Get Involved

Families can begin encouraging the education of their children by showing that they truly value education and respect the staff at their student's school.

Some of the ways that parents, caregivers and grandparents can become involved are:

• Helping your child with homework, especially reading together
• Joining committees that help decide school issues (LSDMC, ILT, PTO)
• Giving time to the school, classroom or library

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 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.

Local School Decision Making Committee (LSDMC)

The LSDMC is the primary governing body for each school in the district. This committee gives insight and input into important decisions that greatly impact students' lives and shape their educational experiences.

The function of the LSDMCs includes:

• Adopting bylaws, including the school's mission and vision
• Setting measurable goals, based on a needs assessment
• Developing a broad plan (One Plan) to implement these goals
• Completing a mid-year and end-of-year progress report
• Making recommendations and approving the school budget
• Participating in the selection of the principal, when a vacancy exists
• Approving locally initiated changes in the school's program or focus
• Making recommendations to the principal regarding other school issues
• Seeking grants to support the school's programs (optional)
• Coordinating and overseeing the development of the school as a Community Learning Center

The committee is composed of parents, teachers, staff members, students and community members. The LSDMC meets 9 times each year.

Instructional Leadership Team (ILT)

The ILT sets the instructional focus and makes the instructional decisions for the school. ILT responsibilities include:

    •    Developing, reviewing and evaluating the instructional program
    •    Monitoring and improving school operations and procedures that affect instruction
    •    Planning and monitoring training of staff
    •    Creating and maintaining a safe and orderly school environment

The team is composed of the principal, two parent representatives, two non-teaching staff members, and teachers. ILT meets twice a month and as needed.

To assure the safety of students and staff, Cincinnati Public Schools requires security badges for anyone entering CPS' buildings. One-time visitors receive a temporary security badge from the front office. Individuals who visit our buildings on a regular basis, such as volunteers, must obtain a security badge and wear it at all times in our buildings.

Learn more about how to obtain a security badge.