If you need another email address added to our listserv,

please contact Ms. Melissa at mbadger@rockprairiemontessori.com. 

FORMS DUE

If you have not done so, please return the forms included in your welcome packets to Ms. Amber in the office. This includes: Handbook Acknowledgement, Household Income and any applicable health/immunization updates.

Safety Protocols

In light of the recent school tragedies and parent inquiries, we wanted to share with our school community some of the protocols we follow to keep students and staff safe.

We have a focus on every student's social/emotional health and non violent conflict resolution practices. This emphasis is a foundation as early as toddler and is paramount as our children grow. It is practiced in every segment of the school day and helps children grow in their ability to deal with concerns and emotions without relying on adults to be the arbiters. Research shows that these consistent practices help children learn how to be in a community and respect each other. This preventative mindset is what is needed besides the structural practices the adults have at our school. While we can’t share everything such as the detailed safety plan we submit annually to the state, or the plans we have with our Sheriff’s office, there are a few protocols we can share that are listed below:

• Staff Annual Review - We go over our plans with our staff every year before school starts, share our emergency manual and do run-throughs of drills during our teacher prep weeks.
• Practiced intruder drills - These are practiced unannounced throughout the year.  This includes locking doors and keeping out of sight.   For our younger students, these drills are known as “safety drills”.   
• Panic buttons - We have several panic buttons put in strategic places in the building.  When pressed, this alerts police as well as sends out a shrill noise that alerts teachers to go into lockdown mode.  We also have emergency callout capability through our phone system that feeds right into each classroom via their room phones.
• We have an incredible relationship with the Sheriff's office.  They come out every year to talk to admin, go over plans and make sure they keep the relationship open.  On occasion, they will station someone out here if there is any suspicious activity or to just be a presence. They do occasionally monitor the speed limits by the way.  Admin also have access to cameras with views both inside the building and outside grounds/parking lots.   
• Finally, we have tightened up our front door procedures so that the majority of delivery persons are not allowed in the building and are instructed to drop off packages on the bench outside.  

While these are just some of what is in place regarding keeping our school community safe, we keep on top of the latest news and best practices in school safety, and as always, welcome our families to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Front Vestibule Areas of Interest

Besides being able to help yourself to coffee via our Nespresso machine or just enjoying some time in the comfy chairs or table, there are several other items in the front vestibule:"

Community Harvest Shelf

Right inside the front doors of our vestibule is a small shelf with baskets where anyone can feel free to either take or drop off extra produce. No exchange required! Enjoy!

Lost and Found

Our Lost and Found box is also inside our vestibule, on the floor just to the right of the second set of double doors.  Please check the box as it will be emptied after each season and items taken to Goodwill.

Eggs for Sale

The middle school students are once again selling eggs this year for $5 a dozen. These are kept in the mini-fridge with dates on them. Money can be placed in the jjar on the fridge, next to the plush chicken.

Online Spiritwear Store Closes Next Week!

Orders are due by September 20. We have new styles such as 3/4-sleeve baseball shirts, leggings and more colors for tshirts and sweatshirts. 

https://rpms.spiritsale.com/

There is also a variety of logos including our standard version, a fun one, and even a collegiate one with our initials. Try out different logo options right on the site and choose your favorite!

Outdoor Community Coffee

Please join us for a community coffee gathering on Wednesday September 18, right after drop-off. Make yourself a cup of coffee in our vestibule gathering space and join us outside if good weather - in the library if bad weather. No presentation - just connection and conversation. Please bring your own lawn chair for outdoor seating. We hope you can join us! 

On a side note, the Nespresso coffee machine in the lobby is available anytime - not just for community coffees! The larger pods are coffees, and the smaller ones are for espressos. We also have cream and sugars available. Please help yourself and enjoy!

For Small Hands Catalog Orders

Due October 15

Catalogs and order forms are going home with students (1 per family) this week for our annual Montessori materials order, perfect for home use or for holiday gifts! This catalog offers parents a wide selection of child-sized, age-appropriate Montessori materials that will support your child’s development at home. Many families enjoy purchasing these materials as gifts for birthdays and holidays. We also have a teacher wish list display (garland above the coffee station) in the front lobby in which teachers will be posting items from their wish lists. Simply take a tag, order the item, and when it arrives, bring the item with the tag to the teacher. Orders over $25 also earn Rock Prairie Montessori School 10-15% credit toward classroom materials!

The paper orders are due Tuesday, October 15 (no exceptions), and can be submitted to the school office. SHIPPING IS FREE UNTIL THIS DATE. Please include a check, made out to RPMS, with your order. (Order online via https://www.forsmallhands.com/scp/117755 before the end of October and you can be part of the free shipping as well and get the order before the holidays!) Orders will be delivered before Winter Break, if you would like to purchase gifts for the holidays.

First Scholastic Book Order

Due September 25

Flyers can be viewed online, where payment can also be made. Not only is there a wide variety of books and other items for sale on the Scholastic site, but orders get our school points to buy books for our classrooms! To check out the selection of books and place an order, please use the information below:

Connect to Our School Page “Ms. Badger’s Class” : https://orders.scholastic.com/PZR8T

Order Due Date: 9/25/24 

Class Code: PZR8T

Book orders will be sent home with students when they come in. Thank you to Elisabeth and Shane Becker for organizing our book orders! Happy Reading!

Hispanic Heritage Month

This week begins National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), a tradition over 40 years old, in which the history, culture and influence of past generations who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America are honored.  Our school embraces the Spanish language and culture through lessons with our very own Ms. Ellen Diaz, beginning as young as 3 years old in our Children’s House classes!  We encourage families to learn more about the celebration through sites such as https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/. 

Before School Drop-Off Line Reminders

In order to keep our drop-off line going smoothly before school and to prevent accidents, please remember to use this lane ONLY for dropping off your students.  If you are getting out of your car to walk your child(ren) to their door, please use the parking spaces in the lot.

Family Volunteer Hours

RPMS families are asked to contribute 10 volunteer hours before the end of the school year. Virtual and in-person parent meetings, parent education events, and conferences are included in these hours; double attendance means double the hours! Always refer to the Weekly Update for volunteer opportunities; though some opportunities will be emailed out separately. Families are asked to log their volunteer hours online at: https://bit.ly/RPMShours.  Any unfulfilled hours will be invoiced at $10/hour in June.

Culvers Scoopie Night 

Culvers also asks that all volunteers dress appropriately (no sandals, short shorts or skirts); those with hair longer than shoulder length will be asked to tie it back because they will be delivering food to Culvers guests; and please put away all phones, food, and drink while you are volunteering.

We have three Scoopie Night fundraisers for the year, with our first taking place on Tuesday, October 1 from 4 to 8 pm. This is a great opportunity to hang out with other RPMS families and staff while enjoying some delicious food and treats!

We are looking for adult servers for one-hour shifts. Children may come but must be closely supervised.

To Volunteer For Tuesday, October 1 event: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA8AE2BA2F94-culvers3

Would you like to sign up for a Culvers Scoopie night, but can’t make it to the October 1 event? The next two are also posted and ready for volunteers to sign up:

For Wednesday, December 4 event:  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA8AE2BA2F94-culvers4

For Tuesday, March 4 event:  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA8AE2BA2F94-culvers5

Besides RaiseRight (formerly Scrip),

we collect the following items to turn in for funds.

Please place in labeled boxes in lobby, drop off in office

or give to office staff at morning drop-off.