Posted on

2020-2021 Reminders

What will the classrooms be like~

All class sizes will be no larger than 15 students for the time being. Children age 5 and under, and teachers are required to wear masks at school. Teachers will remain a constant and not be in other classrooms or groups. Classrooms will continue to be prepared learning environments for our students with added changes; children will have their own set of art materials, the chairs and tables have additional space between them to off more social distancing, and the classroom will be sanitized several times though out the day, with a focused thorough cleaning every night by our janitorial company.

How will Drop offs/Pick ups be handled~

    • One parent can drop off and pick up their child. Most often, it will be outdoors, or at the classroom entrance. Parents will not be inside the school building at this time. No siblings outside of vehicles please.

 

  • We will remain at our 7:30 opening time, but extend back to 5:25 p.m. closing time.

 

  • If a child, or any family member is not feeling well, the child should stay at home until symptom free for 48 hours.
  • Children will be signed in by a teacher after being health screened (temperature taken), hand sanitizer given.
  • Children are required to have a labeled: 

 Lunchbox,  Back pack  and  Water bottle  daily, and we ask that these items not change and are sanitized at home nightly.

What is our Tuition responsibility~

We will continue to bill monthly, the first Friday of the month. Upon receipt of your invoice/contract, we are requesting all first semester monthly checks to be post dated and submitted to the school office by Friday August 21, 2020. Any and all changes will need to be submitted to the office with a minimum 30 day notice during this time. There are no prepayment discounts available, or reduction for school closure, absence or illness.

Countryside Montessori Preschool will continue to align with, and follow all protocols communicated with administration from the Public Health Department, City and State Licensing. Our commitment remains dedicated to each child, family and staff member for the best environment both emotionally/mentally and physically. We appreciate your support, and partnership. The CMP community is strong.

Posted on

COVID-19 and Our CMP Community

Dear CMP Families,

We are writing to address the concerns of COVID-19 and to inform you of the steps that Countryside is taking to best ensure the health and safety of our CMP community. To stay informed and proactive in our approach, we are monitoring all guidelines and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Health.

Here is what CMP is doing to stay informed and minimize risk:

  • We’re implementing recommended cleaning and disinfecting precautions, especially on ALL high-touch surfaces

  • Consistently requiring hand washing with soap and water.

  • We are minimizing any tours or visits at this time, until after spring break. 

  • Asking families to not bring siblings into the school or playgrounds.

People/families should follow simple steps to avoid getting sick, including:

  • Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water.

  • Covering coughs and sneezes.

  • Avoiding touching your face.

  • Set the emotional tone with your child by not panicking and encouraging the preventative measures. Children will pick up on anxiety, stress and panic.

  • Eliminate and evaluate the need to be in public places that can be vulnerable to transferring illness.

  • Staying home when sick or if your family member is sick. Children need to be symptom free for 24 hours (medication free) before returning.

We encourage you to regularly visit the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the Public Health Madison and Dane County websites to stay informed. You and your families’ health is a priority of CMP. 

Thank you for partnering with us, entrusting us, and strengthening our relationship together. 

Posted on

March 2020 Newsletter

Enrollment Updates:

  • Summer Camp registration is still being accepted.
  • 2020-21 School Year is now in open enrollment so spaces are beginning to fill quickly. Please turn in your completed Letter of Intent, Material Fee, and 1st week tuition by April 1st to secure your spot for next year.
  • Our Tax ID # is: 39-17-53172

REMINDERS:

Muddy Days ahead so we recommend your preschooler to have rain boots and rain pants if possible as we continue to enjoy the outdoors.
==========================
A reminder “home toys” need to stay home or in the car.  When they arrive in the coat room or backpacks it can be a distraction for others and of course we want to be sure items don’t get lost.
***************************************
Thank you for your assistance in keeping our indoors and outdoors tidy!  We are always grateful for the extra help in picking up garbage around the school, coatrooms, etc. let your school pride show and trickle down to your children.
***************************************
Helpful Healthy Hints:

1.- Hand washing (share reminders to complete all the steps, sing a little song, make it fun!)
2.- Sleep, and more sleep!
3.- Wash belongings that are used frequently- water bottles, mittens, hats, blankets
4.- Coughing/ Sneezing in elbows
5.- If you’re sick or not feeling well, stay home please until symptom free for 24 hours
ATTENTION PARENTS: CMP is seeking to update it’s website and make it as parent friendly and current as possible. We have the content, Are you a parent with those skills or know someone who does? If so, please contact Ms. Patty.
Thank you in advance for your help; we are really excited for new possibilities!

Parentsinspiration:

Creative Ways to Say No To A Child
by Kathryn Kvol

Saying no to your child can be difficult. Sometimes we end up feeling like a broken record that
says NO all the time. Sometimes our kids just wear us down. Yet saying no is a necessary ingredient to help children grow and to be able to say no to sex, drugs and other dubious things we want our children to refuse. Here are 19 variations of saying no to add to your parenting repertoire.

