"Our aim is not only to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core."
Parent Responsibilities
Dater Montessori School is a magnet program within the Cincinnati Public Schools. Parents who select Dater for their children have, by that choice, become members of the Dater community. All parents are expected to show support of the program through volunteering, fund-raising, participating in Dater community events, or supporting the educational process by working at home with your child. By selecting Dater as YOUR school of choice, you have made a commitment. You are required to document 10 hours per quarter to support your child's educational program. You will be asked to sign a contract that will outline your parental responsibilities while your child attends Dater.
There are many ways in which parents can support the program. Volunteering in the classroom, participating in fund-raisers, paying student fees immediately; helping your child with homework and projects and participating in one of the parent-teacher organizations described below are just a few ways of becoming involved. The presence of active, caring parents in the building shows our students how much our program is valued and supported. We hope and believe that your participation will prove to be as pleasant and enriching an experience for you as it is for the children whose lives you touch.Please refer to the Dater Montessori Handbook for more information
Parent Communication
Communication with parents is extremely important to the staff at Dater Montessori. We ensure clear and consistent communication with families by utilizing the Tuesday Parent Folder. Every Tuesday parents should expect the Tuesday Folder to be sent home with your child. The packet inside will notify parents of upcoming school activities, fundraisers and other pertinent information.
We also communicate with parents through parent conferences, telephone calls, and weekly student work contracts. Conferences are offered quarterly (or more frequently if the parent or teacher feels it is warranted) at a variety of times. In lieu of one afternoon of conferences, teachers schedule them over the period of a week during planning bells, before school, or after school hours. This is to meet the needs of parents' schedules. Parents are asked to commit to attending two conferences during the year.
Finally, individual teachers will also share with parents their best means of daily communication utilized in their classrooms.CPS Volunteer Security Badge
You must have a badge to volunteer at Dater MontessoriHere are the 3 steps to getting your security badge :
1.) Take your photo ID (ie: driver’s license) to the Hamilton County Justice Center (946-6220) at 1000 Sycamore (45202) Hours are 7:00am to 4:00pm M-F. Ask for a Hamilton County Background Check. It will cost $5 CASH ONLY. You do not need fingerprints. It only takes a couple minutes and you will walk out with a background check print-out.
2.) Take your background check print-out to the CPS Board of Education (363-0123) at 2651 Burnet Ave. (45219) in Clifton. The Security Office can issue a security badge on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 to 2:30.
3.) From the CPS office call the Dater office (363-0900) Have Stacey, or Polly fax over the Administrator Authorization Approval Form signed by Principal Schnell, or Asst. Principal Battle. Then smile for your photo. Thanks!
DATER MONTESSORI WELCOME PACKETBrought to you by the PTN (Parent Teacher Network)
The Dater PTN's Welcome Packet was designed by parent volunteers in the hope of making the “Welcome to School” easier. It was designed with the intention of letting new families know about some of our traditions and allow all families better planning for the school year! It in no way represents all of the events throughout the school year. It is simply a representation of the most historic. All dates are subject to change.
Contents:
Quick Reference – Contact information
Daily ins and outs – Info for Drop-off, Pick-up, Lunch, Specials
Committees – How to get involved at Dater
Events and Programs – Find out what we have to offer
Quick Reference:School office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Temporary School address: 1700 Grand Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45214
School Phone Number: 513-363-0900
School Fax Number: 513-363-0920
Principal: Beth Schnell- schnelb@cpsboe.k12.oh.us
School Web site: http://datermontessori.cps-k12.org/index.asp
Teacher/Faculty email: http://datermontessori.cps-k12.org/staff.asp
School Policies: http://datermontessori.cps-k12.org/handbook.asp
Lunch menu: http://www.cps-k12.org/menu/menu.htm
DAILY INS-AND-OUTSFor preschool families:
Before school care- is provided from 7:00 am to 8:45 am. For preschool and kindergarten information, please contact the school office.
