Bissonnet Campus
Looking for information about the daily life of the classroom? This section has information about the school dress code, possessions, and how to celebrate your child’s birthday at school. Other sections contain more information such as what to pack for lunch and student conduct.
Possessions
Some children like to bring something from their home environment to school, a part of themselves to place in their new environment. We want to honor this urge and, at the same time, be sure that what the child brings leads to a positive experience.
Things to bring to school
Flowers, things found in nature, and small plants are welcome, as are things of interest to the class (e.g., cultural or scientific artifacts or objects). As a courtesy, if you have any doubt, contact your child’s teacher.
Some children like to bring something that will remain in the classroom. Your child’s teacher can make suggestions of small things needed by that classroom.
Things to leave at home
Please do not send any live animals unless it has been arranged with the teacher.
Please leave all toys, stuffed animals, electronic devices, music, card collections, money, food (except lunch and snack), candy, or gum at home or in the car.
See the Technology section regarding electronics at school.
Lost and found
Clothing, shoes, water bottles, lunch boxes, jackets, sweaters, and other items of clothing that are left behind at school are deposited in the lost and found box, located in the Common Room. Items labeled with names are returned to students. Throughout the year, the unclaimed items are removed and donated to a charity. Please check regularly for your child’s items.
Birthdays
At The Post Oak School, we like to mark the younger children’s birthdays by telling their life story and secondarily, if wished, by serving a “treat.” Elementary children will have a celebration once a month for all the birthdays for that class. We encourage creative thinking and making healthful choices when deciding on a birthday snack; adults have the association of cake with birthdays, but children find many things satisfying and special. How about big strawberries or mini-muffins, watermelon or smoothies, frozen juice pops, fruit kabobs, fun shaped pancakes, or healthful cookies? The possibilities are endless!
This is not a birthday party at school; each level has its own guidelines for birthday celebrations that should come home to you from the classroom. When in doubt, contact your child’s teacher. If you wish to send a birthday treat, please observe the school’s nutrition guidelines and the classroom teacher’s requests.
Children often like to leave their imprint on their class: it is special for them to know that they have given something to be kept permanently in the classroom. A child’s birthday is a wonderful time to give an item to the classroom. Consult your child’s teacher during birthday planning.
If you are giving a birthday party for your child and plan to invite children from the class, it is better to invite only a few, or to invite them all. When many are invited, but not all, some feelings get hurt. Please mail the invitations; do not send them to school for distribution.
Holidays
The Montessori philosophy reflects universal acceptance of all people and appreciation of differences. Cultural diversity is well represented and highly valued at Post Oak. Holidays are explored culturally and historically as special times for sharing traditions.
We emphasize the celebratory nature of holidays, encouraging community participation, understanding, and appreciation. Traditional symbolism is used as a tool for exploration, not as an expression of religious devotion or mere decoration. Child-initiated activities, discussions, and questions are supported, and parents are encouraged to inform their child’s teacher of what and how they celebrate holidays. If a parent wants to send in holiday gifts for all the children in the class, please speak with the teacher in advance.