For younger children:
1. Give them an alternative. “Walls are not for coloring. Here is a piece of paper”
2.  Tell them what to do instead “Water needs to stay in the tub”
3. Use distraction.
4. For a youngster who has something you don’t want her to have say “That’s not a toy. However, this is a toy you can play with”
5. Sing, “no, no, no”
6. Say it in a funny way, “Never in a million trillion years!”

For older children:
1.  “That’s not an option”
2. “I am unwilling….”
3. “That’s not appropriate.”
4. “I am not ready for you to do that yet”
5. Ask, “What do you think you would need to do before I would be willing to say yes to that?”
6. Ask “What do you think? Is this a good choice for you?” (If you choose to use this, make sure
you are willing to abide by their answer.)
7. Ask, “What are your other options?”
8. “No,  but I would be willing to…”
9.  “I appreciate your asking, however…”
10. “This is not negotiable.”
11. “Yes, as soon as (task) is done….”
12. “I’d love to, now is not an option, let’s go put it on the calendar.”
13. Do the unexpected!

Of course there are times when you should say, no and mean no. At those times it is helpful to make direct eye contact with the child and in a firm and neutral tone of voice, say the word “no” ONCE. Some children do best with a brief reason why they are being told no. However, it is essential that this explanation is very short. Keep it short to avoid turning this into a lecture. Do not get into an argument. If you do, your child will learn that if he wears you down, you will give in.

Parents may also be wondering…
What happens in my child’s classroom?

 Your child is valued as a unique individual. Montessori education recognizes that children learn in different ways, and accommodates all learning styles. Students are free to learn at their own pace, each advancing as he is ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan.

 Beginning at an early age, Montessori nurtures order, concentration, and  independence. Intentional classroom design, materials, and daily routines support the student’s emerging “self-regulation” (the ability to educate one’s self, and to think about what one is learning), in toddlers through adolescents.

 Students are part of a close, caring community. The multi-age classroom—typically spanning 2.5 —5 years re-creates a family structure. Older students enjoy stature as mentors and role models; younger children feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. Teachers model respect, loving kindness, and a peaceful conflict resolution.

 Montessori students enjoy freedom within limits. Working within parameters set by their teachers and the classroom community, students are active participants in deciding what their focus of learning will be.

 Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge. Teachers provide environments where students have the freedom and the tools to pursue answers to their own questions. Internal satisfaction drives the child’s curiosity and interest and results in joyous learning that is sustainable over a lifetime.

 Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach. As they mature, students learn to look critically at their work, and become adept at recognizing, correcting, and learning from their errors.

 Montessori supports social-emotional skills. Contemporary research supports the 100-year- old Montessori Method’s effectiveness, indicating that children who learn in Montessori classrooms demonstrate stronger social-emotional skills in many areas than children in more traditional environments.
Parent Advisory Board News:
Thank you teachers and parents who came out to our PAB meeting last month. We are working on many projects for this year, while also identifying needs for the 2020-2021 school year!

We recently created a Parent Survey Committee to assist with developing a semi-annual process to collect important parent feedback. We are also in the process of exploring the ability to set up electronic transfer tuition payments and electronic donation payment capabilities from the CMP website for 2020/2021!

The Truck Touch Fundraising Committee also met last month to continue efforts organizing our biggest fundraiser of the year!  WE STILL NEED TRUCKS to participate so PLEASE reach out if you can makes some calls to help us reach more area businesses to invite them to our May 16th event. Last year we raised $1,200.00 to help cover some classroom school improvements and below we highlight some needs for this year:

  •  ~$500 to cover the initial setup costs associated with Truck Touch community event. This includes costs for permits, set up needs, food, etc.
  • ~$500+ Teacher appreciation efforts – this is on going annual support to our teachers’ continuing educations/staff bonuses/teacher appreciation week in May.
  • ~$1,000 – $10,000+ School Improvement Needs – this is on going costs associated with upkeep and support of preschool. CMP will need to install a new furnace and central air unit this summer and looking at $9,000 – $12,000 cost.
  • ~$1,000 – $10,000+ Tuition Scholarship Fund – Emergency Funds – this is a creation of a fund to help families in need.

