Preview site · Dates and details come from the October 2026 MBAR newsletter. Always confirm with the school. Sitio de prueba.
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Family Guide Guía familiar

The everyday need-to-knows for Toddler and Primary families, especially if you're new to MBAR. ¡Bienvenidos, Monarcas!

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A friendly summary of the MBAR Toddler & Primary Parent Handbook (revised July 2025). If anything here differs from the official handbook, the official handbook wins. Questions go to school administration.
For tuition, enrollment, and paperwork, contact the school office or visit the school website.

New to MBAR? Start here ¿Nuevo en MBAR? Empieza aquí

Your first-week checklist. Tap to check things off (saved only on this device).

Everyday rules Reglas de todos los días

School hours7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Mon–Fri
Half Day8:30 – 11:30 AMToddler only
Full Day8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Extended Day7:00 AM – 5:30 PMAfternoon: 2:45–5:30 PM
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Uniforms Uniformes

Uniforms are required, and students stay in uniform anywhere on campus (including the parking lot), arriving and leaving fully dressed.

Tops

  • School-logo polo or blouse from French Toast
  • Long sleeves underneath may be any solid color
  • Outerwear in class: school fleece or crew-neck cardigan (French Toast)
  • Other jackets: hunter/dark green and monogrammed by the approved retailer

Bottoms

  • Khaki pants, shorts, skorts, or skirts (department stores OK); embroidered jumpers from French Toast only
  • Must pass the "finger test" for length
  • No cargo, drawstring, capris, jeans, sweatpants, or jersey/sweatshirt fabric

Shoes & socks

  • Sneakers or leather shoes, closed toe and heel
  • No sandals, slides, flats, Crocs, light-up or wheeled shoes, or characters
  • Socks always; leggings OK

Extras

  • Belts optional, solid black or brown
  • One stud or tiny hoop per earlobe only; no smartwatches, necklaces, bracelets, or rings
  • No makeup, perfume, artificial nails, or unusual hair colors
Spirit Day is every Friday! Students may wear their "Tree of Knowledge" shirt with regular uniform bottoms, or just the regular uniform.
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Arrival & drop-off Llegada

  • Check in on Brightwheel every morning (QR code at the car line or front window, or the front-office tablet).
  • Early drop-off, 7:00–8:10 AM: park and walk your child to their classroom. Don't leave them if no staff member is there.
  • Rooms 3, 4 & 6 car line, 8:10–8:25 AM: drive all the way to the white gate by the picnic area; an educator meets your car. Don't park. Before 8:10, walk your child to the before-care room.
  • Rooms 1 & 2: park, enter at the black front gate, and walk your child in.
  • Siblings: if one child is in Room 1 or 2, park and walk both in. If both are Primary/Elementary, use the car line.
  • After 8:30 AM: come to the office; an administrator walks your child in.
  • No drop-offs in toddler rooms 11:45 AM–2:00 PM (nap time).
Hold your child's hand at all times in the parking lot. Children should never be left unsupervised outside the gates.
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Dismissal & pick-up Salida

  • Check out on Brightwheel every afternoon (all classrooms).
  • Parents don't go to the classrooms. Wait at the gate: a teacher radios your child's classroom by walkie-talkie, and your child is sent out to you at the gate.
  • Half Day, 11:30–11:45 AM: park and meet your child at the green benches by the black front gate.
  • Full Day, 2:30–2:45 PM: show your car tag at the lot entrance; your child meets you at the white gate and staff help them into the car. Don't park.
  • Extended Day, 2:45–5:30 PM: park and wait at the gate. A teacher will radio for your child, who is sent to you at the gate.
  • Severe weather: park and wait at the gate. Your child is sent out to you there; please don't go to the classroom.
  • Anyone not on your authorized pick-up list needs written notice from you, every time (even another MBAR parent).
Good to know: teachers can't chat during drop-off and pick-up. Message them on Brightwheel or set up a time to meet. Please head straight to your car afterward (no playground, ducks, chickens, or gardens).
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Tardiness & late pick-up Puntualidad

  • Class starts at 8:30 AM; students should be at school by 8:25.
  • Running late? Tell your child's teacher on Brightwheel.
  • More than 5 tardies means a meeting with the Director.
  • Half & Full Day: 15-minute grace period after dismissal begins, then extra time is billed to your account.
  • Extended Day: MBAR closes promptly at 5:30 PM; late minutes are billed.
  • Need an unusual drop-off or pick-up time? Let staff know on Brightwheel (extra hours are billed).
If a child is still at school after closing and no parent or pickup contact can be reached, licensing law may require the school to contact local authorities.
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Attendance Asistencia

