**Please note that this handbook is a working document as of 01-17-2024 and will be updated on a regular basis as district/school policies and procedures are amended or added.

SCCPSS VISION: From school to the world: All students prepared for productive futures.

SCCPSS MISSION: To ignite a passion for learning and teaching at high levels.

WELCOME TO

CHARLES ELLIS MONTESSORI ACADEMY

Dear Families, 

Welcome to the Charles Ellis Montessori Academy family! We are delighted to present our school's family handbook, a valuable resource designed to support our community as we embark on the enriching journey of Montessori education together. 

Maria Montessori once said, "The greatest sign of success for a child is to be able to say, 'I did it myself.'" This quote encapsulates the essence of our approach at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy, where we empower each student to discover their unique potential through self-directed learning and exploration. 

Within this handbook, you will find essential information about our school's philosophy, curriculum, policies, and resources aimed at creating a nurturing and engaging environment for every student. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and insights necessary to partner effectively with us in your child's educational journey. 

We are excited to collaborate with you and your family in fostering a love for learning and cultivating a community where each student can achieve success on their own terms. 

We look forward to a successful and joyful school year. 

• Wonderment & the Joy of Childhood: Montessori Education values a sense of wonder and the innate desire to learn about the World and how it works, through joyful exploration and discovery. 
• Respect, Diversity & Harmony: Montessori Education values self-respect, respect of others and respect for our environment. This requires that we understand, celebrate and protect the diversity within our community and our environment. We resolve our conflicts through empathy and honest dialogue.
• Stewardship: Montessori Education encourages us to first be stewards of our own actions, and then to work with others as we care for our Montessori community and our World.
• Self- Reliance & Academic Empowerment: Montessori Education values self-responsibility and self-reliance for personal and academic growth. The individual is empowered to be a self-motivated, self-disciplined and independent learner. The ideas, interests and skills of each person positively contribute to our Montessori community and the World.
• PEACE: will prevail when we live by these core values.

Dr. Maria Montessori & a Brief History of the Montessori Education

Dr. Maria Montessori was born August 31^st 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy. She was a determined young woman who pursued her interests in math, science and medicine to become Italy’s first female medical doctor in 1896. It was during her tenure as a doctor in Rome that she was first drawn to the educational needs of children. Working with children in poverty and those children who had been placed in asylums, she discovered that when they were given an environment that was rich in materials, the children were able to self-educate. Responding to the request of landlords in the slums of Rome, whose properties were being vandalized by unattended children, Dr. Montessori opened the first Casa dei Bambini (The Children’s House) in January 1907. She continued her observations of how children learn naturally through engagement with a prepared environment, and she developed materials to meet their learning needs. She was a prolific writer and described her “method” meticulously. With the success of her new educational approach, Dr. Montessori was invited to speak throughout the world and consequently Montessori training centers were established to train teachers in the philosophy and pedagogy of Montessori Education. 

Maria Montessori was witness to the devastating effects of two World Wars and her vision was that education was vital to establishing lasting peace. In 1947 she addressed UNESCO on the issue of “Education & Peace” and in 1949 received one of three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.

She continued to advocate for the world’s children up until her death on May 6^th 1952. Her legacy continues to this day in Montessori schools throughout the globe

The school was first opened as part of the Savannah Chatham School System in 1928. Many visitors fondly recall the early days of this neighborhood school. Charles Ellis School established itself as a Montessori magnet in 1988 becoming the first public Montessori school in the state of Georgia. In 1992 a grant was received to pilot one of the first Pre-K programs in Georgia. In 2001, the school expanded to include the Montessori Middle School program, thereby becoming the only public school in Savannah-Chatham County to consolidate the elementary and middle school programs; a model of the current K-8 schools that exist today.  

An integral component of the Montessori environment is teacher observations.  The purpose of these observations is to assist the teacher in determining what is needed by the children at different touch points (or sensitive periods) in their development. These observations will help guide the teacher in developing a plan of lessons to maximize a child’s development.  

Montessori Education supports children in choosing meaningful and challenging work of their own interest, leading to engagement, intrinsic motivation, sustained attention, and the development of responsibility to oneself and others. This child-directed work is supported by the design and flow of the Montessori classroom, which is created to arouse each child’s curiosity and to provide the opportunity to work in calm, uncluttered spaces either individually or as part of a group; the availability and presentation of enticing, self-correcting materials in specified curricular areas; teachers who serve as guides and mentors rather than dispensers of knowledge; and uninterrupted work periods.  At Charles Ellis Montessori Academy, this philosophy is expressed through our Core Values, the Guiding Principles and Learning in the Montessori Environment expectations.

• The goal of a Montessori Education is to nurture self-motivated, self-disciplined and independent life- long learners.
• Montessori Education is a child-centered approach to teaching and learning facilitated through a developmentally appropriate environment and curriculum. 
• Learning is an active process. Children learn by doing. They learn most easily through repeated exposure, consistent modeling by others, and repeated opportunities for practice. 
• Children learn in different ways and at different rates. An effective Montessori school must remain highly flexible and be prepared to individualize and adapt education to the learner. 
• Children will learn to understand and accept the consequences of their actions. Discipline based on logical consequences will allow children to learn to predict the response their actions will cause, and alter their behavior to produce the desired result. Clear parameters for behavior are focused on kindness, honesty, cooperation, and respect for all. 
• Children will learn independence and self-knowledge by being involved in reflection, self-evaluation and setting goals.
• Children are encouraged to pursue their interests. Children are taught that they are a part of the world and the universe. They are taught that they belong to an international family and have civic responsibilities in their own country. They are a link in the biological world. The children study the cultures of others, the history of life, and care for their environment, so that they can find their place and make a positive contribution to the world.
• The home and school are extensions of each other. Parents and guardians are the first and most important teachers for the child. Montessori practices support a positive home environment

Certified lead teachers are Montessori trained through an AMS accredited program. These certifications are renewed every five years. Certified Montessori lead teachers are well versed in Montessori theory and philosophy as well as the accurate and appropriate use of Montessori materials. Teachers guide children and keep them on the path of learning.