The Parent Advisory Committee works as an organizing body of volunteers for the school and functions successfully when we have contributions and participation of as many CMP community members as possible. Our successes this year highlight the strengths of many and the importance of a group like ours to continue to work to foster opportunities for engagement, connection and communication between parents and staff. We are supporting each other and shaping amazing young people at the same time!
Posted on

February 2020 Newsletter

February  2020
Parent Links:

CMP tuition and school calendar
CMP Facebook Page
Families Facebook page
Volunteer Sign-up
School Directory
(links were removed for security purposes. see classroom teacher for more information)
Dates to remember:
February 7th-  Tuition Due
February 13th- PAB Meeting 6:30 p.m.
February 13th- Classroom Valentines Celebrations
ALERT!  CAMP Countryside Enrollment has begun. We wanted to make sure you were aware of a “misprint”
on the dates for sessions. There are as follows:

Session I-  6/22-7/10
Session II- 7/13- 7/31
Session III- 8/3-8/21

Please send Debby an email to the office if this changes your registration asap.  We apologize for any confusion.  Our sessions are each 3 weeks and we offer 3 of them each summer.

REMINDERS:

  • Extra Clothes box reminder check. Check to replace and restock.
  • Please be sure to check and clean out your child’s mailbox each day please.
  • Read the boards and newsletters to stay informed and in the “know” 🙂
  • A reminder to wash all nap gear every week, and be sure to wash those hats and mittens regularly and dry on high heat.
  • Our Tax ID # is : 39-17-53172

Letters of Intent are being sent out this week for the 2020-21 school year.  Please submit it back to CMP with the material fee, (you may include the first week deposit at this time, or pay by 4/1/2020) to secure your space.

Parentsinspiration:

Winter and snow are here! This is a perfect opportunity to spend “quality” time with your child.

As parents we often feel like there is not enough time with our precious child. This thought train often leads to guilt. Here is a parentsinspiration nugget “quality time is equal to quantity time”. It all depends on how you spend your time with your child.

Let me clearly define quality time: time with your child without distractions(cell phone, tv, dinner cooking or work stuff). According to the dictionary quality time is “time spent in giving
another person your undivided attention in order to strengthen a relationship.” As quality time can be done in many ways from the winter projects as seen below or sitting together truly looking at your child in their eyes and listening carefully to their words. Whatever way you choose to spend quality time with your child it shows that you value them.

1) Food Coloring In Snow
You can use bowls or smaller storage bins for this project. Fill up the bowl or bin with snow and bring it inside. Then, use food coloring to decorate the snow! The kiddos can use their imaginations and make fun works of art and the cleanup is easy. Simply pour the snow into the sink or throw it back outside.

2) Snow people
Snowmen don’t have to go away just because the holidays are over! If the
weather is too cold to build an outdoor snowman, you could always make these ones in your own home:
 Cotton-ball snowmen with construction paper hats and accessories.
 Snowmen-shaped cookies and Rice Krispie bars.
 Foam and styro-foam snowmen with fabric hats and accessories.

3) Valentine’s Cards or general cards For Family
This special day isn’t until February 14th, but that doesn’t mean you and your preschoolers can’t make cards now! Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and other family members appreciate knowing they’re loved. Making Valentine’s cards can be a fun project that also lets your family and friends know that you care.

4) Reading time ritual never gets old.

Again, quality time is being fully present with your child. It will grow your parent child relationship AND teaches your child to do the same with others.
Parent Advisory Board News:
We’d love to have you join us at our next board meeting on February 13th at 6:30pm. Here’s a link to look over the notes from our last meeting.

The Truck Event Committee will be meeting this month. WE ARE STILL LOOKING TO SIGN UP MORE TRUCKS TO PARTICIPATE! Please email our committee chair, Erin V to see how you can help!

Thank you VP, Andrea Cammilleri for putting together our “Get To Know Your Teachers” posts which debuted on our Countryside Montessori Preschool Families Facebook Page last month. (see below if you missed it)

Shout out to CMP Trivia team “why, Why, WHY” comprised of staff and parents. They took first place last month and will be scheduling another outing soon!

CMP FUNDRAISING:
PAB has identified the following areas to focus for our fundraising and financial support initiatives:

  • ~$500 to cover the initial setup costs associated with Truck Touch community event. This includes costs for permits, set up needs, food, etc.
  • ~$500+ Teacher appreciation efforts – on going annual support to our teachers’ continuing educations/staff bonuses/teacher appreciation week in May.
  • ~$1,000 – $10,000+ School Improvement Needs – on going costs associated with upkeep and support of preschool.
  • ~$1,000 – $10,000+ Tuition Scholarship Fund – Emergency Funds – creation of a fund to help families in need.

