Celebrations + Birthdays

Who do I invite to birthday parties? Whole class or just a few kids?
Do whatever feels best for you and your child! Some kids thrive with the whole group, while others prefer a quieter celebration. Just be mindful—if you're not inviting the whole class, keep invitations and plans private.

Can I bring treats to school for my child’s birthday?
Abintra asks that birthday treats and celebratory items stay outside of school.

Are birthday celebrations allowed during school hours?
Your child’s guide will reach out about the Montessori tradition the Walk Around the Sun <3

Holidays + Dress-Up

Do we dress up for Halloween or bring treats for holidays?
Holiday celebrations and treats are saved for outside of school. Your Parent Partner will plan something festive for the class when appropriate.

Can my child wear dress-up costumes to school?
No costumes at school - simple, comfortable clothes are best.

Classroom Life

Are there nut restrictions?
There are no school-wide restrictions, but definitely connect with your guide if your child has an allergy.

Do I pack a lunch on half-days?
Nope! Just a snack.

What do I do if my child has an accident at school?
Totally normal and we’ve all been there! That’s why Guides ask you to send a change of clothes for their cubby. Guides are prepared for these moments and will help your child clean up and reset. Remember to refresh the cubby with seasonally appropriate clothes.

Routines + Logistics

Carline is freaking me out!
Totally get it! Carline always feels hectic at the start of the year, but we promise—it gets easier. Once everyone finds their rhythm it’s easy peasy.

What time should we arrive?

• Lower El, Upper El & Adolescent: 8:15–8:30 + 3:30-3:45

• Primary: 8:30–8:45 + 3:15-3:30

  (arriving on time, not earlier, keeps things running smoothly)

Can I walk my child in, or do they go in independently?
Abintra encourages children to enter independently. But if your child is having a tough transition, it’s okay to wait nearby in the lower lot for a note from the guide once they're settled or - for you yourself to settle!

What happens if we’re late?
Head to the office and check in with April!

How do I notify the school if my child is sick?
Reach out to April (she’s the school office coordinator and the go-to for all attendance things).

What if I have a last minute change-up for who is picking up my child?
Let April know, and let the person picking them up know they will need their ID

Volunteering + Involvement

How do I get involved as a parent?
There are lots of ways to join in: community events, outreach, appreciation efforts, and more. You can always connect with your Parent Partner for classroom-specific support or reach out to Heather Penzorn for staff appreciation ideas and questions. We'll also host two PA community Q+As during the year.

What is a Parent Partner (PP)?
Parent Partners are your class's go-to people. They help build community, keep everyone informed, and offer support when needed. They’re also part of the broader Parent Association team.

What is the Parent Association (PA) and what does it do?
We’re a group of parents working to build connection, support our guides and staff, and help make the school experience joyful and inclusive. We also serve as a bridge between families and the larger school community.

Fundraising
We hold fundraising efforts throughout the year, with our biggest being SpringFest. Funds raised during SpringFest help cover the cost of the event itself as well as future community-building activities.

We also collect optional contributions a few times a year—typically around winter break and the end of the school year—for guide and staff appreciation. These funds are thoughtfully and appropriately distributed among Guides and Staff signed from the community.

Who’s Who (Points of Contact):

PA Co-Chairs - Randee Thomas & Carrie Crowell

PP P1 - Eme Gholizadeh

PP P2 - Carrie Crowell

PP P3 - Mary Hulse

PP LE 1 - Randee Thomas

PP LE 2 - Sheri Young

PP UE + Adolescent - Lindsay Mihalcik

Staff Appreciation Outreach - Heather Penzhorn

Community Service + Philanthropic Efforts - Lindsay Mihalcik

Sick or Tardy Notifications - April Crook

Tech Help - Molly Henry

Parent Support - Emi Canahuati & Molly Henry

Extended Care: Amanda Steinmann

Forms: Molly Henry

Tuition or payment: Lindsay Moorman

General processes: April Crook

Classroom needs: Your Guide

Program needs: Your Program Director

School needs: Amber Oxley