Drop-off for Preschoolers
SEE MAP - You will enter the main driveway and follow signs for Dater drop-off. You will turn right just past the ball field and circle around the parking lot and then pull up along the sidewalk to let your child out.Preschoolers will enter the small door at the end of the building (not through the main entrance) so pull your car forward to the end of the sidewalk to let your child out. To make this time go smoothly, please have your child on the right hand side of your vehicle. The child should have all bags packed and ready and coat on before they leave the car.
A Paraprofessional will be there to help your child from 9 to 9:15. Children need to be dropped off at 9 am or later. Please do not block the drop off lane before 9 am.
Once your child is dropped off, they will go directly to the pre-school playground. It is a straight shot from the pre-school drop-off door to the playground and several teachers are stationed there. If poor weather keeps them inside, preschoolers will go to Room #119, where they will play until the start of school.If you would like to come in - please drop your child off at the curb and then park in the lot to the left of the entrance in the visitor’s parking lot. Please do not park in the numbered spaces across from the building as all of them have been assigned to staff. For safety’s sake, cross at the crosswalk.
If your child arrives after 9:15, they are to report to the office and they will be given a tardy slip.
Preschool students will eat breakfast in the classrooms and not have lunch at school. Their morning schedule will look something like this:
9-9:15 drop off and play
9:20 in classrooms where they will have breakfast and brush their teeth.
9:45 to 11:30 work time for preschool and kindergarteners
11:30 K goes to recess and preschoolers have a lesson with their teacher.
11:50 is dismissal. Please follow the dismissal procedures as listed below.Pick-up preschoolers
Pre-school pick-up is from 11:50 to 12:05pm at the main entrance. Enter the main driveway and follow the signs for Dater drop-off/pick-up. You will circle around the parking lot on the right and then pull up along the sidewalk in front of the school. A staff member will be in the parking lot with a walkie-talkie. Give the name of the child you are picking up. Your child will then come out of the main entrance and meet you at your car. Staff is there as needed.Aftercare for Preschool
There are Dater staff members who provide afternoon preschool, from 12 noon until 3:45. Call 363-0900 for more information. There are a limited number of spots available.Mornings for children 6-12
Before Care- The YMCA on site program is available for before and after school care for students 6-12. Please call 362-9530 to arrange for care for your child.Drop-off
For car riders- SEE MAP. You will enter the main driveway and follow signs for Dater drop-off. You will turn right just past the ball field and circle around the parking lot and then pull up along the sidewalk to let your child out. To make this time smoother please have your child on the right hand side of your vehicle, all bags packed and ready and coat on. Staff is there from 8:45 to 9:15 to help your child get inside. Please drop off your child before 9:15.If you would like to come in - please drop your child off at the curb and then park in the lot to the left of the entrance in the visitor’s parking lot. Please do not park in the numbered spaces across from the building as all of them have been assigned to staff. For safety’s sake, cross at the crosswalk.
Once in the building, children go to the cafeteria for free breakfast and then to the auditorium, or right into the auditorium if they’ve eaten. At 9:10 all children go to their classrooms.
If your child arrives after 9:15, children must report to the office. They’ll be given tardy slip, marked tardy and then sent to class.
Children who ride the bus - Paraprofessionals are stationed at the bus drop off to greet and direct the children to the cafeteria for breakfast. Everyone is welcome to a free breakfast. Once they’ve eaten, or passed through, students will go to the auditorium. Dater staff will be stationed in the cafeteria and throughout the halls to direct students.
If your child has any problems on the bus, please call the main office.
Class Time:
Each level (3-6, 6-9 and 9-12) functions differently. Each classroom environment also operates with its own autonomy. We highly encourage you to spend some time in the classroom and to attend the Open House on Tuesday, September 22 to learn more about what your child’s daily routine is. From K through 9-12 level, each child attends “specials” which include gym, art, music, library and technology once a week. Your child’s classroom teacher will let you know what day of our cycle they will go, so they can be dressed appropriately for gym.Our weekly cycle is a little different from other schools due to the way specials (art, music, p.e., library, technology) are scheduled. Dater runs on a day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4 day 5 schedule. These days rotate, so no one misses specials or other weekly activities. So Tuesday, August 18, our first day of school, is day 1. Monday, August 24 is day 5. For example, if a Friday is day 4 and we are off on Monday for a holiday, then when school returns, Tuesday will be day 5…. Your teacher will work with you to help you learn this.