  • Under age 4: no attendance penalty.
  • Ages 4–6: more than 9 absences in a semester means a meeting with the Director. Religious holidays, documented illness, and chronic/extended illness don't count toward the 9.
  • Kindergarten: at least 162 days to move up to first grade; more than 6 absences in a semester means a parent meeting.
  • Your child must be there at least half the day to count as present.
  • Report absences in writing as soon as possible; send doctor's notes to the teacher on Brightwheel.
Vacations during the school year (Aug–May) aren't excused. Try to plan trips for Winter or Spring Break.
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Illness & health Salud

Keep your child home with any ONE of:

  • Fever of 100.4 (fever-free 24 hours without medicine before returning)
  • Diarrhea (2 or more times)
  • Vomiting
  • Head lice or nits (must be nit-free)

…or any TWO or more of: new uncontrolled cough, excessive runny nose, headache, swollen glands, sore throat or earache, red or discharging eyes, nausea/stomach ache, rashes, lethargy/body aches.

  • Children who arrive sick are sent home. Report contagious illnesses to the office right away.
  • No medicine in backpacks or lunch boxes (even vitamins or cough drops). An adult turns it in to the office in its original labeled container with a signed authorization form.
New students often catch lots of bugs at first. Building immunity usually takes six months to a year.
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Meals & snacks Comidas

  • Finish breakfast before school. Extended Day early arrivals may eat their own breakfast 7:00–7:30 AM (no syrup or jelly containers).
  • The school provides morning and afternoon snacks. For allergies or special diets, send your child's own snack.
  • Packed lunch: labeled container, utensils, napkin, and an ice pack (no fridge or microwave; a thermos is fine). No glass, no oversized lunch boxes.
  • Skip gum, ice cream, candy, sugary desserts, and caffeinated drinks. Cut foods like grapes, apples, and hot dogs at home.
  • Lunch program: catered lunches with Pizza Day on Friday (or "pizza only"). Enroll with the Lunch Enrollment Form before the 1st of the month; it continues until you submit a stop form.
  • Birthdays: no sweets (no cookies, cakes, or cupcakes). Cut fruit, crackers, or cheese to share are welcome.
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Rest & toileting Descanso y baño

  • Toddler (Full & Extended): everyone lies down for rest after lunch and outdoor play on school mats, with dim lights and classical music.
  • Bedding: one labeled fitted sheet and blanket, in Monday, home Friday to wash.
  • Pacifiers only for children under 24 months, and only at rest time.
  • Primary: no scheduled nap, but mats are available if a child is tired.
  • Toileting: when a child shows interest, teachers encourage and guide them and work with you on a plan. Children must be fully potty trained to enroll in Primary.
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Key fob & car seats Llavero y sillas de auto

  • A key fob is needed to enter campus and classrooms. Only the authorized holder may use it.
  • Don't let anyone without a fob in; tell the office instead. Keep the front gate closed and locked.
  • Children may never operate the gate or hold a fob.
  • Fobs belong to MBAR: no copies, report a lost fob right away (a replacement fee applies), and return it at the end of your term.
  • Car seats: required by state law. The school can't store car seats, so if someone else picks up, they need their own.
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What to bring (and leave home) Qué traer

✅ Bring

  • Labeled water bottle
  • Spare clothes for the cubby
  • Packed lunch (if not on the lunch program)
  • Supply-list items
  • Weekly sheet & blanket (toddlers)
  • Sunscreen or bug spray applied at home

🚫 Leave home

  • Toys, plastic toys, Nerf/water guns
  • Tiaras, figurines, sports balls
  • Books, stuffies, craft supplies
  • Money and jewelry
  • Bottles, formula, or milk (toddlers)
Found a bead or block from school in a pocket? Please send it back and let the teacher know on Brightwheel. One missing piece can make a whole Montessori set unusable.
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Communication & Brightwheel Comunicación

  • Brightwheel is the school's preferred channel: check-in/out, photos and updates from teachers, messages, forms, and billing.
  • Teachers reply during business hours when they can; students come first. For anything urgent, contact the office.
  • Teachers aren't required to answer messages after hours.
  • Monthly newsletters arrive by Brightwheel and email with dates and curriculum topics.
  • Check the outdoor bulletin board and chalkboard for updates.
  • Keep emergency contacts, allergies, and pick-up people up to date.

More policies Más políticas

Tap a topic to expand it.

