News & Announcements
October 28th, 2024
Join us for our very first Trunk-or-Treat event this Thursday, October 31st from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
--> We are accepting candy & treat donations! <--
Please drop them off any time now through October 31st in the orange bin located in the front office.
Treats must be store-bought, individually wrapped and nut-free.
October 28th, 2024
Happy Montessori Monday! Today, we’re discussing how to help your children ease into adapting to the upcoming holidays your family may be celebrating while also helping them maintain their routines.
It is no secret that while this time of year is sacred for many reasons, it often comes with a hefty dose of burnout for parents. Children become easily dysregulated when there are ongoing changes happening. Place your expectations in the realm of (your child’s) possibility. The holidays can be a series of inconsistent events, which can quickly throw children into a chaotic state internally and externally. We can strive to be sensitive to their disrupted order.
Simplify holiday plans to allow for rest and reset in between events.
Think ahead to what we and our children will need in order to be successful through the hustle and bustle, large family gatherings, increased travel, etc.
Give undivided attention. We are often the most effective, grounding medicine for our struggling child. Coregulating helps them calm their bodies and emotions.
Show sensitivity to their temperament (whether they are shy around their family members or highly active and will scarcely slow down enough to eat).
Put structure in place to bring a semblance of normalcy.
Plan for times and places for children to have alone time or take breaks from activity and family.
Keep their blood sugar stable by having plenty of fresh fruit handy.
Place connection with them above all else. Allow enjoyment of the process to reign over any desired outcome.
October 23rd, 2024
Children will be permitted to wear their Halloween costumes all day on Halloween, October 31st.
Please review the following guidelines for Halloween costumes:
Should be age appropriate for school setting, modesty safety, non disruptive attire.
Well fitting to avoid tripping and stay within the dress code.
Shoes MUST be close-toed and closed-heeled.Nothing disrespectful or depicts violence, drugs, alcohol, or is discriminatory.
No full face masks or face paint that prevent child from seeing or from being easily identified.
No paraphernalia/props are to be carried like umbrellas, brooms, swords, knives, guns, nun chucks, etc. Any such items will be confiscated and held in the office until a parent/guardian can pick them up.
Costumes should not interfere with normal daily activities and be comfortable to wear all day long. Children should be able to sit, stand, walk and participate in class activities.
All costume preparation should be completed at home. No dressing or applying makeup at school.
October 23rd, 2024
Our annual pumpkin patch is happening this Friday, October 25th!
--> Please do NOT send children in costumes. <--
Parents are very welcome to attend the pumpkin patch. We are asking parents to keep in mind that if your child will struggle when you have to leave after the event, to take that into consideration.
There will be no morning recess for all age groups so that classes have enough time to pick out pumpkins.
Infants in Infant Playground
Time: 10:20 am to 11:20 am
Rooms: A, B, C, D
Toddlers in Quad Playground
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Rooms: H1 & H2
Preschoolers in Quad Playground
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Rooms: H3, H4 & H5
Kindergarteners & Elementary in Elementary Playground
Time: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Rooms: G1, G2, G3 & G4
October 21st, 2024
Happy Montessori Monday! Today, we have an inspiring quote from Maria Montessori herself. Keep this one in mind as you strive to set a good example for your children in your day-to-day lives.
"Children learn by watching us, not listening to us. We can advise children on how to be, but the best way to educate is to live honestly and responsibly in front of them."
October 14th, 2024
Happy Montessori Monday! Today, we’re looking a little closer at the Montessori environment your teachers have put a lot of care and attention into. We’ll be relying on words shared by the American Montessori Society in hopes that they give a helpful glimpse into understanding your children’s classrooms.
"The classroom is intentionally prepared with only one of each activity. Students are free to choose the activity they wish to work with, so they learn to make choices based on what they are interested in and what is available.
While some children will naturally choose to work with others, often the youngest students focus on solo activities. As children mature, the curriculum intentionally provides small group instruction and collaborative activities. The combination of independent, partner, small-group, and whole-group lessons and activities introduces children to different learning relationships and interpersonal dynamics—valuable skills for their interactions outside the classroom!”
October 11th, 2024
A reminder that the school will be closed to children for Parent-Teacher conferences on Monday, October 14th. Child care will not be available to children, but they are welcome to attend the conference with their parents/guardians.
October 7th, 2024
Happy Montessori Monday! Today, we have 3 fun facts about the founder of the Montessori Method, Maria Montessori.
Maria Montessori’s father wanted her to attend finishing school to become a teacher, but she instead attended the University of Rome and became the first woman in Italy to earn a medical degree.
