Category Archives: Information

Posts about general school information

At home ideas to keep kids learning

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This a a trying time for all of us and being stuck at home with littles ones can be difficult.  Our teachers are compiling works and online resources to keep kids learning while school is closed.  Please check back often as new links and ideas will be added often.

Some Ideas to get you started:

  1. Go on a Virtual Tour of Museums from around the country…
  2. Sign up for PBS KIDS new weekday newsletter full of activities and tips to help kids play and learn at home.
  3. Visit Scholastic learn at home for ideas broken out by grade levels.
  4. Check out the GoKids facebook page for ideas to get the kids outside.  They will be posting video ideas soon!  Need help setting a new daily routine with your kids?  They have an idea for that too!
  5. Down Time, Story Time on Facebook – Click this link for a live story time reading of some of their favorite children’s books by some of our teachers and their kids.
  6. Remember to check out the school’s Pinterest Page!  A lot of great ideas that can be done at home!
  7. Subscribe to The Montessori School YouTube Page.  A few of our teachers have uploaded videos with ideas you can do with your child at home.

 

 

How to talk to your child about Coronavirus

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As our communities are working to understand and process the ever-changing developments of this virus and it’s impact on us all, many families are struggling with how to address these issues with their young children.
I wanted to take an opportunity to provide you all with some basic guidelines and links to utilize with your family.  Preschool and young elementary children are feeling the effects and disappointment associated with the spread of this illness, although are not ready/able to comprehend the disease itself.  As parents and educators it is our role to ease their fears. We need to make sure our children feel safe and recognize their disappointments and how they are affecting their everyday life.
1.Talk to your children. Keep information age appropriate.  Your child may not understand why the birthday party they have been excited about is cancelled or why Grandma and Grandpa can’t come for the planned visit, but their disappointment is real.  Reassure them you understand how they feel and that they can talk to you about it.  Make sure to let them know that we need to help keep everyone healthy and that may mean changing plans a bit.  Children take their emotional cues from us.  Make sure to stay calm and use a reassuring tone.  Talk about ways to help ease the disappointment.  Maybe make an unplanned FaceTime call to grandma or have a picnic lunch party in the living room while watching a movie together.  Help them to focus on an alternate activity. Make sure they know plans will happen, just not now.
2.Reassure anxious children on how they can stay healthy.  Make sure your child understands that it is normal for them or others to get sick.  Talk about ways they can stay healthy and keep others from getting sick.  Show them how to properly wash their hands.  Discuss sneezing or coughing into a tissue or their elbow and not putting their hands or other items in their mouth.  Try to stay away from the words like pandemic, panic, world wide chaos, etc. Limit your child’s tv and social media exposure. 
3.Think out of the box but keep routines.  For many children and adult’s time spent home will be increasing in the coming days and weeks.  Think of fun ways to help pass the time and don’t feel like you have to occupy and play with your child the entire day.  Remember to KEEP ROUTINES.  There is safety and security for children when their daily routines remain the same.  Visit our Pinterest page for activities to try at home, https://www.pinterest.com/1montessori/fun-things-to-try-at-home/
For more information on how to talk to your children here are some helpful links:
Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school for assistance or questions.  We are happy to help our families where we can during this time of uncertainty.

Important Coronavirus Information

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UPDATE:  May 1, 2020:  During his daily press conference, Gov. Cuomo announced that all New York schools will remained closed for the remainder of this school year.  An email will be coming soon with more details.

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UPDATE:  April 17, 2020:  Per Gov. Cuomo, schools will remained closed until May 15, 2020.

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UPDATE:  April 6, 2020:  At the direction of Gov. Cuomo, all NYS schools will remain closed until April 29.  Please check back for updates.

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UPDATE:  March 27, 2020:  At the direction of Gov. Cuomo, all NYS schools will remain closed until April 15.  The situation will be assessed again before the April 15 date.

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UPDATE:  March 16, 2020:  At the direction of Gov. Cuomo, all NYS schools will be closed for 2 weeks, effective Wednesday, March 18.  Classes will now be cancelled now until April 1.   Please check back often for updates, as information changes frequently throughout the day.

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UPDATE:  March 14, 2020:  After much consideration and evaluation, we have decided to cancel classes 3/16-3/20/2020.  With information changing rapidly and the safety and well being of our students, staff and school families, we feel this is the most prudent action for us at this point in time.  Please continue to check your email for updated information.

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Please read the Coronavirus Protocols Parent Notice regarding our school procedures should the need arise.  Also, please read the attached letter from NYS OCFS.

 

Snow Day Policy

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Snow Days

School closings are listed on the School Closings Network (most TV news, radio and website).  Our school is listed as Montessori School (Schenectady).  You may also check our facebook page and website for updates.  The following criteria will be used in determining snow days:

If BH-BL has a 2 Hour Delay, we will operate on a delayed schedule as follows:

  • ½ Day Program:  Classes will start  at 10am. Normal dismissal time.
  • Full Day Program:  Before Care will open at 9am.  Classes will start at 10am. Breakfast will not be served.

Any morning enrichment classes will be cancelled.  PM Enrichment will take place unless notified.

If you choose to remain at home due to the weather, please email the school.

If BH-BL Closes, we will also be closed for the day.

In case of inclement weather during normal school hours, we may close early.  Parents will be notified in a timely manner.

Snow days will not be made up.

Please note that the safety and well-being of our students and their families are our main concern.