parent handbook

Ensuring smooth arrival and dismissal is crucial for the well-being of the Prime community and maintaining a positive relationship with our neighborhood. We need your cooperation and understanding! Please explain the Arrival/Dismissal policies and procedures to all caregivers who drop off or pick up your child. Your signature on the enrollment contract indicates your willingness to follow all of Prime’s policies and procedures. Refusal to comply is considered a violation of the Prime Code of Conduct.

School Hours

School Office: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

5 Full Days Young Children’s Community: 8:45 AM - 3:30 PM

2 or 3 Full Days Young Children’s Community: 8:45 AM - 3:30 PM

5 Half-Days Young Children’s Community: 8:45 AM - 12:00 PM

3 Half-Days Young Children’s Community: 8:45 AM – 12:00 PM

5 Full Days Primary: 8:45 AM - 3:30 PM

2 or 3 Full Days Primary: 8:45 AM - 3:30 PM

5 Full Days Lower Elementary: 8:35 AM - 3:30 PM

5 Full Days Upper Elementary: 8:35 AM - 3:30 PM

PrimeCare A.M. (Before School Program): 7:35 AM - 8:35 AM (All Grades)

PrimeCare P.M. (After School Program): 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM (Young Children’s Community and

                                                                   Primary) & 3:15 PM - 6:00 PM (Elementary)

ARRIVAL

All Grades Arrival: 8:35 AM

All Classes Start:  8:45 AM

For arrival after 8:45 AM, please call our school office at 240-744-0400 so that a staff member may accompany your child to class thereby minimizing any interruptions to classes already in progress.

EARLY ARRIVAL

If you arrive by car before 8:35 AM you may wait in visitor’s parking. If arriving on foot, you must wait with your child outside the school until the school doors open at 8:35 AM. You may sit with your child in the gazebo in the playground. If arriving by car before your scheduled Arrival/Dismissal time, please park legally on a parking space or if there is no available parking, please wait in the round about.

LATE ARRIVAL

Our staff return inside the building to begin teaching once arrival concludes at 8:45 AM. If you arrive after 8:45 AM, please park your car legally, walk your child into school, please sign in and check in with the school office (call 240-744-0400) so that a staff member can walk your child to class thereby minimizing disruptions to the class that is already in progress.

For excused late arrivals after 8:45 AM, please escort your child to the main entrance and sign your child in for admittance into the building. If your child is frequently late to school, we will reach out to you. Please make an effort to be on time!

DISMISSAL

All Grades Full-Day Dismissal: 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Half-Day Young Children’s Community Dismissal: 12:00 PM

EARLY DISMISSAL

If for any reason you must pick your child up early, please let your child’s teacher know in advance AND you must fill out an *Absence Form which also lets the school office know. Upon your arrival to the school, you must sign your child out. Your child will meet you at the building entrance.

*Absence Form can be found on our website under the Families page.

LATE PICK-UP

If you are going to be late, please notify the office. Call 240-744-0400. Your children worry, as we all do!

Parents are required to fill out and submit a Late-Pick-up Fee Form on their late arrival to pick-up their child. This form can be found under our “Families page” on our website.

Primary and Elementary families whose children have not been picked up by the end of the program dismissal time; 3.30pm, there is an immediate charge of $25 for up to the first 5 minutes. In addition to the $25 charge parents will incur charges of $2/minute per child. Therefore, the charge for one child will be $25.00 at 3:35 PM, $27.00 at 3:36 PM, etc.

While an inevitable emergency may be considered, the fourth occurrence of late pick-up up to ten minutes in any thirty (30)-day period may result in Prime’s request for PrimeCare PM. enrollment for your child or may result in the withdrawal of your child from Prime.

Please note that while all faculty and staff at Prime work on-campus at our main address, several of our administrators work remotely from DC and VA. These include the CFO, Business Manager, Director of Communications and Marketing, Director of Advancement, and Media Designer and Publication Assistant.

Practicing common courtesy with our neighbors during arrival and dismissal times is essential for maintaining a positive relationship with the community. Arrival and Dismissal require that safety and courtesy be in the forefront of everyone’s minds. We kindly ask that parents stay outside of the school building for arrival and dismissal, unless dropping off snack or supplies for their child or there is an emergency.

You may drop off and pick up children by car or on foot. Kindly share these procedures with anyone who may be picking up your child.

ON FOOT

You are welcome to walk your child to school from home. If you plan to drive to the roundabout or close by and then park before walking your child to school, park your car legally: not in front of hydrants, in crosswalks, in no parking zones nor numbered parking lots, please turn off car engines and refrain from idling. A Prime staff will assist you to admit your child to school. Please be understanding, follow the procedures, obey the rules outlined below and comply with all requests made by Prime staff or traffic officers: 

BY CAR

A Prime staff will assist you to admit your child to school. Please be understanding, follow the procedures, obey the rules outlined below and comply with all requests made by Prime staff or traffic officers: 

● Upon arrival, park your car legally on spots numbered 104 or 107 or on any visitor’s parking spaces: not in front of hydrants, in crosswalks, in no parking zones nor numbered parking lots. Please do not block the roundabout, street, any crosswalks, or alleys.

● Sign-in your child by filling out and submitting your ATTENDANCE FORM on Prime’s websitehome or families’ page: www.pfmschool.org. or you can use this link .

Please we are not filling out hard copies of the attendance form currently to limit germs sharing, save time and to facilitate our arrival/dismissal procedure. For your preference, you can sign your child in with a hard copy form or a digital form on Prime’s device at the building’s entrance. A prime staff will be available to assist you.

● After submission of your ATTENDANCE FORM, call the school office at 240-744-0400 to notify the office staff of your child’s arrival.

Please our school line is unable to receive text messages and all Prime faculty and staff  

            are not authorized to use their personal mobile lines for school operations. The best

            practice of communication to Prime Admin, faculty or staff is by calling the school line  

            on 240-744-0400 or via email at info@pfmschool.org.

●You and your child can approach the entrance of Prime’s Building. Please you must approach the building’s entrance with your child and assist your child up the stairs if needed. For safety, do not leave your child unattended at anytime until a Prime staff is present with your child.

● Please handover lunch boxes, backpacks, and coats as needed to your child.

Part of the Montessori curriculum is to guide your child to develop functional

             independence and as such we admonish parents to please provide just lunch boxes or

             smaller-sized backpacks that their children can carry or hold independently. All  

             materials that are required for your child’s daily learning is in our classroom  

             environments and are not brought in from home so your child would not be in need of a  

             large school bag. Please help your child to become functionally independent of adults.  

 ● A Prime Staff will be at the door to receive your child. The Prime staff will do a visual health check by the front door within your range of view to be able to admit your child. Please wait for the Prime Staff member to admit your child to school before you leave.

● Afterwards, your child’s teacher will guide your child to taking off shoes, ensuring handwashing, putting on indoor shoes/slippers and proceeding to his/her Montessori work after your departure.

● At dismissal, please follow the same procedures. A Prime staff member will bring your child to the door for your retrieval.

● We love connecting with our community; however, to ensure swift and safe arrival and dismissal process, please refrain from chatting with other drivers and Prime staff during these times.

