Parent Handbook

Welcome to Aidan Montessori School. This Parent Handbook will provide you with information about our school so that you and your child can have a successful year. Please read, and bookmark, the Parent Handbook.

We look forward to a year filled with exciting educational opportunities and growth for your child. A Montessori education fosters curiosity and leads to a lifetime of learning. It is the foundation for all of one’s future works. We are pleased you have joined our Aidan community and hope you are excited to be a Montessori parent!

—Kevin Clark

The mission of Aidan Montessori School is to create and sustain an optimum Montessori educational environment to enable all children to realize their richest potential for learning and to become independent, self-motivated and contributing members of the world community.

This mission is best accomplished by:

• Providing a curriculum adhering to rigorous Montessori standards, informed by current thinking and research on child development and learning;
• Fostering a love of learning;
• Embracing a diverse student body in which students experience and learn to respect ethnic, cultural, economic and other differences and to seek and identify common ground;
• Recognizing that personal growth involves responsibility toward others and toward the earth; and
• Facilitating the involvement of parents, teachers, students and the larger community.

Aidan begins with a deep respect for children as unique individuals. We are concerned about the development of the whole child—social and emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual. An underlying purpose of an Aidan Montessori School education is to aid the child in independence and self-formation by creating an environment that can unlock the inherent potentials and intelligences within each child. We:

• Embrace the Montessori pedagogy, which is based on universal principles of child development, as sound theory and practice for teaching and learning;
• Look to current accepted research to inform our evolving understanding of human development. Recognize the many differences in learning rates and styles;
• Believe in individualizing each child’s school experience for the fullest development of their potential. Embrace the concept of a multi-age, three-year age span classroom community as optimum for academic, social, and emotional learning;
• Believe that the dynamic classroom requires a sufficient gathering of children to operate effectively; and
• Value cooperation over competition and believe that each child’s work and behavior should be evaluated on their inherent capacity rather than by comparison.

“The needs of mankind are universal. Our means of meeting them create the richness and diversity of the planet. The Montessori child should come to relish the texture of that diversity.” — Maria Montessori

At Aidan Montessori School, we embrace and celebrate the diversity of our world. Our differences—including those of culture, race, ethnicity, religion, age, family structure, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomics, learning style, and world view, among others—form and inform a rich environment that is a crucial part of educating our children on their path to maturity and global citizenship. Our interactions across our entire community are characterized by guiding principles of respect, equity, justice, inclusion, humanity, peace, and personal responsibility.

We oppose discrimination and consciously recognize the value of diversity throughout our hiring practices, admission and financial aid processes, classroom composition, professional development, community, and classroom activities.

Aidan admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Aidan does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletic programs, and other school-administered programs.

When you enroll your child at Aidan Montessori School, you automatically become a member of the Parent Association (PA). 

You can find an up-to-date account of the Parent Association’s leadership on our website.

The Parent Association mobilizes and coordinates parent volunteers and resources for the support of the school. 

The PA holds regular meetings open to all parents, at which upcoming school activities are discussed and planned. The PA works closely with school administrators, faculty, and staff and serves as a liaison between the parent body and the school staff.

The PA will have a presence at many events throughout the school year. Every parent is needed to help Aidan thrive. Please participate!

Aidan’s Director of Communications and Advancement serves as liaison between the PA and the administrative staff and also provides support for the PA Officers, assisting them with logistics and publicity.

Attend a PA meeting and/or respond to a call for volunteers sent out in School Communications. Be sure to visit the Parent Association page on Aidan’s website to find out how you can get involved and please contact one of the PA Officers if you have an idea or a suggestion.

We want to include as many parents as possible in volunteer activities. For this reason, we try to avoid having a volunteer serve in the same position for more than two consecutive years (for Room Parents, that means serving no more than two consecutive years in the same classroom). For Committee Chairs, the ideal arrangement is for one Co-Chair to be a veteran of the prior year, while the other Co-Chair is new. This allows the transfer of institutional knowledge while opening up opportunities for leadership. Room Parent and Committee Chair assignments are subject to approval by the Head of School.

All parents, especially when volunteering, are expected to abide by the Aidan Code of Conduct outlined in this Parent Handbook. The Aidan community depends heavily on parent participation, and the atmosphere of trust and respect here at Aidan is maintained by the professional and courteous behavior of our volunteers.

Please see our website for more information about the Parent Association—and thank you for participating!

• Book Fair
• Community Service
• Fall Festival
• Parent Association Meetings & Coffees
• Play Date in the Park
• Popsicles in the Park
• Room Parents
• Spring Fling

Each individual classroom is a distinctive community within the greater community of the whole School with a very specific culture based on developmental stages (Planes of Development) as defined by Dr. Maria Montessori. These groups of children manifest social and emotional health by subscribing to precise responsibilities, limits and freedoms, and respect as is required for success. Over the continuum of enrollment, each child grows at their own pace, reaching milestones approximate to chronological age. Montessori Guides, also known as teachers, watch carefully for evidence that would indicate readiness for the next lesson, the more in-depth study or practice with a material, being keenly aware of the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional benchmarks that indicate a transition is imminent.  

Our Primary children benefit from engagement with the foreign language teachers and the librarian. In addition to those, the Elementary students have additional specials: physical education, art, and music teachers and have access to the resources provided by our in-house educational specialists and the school counselor.

Parents make a commitment to complete the multi-year cycle for the Primary and Elementary levels since their child will benefit significantly from the integration and solidification of concepts which they perfect over the last year of each level.

In keeping with our AMI accreditation, each Toddler community at Aidan has a capacity for 12 children with one AMI-trained Montessori guide and two assistants. Primary classes have approximately 20-26 students in each while Lower and Upper Elementary each have approximately 20-25 students. Each class has one AMI-trained Montessori guide (teacher) and one assistant. The School pays particular attention to ensuring a three-year age range (see below), balancing each class with a mix of genders and ages. 

Our Montessori classes are ungraded and are divided along developmental stages:

First Plane    0 – 6 years

Toddler  18 months to 36 months

Primary  2 ½ years to 6 ½ years

Second Plane    6 – 12 years

Lower Elementary  6 years to 9 years (first year through third year)

Upper Elementary  9 years to 12 years (fourth year through sixth year)

Transition to a new division of the school requires that a child indicate readiness for a new placement in the school, as well as meet an age requirement as follows:

Toddler to Primary 

May move to Primary if in a range of 6 months before or 3 months after the child’s third birthday and the child is observed by the Toddler Teacher to be developmentally ready.

Primary to Lower Elementary 

May move from Full-Day Primary to Lower Elementary if the child is six years old by September 30 or turning six within the next 3 months and has been observed to be developmentally ready by the Primary Teacher.

Lower Elementary to Upper Elementary 

The child must be nine years old by September 30 or turning nine within the next 3 months to move to Upper Elementary.

Transition Process

When a child demonstrates readiness, and has met the chronological criteria, their teacher and parents discuss ways that the family can support a transition to the next level. For Toddlers this change happens upon return from Winter Break. These transitions almost always have financial implications, and the Business Office can explain these to you.

Parents should be aware that placement and transition to a new division of the school at Aidan might not precisely replicate a graded program in conventional education. Placement in most public schools and the great majority of private and independent schools is determined by a September 30 birth date cutoff. For example, a first-grade student must be six years old by September 30 or they must attend kindergarten.

While our students often accelerate academically through our curriculum, the school  is able to explain to parents how placement at Aidan compares to placement at neighboring schools.

This point is important to understand either upon graduation or if parents apply to a non-Montessori school for their child. The Head of School and Director of Enrollment Management welcome discussion with parents regarding transition within the school and placement to another school.

Aidan is fortunate to have an entire faculty of outstanding and highly accomplished educators. Your child’s teacher understands the learning style and personality of each student. When it comes time for a student to join another class, teacher assignments are thought out very carefully. Over a series of meetings, the teachers and the administrative team thoughtfully determine placements.

It is important that parents trust the judgment inherent in this process. Therefore, please do not request specific teachers. Placements will be made at the sole discretion of Aidan Montessori School. Enrollment Contracts entered into with the school are not contingent upon classroom placement or personnel. The school does not honor enrollment contingent upon a requested teacher.

Aidan Montessori School’s curriculum fosters the development of integrative thinkers who see and make connections within and among the disciplines instead of viewing them as “subjects” in isolation. Here, powerful learning experiences are relevant, rigorous, and coherent. Aidan’s program transforms learning by supporting and encouraging self-directed reflection, inquiry, and self-assessment. Teachers evaluate progress on a daily basis, keeping careful records of lessons presented and skills and concepts mastered. The program, Transparent Classroom, is used at all levels to track, record and report on student achievement.

In the Montessori classroom, or  environment, children are constantly assessed by way of many methods. Children’s abilities are actively observed by teachers. Teachers study the work of the children for strengths and areas to be developed. Children demonstrate their learning by teaching other children, presenting projects, and engaging in conversations. Teachers relate their assessment of the children to the parents by way of parent/teacher meetings, reports and informal communication. Progress reports do not include grades; they include rich textual descriptions of the children’s abilities in many academic areas rather than singular explicators (grades). We value these types of assessment over standardized testing.

Testing

While Montessori education, in general, eschews standardized testing, grades, and ranking, Aidan Montessori School does administer the standardized testing to Upper Elementary students in the fall and in the spring. Third year students in Lower Elementary take the tests as a practice. Tests are used to:

• Give the children experience using computer-administered, standardized tests.
• Prepare the children for other external testing (as a life skill).
• Help teachers and administration to identify curricular areas that might need support.
• Identify academic areas of focus for students.

Homework

The Montessori environment is rich with daily experiences in self-motivation and self-organization. Because students manage their own work every day, there is no need to “practice” such skills at home. For Montessori students, homework comes in the form of the student’s desire to continue working on areas of interest that began in class. Research, reading, and special projects can be done at home as a continuation of work started in class. Students also bring home practice work on math facts and spelling, and they should read every night. Also, Aidan students are expected to be contributing members of their families, which means taking on responsibility for some household chores, which families may use to supplement learning such as having children help with baking (measuring with fractions) or finding the square footage of the home. Thus, “homework” becomes replaced by “the work of the home.”

Observations provide an opportunity to become familiar with your child’s daily experiences in the Montessori environment. They are designed to deepen your understanding of your child’s development as well as to affirm the educational choice you have made for your child. 

Parents can sign up for observations by emailing the classroom teacher and the Assistant Head of School for Faculty & Curriculum. There will be no observation during the first six weeks of school to allow for the establishment of the classroom routines and children’s adaptation process. Observations will continue until the first week of May and they are at the discretion of the child’s teacher and child’s developmental readiness.

Parent Conferences are held twice yearly on a Thursday and Friday in the fall and spring. Regular classes for Primary and Elementary students are not held on these days to enable the faculty to meet with parents. Toddler students will have class on those Thursdays only. Conferences are scheduled at thirty-minute intervals and may take place in-person or virtually via Zoom. These meetings are an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss and share information about the child’s program, progress, and experience at school and home. Child care is provided during Parent-Teacher conferences.

Counseling

Aidan’s School Counselor supports the work of Primary and Elementary teachers in providing the optimum learning environment for each child. At times, a teacher and administrator may request that a Counselor work with an individual child and their parents. Parents may also directly request support from the School Counselor.