How to volunteer in the classroom: First, it is most important that you talk directly with your child’s teacher about volunteering in the classroom. Some possible options for volunteering include: chaperoning field trips, giving spelling or math tests, listening to children read, reading to children, giving timed reading tests, preparing classroom materials, helping with classroom parties, putting together Tuesday folders, sharing a skill with the children. The opportunities are endless!
A badge is required for anyone who volunteers with any activity at all CPS schools. Please pick up more information at the table in the front hall and/or look for it in your Tuesday folder.
Lunch
Lunch can be purchased for $1.75 or students can bring a packed lunch. Children pay when they are in the lunch line.
Menus can be found at-http://www.cps-k12.org/menu/menu.htm. Each level and classroom eat at different times. Please contact your child’s teacher if you need to know what time they eat lunch.Dismissal /Pick-up
Enter the main driveway and follow the signs for Dater drop-off/pick-up. You will circle around the parking lot on the right and then pull up along the sidewalk in front of the school. A staff member will be in the parking lot with a walkie-talkie. Give the names of the children in K+ that you are picking up. Your child will then come out of the auditorium and meet you at your car. Staff is there as needed.Aftercare for 6-12 year-olds
The YMCA runs an on-site aftercare program. Please call 362-9530 to arrange for care for your child.
DATER MONTESSORI ORGANIZATIONSPTN/ Parent Teacher Network -The Network’s mission is to be the avenue for all those in the Dater Community to find a way to share their own interests and talents in service to the Dater students, their school and their communities. The Network belongs to all of us. PTN Committees are:
Welcome Committee – This group provides outreach to new families and the greater community. Contact Chairperson Roberta Shawhan at rlshawhan@hotmail.com or 812-204-7921, or Welcome Committee Events Coordinator, Amy Sullivan, asullivan3@cinci.rr.com/ 662-0414 leads the planning of the Ice Cream Social. Celeste Hahn, cmwithch@fuse.net/ 702-3188, coordinates our appearance in the Harvest Home Parade.
Room Parent Support Team – This group assists room parents as they manage their room’s involvement in the Harvest Moon Festival, the Unity Dinner and Teacher Appreciation Week. Chairpersons are Vicki Groh, vgroh@current.net / 661-5852 and Deanne Crooms, dcrooms@crossroads.net/ 662-7504. Teacher Appreciation Week coordinator is Jamie Branson, jaimeebranson@yahoo.com
Volunteer Coordination – It is our goal to help every family find its place to serve the greater good at Dater Montessori. Our volunteer coordinator collects and keeps data and helps our volunteers find a place to participate comfortably. Chairperson is Tracy Carl, tracy@familycarl.com/ 661-6184.
Enrichment Programs – These are classes that you can elect for your child to participate in after school for a fee. Last year we provided the opportunity for the students to take karate, chess, acting, gymnastics, art, and more. Look for this information in your Tuesday folder. If you have questions, or ideas contact chairpersons: Mary Metzmeier, metzmarymeier@juno.com, or Nancy Morris, NMorris@ChavezProperties.com.
The PTN Board consists of: President Mary Anne Cowgill, datercommunicator@hotmail.com/ 699-7310; Vice President Jen Straw, dfly@fuse.net; Secretary Amy Tucker, grateful1s@hotmail.com; Treasurer Mark Woodward, wmark7@zoomtown.com; Community Member Elmer Ketron, elmerketron@yahoo.com.
CLC/Community Learning Center – Each Cincinnati Public School is developing its own CLC in conjunction with its renovation or rebuild. CPS Community Learning Centers were instituted so each school could affect positive, active participation in the communities it serves.
The Dater Montessori CLC has taken inspiration from: 1) the Dater logo (“Growing in body, mind and spirit”) and 2) the Dater Mission Statement ( Montessori principles -- a safe and orderly environment -- high standards -- respect – and partnership among school, family and community.) These ideas, combined with existing programs (especially the national-award winning Nature Center) to promote wellness (for body, mind, spirit within our school, families and community).Last year Dater struck a serious and exciting partnership with the Imago Earth Center of Price Hill, which is planning to provide programming and staffing for our center.