● After dropping off or picking up, cars must exit onto Falconbridge Drive to allow parents to exit the parking lot without being held up and to make room for parking for others.

Important Information

·       Car seats or booster seats are required by Maryland lawfor all children under 8 years old. At Dismissal, please place your child in a car with proper seating, including a seat belt for older children. Prime staff may observe otherwise, in such cases, parents will be instructed to legally park their car and retrieve their child on foot.

• Please do not leave your car running and unattended in the driveway. Please do not allow your child to play near the vehicles at any time. YOU are responsible for your child once your child has been handed over to you by Prime staff. Prime assumes responsibility for your child ONLY while he/she is in our care and in our building.

• It is normal for your child to cry on arrival, especially for the first few weeks. Please make your goodbye brief and tell your child exactly when you will be returning. The crying usually stops within seconds of your departure. You are welcome to listen outside the door. Never leave without telling your child goodbye.

• Please be in control of your child during drop-off and pick-up times. This is a time of testing when two different authority figures are present (parent and provider) and this situation will be tested at one time or another to see if the classroom rules still apply. Prime staff will remind your child if inappropriate behaviors are being displayed. Children of various ages adjust to transitions from one activity to another differently. Some do not like to be too rushed, and most do not like to wait too long once they are ready to depart.

• If the person picking up the child appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, another authorized person will be called to pick up both the child and the adult.

AUTHORIZATION FOR PICK-UP OR RELEASE FORMS

Prime Foundation Montessori is authorized to release a child only to their parents or guardian on the Authorization Pick-Up list submitted on your Enrollment Agreement/Contract, unless we receive in writing the names of other people permitted to pick up your child or your child has permission to leave campus at the end of the day without being accompanied by an adult.

If your child is going home with someone not on our list, such as a friend or neighbor after school, the School Office must have permission by receiving a submitted *ADDENDUM PICK UP AUTHORIZATION FORM from you with the name of the person permitted to pick up your child or your child. The authorized person may receive the child in person and WILL be required to provide identification to Prime staff member.

Please note that your child will not be handed over to persons who do NOT present an acceptable ID upon request and a copy of the ID will be made by Prime Staff for admin records before your child is released. Last minute phone calls from a parent for only emergency situations are acceptable.

Along with Health and Emergency Forms, you are required to sign permissions that allow your child to participate in field trips, neighborhood excursions off campus for classroom walks, playground access for recess, physical activities and PrimeCare P.M., PrimePlus, and Elementary “Goings Out” programs where appropriate. The permission waiver information contains details for supervision and notification. These waivers can be found in your enrollment packet or on our website under the Parent Forms on our Families page. Your child will leave campus and go beyond the school grounds only if these permissions are signed.

Going off campus is relevant depending on the age of your child and you may decide not to let your child participate. Recess and Physical activities are primarily conducted at the playground across from our building with other trips to local field locations. Various other programs include traveling to a sports field, public library and other nearby and further locations like the zoo, always accompanied by several adults.

*ADDENDUM PICK UP AUTHORIZATION FORM can be found on our website under Parent Forms on our Families page.

PrimeCare (After School Programs)

Prime’s After School Programs are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for Young Children’s Community, Primary and Elementary students after their Montessori work period. We offer three Aftercare Programs: PrimeCare, PrimePlus and PrimeHub.

PrimeCare

PrimeCare is Prime’s After-School Care Program that serves as a low-stress social environment on Prime’s campus where students can explore the natural playground, play games, work on independent and group projects, and enjoy the company of the community.

PrimeCare is the only after-school care program offered to the Young Children’s Community (18 months - 36 months). It also serves Primary and Elementary children with different closing times depending on age. At Prime, younger children (YCC and Primary) can only be in school for a maximum of 9.5 hours per day hence go home by latest 5:00 pm. We believe young children require more bonding time with mom and dad at home, having dinner, taking an evening shower, sharing a snack, and reading a bedtime story before it’s bedtime at 7:00 or 8:00 pm!

In the afternoon, our director prepares an after-school environment in the Library Media Center so that children can be independent and enjoy choosing age-appropriate materials, games, art media, etc. Students can eat a snack, participate in activities, and enjoy each other’s company in play. Parents supply snack and milk if required for their children. When the playground is available, children go to the outdoor environment for supervised play.

PrimeCare personnel are sensitive to the needs of children at all ages and stages of development in creating activities. They guide and encourage independence, positive choices, and collaborative play that fosters positive social relationships.

PrimeCare P.M. Program and Closing Times.

For Young Children’s Community - 3:15 - 5:00 PM.

For Primary - 3:15 - 5:00 PM.

For Lower and Upper Elementary - 3:15 - 6:00 PM.

PrimePlus

PrimePlus (Prime’s after-school Enrichments Program) is a chance for students to explore interests beyond Prime’s regular curriculum. For a fee, parents can enroll students from Primary to Elementary in art workshops, informal athletics, technology, various crafts, and language. There are reduced rates for children already enrolled in PrimeCare P.M.

PrimePlus should not be considered “additional lessons” but rather an optional, relaxed opportunity to socialize and try something new. Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to enroll as soon as they receive the PrimePlus offerings in the fall, winter, and spring from the Director. (Toilet training required)

PrimePlus is only open on school days. If school is closed for any reason that date is not included in the PrimePlus schedule. PrimePlus is also not offered on half days with early dismissal.

*At the end of the dismissal time, students that have not been picked up will be "dropped in" to PrimeCare P.M. for additional fees. (See Prime’s Late Pick-Up policy above.)

PrimePlus Program and Closing Times.

For Young Children’s Community- Not Available

For Primary students - 3:15 - 4:15 PM.

For Elementary students - 3:15 - 4:15 PM.

PrimeHub

PrimeHub is Prime’s after-school authentic Montessori Math program and Geometry Program serving children ages 4 to 12 in our neighborhood and community. The Montessori math and geometry pedagogy works for children of all developmental planes and skill levels, whether they’re struggling in math, doing fine but could be doing better, or are already excelling but need more of a challenge. Think of it as Montessori Kumon, only better!

PrimeHub is an authentic Montessori Mathematics program and Geometry program. These programs utilize authentic Montessori pedagogy, Montessori curriculum, and Montessori didactic materials to teach and clarify mathematics and geometry concepts to children ages 4 to 12 years old. (Toilet training required)

PrimeHub builds a foundation for math mastery through a deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than memorization, addressing any learning gaps, expanding their mathematical thinking, logical and reasoning minds, and critical thinking skills while adding new mathematical concepts in sequence.

PrimeHub Program and Closing Times

Classes are offered for 1–2.5 hours depending on age, once a week with an expert and highly experienced Montessori-certified teacher, around the year.

Monday through Friday, 3:00 - 6:00 PM.

Saturdays, 11:00–3:00 PM

PrimeHub Class Scheduling

Class scheduling is required for all students to be registered.

*Actual class placement and level depends on the director’s recommendation after the child's evaluation.

*At the end of the dismissal period, students that have not been picked up will be charged additional fees for care. (See Prime’s Late Pick-Up policy above.)

After School Programs Contract

Parents of Primary and Elementary children who need regular after school care are advised to sign a PrimeCare contract for the year through their Parent Agreement/Contract. An annual contract is a considerable savings (43%) from the drop-in rate. Partial week plans (a minimum of two days required) are available and are charged on a prorated basis. Once you have enrolled through your Parent Agreement/Contract, you will be billed based on the payment plan that was selected for tuition.

