Salem Montessori School

Communication between teachers and parents is essential. Because we are working as a community to create a secure, nurturing environment for the child’s development, we have much to offer one another through frequent and honest communication.

 Methods of communication include written notes attached to the child’s backpack, e-mail, and phone calls to the school office.  Voice mail is available for calls after hours.

 Two official parent/teacher conferences are scheduled during the year to discuss the child’s progress. Parents or teachers may request additional conferences to discuss concerns regarding a child’s development, behavior or other issues.  We are always happy to talk with you about your child.

 Access to your child’s written records is available through the school office.  All school records are kept confidential between the staff and the parents.

 Your job as a parent is to be an advocate for your child. Therefore, it is important to address any concerns you may have to the teacher. Be assured that your concerns will be honored. It is inevitable that misunderstandings, mistakes, and conflicts will occur from time to time. When this happens, let us know as soon as possible. Your suggestions and input are of great value to us.

 A weekly classroom newsletter will keep you up-to-date on what is happening in the classroom - lessons presented, songs sung, books read. Our school website, www.salem-montessori.org, is a vital tool for communication.  Important school and community events will be posted on the site, as well as weather-related school closing information.  The Parent Link feature of the website is a tool for parents and staff to communicate with the school body.  You will receive messages sent through the Parent Link at your e-mail address.  Appropriate messages include events of interest to the school body (i.e. parenting seminars, family concerts).   No solicitations will be allowed.  This is a secured site, accessible by password.

For grievances, the following procedure should be followed:

• If the grievance deals with a school policy, the parent should contact the school head.  If the grievance is not solved satisfactorily after discussion, the parent should contact the chair of the board of directors.
• If the grievance deals with the child’s experience in the classroom, the parent should contact the child’s teacher.  If the grievance is not solved satisfactorily, the parent should contact the school head.