School Policies - James N. Gamble Montessori Elementary School

Attendance Policies

As a reminder, our hours are:

School Hours: 8:50 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tardy Procedures

Children who arrive at school after 8:15 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 363-9600 and report the absence by 9:15 a.m. If we do not receive a call the day of the absence by 9:15 a.m., per Aliana’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 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.

Montessori students may arrive at school as early as 7:45 a.m. Our teachers try to make the most of every minute children are in school. Please be sure that your child is in the class by the 8:15 a.m. start time. Chronic tardiness will also be investigated by the school social worker.

To report an absent child, call the school office or email us using this Absence Reporting Form.

Bus Safety

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.

Cell Phone Policy

Discipline

GME Dress Code

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.

Hats, bandannas, kerchiefs or other headgear are not to be worn in the building.
Spaghetti straps, tube tops or any shirts that expose the midriff area are not allowed.
Shorts that are an appropriate length (not to be shorter than half of the distance from upper leg and knees) can be worn throughout the school year.
Pants must be held up with a belt. Undergarments should not be shown.
Items that are distracting to learning are prohibited.
Clothing with profanity or violent messages is prohibited.
Shoes should be comfortable and enable the student to walk safely about the school grounds.
Flip-flops are a safety issue. Flip-flops are prohibited.

School Fees

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.