PrimePlus and PrimeHub require their individual registrations and enrollment contracts as well as fees payment schedule and due dates. Please reach out to the director of communications at info@pfmschool.org if interested.

PRIMECARE DROP-IN

Prime offers the use of PrimeCare on an as-needed basis for currently enrolled Primary and Elementary students only. To enroll your child in PrimeCare as a drop-in, submit your request through our website by filling out a PRIMECARE DROP IN FORM. You will be billed after sign-up. The fee for use of part or all of each PrimeCare session is $35 for Primary (3:15 - 5:00 PM) and $50 (3:15 - 6:00 PM) for Kindergarteners and Elementary per day.

*PRIMECARE DROP-IN FORM can be found on our website under Parent Forms on our Families page.

LATE PRIMECARE PICK-UP

Please arrive before 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm to pick up your child depending on your child’s age. Our staff is only contracted until 5:00pm or/and 6:00 pm, and often have other plans after work that require them to leave on time. If you are going to be late, please call 240-744-0400 so we can reassure your child and plan staffing accordingly.

Parents are required to fill out and submit a Late-Pick-up Fee Form on their late arrival to pick-up their child. This form can be found under our “Families page” on our website.

There are late fees associated with late pick-up.

For each child picked up from PrimeCare P.M. after 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, depending on age, there is an immediate charge of $25. In addition to the $25 charge, for each child picked up after 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, parents will incur charges of $2/minute. Therefore, the charge for one YCC or Primary child will be $27.00 at 5:01 PM, $29.00 at 5:02 PM, etc. or for one Elementary child is $27.00 at 6:01 PM, $29.00 at 6:02 PM, etc.

The fourth occurrence of late pick-up up to ten minutes in any thirty (30)-day period will automatically terminate your child’s enrollment with PrimeCare P.M. (After School Care).

Attendance, Tardiness, & Vacations

Regular attendance and arriving on time are an important part of the Montessori experience and promotes better school performance. Attendance records are kept as part of each child’s file. Excessive absenteeism and tardiness will be discussed with parents and is required to be reported to the Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of Childcare for children who are subject to compulsory education. Every effort should be made to avoid scheduling vacations when classes are in session.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Because Prime Foundation Montessori resides within Maryland, it is subject to the regulations of the Maryland State Department of Education. Prime Foundation has established the following Attendance Policy in order to be in compliance with State mandated regulations:

● All Arrivals and Dismissals including early dismissals and late arrivals, must be submitted through the PrimeCare Management System “Online Attendance Form” daily by parents or guardians. You can find this form in Parent Forms under our Families page on our website. Please share this vital information with all your child’s caregivers.

● Teachers and the Director keep track of student absences by way of the PrimeCare Management System online attendance form that parents fill out daily as well as by way of our online tracking and reporting software: Transparent Classroom.

● No Admittance after 10:00 am/Shots: Children will not be admitted after 10:00 am without a doctor’s note. If a child was administered shots during the doctor’s visit, the child may not return to school due to complications from the shots and fever symptoms associated with the medicine that often makes the child irritable.

Also, no child will be admitted during nap time between 1 pm - 3 pm, we highly recommend parents to schedule doctor’s appointments during the early morning hours in order to get back to school prior to nap time.

● 9.5-Hour Rule: Younger Children's maximum number of hours at Prime is 9.5 hours. (YCC and Primary.)

● All absences of students must be reported to the School by the student’s parent/guardian within two days of the absence, but preferably on or before the day of the absence.

● Student absences and extended absences such as those due to illnesses or others, can all be submitted through the PrimeCare Management System “Online Absence Form” in Parent Forms under our Families Page of our website.

It is important that parents understand that the School is required to report to MSDE should a student:

● Be absent (unexcused) from school for five days (see list of excuses below).

Families should be aware that there are potential legal implications when a report has been submitted to MSDE.

At Prime Foundation Montessori, reasons for absences being excused include the following:

● Participation in a School-approved activity;

● Doctor’s Appointment;

● Therapist or Specialist Visit

● Illness;

● Family emergency;

● Religious purposes;

● Absence resulting from disciplinary actions—short- or long-term suspensions;

● Extended illness or health conditions.

In the event of multiple unexcused absences, a report will be filed with MSDE and the school will take a collaborative approach by holding a respectful meeting involving the Head of School, and Director. This meeting will focus on working together to create an effective action plan.

Families with excessive absences, regardless of whether they are unexcused or excused, may meet with the Head of School and/or be put on probation at the School’s sole discretion. The School also reserves the right to withhold re-enrollment in the event of excessive absences.

TARDINESS

We value the importance of punctuality in creating a positive and effective learning environment for all students. Being on time for school and classes is a respectful and responsible behavior that contributes to a successful educational experience. We ask all students and families to adhere to the following guidelines:

● Arrival Time: Students are expected to arrive at school before the designated start time according to their level.

● In cases of unforeseen delays, we kindly request parents or guardians to communicate with the school office to notify us of the situation.

● Tardiness Consequences: While we understand occasional tardiness can happen, consistent lateness may disrupt the learning experience. Upon excessive tardiness, the school will hold a meeting involving the Head of School and Director. This meeting will focus on working together to create an effective action plan.

Your commitment to promptness plays a significant role in fostering a positive and enriching educational environment for your child, the school, and the Prime community.

Consistent tardiness can impact outplacement, as both absences and tardy reports are included in your child's transcripts sent to prospective schools. Regular punctuality is important for maintaining a positive record and ensuring smooth transitions to future educational settings.

FAMILY VACATIONS

It is difficult for a child to miss school for an extended time for any reason. Obviously, a child must stay home when sick. However, a family vacation while school is in session should be avoided. In the final year of Primary and at the Elementary level, many Montessori lessons are given in small groups, even if a child is absent. Lessons can be long and complex, and it is not possible to present the new concept or skill with the same level of detail to a child who has missed the initial presentation. And, since Prime does not rely on workbooks, it is not possible to send students off with a week of work. Please plan vacations to coordinate with the school calendar on our website.

School opening days will follow the Prime calendar, inclement weather, emergency closings or delays as well as force majeure events including without limitation, fire, epidemic, pandemic, government restrictions, wars, threats or acts of terrorism, and insurrections will be determined by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).

However, Prime may override MCPS decisions and make decisions on our own. Any decision to amend a school day is not taken lightly and is always made with consideration for the safety of all members of the Prime community.

Please look out for emergency text messages from the school or go to Prime’s website (www.pfmschool.org) on our admissions page on the “calendar” section for all emergency decisions concerning snow days and inclement weather. You may also watch the local NEWS for updates.

In the event that Prime opens on a delayed schedule, Half-Day YCC children may attend for an abbreviated day or stay home at the family's discretion.

COVID-19 RISK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & CONSENT

In 2020, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and other governmental authorities. COVID-19 is believed to spread primarily by aerosol droplets; and, as a result, federal and state health agencies recommend various measures to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus.

