School Policies

As a reminder, our hours are:

• School Hours: 9:10 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.
• Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Montessori students may arrive at school as early as 8:40 AM for breakfast. 

Tardy Procedures

Children who arrive at school after 9:15 a.m. must report to the office for a tardy slip. Parents of children who are consistently late to school will be held accountable for their child's attendance. Our school social worker will investigate excessive tardiness or absenteeism as defined by state and local laws as well as school district policies for attendance.

Absence Procedures

If your child is going to be absent from school for any reason, parents must call the attendance line 513-363-9600 and report the absence by 9:30 AM. If we do not receive a call the day of the absence by 9:30 AM, per Alianna’s Law, a call will be made to the home to verify the absence. This policy is for your child's safety. Please help us minimize unnecessary phone calls by letting us know of absences. Chronic absenteeism is typically defined as missing at least 10 percent of school days, or approximately 18 days in a year, for any reason, excused or unexcused. Chronic absenteeism will be investigated by the school social worker at the discretion of the principal. Parents who fail to improve a child's poor attendance may be cited in court and a judge will assign corrective measures. Any child who is absent from school is not permitted to attend any afterschool event such as a dance, try-out, or enrichment class. 

Student behavior that distracts bus drivers is a hazard to the vehicle's safe operation, and jeopardizes the safety and welfare of all passengers. Misbehavior while on a yellow school bus or a Metro bus can result in disciplinary action for the student or the suspension of transportation service for the student.

Read more about our requirements for student behavior on buses.

Cell phones and electronic devices are not necessary for school. Children bring devices at their own risk. All devices must be turned off and put in their book bag at the first bell. All devices that are seen after 8:40 a.m. will be taken from the student. Parents or guardians will be asked to retrieve electronic devices at their earliest convenience.

Students at Gamble Montessori Elementary are expected to dress in a manner that is not distracting to the learning process. We ask that all parents review the following guidelines with their children and ensure that they come to school properly dressed.

Dress Code/Discipline

Students must wear: Top (shirt, blouse, sweater, sweatshirt, tank, etc.) Bottom (pants, shorts, skirt, dress, etc.) Footwear. 

Students should be able to dress and style their hair for school in a manner that expresses their individuality without fear of unnecessary discipline. Students have the right to be treated equitably. Dress code enforcement will not create disparities, reinforce or increase marginalization of any group, nor will it be more strictly enforced against students because of racial identity, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, cultural or religious identity, household income, body size/type, or body maturity.

Students and staff are responsible for managing their personal distractions, and students should not face unnecessary barriers to school attendance. Students shall not be disciplined or removed from class as a consequence for wearing attire in violation of this policy unless the attire creates a substantial disruption to the educational environment, poses a hazard to the health or safety of others, or factors into a student behavior rule violation such as malicious harassment. Further, no student shall be referred to as “a distraction” due to their appearance or attire.

Each family with children in the Cincinnati Public Schools is asked to pay an instructional fee to help cover consumable classroom materials. The fee varies based on income, the number of children in school, and grade levels. Parents will receive a letter explaining this policy during the first week of school.

All fees must be paid in cash or with a money order. Per Board Policy, we cannot accept personal checks. Please send any money in an envelope marked with your child's name, room number and the purpose of the payment. Children will be given a receipt.

Fines are charged when children lose or damage any library or textbook that is assigned to them. The amount varies according to the original cost of the book, the condition, age and the extent of the damage. Progress reports will be withheld for the nonpayment of instructional fees and book fines at the end of the fourth quarter. Fees that accumulate over years will continue to be charged to students. Records will not be released until fees are paid in full.

Snow days and school delays are announced on our website, local TV and radio stations, CPS' mobile app, and through automated phone calls. Assume school is open unless you hear otherwise.

Learn more about CPS' severe weather and emergency closing procedures.

The Gamble Montessori Elementary Student Handbook details our policies and procedures.

• View and download: Gamble Montessori Elementary Student Handbook

We welcome visits from parents and guardians. However, to protect student safety, all visitors must sign in at the main office and wear a visitor's badge. Parents/guardians who would like a conference with their child's teacher must schedule an appointment with the teacher.