There are a variety of options for families to help support these efforts:

  • Send in a free will donation. Checks payable to “CMP Fundraising” in any amount of your choosing.
  • Join our next PAB meeting to share your feedback and ideas for community fundraising.
  • Volunteer to work at or support and promote our Truck Touch community event on May 16th!
  • Ask or share Coffee/Tea fundraiser with family, co-workers. Take or make orders of CMP blend Coffee or 6 & 12 herbal tea sales  Contact Amy Holste or ask your classroom teacher.
Posted on

January 2020 Newsletter

    January  2020
Parent Links:

CMP tuition and school calendar
CMP Facebook Page
Families Facebook page
Volunteer Sign-up
School Directory
Dates to remember:
January
10th- Tuition Due
20th- MLK Day ~ No school
29th- Parent Social Trivia at Octopi Brewing
30th- 100th Day of School
February 7th- Tuition Due
Happy New Year! A special thanks to all of you for the amazing contributions and gifts. Your generosity and daily support is always greatly appreciated. May this new year (2020) bring joy to you and your family! –CMP Staff

Parent Reminders:

  • Please remember to turn your tuition in on time, it avoids late fees, and extra work from the office.  Checks can always be dropped off ahead of time, dated for the due date.
  • Our tax id # is 39-17-53172
  • Please do not leave your car running in the parking lot at any time.
  • CAMP Countryside Information and Enrollment starts before the end of the month to current families, then opens to all.

100th Day of School on January 30th!

Look for notes arriving from your classroom teachers. Children will wear pajamas (school friendly please) to school and celebrate with counting, games, and special snacks… A great way to enjoy numbers and 100 days of hard work, learning, and loving school!
Parent Advisory Board News:
Our next teacher appreciation meal will take place on Jan 9th, 2019. If you signed up you will be contacted to coordinate items.

Calling all Parents! Join us on Wednesday, January 29th beginning at 6:00pm at Octopi Brewing for Trivia Night! Please see our event on the Countryside Montessori Preschool Families Facebook Page for more information.

We’d love to have you join us at our next board meeting on February 13th at 6:30pm at CMP.

Parentsinspiration:

Happy New Year means 365 Opportunities of Growth!

It is the time in the school year when so many of the lessons that were introduced in the beginning of the year have now taken on a different meaning for the children. GROWTH….

While some children were only able to complete one or two rows of the Hundred Board, now they are independently and easily finishing the numbers all the way to one hundred. Those children that were just recognizing letter sounds are now blending two and three sounds together.

The younger children are helping one another in the natural spirit of giving. Many of the children are moving from the concrete to the abstract by adding writing enrichment activities to their lessons. It is that “ah ha” moment when everything clicks and the joy of mastery sinks in. Parenting is like that too. It is all about finding what works for you and your child.

Pick one undesirable behavior or transition that you want to work on. Maybe it’s a time issue or maybe it will be the words you say to your child. Think about the scenario and practice. Repetition becomes habit. The new year gives us all (adults and children) 365 more days of growth. To create a new habit and outcome and to experience the love of learning!

10 Characteristics of Children in the Montessori Classroom 
1. Respectful
2. Responsible
3. Self-disciplined
4. Independent
5. Creative/Inventive
6. Self-Motivated
7. Organized
8. Global Thinkers
9. Collaborators
10. Leader

“Establishing lasting peace is the work of education…~ Maria Montessori
Posted on

December 2019 Newsletter

December 2019   
Parent Links:

CMP tuition and school calendar
CMP Facebook Page
Families Facebook page
Volunteer Sign-up
School Directory
DATES TO REMEMBER
December
6th – Tuition Due (5 weeks)
23rd – Jan 3rd – No School (Holiday Break)
January 6th- Classes resume

A picture containing floor, ground, building Description automatically generated

Parents, want to be more involved or informed?    To learn more about volunteer opportunities this school year and to stay connected with the CMP community you can:

1. Read the classroom dry erase boards for class information weekly.

2. Read and refer back to this all school news for dates.

3. Read classroom newsletter monthly.

4. Join the Countryside Montessori Preschool Families Facebook group. 
Congratulations!
New Big sister Rylee and Family
New big Brother Owen this past month!

Thank you!
*Mikayla Z for all the work and food at our Mom’s Night Out event!

For Small Hands Fundraisers:       http://www.ForSmallHands.com or use catalog in your child’s mailbox.
CMP Code needed: 104170

 

Delight young children with real tools that let them handle real tasks “all by myself!” This company provides hard-to-find, child-size items that allow your child to pour their own juice or rake leaves by your side, doing purposeful “work” that supports self-confidence and independence.

There is a code on back of catalog that you will need that connects the fundraiser to CMP. The funds will go directly to a credit that your child’s classroom can buy new materials for your child’s classroom.

Parentsinspiration:

Aren’t we all looking to create a stress-free winter holiday season?

It is a lovely thought that you and your children will be sitting by a fire, singing holiday songs with friends and family. Yes, it is a lovely thought, dream, visualization or whatever you want to call it.

Of course, we all want that! Now I am going to bring you back to the natural reality of life with small children. This year, try instead of getting caught up in the constant crazy, take a breath and strategize the small things you can control (loving strategies) and that you and your family will benefit from.