Prime communicates, on an ongoing basis, the measures that it has taken and will continue to take to mitigate the risks of the virus. Some of these measures include policies for the use of personal protective equipment such as masks, periodic testing, cleaning, and sanitizing protocols. Prime has informed parents that it will continue to monitor this situation and will implement additional measures as necessary.

Given the nature of the virus, parents understand there is an inherent risk that their child may become infected with COVID-19 due to their attendance at School. Parents hereby acknowledge and assume the risk of their child becoming infected with COVID-19 at School.

Parents understand that possible exposure to COVID-19 during attendance at School may result in their child becoming infected with COVID-19, becoming a symptomatic or asymptomatic carrier of the virus or infecting other persons at School or home or other settings. Parents further recognize that any person who receives a positive diagnosis or is a close contact of someone who receives a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 may encounter masking at school, medical care, hospitalization and other potential medical complications.

Parents understand that Prime has implemented protocols that require their child to adhere to certain practices, designed to mitigate the risks of contracting the virus. Prime has communicated to me the importance of these protocols. Parents acknowledge our shared family responsibility to promote and adhere to these protocols in order to reduce the risks of contracting or spreading the virus at School. Parents have discussed this with their child to the extent appropriate for the child’s age and maturity and will continue to emphasize adherence to these protocols.

Prime has implemented reasonable preventative measures designed to mitigate the risks of contracting or spreading the virus at School. Parents understand all the potential risks and would like their child to attend the School. By sending their child to School, parents understand the potential risks and consent to their child attending Prime Foundation Montessori.  

ROUTINE VACCINATIONS

Maryland continues to place emphasis on its Immunization Attendance Policy, which has been in place for several years.

Please read the Immunization Attendance Policy in this Maryland Law (COMAR Sec. 10.06.04.06).

http://mdrules.elaws.us/comar/10.06.04.03

A link to Maryland’s required immunizations for school-age children can be found here:

https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OIDEOR/IMMUN/Shared%20Documents/2024-Imm-Schedule_Ver.2.pdf

See the required Vaccine Requirements for Children Below.

You can also find this information on our website in “Parent Forms” under our “Families” page.

Prime will continually monitor the status of each child’s vaccination compliance throughout the year. If we notice that your child has become noncompliant with any of their vaccinations, there will be a notice sent via email, with the information you need about what actions need to be taken and help on how to take them. Once this notice is sent out, you will have 20 school days to present an updated immunization certification.

The school will do its best to confirm receipt of this notification and help you with any questions you have. If this is not attained within the timeframe listed above, your child will be temporarily excluded from school until the school receives confirmation of immunization certification compliance.

Please read the requirements for Temporary Admission or Retention in this Maryland Law (COMAR Sec. 10.06.04.06) by MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education).

http://mdrules.elaws.us/comar/10.06.04.06

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) continue to express that vaccination is the most important thing one can do to prevent severe illness that can accompany COVID-19 and other preventable diseases. Prime supports and strongly encourages vaccines for all age-eligible children.

Please see below the MSDE/MDH Temporary Admission or Retainment Algorithm strictly adhered to and followed by Prime Foundation Montessori.

You can also find this information on our website in “Parent Forms” under our “Families” page.

Covid 19 Vaccinations

We will continue to follow the guidelines of the Maryland Department of Health as it relates to COVID-19 protocols and vaccination requirements. Our partners at MSDE have provided us with some helpful information:

At this time, the COVID-19 vaccine is advisable for all students of an age for which there is a COVID-19 vaccination fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At this time, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is fully FDA approved for individuals 16 and older.

Parents are encouraged to have their children receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the start of school or submit a medical or religious exemption from COVID-19 immunization. Soon, the FDA will grant full authorization of a COVID vaccine for younger students.

As the status of “fully approved” moves to lower-aged students, we will alert the community.

Vaccination Exemptions

(For all vaccinations, including but not limited to the COVID-19 vaccine)

If you are planning on your child having a medical or religious exemption for any routine vaccination, you must reach out to your local Department of Health (DC if you live in DC, MD if you live in MD, or VA if you live in VA) through your child’s School in order to receive an exemption form. Please read the criteria for an exemption in this MD law (COMAR Sec. 10.06.05).

A. Using the form provided by the Maryland Department of Health, a student whose parent or guardian objects to immunization on the ground that the immunization conflicts with the parent's or guardian's bona fide religious beliefs and practices is exempt from the requirement to present a physician's certificate of immunization in order that the student be admitted to school.

B. The exemption allowed under §A of this regulation does not apply when the Secretary declares an emergency or epidemic of disease.

C. A preschool or school, public or private, shall maintain a current list of all students enrolled who have an exemption to immunizations on religious grounds.

D. Annually, byNovember 15th, a preschool or school, public or private, shall report to the Secretary of Health the number of students with a religious exemption enrolled in all grades.

You can also use the link here for the criteria for an exemption in this MD law (COMAR Sec. 10.06.05):

http://mdrules.elaws.us/comar/10.06.04.05

Exemptions from a physical examination, immunizations, and Blood-Lead testing are permitted if the parent has an objection based on their bona fide religious beliefs and practices.

The Blood-Lead certificate must be signed by a Health Care Practitioner stating a questionnaire was done.

The exemption form has been updated to include the COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition to the updated form, the Maryland Department of Health has maintained the process in which these forms are handled. The School receives the forms directly from the Maryland State Department of Education and provides the forms to parents or guardians. The Maryland Department of Health is the main point of contact for any questions involving the formatting or information requested on all Required MSDE Health Forms.

Originally filled out and signed Health Forms/Religious Exemption forms by parents, guardians and health practitioners are to be requested and may be returned via email to the Director at info@pfmschool.org.  Forms may also be returned in-person Monday-Thursday, 8:45 am to 4:00 pm at the School Office:

Prime Foundation Montessori

Admissions and Administration

12421 Falconbridge Drive

North Potomac, MD 20878

The Maryland State Department of Education will receive the notification of completion directly from the School.

When the time comes that a COVID-19 vaccine becomes fully FDA approved and it is a requirement for your child to be vaccinated to attend school, the process above will be used for any religious or medical exemptions needed.

All Required Student Health forms must be presented by the School during ALL inspections from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

All required Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Health Forms can be found in “Parent Forms” under our “Families” Page on our website.

RECORDS

All records listed below must be submitted to Prime Director in-person or via email at info@pfmschool.org in order for your child to begin school. If we do not have this information, we will not allow your child to attend class. Copies of the forms are all available through our “Parent Forms” under our “Families” page on our website.

1.     Emergency Contact and Medical Information: This should include emergency phone numbers and emails for parents, who is allowed to pick up your child, and any allergy or other important medical conditions.

2.     Current MD Health Forms: This includes your child’s immunization records, Allergy and Asthma Action Plans as needed, other health forms and must have your doctor’s original signature, not a stamped signature. MD also requires Prime to have the following forms on file for each student, including YCC children:

o   Medical Authorization to Treat a Minor Form. (Notarized)

o   Travel and Activity Authorization Forms.

o   Topical Application Authorization Form. (If applicable)

3.     Blood Lead Testing Certificate: This is required for all enrolled children regardless of a religious exemption.

4.     Prime’s Required Forms, and Consent and Waiver Forms.

5.     A copy of your child’s COVID-19 vaccination card. If not already indicated on your child’s immunization records.

6.     Guardianship, as appropriate. If necessary for your family situation, please make sure the school knows who has guardianship of your child.