A schedule is posted in the classroom and all materials must be prepared and accessible at the beginning of the instructional day. Charles Ellis Montessori Academy follows all state and district curriculum standards and instructional frameworks. Peer instruction coaching is acceptable as an extension of Montessori practices but must not supplant direct lessons by a certified teacher. Peer instruction can be used to reinforce previous learning, can be used as an assessment tool for identifying mastery and can be utilized as another learning perspective for a student. Peer instruction must always be guided and assessed by the certified teacher. Lessons using the Montessori materials and Montessori curriculum are aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence to guide the student in mastering skills and concepts.

At the Erdkinder level (seventh and eighth grades) a spiral curriculum is implemented to expose students to many interrelated topics, repeatedly over time. The Montessori Erdkinder program expands upon learning fostered in Elementary programs and includes core curricular courses of language arts, mathematics, sciences, and social studies that are cognitively challenging in scope. In addition, students take specialized courses including world language courses, visual and performing arts, health, and fitness, among others and participate in field studies linked to themes, academic work, and service learning. Practical Life at the Secondary level includes student use of checklists, work plans, planning calendars, and/or study guides that promote executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, and decision-making.

Recess is an essential part of each student’s school day. Monitored by staff, recess happens mostly on the playground or, when raining, in the classroom. While recess is a time for unstructured play it is also an opportunity for students to learn cultural games that are connected to current classroom studies. Recess cannot be denied to students in Grades Prek-5 as a punishment for behavioral issues. All students are expected to participate in recess activities unless restrictions are in place per a doctor’s note
 

Teachers supported by classroom assistants and other faculty, are expected to maximize instructional time and to protect the learning environment by minimizing disruptions. The 3-hour uninterrupted work period is optimal for each day. During this work period, students are free to select and work through various tasks and responsibilities at their own pace, without interruption.   Students are free to repeat lessons, and continue practice with materials to support self-learning and reach mastery. Teachers support and monitor each students’ work and engage in individual and small group lessons.  An agreed upon sequence of lessons, at each developmental level, as well as each child’s individual needs guides the curriculum.

Exploration classes are all scheduled for one morning during the week.  This enables students to have an uninterrupted morning work period for four days each week. 

Montessori prepared environments provide a structure for the daily work of the child. The young child has an innate sense and need for order. Consistency of routine allows the students to engage in the work cycle without disruption and interact in socially positive ways. Routines connected to self-care, care of the environment and care of others, provide opportunities to build virtues of responsibility and compassion. 

The Montessori Prepared Environment is based on the principles of order, beauty, and precision, both in the external environment and within the internal environment of each human being. The classrooms are highly organized learning environments that engage children in purposeful interactions with the Montessori materials and the community of learners. Simplicity and beauty in the environment provide children with a sense of peace and connection to their learning. An uncluttered classroom punctuated with objects of beauty and interest, provide points of inspiration and stimulate curiosity. Observations allow the teacher to determine what lessons are needed at various stages of the child’s growth. As students grow and progress through the elementary levels, this sense of order nurtures time-management skills, self- reliance, and citizenship. Children take pride in doing things for themselves. They learn through movement and must actively explore and examine their classroom, school, community, and world. Montessori environments encourage children to move about freely, but with purpose. Children may select an activity and work with it as long as they are using it appropriately. Work with materials is often repeated as children gain confidence and move towards independence with concepts. 

The Montessori Environment is a supportive community. As children grow older and more capable, they accept a greater sense of responsibility. They take an active role in helping to care for the environment and to meet the needs of the younger children in the class and in the school community. Families are encouraged to organize the home environment to reflect similar principles, so that the child is an active and contributing member of the daily life of the home.

Montessori Materials

The Montessori Materials sometimes referred to as the “Didactic Apparatus” are tools that lead the child to the discovery of concepts and skills, and aid the child in constructing their understanding of the universe and how it works. The Montessori Materials provide a precise framework for progressions into higher levels of learning and act as a jumping–off point for student-based research, experimentation and innovation. Montessori didactic materials used independently by the child at his/her own choosing helps develop internalization of the concepts being learned.  This continues from primary into the elementary levels.  The prepared environments and Montessori materials at all levels allow for continued growth towards abstraction. 

Dr. Montessori was a pioneer in the study of child development. Montessori education recognizes  the essential stages & elements of child development and the sensitive periods for learning certain  skills and concepts. The three-year cycle of each level allows for staff, families, and the community to develop lasting relationships that benefit everyone.  Trust built over time allows for a connection between the school and home.  While state & district requirements are set, Charles Ellis Montessori Academy  strives towards authenticity in meeting the needs of these key developmental periods. Numbers of students per class/teacher are determined by State Guidelines.  

3 - 6 yrs:  The Children’s House (Primary)
    At Charles Ellis Montessori, our Primary Classes include four and five year old/PreK and Kindergarten students. Student ratio to adult at this level is no more than 12:1. 

6 - 9 yrs:  Lower Elementary 
Our Lower Elementary Classes include six, seven, and eight year old/ First, Second, & Third Grade Students. Student ratio to adult at this level is no more than 12.5/1.

9 - 12 yrs:  Upper Elementary 
Our Upper Elementary Classes include nine, ten, and eleven year old/Fourth, Fifth, & Sixth Grade Students. Student ratio to adult at this level is no more than 15:1.

12 - 15 yrs:  Erdkinder (Secondary)
Our Erdkinder Classes include twelve and thirteen year old/Seventh and Eighth Grade Students. Student ratio to adult at this level is no more than 14:1.
 

At Charles Ellis Montessori Academy we incorporate many annual traditions - some from our Montessori curriculum and others that have become part of our yearly cycles.  Some are celebrated by the entire community, others are by developmental levels.  

Celebration of Life
Birthdays are special celebrations of growth and The Celebration of Life is a Montessori tradition that acknowledges the uniqueness of each child. We encourage parents to be a part of this tradition. As the child carries the globe around “the sun” (often represented by a candle), photographs, stories and pictures of the child at each year of life are used in the narration. Please DO NOT send cupcakes or other high sugar treats. We encourage you to work with your child at home to prepare a healthy snack such as Friendship Salad to celebrate the event. 

International Montessori Week 
Many children around the world and in many different circumstances benefit from a Montessori education. During the last week of February, Montessori schools celebrate the history and vision of Dr. Maria Montessori. 