You can contact Mary Anne Cowgill for more info, at: datercommunciator@hotmail.com , or 699-7310. Meetings are not held regularly, but will be announced.
DMAA/ Dater Montessori Athletic Association - This organization provides extracurricular athletic opportunities. Last year it organized soccer and baseball teams. It is always looking for help! It needs parents to coach, coordinate and volunteer. Becoming a part of the DMAA is a great way for working parents to get involved, as practices and games are scheduled for evenings and weekends.
There are no regular meetings. For more info contact Greg Schloemer at gschloemer_1335@fuse.net/481-6006 or Juli Luebbe at datersports@yahoo.com, or 471-5442.
Dater Communicator- This is a newsletter of and for the Dater Community. Last year it came out quarterly and was written entirely by 9-12 level students. If you have a story to relay, a letter to publish, or want to advertise; please contact Heather Grant at hgrant1@cinci.rr.com, or leave a message at 363-0900 .
Dater Montessori Nature Center - In 2007, the nature center received the Youth Garden Programs Award from the National Gardening Association and the nature center director, Susan VonderHaar, was awarded the “Scott’s Classroom Gardener of the Year Award.”
Ms. VonderHaar partnered with former Dater parent Kyra McKinney and Dater paraprofessional Maureen DiCarlo to develop programming that was available to each class at Dater. They published the ENCASE (Enjoying Nature Center As School Extension) Curriculum, which is being used at other schools as far away as South Africa.
While we’ve been at the Roberts site, the Dater Nature Center promoted the Green Club, summer Nature Camp and some weekend events at the Boudinot location, before it was fenced off. Dater has selected a Green and Healthy Living focus for its new Community Learning Center. The Nature Center will be the focal point and continue to provide and expand the nature and environmental
education programs for the Dater and Westwood communitiesThe Dater Nature Center is always looking for parents, grandparents and community members to help coordinate and manage seasonal activities. This little effort goes a long way to keep nature in the hearts and minds of our children’s life learning.
To reach Susan VonderHaar email dmnaturecenter@yahoo.com.
FOD/ Friends of Dater Montessori - This is an Ohio nonprofit organization with the responsibility to raise funds for the school. Portions of the proceeds go to teachers and teacher teams for classroom supplies, special programs (ie: COSI on Wheels) and to the PTN for special events.
In an effort to avoid door to door sales, FOD strives to generate revenue without a lot of hassle and headache. Below are the current fundraisers and a brief description of each. Please look for more in-depth information in your Tuesday folders once the school year has started.
1) GL Scrip Program - purchase select gift cards through FOD and the school receives a portion of the proceeds.
2) Kroger Rewards Program - Buy your groceries at Kroger? Purchase a reloadable $20 gift card through FOD and the school receives 4% on every $5,000.00 (re)loaded and spent.
3) Market Day - Purchase food from the Market Day flyer each month and the school receives 10% of the total sales.
4) Harvest Moon Festival - October get together for all the Dater Family / Community with games, crafts, food, and other activities.
5) Papa John’s Pizza Night - Each month the Glenway Papa John’s has a Dater Montessori Pizza night and the school receives a portion of the proceeds.
6) Craft Show - New for the 2009/2010 school year. Looking to do some early Holiday shopping? Visit the 1st annual Dater Montessori craft show in November and pick up some handmade items for your friends and family. Crafter registration forms can be found in the parent resource center.
7) Walk a thon - Students collect sponsors/money from friends, family, church and community organizations and participate in a school wide walk.
Interested in helping decide how fundraising dollars are spent at Dater? FODM is looking to fill the President and Vice President positions for the 2009/2010 school year. Please contact Monica Battle (assistant principal) for more information.
The FOD board is made up of parents, teachers and administrators. It meets on the first Thursday of the month at 4:15 in the Parent Center. Meetings are open to the public. Children are welcome, but babysitting is not provided. For more info contact Monica Battle at battlem@cpsboe.k12.oh.us or 363-0900.