All forms are provided in your enrollment packet and can also be found in the “Parent Forms” section under the “Families” page of our website. Please contact the admissions office at info@pfmschool.org. with questions.

ABSENCES & ILLNESS

Prime is not licensed or responsible for the care of sick children. Children in this age group are highly susceptible to illness and infection. Please be considerate of other children, teachers, and most importantly, your own child’s need to recover completely before returning him/her to the School.

Parents should notify the School when their child is absent by completing the online “Absence Form” under our “Families” page on our website.

All student absences, early dismissals, late arrivals, and extended absences may all be submitted through the “Absence Form”.

When completing the form, please indicate if your child has a communicable disease if they are absent due to illness.

In case of an absence due to a communicable disease or an illness of more than three days’ duration, a note from your child’s physician indicating your child is free of illness or is taking medication and is able to participate in the program’s activities is required before the child can be readmitted to the classroom. State licensing regulations requires that a child must be free of fever (over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit as per the CDC’s recommendation), vomiting, and/or diarrhea for 24 hours without the assistance of medication before they can return to school. Children must return with a doctor’s note if there was a fever.

Some communicable diseases may cause a longer time period for the child to be absent in order to protect the health of the staff and children such as Hand, Foot & Mouth, the flu, RSV, Croup and Bronchitis. Prime reserves the right to dictate the time frame the child must stay home regardless of the healthcare provider’s timeline upon determination from a health check.  If a child has been diagnosed with the “Hand, Foot and Mouth” virus, we ask parents to keep their child out for a minimum of 5 days. This is a common virus similar to the chickenpox virus for young children.

Ear infections are not contagious, but the virus or bacteria causing the inner ear blockage is infectious. We require that you keep your child home for 24 hours after diagnosis to allow medication to take effect. Pink eye is highly contagious to those coming in contact with the infected person. Children diagnosed with pink eye must stay home for a full 24 hours (1 full day) after diagnosis to allow medication to take effect.

Please give your child prescribed medication as indicated until finished. We can only give medication if a medication administration form is on file.

Please be considerate of others in your child’s class. It is imperative that you keep your child at home if they are sick. We ask parents to err on the side of caution when considering whether to send their child to school should they show any signs of illness or discomfort. Do not send your child to school if they have a fever (of 100.4) or are “coming down with something.”

If your child becomes ill at school, we will call you to come and take your child home as soon as possible, preferably within 30 minutes, and they may not return the next day if sent home due to fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea. A child must be free of fever, vomit and/or diarrhea for 24 hours prior to returning to school.

If you are unable to pick up your child within one hour, the next person on the Emergency Contact Form will be called. Emergency Forms must be kept current with business phone numbers and emergency contacts. Your child will be cared for in a separate room, away from other children while waiting for pickup. We will make sure your child is as comfortable as possible pending a parent’s or guardian’s arrival.

Additionally, any child beginning a course of antibiotics for an illness should wait 24 hours after intake before initiating returning to school.

If your child goes home because of illness, they may not return to school that same day for afternoon or evening activities such as PrimeCare, PrimePlus or PrimeHub.

Regardless of all other factors, a child should not attend school if their health is such that it interferes with their ability to participate in the life of the classroom.

Our goal is to avoid a series of needless infections that may be caused by allowing a sick child to remain at the School. We are aware and understand that a sick child can pose many concerns and problems for working parents, please we encourage parents to have a backup plan for care when their child cannot attend the School. Sadly, Prime is not licensed for the care of sick children.

FOR READMISSION AFTER ILLNESS, THERE MUST BE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF SICKNESS WHEN YOUR CHILD RETURNS TO SCHOOL.

Prime may terminate your child’s enrollment immediately if, the child is ill when brought to the School more than three (3) times within any thirty (30)-day period or the parent fails to pick up a sick child within one hour after being notified of the sickness more than two (2) times during any six (6) month period.

*Please note that tuition is not refunded/discounted if your child is absent due to illness.

Common Indicators of Illness:

Green, runny mucus from the nose, ears, or eyes, is generally a common indicator of infection. If your child is congested, coughing, and generally not feeling well, he/she will not benefit from being at the School. We realize that children may retain a “runny nose” longer than the actual virus. Please take into consideration your child’s general condition before bringing or returning him/her to the School.

Here are signs of illness in children from the Maryland State Department of Education. Please feel free to use the link below to access this information directly.

https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/system/files/filedepot/3/signs_of_illness_in_children.pdf

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

The CDC has announced updated guidance for respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. Prime will adhere to this new guidance as it relates to our current policies regarding COVID-19 for our students ages 5 and older. The CDC no longer recommends a mandatory isolation period of 5 days for a positive COVID test. However, if an individual is experiencing symptoms they must stay home until the symptoms have improved and they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the help of medication.

Symptoms

We ask that you keep your child home from school if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. This includes, but is not limited to, a cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea. Per the CDC, testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 as soon as possible after the symptoms begin.

Members of our community will be denied entry to the school building, or asked to be picked up from school, if any of the following symptoms are present:

● Temperature over 100.4°F

● New or worsening cough

● Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

● New loss of taste or smell

● Vomiting or diarrhea

● They are experiencing any other symptoms that is interfering with their ability to participate in  

   the life of the classroom

        ○ Symptoms include, but not limited to: chills, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat,

           fatigue, nausea, runny nose or congestion

Prime is at liberty to deny the entry or ask for students to be picked up from school based on their own judgment and may feel the need to send children home for any one symptom. If your child is high risk or particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control, please notify the School.

Exposure

Precautions regarding COVID exposures and masking will be at the discretion of our families and the exposed individual aged 5 and older., only if COVID 19 Vaccinated. The school will continue to notify the community when cases of COVID arise, but we will no longer enforce mandatory masking or testing for this age group if COVID 19 Vaccinated. If COVID 19 unvaccinated; the procedure for students under the age of 5 will be followed.

For students under the age of 5, your child will need to wear a mask for at least 5 days after their exposure, and test before school on Day 6. If the results are negative, and the child is not experiencing any symptoms, they will not have to wear a mask. If at any point they begin to have symptoms, they must start wearing a mask and test again.

Communication After a COVID-19 Diagnosis

The School requests that all families and staff notify the School immediately of any positive COVID-19 diagnosis so that we can inform the communities impacted via email. Families directly affected by the case will be made aware of possible exposures to infection, masking requirements, and timelines, but the identity of infected persons will be kept confidential.

The School is required to report cases of COVID-19 to the Maryland State Department of Health/Maryland State Department of Education when there have been 15 or more cases stemming from one school-related event.

Please fill out a Positive COVID 19 Notification Formin “Parent Form” under our “Families” page on our website if your child has a positive COVID 19 test result.

Returning to School After Being Diagnosed with COVID-19

Individuals aged 5 or older who are COVID 19 vaccinated, may return to school following a positive test when, for 24 hours, symptoms have been improving and they have been fever free (without the use of fever reducing medications).

When returning to school and normal activities the CDC recommends taking added precautions such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and testing.

