Dear Community,

Thank you for a fabulous fall semester. Our team is grateful this holiday season for you and your children and we hope you are enjoying your break so far.

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES
We have experienced so much growth these past 2 years!   Our staff is constantly working to build our curriculum and make our school stronger.  As we plateau and prepare for our next phase of expansion — adding a much-needed elementary program — we ask for your patience and support. The success of fundraising efforts will allow us to begin ground improvements after the first of the year, and some are already in the works!  We are also slated to make internal changes that will support a more cohesive student body and stronger administrative team.  These changes will be announced as they are confirmed, please pay close attention to any information (email, a note in your child’s bag, updates on FB) that comes your way from our school.  We want to be sure everyone stays informed as we continue to finalize decisions.

TUITION
Tuition will increase annually starting in 2019. Please reference the tuition schedule, as posted last spring on our website, for an updated list of program pricing.  2018 enrolled students have received fixed pricing this semester and it will increase to the new rate for all families next school year 2019/2020.  

Moving forward, JG families should budget for a 5 - 15% yearly tuition increase that will support the school’s growth and rising cost of living.  Over 90% of all funds go towards salaries and facility fees (see attached chart) and any physical or program improvements are supported by fundraising.  Based on recent feedback, some families would prefer a raise in tuition to participating in fundraising events.  In response to this, in 2019/2020, we will allow families the opportunity to pledge a donation during the enrollment process. This will balance a reduced fundraising schedule and support school advancement while putting less pressure on volunteering needs from our parent community.  We appreciate your feedback and hope this new method of fundraising is a more favorable way for families to offer support.

COMMUNITY GIVE-BACK PROJECT: FRIDAY ENRICHMENT W/ FIREFLY EXPRESSIVE ARTS, ENROLLING NOW!
Rising costs of living and the holiday season can have everyone feeling spent! Julia’s Garden acknowledges the need for giving back, especially the during the holiday season.  It’s the perfect time to introduce our spring 2019 Community Give-Back Project and this time we are giving back to YOU! Julia’s Garden is donating space on campus for a weekly at-cost scholarship program hosted by Firefly Expressive Arts.  Firefly will teach a 6-week-long song and dance theatrical routine. We will also be inviting guest professionals to share their expertise on a variety of subjects —  such as literacy, art, music, yoga, handwork, gardening and foreign language —  on a weekly basis (see below for an example program schedule).  

This program is open to the community and serves ages 3 - 8 years.  As part of our gift, JG children will enjoy priority enrollment until January 10th.  Firefly Expressive Arts has held summer camps at JG and also led the Friday program at Integrity Academy.  Their classes are super-fun and they are excited to be working with us.  We hope you will take advantage of this special offer we have put together, visit Firefly's website to enroll today!

Enrichment Fridays!
January 25th - May 24th, Fridays 9 - 1:00 PM
Cost: $150* per 6 week session, scholarships available
*supply fees may apply
Enroll here

Sample Schedule
9:00 - 9:30     Arrival, free play indoors
9:30 - 10:15     Theatre/dance class with Firefly
10:15- 10:30     Snack
10:30 -11:00     Outside time
11:00 - 11:45    Enrichment Guest Lesson (art, music, yoga, etc)
11:45 - Noon    Set up for lunch
12:00- 12:30     Lunch
12:30-1:00     Stories and departure

PARENT PORTAL
Before closing, I would like to fill everyone in on one more confirmed change.  When I opened our first Children’s House at Julia’s in 2014, it was with the intention of striking a balance between connecting children with nature while also helping them achieve academic success.  Five years later, I am still passionately pursuing that goal with my team and working towards Julia’s Garden being recognized as an accredited educational establishment through grade 4.  In order to master this vision, parents must be well-informed of how their child is progressing at school, not only to build trust, but in order to work in partnership towards achieving established milestones.  We are introducing a Parent Portal this semester on our website where you will find a weekly curriculum updated with lessons, books and activities each class is working on, as well as the snack menu served.  You will also be able to register for classes and download/upload forms and event calendars.  By providing a consistent source of accessible information, we hope to strengthen our relationship with the parent community and fully support student success at Julia’s Garden.

With excitement for the future in partnership with you,

Katherine

Katherine Parlette
Founder, Director
Julia's Garden Montessori 🌸
(512) 790-4094
juliasgarden@me.com
www.juliasgardenmontessori.com

“I did not invent a method of education.  I simply gave some little children a chance to live.” - Maria Montessori