Instructional Leadership Team – This committee makes important decisions on: maintaining and promoting the Montessori curriculum; school operation and procedures that impact instruction; staff training; securing a safe and orderly learning environment and school budget. It is made up of teachers, administration and parent representatives. Its twice-a-month meetings are not open to the general Dater population.
LSDMC/ Local School Decision Making Committee- (LSDMC) The goal of this group is to support the mission and vision of Dater Montessori. The LSDMC gathers and evaluates information to make decisions that support the Montessori philosophy at the school and district level. The committee is comprised of parents, teachers, staff and community representatives. The LSDMC meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 4:15 pm. For more info contact LSDMC chairman Tom Haid at 251-9743.
DATER EVENTS & TRADITIONS
Dater Walk-a-Thon - It takes place at the end of the year. It is the largest FUNdraiser of the year and is followed by a huge party. Last year we blew our own minds when we raised $22,000! You’ll see committee members throughout the year at different events working to make this a great success. Look on datermontessori.cps-k12.org for more info.
Family Fun Events – Throughout the year, the school provides students and their families with an opportunity to become better acquainted by sponsoring family events such as movie nights and skating parties.
Field Day - This event is sponsored by our beloved P.E. teacher (and one time World Champion tumbler and U.S. Team Coach) Mr. B. We just had to brag. You never know what this day will bring. Just be ready.
Fine Arts Night - This is a showcase for the Enrichment Programs provided by the Parent Teacher Network and the Specials (Art, Music, Gym, and Technology/Library) classes available at Dater Montessori. This event happens each spring.
The Harvest Moon Festival - This is one of the most popular events every year. It happens on a Saturday in the school building in October. It’s a great reward for the kids at the end of the first quarter. Each classroom sponsors an activity, which is organized by the room parent. There are lots of fun things to do and prizes to win. It is coordinated by the PTN’s Room parent Committee and Friends of Dater Montessori.
The Ice Cream Social – Each August new Dater families are invited to the building, when they will be connected with current Dater families to go over their Welcome Packet, take a tour of the school and have a chance to ask questions. The event is planned by the Parent Teacher Networks Welcome Committee. How you can help - make phone calls to invite new families, be a tour guide, greet new families, set-up/clean-up, and serve ice cream. Contact A my Sullivan, asullivan3@cinci.rr.com /662-0414.
Unity Fair - is a night of cultural discovery. One or two teams from each age level take a continent to explore. All ages work together to make visual displays. Parents and staff bring dishes from their assigned continent potluck-style. The event is planned by the Home School Committee with the help of PTN and the room parents.
Suzuki Lessons (violin and cello) - are available at Dater Montessori. You will receive information at the beginning of the year in the Tuesday Folder.
Boy Scout and Girl Scouts - Several troops of Dater studentsmeet at Dater or at nearby churches.You will receive information in the Tuesday Folder.
Tuesday Taskmasters - This group meets monthly to help teachers with all those small tasks that need to be accomplished for our awesome classrooms. Check out your Tuesday folder to find out which Tuesdays it will meet.
The Mile Makers - In the past few years parents have come together to supervise 9-12 students who choose to spend their recess walking and/or jogging. This is a program we'd like to see grow, but we need lots of parent support. If you'd like to take part please contact Mary Anne Cowgill at, datercommunicator@hotmail.com , or 699-7310.
Principal's coffee - Once a month meeting with the principal. You’ll get a chance to get ask her questions and hear what’s going on in the school community. Please see the calendar for dates.
Grandparent’s day - This is a day and opportunity for grandparents to see you children in their school environment! More information to come.
Talent show - A great show and fabulous time. We showcase the talents of staff. You don’t want to miss Ms. Schnells’ performance! Sponsored by the 6 th graders.
Ball of Joy - A fun dance sponsored by the 6 th graders. More information to follow.
Book Fair - Each year, our wonderful library staff and volunteers host a book fair to support our library.
Volunteer appreciation lunch - Each year, the staff hosts a luncheon to thank the parent volunteers for all of their hard work.
Teacher appreciation week - In May, we spend a week celebrating all of the hard work and enthusiasm our teachers give our children each day. Somehow, a week just doesn’t seem long enough!
Gilbert A. Dater Montessori
1700 Grand Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45214
513-363-0900