If an individual returns to school before the fifth day following their positive test, they will be asked to wear a mask for 5 days while indoors. Taking precautions for those 5 days can help reduce the risk of spreading the infection. After this 5-day period, an individual is much less likely to be contagious.

Children under the age of 5 and all COVID 19 unvaccinated students will need to isolate for 5 days following a positive test and wear a mask indoors for 10 days following a positive test. A mask will need to be worn for the full 10 days unless 2 tests are done 48 hours apart and they are both negative. When returning to school and normal activities the CDC recommends taking added precautions such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and testing.

LICE

If head lice or nits are discovered on a student, we will send that student home and notify all parents in the class that a child with lice has been in the class. We will carefully check all students in the class where lice were found, as well as the classes of that student’s siblings and PrimeCare Programs, if necessary.

Students may return to school the day after receiving a lice treatment. You can also read about Lice treatment here.

https://www.cdc.gov/lice/treatment/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/treatment.html#cdc_treatment_types-treatment-options

MEDICATION POLICY

Sometimes it is necessary for a child to take medication during the school day.

Prescription medication must be brought to the School’s Office by an adult in the original and unopened container (medications may not be sent in a lunch box or backpack).                    

A pharmacist will fill the prescription in two containers if requested. The prescription medication must be accompanied by a Medication Administration Authorization Form stating the current date, dosage, and time the medication should be given, dates of administering the medication, and whether the medication should be returned at the end of each day.

The Medication Administration Authorization Formmust be signed by the physician and parent. Medication Authorization Forms are available on “Parent Forms”under “Families” page on our website and can be submitted to the School via email on in-person at the School office.

Non-prescription, “over-the-counter” medications of any kind (which include but are not limited to fever reducers, pain medications, cough syrup or drops) cannot be taken at school unless accompanied by a Medication Authorization Form signed by the child’s physician. The medication (unopened and in the original container), and the Medication Authorization Form, as described above, should be given to the director by an adult.

For any parents who would like sunscreen, bug spray, and/or other lotion/diaper cream, to be used on their child while at school, please observe the following procedures: Prime's "Permission for Topical Application"form must be completed for each child. The desired products must then be placed in a clear plastic bag along with the permission form. The bag and all products must be clearly labeled with your child’s name and should be delivered directly to the School’s Office or Director.

Please make sure to try the product on your child at home first. Prime is not responsible for any adverse reactions to the products provided by families. Children will not be allowed to share any products nor will the School provide products for the children to use. If the sunscreen and/or bug spray are a different brand than what is on the permission form, an additional form will need to be filled out. The school will only administer the products that are written on the form.

If your child has a medical condition or allergies and requires routine medications, please contact the School Director to arrange a specific medical treatment plan for your child and procure a signed Medication Administration Authorization Form.

For a student who is severely allergic and requires an Epi-pen, please provide two Epi-pens, an Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, and a Medication Authorization Formto Prime. We strongly encourage families to provide two Epi-pens so that one Epi-pen can be stored in the child’s classroom, and the second Epi-pen in the School’s Office. If only one Epi-pen is provided, it will follow the child. If the Epi-pen is administered, we will call 911, and the parent will be notified.

When parents disclose an allergy or food sensitivity to the school, we inform the teacher and indicate the allergy on the snack guidelines. We also include this information on the Birthday Celebration notices for parents.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Prime requires that families not send in food/snacks containing peanuts or peanut by-products for the safety of children who are severely allergic. These children may experience life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to peanuts or peanut by-products. Please be sure to check labels and ingredients.

While focusing on making the School as safe as possible for children, the School cannot guarantee the total absence of peanuts or peanut products in foods that are brought to campus by every child or staff member. We strongly encourage the family of any child with known peanut allergies or any type of severe food allergy to contact us regarding allergy action plans and practices to promote food safety. Lists of allergies and food sensitivities will be distributed by class, and severe allergy lists will be distributed to the community for the safety of the children. Please respect these sensitivities when supplying snacks or food for celebrations or events. If a food item containing peanuts or peanut by-products is found in a child’s lunch, it will be sent home uneaten with a note explaining that it is not appropriate for school consumption.

Severe Allergy List

At the beginning of the year, the School sends a list of severe food allergies to appropriate personnel within the school. Personnel will make parents aware of which allergies are present in the room, while maintaining medical confidentiality. We want all parents to be aware of all potential severe food allergies at the school. Awareness is a HUGE part of our efforts to keep children safe, especially when selecting snacks for their classroom communities. Students in classrooms where there are no allergies are still required to not bring in foods with peanuts as an ingredient due to the potential of cross-class contamination.

Full Class Snacks

All ingredients or class snacks brought in by parents must be approved by the teachers before they can be brought on campus and given to the children. A list of preferred/recommended items will be shared with parents from the classroom teacher and on our school website at the beginning of the year. Check Healthy Food and Snacks Policyon our website in “parent Forms” under our “Families” page. When in doubt, please contact your child’s teacher.

The main entrance door is locked all day and monitored by the office staff and our security cameras. In order to enter the school, parents, volunteers and visitors must ring the doorbell and be granted entry in after being viewed on a monitor. Visitors must sign in at the School office, and wear their visitors badge while in the building. If your child arrives after 8:45 AM, they must sign in and check in with the School Office, and a staff member will walk your child to class to minimize interruptions to classes already in progress.

Parents, and any other visitors, are asked not to enter the building, or go to a classroom, unless approved by the School. Visitors must contact the School in advance and wait outside until granted entry.

For anyone coming into the school, we ask that they wear a mask if they are experiencing any mild COVID-like symptoms. For anyone experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, awaiting the results of a COVID test, or diagnosed with COVID-19, we ask that you reschedule your visit.

 As stated in the Arrival/Dismissal Section, Prime Foundation Montessori is authorized to release a child only to their parents, unless indicated as an authorized pick up on the student forms or we receive in writing the names and phone numbers of those people permitted to pick up your child. Pick up authorizations may be submitted on our website or emailed to your child’s teacher and the School Office.

If your child is going home with a friend after school, the School must have permission from you—last minute phone calls from a parent for only emergency situations are acceptable, but permission via submission of an Addendum Pick-Up Authorization Form or in writing via email is preferred.

The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority at Prime Foundation Montessori. We continually strive to ensure that all of our faculty and staff are aware of the school’s emergency preparedness procedures, which we review annually, and conduct safety drills and training as deemed appropriate.

The school monitors and evaluates any potential threats to safety and security on an ongoing basis. Outside of the standard arrival and dismissal times, the school entrances are secured throughout the day and cameras are used to monitor these entry points.

GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY OR CRISIS

1. A notice and procedures will be posted on the school’s website (www.pfmschool.org.) and emailed and sent through text notification, if possible. Follow instructions carefully.

2. In some emergencies (a fire, for example) the children may be walked to a safe location where you can pick them up. Information will be posted on the website and disseminated by way of text notification. The fire evacuation plan is posted by the exit door, and you are free to view it at any time.

3. We have several safe locations, and in the event of an emergency evacuation, families will receive a notification from the school with additional details on how to safely retrieve your child.

4. If we are required to “shelter in place” at Prime for example for a tornado, we have provisions and procedures, and we are completely prepared to do so.

5. In some cases, FEMA may tell us not to leave our building or location, or we may be told to allow no one to enter our building. Please know that your child’s well-being and safety are our highest priority.

