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January 2017 News

Upcoming Dates

January 6
Tuition Due
January 12 
Parent Advisory Board Meeting ~ 6:30 p.m. @ CMP
January 16
No School (MLK Jr. Holiday)
January 26
100th Day of School!
(Wear your PJ’s to school)
January  
Camp Countryside 2017 Info/Registration begins
February
Letters of Intent for
2017-18 School Year

Important Calendar Note: Classes return from Spring Break on April 18th.
(school calendar is incorrect, it says 4/16/17)

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Happy New Year!
I 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.
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Parent Inspiration
First take a deep breathe…..
Then ask yourself the following questions without judgement…..
-What were my best parenting moments in 2016?
-What were my worst parenting moments in 2016?
-And what did I learn? What moments or actions do I want to let go of or repeat?
-How does my lifestyle support this (ex: am I present, am I in a hurry)?

The Ultimate Questions: What kind of parent do I want to be in 2017? And what do I need to do in my life to support this?

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In the New Year many people desire to create goals. We, too, as teachers at CMP have goals for your child…..
Montessori teachers have four principal 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 him 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.

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4k/5k Registration for 2017-18
This is the year you will see your investment in Montessori flourish more than ever!  CMP prides itself on hearing of the successes of our students that stay for this important year of growth.  Your child will have this final year at CMP to gain emotional and academic confidence and self esteem. They become leaders during a year that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so.  You and your student have a continuous year of communication with the same teachers and many of the same peers.  This consistency provides growth in the areas of math, language, and geography especially.  Did you know that our students that stay for this year graduate with high reading and math levels?  Please take time to speak to Cory, Patty or Debby on how we can assist you and your family in making this decision.
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Camp Countryside 2017
The past few years, CMP has filled up very quickly. Please don’t delay in turning in your child’s registration and material fee.  We will open registration for the first 3 weeks to CMP students, and past students whom are eligible first, before enrolling new students.
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Wish List
Have you heard of Himalayan Salt Lamps?  As a school community, we feel that these would be beneficial to try and explore the benefits.  We are in need of about 5. They are available on Amazon if you would like to purchase for CMP.
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Books
Doing some winter cleaning??  The “Little Library” in front of CMP is in need of some restocking.  These books can be any kind of books – cookbooks, novels, children’s books, parenting books, etc.
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CMP-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!
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Besides your fabulous children, 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
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December 2016 News

Dates to Remember:

December 16th– Last day before Winter Break
January 2nd– Classes resume
January– Summer Camp 2017 Enrollment begins

Important Calendar Note: Classes return from Spring Break on April 18th.
(school calendar is incorrect, it says 4/16/17)

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Welcome Back Ms. Grace!

Grace returned to the upstairs classroom as the Afternoon Specialist 11/28/16.
Lori is taking some time off, but will continue to be a part of the CMP community
as a substitute teacher.
CMP is fortunate as always to have such a great community of families and teachers!

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Birthday Treats

In keeping with our low sugar policy, here are some suggestions for treat ideas to send in
for your child’s birthday celebration.
* Small muffins
* Fruit kabobs
* Cheese and crackers
* Gorp mix (no nuts please)

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Hola! Spanish Class Second Semester Enrollment

Mr. Luis will offer another time slot for students wanting to sign up for second semester Spanish.  The class meets Monday mornings, and is $160.00 for the
semester.  Checks are to be made to Luis Varela. This is a wonderful addition to the learning your child does at CMP.  It’s also a great gift idea for the Holidays from a grandparent!
Please be sure to send Debby and email that your child will join Spanish in January by 12/11/16.  Spaces are limited, so don’t delay!

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Illness Notes

It is truly our wish to keep everyone as healthy as possible at CMP.  Thank you for
keeping your child home with any signs of illness.  Please be sure to always call the
office with any news of your child being diagnosed with a communicable disease right away.
This aids the school with alerting families (names confidential, of course) and cleaning, etc..measures
put in place.

TIP:  “Your ELBOW catches your cough.”  We teach children to cough in their elbow.
Always use a tissue for your nose, and then wash your hands.

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4K/5K is confirming spots at Countryside Montessori for 2017-18.

You will be getting information if your child is eligible for this space via their mailbox.

Why enroll with CMP?

Continue your investment in your child’s education.  This last year is one of the most important ones in your child’s Montessori learning.  It allows them to be the “oldest, the leader” in their school community.  So much self-esteem, and self-confidence comes from this opportunity, and of course we know, that leads to strengthening their academic growth and achievements.