Learning Support Services Team

The Learning Support program at Aidan Montessori School is designed to provide additional support to students through one-on-one and small group differentiated learning when appropriate. The Learning Support Services Team is composed of the Learning Support Specialist and Literacy Specialist. The support program does not support students with Montessori materials or Montessori lessons, but uses an array of approaches and tools that fit the needs of the student. 

The Learning Support Specialists help students and families gain insight into other practices and strategies concerning learning difficulties. The specialists do not provide parents with a diagnosis and cannot assess learning disabilities. Standardized testing and other assessments are performed by the Learning Support Specialists to identify areas of a particular student need. Testing data is not entered into the student’s record and is only shared with the Learning Support Specialists, teachers, and parents. 

The Learning Support Specialists work with faculty and families to understand each student’s needs, to identify community resources (if available), to read and translate test results, and to suggest strategies for student success. Students may be referred to an outside organization or tutor depending on their needs.   

All Learning Support accommodations are coordinated by the Learning Support Specialist in collaboration with the teachers, parents of the student involved, and Assistant Head of School for Faculty & Curriculum.

Diagnostic Evaluation

In order to provide appropriate classroom support, the School may request and/or require that parents seek diagnostic evaluation(s) of their child through outside professional services. This may include, but is not limited to, psycho-education evaluation, motor-sensory evaluation, language assessment, hearing and/or vision testing. The school requires parents to follow through with required assessments and fully disclose the results in a timely manner. Failure to do so may prevent the school from offering reenrollment to that child for the following year.

The Learning Support Services Team is available to assist you in your search for outside services, especially through DCPS or your local jurisdiction.

The Aidan Library is for children, faculty, staff, and parents. Books and multimedia resources support the curriculum of the Montessori classroom. The Librarian sets the policies and procedures regarding the check-out and return of books. The Aidan Library gives students a first experience in research; it is meant to supplement, not replace, family use of the public library. Parents also may use the library, especially the Parent Section.

The Aidan Program for Families (APF) creates a forum to establish relationships that support and empower parents as they embrace the changes that come with a dynamic family life. As such, Aidan offers assistance to our families in establishing and sustaining an optimum loving and supportive home environment. All adults in the lives of the children—parents, grandparents, caregivers—are invited to participate in the exchange of information and ideas interweaving the principles of Montessori pedagogy with current research on child development.

These programs foster a harmonious and interdependent relationship between home and school, expanding our educational reach beyond the classroom and directly into your hands. The discussions and presentations place the responsibility to learn and become informed about Montessori theory and practice in your hands since you are your child’s first and most influential educator. Topics are chosen so as to be relevant to today’s families as they relate to the intricacies of raising children in the 21st century. Check School Notes, This Week at Aidan and the APF page on the Aidan website for details and schedules about APF events!

Opportunities This Year

• New Parent Orientation
• Elementary Parent Information Classes (EPIC)
• 30-Minute Montessori 
• Journey & Discovery
• Montessori Parent Nights

Service to others is an important part of Montessori philosophy. As a school, we aim to serve those in our immediate neighborhood of the District of Columbia as well as members of our global community. Each of the individual classroom communities nurtures an ethic of caring. Some classes, inspired by their students, undertake projects that evolve from particular natural disasters and/or special interests. 

The Community Service Committee of the PA organizes charitable efforts throughout the year. For example, Aidan has an on-going relationship with the Bright Beginnings Family Development Center serving homeless families in DC and with So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.), which provides food and other services for the extremely poor citizens of our city. Our community is also in partnership with the Office of the Clean City’s Adopt-a-Block initiative, cleaning up 27th Street. 

Parents are encouraged to involve their children in these drives and events. We also encourage families to model generosity and to talk with and to read to their children about giving to others. Information can be found on the Community Service page of the Aidan website. 

Smooth arrival and dismissal is crucial to the well-being of the Aidan community and to our relationship with the neighborhood. We need your cooperation and understanding! Please explain the Arrival/Dismissal policies and procedures to all caregivers who drop off or pick up your child.

Your signature on the enrollment contract indicates your willingness to follow all of Aidan’s policies and procedures. Refusal to comply is considered a violation of the Aidan Code of Conduct.

School Office: 8:00 AM-3:30 PM

Half-Day Toddler: 8:15 AM-11:15 AM

Full-Day Toddler: 8:15 AM-3:00 PM

Primary: 8:30 AM-3:00 PM

Lower Elementary: 8:00 AM-3:45 PM

Upper Elementary: 8:00 AM-3:45 PM

After School Program (ASP): 3:00 PM-6:00 PM (Primary) & 4:00 PM-6:00 PM (Elementary)

Arrival 

8:00 AM: Upper & Lower Elementary Arrival

8:00 AM: Upper & Lower Elementary Classes Start

8:00 AM-8:15 AM: Toddler Arrival

8:15 AM: Toddler Classes Start

8:15 AM-8:30 AM: Primary Arrival

8:30 AM: Primary Classes Start

When siblings have different arrival times, we provide “Gap Care” which allows you to drop all siblings off at the earliest arrival time at no extra charge. When the child with the earlier arrival is absent, Gap Care is not an option for the other child(ren).

For arrival after 8:30 AM, please stop by the Reception Desk so that a staff member may accompany your child to class thereby minimizing any interruptions to classes already in progress.

Dismissal

11:15 AM: Half-Day Toddler Dismissal

2:45 PM-3:00 PM: Full-Day Toddler Dismissal

2:45 PM-3:00 PM: Full-Day Primary Dismissal

3:45 PM-4:00 PM: Lower Elementary Dismissal

3:45 PM-4:00 PM: Upper Elementary Dismissal

When siblings have different Dismissal times, we provide “Gap Care” allowing you to pick up all siblings at the later dismissal time. When one sibling is absent, you must pick up the other child at the regular time—the Gap Care arrangement does not apply. When utilizing this service, be considerate of your younger child by picking up at the front end of the dismissal window so as to minimize their wait. Toddler and Primary students with an Elementary sibling are welcomed to Gap Care from 3:00 PM-3:45 PM. 

Please note that while all faculty and most staff at Aidan work on-campus at our main address, several of our administrators work at our Annex, located at 2627 Connecticut Avenue, NW. These include the CFO, Staff Accountant, Director of Communications & Events, Director of Advancement, Diversity Coordinator, and Media Designer & Publication Assistant.

• Heading south on Connecticut (toward Dupont Circle), turn right on Cathedral (not Garfield) and left on 27th Street.
• Heading north on Connecticut (from Dupont Circle towards the Zoo), turn left on Woodley Road at the arrow, pass Aidan, turn right on 29th, then right on Cathedral, then right again on 27th Street. (You cannot turn left onto Cathedral from Connecticut heading north.)
• You cannot make a turn onto 27th Street from Woodley Road, as 27th Street is one-way heading south (only one direction in the block in front of the school campus). You may not use the alley behind the school or next to the school for arrival and/or dismissal. 
• After dropping your child off, you may turn left (towards Connecticut) or right (towards Garfield) onto Woodley Road from 27th Street.

Arrival and Dismissal require that safety and courtesy be in the forefront of everyone’s minds. You may drop off and pick up children by car or on foot.

On Foot

You are welcome to walk your child to school from home or the Metro. If you plan to drive to Woodley Park and then park before walking your child in, park your car legally: not in front of hydrants, in crosswalks, in no parking zones, nor behind the school.

By Car

Join the car line on 27th Street at your specified time. See the procedure outlined below. 

Please follow the traffic flow diagrammed on the Campus Map above, obey the rules outlined below and comply with all requests made by Aidan staff or traffic officers:

• The Car Line forms at the curb lane in front of Aidan’s entrance and continues down 27th Street. You may not join the line from the alley or Garfield Street.
• Pull over as far to the right as possible and turn on your hazard lights while waiting so cars coming down the street can pass.
• Parents and guardians dropping off/picking up should assist their child in and out of the vehicle as needed. 
• To ensure swift and safe arrival and dismissal process, please refrain from chatting with other drivers and Aidan staff during these times 
• If the line gets too long, additional cars in line may be asked to circle the block. Please comply.
• Cars will be called into the curb lane by an Aidan staff member or a traffic officer. If you pull up in line before your scheduled Arrival/Dismissal time you may be asked to drive around the block. Please be understanding. Kindly share these procedures with anyone who may be picking up your child. 
• After dropping off or picking up, cars must exit onto Woodley Road.

Early Arrival For Primary & Toddler

If you arrive by car before 8:00 AM you may wait in the curb lane. If arriving on foot, you must wait with your child outside the school until 8:00 AM.

Late Arrival

At 8:30 AM, Aidan staff will leave the sidewalk and lock the front door for security purposes. If you arrive after 8:30 AM, please park your car and walk your child into school. If your child arrives after 8:30 AM, please check in with the Front Office so that a staff member can walk your child to class thereby minimizing disruptions to the class that is already in progress. Upper Elementary students arriving after 8:30 AM must report to the Receptionist and not enter through the playground. If your child is chronically late to school, you will be contacted by the school. Please be on time!

Late Pick-Up

Families whose children have not been picked up by the end of the program dismissal time will be charged a late fee. This is $10 for the first ten minutes, changing to $35 for pick-ups that are more than 10 minutes late. You will be billed for late fees, so please be sure to pick up your child on time and let your caregivers know that they must do the same.

Children, except for Toddlers, who have not been picked up by the end of their Dismissal window (oldest sibling) will join the After School Program (ASP) and you will be charged the appropriate fee. Please call the school and leave a message if you are going to be late so we can reassure your child.

Release Permission

Aidan Montessori School is authorized to release a child only to their parents or guardian, unless we receive in writing the names of other people permitted to pick up your child. If your child is going home with someone not on our list, such as a friend after school, the School Office must have permission in writing/email from you. Please send such emails to your child’s teacher and Aidan’s Office Manager (l.fincham@aidanschool.org). Last minute phone calls from a parent for emergency situations are acceptable.

Please do not make playdates at the curb or in the car line. If you have not made arrangements in advance, step away from the front of school or pull both vehicles into a legal parking space away from the curb lane and make your arrangements privately so as not to cause any inconvenience to the other drivers or our neighbors.

If you are part of a carpool, be sure to notify the driver who is scheduled to pick up your child in the event your child is ill, that they are going home with someone else, or that they are bringing home a guest.

Along with Health and Emergency Forms, you are required to sign permissions that allow your child to participate in field trips, neighborhood excursions off campus for classroom and ASP walks, going beyond the school grounds for recess, Physical Education and Discovery Programs, and Elementary “Goings Out” programs where appropriate. The permission waiver information contains details for supervision and notification. These waivers can be found on Aidan’s Parent Portal and in the Magnus Health Portal. Your child will leave campus and go beyond the school grounds only if these permissions are signed. Going off campus is relevant depending on the age of your child and you may decide not to let your child participate. Recess and Physical Education is primarily conducted at the St. Thomas Apostle Church Hall and the Marriott lawn along with other trips to local field locations. Various other Discovery programs include traveling to a sports field, the Zoo or library and other nearby locations, always accompanied by several adults. 

Car Seat & Stroller Storage

Cars seats and strollers left at Aidan for pick-up must be folded and stored at the bike rack near the bottom of the front stairs. Please label them. Aidan is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.  