International Peace Day
In recognition of the UN General Assembly’s Peace Day, Montessori  schools around the world join in singing a common song - “Light a Candle for Peace”.  This school wide celebration is a time for us to be part of our world wide community.  

Montessori Great Lessons
The Montessori Great Lessons form the basis of the classroom’s cultural studies.  They present a broad perspective and serve as an introduction to many science and social studies lessons.  They are:  The Cosmic Story, The Timeline of Life, The Timeline of Humans, The Story of Language, and The Story of Math. These lessons are introduced beginning at the Elementary levels.  

Grace and Courtesy Lessons
These lessons are essentially introducing, practicing, and perfecting the ways we handle ourselves with others in our community.  They include lessons on moving furniture, moving around the classroom, sharing materials, showing respect for others, and taking responsibility for our choices and actions.  While this is just a sampling of the many lessons in grace and courtesy that are taught throughout a student’s time at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy.  
 

ANNUAL CHARLES ELLIS MONTESSORI ACADEMY EVENTS

Lower Elementary Art Show
Students at the Lower Elementary level present an art show displaying examples of the work done in their classrooms and in their Art Exploration class. The art is exhibited around our school and in our beautiful outdoor garden and spaces.  

Charles Ellis Presents
Charles Ellis Presents is a yearly musical production created by the Upper Elementary students.  Students are responsible for all aspects of the production. In recent years, the musicals have been based on the Montessori Great Lessons.  

Going Out Experiences
From the first field trips to Oatland Island, to outings at the elementary levels, to camping overnight trips, Going Out experiences are often the culmination of in-class studies.  

Family Engagement Events
At Charles Ellis Montessori, we strive to include our families as a partner in each child’s education.  We do this through various events - Family Engagement workshops to introduce Montessori principles, Math Nights, Science Nights, and Developmental Meetings to introduce various aspects of the curriculum.  We also encourage families to take advantage of observing in their child’s classroom and to make use of our school’s media center. 

Holiday Sing Along
Each year we gather our students, staff, and families together to celebrate the joys of singing holiday songs from Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.  It’s always a well-loved tradition.

Band and Chorus Performances
While these groups are always a part of the holiday sing along, they also perform at various events around town and hold concerts for our school community.

Sidewalk Arts Festival
One of our newest annual events is our Sidewalk Arts Festival.  Held in the spring, the students are given the freedom to express themselves around our school’s outdoor environment.

Career Exploration
Our counselors offer various events during the school year to introduce students to careers.  These events include Careers on Wheels and Speaker Day.  Our Erkinder students are also given the opportunity to explore the various high school programs that will be available to them as they move on from Charles Ellis Montessori Academy.

Field Day
Field day is a high energy end to our wonderful year together. The day is filled with many different activities designed and led by our Erdkinder students.  

Charles Ellis School is the Best School
Probably the best known tradition of our school is our school song, Charles Ellis School is the Best School.  Written in the 1940’s, this song continues to be sung by generations of Savannahians who have attended Charles Ellis!  
 

Exploration classes are all scheduled for one morning during the week. This enables students to have an uninterrupted morning work period for four days each week. 

Students in Primary and Elementary participate in each of these classes on their Exploration Day. At the primary and lower elementary levels, teachers focus on exposure of various materials and activities to introduce students to broader topics. 

At upper elementary, students are immersed into topics of their own interest. By Erdkinder, students are choosing specific pathways to pursue - often focusing on interests that will take them into high school courses. Erdkinder students sign up for classes of their choice. Band and Spanish students remain in these classes for the entire year as they are an option for high school credit.  

Art
Art is an essential component in the development of the whole child. The art program at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy is designed to build confidence in self-expression while integrating with the Montessori curriculum. Students work with a variety of art materials in the classroom/studio environment, and are guided through the curriculum with skill building sequential art exercises in addition to art history and visual thinking strategies.

Music
All of the students in Pre-K through 8th grade are given the opportunity to be involved in the music program. The students work on listening, singing, moving, and instrumental skills using a variety of materials and genres of music. The students also learn notation of rhythms and pitches. The 4th- 8th grade are given opportunities to be involved in chorus; the days and times depend on the grade level.  

Band
Band at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy is available to students in 5th - 8th grade. Many students have had previous formal music training while others have had none but the different experiences aid in the success for all. A one year minimum commitment is required. The band director helps parents in choosing an instrument. Families are responsible for securing a suitable instrument and music book to use for practice in band class and at home. After meeting these requirements, students are on the way to joining the ranks of current and former successful band students who have been recognized at the city, county, district and state levels. Band classes meet during the school day between two to three times per week. The bands perform between two and five concerts per year, depending on the grade level. Band students travel to play in other venues outside of the school and often take field trips to hear concerts. 

Spanish
Charles Ellis Montessori offers Spanish as a second language on two levels. Students in Erdkinder (7th and 8th grades) who are eligible, may take a two year program where they can earn a High School Carnegie unit of foreign language to help them in their goal of attending college. Elementary students beginning in Pre-K through the 6th grade are introduced to Spanish culture and basic language skills. The Spanish program is designed to heighten interest in other cultures.

Computer Science
Students are challenged to move out of their comfort zones and experience new opportunities through curiosity and perseverance. Computer Science lessons are integrated into project-based activities so that students develop skills and confidence necessary to use digital tools to solve problems, communicate clearly with others, create original evidence of learning, and collaborate in a supportive community.  Units of study include but are not limited to keyboarding, digital citizenship, online publishing, coding, animation, video production (film), and robotics.  Units of study rotate from year to year depending on the learning cycle and developmental level of the child.  

Erdkinder students have the opportunity to select from Film, Computer Science, or Photography.

S.T.E.A.M. 
The STEAM program focuses on Montessori practices and principals while problem solving and creating for the needs of our environment. The program integrates the five disciplines (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) to create multiple solutions and connections to and within our world. The Erdkinder program focuses on engineering concepts while maintaining a Montessori environment. The projects based program is more choice oriented based on an individual's interests. 