 Here are some “Parentinspiration” tips to get you started:

  1. Throw out perfection! We often place a lot of pressure as parents on ourselves to create the perfect holiday experience for our children, but keep in mind that your quality time (not every minute) is typically all your children need. Your children aren’t expecting anything to be Pinterest-worthy (another parent pressure if you choose to let it be). What they are expecting, and need is your physical and emotional presence. A good example is before you go to an extended family’s home for the day, be sure to have a nutritious breakfast and conversation that morning with your child. That simple calm time is powerful. It sounds simple because it is!

  1. Minimize your outings. Minimizing is actually maximizing people! We parents put pressure on ourselves to squeeze as much shopping and fun as we can into a short time span. Be selective about your outings, do some of your shopping online if you can, and leave lots of space for downtime, so that you and your child feel rested, rather than the opposite, drained in pocketbook, body and emotional health.

  1. Your child will show you meltdown or emotional cues. Note them! Not the kind when they don’t get something they cry. That’s learning boundaries. The kind of signals when they are tired or have had enough fun and are emotionally overloaded. Observe the cues, learn them, recognize them and get out of situation before they become full blown(meaning it is probably time to go). Remember this time of their little lives does not last forever.

  1. You knew this was coming…Perform self-care! I don’t say this lightly. If you can’t do this for yourself, PLEASE do this for your child. The best gift you can give your child is gifts that will help them be healthy people in this lifetime. Here is your chance!

  Make Winter Decorations with Homemade Dough

doughstars

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1-1/2 cups water

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Combine the flour, salt and water; mix well and knead for 10 minutes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface.

Cut into desired shapes and make holes for hanging. Bake for 30 minutes; allow to cool.

Decorate with poster paints or tube paints.

Allow to dry and spray with clear polyurethane on both sides to preserve.

Use ribbon or yarn pieces to hang.
Parent Advisory Board News:
Please take a minute to look over the notes from our last meeting. We are looking for some volunteers who might be interested in organizing a few social events and help with organizing some other volunteer projects around the school.

Information about Operation Ornament will be in your child’s mailbox later this week.  We will split the monies collected to our six teachers and gift to them before we leave for holiday break.

Our next teacher appreciation meal will take place on Jan 9th, 2019. If you signed up you will be contacted to coordinate items closer to the date.

Our next board meeting will take place on February 13th at 6:30pm.

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2nd ANNUAL Truck Touch Fundraising Event on Saturday, May 16th at Northside Town Center. Planning is underway and we could use more help! Please email our committee chair, Erin V. We are working on securing vehicles, planning food for purchase, and so much more.

Seasons greetings to all!
Posted on

November 2019 Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2019   
Parent Links:

CMP tuition and school calendar
CMP Facebook Page
Families Facebook page
Volunteer Sign-up
School Directory
DATES TO REMEMBER
November
1st – Tuition due (5 weeks)
8th – MOM’s Night OUT!  6:30 p.m.
14th – Parent Advisory Board (PAB) Meeting 6:30 p.m.
27th-29th -No School (Thanksgiving Break)

December
6th – Tuition Due (5 weeks)
23rd – Jan 3rd – No School (Holiday Break)

Sip, snack, shop and mingle with other Moms!!!!

Friday, November 8th from 6:30-9:30 Countryside Montessori will be hosting a Mom’s Night Out just for you and any other women you would like to bring! Invite your friends to join you and have some fun!
REMINDERS & INFO
Winter Weather Reminders:

  • When Madison Schools Close, CMP will close.  Please listen to the radio or look at listings at online or television stations.  CMP will NOT list their name, rather know we are closed when MMSD closes.
  • Be sure your child has appropriate clothing for the outdoors every day- Warm jacket, snow pants, mittens, (no gloves please, and no scarves)and hat.
  • Full day children should be sure to have an extra pair of socks.
  • Check your child’s extra clothes box for warm extras- take home the shorts please:)
  • Allow yourself winter weather travel time- our pick up times remain the same.  We want you to be safe.
  • If your child is ill: a fever, loose stool, persistent cough, runny nose, etc. we ask you to keep them home.  Ill children sent home from school, need to stay home the following day, and symptom free for 24 hours.

Staying Healthy TIPS:

  • Cough in your elbow (not your hands!)
  • Get a good nights rest (10-12 hours)
  • Stay home from activities when not feeling well.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water
  • Handwashing, handwashing…
Celebrating our community of volunteers: Thank you for all your help and efforts! We couldn’t do it without you. Many of you listed below helped with a task on our Volunteer Sign-up including: outside fall projects, organizing our upcoming moms night event, or fall pumpkin day!

Stephanie and Jerry F * Tara Hoff * April G * Erin V * Cody and Hannah C * Andrea C * Olivia T* Tracy H * Katie O* Natalia  * Micayla Z
Parent Advisory Board News:
Thursday, November 12th at 6:30pm we will meet at CMP in the downstairs office. ALL CMP parents interested in learning more should PLEASE join us! You can take a look at the notes from our last meeting. We are really excited to announce we have completed our board nominations and filled all officer positions. Introducing our 2019-2020 school year officers…

Member (Ex Official substitute)– Tracy H
Treasurer – Katie H

Secretary – Olivia T

Vice President – Andrea C
President – Amy H

**Every month we will be highlighting more of YOU our CMP parents and staff! We want to make introductions, share stories, learn about each other.  