The After School Programs at Aidan (ASP) are designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for Primary and Elementary students after their Montessori work period.

In the afternoon, our Director of Auxiliary Programs prepares an after-school environment so that children can be independent and enjoy choosing age-appropriate materials, games, art media, etc. Students can eat a snack, participate in activities, and enjoy each other’s company in play. Parents supply snack on a rotating basis, similar to the classroom. When the playground is available, children go to the outdoor environment for supervised play. ASP personnel are sensitive to the needs of children at all ages and stages of development in creating activities. They guide and encourage independence, positive choices, and collaborative play that fosters positive social relationships.

Discovery Program

Aidan’s after-school Discovery Program is a chance for students to explore interests beyond Aidan’s regular curriculum. For a fee, parents can enroll students from Primary to 6th year in foreign languages, art workshops, music workshops, informal sport and athletic programs, and various crafts. Discovery should not be considered “additional lessons” but rather an optional, relaxed opportunity to socialize and try something new. Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to enroll as soon as they receive the Discovery offerings in the fall, winter, and spring from the Director of Auxiliary Programs.

ASP Contract

Parents of Primary and Elementary children who need regular after school care are advised to sign an ASP contract for the year. A contract can be obtained from the Business Office. An annual contract is a considerable savings from the drop-in rate. Partial week plans (a minimum of three days required) are available and are charged on a prorated basis. 

ASP Drop-in

Aidan offers the use of the After School Programs on an as-needed basis for currently enrolled Primary and Elementary students only. Staffing requirements and regulatory restrictions limit the number of children in ASP, so reservations must be completed online via this form.

Payment is due at the time of reservation.

ASP sessions run from 3:00-6:00 PM for Primary children and 4:00-6:00 PM for Elementary children. The fee for use of part or all of each ASP session is $45 (3:00-6:00 PM) & $32.50 (4:00-6:00 PM) per child. 

Late ASP Pick-Up

If a Primary child is picked up from ASP after 3:15 PM, the family will be billed $15 for the first ten minutes and $40 should the family be more than ten minutes late. If an Elementary child is picked up from ASP after 4:15 PM, the family will be billed $15 for the first ten minutes and $30 should the family be more than ten minutes late. For each child picked up from ASP after 6:00 PM, there is an immediate charge of $40. In addition to the $40 charge, for each child picked up after 6:00 PM, parents will incur charges of $1.50/minute. Therefore, the charge for one child will be $41.50 at 6:01 PM, $43.00 at 6:02 PM, etc. Please call 202-816-0976 if you know you will be late so we can reassure your child. A phone call does not absolve you from the fee. 

Regular attendance is an important part of the Montessori experience and promotes better school performance. Attendance records are kept as part of each child’s file. Excessive absenteeism will be discussed with parents and is required to be reported to the DC Child Licensing authorities for children who are subject to compulsory education. Every effort should be made to avoid scheduling vacations when classes are in session.

Attendance Policy

Because Aidan Montessori School resides within the District of Columbia, it is subject to the regulations of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Aidan Montessori School has established the following Attendance Policy in order to be in compliance with mandated regulations:

• Teachers and the Office Manager keep track of student absences by way of the online absence form that parents fill out as well as by way of our online tracking and reporting software: Transparent Classroom.
• All absences of students must be reported to the School by the student’s parent/guardian within five days of the absence, but preferably on or before the day of the absence.

It is important that parents understand that the School is required to report to OSSE should a student:

• Be absent (unexcused) from school for 15 days (see list of excuses below).

Families should be aware that there are potential legal implications when a report has been submitted to OSSE.

At Aidan Montessori School, reasons for absences being excused include the following:

• Participation in a School-approved activity;
• Illness;
• Family emergency;
• Religious purposes;
• Absence resulting from disciplinary actions—short- or long-term suspensions;
• Extended illness or health conditions.

In the event of multiple unexcused absences, parents can expect the following measures from the school:

• 3 unexcused absences: a call from your child’s teacher.
• 6 unexcused absences: an email from your child’s teacher. 
• 10 unexcused absences: a formal warning and meeting with the Assistant Head of School, Head of School and/or School Counselor to identify an action plan. 
• 15 unexcused absences: report filed with OSSE and families are placed on probation.

Families with excessive absences, regardless of whether they are unexcused or excused, may be put on probation at the School’s sole discretion.

Tardiness

Chronic tardiness has an enormous impact on children. At the Elementary level, a lesson might be given to the whole class at the beginning of the day, and any child who arrives late may miss part of or the entire lesson. In the Toddler and Primary classes, the teacher takes time with each arriving child to welcome, connect, and assist the child in becoming engaged. A child arriving late finds the teacher already giving individual lessons and unable to free themself to make that vital connection. It is important to note that children themselves are uncomfortable when they arrive after the start of the school day. 

In the event of excessive tardiness, parents can expect the following measures from the school:

• 3 tardies: a call from your child’s teacher.
• 6 tardies: an email from your child’s teacher.
• 10 tardies: a formal warning and meeting with the Assistant Head of School, Head of School and/or School Counselor to identify an action plan. 
• 15 tardies: families are placed on probation.

Family Vacations

It is difficult for a child to miss school for an extended time for any reason. Obviously, a child must stay home when sick. However, a family vacation while school is in session should be avoided. In the third year of Primary and at the Elementary level, many Montessori lessons are given in small groups, even if a child is absent. Lessons can be long and complex, and it is not possible to present the new concept or skill with the same level of detail to a child who has missed the initial presentation. And, since Aidan does not rely on workbooks, it is not possible to send students off with a week of work. Please plan vacations to coordinate with the school calendar on our website. 

Please note that we make our own decisions about whether to close or delay school and do NOT follow the District of Columbia public school system. Any decision to amend a school day is not taken lightly and is always made with consideration for the safety of all members of the Aidan community.

Please opt into emergency text messages from the school (see the Communication section of this document for instructions), go to Aidan’s website, or call the school to listen to the outgoing message on our machine. In the event that Aidan opens on a delayed schedule, Half-Day Toddler classes will not be held but full-day toddlers should attend after the delayed opening.

COVID-19 and Aidan’s Health & Safety Handbook

The policies outlined in the sections below refer to Aidan’s standard operating procedures. In light of the current COVID-19 Pandemic, any updated health and safety policies detailed within Aidan’s Health & Safety Handbook supersede the policies and procedures included within this current Parent Handbook.  

COVID-19 Risk Acknowledgement & Consent 

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization and other governmental authorities. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread primarily by person-to-person contact; and, as a result, federal and state health agencies recommend various measures to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus. 

The School communicates, on an ongoing basis, the measures that it has taken and will continue to take to mitigate the risks of the virus. Some of these measures include policies for social distancing among students and faculty, use of personal protective equipment such as masks, cleaning and sanitizing protocols. The School has informed parents that it will continue to monitor this situation and will implement additional measures as necessary. 

Given the nature of the virus, parents understand there is an inherent risk that their child may become infected with COVID-19 due to his/her attendance at School. Parents hereby acknowledge and assume the risk of their child becoming infected with COVID-19 at School.

Parents understand that possible exposure to COVID-19 during attendance at School may result in their child becoming infected with COVID-19, becoming a symptomatic or asymptomatic carrier of the virus or infecting other persons at School or home or other settings. Parents further recognize that any person who receives a positive diagnosis or is a close contact of someone who receives a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 may encounter extended quarantine/self-isolation, additional tests, medical care, hospitalization and other potential medical complications. 

Parents understand that the School has implemented protocols that require their child to adhere to certain practices, designed to mitigate the risks of contracting the virus. These include such measures as social distancing from other persons, the use of personal protective equipment, temperature checks and cooperation with other requirements and guidelines that the School may require from time to time. The School has communicated to me the importance of these protocols. Parents acknowledge our shared family responsibility to promote and adhere to these protocols in order to reduce the risks of contracting or spreading the virus at School. Parents have discussed this with their child to the extent appropriate for the child’s age and maturity and will continue to emphasize adherence to these protocols.

The School has implemented reasonable preventative measures designed to mitigate the risks of contracting or spreading the virus at School. Parents understand all the potential risks and would like their child to attend the School. 

By sending their child back to School during the pandemic, parents understand the potential risks and consent to their child attending Aidan Montessori School. 

Routine Vaccinations

For the 2022-23 school year, DC has put emphasis on the Immunization Attendance Policy, which has been in place, but not routinely enforced. The school will continually monitor the status of each child’s vaccination compliance throughout the year. If we notice that your child has become noncompliant with any of their vaccinations, there will be a notice sent via email, with the information you need about what actions need to be taken, and help on how to take them. Once this notice is sent out, you will have 20 school days to present an updated immunization certification.

The school will do its best to confirm receipt of this notification and help you with any questions you have. If this is not attained within the timeframe listed above, your child will not be allowed to come to school until the school receives confirmation of immunization certification compliance.

A link to DC’s required immunizations for school-age children can be found here. 

Records

All records listed below must be submitted to Aidan via Magnus Health in order for your child to begin school. If we do not have this information, we will not allow your child to attend class.

1. Emergency Contact and Medical Information: This should include emergency phone numbers and emails for parents, who is allowed to pick up your child, and any allergy or other important medical conditions. A request for this information will be emailed to you in the summer.
2. Current DC Medical Forms for Child: This includes immunization records and must have your doctor’s original signature, not a stamped signature. DC also requires Aidan to have the following three forms on file for each student, including Toddlers:  DC Emergency Medical Authorization Form, Registration for Child Receiving Care Away from Home Form, and Travel and Activity Authorization Form.  These forms can be found in the Parent section of our website. Please contact the office with questions.
   
   Link to forms: https://www.aidanschool.org/families/parent-resources
3. Current DC Dental Assessment Form: This is required for all children 3 years and older. This form is available in the Parent Section of the website.
   
   Link to forms: https://www.aidanschool.org/families/parent-resources
4. Aidan’s Consent and Waiver Forms.
5. Guardianship, as appropriate. If necessary for your family situation, please make sure the school knows who has guardianship of your child. 

Absences & Illness

Parents should notify the School when their child is absent by completing the absence form found on the Parent Portal. 

Please indicate if your child has a communicable disease.

In case of an absence due to a communicable disease or an illness of more than five days’ duration, a note from your child’s physician is required before the child can be readmitted to the classroom. A child must be free of fever (over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit as per the CDC’s recommendation), vomiting, and/or diarrhea for 24 hours without the assistance of medication before they can return to school.

Please be considerate of others in your child’s class. Do not send your child to school if they have a fever (of 100.4) or are “coming down with something.” Toddler and Primary children with colored discharge from the nose should stay home until the discharge is clear in color. If your child becomes ill at school, we will call you to come and take your child home as soon as possible and they may not return the next day if sent home due to fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea. A child must be free of fever, vomit and/or diarrhea for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Additionally, any child beginning a course of antibiotics should wait 24 hours after initiation before returning to school.

If your child goes home because of illness, they may not return to school that same day for afternoon or evening activities such as the Discovery Program or ASP.

Regardless of all other factors, a child should not attend school if their health is such that it interferes with their ability to participate in the life of the classroom.

