wear their pajamas to school for this fun day!  (please be sure they are “warm” and school appropriate)  There will be notes sent out via mailboxes in regards to a special snack request from each student- look for it next week!
NOTE:  There will be no Sing A Long this winter.  There will be one in the spring as usual.

February 12th-  Mom’s Night Out is being postponed to a more weather friendly date to be announced…

Please note; during inclement weather…  CMP is ONLY closed when Madison Public Schools Close.  Check television and radio listings for that update.  It is rare, but does happen when necessary to keep children safe.  If ever you feel it is in the best interest to keep your child home, please know that we, at CMP understand and that is your choice.  Thank you for calling in absences to 244-5433.

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January 2015 News

Dates to Remember

January 5th  School Resumes January 9th  January Tuition Due
January 15th PAB Meeting 6:30 p.m. January 19th  No School January 22nd 100th Day of School – kids wear PJ’s to school!  (see notes from teachers)

2015 Upcoming Events
February 2015-16 School Year Registration
February 12 Mom’s Night Out
March Family Bowling Day
May Culver’s Scoopie Night

Camp Countryside

Yes, that’s right!  Registration will begin in 2 weeks for the 2015 Summer Camp sessions.  Please remember that it is a first come, first serve enrollment for all enrolled students first.  After Feb. 6th, registration opens to the public, and past students that are still eligible.  Registration brochures will be sent out via mailboxes mid January.  (SNEAK PEEK…  Session II, by popular demand AGAIN… Cafe Countryside!)

 

Getting ready for tax season?
CMP’s Tax Id # 39-17-53172     If you are in need of a childcare receipt, please let Debby know.  Receipts will be processed in order of request on Mondays.

 

2015-2016 School Year Letters of Intent
Enrollment begins in February for the 2015-2016 School Year.  We are anticipating a larger enrollment, and encourage families to mind the due date of February 20th, to have their intent letter, and material fee turned in for 1st schedule choice.  Please see your child’s teacher with any classroom questions, and/or an administrator with any tuition questions.  Rates for the coming school year will be published along with the school calendar with the Letter of Intent and on line on the school website.
Parent Advisory Board   

Ever wonder what goes on at a Parent Advisory Board Meeting?  Be sure to check out the minutes posted on the classroom bulletin boards each month, about a week following the meetings.  If you ever want to attend one, please feel free to come.  All meetings are open to families, unless otherwise posted.  We welcome and respect our families involvement. 

Traditions vs. Promises      By Debby Ward
I have always enjoyed traditions.  The holidays seem to especially bring about the memory, or desire to carry on traditions.  Are we keeping up with them?  Where have they gone?  Who am I letting down?  Are we enjoying them anymore, or just going through the motions?  Being the second oldest of six, came the responsibility of assisting with many traditions over the years.  Now that my parents have passed on, I have realized that the tradition “torch” can also be a burden and a form of guilt on my shoulders as a parent.  I sit back in awe and appreciation of my parents and their ability to continue and forge the way with traditions that have made some amazing memories for my siblings and I and now with our growing families of 19+ children all together.  The truth is, today is a different world than it was yesterday for parents.  I pass on to each of you my wisdom of late nights, a few fits of stress and budget to share this;  as with everything- be it diets, budgets or other…  moderation and choose wisely.  Before putting a pressure on yourself- ask “why?”  If your answer can be one of purpose, meaning, love and enjoyment- then go for it.  Remember to think long term, if thinking tradition- Will this be one to do in 2 years? 5 years? pass on?… timeless so to speak?  Most importantly- don’t be afraid to modify and change.  I know my Mom is smiling down on me and my family as we sing the “12 Days of Christmas” with a set of glasses that she was able to track down for each of us kids, replicas to the ones we had grown up with- thanks to e-bay and the internet.  Although- we may not sing it on the same days, or times, (or tune 🙂 ) the “tradition” lives on!  Give yourself a break, and enjoy those precious smiles you are raising and building their memories with- some memories may just turn out to be traditions you didn’t even set out to make.

Project Increase Enrollment

Most CMP families who enroll have been referred by someone else who has been part of the CMP community. We ask that you spread the word to friends. CMP offers a referral discount to you of $100.00 if the family you refer enrolls. Let an Administrator know about the families you are referring.

Safety First

Please use extra precaution during these cold months ahead….Walking slowly and wearing weather appropriate boots. Please hang on to your children and watch them carefully as you exit our school since it is getting darker earlier and little ones are not easily seen from vehicles entering or backing out. Always make sure that your child does not run out of the building unescorted. Leave early during inclement weather to arrive safe and timely for pick up. Let’s work together to keep our children safe!

Happy New Year!  We hope that all of you enjoyed your winter break and found some time to marvel in what the holiday season has to offer. On behalf of all of the CMP staff, we would like to extend our gratitude for the generosity you have shown us. We truly enjoy our jobs and appreciate the time we spend nurturing and educating your child.   

Famous people who were Montessori educated:

  • Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Founders of Google.com
  • Jeff Bezos, financial analyst, Founder, Amazon.com
  • Alexander Graham Bell
  • Thomas Edison
  • Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize winner for Literature Katherine Graham , Owner/editor of the Washington Post
  • Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, Editor, former first lady
  • Sean ‘P.Diddy’ (formerly known as Puffy) Combs, rap artist
  • Anne Frank, famous diarist from World War II
  • Prince William and Prince Harry, English royal family
  • T. Berry Brazelton, noted pediatrician and author
  • Julia Child, famous chef
  • Elizabeth Berridge, actress
  • Kami Cotler, actress
  • Melissa and Sarah Gilbert, actors
  • Helen Hunt, actress
  • David Blaine, street magician
  • George Clooney, actor