Objectives:

Bluebird Montessori provides a small and nurturing environment for children ages 2.9 (3 by Dec.)-6 years old, including kindergarten. The program is founded on Montessori principles that support hands-on learning, self discovery, cooperation, and respect. Our aim is to instill a love of learning in all of our students.

Program Session:

Class meets Monday-Friday, September-June, 9:00-11:50 a.m. Our calendar year is very similar to that of the Bethlehem Central School District with only minor changes. A finalized calendar is sent to families over the summer.

Conferences:

There will be two scheduled days of Parent-Teacher conferences during the year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Each conference will be 20 minutes long. If you feel additional time is needed, a further conference may be scheduled. Should you wish to speak with the teacher about concerns or questions other than these scheduled times, call or email Leah to schedule an appointment.

Snow Days/School Cancellations:

Bluebird will be closed on any day that the Bethlehem School district is closed due to weather. If there is a two-hour delay, there will be no program that day. Email announcements will be sent by 7:30 am.

Clothing:

Clothing should be comfortable and easy for the child to manage. Simple, well-fitting slippers are to be kept at school and worn daily in the classroom. No tie-shoes unless your child is able to tie them unassisted. Please send in an extra set of season-appropriate clothing in case of spills or toileting accidents. We go outside in all kinds of weather and need to be prepared with appropriate foot and outerwear.

Nourishment:

Food and its preparation are an integral part of our curriculum. A well-balanced and healthy snack will be available all morning for the children and we bake regularly. About twice a year you will be asked to provide food for the class for the week. We will send home a grocery list and bags on Friday to be delivered the following Monday.

Health Matters:

Please keep your child home if they are sick (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, excessive mucus, unrelenting cough and sneezing). Your child must be fever-free for a full 24 hours before returning to class. We encourage testing if Covid symptoms arise, we typically have plenty of rapid tests available in the cubby room if you need them. If your child will be absent, please call or text to let the teachers know.

Birthdays:

We celebrate birthdays with a traditional Montessori Birthday Walk. This is a simple ceremony that you are invited to join. It is an important science/cultural lesson and is very special for everyone involved. You are welcome to bring in a small treat to share with the class.

Carline:

Drop-off and Pick-up Routine - Children should not arrive earlier than 5 minutes before the session begins nor be picked up more than 10 minutes late. If you are late or need the occasional exception please let Leah know via text or phone call.

Pull into the right hand side of the driveway and drive to the back of the school. Use the white line to guide you into two lanes, four cars can easily fit. Stop before the driveway narrows again so cars that are ready to pull out can get around you. Please do not get out of your car until you are in one of these four spots so as not the block the driveway. We will repeat this procedure at pickup as well except your children will be outside in the schoolyard. We will call them over to the fence when you arrive.