Lice

If head lice are discovered on a student, we will send that student home and notify all parents in the class that a child with lice has been in the class. We will carefully check all students in the class where lice were found, as well as the classes of that student’s siblings. Upon the student’s return to school, they will be carefully checked to be certain there are no live or hatching eggs remaining. Aidan has a “no nits policy;” a child who has nits may not return to the classroom.

Medication Policy

Sometimes it is necessary for a child to take medication during the school day.

Prescription medication must be brought to the Nurse’s Office by an adult in the original and unopened container (medications may not be sent in a lunch box or backpack). A pharmacist will fill the prescription in two containers if requested. The prescription medication must be accompanied by a Medication Authorization Form stating the current date, dosage, and time the medication should be given, dates of administering the medication, and whether the medication should be returned at the end of each day. The Medication Authorization Form must be signed by the physician and parent. Medication Authorization Forms are available online and should be submitted to the School via the Magnus Health portal or app. 

Non-prescription, “over-the-counter” medications of any kind (which include but are not limited to fever reducers, pain medications, cough syrup or drops) cannot be taken at school unless accompanied by a Medication Authorization Form signed by the child’s physician. The medication (in the original container), and the Medication Authorization Form, as described above, should be given to the School Nurse’s Office by an adult.

For any parents who would like sunscreen and/or bug spray to be used on their child while at school, please observe the following procedures: Aidan's "Permission for Topical Application" form must be completed for each child. The desired sun and insect repellent products must then be placed in a clear plastic bag along with the permission form. The bag and all products must be clearly labeled with your child’s name and should be delivered directly to the Nurse’s Office. Please make sure to try the product on your child at home first. Aidan is not responsible for any adverse reactions to the products provided by families. Children will not be allowed to share any products nor will the School provide products for the children to use. If the sunscreen and/or bug spray are a different brand than what is on the permission form, an additional form will need to be filled out. The school will only administer the products that are written on the form.

If your child has a medical condition or allergies and requires routine medications, please contact the School Nurse to arrange a specific medical treatment plan for your child.

For a student who is severely allergic and requires an Epi-pen, please provide two Epi-pens, an Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, and a Medication Authorization Form to Aidan. We strongly encourage families to provide two Epi-pens so that one Epi-pen can be stored in the child’s classroom, and the second Epi-pen in the Nurse’s Office. If only one Epi-pen is provided, it will follow the child. If the Epi-pen is administered, we will call 911, and the parent will be notified. 

When parents disclose an allergy or food sensitivity to the school, we inform the teacher and indicate the allergy on the snack guidelines. We also include this information on the Snack Reminder notices for parents.

Food Allergies

Aidan requires that families not send in food/snacks containing peanuts or peanut by-products for the safety of children who are severely allergic. These children may experience life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to peanuts or peanut by-products. Please be sure to check labels and ingredients. 

While focusing on making the School as safe as possible for children, the School cannot guarantee the total absence of peanuts or peanut products in foods that are brought to campus by every child. We strongly encourage the family of any child with known peanut allergies or any type of severe food allergy to contact us regarding allergy action plans and practices to promote food safety. Lists of allergies and food sensitivities will be distributed by class, and severe allergy lists will be distributed to the community for the safety of the children. Please respect these sensitivities when supplying snacks. 

Severe Allergy List

At the beginning of the year, the School sends a list of severe food allergies to appropriate personnel within the school. Personnel will make parents aware of which allergies are present in the room, while maintaining medical confidentiality. We want all parents to be aware of all potential severe food allergies at the school. Awareness is a HUGE part of our efforts to keep children safe, especially when selecting snacks for their classroom communities. Students in classrooms where there are no allergies are still required to not bring in foods with peanuts as an ingredient due to the potential of cross-class contamination.

Full Class Snacks

All ingredients or class snacks brought in by parents must be approved by the teachers before they can be brought on campus and given to the children. This requires parents to give their child's teacher a list of all ingredients of whatever foods they are bringing to Aidan at least 48 hours in advance for approval. When in doubt, please contact your child’s teacher.

The main entrance doors are locked all day and monitored by the Receptionist and our Security Officer. In order to enter the school, parents, volunteers and visitors must ring the doorbell and be buzzed in after being viewed on a television monitor. Visitors must check in with the Receptionist. If your child arrives after 8:30 AM, they must check in with the Receptionist, and a staff member will walk your child to class to minimize interruptions to classes already in progress. The playground gates are kept closed except during Arrival and Dismissal, when teachers and staff are accepting or releasing students. 

As stated in the Arrival/Dismissal Section, Aidan Montessori School is authorized to release a child only to their parents, unless we receive in writing the names and phone numbers of those people permitted to pick up your child. Pick up authorizations may be emailed to your child’s teacher and the School Office Manager. 

If your child is going home with a friend after school, the School must have permission from you—last minute phone calls from a parent for emergency situations are acceptable, but permission in writing via email is preferred.

The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority at Aidan Montessori School. We continually strive to ensure that all of our faculty and staff are aware of the school’s emergency preparedness procedures, which we review annually and conduct safety drills and training as deemed appropriate. 

The school monitors and evaluates any potential threats to safety and security on an ongoing basis. Our on-site security officer patrols the perimeter of the school daily. Outside of the standard arrival and dismissal times, the school entrances are secured throughout the day and cameras are used to monitor these entry points. 

Guidelines to Follow in the Event of an Emergency or Crisis

1. A notice and procedures will be posted on the school’s website (www.aidanschool.org) and emailed and sent through our Remind.com text notification system, if possible. Follow instructions carefully.
2. In some emergencies (a fire, for example) the children may be walked to a safe location where you can pick them up. Information will be posted on the website and disseminated by way of our text notification system.
3. We have several safe locations, and in the event of an emergency evacuation, families will receive a notification from the school with additional details on how to safely retrieve your child.
4. If we are required to “shelter in place” at Aidan, we have provisions and procedures, and we are completely prepared to do so.
5. In some cases, FEMA may tell you not to leave your building or location, or we may be told to allow no one to enter our building. Please know that your child’s well-being and safety are our highest priority. 
6. Your child will never be left without an adult. If you are unable to pick up your child during a crisis or emergency, they will be safely cared for until you can be reunited.
7. Keeping all records up to date in our office is critical—including cell phone numbers, email, and those individuals you allow to pick up your child. Consider carefully your list of those to whom we can release your child in a crisis/emergency.
8. Respond immediately to any requests for items or information related to our emergency plan.
9. Keep the school’s telephone number and website handy at home, at work, and in your car.
10. The school has a supply of emergency clothing, food, and water for all the children in the school and at the Saint Thomas Apostle Church, across the street. If your child has dietary restrictions or medication requirements, you should supply the school with two bags containing a 3-day supply of special foods or medications.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact the Assistant Head of School for Operations to discuss them.

Food: Lunches, Snacks and Food Allergies

At Aidan, our goal is to support the development of the whole child—social and emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual by fostering healthy minds and healthy bodies. Dr. Montessori was one of the first to recognize the link between nutrition and the brain. She believed the adults need to prepare the child for school by preparing their bodies with nutritionally rich foods. Children need a balanced meal to help them focus during the rest of their day. Nutrition plays an important role in children’s brain development and cognitive function, which is why we encourage healthy lunches and snacks while at school. For more on the impact of nutrition and development, check out "Overview on the Associations between Health Behaviors and Brain Health in Children and Adolescents with Special Reference to Diet Quality” and  “Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the First 1000 Days.”

Food plays an important role in the Montessori classroom. Every culture uses food as a means to gather, celebrate, and share. The same is true in our classrooms, and we use food as a means to introduce socialization, as well as Grace and Courtesy Lessons.  

Your child should bring a lunch from home. As appropriate, allow them to be a part of the preparation process (They love it!). When given lessons and (supervised) access to kitchen tools children can pack the majority of their lunches themselves. Assisting in the preparation of food builds independence and responsibility, refinement of motor skills, and development of an increased attention span.

Guidelines for Lunch Preparation:

• Lunches, like our snack, should be healthy and nutritious. A diet rich in protein (for brain development), calcium (for bone health), and iron (for blood health and weight management) is essential to this process. Sandwiches, cheese and crackers, cold cuts, even cold pizza are good options. Fresh vegetables and fresh fruits are great “side dishes.” Our licensing organization requires that we NOT tell the children in which order they must eat their food. We will also return the uneaten portion of lunch to you so that you know what an appropriate size lunch is for your child.
• Lunch should not include candy, chocolate, and dessert foods with high sugar content due to these foods inhibiting the child’s ability to fully engage with their work to the best of their ability. These foods are better saved for consumption at home or as an after-school snack. When possible, avoid packing foods with little or no nutritional value.
• Lunch should not include items that need to be microwaved or refrigerated.
• Aidan is a Peanut Free Environment—please read labels carefully and check with your child’s teacher for any other foods to avoid in the event of a severe allergy within the class!
• We will offer water and we encourage every student to bring their own reusable, refillable water bottle. And while we love juices, these are great drinks for home.
• As a reminder, small round and tube-shaped foods can be choking hazards. Grapes, cherry tomatoes, cherries, carrots, hot dogs, sausages, and olives must be cut in half prior to being sent in for lunch.

Snack: Toddler, Primary & ASP Students

Each Toddler and Primary family is asked to contribute food for their child’s class; usually you will be asked once in the fall and once in the spring. Toddler families are usually asked to provide food three times a year. If your child is enrolled in ASP, you will be asked to provide snack foods for the group, usually twice a year. 

You can leave your box/bag of snacks with a staff member at drop-off or bring it into the classroom. Please label the box/bag with your teacher’s name. If providing snack places undue financial hardship on your family, you are unable to participate or have any last-minute difficulties, please contact your child’s teacher directly. 

Please use the following guidelines in conjunction with the Snack Schedule provided for your child’s class. This information can be found on your child’s online class portal. You may also receive separate guidelines directly from the teacher when it is your turn.

Quantity

Enough food should be provided to feed all the children in your child’s class for the week. Each classroom size and needs vary, therefore please ask your child’s teacher for approximate amounts. Fresh fruit and vegetables (apples, melon, carrot sticks, etc.), cheese, crackers, bagels, breads, cream cheese, or other spreads are some suggestions. Please do not send cookies, muffins, cupcakes, individual snack cups, juice boxes, nuts, grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, soda, or candy of any kind. Each class has a small refrigerator with only enough storage for 2-3 days’ worth at a time. You may also be asked to send in specific baking ingredients and some fresh flowers.

Elementary Students

Elementary families are to pack an extra food item in their child’s lunch to be used as a snack each day. We ask that families be mindful of not packing snacks with sugar as a main ingredient. The best foods for snack often contain high levels of protein - which will sustain your child’s energy throughout the day. Fresh fruit, meat, cheeses, yogurts, and vegetables with dips like hummus are some of the best snack options for your child. Drinks are not necessary, as we encourage students to drink lots of water throughout the day. Please visit your class portal for specific details.

Food Allergies

Aidan School requires that families not send in food/snacks containing peanuts or peanut by-products for the safety of children who are severely allergic. These children may experience life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to peanuts or peanut by-products. Please be sure to check labels and ingredients. 

Teachers will provide additional information to families on ingredients to avoid when providing lunch/snack due to severe allergies within the classroom.