Peaceful Parenting Practice:

10 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids

How to help kids show (and feel) appreciation

Saying thank you is one of the first social rules many parents teach their children, and for good reason. We want our kids to be appreciative and not take things for granted, and learning to be grateful can improve kids’ relationships, ability to empathize, and overall happiness. If you are looking for ways to reinforce the importance of gratitude or would like to find other meaningful ways your kids can show appreciation, here are some tips:

Learning to be grateful can improve kids’ relationships, ability to empathize, & happiness.

 

1. Set an example. Kids learn a lot from watching their parents. Show them what it means to be grateful by offering a genuine “thank you!” to a waitress who serves your food, a helpful neighbor, someone who holds the door open for you. But don’t stop there — include your kids, too. Thanking children for doing things that are helpful, even when they are chores like putting away toys, reinforces the behavior and lets them know they’re appreciated.

2. Point out generosity. Call attention to it when people (including your kids!) do things that go beyond what’s expected — helping without being asked, being especially thoughtful, or taking extra time to do something because it’s important to someone else. Send the message that you will notice if they knock themselves out for you, or for someone else.

3. Have a talk. For some kids, especially young children or those who have trouble understanding emotions, it can help to have a talk about how showing appreciation makes other people feel. Try asking your child how he feels when people say thank you to him for doing something nice, and then how he feels when they don’t. Going over his own feelings will help him understand how his behavior affects others and make it easier for him to understand the emotional benefits of being grateful.

4. Find fun ways to say thanks. There are lots of ways to show gratitude. If your child isn’t comfortable talking to strangers or has a hard time expressing herself in writing, work together to come up with a different way for her to show her appreciation. She could try giving a smile or a thumbs up if someone holds the door, or show grandma how much she loves her new coat by drawing a thank you picture (or taking a smiling selfie!) instead of writing a card.

5. Share the love. Encourage kids to think of people who help them, from coaches to neighbors to the local firemen, and say thanks with cookies or cupcakes. Making them and giving them are fun, and they help kids see how connected we all are.

6. Put things in perspective. Talk to your kids about those who are less fortunate. Don’t scare them, but don’t keep them in the dark either. Understanding that not everyone has the same advantages will help them develop compassion for others and gratitude for their own privileges.

7. Let kids choose. Encourage kids to turn their interests into action. Whether it’s a fundraising drive at school, a bake sale, or a run for charity, expressing her interests and using her skills for a good cause is a great way to boost her confidence and give her a chance to give back at the same time.

8. Get involved. If kids are too young to go alone or aren’t comfortable dealing with strangers solo, make giving back a family affair. Find places where you can volunteer together or let your child choose a charity to donate to. Giving and gratitude go hand in hand, and doing it as a family will bring everyone closer and help you make some great memories.

9. Make gratitude part of bedtime. When you tuck him in at night, ask your child to tell you three things he’s grateful for. Even if he’s had a bad day it will help him—and you—end each day on a positive note.

10. Give kids credit. Be mindful of the fact that your child may have her own way of expressing gratitude, even if it doesn’t fit your expectations. Different kids communicate in different ways. For example, your child may be more comfortable giving a hug than a verbal thank you, or might show her appreciation by helping out around the house or drawing you a picture. Tuning in to your child’s unique way of being thankful will let her know that even as she’s learning new ways to give back, you see and appreciate the thoughtful person she already is.

-Article from www.childmind.org
Posted on

October 2019 Newsletter

DATES TO REMEMBER
October
4 – Tuition due
17- Pumpkin Festival in a.m.
23 – Picture Day for Upstairs class (Cory & Destinee) & Downstairs class (Debby)
24 – Picture Day for Middle class (Patty, Alysia & Helen)
25 – No School (Staff inservice)
31 – class Halloween celebrations (no costumes)
November
8th  –  Mom’s Night Out @ CMP 6:30 p.m.
REMINDERS & INFO
  • In order to provide all with safety and appropriate staffing it is important to be mindful of timely pick ups and drop offs.
  • A reminder that early arrival is 7:05-8:15 am. If you are not enrolled for 5 days full day or enrolled for early arrival we ask that you arrive no earlier than 8:15
  • Tuesday Wednesday Thursday half day students are to not arrive before 8:30. Thanks so much for your help with this.
  • Picture Day is this month! You will find more information coming soon to your child’s mailbox.  A former parent photographer will take school and class pictures this year (and also took staff photos on the website)!
  • Know of a friend/ family looking for a five star preschool?  Recommend CMP! We have a few openings left for this school year.
Celebrating our community with gratitude:

Thank you Tara for the amazing kitchen remodel

Thank Amy, Erin, Andrea and Jen for summer washing, painting and landscape clean up.

