WHAT ARE THE BEHAVIOR STANDARDS OF THE SCHOOL? Each of the students is expected to be respectful of the teachers and his or her fellow students, not to be disruptive, and to be able to work with an appropriate measure of independence.

HOW IS CLASSROOM ORDER AND DISCIPLINE MAINTAINED? If a student is disrespectful, disruptive, or cannot stay with his or her work, the student will be redirected. If that does not work the child will be asked to take "time out." It is not a punishment rather it is a time to think or calm down. Sometimes it may be necessary to have the student take "time out" in another classroom or the front office. The student is not subjected to either ridicule or embarrassment, but "time out" is a withdrawal of the privilege of participating in the school's activities and is a time where the student may regain his or her composure. If the student is repeatedly or unusually disrespectful or disruptive or cannot stay with his or her work, the student's parents will be called in for a conference. A partnership between the school, parent, and child is utilized for the benefit of the child.

WHAT ABOUT HOMEWORK? At the Windsong Montessori School, we believe that family time and values are an important part of a child's development. Activities of personal interest outside of school also play an important part in the overall intellectual, emotional, and physical development of the child.

We are committed to fulfilling the student's needs for academic challenge and most peer interaction during the school day. We believe that if the teacher and the student each do their part, and with the individualized Montessori method, there is normally more than enough time during the day for learning the academic subject matter.

In addition, forced homework when both the child and the parent are tired tends to cause stress and frustration for all concerned. With the advantage of the individualized Montessori method, we believe homework to be unnecessary and usually counter-productive.

WHAT ABOUT THE "REAL WORLD"? We believe that the real world should be better than it is, and we aspire to building a better world by helping our children become better adults. In addition, preparation for success in the real means helping our children build a strong foundation of character, skills, independence, and education. Too much stress before a foundation is well formed will not strengthen it , but will weaken it. The stronger the foundation, the more prepared the child will be for the real world.