Celebration Food Guidelines

Birthdays

At Aidan Montessori School, we acknowledge the gift of the life of each person in our community. Along with classmates,  your child  partakes in  a special ceremony to honor their life. On this day the child may bring a special healthy snack to share during the course of the morning with his peers. Snacks should be wholesome, not sugary or sweet. No cupcakes, cake, muffins, or sweets. We highly encourage you to take this opportunity to shop and prepare the snack at home together with your child. 

In the interest of preserving the workflow and a schedule that follows the child, not the scheduled birthday ceremony, among other reasons, the ceremony is attended by the class only (no observers).

Celebrating Cultural Holidays

Aidan is a non-sectarian and non-denominational school and recognizes that, though many holidays cross cultural boundaries, some of our families either do not observe or do not observe in the same way as others. We acknowledge that understanding these differences and appreciating the richness within our community is paramount to our children’s education; therefore we welcome the chance to have you share your heritage.

We recognize that food plays an important role in the celebration of many cultural traditions. Families are welcome to bring a special healthy snack to share provided that meet the following guidelines:

1. Coordinate with your child’s teacher on an appropriate day/time and check in about foods to avoid due to severe allergies in the classroom.
2. Adhere to our healthy food/snack policies and guidelines (no sweets or junk food);
3. No foods containing peanuts or peanut-byproducts.

Party Invitations

Please do not send invitations to school to be distributed. In a small school, being inclusive is so important. Being left out can be devastating to a child. Here are some suggested guidelines:

While you may be inclined to invite the whole class, doing so may be impractical, and most children do better with a smaller group. A good rule of thumb is to invite the number of children which corresponds to the age of your child—3 guests for a three year old; 8, for an eight year old, in addition to family, of course. Allowing the child to choose their guests, while Montessori in principle, requires parental guidance and has the potential of hurting a child who is not invited. 

It is best if children do not discuss a party that is coming up or a party that they have been to because other children may feel excluded. Please ask your child to refrain from discussing social events during the school day.

Note: Toddlers are different. For them a small party with one or two children is preferable, and they do not share information with each other in the same way as the older children.

Clothing & Shoes Guidelines 

• Children should wear clothes they can manage themselves when going to the bathroom. Suspenders, sweaters outside of overalls, tights or small buttons are difficult for children to manage themselves. Pants with elastic at the waist are often easier than pants with snaps or belts. We are willing to assist your child, but they are very pleased when they can say, “I did it myself!”
• Please label all garments your child wears to school. This includes coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, boots,  indoor shoes, underwear, etc. 
• Extra set of clothes! For Primary, we suggest a complete set of clothing, including underwear and socks, must be kept in the child’s box. For Toddlers, we request multiple sets of clothing, depending on each child.
• No commercial prints, characters, objects, exciting or distracting decals on any clothing item or lunchboxes, as they are a distraction.
• No dress-up or special occasion outfits. 
• Shoes: Aidan strongly recommends sending children to school in athletic shoes (sneakers). Primary and Elementary children can participate in Outdoor/Physical Education only if they are wearing athletic shoes with laces or Velcro fasteners. Shoes that children can take on and off independently are highly encouraged. No light up shoes, roller skate shoes, dress-up shoes, clogs, flip flops, hiking boots, or cowboy boots. For now crocs and sandals are OK, but given that they do not provide much support, they are not preferred.
• All clothing should be weather appropriate for being comfortable when outside. We like to go outside even if it's raining or snowing! There's a wonderful Norwegian saying – “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”
• The school has a limited supply of “extra clothes.” If your child comes home wearing something unfamiliar, please wash these and return them to school promptly.

Toys

Toys are a distraction from classroom work and should not be brought to school. Also, please check pockets for unfamiliar items. These may be important parts of Montessori materials and need to be returned to school.

Lost and Found

The Lost & Found Basket is kept on the first floor of the school to the left of the lobby between the Mulberry and Dogwood rooms. Feel free to check it as it is convenient for you. 

Four (4) times a year (November, December, March, & May) Aidan will publish a picture of unclaimed items and will ask that parents come in to retrieve them. Anything not picked up by the designated closing date will be donated to a local shelter or charity. Look for the information in This Week At Aidan.

Help us reduce the number of items in our Lost & Found by ensuring that all coats, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, socks, shoes, water bottles and bags are clearly labeled in some way. Be sure to do this at the change of seasons and when new articles are purchased.

Field Trip Policies

Field trips are planned for Elementary students and a limited number is planned for the oldest Primary students. Room Parents help in the planning and coordination of trips in conjunction with the teachers to support and complement the curriculum. Aidan’s Consent and Waiver forms for leaving campus are completed by the parents as part of the emergency contact information request during the summer. Permission from the parents is required for participation in the trips. Families will be notified in advance of each trip by their respective Room Parent, Field Trip Coordinator, or teacher. 

Transportation is by foot, Metro, or parent drivers. Current laws for car seat and seatbelt safety are followed. Children must be properly seated in a child safety seat until they turn 8. Parents sending in car seats in order to enable their child to participate in a field trip is imperative. Children eight and over must wear seat belts at all times. No child will be allowed to sit in the front seat. Parents who drive on field trips are required to have a copy of their driver’s license on file with the Office.

The School may cancel a trip if there are not enough adult chaperones.

Parent chaperones must keep their cell phones on and within reach during field trips. In the event of an emergency, chaperones must heed the instructions from the Aidan staff with them. If not accompanied by a staff member, chaperones must call the school and follow their instructions. 

Chaperone Guidelines

Educational opportunities outside of School enrich our children’s learning and reinforce lessons taught in the classroom, especially Grace & Courtesy. Outings such as these enlighten the children about the world around them. They would not be able to participate without the help and guidance of our volunteers.

Chaperones should keep in mind that field trips and Elementary Going Outs are extensions of the Montessori classroom experience and that the children are expected to engage in them. Although the trip may provide opportunities for you to bond with your child, please make certain that you help ensure that all the children in your care get the maximum opportunity for self-directed activity and independence on the trip. 

Being independent on a field trip includes, but is not limited to, allowing the children to manage their own self-care, solve problems on their own within their skill set, and learn concepts through their own discovery process. Please ask more questions than give answers, help less and not more, and raise the bar for polite behavior.  

Field trips and Going Outs should NOT be viewed as a chance to chat with other parents. You are there to closely supervise the children assigned to you AT ALL TIMES from the moment of departure from the School until they are returned to their classrooms. Especially if they are off having free play, you must be nearby and vigilant. 

If the class outing is designed such that each child is accompanied by their own parent, please note that you are totally responsible for your child’s safety, well-being, and behavior. Always direct your attention to what your child is doing. 

Chaperones may NOT use or check cell phones while supervising the children, though phones should be on and within reach. If you have a personal emergency, please notify the teacher so you can step away to manage the call. Please do not take pictures of the children unless directed to do so by the teacher. 

Chaperones will be assigned a group of students at the discretion of the teacher and should stay close to the teacher/staff member unless they are told otherwise. If children are demonstrating behavioral issues, please notify the teacher immediately.

Be in charge: you are not along to be the children’s buddy. You are the adult in charge. Enforce the rules consistently, right from the beginning. 

Be a role model: model good behavior by listening to and following the teacher’s directions. 

You have been invited to a part of a School experience and therefore must abide by the “Code of Conduct” as written in this Parent Handbook.

All children enrolled at Aidan Montessori School shall go outdoors for recess, walks, PE class, and ASP unless the air temperature and/or the wind-chill factor is below 25° as reported by the National Weather Service for Washington, DC, at the time of said outdoor activity. Plans will be made for age-appropriate indoor movement and play.

Decisions around exposing children to extreme heat and diminished air quality may be made at the discretion of School leadership in conjunction with recommendations from the local and federal governments.

Teachers and staff at Aidan are not permitted to accept cash “tips” or gifts, except for small, personal tokens of appreciation. Even these tokens are unnecessary. At no time should a group of parents take up a collection to use to purchase a large gift for any staff member. This type of action can put undue pressure on our families and is not a reflection  of our gift-giving policy. If you feel the desire to give a small gift, something made by your child is a particularly charming way to say thank you.

Families with a child enrolled at Aidan become part of our Aidan Community. This community thrives because we all agree to treat each other with grace, courtesy, and respect. Your signature on the Aidan Contract indicates your willingness to abide by the following guidelines:

Privacy

Please help us maintain the mutual trust and respect we all need to keep our community healthy by safeguarding the privacy of children, parents, and staff. Passing on confidential, damaging or harmful information is not acceptable.

Conflicts

Conflicts between parents or parents and staff should be addressed in a calm and private manner, preferably in person and with a respectful note. Phone calls and emails should not be used to express anger, frustration or criticism. Meetings are to be held by appointment or at a mutually convenient time.

Etiquette

Aidan teachers, staff and parents are all expected to strive for high standards of etiquette and behavior. Commitments should be honored, criticism should be constructive and genial, and “thank you” should be frequent. Parking and traffic laws must be followed, and Aidan’s neighbors should be treated with the utmost respect. Using proper etiquette is good for our community and for our children–we should model the very best behavior for them.

Communication 

When a parent has a question, concern or grievance, they should make every effort to bring their issue to the appropriate person, as outlined below:

Whom to Contact:

For Program, Student and Classroom issues:

First: Child’s teacher

Second: Assistant Head of School for Faculty & Curriculum

Third: Head of School

For General School Operations and Policy issues: 

Assistant Head of School for Operations

For questions about the Montessori pedagogy: 

Assistant Head of School for Faculty & Curriculum

For questions about finances and billing: 

Chief Financial Officer

For questions about health and health policies: 

School Nurse

For questions about admissions: 

Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management

For questions about diversity, equity, inclusion, and access:

Diversity Coordinator

The use of broadcast emails and/or social media to contact fellow parents about sensitive issues involving Aidan policy, teachers, staff or students is inappropriate and may be grounds for probation or dismissal.

Note: Aidan’s Board of Trustees is NOT charged with the oversight of day-to-day school management. When faced with questions about such issues, Board members will pass those concerns on to the Head of School, as is “best practice” for Trustees in independent schools.

Some behavior is grounds for immediate dismissal from the Aidan community, including:

Sexual Abuse/Assault 

Sexual abuse/assault is illegal and will not be tolerated. Allegations of abuse or assault will be thoroughly investigated and offenders will be dealt with appropriately. This applies to all employees, parents, students, volunteers, and subcontractors.

Discrimination

Discrimination or harassment of any person in the Aidan community on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business is counter to our values and our misson, and will not be tolerated. Allegations of discrimination will be thoroughly investigated and violators of Aidan’s Non-Discrimination Policy, found in the Parent Handbook, will be dealt with appropriately. This applies to all employees, parents, volunteers, and subcontractors.

Consequences

Parents who stray from the above guidelines are subject to possible probation after a review by the Assistant Heads of School, Diversity Coordinator, and the Head of School. Parents on probation will be barred from participating in school volunteer activities for a specified period of time. Parents who are put on probation during a school year may be asked to withdraw their child from Aidan beginning the following year. However, the School is not required to allow for probationary periods before terminating an enrollment contract. Parental behavior determined by the School, at its sole discretion, to be egregious may result in immediate termination of the enrollment contract(s), or non-renewal of enrollment(s) at the sole discretion of the School. Termination of an enrollment contract does not dissolve the family’s financial responsibility to the School.