Parent Advisory Board (PAB) warmly welcomes NEW Members Micayla, Natalia, Tracy, Katie, Olivia, and returning Madeline, Andrea, and Amy for their participation in last month’s PAB meeting.

Thank you to all who attended the Pizza Social last month and shared really delicious foods. The Music by Casey & Greg was a hit, and to those of you who stopped by the PAB table to learn more about your volunteer needs or to purchased RUSTY DOG COFFEE and 4 & 20 Tea to support our annual fundraising goals!

We feel wonderful energy and engagement from our parents and are so excited for this year!

What is line time?

Encouraging Motor Skills Development: Walking on the Line

“Line time is another name for circle or group time. It is a gathering time for our classroom community to sing, dance, celebrate, learn together and equally grow children’s individual voice and motor skills.”

Walking on the Line: An Exercise in Movement in the Montessori Classroom
While observing young children, Dr. Montessori observed that they enjoy walking on narrow objects: fences, railroad ties, curbs. She developed the “Walking on the Line” activity as a Practical Life exercise to help children learn to control their bodies, develop balance and perfect equilibrium. It also serves as a way to train the mind to become aware of its own body movements. In addition, it helps develop concentration.

The line is in the shape of an ellipse and is drawn, painted, or taped on the floor. The width of the line should be just a bit wider than the child’s shoe. Children are taught how to walk on the line with good posture, holding the head erect. Read on for the full Montessori presentation for the Walking on the Line activity.

Being able to actively control one’s body is a major step toward independence. Montessori observed that the child who is presented with the opportunity to move in appropriate ways, is not “unruly” or “naughty”. Rather, they are calm and content. They approach their work with a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and joy.

Song of the Month: Five Little Pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate
The first one said, “Oh my, it’s getting late!”
The second one said, “There are witches in the air!”
The third one said, “But we don’t care.”
The fourth one said, “ Let’s run and run and run.“
The fifth one said, “It’s Halloween fun!“
Then wooo went the wind
And out went the light.
Five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!
Posted on

September 2019 Newsletter

September 2019   
AN INVITATION TO
ALL CMP FAMILIES

Come celebrate the start of the school year and meet other families

Dinner-child friendly entertainment-parent info and more
DATES TO REMEMBER
SEPTEMBER IS FRIENDSHIP MONTH
9/12- Parent Advisory Board Meets 6:30pm
ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME

9/19- Pizza Social @ CMP 6:30pm
ALL FAMILIES ARE WELCOME

10/4- October tuition due by 5:30pm
QUESTIONS CONTACT DEBBY WARD
  • SIGN IN AND OUT – Each day with time and initials
  • GATES TO PARKING LOT – make sure they are closed behind you when entering the playgrounds.
  • CHILD WELLNESS – if your child is not well enough to begin the day at school, please keep them home. (see CMP Illness policy for further info. or talk to a teacher)
  • NO CELLPHONES – IN the school or ON playground please.
  • IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION- Check bulletin boards and mailboxes for daily work and announcements.
  • HEALTHY PRACTICE – Nap/Rest kits go home each week for washing- all items on high heat.
  • NO TOYS -keep them at home, not at school please
  • NO UMBRELLAS – left in the coatrooms, they can be used but kept in cars instead.
  • NOTES AND REMINDERS FOR TEACHERS – can be put in the paper-box or written in log book.
  • WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD -let us know if you need help with something.
TOP 5 TIPS FOR COUNTRYSIDE PARENTS THIS MONTH:
(How do I feel connected and stay informed?)

1. Attend the Annual Pizza Social on September 19th because it is wonderful evening to meet other parents and staff.

2. Look for details about the school including classroom updates, visit the CMP website for tuition and school calendar, check out our Countryside Montessori Facebook Page, and join the private Preschool Families page .

3. Get involved! CMP NEEDS and WANTS your help! There are so many different ways to do this. From
planning events to helping in the gardens. Connecting us with a community event or service to providing input on a project. Everyone can help in their own way and truly makes our CMP community strong! Look for more info to come about volunteer sign ups or attend the PAB meeting on Sept 12th.

4. Know the school is like a big family! Have a question? Our parent community is friendly and helpful! If you want to learn more about anything mentioned above, our school, your child’s classroom, or Montessori generally, just ask a fellow parent! If they don’t know, they can help you find someone who does.

5. Connect. Communicating with your child’s teacher on a regular basis is an essential part of caring for their education. We will make every effort to reach out and want you to know you can feel free to do the same.

Welcome to our CMP COMMUNITY! We are SO GLAD you are here!
Staff Update:
We will be having a third teacher on the middle floor classroom join us this week.