She often visited India to have discussions about education with Mahatma Gandhi.
For her advancements in education and child development, Maria Montessori received consecutive nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1949, 1950, and 1951.
October 4th, 2024
A big thank you to all of our parents who made it out to our Back-to-School night presentations this week.
For our parents who were unable to attend, please feel free to review the information covered in each night's presentation in the auditorium. If you are still interested in conversing with your children's teaching teams, our upcoming Parent-Teacher conferences on October 14th will be the perfect opportunity.
Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups are posted outside each classroom. Individual messages will also be sent through LineLeader to each class with a link for signing up.
--> Infant, Toddler & Preschool Back-to-School Night:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1CV0GYZHeU6DZM4Gz7MLIk0TGYcSxp2zN9UcSkgkdCac/edit?usp=sharing
--> Kindergarten & Elementary Back-to-School Night:
September 26th, 2024
Taking into consideration the results from our parent survey, our Back-to-School Night schedules will be as follows:
Wednesday, October 2nd: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Infant, Toddler & Preschool
Thursday, October 3rd: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kindergarten & Elementary
Families will convene in the Auditorium from 6:00pm - 6:15pm and then head to your child's classroom from 6:15pm - 7:00pm.
Sign-ups for Parent-Teacher Conferences will be posted outside your child's class starting October 2nd at Back-to-School night.
September 23rd, 2024
Happy Montessori Monday! Today, we have an inspiring quote from Maria Montessori herself. Keep this one in mind as you witness your children adjust to their new environments during this first month of school.
“The attention of little children is continually being drawn to one thing or other on their walks. They stop to observe and admire things they see. They are like explorers. This is a preparation for the adaptation to the environment.”
September 16th, 2024
Happy Montessori Monday! You may have heard our staff mention the term "AMS", which stands for the American Montessori Society. This society is a hub for all things Montessori and the training tool for many of our Montessori teachers. They are also advocates in helping schools educate their families about the Montessori Method. They offer classes to parents in addition to providing a beautiful monthly newsletter geared towards families.
You will find their September "Family Connection" newsletter attached so you can see a sample of what they share with you each month. Please feel free to give it a read and consider subscribing.
Interested in subscribing to AMS’s Family Connection?
September 9th, 2024
Welcome to our first Montessori Monday! Every Monday, we'll be sharing a little bit about the Montessori method we embrace across all of our age groups, some history about Dr. Maria Montessori herself, inspiring quotes, and fun tips and ideas for helping you as parents and guardians embrace the Montessori philosophy at home. For our families unfamiliar with the Montessori Method, we hope these Monday tidbits will help you become better acquainted with the philosophy and what you can expect to see from your children’s classes.
The Montessori Method has been practiced in classrooms around the world for more than 100 years. It helps children grow into adults who are self-motivated and love learning, think flexibly and creatively, are conscious of the needs of others, and actively foster harmony as they go through life. The Montessori environment offers intentional lessons in grace and courtesy—modeling appropriate, respectful manners that are demonstrated by teachers and practiced in small groups.
From the simple, loving interactions, and through lessons in practical skills and independence, Montessori students learn to take care of themselves and their environment and to be helpful to others. They wash tables, organize shelves, prepare their own meals, and assist younger children. In addition to mastering real-life skills, they come to see themselves as valued members of the community.
Additional academic rigor and an emphasis on group work in Elementary classes promote collaboration and community. And the complex, outward-facing activities such as service learning projects undertaken by adolescents in Secondary classrooms help students become empathetic, peaceful, resourceful, independent, and kind.
The entire cycle of Montessori education nurtures responsible, independent, and capable people who are active citizens in their classrooms and beyond.
Montessori learners recognize themselves as part of multiple communities—the community of the classroom, the community of the family, and the community of the wider world.
Montessori is for life.
September 3rd, 2024
Starting September 4, 2024, please see our new drop off and pick up times across campus.
Infants
7:30a - 8:15a = Room B
5:30p - 6:00p = Rooms A & B
Toddlers = H2
7:30a - 8:30a
5:30p - 6:00p
Preschool = H3
7:30a - 8:30a
5:30a - 6:00p
Kinder
7:30a - 8:00a = G4
8:00a - 8:30a = Preschool Playground - going forward to referred as Quad Playground
Elem
7:30a - 8:00a = G4
8:00a - 8:30a = V Playground
August 30th, 2024
Rainbow Montessori will be closed on Monday, September 2nd for the Labor Day holiday and Tuesday, September 3rd for a Staff Development day.
We will resume operations at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4th.
July 6th, 2024
New Preschool & Toddler Drop-off & Pick-up locations are starting on July 2024.