Our community expects students to:

• Respect themselves.
• Respect others.
• Respect the environment, the property of the school, and the property of others.

At Aidan we teach grace and courtesy beginning at the earliest ages. This process is continuous, and children demonstrate respect in different ways depending on their age and social development. 

Occasional aggression is normal throughout early and middle childhood (the span of ages of Aidan’s student population). Some children have a more difficult time self-regulating. In these situations, the School and parents should avoid labeling children. It is the job of the teacher and the Aidan community to support the child as they learn self-control.

The Zero Tolerance Policy stated in the Code of Conduct for Parents also applies to students as developmentally appropriate, which ensures that the action taken is appropriate to the age and stage of the child.

There are times when a student may exhibit repeated behavior that is troubling or harmful to themselves, other students, the school’s physical environment, or other members of the Aidan community. The school retains the right to remove students from the school at the sole discretion of the Head of School (see enrollment contract). Below is a list of actions that the school might use to address students’ behaviors. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it necessarily sequential; any of these steps may be taken at any time:

• Immediate verbal correction and/or redirection of behavior in a developmentally appropriate manner.
• Call or email to parents.
• Student visit to administrator.
• Conferences with parents between teacher(s), parents and administrator.
• Individual Behavior Plan developed with the School.
• Requirement of seeking counseling, specific diagnostic testing, or full evaluation at the parents’ expense.
• Timeline for assessing the success of the Individual Behavior Plan.
• Student Behavioral Contract.
• Probation: A student’s continued enrollment will be contingent upon their adherence to the Individual Behavior Plan and the Aidan Code of Conduct for Students.
• Suspension: A student will be temporarily removed from the classroom either within the school building or at home. 
• Expulsion: A student will leave the Aidan community permanently.

Allowing the process to take place in private without interference by other parties is vital. In the case of termination of the enrollment of a student, the financial obligation of the family is not dissolved. 

Bullying Policy

Parents who are concerned about the impact of another student’s behavior on their child should follow the procedure outlined under “Communication” above, and speak first to the teacher. Parents may report any concerns around bullying using the “Bullying Report Form,” which is located on Aidan’s Parent Portal and should be submitted to the School Counselor. The School (teachers, administrators, staff) will address the concerns brought forward, but in most cases will not share the personal situation of the child with other parties including the parent expressing the concern.

Aidan volunteers are vital to the fulfillment of our Mission. Each year, Aidan is fortunate to receive many gifts of time, talent, and treasure, which are essential to our success. Volunteers help to make special activities happen—field trips and Going Outs need chaperones, Open Houses need guides and the Auction needs a chair. When you agree to perform a service for the school, the entire community is counting on you to fulfill your promise. If you cannot, please contact a member of the PA Leadership or the event coordinator and arrange for a replacement right away.

Being present at the school and on field trips requires confidentiality regarding what is observed or heard. Any concerns you may have should be made known to the teacher who will indicate if you need to speak to an administrator.

Respect for the Child

Volunteers at Aidan must demonstrate a positive, optimistic attitude about children, a cooperative spirit, a nurturing of independence, a recognition of unique individuality, and also trust in the child’s work, providing the right activity, and listening to and observing in order to follow the child. One should avoid pride and anger, touching the child unless invited, speaking ill of the child, sarcasm, teasing, overreacting to misbehavior, and implied reward and punishment. Phrasing of instructions should be direct and to the point. When communicating with the child, speak to the child at their eye level.

Confidentiality

This includes all personal information about children and families, organizational problems, and individual staff matters. All records, files, conversations, and conferences are held for the benefit of the child and are strictly confidential. Being present in the classroom requires confidentiality regarding what is observed or heard. Problems or concerns should be addressed to the teacher present.

Good Staff Relations

Working cooperatively and non-judgmentally with our staff in a trusting manner is essential. Direct communication with teachers and staff is important. Negative comments, gossip, and other harmful behaviors are violations of the School’s Code.

Professional Conduct

This includes keeping private matters outside of the school, maintaining agreements at all levels regarding performance of duties, and meeting the needs of individual children and staff.

Parents & Independent Schools

To be successful, every independent school needs and expects the cooperation of parents, who must understand and embrace the school’s mission, share the school’s core values, and fully support the school’s curriculum, faculty, and staff. When joined by a common set of beliefs and purposes, the independent school and its parents form a powerful team with far-reaching positive effects on children and the entire community.

Working together, parents and school professionals exert a strong influence on children to become better educated; they also help them to mature by modeling adult working relationships based upon civility, honesty, and respect.

In practice, the greater impediment to effective teamwork between independent schools and parents grows out of misunderstandings about school decision-making processes: Who makes decisions in independent schools? How are those decisions made? Independent schools must communicate their procedures to parents, who, in turn, share the important responsibility to become informed members of the school community.

Parents & The Board of Trustees

In most independent schools, decision-making authority at the highest level resides in a volunteer Board of Trustees whose membership often includes current parents. The Board of Trustees does not intervene in the daily affairs of the school, such as curriculum development and hiring, evaluating or firing of faculty and staff. Instead, the Board focuses on three areas critical to the success of any independent school: it selects, evaluates, and supports the Head of School, to whom the Board delegates authority to manage the school; the Board develops broad institutional policies that guide the Head in running the school; and it is accountable for the financial well-being of the school. In the conduct of official business, the Board acts only as a whole; individual Trustees, including the Board Chair, have no authority to act unless specifically authorized to do so by the Board acting as a whole:

• AIMS encourages parents who are interested in high-level decision making to stay informed about the work of the Board of Trustees by reading school publications, talking to the Head of School, and attending appropriate meetings.
• Parents with concerns about the school or with decisions made by the administration or faculty are encouraged to inquire about and follow the school’s review process, but they should not expect the Board of Trustees to act as an appeals board. In a day school, trustees often interact with others within the school community and hear concerns about the daily operation of the school. As a matter of good practice, the trustee reports those concerns to the Head of School.

Parents & The Faculty & Administration

Parents play an essential and positive role in the life of an independent school. Not only are parents advocates for their children, they also support the faculty and administration through extensive volunteer activities and events.

The relationship between parents and the faculty and administration is formally governed by the school’s written enrollment contract and handbook, in which the school’s procedures are laid out. When parents choose to enroll their child in an independent school, they agree to subscribe to the school’s mission, follow the school’s rules, and abide by the school’s decisions. However, most teachers and administrators would agree that trust and mutual respect are the most essential underpinnings of effective working relationships with parents.

• AIMS encourages parents to work productively with teachers and administrators by staying informed about their child and important events in the life of the school. Thoughtful questions and suggestions should be welcomed by the school. Incumbent upon the school, is providing parents with timely and pertinent information.
• Parents best support a school climate of trust and respect by communicating concerns openly and constructively to the teacher or administrator closest to the problem. Efforts by parents to lobby other parents will be viewed by the school as counterproductive.
• While parents may not agree with every decision by the school, in most cases the parent and school will find enough common ground to continue a mutually respectful relationship. In the extreme case, however, an impasse may be so severe that the parent cannot remain a constructive member of the community. In such cases, both the parent and the school should consider whether another school would be a better match for the family.

The Parent Association & The School

The Parent Association in an independent school provides a vital and much-appreciated service to school leadership and the entire school community. Because the Parent Association is so important, and its volunteer activities are potentially so wide-ranging, AIMS recommends the following steps to structure and clarify the Association’s role:

• The Board of Trustees, in consultation with the administration, should develop a set of written by-laws for the Association that make clear its procedures and role as a service organization.
• The by-laws should clearly state the Association’s mission to support the decisions and policies of the Board and administration. The Parent Association neither participates in policy-making by the school, nor functions as a lobbying group.
• The finances of the Parent Association should be supervised and regularly monitored by the school and should be part of the school’s annual audit process.
• The Head of School should be closely involved in the Association nominating process. Cooperation and teamwork between the Head of School and the officers of the Parent Association are crucial to the health of the school community.
• Advertising activities and events is an appropriate function of the Parent Association. The PA, however, is not a public relations arm of the school and should play no role in the school’s efforts to communicate about itself.

Regular Communications

Our policy is to communicate with families via email whenever necessary, but as sparingly as possible. The following is a list of emails that families can expect from Aidan:

• This Week at Aidan: Sent every Sunday with a schedule for the upcoming week
• School Notes: Our monthly newsletter that is sent on the first Wednesday of every month. Please make certain that you read this email carefully as it is used to communicate important information without overwhelming you with separate emails for each item of note at school. This newsletter will include such content as notes on events, photos from around Aidan, and articles on events and parent support from our faculty.

You can expect to receive personalized emails from the teacher about your child’s progress both during the first and second semesters. In addition to communication about events affecting your child, you can expect to receive periodic classroom updates with photos throughout the year. Parent-Teacher Conferences in October and March, and Progress reports in January for Elementary students and June for all levels, are also useful tools for discussion between you and your child’s teacher about your child’s progress.

We will also send home important medical/health notices and emails about certain events. Having correct email addresses for each family is very important. Please make every effort to read all Aidan emails for important information. Items that cannot go home via email are mailed or occasionally placed in children’s backpacks; you will be notified in advance if this is the case.

Email Deadlines

In order to be sure that we do not send out conflicting information, and that our activities reflect Aidan cohesively and correctly, submissions for the School Notes newsletter must be approved (and edited, if necessary) by the Director of Communications and other stakeholders within the school as appropriate. As such, please consult with the Director of Communications about any content you would like to submit to School Notes at least one week before it is scheduled to go out. It is typically scheduled to go out on the first Wednesday of the month so submissions should come in about a week before that.

Aidan Montessori School has developed a comprehensive Crisis Plan to safeguard Aidan students and employees in the event of a range of crisis contingencies. If circumstances permit, parents will be notified in the event of an emergency or unanticipated event via text messaging from SMS provider Remind.com. Parents should opt-in to receive text messages sent from Aidan if they do not receive a test text early in the year.

To do so, please to https://www.remind.com/join/fa940 and follow the prompts, or to subscribe manually, text @fa940 to the number 81010. You will be asked to enter your first and last name to complete your subscription. Standard text messaging rates apply. 

Parents are encouraged to visit Aidan’s website, www.aidanschool.org, for general information, calendar details, emergency updates, and more. The School also hosts more sensitive information for families in Aidan’s Parent Portal. Families should receive login information for the portal by email shortly after enrolling at the school. For any problems accessing the portal, please email the Director of Communications for assistance.

Aidan is fortunate to have a community that is rich in events and talented volunteers, and it benefits tremendously from having such energy and creativity in our corner. All communications created on behalf of the School by any member of the community must be checked by the Director of Communications before being distributed to the Aidan community. This helps us to ensure that family privacy preferences are being respected and that the School is being represented consistently and accurately.

Communication with Faculty/Staff

Teachers and staff will be in touch with you via phone or email when needed. In addition to the twice-yearly Parent-Teacher Conferences, feel free to discuss your child’s school progress, behavior or overall well-being with the child’s teacher when you feel it is necessary or appropriate. Please call (202-387-2700) or email them on their Aidan school email address (first initial.last name@aidanschool.org). Your child’s teacher will return your call or email within 48 working hours. Please do not use Arrival or Dismissal for these conversations, as the teacher has other responsibilities at this time that will prevent them from giving you their full attention. 

