Message from Ms. Bridget

Welcome to another wonderful school year together at Winn Montessori! Our school community has grown a lot in the last year, and as our theme for the year states, E Pluribus Unum/Out of many, one. Together we will continue to grow a robust learning community!

Below are important updates for back-to-school. I will send out a monthly calendar and any specific announcements via email or text. You're also welcome to reach out at any time if you'd like to meet with me personally.

Your Principal,

Bridget M. Farr

bridget.farr@austinisd.org

(512) 414-2390 ext. 59454

Smiling student with Montessori pink tower

Winn Montessori Campus Expectations

Click here to learn all about our school expectations, including uniforms, absences, volunteer opportunities, and even birthdays (Montessori celebrations without snacks)!

Goodbye, Class Dojo! Hello AISD app!

We LOVE connecting with our families and want to do so in a meaningful way. This year, the campus will move away from ClassDojo, What’sApp, and other text messaging platforms.

Our campus goal is to limit phones being out during the day so that staff can focus on teaching. As a school, we are committed to not sending texts between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

We also ask that families refrain from texting staff. Last year, staff received and responded to text messages far into the evening (sometimes 8 and 9 pm). Most of our staff/parent conflict also came from misunderstanding in the text messages.

We will use email, phone calls, the AISD app, and weekly and monthly newsletters to keep you informed! If you need to contact your classroom guide with an urgent message, please call the front office at 512-414-2390.

Download the AISD app!

iPhone: Austin ISD, TX

Android: Austin ISD

School Supplies

All students will have access to school supplies even if they are unable to purchase any. All school supplies are shared among classrooms. This year, families have two ways to purchase school supplies.

1. The Parent Teacher Association is trying something new and offering pre-made school supply kits for 2024-25 as a fundraiser. Kits can be purchased at Meet the Guide Night.

2. Purchase supplies in store using cash, check, or card using this list as a guide.

Meet the Guide

The goal in our Montessori classrooms is for the child to remain with their Montessori guide for the full three year cycle. However, changes in enrollment or guide may mean that a child is moved into a different classroom in order to balance numbers.

Guides will call families of new students on Friday, August 9 and alert via email/call all returning families by Wednesday, August 14.

Meet the Guide Night will be a time to greet your child's guide and tour the school.

Friday, August 16 from 5-6 p.m.

Third Base After Care

Click here to register for on-campus after care provided through Austin ISD's 3rd Base!

The Austin ISD 3rd Base After-School Program is a tuition-based, licensed childcare operation that currently services 25 elementary campuses within the district. This campus based program will allow a seamless transition from the classroom to after-school care for students in grades PK4 - 5th. The intent of the program is to provide a safe environment that enhances the student experience through quality programming and experiences. The 3rd Base Program is owned and operated by the school district.

Off-Campus After Care

Both the Austin Boys and Girls Club and the Givens Rec Center pick-up students from our campus to take to off-site after care programs.

Boys and Girls Club Registration

Givens Rec Center Registration

Arrival and Dismissal Maps

Arrival

For increased safety, no family members will be allowed in the building during arrival, even on the first day.

Doors open at 7:10 AM. Drop-off for all students is on the Susquehanna side of the building.
Drop off for Primary (PK3-K) and older siblings is in the parking lot near the library. **NEW Entry will be from the top of the parking lot.
Drop-off for Elementary (1-5) is at the front entrance of the school.
For everyone’s safety, families are not allowed into the building during arrival.
Learning begins at 7:40 with family-style breakfast in the classroom and students are tardy beginning at this time.
Students who arrive after 7:40 will need to check-in at the front office with their caregiver. Continued tardies may lead to a student losing their transfer.

Dismissal

All students will remain inside the building until their guardian has arrived. Please be sure to have your pick-up sign with you or you will need to go to the front office to collect your child. Safety is our number one priority!

Learning will stop at 3:05 PM and dismissal begins at 3:10 PM.
**NEW Pick up for Primary (PK3-K) is on the Susquehanna side of the building, the same as the morning.
**NEW Pick-up for Elementary (1-5) is on the Manor side of the building.
Families with students in both groups pick up on the library side.
Please do not pick up students between 2:45 and 3:10 PM.
If changes occur to a student’s normal going-home routine, please contact the front office before 2:30 PM on the day the change is to be made. If the classroom teacher is not notified, they will dismiss the student per usual.
Guardians who arrive after 3:25 p.m. will need to pick up their student in the front office.

August Newsletter