Helen Melton aka Ms. Helen is a professional early childhood educator. She is excited to join CMP and meet you and your child!
Each teacher is here to nurture, support and guide your child each and every day. We are committed to making your Montessori preschool experience productive, stimulating and fun. We are honored that you have chosen our school and we are confident that this will be a wonderful year for everyone involved!  — CMP Staff
Posted on

May 2019 Newsletter

Countryside Montessori Preschool presents

We still need volunteers for the Truck Touch Event!. 

In order to make this event as successful as possible we need your help!

  • Spread the word! Let your friends and neighbors know about this fun event! Word of mouth is the best advertisement!
  • Please visit our Sign Up Genius Link to sign up to help out the day of the event! We need as many hands as we can get to make the event a success! Ticket taking, face-painting, set-up/clean-up, even if you only have an hour to spare we could use it!
  • Donations for Food for Thought in the form of pantry food items or toiletries will be collected at the day of the event or in your child’s classroom. Please see donation flyers in your child’s classroom for some suggested needs.

Staff Book Recommendations:
from Ms. Cory
Two Bad Ants.
Written by the extraordinary Chris Van Allsburg-also winner of two caldecott medals for The Polar Express and Jumanji-  ‘Two bad Ants’ tells the story of two rebellious ants who leave the rest of their team and adventure into a most dangerous place. The kitchen!
The Color Monster.
Written by Anna Llenas this book is a beautiful story about having mixed up emotions and how to sort them appropriately. Talking about our feelings is always important and we need to be able to recognize them!

Peaceful Parenting Practice

No More Back Talk

By Kathryn Kvols
“Back talk” can leave you anywhere from devastated to infuriated. Below are steps you can take that will keep you from becoming a casualty of disrespectful communication:
Determine if the child is using “back talk” or if he is communicating something else.
Children use “back talk” when they are tired, hungry, getting sick, or their medication is running out. If this is the case, handle their physical needs as quickly as possible. Discuss their “back talk” at a calmer time. Children use back talk as a way of showing their frustration at not getting enough quality time with parents. If this is true, do something to re-establish the relationship – read a book together, go for a walk or bike ride, give them snuggle time. Teach your child how to ask for your time in an appropriate way when things are calmer.

Another culprit is the child has not been allowed or taught how to express his negative feelings in an appropriate way. Teach respectful ways to get their point across. For example, teach your youngster that he may not call you names but he could say, “I am angry at you, Mommy.” In our household, we use the signal “re-do” which means; “I want to hear what you have to say. Please say it in a more respectful way.” Be prepared for your child to say it to you! If the “back talk” is unrelated to the circumstances above and it feels like your child is testing you or being spiteful, continue with the following steps.

Create a plan of action. One of the best forms of action is to not be in the presence of someone who is disrespecting you. Use words like, “I am not willing to be disrespected. I will be in my room (or anywhere you choose) if you want to try again.” If you are on the phone with them and they are disrespectful, repeat the above phrase, tell them you are
hanging up and that you will call back in ten minutes. In a car, pull over to a safe place, get out of the car and tell him you will not continue to drive while be treated disrespectfully. Use a non-revengeful, calm tone. Use a tone that is assertive, not one that sounds like you are a victim.

For example, “I buy you clothes and video games and this is the way you treat me! You are such a brat.” vs. “I am unwilling to be spoken to like that. If you continue, I will take you home.” Reinforce your words by immediately taking him home if he continues. Take action. Remove yourself immediately. It takes two people to get into an argument. Don’t hang around and be one of them. Be prepared for things to get worse. Often when we make a decision to do things differently, things get worse. If this happens, do not get discouraged or change your stance. Things will get better. Consistency is key.

REMINDERS:

Dates:

5/3-  May tuition due (4 weeks)

5/9-  P.A.B. Meeting 6:30 p.m.

5/18- TRUCK TOUCH!

5/27- Memorial Day ~ no school

5/31- Tuition Due (2 weeks)

6/6-  End of Year Picnic

6/12- Last Day of School

Session I Camp tuition due

******************************************

End of the Year Picnic: (unfortunately we do not have a rain date–we really hope mother nature will cooperate) Come and celebrate the end of the school year with other CMP Families.  Bring your own Picnic Dinner and a blanket to sit on. More exciting details to come…

Enrollment: Those families who are signed up for summer camp, expect your invoices to arrive by mid May. School Year 2019-20 packets and invoices will be mailed out to homes early August.

Parent Advisory Board: Our last PAB meeting of the school year is Thursday, May 9th at 6:30-7:30pm at CMP. Snacks and drinks will be served as we discuss the final details of the upcoming fundraising Truck event, plan for end of the year picnic, update on PAB 501c3 status, begin planning for summer and next school year. Feel free to view our last meeting minutes here .