Please be respectful of faculty and staff during nights, weekends, and holidays—allow them the appropriate amount of time upon returning to work to respond to emails and phone calls. Every Lead Teacher has a Communications Plan on their portal page, which explains how to best communicate with them. 

Please contact members of the administrative staff using their school phone number or email address. (See the section on Code of Conduct for communication of concerns or grievances.)

Communication with Fellow Parents

Room parents set up group email lists at the beginning of the year and communicate with parents in their class regarding school and class activities.

Communication with the Board

Aidan’s Board of Trustees works on strategic, long-term issues facing the school. The Board welcomes comments and insight regarding site acquisition, current facilities, neighbor relations, institutional finances, trustee development, school diversity and financial aid. The Board does not work on day-to-day matters such as hiring/firing of employees or the educational programs. Parents may contact individual members of the Board using the school directory or by sending a letter to the President addressing the entire Board. Concerns or questions raised by parents to the Board related to school operations or school programs will be passed on to the Head of School as it is a  best practice for independent school trustees.

Aidan Montessori School is officially represented on various social networks. These sites are managed by the Director of Communications. Links are available on the homepage of the Aidan website.

Pictures and videos of our students may be featured on our website and social media platforms throughout the year. If you do not wish for your child to be featured in photographs or video, please contact the Head of School in writing by August 1 as instructed by Aidan's Enrollment Agreement. 

Each teacher, in conjunction with the Director of Communications and the Assistant Heads of School, maintains a class group on the Aidan Portal. Each page has complete information for contacting your child’s teacher, including the best method and times to reach them. Snack schedules, class events and trip information, and class updates are also posted here. Photos and videos can be viewed and enjoyed on this page.

To view your child’s Class Page on the website, please visit the parent portal and login with your email address and password. If you have difficulty logging into the portal, please contact aidan@aidanschool.org for additional support.

Siblings of re-enrolled students who have not applied out are given priority in the admissions process if the application is submitted on or before the December deadline. If a student has applied out, their sibling is not accorded preference. If the original re-enrolled sibling does not ultimately re-enter in September, then the sibling for whom preferential admission was granted may not be offered re-enrollment the following year.

As a member of the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, we maintain common deadlines with other area independent schools. Contact your schools of interest for specific application information. For assistance from Aidan for applying out, please visit https://www.aidanschool.org/parents/parent-forms-and-information/app-out-process on the Aidan Website/Parent Portal.

As detailed in the Aidan’s enrollment contract if a family is not in good financial standing, the School may “withhold transcripts and other records, withhold references, deny placement the following year, deny Student's participation in graduation ceremonies, and deny permission for the student to participate in other activities unless the Student's account has been paid in full.”  

Fall 

• Open Houses/School Tours

December 

• Deadline to submit teacher recommendation forms to Aidan. Applying out form may be found under the Parent Forms and Information section on Aidan’s Parent Portal.
• It is important that Aidan receive all recommendation forms prior to Winter Break to allow faculty the opportunity to use the break to complete the forms thoroughly.
• Aidan cannot guarantee that schools will receive our recommendations in a timely fashion if we do not receive the forms by the deadline before Winter Break.
• Late requests for recommendation forms will be processed with a 2-3 week window upon receipt.

March 

• Notifications sent.

• Graduating students are closely supported by the Head of School and the Director of Enrollment Management throughout the out-applying process.
• Early in the school year, an information session is run for parents of graduates.
• Parents should access https://www.aidanschool.org/parents/parent-forms-and-information/app-out-process on the school website/parent portal to start the process.
• Aidan requests that parents work through the application process closely with the administration, allowing Aidan to advocate on behalf of the students.

During the third year of Primary, parents should do the following:

October/November 

• Schedule a meeting to discuss Aidan’s Elementary program with the Director of Enrollment Management.
• Attend the “Looking Ahead to Lower Elementary” event.
• Schedule an observation in both Lower Elementary communities. 

January 

• Re-enroll for Elementary.

Tuition for any given school year is due in the month of June preceding the school year. 

In order to accommodate the myriad needs of families, Aidan has established alternative payment plans that spread the payments out over the school year. The payment plan options are listed below:

• Plan A – This is a one-time payment and is due by June 1.
• Plan B – Tuition paid in two payments: 60% of the payment is due in June, and remaining 40% due in January. There is a 2.0% fee added to the tuition for this Plan.
• Plan C – Ten monthly payments, with the first payment due in June and the remaining payments due each month thereafter through March. There is a 2.5% fee added to the tuition for this Plan.

Each family must select a payment plan in TADS. If no preference is noted, then the family will be billed under Plan A. If a family would like to change payment plans, the request must be submitted in writing to the Business Office 10 days before the first tuition payment is due. 

TADS

All families, regardless of payment plan selected and payment history, must set up a tuition billing agreement in the TADS system by April 5 of the preceding the school year. All tuition payments must be paid directly to TADS. Families may contact the TADS support team at  1-800-477-8237 or email support@tads.com.

Payment Methods 

Aidan does not accept cash or credit card payments for tuition. Plan A families may pay by check, cashier’s check, money order, or certified check. Plan A families may arrange for an automatic withdrawal from their bank account. Plan B and Plan C families must pay via automatic withdrawal from their bank account. Any families that need to make an adjustment to their automatic withdrawal should first contact the business office.

 

The enrollment agreement that parents sign is a legal agreement between parents/guardians and Aidan Montessori School. The school requires predictable tuition revenue in order to effectively provide the services contracted. Re-enrollment agreements for current parents are distributed in early January, are due with the tuition deposit at the end of January, and become binding on June 1. Enrollment Agreements offered to new families also become binding on June 1. Some important points:

• The tuition deposit is nonrefundable. 
• After the June 1 binding date, parents/guardians are responsible in full for the tuition obligation. In order to partially safeguard against unforeseen departures, Aidan uses Dewar’s Tuition Refund Plan. Families under payment plans B & C are automatically enrolled in this plan and premiums are included in those plans’ service fees. This plan is automatically included for students selecting Plans B or C. Families under payment plan A may elect coverage for an additional fee of  1.7% of tuition which must be paid in full by June 1st (or within 10 days of signing an enrollment agreement for post June enrollees). Dewar’s tuition insurance covers tuition for the Montessori program only, and does not cover fees paid for ASP or Discovery programs. More detailed information about this plan is provided with re-enrollment materials.
• Grace period. The school provides a grace period of four calendar days after the stated due date. Checks are logged in and dated as soon as they are received (whether by hand or mail).
• Late fee. A late fee of 1.0% per month will be applied to all accounts with past due balances over 30 days. In addition, TADS will charge $50.00 late fee (per late payment) for any payment not received by the due date.
• Returned Payment and Non-Sufficient Fund (NSF) check fees. Aidan will charge a $50 fee for every returned payment (electronic or check payments). A returned payment may result in late fees per the above paragraph. If a family presents a 2nd NSF check or any electronic payment is returned on a second attempt, future payments of tuition and fees may be required to be paid by money order, certified check, or cashier’s check. An additional charge of $50.00 from TADS may also be assessed in the event of a returned payment or NSF withdrawal. 
• Good financial standing. All tuition and fees from the current or prior school year must be paid in full (in accordance to the payment plan selected) to be considered in good financial standing. Good financial standing is required for a child to start a new school year or for school records to be released to other schools.
• Re-enrollment. The tuition deposit must accompany the re-enrollment agreement. An agreement will not be accepted without payment.

Many families participate in tuition reimbursement plans and therefore request payment receipts. Please submit your request in writing to the Staff Accountant specifying exactly what information should be included. The Business Office will prepare these statements once a month, so please consider this when timing your request. Billing statements and invoices are accessible from the TADS portal.

Aidan Montessori School recognizes the importance of a strong financial aid program. Each year, the Board of Trustees designates a portion of the school’s budget to assist families whose resources would not otherwise allow them to enroll their children. The Board has authorized the proceeds from our annual Auction to be used for this purpose. 

The goals of the program are twofold: (1) to attract a diverse socioeconomic student body, and (2) to provide tuition payment assistance to families within the school who require such assistance and who meet the established criteria. Priority for financial assistance goes to families already within the School.

Children are accepted to the School without regard to financial need. The School makes an effort to offer tuition payment assistance in all cases of demonstrated need as determined by the Financial Aid Committee.

Aidan uses TADS to conduct financial need assessments. TADS analyzes financial data provided by the applicant family and provides a need-based financial aid report to the School. Final review of tuition assistance requests are made by the Financial Aid Committee, and funds are awarded through the Head of School. Aidan holds all financial information regarding Aidan families, including financial aid awards, strictly in confidence; Aidan appreciates families also treating financial aid awards in confidence.

The deadline for Financial Aid forms to be submitted to TADS is mid-December for current families and late January for new incoming families. Financial Aid decisions are communicated to current families at the time re-enrollment contracts are made available in January. Admission decisions and Financial Aid notifications are sent to new families in March. Financial Aid awards do not rollover from school year to school year; applications must be submitted to TADS for each successive school year. A decision to grant or not grant Financial Aid to a family for any year does not guarantee future support or a consistent level of support  in subsequent years.

You can always find a link to our complete Tuition & Fee Schedule and Financial Disclosure, as well as an overview of the current year’s tuition under the Admissions page on our website. Please take time to review this information, which is important to all Aidan families.

Any financial arrangement between an Aidan employee and an Aidan family must be requested by the employee to the Head of School, who will approve such arrangements on a case-by-case basis. If the arrangement is approved, the employee must have the family sign a waiver and return it to the School. This employment is between the individual faculty/staff and the family. Any and all such services shall be provided outside of the school premises. Aidan Montessori School is not a party to such arrangements and, therefore, is not responsible for the actions of any of the parties. Aidan Montessori School will not be liable or responsible for any damages, injury or loss, consequential or otherwise, resulting from such employment. The faculty/staff and the employer shall hold Aidan Montessori School harmless with regard to any and all damages, injuries and liability arising therefrom or related thereto. Financial arrangements between school employees and school families that are not initially approved by the Head of School are serious breaches of employment.

After tuition, the Aidan Fund is one of Aidan’s largest sources of income. It helps to fill the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of an Aidan education. We ask that you make the Aidan Fund one of your family’s philanthropic priorities. Generous contributions help us to provide our students with the best educational experience possible by supporting classrooms, faculty and staff salaries and benefits, professional development, and maintenance of the building and grounds. 

Independent schools, like Aidan, rely on voluntary support of current parents, alumni, faculty, staff, the Board of Trustees, alumni families, grandparents, and friends of the school to support their annual fund. Our goal is always to reach 100% participation from our current families as well as our faculty and staff, and Board of Trustees, and for significant participation from our other constituent groups.

All members of the Aidan community are contacted in the fall with information about the year’s Annual Giving effort. Then, volunteers follow up to answer any questions you may have or to help you make your gift. Contributions to the Aidan Fund must be received by June 30 to include your participation in that year’s efforts.

Aidan’s Auction is held annually in March with all proceeds benefiting our Financial Aid Program. At Aidan, approximately 25% of our families receive some form of tuition assistance. We hope that your family will choose to participate in this effort–whether you donate an item, help as a volunteer, bid during the Auction, attend the Auction, raise your paddle during our Fund-A-Student appeal, or all of the above. The Auction provides a fun, social atmosphere for the Aidan community to provide philanthropic support for the school.

