Frequently Asked Questions about Bright Water Elementary School
What is the status of my child's application for enrollment?
Direct all admission questions to Martine Smaller, Admissions Coordinator. She can be reached at 612.302.3410 or martine@brightwatermontessori.org.
I have a concern about my child. To whom should I speak?
First speak to your classroom teacher. You can call the school and leave a message and you can email your teacher. Each classroom also has a notebook outside the door in which you can leave a message for the teacher. If you need more information, speak with the Director of Academics, Elizabeth Badillo-Moorman by calling 612.302.3410 or email her at elizabeth@brightwatermontessori.org.
I need to talk to someone about special education for my child.
If you are interested in an evaluation, first speak to your classroom teacher. If your child is in an existing program, speak to your child's case manager - Amoke Kubat (Ms. Kay) at amoke@brightwatermontessori.org or Annie Hickman (Ms. Annie) at annie@brightwatermontessori.org . For further questions, contact Elizabeth Badillo-Moorman at elizabeth@brightwatermontessori.org. They can all be reached at 612.302.3410.
I have broader school questions (i.e. communication, structure, long range goals). To whom should I speak?
Speak with Ann Luce about any general school concerns. For an appointment with Ann, call 612.302.3410. She may also refer you to either the preschool or elementary board chairs. You can contact her at brightwaterann@gmail.com .
I want to include something in the Wednesday Notes.
Email Sheu Oduniyi, Office of Family & Student Life, at sheu@brightwatermontessori.org or leave a message for him here: 612.302.3410. Sheu needs this information by 5:00pm on the Monday of the week you’d like the information included.
Who do I contact about getting busing for my child?
Ashley Merchant in the front office is in charge of busing coordination. She can be reached at 612.302.3410 or ashley@brightwatermontessori.org. You may also speak to whomever is in the front office if you have questions.
What if I want to pick up my child instead of him/her riding the bus home?
You must call the front office at 612.302.3410 by 3:00pm of that day. After that, changes cannot be processed.
Where is my child's bus?
Contact the bus service directly at 763.354.7401.
Who do I contact if I'm running late to pick up my child at the bus stop?
Contact the bus service directly at 763.354.7401. Parents are responsible for a back-up plan if they are unable to get to the bus stop on time. Your child must be aware of this plan and know where to go.
What do I do if my child will miss school?
Contact the school at 612.302.3410 by 9:00am. A message will be passed onto your child's classroom teacher.
What's the procedure when I pick up my child from school?
Children that are not participating in Extended Day are dismissed at 3:45pm. Your child must be picked up by 4:00pm; otherwise, s/he will be sent to Extended Day and you will be charged accordingly. For pick-ups, please do not use the main entrance, as that's where the buses will be picking up. For Toddlers, please enter Door 2 and come directly to the classroom. For Children's Houses, please wait outside Door 2, and the teachers will deliver your children to you. For Elementary, please wait outside Door 3, and the teachers will deliver your children to you. Should you need to come in the building, please remember that when class is in session, the hallways need to be a noise-free area.
I know someone who might be interested in donating to the school.
Direct potential donors to Ann Luce, Head of School. She is in charge of development and fundraising and can be contacted here: 612.302.3410 or ann@brightwatermontessori.org.
I have a tuition question.
Contact Milpha Blamo, Director of Finance & Operations at 612.302.3410 or at billing@brightwatermontessori.org. She can also help you with on-line payments.
I have a question about scholarships.
Contact Martine at 612.302.3410 or at martine@brightwatermontessori.org for questions relating to scholarships.
I don't understand what to do about shoes for my child.
When your child arrives each morning, the children's routine is to change out of their outdoor shoes/boots and put on a pair of shoes that they only wear indoors. If your child is a toddler, have a pair of slippers with a little traction that you change your child into upon arrival at school. Leave a pair of outdoor/closed-toe shoes each day. If your child is in Children's House or Elementary, have a pair of gym-worthy indoor shoes that your child can change into upon arrival at school. Leave a pair of outdoor/closed-toe shoes each day. Please make sure your child wears shoes that they can take on and off easily, so they can assume responsibility for changing.
Can my child bring lunch from home?