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Winter Weather Reminders

Winter is approaching, please keep these things in mind-

1.)  We go outside everyday at CMP.  Please be sure your child has outdoor clothing to enjoy the playground
*Warm Jacket  *Snow Boots  *Snow Pants/Bibs  *Hat  *Waterproof mittens (no gloves please)
Check your child’s extra clothes box for warm weather extras.

2.)  Road conditions can worsen through the day.  Please be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive on time for pick-ups or arrange alternate care to pick up.  Reminder that all pick-ups should arrive 5-10 minutes before contracted time.

3.)  If Madison Schools Close, CMP will be closed as well.  Announcements are made on local television, and radio stations.

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Teacher Wish List

* Aromatherapy Oils (lavender, spearmint, peppermint)
* Keurig Cups
* Play-Doh
* Clorox wipes
* Masking tape

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November 2016 News

We wish you a happy and healthy thanksgiving!  

Dates to Remember

November 4 –  Tuition Due (4 weeks)

November –  Parent Teacher Conferences (see classroom sign ups)

November 24 & 25 –  Happy Thanksgiving (No School)

December 2 –  Tuition Due (5 weeks)

December 2 –  Mom’s Night OUT!

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MOM’S NIGHT OUT
December 2nd
6:30 p.m. at CMP

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An evening for all Mom’s to enjoy each others company, and relax and celebrate.  There will be wine, coffee, and light snacks. There will also be a variety of vendors – 31 Bags, Wild Tree, Lula Roe Fashions, to name a few!  We hope to see you there; feel free to bring a friend!

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MONTESSORI SERVICES FUNDRAISER

Don’t forget to check out the Small Hands edition of Montessori Service for the upcoming gift giving season. Use CMP’s code #104107, and CMP receive’s a percentage of the sale for classroom purchases. Catalogs are available in the coatrooms, or school office.

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SAFETY REMINDERS

*Thank you for closing playground gates when you enter/exit.
*Please be sure to walk your child(ren), holding their hand in the parking lot.
*With cold months coming- please remember that cars can not be left idle in the parking lot at CMP.
*No phones on the playground or coatrooms please.

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CMP ILLNESS POLICY

Is your child well enough to go to school??
It is not always easy to decide if your child is sick enough to stay home or well enough to be in school.  Children who come to school are expected to be able to participate fully in school day activities. Here are some guidelines that might help in a parent’s decision-making:

1. Fever:  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.

2.  Vomiting, Diarrhea or Severe 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.

3.  Infectious 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).

4.  Rashes:  Rashes or patches of broken itchy skin need to be examined if they appear to be spreading or not improving.

5.  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.

Thank you for keeping everyone healthy!

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PARENT BOARD NOTES…

Please welcome the Countryside Montessori Parent Board:

President:  Laura Jasiczek   (Ella’s Mom)
Co/Vice President:  You???
Treasurer:  Josh Schmidt     (Gwendolyn’s Dad)
Secretary:  Amy Holste       (Ezra’s Mom-alumni)

Seeking a co or vice president! See Laura or Patty if interested.The Board is the backbone of the preschool and parents input, skills, and knowledge are key components to CMP’s community approach. There are board members responsibilities:

¨   To give input to the parent board from the perspective of the role and from personal experience in any decision-making tasks.

¨   To help school events that publicizes CMP in the community.

¨   To oversee and support committees.

¨   To participate actively in making CMP the best environment it can be for children and families.

Join this wonderful group-next meeting is in January!
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October 2016 News

DATES TO REMEMBER

10.13 – Parent Advisory Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. in the office at CMP
10.13 – Harvest Festival ~ a.m. @ CMP
10.28 – Teacher Inservice – No School
11.04 –  November tuition due (4 weeks)

TRANSFORMING YOUR BEWITCHING HOUR

Most families have a time(s) within their day that things in their home get a little rough around the edges and your precious little child radically changes into someone else that displays unexplained, not so enchanting meltdown behaviors….This could be wake up time, before dinner, or bedtime perhaps. “Every family has them.” Often times we grin and bear these times and dread its re-occurrence tomorrow.

When you are surviving, it is easy to go through this unconsciously day after day. There is a way around these special moments. It is helpful to spend a few minutes observing what happens before, during and after this bewitching hour. You may even want to ask your partner or someone you trust to observe as well. Try this for a few days; Pay special attention to how you are feeling. Are you rushed, angry, in survival mode or exhausted during this crazy time? All those feelings are valid. When you recognize how you are feeling, observe how your child is reacting and feeling. Now visualize how you would like this time of the day to look, sound and feel for you and your family. Once you know how you would truly like it to be – ask yourself these questions:

*Is it the timing (perhaps rushed or i.e.; a 9:00 bedtime is way too late for a preschooler)? These of course can be changed and are in the hands of us as parents.