From time to time, independent schools like Aidan also engage in capital campaigns to raise funds for improvements to our building and programs, and to plan for our future. During these periodic campaigns, we will ask you to support these long-term efforts in addition to Annual Giving.

Additional information about how to make a gift to Aidan Montessori School can be found on our website under “Support.”

Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchase when you shop at AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) and select Aidan Montessori School as your receiving charity or by visiting this link (https://smile.amazon.com/ch/52-0746156).

The policy of Aidan Montessori School is to retain, for an appropriate time, all records that are needed for the operation of Aidan or required to be retained by law. Records will be retained or routinely disposed of in accordance with the time periods indicated in the Records Retention Schedule. 

Records relevant to litigation, or potential litigation, must be preserved until it is determined that those records are no longer needed. The Head of School will issue a Records Disposal Suspension Notice, and routine disposal of the relevant records will be suspended pending authorization by the Head of School to resume routine record disposal.

Record

Information that has been recorded on a storage medium and can be retrieved. A record may be a paper, electronic, email, photograph, blueprint, or audio or video recording.

Confidential Records

Records containing confidential student or employee data that should have limited access and be protected from inadvertent disclosure.

Confidential Data

Information protected by statutes, regulations, Aidan policies, or contractual language; e.g., medical records, student records and other non-public student data, social security numbers, personnel and/or payroll records, bank account numbers and other personal financial data, any data identified by government regulation to be treated as confidential or sealed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Department

Any organizational subdivision of Aidan.

Records Retention Coordinator

The person in charge of the Aidan Archives and the Records Management program.

Records created or obtained in electronic format must be treated the same as records in hard copy under this policy. The general rule of thumb in this area is that electronic records should be kept as long as a paper record of the same type. Email presents a unique issue. When emails are “deleted,” they often are stored in a back-up file and not disposed of immediately. Nevertheless, these messages are not retained indefinitely. Thus, employees receiving email messages that are required to be retained in accordance with this policy should retain the message in the form of a paper document or in a separate electronic folder in the employee’s email system.

Any inquiries regarding the Records Retention and Management Policy or Records Retention Schedule should be referred to the appropriate employee in charge of the department or the Records Management Coordinator who will seek advice from the Head of School as needed.

Please click this link in order to access the Records Retention Schedule.

New Student Orientation 

All students who are new to their class, even if they are coming from another Aidan class, will have the opportunity to visit with their new teacher prior to the start of school. Look for your invitation to sign up for your visit in August. 

Back-to-School Night 

This evening is for parents to learn about the classroom schedule, curriculum, and procedures from their child’s teacher. Attendance is strongly encouraged!

Class Socials 

Throughout September and October, one Aidan family in each class hosts a social event for the other parents in the class.

Fall Festival

The Fall Festival is an event run by the Parent Association and takes place at Aidan on the playground. All families are warmly invited to attend.

Admissions Open Houses 

Aidan holds several Open Houses in the fall and winter for prospective parents to visit the school. Open Houses are great opportunities to share your favorite things about Aidan with other parents.

Financial Aid Applications

The application portal for families interested in applying for financial aid for the 2023-24 school year opens in October. Learn more by visiting: https://www.aidanschool.org/admissions/financial-aid 

School Photos 

Twice a year, school pictures are taken by a contracted vendor  in the Primary and Elementary classes. In the fall, individual portraits are taken, and in the spring, class pictures are taken. These are entirely voluntary although we hope you will allow your child to be in the class photograph even if you do not order a copy.

Looking Ahead to Elementary 

Designed for parents whose children will be moving up to Lower or Upper Elementary in a year or so, the program describes the transition and continuation of the curriculum.

Book Fair 

The Book Fair is held at the Politics and Prose Bookstore. During this one-day event, the school receives a portion of the sales when Aidan is mentioned at the register. Funds are dedicated to the Library. In addition to purchasing books for gifts and home, parents may also buy books to donate to the Library and to families in need. Parent volunteers are needed to explain the wish lists, answer questions, and receive books purchased for the Library.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Held twice a year for two days in the fall and spring, Parent-Teacher Conferences are important opportunities to hear about your child’s life at school and to share information from home. Our teachers are well prepared to discuss each child on these days. We fully expect every parent to make an appointment during Parent-Teacher Conferences and use this dedicated, pre-planned time to meet with the teacher. Except for Toddlers, who are in session on the Thursday of conferences, school is closed for those days, as is the After School Program. Child care is provided during Parent-Teacher Conferences.

“Swirl” Social 

This not-to-be-missed social event for parents is a kick-off event for the Annual Auction to Fund Students and a great time for everyone who attends.

Looking Ahead to Primary

Designed for parents whose children will be moving up to Primary in a year or so, the program describes the transition and continuation of the curriculum.

Sibling Preference 

In order to qualify for sibling preference, applications must be received by the deadline indicated in the calendar. Siblings of students applying out are not accorded preference.

Financial Aid Applications for Returning Students

Families of returning students who are interested in applying for financial aid must submit their applications and materials by the deadline indicated on the calendar. Award notifications will be sent in early January. 

Re-enrollment 

Re-enrollment contracts must be completed online by the end of the month, along with the tuition deposit, in order to hold your child’s place for the next year. Please note: your child’s place will not be held without the tuition deposit. Re-enrolling families must also establish an account with TADS, our third-party billing vendor.

Journey & Discovery 

This workshop, designed for parents, grandparents, or other adults in your child’s life, is a unique opportunity for a “hands on” experience with the Montessori materials. Adults attend one evening for a journey through Toddler, Primary and Elementary classrooms to begin to get a sense of the differences between Montessori and traditional education models. Attendees return the next morning, where, under the guidance of the teachers, they work directly with preselected materials to discover Montessori from the perspective of the child. Each session ends with a lively discussion. 

Elementary Fair 

Elementary students present learning projects to fellow students, faculty, staff and parents. Lower Elementary students work on displays with explanations, and Upper Elementary students perform and present projects.

Auction 

The annual Auction to Fund Students is held each year in March. Members of the Aidan Community will have the opportunity to bid on a number of great items and experiences. We also hold our traditional Fund-A-Student paddle raise in a direct appeal for 100% tax-deductible donations to financial aid. Volunteers help solicit items, promote items for bidding, organize the Online Auction, and much more to help raise funds for Aidan’s Financial Aid program.

Elementary Musical  

After weeks of preparation, the entire Elementary student body performs a musical/dramatic production for family, friends, and the community.

Evening of the Arts 

The annual Evening of the Arts is held the night before Special Persons’ Day. Throughout the school year, selected works of each student are saved and later mounted in the halls of the school for display. Volunteers are needed for matting, hanging artwork, decorating, and staffing as directed by the Art Teacher. 

Special Persons’ Day 

This is one of Aidan’s most popular events. We invite the students’ grandparents and other special people for a morning reception and to visit our classrooms. Volunteers help to act as greeters and guides.

Spring Fling 

This end-of-year event is created by our families, for our families. Volunteers are needed! Be on the lookout for more information on our website and in School Notes.

End of the Year Class Gatherings 

Each class holds a year-end celebration, which is planned by the students, teachers, and Room Parents. These are festive occasions for students and parents to celebrate the year and to thank the teachers, assistants, and classroom volunteers.

Commencement 

This graduation ceremony for our 6th-year students is always special. The entire Aidan community is invited, and the Upper and Lower Elementary students act as marshals, ushers, and chorus. We hope all Elementary families will attend and that all non-graduating Elementary students will participate in the ceremony. A reception immediately follows Commencement.

Aidan School Store

A variety of Aidan merchandise is available throughout the year at different events and, at times, in the school lobby and in front of the school. Look for periodic announcements in School Notes.

Community Service

Throughout various points in the school year, Aidan identifies ways to give back and support our local community. Community Service initiatives are overseen by Aidan’s Parent Association and are often connected with other school events. Want to get involved? Contact the Community Service Coordinator of the Parent Association to learn more! 

Aidan began life as St. Aidan School on the campus of Dunbarton School for Girls, a Catholic college for women on what is now the Howard University Law School campus on Upton Street NW.

The school was founded in 1961 by Catholic parents who wanted a Montessori school for their children. They incorporated as the first Montessori school in Washington as a 501-c(3) not-for-profit corporation and formed the first Board of Trustees. Soon after, St. Aidan moved to Military Road where it leased space for 33 years from Temple Sinai. St. Aidan School changed names in 1985 to Aidan Montessori School to reflect the school’s secular nature.

Aidan purchased the St. Thomas Apostle Church School in 1995 and moved to the school’s present location in historic Woodley Park.

Over the years, Aidan joined with other independent schools in the greater Washington area and embraced the practices which guide independent schools nationwide. 

Aidan Montessori School is a non-profit entity incorporated in the District of Columbia and governed by a Board of Trustees. Admissions and staffing at Aidan Montessori School is open to all regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. The rules of governance are set forth in the organization’s by-laws. Copies are available from the School Office upon request. Aidan Montessori School is licensed in the District of Columbia by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

Aidan is recognized by the prestigious Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) as an accredited Montessori school. Aidan is also accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS). Aidan Montessori School and its teachers are members of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). 

Aidan is a member of the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

AMI

Association Montessori Internationale is at the heart of Aidan in that Aidan has always been guided by AMI pedagogy. All of our lead classroom teachers are AMI-trained, providing our educational program with great consistency and congruence. Dr. Maria Montessori founded AMI in 1929 in order to maintain the integrity of her life’s work. AMI sets standards on a straightforward interpretation of Dr. Montessori’s writings, teachings, and universal principles. AMI’s standards include:

• 3-hour morning work period
• Classes representing three-year age ranges: 3-6, 6-9, 9-12
• 1 teaching professional (AMI) per classroom only
• 1 non-teaching assistant per classroom
• Only two adults in the classroom at one time
• 28-35 students per class
• No specialists in the morning: PE, Music, Art, Foreign Language, etc.
• Only AMI-approved materials in the classroom
• 2 to 3 hours of uninterrupted Montessori work in the afternoon for full-day Primary students, and for Elementary students 4 days per week.
• In addition, consultations and reviews, workshops and refresher courses, and work with training centers to assist in the preparation of future Montessori teachers. 

AIMS

Association of Independent Maryland Schools. Many of our Greater Washington area independent schools are accredited by AIMS (Washington, DC does not have a DC-specific accrediting body). Aidan is a member of AIMS and received full accreditation for the first time in 2004. AIMS accreditation allows Aidan to be a serious colleague when seeking placement for our graduates in our fellow independent schools. Independent school evaluation systems are an assessment of whether a school is, in fact, doing what it says it is doing. AIMS evaluates the educational program, general operations, finance, governance, health and safety, admissions, library, parent relations, and more.

AISGW 

Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington. Aidan is a longstanding member. AISGW is a collegial organization, not an accrediting body, and AISGW serves as a cooperative hub of communication, professional development, and statistics gathering. AISGW schools agree to comply with a professional code of ethics with respect to admissions and other policies.

NAIS

National Association of Independent Schools. Aidan is a member of this national umbrella organization for independent schools throughout the country. NAIS provides many services to member schools and is a voice representing our schools in national policy initiatives.