7:30am - 8:30am
All Toddler students will be dropped off in H2
All Preschool students will be dropped off in G1
5:30pm - 6:00pm
All Toddler students will be picked up from H2
All Preschool students will be picked up from G1
Please see the new Toddler & Preschool schedules for more detailed information.
June 28th, 2024
Rainbow Montessori will be closed from Monday, July 1st to Friday, July 5th for our Summer Break.
We will resume operations with new school hours starting at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 8th.
June 10th, 2024
Hello parents!
Our Father's Day celebration for Toddler and Preschool classes will be held on separate days.
Toddler classes will be held on June 13th (Thursday) at 4 pm in the classroom.
Preschool classes will be held on June 14th (Friday) at 4 pm in the classroom.
We look forward to celebrating this special event with all the Dads!
Sincerely,
Sima Panahy
Preschool Director
February 27th, 2024
Please note that we have made an adjustment to our school calendar. Parent Teacher conferences will only be held on one day, instead of the previously scheduled two ays. We will be open for normal operations on Thursday, March 21st. The school will be closed to children for Parent Teacher conferences on Friday, March 22nd.
Child care will not be available to children, but they are welcome to attend the conference with their parents/guardians. In-person, phone or virtual meetings will be available for parents to check in with their child's teaching team.
February 1st, 2024
It is time for our Kindergarten & Elementary Open House events. Please click on the following flyers for further information regarding our K-5th programs.
December 22nd, 2023
It's my pleasure to announce that Rainbow Montessori closing hours will be changing from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., starting January 2nd, 2024. We're hoping that many of you will find this change beneficial. Our new operating hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thank you for being a part of our family, and sending you best wishes this time of year!
December 21st, 2023
As you likely saw, activation emails for LineLeader went out earlier this week, so that you can activate your account and update profiles for your family members online. If you did not receive an activation email, please let us know. I will also be sending a reminder tomorrow for those who have not yet activated.
Additionally, you will want to download the LineLeader app (in your smartphone app store) if you have not already, and once the app is downloaded, you will use your email address and newly created password to log into the app. We hope that you have the time this week to check it out.
To ensure that you get communications throughout the day with the LineLeader app, please go to the profile icon at the bottom, click the Notifications tab, and then set your notification preferences to taste. You can choose push notifications, e-mail notifications, or both!
If you need help activating your account, please refer to this Help overview first: https://educate.lineleader.com/en/articles/6781575-account-activation-family-users . If you still have issues you can reach out to resolve them with our IT vendor at support@lineleader.com.
As always, we seek your input and thoughts. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us, about this software pilot or anything else.
Have a great rest of your day!
October 26th, 2023
Good morning, Rainbow Montessori Community:
The pandemic and all the actions that transpired from that two-year ordeal have unfortunately dealt a serious blow to our operation. Sadly, our school is approaching a crossroads and I feel that I need to reach out to everyone for ideas, assistance, and support. Our enrollment numbers are at a two-year low and this does not bode well, as low enrollment numbers make it difficult for us to meet our financial obligations (payroll, rent, insurance, electricity, supplies, materials, etc.). Rainbow Montessori needs to increase enrollment, and we need your help.
Right now, we have openings in every program, and we need our community to spread the word. We would love for you to tell your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family that an excellent education is available at a reasonable price right here.
This is a terrific school, getting better all the time, and far more affordable than a lot of other schools in our area. We need our families to let other families know. We're here, we're open, and we have space. Word of mouth has always been our best advertising, and with your help in promoting our school, we firmly believe things will quickly turn around, and for the long-term. To show our appreciation for anyone willing to assist us in this task, we will offer a free month's tuition for every family you refer that is enrolled and in attendance for at least 6 months.
We could really use your help, and thank you so much for trusting us to educate your children.
Please also feel free to reach out to me directly on my mobile phone (510-565-6186) or through email (dave@rainbow-montessori.com).
Thank you in advance,
David Rodenborn
Executive Director
May 31st, 2023
Hello Rainbow Montessori Parents,
I hope your children are enjoying a productive year in school.
The last 3 years have been challenging and we are relieved that the future is looking so much brighter. We managed to make it through the pandemic without increasing our rates, but it’s been 4 years since our last increase and an adjustment is now required. You will find our new rate schedule effective July 1, 2023 available on our website.
Along with the increase we are also adding a weekly option during the summer program that I think many of you will find beneficial.
We strive to provide your children the finest education at a reasonable price and I think you will find that even with this rate increase we are still very competitive in the local market.
Thank you for your continued support.
Larry Rodenborn
VP Administration