Physical Education
Physical Education (PE) at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy is a wonderful time for us to come together and move our bodies to enhance our learning. PE leads to active, fit, and healthy lifestyles outside of school. Studies show that an active body equals an active mind; getting the students moving stimulates their brains. So, increased fitness improves academics.  PE teaches students how to be active in many sports and activities. Students can then take their new skills and confidence and use them outside of school.  

Athletics
All middle school students Grades 6-8, will have the opportunity to participate in several team sports; Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Swimming, Basketball, etc. The coaches are teachers, parents or certified/experienced coaches that have been cleared to supervise activities by SCCPSS.  The purpose of the middle school athletics program is to increase the sense of community that is being developed in the classroom setting and to develop athletic skills that allow students to participate and compete.  Winning is not the ultimate goal, but you will see that our Montessori approach to teamwork can produce championship teams. All student athletes must turn in a completed participation packet to Mr. Sean Vetrovsky, Athletic Director, before they may participate in try-outs for any sport. 

Media Center
The Media Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on school days. Students may use the media center during regular hours if they have a pass from their teacher. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to check out books to share with their children at home. Each borrower is responsible for the media materials checked out to him/her. Books are checked out for two weeks and may be renewed, if needed. Computer and internet access are also available. We encourage all families to support the joy of reading by participating in our annual PTA Read-a-thon and the Fall & Spring Book Fairs.

Activities and Clubs
Each year, CEMA offers a variety of activities and clubs for student participation. Examples from our recent past include BETA Club, Honors Chorus, Band, Lego Club, Chess Team, Solar Club, Model United Nations, Middle School P.A.C.E., D.E.E.P., Young Ladies Club, 100 Black Men of Savannah. Clubs and activities offered each year will depend on student interest and advisor availability. Information regarding clubs and activities will be posted on the website and distributed through, The Weekly Wonders Newsletter, regular school emails and the Bright Arrow School Communication System throughout the year. 

Field Trips
Students are offered the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational field trips off campus throughout the year. Families will receive information on each field trip prior to the date as well as a parent permission form which must be signed in order for the child to participate. In some cases, field trips may require a monetary fee. Families concerned about field trip costs should talk to their teachers privately. 

Additional Information
For more information on Montessori Education, families are required to attend parent conferences and are requested to participate in; Family Engagement Events, Parent Education Workshops, Student Presentations and Classroom Observations.
The following and many other resources are also available on-line or in our Media Center.

Montessori Organizations/Governing Bodies:

American Montessori Internationale:   www.montessori-ami.org

American Montessori Society:   www.amshq.org

Recommended Texts by Maria Montessori:

The Absorbent Mind

The Discovery of the Child

The Montessori Method

The Secret of Childhood

From Childhood to Adolescence

To Educate the Human Potential

Other Related Texts:

Montessori: The Science behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard

Montessori – A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard

A Parent’s Guide to the Montessori Classroom by Parent Child Press

The Normalized Child by Kathleen H. Futrell

Children of the Universe: Cosmic Education in the Montessori Elementary Classroom, by Michael & D’Neil Duffy

An Assessment and testing calendar is posted at the beginning of the school year and is part of the school’s master calendar.
State and district required assessments provide information that: 

• Provides information on student progress so that teachers can prescribe effective instruction.
• Identifies students with academic needs so that appropriate instruction can be provided.
• Provides the SCCPSS district with information on the effectiveness of the school’s instructional programming and needed resources.
• Provides information to parents as partners in the educational process so that learning can be supported at home.
• Provides students with information related to their skills so they can set learning goals.

Explanation of Assessments -
GKIDS - The Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills - GKIDs are the designated kindergarten assessment for all Georgia public schools. The primary focus of GKIDS is to provide ongoing diagnostic information about developing skills in English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Personal/Social Development, and Approaches to Learning.  

Amira - Amira is an AI-powered Reading Coach that listens to K-3 students read out loud, assesses mastery, and delivers personalized 1:1 tutoring. Amira's mission is to help every child become a motivated and masterful reader. Amira is currently used throughout the district to satisfy the requirements of  Senate Bill 48. SB48 provides for identification of and support for students in kindergarten through third grade with dyslexia. ​​

iReady -  iReady is a comprehensive assessment and instructional program that connects diagnostic data and personalized instruction. It delivers online lessons that provide tailored instruction and practice for each student to accelerate growth.  iReady assessments are given 3 times a year (Beginning, Middle, and End) and are used district wide. iReady is completed on computers and is scheduled by the district. Scores from these assessments are used to determine if a student’s work should be accelerated or needs additional support systems.  

CFA – Common Formative Assessments – CFAs are given by teachers to show growth over a specific set of Montessori goals.  They are used to determine if a student has mastered one set of lessons and is ready to move onto another set.  For Charles Ellis, these are specific to our Montessori lessons and the schedule is determined in house. 

GMAS – Georgia Milestone Assessment System - The GMAS is a comprehensive summative assessment program spanning grades three through high school. GMAS measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in English-Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. This assessment is also given online and is scheduled by the district.  GMAS scores are used annually to assess the school and are included in the state’s CCRPI Scores (College and Career Ready Performance Index).

Other assessments may be given, as needed to determine placements in EOL, Special Education, or in Gifted Programs. If it has been determined that a student needs modifications when taking assessments, these modifications must be used throughout the assessment process.  

Auxiliary Programs and Assistance -  
RTI - Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs. The RTI process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children in the general education classroom. Struggling learners are provided with interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their rate of learning. These services may be provided by a variety of personnel, including general education teachers, special educators, and specialists. Progress is closely monitored to assess both the learning rate and level of performance of individual students. Educational decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions are based on individual student response to instruction. RTI is designed for use when making decisions in both general education and special education, creating a well-integrated system of instruction and intervention guided by child outcome data.

EIP - The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is designed to serve students who are at risk of not reaching or maintaining academic grade level. The purpose of the Early Intervention Program is to provide additional instructional resources to help students who are performing below grade level obtain the necessary academic skills to reach grade level performance in the shortest possible time. Placement in EIP is determined through assessments and observations. Parental notification and acceptance of this assistance is required. 

SpEd – Special Education Assistance (SpEd) can occur within a classroom or in smaller group instruction and involves techniques, exercises, and subject matter designed for students whose learning needs cannot be met by a standard school curriculum. Placement in a SpEd program occurs as the final tier in the RTI process. A student’s family must approve the needed assessment for placement determination. 