*Would more preparation help my child get to the next point (i.e.; a regular nightly routine so the child always knows what is expected, or saying “when we get home your job is to…”

*What is important for me? For my child? For us as a family?

I recognize this may feel hard to fathom right now but give it a try. You will be amazed by the “magic” that will occur.

CHECK OUT OUR COUNTRYSIDE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL BOARD!!!
One of the hallmarks of a quality early childhood program is an active and supportive Parent Advisory Board (PAB). City, State and National Licensing agencies recognizes the importance of family involvement and the role a successful PAB can play in the development of a strong community of families supporting the center. One of their evaluation criteria for accreditation is the existence of a PAB, or that “The program facilitates opportunities for families to meet with one another on a formal and informal basis, work together on projects to support the program, and learn from and provide support for each other”.

As an accredited early childhood program, Countryside Montessori Preschool is proud to have an active and supportive Parent Board strengthening the community of families at the school.
The Board is the backbone of the preschool and parents input, skills, and knowledge are key components to CMP’s community approach. These are board members responsibilities:

  • To give input to the parent board from the perspective of the role and from personal experience in any decision-making tasks.
  • To help school events that publicizes CMP in the community.
  • To oversee and support committees.
  • To participate actively in making CMP the best environment it can be for children and families.
Join this wonderful group! The next meeting is this Thursday October 13th at 6:30…

INSERVICE DAY-OCTOBER 28TH
Thank you for supporting the inservice day his month! 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.

This is especially true when it comes to your child’s first learning experience – 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. 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.

COLDER WEATHER IS COMING
Please plan ahead for your preschooler.
We go outdoors at least once, if not twice a day.
Helpful clothing tips to make the transition a successful one;
*  Velcro or slip on boots please
*  Indoor slip on shoes/slippers for all transitions.
*  No hoods with ties or scarves.
* Mittens please that are waterproof. (back ups are necessary for full day students)
*  Easy pull on snow pants
Lastly-  Label, label, label please.

THANK YOU!
Tara Hoff (Sevrin) – for fixing the broken lower window, planting evergreen trees in the back, repairing the dishwasher leak in the middle classroom, and being the 
PUMPKIN CHAUFFEUR for our festival!
Matt Kemp (Dylyn) – for ry-barring the tree stumps on the playground!
Abby Riesen (Lux) – for being the school Picture Day Parent!

GIFT IDEAS

Looking for some good gift ideas for the holidays or a direction to point family for your children?
Montessori Services (montessoriservices.com) is a great catalog and online resource.  If you type in Countryside, (our school # is: 104170) we receive a % of each purchase towards a credit for your child’s teacher to spend on materials for the classroom.
AREAS WE COULD USE YOUR HELP
* donation of peat gravel to the front rock labyrinth
* cut down of the trees next to the parent parking lot
* branch trimming of all the trees on both playgrounds.
* CMP will be looking for a new main refrigerator soon.
  If you know of one in good condition, that is white, please   let Debby or Patty know.
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September 2016 News

Dates to Remember

September –  We celebrate Friendship Month
9.8 –  Pizza Social 5:30 p.m.
9.30 – Tuition due for October – 5 weeks
10.4 – Picture Day
10.6 – Pumpkin Patch Trip

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Tuition Notes

Our TAX ID # is: 39-17-53172

Please be sure to write your child’s name (student) in the memo section of your check.

Reminders

– Please be sure to sign in and out each day.
– Call in absences to 244-5433.
– Late arrivals are discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Please avoid scheduling any
pick ups or drop offs between 12:30-2:00.
– If you haven’t already paid for your child’s nap kit, please submit the $40.00 payment.
– Facebook friend us today!
– Phone Directory sheets are due, please turn yours in to your child’s paperwork box today.
– Have any odd pieces show up at your home?  They may be from your child’s classroom
– Remember to dress your child for success each day.  Suspenders, belts, and hard to fasten pants are hard for children.
We thank you for keeping shoes simple and child friendly for at school.  We will work on tying and lacing in the classroom, but try to avoid undesired stress in the coatroom.  Thanks for your help on this!