6. In the event of power outage, there are flashlights located in the classrooms, kitchen, and other rooms. If the power remains out longer than 2 hours, you will be called to pick up your child.

7. Your child will never be left without an adult. If you are unable to pick up your child during a crisis or emergency, they will be safely cared for until you can be reunited.

8. Keeping all records up to date in our office is critical—including cell phone numbers, email, and those individuals you allow to pick up your child. Consider carefully your list of those to whom we can release your child in a crisis/emergency.

9. Respond immediately to any requests for items or information related to our emergency plan.

10. Keep the school’s telephone number and website handy at home, at work, and in your car.

11. The school has a supply of emergency clothing, food, and water for all the children in the school. If your child has dietary restrictions or medication requirements, you should supply the school with additional two bags containing a 3-day supply of special foods or medications.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the Director in-person or at 240-744-0400 or email to info@pfmschool.org.

FOOD: LUNCHES, SNACKS AND FOOD ALLERGIES

Lunches

At Prime, our mission is to nurture every child’s growth—encompassing their social and emotional well-being, intellectual prowess, and physical vitality. In our pursuit of fostering vibrant minds and healthy bodies, we draw inspiration from Dr. Maria Montessori. She recognized the profound correlation between nutrition and cognitive function, advocating for the preparation of nutritionally rich foods to equip children.

Food is a special part of our community, just like in cultures worldwide. It brings people together, and we use it to teach kindness and respect. Sharing food helps us make friends, practice Grace and Courtesy, and celebrate and honor each other.

At Prime, children are encouraged to finish eating their snacks and lunch. Manners are taught and practiced during this time as well.

Guidelines for Lunch Preparation:

● Lunch is brought from home. As appropriate, allow them to be a part of the preparation process. When given lessons and (supervised) access to kitchen tools, children can pack most of their lunches themselves. Assisting in food preparation builds independence and responsibility, refinement of motor skills, and development of an increased attention span.

● Prime is a Nut Aware Environment—please read labels carefully and check with your child’s teacher for any other foods to avoid in the event of a severe allergy within the class!

● We will provide water.

● Avoid sugary food such as candy and desserts.

● Microwaves and refrigerators are not available for children. Please make sure hot lunches are in thermos containers, and/or lunch boxes have an ice-pack for things that need to stay cold.

● As a reminder, small round and tube-shaped foods can be choking hazards for our younger students (Primary and YCC ages). Grapes, cherry tomatoes, cherries, carrots, hot dogs, sausages, and olives must be cut in half prior to being sent in for lunch.

● Please try to use reusable containers as much as possible. Also, don’t forget utensils. Napkins will be provided.

Our licensing organization requires that we NOT tell the children in which order they must eat their food. We will also return the uneaten portion of lunch to you so that you know what an appropriate size lunch is for your child.

Snack: YCC, Primary, & PrimeCare Students

Preparing and serving snacks and meals in a communal setting provides an invaluable opportunity for children to learn cooperation, experience community, and develop various life skills. Here's how:

● Cooperation: Collaborating with peers to prepare snacks and meals encourages teamwork and collaboration. Children learn to work together, share responsibilities, and contribute their individual efforts towards a common goal. This cooperative environment fosters a sense of unity and shared accomplishment.

● Social Skills: As children engage in food-related activities, they naturally practice social skills like communication, sharing, and empathy. They learn to take turns, express preferences, and negotiate decisions, all of which are crucial for successful social interactions.

● Responsibility: Involving children in food preparation and serving responsibilities instills a sense of responsibility. They learn that their contributions matter and are essential for the group's well-being. This sense of duty can extend beyond mealtime into other aspects of their daily lives.

● Respect for Others: Serving meals and snacks involves considering others' needs and preferences. Children learn to be considerate and respectful by accommodating dietary restrictions, sharing resources, and waiting patiently for their turn.

● Practical Life Skills: Food-related tasks provide practical life skills that are transferable to various contexts. Children develop fine-motor skills while spreading butter, pouring drinks, and using utensils. These skills enhance their independence and self-sufficiency.

● Sense of Belonging: Participating in communal meal preparation and sharing creates a sense of belonging and connection. Children understand that they are part of a group that supports and cares for one another, contributing to their emotional well-being.

● Cultural Awareness: Preparing and sharing meals from various cultures exposes children to diverse culinary traditions. They learn to appreciate different foods and the cultural significance behind them, promoting open-mindedness and cultural awareness.

● Grace and Courtesy: Mealtimes provide a platform to practice grace and courtesy lessons, such as saying "please" and "thank you," waiting for others before starting to eat, and using utensils correctly. These practices foster good manners and respectful behavior.

● Confidence Building: Successfully participating in food-related activities boosts children's self-confidence. They see the results of their efforts, feel a sense of accomplishment, and become more willing to engage in other tasks and challenges.

All parents and families are welcome to contribute snacks for their child’s class. You may be asked to send in specific baking ingredients, fruits and some fresh flowers for Montessori food preparation and flower arranging work.

Please use the following guidelines in conjunction with the Healthy Foods for Birthday Celebrations provided for your child’s class and on our website.

Guidelines for Snack:

● Please leave your box/bag of snacks with a staff member at drop-off. Please label the box/bag with your teacher’s name.

● Quantity: Each classroom size and needs vary, therefore, please ask your child’s teacher for approximate amounts.

● Allergies: Prime is a Nut Aware School —please read labels carefully and check with your child’s teacher for any other foods to avoid in the event of a severe allergy within the class.

● Suggestions: Fresh fruit and vegetables (apples, clementines, bananas, melon, celery sticks, etc.), cheese, crackers, bagels, bread, cream cheese, or other spreads are some suggestions.

We highly recommend purchasing seasonal fruits and vegetables by visiting Farmer’s Markets around Montgomery County and Maryland.

● We highly recommend you bring something unique to your family’s culture or traditions. It allows opportunities for your child to prepare it at home, and also talk about it with their community.

● Please do not send cookies, cupcakes, individual snack cups, juice boxes, grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, soda, or candy of any kind.

PrimeCare Snack: All Students

All families are to pack an extra food item or snack and milk (if required) in their child’s lunch to be used as a snack each day. We recommend something simple, quick, and easy to consume.

Food Allergies

Prime is a Nut-Free environment. For the safety of children with severe peanut allergies, we ask families not to send food or snacks containing peanuts or peanut by-products. These children can experience life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Please check labels and ingredients carefully.

Teachers will provide additional information to families on ingredients to avoid when providing lunch/snack due to severe allergies within the classroom.

CELEBRATION FOOD GUIDELINES

Birthdays

At Prime Foundation Montessori, we acknowledge the gift of the life of each person in our community. During the school day, your child partakes in a special celebration to honor their life. On this day, the child may bring a healthy treat to share with their peers. We highly encourage you to take this opportunity to give your child a memorable experience on their special day. Read our Guidelines for Healthy Birthday Celebrations! You can find this on our website in “Parent Forms” under our “Families “page.

No cupcakes, cake, or sweets are allowed. Please to notify the school for a birthday celebration at school, please fill out and submit a Healthy Foods for Birthday Celebrations form on our website at least one week before your anticipated child’s birthday party.