GEP – Gifted Education Program (GEP) – Students who demonstrate a high degree of intellectual, academic, and/or creative ability are provided with special instructional services by the Program for Gifted Students. CEMA uses a ”Push In” Model that allows students to have their work modified to meet their curriculum needs within their own classroom environment. Eligibility criteria for placement in this program are determined by the State Board of Education and referrals may be made by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians. Placement testing is conducted several times during the year and parents are notified of placement.  

IEP – Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) - An IEP is a written legal document. It’s a map that lays out the program of special education instruction, supports, and services students need to make progress and thrive in school. Each program or plan is designed to meet a student’s unique needs. This written plan is covered by special education laws, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An IEP is written during a meeting in which the students’ family, teachers, and district representatives come together to determine what modifications are needed to assist the student in meeting educational goals. 

504 Plan - 504 plans are not part of special education. 504 plans and IEPs are covered by different laws and work in different ways. But the end goal is the same: to help students thrive in school. A team from the school works to write a 504 Plan - determining what needs to be addressed so that the student can be successful within the regular education classroom.  
 

Grace and Courtesy Lessons
The Montessori Grace & Courtesy lessons are integral to building a productive and compassionate learning environment that upholds the school’s core values and teaches life skills that contribute to a peaceful world. Guided by “The Self-Awakened Child” curriculum and other resources, the students explore positive character traits;

Acceptance    Courage    Honesty    Peace        Self-Discipline
Assertiveness    Creativity    Kindness    Respect    Trust
Compassion    Forgiveness    Loyalty        Responsibility    Unity

Reflection on and practice of these traits are a school-wide focus and are supported through connected texts and discussions. Students are encouraged to act with purpose and to be considerate of others. Charles Ellis Montessori Academy strives to provide each student with the maximum opportunity to acquire an education. A self-disciplined student will: 

• Be motivated to participate and learn.
• Listen to his/her teachers and follow directions. 
• Always speak courteously. 
• Respect himself/herself and others.
• Be prepared for instruction and make appropriate choices that challenge his/her abilities
• Ask politely for assistance from peers and teachers when needed. 
• Manage frustrations and conflicts in ways that promote positive collaboration and peace.
• Care for self, care for the environment, and care for others. 
• Act at all times with kindness.

Student Discipline & Conduct Policies & Procedures
When children misbehave the teacher is encouraged to reflect on whether the child is discouraged in any way:
Is the child discouraged academically i.e. is the work/lesson too difficult, not challenging or is there an obstacle to learning?
Is the child discouraged socially i.e. is the child struggling to integrate into the social group, does the child need instruction on certain social skills?
Is the child discouraged emotionally i.e. is there some underlying emotional issue in the classroom or at home that is hindering their learning and/or positive social interactions?
Is the child physically discouraged i.e. is he/she ill or in discomfort?
It is the School Administration’s responsibility and authority to maintain standards of discipline. Charles Ellis Montessori Academy adheres to the policies outlined in:

The Student Code of Conduct
If a student conducts himself/herself in such a manner that is disrespectful, dangerous, damaging or disruptive to the learning environment and consequently jeopardizes the best interests of the school, then that student will be subject to disciplinary action. When a problem occurs the staff members will assess and document the situation as part of the 5-Step Discipline Log

Dependent on the situation, the parties involved, and the level of the violation, some or all of the following steps are taken: 

• Conference with a student. 
• Mediation between conflicting parties.
• Conference with a parent.
• Counselor referral.
• Removal from the classroom environment for a designated period. 
• Written Disciplinary Referral to Administration.
• Placement in Response to Intervention (RtI) level 2 for Behavior.
• Other appropriate disciplinary actions as per SCCPSS Policies and Procedures highlighted in The Student Code of Conduct/SCCPSS Student Handbook for Success.

Repeated offenses and chronic patterns of misconduct will result in the student being placed on Choice School/Program Probation. This involves the student being placed on a conduct contract and involves ongoing documentation and assessment of progress toward expectations of appropriate behavior. Failure to meet the terms of the Conduct Contract will be presented to the designated Associate Superintendent for determination of the student’s dismissal from the Choice School Program and placement back to the student’s zoned school.
This school year the Charles Ellis Montessori Academy community will be focusing on “Positive Discipline for the Montessori Classroom” as a component of the Montessori System of Justness. 
 

Operations

School Hours
Lessons begin at 8:15 a.m. SHARP and the school day ends at 3:15 p.m. 

ARRIVAL:
STUDENTS ARRIVING AFTER 8:15 A.M. MUST BE SIGNED IN BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN at the front door of the school. Classes begin at 8:15 a.m. SHARP. Parents are asked not to go to the classroom with their children in the morning, as this interrupts the teachers from greeting the children and beginning the daily routine. 

Children should arrive for school between 7:55 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. 
For safety, no children will be permitted to enter the front foyer or classrooms before 7:55 AM. All students should remain with their family until the school doors open. No child should be dropped off at the front steps and left unsupervised. 

DISMISSAL:
NO STUDENT IS PERMITTED TO BE DISMISSED between 2:15 PM and 2:55 PM
The dismissal procedure is as follows: 
      2:55 PM: Bus riders (Limited Bus Transportation for identified students)
     2:55 PM: JEA Dismissed
     2:55–3:15 PM: Walkers & Car riders
     3:00 PM.: Pryme Tyme Dismissal
     3:15 PM: END OF DISMISSAL

The Instructional Day ends at 2:55 p.m. 
Regular Day Dismissal- These are general guidelines. There may be exceptions based on a number of factors including age of siblings, number of walkers vs. car riders, etc. Dismissal procedures will be established the first few days of school and procedures may change based on need. 

Each CEMA family is assigned a number which must be displayed from the rearview mirror/passenger dashboard (for car riders) or shown/told (for primary/lower elementary walkers).  On the back of the car tag their is a dismissal location for car riders, which is the following:

Front 49th Street Ramp

• Primary (PreK/K) students along with their older siblings
• Lower Elementary (1st - 3rd grades) students along with their Primary sibling

Back 48th Street Ramp

• Upper Elementary ( 4th - 6th grades) students along with their Lower Elementary siblings
• Erdkinger (7th - 8th grades) students along with their Lower Elementary siblings

Parents/Guardians are asked to stay in their car and students will be escorted to them. Please do not leave your vehicle when in the carpool line, as this compromises the safety and efficiency of the dismissal process. Rainy Day Dismissal – Use the same procedure.