Full uniform details
  • The school logo must be visible: the outermost layer (shirt, blouse, jumper, cardigan, fleece) is embroidered with it. The logo is copyrighted, so logo items come only from approved vendors (currently French Toast).
  • Polos (size 2T and below) and uniform jackets may be monogrammed only at the approved retailer, All Uniform Wear in West Melbourne.
  • Jumpers need the school polo or blouse underneath, plus solid-color leggings or bike shorts under jumpers and skirts. Leggings may go under skorts.
  • Finger test: hems reach below the child's longest finger with arms straight at their sides. Pant hems sit at or below the ankle without dragging.
  • No hip huggers, pajamas, logos, insignias, pictures, messages, or oversized clothing.
  • Shoes can't go above the ankle (casual and dress shoes). Brand marks like stripes or swooshes are OK; beads, bangles, and squeaky shoes are not.
  • Hats, caps, scarves, and bandanas aren't allowed in the classroom; sunhats are fine outside. Hoods aren't worn indoors. In rare extreme cold, extra coats may be worn outside.
  • Hair should be neat and combed. No shaved patterns, oversized bows, costume or animal headbands, crowns, feathers, tinsel, or extensions.
  • Elementary students keep shirts tucked in at all times.
  • Uniforms should be clean, the right size, and free of holes or frays. Violations are noted by slip and Brightwheel message or phone call; if it can't be fixed on the spot, you may be asked to bring the right item.
  • After an accident your child may borrow a "School" polo. Please wash and return it the next day; if it isn't back in a week, it's added to your bill.
  • The school isn't responsible for lost uniform items, so label everything.
Behavior & discipline (Toddler and Primary)

Toddler: the goal is self-discipline, using redirection, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, following Florida child care standards (never severe, humiliating, or frightening; never tied to food, rest, or toileting; no physical punishment). Steps can include "Think Time" (one minute per year of age, up to three minutes), an incident report you sign at the gate or when you meet with the teacher, a behavior intervention meeting, being sent home, and in serious, ongoing cases, dismissal from the school.

Primary: built on respect for self, friends, educators, and the environment. There are no "time outs"; educators step aside with the child to talk about classroom values. Minor issues get a "No, thank you" and redirection. Repeated or moderate issues mean a talk and a Classroom Conduct Incident Report you sign at the gate or when you meet with the teacher. Serious or habitual issues mean a trip to the office and a call home, which can lead to a Special Action Plan, suspension, or expulsion. Some actions, like bringing a weapon or physical assault, lead to immediate expulsion.

MBAR has zero tolerance for harassment and bullying of any kind.

Food allergies at special events

At events where food is served, the menu can't be changed for individual allergies or intolerances. Parents provide alternatives; you can leave a box of individually sealed, non-perishable snacks at school for these times. Tell both your child's teacher and administration about allergies in advance, and update Brightwheel.

Sunscreen, bug spray & medication
  • Apply sunscreen and insect repellent at home before school.
  • For Full and Extended Day, staff can reapply in the afternoon only if you provide it and fill out an authorization form.
  • All other medication goes through the office in its original labeled container with a signed authorization form.
  • You'll be asked to sign a report for even minor accidents.
Drills, security & weather closures
  • Fire drills happen monthly (including one at nap time), plus severe weather drills and lockdowns. Staff keep them calm.
  • Campus uses cameras, security locks, and paging. Keep the front gate closed and never hold doors open for others.
  • If public schools close for severe weather, MBAR closes too. Closures are announced on radio, TV, or online.
  • No smoking or vaping anywhere on school grounds.
Photos, cameras & visiting the classroom
  • Parents can't take photos or videos inside classrooms, or of the security monitors, to protect other students' privacy.
  • Open door policy: you may come to the office to watch your child's classroom on the security cameras at any time. In-class observation can be arranged with advance notice.
  • "Bring your Parent to School" (Primary only): one week a year, parents may observe for an hour. Dates are on the academic calendar.
  • A signed Consent of Media form is required for your child's work to appear in school promotions or news coverage.
Birthdays & the Celebration of Life

On your child's birthday, the class shares a special lesson telling the story of their life: your child walks around a pretend "Sun" once for each year. Parents of Room 2 and Primary students are encouraged to come and bring a photo from each year. Healthy treats only (no sweets), and invitations can be handed out at school only if the whole class is invited.

Conferences, homework & make-up work
  • Two schoolwide parent-teacher conference days a year. School is closed, but your child may come during your meeting time and stay with a staff member. You can request more conferences through the office.
  • Toddlers never get formal homework (sometimes an item for a project, with advance notice). Primary students may get homework, due on time.
  • Make-up work is allowed for excused and unexcused absences, with as many days to finish as days missed.
Changes at home & custody

Please let teachers know about changes at home (a new sibling, illness or loss in the family, divorce, a parent away for a long time) so they can support your child. This is kept confidential. Both parents may visit, drop off, or pick up unless the school has official court papers saying otherwise, and the school must be told about custody situations in advance. In two-parent homes, parents share school information with each other.

Parent conduct, donations & the Parent Org
  • Treat other parents, students, and all staff with respect in person, by phone, and online.
  • Please don't ask MBAR staff to babysit or work for your family or business.
  • The school welcomes donated craft and paper supplies, gently used toys, books, and magazines. Teachers often have wish lists.
  • Fundraisers help pay for campus and classroom additions (MBAR doesn't receive state assistance).
  • Want to know about guest speaking? Contact the office.
  • The Parents Organization is run by parent volunteers, and everyone is welcome. Contact the office to be added to the list.