Q: Could you tell me what a normal day looks like at Bluestem?
A: Sure, here is our general schedule for the week. Of course we do change things up a bit sometimes.
8:15-8:30 Students arrive
8:30-9:00 Class meeting
9:00-12:00 Work period
12:00-1:30 Lunch and recess
1:30-3:00 Work period
3:00-3:15 Clean up and class meeting
3:15-3:30 Students depart
3:30-6:00 Aftercare program
During the work periods students may be working individually or as a small group. They work on all the different subjects depending on their individual plan for learning. Our grades are separated by Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary. Currently, Lower Elementary is grades K-2, and Upper Elementary is grades 3-6. It is not uncommon to have a kindergartener working on a project with a second grader. Our students learn from our teachers as well as from their peers. There is sometimes crossover between the classes too, especially at recess - our students value their friendships across all the grades.
We have yoga and music class once a week as a whole class, and intensive art classes monthly.
Q: Is it possible to try out a day?
A: Unfortunately it would be too disruptive for your child to try out our school for just one day. As a part of our application process we have your family come tour our school. During this time we sit down with your child and work with them in our classroom. We also have an interview process where we get to know your child and your family. If your child is accepted into our school we have a 60 day trial period to make sure that everyone is adjusting appropriately. All of these measure help to ensure that our school is the right fit for your child.
Q: I Want to go on a tour of your school. What can I expect?
A: If you would like to schedule a tour with us please contact us at info@bluestemmontessori.com or call 402-735-0987. We would be happy to talk to you.
A typical tour at Bluestem lasts an hour or two. It really depends on the individual family and what your interests are and if you have any previous knowledge about the Montessori method. Our Executive Director Laura loves giving tour of our classrooms and can spend a whole hour talking to you about math if you let her! On a typical tour you will see our classrooms, office, lunchroom, outdoor classroom, and playground. We encourage you to bring your child with on the tour. This gives them a chance to ask our teachers and students questions about their new school and it gives them a chance to work in the classroom with our students to get a real feel of a typical work period.
Q:I turned in an enrollment application. Now what?
A: After we receive your application we will contact you to schedule an interview and observation. Does that sound scary? Well, it definitely isn’t! Most of our parents actually had a great time at their interviews. This is really just a meeting to get to know your family and for your family to get to know us. We will have your child work in our classroom with our teacher to gauge their interests in different materials and their skill level. We meet students where they are, and getting to know your child will help us give them the best education possible.
Q: Are you an allergy friendly school?
A: Our school strives to accommodate students as much as we can. We work closely with families who have allergies to keep their children as safe as possible.
Q: Do you have a hot lunch program?
A: We do not have a hot lunch program. Students bring their own lunches each day. We have a microwave for students to heat their food if needed. We also have a snack each morning. Families take turns bringing snack for the community.