Walkers

• Primary and Lower El (Pre-K through 3rd grade) walkers are dismissed at the west side gate on McGillicuddy Ave. Walkers are asked to be courteous to our neighbors. Please stay on the sidewalks, and obey the crossing guards. 
• Upper El and Erdkinder (4th-8th Grade) walkers who are not accompanied by a parent must have written permission on file. Upper school walkers are dismissed through the Front 49th St. door. Please stay on the sidewalks, and obey the crossing guards. 

“Circle Park”: For those students who congregate at “Circle Park” or elsewhere in the Ardsley Park area, it is expected that all students use grace and courtesy as they travel in the neighborhood. Please note that “Circle Park” is not part of the Charles Ellis Montessori Academy campus and as such there is no supervision nor jurisdiction by the school.

Bus riders (Limited transportation for identified students) will be dismissed from the classrooms to buses on 48th Street.

Pryme Tyme: YMCA Pryme Tyme Programs are held at Charles Ellis Montessori Academy for families who need before and after school childcare. Pryme Tyme hours are from 7:00 a.m. until the start of school and afternoon service is from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Contact the Program Site Director Mrs. Anita Coleman at 912-663-3952 or the YMCA at 912-351-3622 for more information on registration and fees. 

Rainy Day Dismissal
Primary and Lower El walkers will stay in their classrooms and will be called to the McGillicuddy St. gate when their parent/guardian arrives. 
Upper El and Erdkinder walkers will be released as usual. 

Severe Weather Rainy Day Dismissal
Primary and Lower El walkers- same as rainy day dismissal
Upper El and Erdkinder walkers- must have a parent/guardian pick them up from the school. They will be dismissed out the front 49th St. door.

Traffic Flow Chart

(Please note the map above will be updated when the school is notified of changes in bus transportation)

For the safety of our children and the community, all families are required to adhere to the traffic chart above. Traffic is monitored by SCCPSS Campus Police and by Savannah Metro Police. We ask that you follow the rules of Care, Caution and Courtesy at all times. 

A crossing Guard is assigned to the crosswalk at the corner of 49^th & Battey Ave. Please model for our students the correct rules for crossing the street at this junction. All students should be supervised by parents at all times.

  Regular full-day school attendance is critical to the academic success of students. Parents are asked to follow the State & SCCPSS policies for attendance. It is expected that students will be punctual and prepared for a full day of learning. Administration views tardiness and early dismissals as a disruption to the learning environment and will act according to SCCPSS policy and procedure.

Absences
Absences are defined below - A written excuse is required for every student's absence.

Doctor - Students have a note from their doctor.  There is no limit on the number of times this is accepted.  This includes when the student is sent home with a fever or throwing up.
  
Family - A note from the family is acceptable up to five times during a school year.  

Hospital/Homebound - SCCPSS provides continuous educational services for students who are unable to attend school due to a diagnosed medical or psychiatric condition for a minimum of ten consecutive school day7s or for intermittent periods of time for a minimum of ten school days per year.  

Unexcused - Ten consecutive unexcused absences will result in the student being withdrawn from the school.  

SCCPSS Attendance Protocols
*If a student is absent, family notification is made by an automated system by 10:30 AM
*An excuse for each absence should be submitted upon the student’s return to school

Tardiness 

The front office will issue a tardy slip when a student arrives after the start of instruction at 8:15 AM. Unless otherwise notified, walking and carpool students are considered late after 8:15 AM. Of course emergencies arise and these are addressed on an individual basis. Students arriving on a late bus will not be considered tardy. All carpool students who arrive tardy must be escorted by the parent to the front foyer to log in their tardy time and receive a slip. 

Early Dismissal 

Early dismissal is defined as a student being checked out of school before 2:55 PM.  It is requested that early check-out be processed no later than 2:15. The front office staff will call the child down from the classroom and family members are not permitted to go to the classroom. All students must be signed out in the front office. Office personnel must check the registration form to make certain the person picking the child up is authorized to do so.
Students who are in the nurse’s office will be dismissed via the Nurse and Front Office Staff.
An excuse for all early dismissals and tardy arrivals is required.  

Change of Transportation

Change in transportation must be channeled through the Teacher via a note sent on the day of a change in transportation and to the front office via email and/or personal phone contact 912-395-5470. This must be done prior to NOON. Teachers will check emails prior to 2:00 PM for changes of transportation. It is imperative that the information is given to the teacher & the front office in a timely manner preferably via email @ morning arrival. We discourage transportation changes made after 2:00 PM as late changes jeopardize the safe transportation of the students.

Late Dismissals (after the close of school day 3:15 pm.) -Teachers have meetings and lesson preparation directly after school, therefore please be courteous and avoid late pick-ups. Please arrange with Pryme Tyme if you find that you consistently cannot make the 3:15 pm dismissal time.

Late departures are the responsibility of teachers who are scheduled for late duty. The designated teachers must supervise these students until the transportation arrives. The Front Office staff and Administration will assist with each situation as available. Administration will help as necessary and as available.