Illness Policy

If a child has any signs of fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or contagious disease (pink eye, strep, etc..)
they need to stay home 24 hours/until the symptoms are no longer present.
If your child is sent home from school, they are to stay home the following day.
If a child is not well enough to participate in every day activities, outside times, etc, then they should remain home.
We appreciate your co operation and support in keeping your child and school a healthy
environment.

Parking Lots

Please do not use your phone once out of your automobile.  Our school and playgrounds are “phone free”
Please hold the hand of all children when in the parking lot.  If possible, try to walk in front of the parking medians.
Please do not keep your vehicle running in the parking lot while unattended by an adult.
Our goal is to keep everyone safe! Thanks for helping with this!

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May 2016 News

Dates to Remember

April 29th – May tuition due
May 12th– PAB Meeting 7:00 p.m.
May 27th–Tuition Due (2 weeks)
May 30th– No School- Memorial Day
June 2nd–End of the year Picnic   (outside 5:30 p.m. BYOP- no rain date)
June 8th-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
June 8th–Session I Camp tuition due

Parent Work Day – Thanks and Opportunities Available!

Thank you to all who have and are participating- it is a tremendous help and truly makes the school “shine” inside and out.  
If there is something you would still like to do or donate: signupgenius.com
We are in need of someone to take over the vegetable gardens, rotatil the front sandbox, plant arbor vitae trees, and remove a dead tree, plus more…

Interested In Becoming More Involved?
We would love to see you at the next Parent Advisory Board meeting.  We are currently seeking members for the coming school year.  We meet most second Thursdays of each month, 7:00pm-8:30pm.  Next meeting is this Thursday 5/12.  
Teacher Appreciation Week – Thanks!
WOW!  We so appreciate all of the acts of kindness and gratitude in addition to the monthly staff dinners at our meetings!  We are so lucky to be a part of this community with all of you at CMP~ we love our job and you just put icing on the top with your sincerity and sweetness!Thank you, Thank You, from the CMP StaffP.S.- A BIG shout out to Abby Riesen for organizing and being the committee chair of Staff Appreciation!!!!

Top 10 Tips for Discipline/Child Guidance

  1. Be the leader in your home.
  2. Use guidance to teach.
  3. Remain calm; you can fake it.
  4. Establish clear rules.
  5. Set expectations based on child’s abilities.
  6. Follow through on consequences.
  7. Be flexible; but don’t “cave” because you fear a fight.
  8. Get on the same page with your co-parent.
  9. Brainstorm with your kids to solve problems.
  10. Build a loving relationship so your kids will follow your guidance.

When you discipline your child, you can think to yourself, “What does he need to learn in this situation to grow and mature?” For example, does he need to learn to use his words instead of acting out, to control his impulses, or how to calm himself down?

Children need their parents to provide love. They also need their parents to:

  • guide them,
  • hold them accountable,
  • help them gain the skills they will need to function in the world.

By providing structure, you are aiding your children in developing inner discipline to become responsible adults.

There is no one “right” way to set limits. There is a wide range of healthy discipline approaches. Parents need to avoid the extremes of being overly lax and neglectful (without providing sufficient guidance) or being overly rigid and strict (using harsh discipline that does not respect the child).

 

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April 2016 News

2016-2017 School Year First Week Tuition DUE

Your first week of tuition for the 2016-2017 school year for the week of 8/22/16 is due. It confirms your child’s enrollment for the coming school year!

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Interested In Becoming More Involved?

We would love to see you at the next Parent Advisory Board meeting. We are currently seeking members for the coming school year. We meet most second Thursdays of each month, 7:00pm-8:30pm.

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Parent Work Day, Saturday, April 30, 8:00am-1:00pm

This is a day devoted to “sprucing” up our school. A variety of tasks are needed to be completed. Some examples are:

* Spreading wood chips on the playground

* Gravel for the rock labyrinth

* Planting 8 new arbor vitae trees

* Parking lot clean up

* Parking lot patching and striping

* Rota tilling sandboxes and gardens

* Cutting down branches

* And more!

*Look for a sign up coming your way for jobs and donations.

*Children are welcome but must be parent supervised as gates, etc., are open.

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** Thank you!

Thank you for supporting the in service days last Month! 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. 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. ————————————————————

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. Please give a week’s notice to Ms.Deb if you need a tuition receipt. The yearly amount is reflected in your tuition statement as well.

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Dates to Remember

4/1 – Tuition Due

4/1 – 2016-2017 school year first week tuition due

4/14 – Parent Advisory Board Meeting, 7:00pm @ CMP

4/30 – PARENT WORK DAY 8:00am-1:00pm

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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!
Posted on

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.