This form can be found in “Parent Forms” under our “Families” page. as well the snack guidelines above.

We admonish parents to adhere to the guidelines and specific information provided regarding how birthdays are acknowledged and celebrated in our classroom communities.

Celebrating Cultural Holidays

Prime is a non-sectarian and non-denominational school and recognizes that though many holidays cross cultural boundaries, some of our families either do not observe or do not observe in the same way as others. We acknowledge that understanding these differences and appreciating the richness within our community is paramount to our children’s education; therefore, we welcome the chance to have you share your heritage.

Please contact the Diversity Coordinator (JIDE); Tiffany Jones and/or your child’s teacher for information regarding visiting a classroom for culture and heritage celebrations.

We recognize that food plays an important role in celebrating many cultural traditions. Families are welcome to bring a special healthy snack to share provided that it meets the following guidelines:

§  Coordinate with your child’s teacher on an appropriate day/time and check in about foods to avoid due to severe allergies in the classroom.

§  Adhere to our healthy food/snack policies and guidelines (no sweets or food containing peanuts or peanut by-products)

PARTY INVITATIONS

Parents and families are welcome to send invitations to school to be distributed. This is advisable only when the invitations are to be distributed to the whole classroom or school. In a small school, being inclusive is so important. Being left out can be devastating to a child.

While you may be inclined to invite the whole class, doing so may also be impractical because of budgeting, and most children may do better with a smaller group. A good rule of thumb is to invite the number of children which corresponds to the age of your child - 3 guests for a three-year-old; 8, for an eight-year-old, in addition to family, of course. Please let your child’s teacher know what children are to be invited so it can be done discretely. Allowing the child to choose their guests, while Montessori in principle, requires parental guidance and has the potential of hurting a child who is not invited.

It is best if children do not discuss a party that is coming up or a party that they have been to because other children may feel excluded. Please ask your child to refrain from discussing social events during the school day if everyone is not invited.

Note: Toddlers are different. They are in-different for a small party with one, two or more children, and they do not share information with each other in the same way as the older children.

CLOTHING & SHOES GUIDELINES

● Young children should wear clothes that will allow them to manage themselves when going to the bathroom. Suspenders, sweaters outside of overalls, tights or small buttons are difficult for children to manage themselves. Pants with elastic at the waist are often easier than pants with snaps or belts. We are willing to assist your child, but they are very pleased when they can say, “I did it myself!”

● Please label all garments your child wears to school. This includes coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, boots, indoor shoes, underwear, etc.

● Extra set of clothes! For Primary, please provide a complete set of clothing, including underwear and socks, must be kept in the child’s cubby. For YCC children, we request multiple sets of clothing, depending on each child.

● Clothes: No dress-up or special occasion outfits unless they are part of a special classroom or cultural celebration. We want our children to be comfortable, hands-on, and able to get dirty without causing distractions for their classmates.

● Shoes: Prime strongly recommends sending children to school in athletic shoes (sneakers). Primary and Elementary children can participate in Outdoor/Physical Activities only if they are wearing athletic shoes with laces or Velcro fasteners. Shoes that children can take on and off independently are highly encouraged. No roller skate shoes, dress-up shoes, clogs, flip flops, hiking boots, or cowboy boots. Crocs and sandals are okay, but given that they do not provide much support, they are not advisable for safety concerns.

● All clothing should be weather appropriate for being comfortable when outside. We like to go outside even if it's raining or snowing! There's a wonderful Norwegian saying – “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”

● The school has a very limited supply of “extra clothes.” If your child comes home wearing something unfamiliar, please wash these and return them to school promptly.

NAPS

For nap time, children’s cots will be spaced out to maximize the distance between them. As recommended by the Maryland Department of Health, children who choose to wear masks will remove them while they are napping. Napping takes place in the classroom. Children are placed in napping buddy’s groups system to minimize the spread of any onsetting illnesses or diseases.

All children under the age of 5 are REQUIRED by state licensing regulations to have a rest period. No child is forced to sleep; however, they must remain quiet. Older children, and those who wake early, will participate in a quiet activity until Rest Time is over. Please try not to schedule pickups or visits during this time to lessen disturbance to the resting children. All children will rest on their cot provided by Prime with parent provided individual linens.

TOYS AND PERSONAL OBJECTS

Toys or other special items are a distraction from classroom work and should not be brought to school. Toys from home create tensions when owners are unable to share, and/or toys become lost or broken. Toys and special items brought to school will be stored in your child’s cubby or with the teacher until your child leaves. Also, please check pockets and school bags for unfamiliar items. These may be important parts of Montessori materials and need to be returned to school.

TOILET TRAINING

Prime accepts children in diapers and cooperates with parents when toilet training begins. Parents should involve the staff in the decision to begin toilet training. Since children spend the majority of their day at the School, staff may have some concerns and suggestions as to readiness and the method of training to be used. It is important that toilet training be a pleasant, non-stressful, successful experience for the child, parent(s) and staff. Parents will provide their child with diapers and wipes.

When you or your child’s primary caregiver see signs of readiness for toilet training, we will discuss the subject and agree on a mutually acceptable time to begin. It is our experience and belief that training usually proceeds smoothly for most children if not started too soon and if treated lightly. Accidents are part of the process and will be handled casually. Please be sure during this process that your child has plenty of extra pull-ups, training pants, clothes, socks, etc.

Please refer to our Toilet Training Agreement form on our school website under our “Families” page before proceeding on Toilet training.

LOST AND FOUND

The Lost & Found Basket is kept in the foyer by the entry door. Feel free to check it as it is convenient for you.

Help us reduce the number of items in our Lost & Found by ensuring that all coats, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, shoes, water bottles and bags are clearly labeled in some way. Be sure to do this at the change of seasons and when new articles are purchased.

Items that have not been claimed by the end of each semester, will be donated.

Some Field trips and Goings-Out take place in Elementary and are planned in conjunction with the students and teachers to support and complement the curriculum. Prime’s Consent and Waiver forms for leaving campus are completed by the parents as part of the emergency contact information request during enrollment. Permission from the parents is required for participation in the trips. Families will be notified in advance, when possible, of each trip by their child’s respective teachers.

Transportation is by foot, Metro, or Bus. Current laws for car seat and seatbelt safety are followed. Children must be properly seated in a child safety seat until they turn 8. Parents sending in car seats in order to enable their child to participate in a field trip is imperative. Children eight and over must wear seat belts at all times. No child will be allowed to sit in the front seat. Parents who drive on field trips are required to have a copy of their driver’s license on file with the Office.

All children enrolled at Prime Foundation Montessori shall go outdoors for recess, walks, physical activities, and PrimeCare unless the air temperature and/or the wind-chill factor is below 30° as reported by the National Weather Service for Maryland, at the time of said outdoor activity. Plans will be made for age-appropriate indoor movement and play.

Decisions around exposing children to extreme heat and diminished air quality may be made at the discretion of School leadership in conjunction with recommendations from the local and federal governments.

At Prime we greatly value the dedication and hard work of all our teachers and staff in creating a nurturing learning environment for our students. Gestures of appreciation are always welcomed. Please contact our Classroom Parent Coordinator; Frieda Enow or/and the director for guidance around teacher and staff gifts.