Food Culture - The school believes in promoting healthy minds through healthful eating habits. We do not mandate but strongly encourage staff and students to model and advocate for healthy and whole nutrition. High sugar items and processed foods are discouraged and alternatives are suggested to parents through educational information. Good hydration also promotes strong brain function and students and staff are encouraged to drink water as often as needed. 
Breakfast is served beginning at 7:55 AM and ends at 8:10 AM. Students should report to breakfast before going to the classroom. The lunch rotation is by grade level, therefore please check with your classroom teacher for scheduled time.
Lunch & Snacks: Students and Staff may purchase breakfast and/or lunch from the cafeteria or bring a home lunch. Lunch is served family style in the classrooms. Montessori Grace and Courtesy lessons teach the students how to prepare the table, the expected etiquette and pertinent cleanup routines. The focus is on civility and social conversation.
Snacks are available for students on a daily basis. As with lunch, there should be established routines for preparation and eating of snacks. It is encouraged that a snack table is established and that students can prepare and partake two at a time. Healthy, nutritional food is strongly encouraged
Fees are as follows: 
Breakfast is FREE for all students 
Adult Breakfast $2.25
Lunch 
$3.00 Full Price (K – 12) 
$0.00 Reduced Price (K-12)
$5.00 (Adults & non-enrolled children)

SY 2023 -2024 will have breakfast at no cost, but for lunch services the district has reverted back to meal applications, thus each student will consume meals based on their appropriate meal status.  The online and paper applications will go live on July 1st. The paper application will be available at the applications center at 3609 Hopkins Street on July 1st.  There is a drop box at that location and applications will be available to fill and drop into that box.  There will be staff on site if any assistance is needed. Each cafeteria manager will also have applications when they return at the end of July. It is imperative that a parent/guardian fill out a new meal application for every school year. 
Extra items that meet the Smart Snacks in School regulation may be purchased in addition to the school meal.
Apply for Free and Reduced-Price meal benefits in person at your child’s school or by going online to www.myschoolapps.com

PREPAY FOR SCHOOL MEALS ONLINE AT
www.myschoolbucks.com  OR PREPAY IN YOUR CHILD’S CAFETERIA WITH CASH.

Please contact the School Nurse, Christine O’Boyle (christine.oboyle@sccpss.com), regarding your child’s medical needs.

Medications
For the safety of your child and other students, all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) must be brought to school by parents or legal guardians. A medication form must be completed and signed in order for the medication to be given. Parents should request that prescriptions be split into two bottles at the time it is filled by the pharmacy. 
Students will NOT be permitted to carry medicine back and forth from home to school.
 

Charles Ellis Montessori Academy School Uniform

Please familiarize your student with these requirements. All clothing worn within the building must meet the school’s uniform requirements. Charles Ellis Montessori Academy respects all religious attire.

• Bottoms: Solid navy, khaki or navy plaid - shorts, skirts, skorts, jumpers, Capri pants, or pants/slacks – 5 pocket style ( no pockets on lower legs), (no knit pants, leggings, jogging or cargo pants). Uniforms must be worn belted at the natural waist and made of standard uniform material (cotton and/or twill). No denim jeans, skirts, etc... Shorts, skorts and jumpers must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee. 
• Tops: Solid white, or navy - polo-style shirts, collared blouses or turtlenecks. (Tops may have the school insignia). Solid navy or white cardigans, vests, jackets or sweatshirts may be worn over uniform shirts. All shirts must be tucked in. 

 NO HOODED SWEAT TOPS  
ALL JACKETS UNZIPPED

NO shoes with flashing lights or noises that disrupt the instructional environment.
All shoes must be enclosed and fastened/tied properly. Ensure shoes are appropriate for playground activities and safety of movement in the classroom. 

Solid white, navy or gray socks or tights. During colder months leggings in the required colors may be worn under skirts.

No hats, caps or sunglasses may be worn in the building. 

Jewelry: 
Please be aware that the school cannot ensure the security of valuable items brought from home. Jewelry should not distract from the learning environment and must not convey inappropriate messages. Those students who have piercings must wear studs or hoops of an appropriate size to avoid injury and to mitigate distraction.

Outer-wear: 
Coats and jackets must be stored in the assigned cubby. It is highly encouraged that students anticipate the climate and prepare appropriately. All students will go outside for recess and for other instructional activities.

Dress-Down Days & Spirit Wear:
On Fridays, spirit wear tops may be worn with regulation bottoms. The PTA offers a selection of spirit wear for purchase. 
Throughout the year there are scheduled Donation Dress-Down Days when students may wear items of their choice under the parameters set forth in the SCCPSS Student Code of Conduct. Donation Dress-Down Days offer opportunities to raise funds for charities and special programs. 
On designated days, academic, arts & athletic teams may wear their assigned attire.

A Uniform Closet is maintained at the school and items are available if a child has a personal accident. Also, any student who is not in appropriate uniform will receive a warning and will be sent to the Uniform Closet to acquire appropriate items for the day.

Repeated & Chronic violation of uniform policy will result in disciplinary action.
Discipline Plan for Out of Uniform Violations:

Step 1: Behavior Communication Form is provided for teachers to send home. Provide students with uniforms to be washed at home and returned to school. 

Step 2: Same as Step 1. Teacher is to make a reminder phone call to the parent. 

Step 3: Conference with the parent, administrator /teacher to address the problem and develop a solution. 

Step 4: The Student Code of Conduct specifies violations of dress code as a Level 1 offense, and as such, may be reflected in the conduct grade for repeated violations (three or more times per marking period).

Lost & Found: Please label your child’s items.
Every year, we have many items of clothing that are left unclaimed. It is the practice of the school to hang these items in a prominent place so that students can claim and retrieve their items. We also display these items during school events and fondly refer to it as the “Ellis Boutique”. After a period of time and at the end of the school year unclaimed items will be donated to local charities.
 

Effective Communication is critical to a successful family-school relationship. 

PTA Communications: The PTA communicates with families about school happenings, PTA-sponsored events and opportunities for participation through its own website.  
Communication with Staff and Classrooms: Families are encouraged to communicate with teachers, administration and staff. Please follow the established lines of communication listed below:
Classroom and Student related issues - The first communication shall be between the Parent and Teacher. If further discussion is needed a conference with Administration shall be scheduled.
Adult, Teacher and/or School Policy Issues – The first communication shall be between the Family and Teacher and/or Administration.
If you're unsure whom to contact, please click "Contact Us," select "Other," and email the school's Administrative Secretary directly.

Communication to check on the progress of your child, to express a concern or to offer suggestions and support, should follow the guidelines below:

• Families should request a face to face or phone conference with the teacher to discuss questions and concerns. This can be done through email, a note sent with the child or by contacting the school office. Family conferences will be scheduled around the daily instructional priorities. Teachers may not be able to respond immediately, so please allow an appropriate window of time.
• To ensure safe & efficient transitioning for students, families and teachers will refrain from discussions concerning the child or other issues during drop-off and/or pick-up times. 
• To maintain the instructional Montessori work cycle, please do not interrupt the learning environment. Any messages for the teacher can be given to the front office and will be delivered in a timely manner.
• If there are concerns with policy and procedure please contact the front office and a conference will be scheduled with the administration.
• All communication shall be directed in a manner that is respectful and upholds the core values of the school.
• All students who need to contact a family member during the instructional day must get permission from the teacher and an assigned adult will facilitate the communication. 
• The Family may not contact students via personal cell phones, smart watches or emails during the instructional day. No student is permitted to contact anyone during the instructional day without supervision of an adult. All communications to a student will be directed through the teacher and/or the front office. Students will not be called from instruction to answer phone calls. When a return call is necessary the classroom teacher will be contacted and arrangements will be made for contact during recess/lunch.
• The Front Office will be the first point of contact for all emergencies.

Grievance Procedures
Students or Families who wish to express a grievance should first consult with their child’s teacher. If the issue is not resolved with the teacher, the following persons should be the next points of contact: school counselor, assistant principal and/or principal. At Charles Ellis Montessori Academy we strive to address any concerns from parents as quickly and effectively as possible. We encourage parents and guardians to remain in close contact with the teachers and the school staff.
 

Dr. Montessori’s philosophy is more than just a type of school, it is a philosophy about how we should live our lives. Children who are treated with respect and love demonstrate a willingness to try new things and are more open to learning. It is our obligation to help our children transition to maturity and to teach the skills that it takes to be successful in school and in our community.  

Homework is considered an extension of the workday. Additional work will not be assigned. If your child has work they need to complete, it may be sent home. Other examples of work that could be done at home would include math facts, handwriting practice, or spelling/vocabulary. 

Charles Ellis Montessori Academy needs your time, talents and expertise to make this a wonderful and joyful place to learn. Family participation in the school community is vital to the academic success of all students. Each classroom community invites the Family to partner with the teacher to meet the needs of the children. Families are encouraged to regularly visit the teacher’s Blog/website to find resources for families and opportunities for involvement.  

A wide range of opportunities for families to actively contribute to the learning environment can be found through membership in the PTA, and its committees. Families are encouraged to attend PTA meetings and to serve on specific projects. Additionally, The Charles Ellis Montessori Academy School Council meets regularly to address the specific needs of the school and to support the administration in developing and implementing a School Improvement Plan. The Montessori Education Society of Savannah, (MESS) directly partners with our school to provide opportunities to support Montessori Education in the local community. MESS has yearly opportunities to participate in the promotion of the Montessori mission. When participating and contributing in the school and out in the community, all members of Charles Ellis Montessori Academy are expected to follow the expectations of our Grace and Courtesy Lessons, so that we continue to model the Montessori core values of the school.

Charles Ellis Montessori Academy PTA  
 PTA is the largest advocacy group for children in the world.  The Ellis Montessori PTA is focused on the partnership between families and teachers to create a community that supports each child's academic success.  
2023/2025 Ellis PTA Co-Presidents: Lacy Wyland and Diana McGaw

Charles Ellis Montessori Academy School Council 
School councils were created by the state of Georgia to bring communities and schools closer together in a spirit of cooperation to; solve difficult education problems, improve academic achievement, provide support for teachers and administrators, and help the school board develop and nurture participation. Bringing parents and the community together with teachers and administrators helps create a better understanding of, and mutual respect for each other's concerns, as we share ideas for school improvement and student achievement. 
 
We elect a portion of the school council every May. 

Montessori Education Society of Savannah (MESS) 
The Montessori Education Society of Savannah (MESS) is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Montessori Education in Savannah, Georgia and the surrounding areas. 

Safety of our students and staff is our top priority. All visitors and parents must report to the front office and present appropriate identification and permission before being allowed to visit a classroom. All family members must report to the school office before proceeding to a classroom for a scheduled observation, conference or visit. Limitations may be placed on visitors who are not parents/guardians. To avoid frustration and conflicts, the school asks that prior arrangements for visits to your child’s classroom be scheduled through your child’s teacher. All other visits should be scheduled through the school’s Administrative Secretary and with permission of Administration. All classroom visits are at the discretion of the Administration. All visitors are asked to conduct themselves in a positive and respectful manner per the assigned guidelines and not to interrupt instruction.

Scheduled Classroom Observations
The parent/guardian is encouraged to observe in their child’s classroom to gain a better understanding of Montessori Educational Practices.  To manage the overall number of additional adults in the classroom at any given time, we encourage you to contact the teacher to schedule a time to observe. At the beginning of the school year, we do ask for a six week adjustment time before observing newly enrolled students. Etiquette and guidelines should be reviewed before the initial observation
 

Safety of our students and staff is our top priority therefore we ask that all volunteers complete the VISTA application found at the district volunteer page.

It is important to instill in students a sense of responsibility and preparation. We encourage you to establish nightly preparation routines to avoid the morning rush and to ensure that the student comes to school with all necessary items, learning materials and lunches. 
To avoid interruption of instruction, delivery of items to a student will be conducted by front office staff and the established procedures.

Special Lunch Dates
You are welcome to schedule a special lunch date with your student. Please provide the teacher with the date and time prior to visiting so that he/she can ensure there are no conflicts with instruction or other classroom events. If grandparents or other family members/friends wish to schedule a lunch date, the school must have advanced written permission from the parent/guardian and this will be arranged at the convenience of the classroom community. Please note this is limited and may not always be granted due to the current needs of the classroom.
 

In compliance with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind statute, parents may request information about the professional qualifications of their child's teacher(s).  The following information may be requested.

Whether the teacher has met the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requirements for certification for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction. 
Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Georgia qualifications or certification criteria have been waived;
The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher;
Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications; 

To request information concerning the qualifications of your child's teacher(s), please contact the principal.
An annual signed copy of the above Parent-Student-Staff Compact & Receipt of NCLB Parents’ Right to Know Statement is maintained in the Student’s Portfolio. 
 

Charles Ellis School is the best school.

No other school can compare.

Our hearts are filled with its praises

And memories so fair.

Here boys and girls work together

In our America free.

We pledge our loyal devotion

Charles Ellis School to Thee