The school has a hot lunch program in which the toddlers/preschoolers are required to participate. The program provides gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options and does not serve pork. The elementary children may pay to participate in this program, but do have the option to bring their own lunch. If your child is bringing their own lunch, it must include a healthy grain, a protein and a fruit or vegetable (ex: peanut butter on whole grain bread, carrots and an apple). There is a peanut-free table to accommodate allergies. If a child brings soda/chips/candy, that food will be put in the child's cubby to be sent home. Our new caterer, Done Right Foods, is committed to providing healthy meals.
Are snacks provided? Can my child bring a snack?
The school organizes and provides snacks - your child should not bring his/her own individual snack. The school provides snacks with shopping assistance from the families. Each classroom facilitates this in a different way - you classroom teacher will make you aware of your responsibility.
How are birthdays celebrated? Can families send treats?
Each classroom teacher will contact families in advance of the child's birthday to request photos and special information about the child. Birthdays are celebrated in the classroom with a special ceremony honoring the child's life and journey. Your classroom teacher will make you aware of any food allergies in the room. Due to allergies, we strongly recommend non-food treats such as donating a book to the classroom and reading it to the children on your child's birthday. If you do wish to send a food treat, please bring fruits and vegetables.
Can children bring toys/games/trading cards, etc. to school?
We ask that students do not bring toys to school. Children who nap may have small stuffed animals that stay in their cubbies. The Children's House and Elementary classrooms have a sharing system for items (nature-related, culturally specific) that the children would like to share and discuss with their class. Please let your teacher know that your child has something to share.
What are the responsibilities of the Preschool and Elementary Boards?
The Preschool and Elementary Boards’ primary responsibilities are to support the administrative aspects of the school, fundraise, and promote all things Bright Water. Always feel free to contact anyone on either board if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions and they will be happy to assist as possible or direct you to the correct person in the administration. Libby Coppo is the Preschool Board Chair – contact Libby at libbycoppo@gmail.com or at 612.382.5581. Kim Smith is the Elementary Board Chair. Contact Kim at smithkime@gmail.com or at 612.202.6842.
I'd like to become more involved in activities at Bright Water. Who could direct me?
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a great place to start. They help coordinate volunteering for the school as well as assisting in the organization of most major events. They can also help funnel ideas for school-wide activities. For more information or how to participate, please contact Jenny Bolling at jfriendbolling@gmail.com or at 612.588.3828.
I'm a new Bright Water parent and would like to meet more families. Where should I start?
Contact your room parent. Room parents help connect you to the parents of other children in your child's classroom. They can also answer questions (parent-to-parent) about your classroom. Room parent contact information is included on a separate sheet.
How to Contact Administration?
Bright Water General Number (there are no direct lines - call this number to access any staff)612.302.3410
| Ann Luce Head of School | ann@brightwatermontessori.org | |
| Elizabeth Badillo-Moorman Director of Academics | elizabeth@brightwatermontessori.org | |
| Milpha Blamo Director of Finance & Operations | milpha@brightwatermontessori.org | |
| Martine Smaller Admissions Coordinator | martine@brightwatermontessori.org | |
| Sheu Oduniyi & Brie Griffin Office of Family & Student Life | sheu@brightwatermontessori.org brie@brightwatermontessori.org | |
| Libby Coppo Preschool Board Chair | 612.382.5581 | libbycoppo@gmail.com |
| Kim Smith Elementary Board Chair | 612.202.6842 | smithkime@gmail.com |
| Jenny Bolling Parent Teacher Organization | 612.588.3828 | jfriendbolling@gmail.com |
How to Contact Teachers?
(Office Number 612.302.3410)
TODDLERS-Beka Hamlett-Leisen (Toddler Guide)/Consuelo Ortiz (Toddler Assistant)
- Email: beka@brightwatermontessori.org
- Leave a note in the parent notebook by the classroom gate
- Call the office to talk by phone or to set up a meeting (best time is 1:00pm – 2:30pm)
Jacquelyn Randleman (CH Guide)/Leticia Leon Morales (CH Guide)
- Call the office with questions – we will respond before the day is over
- Meetings can be scheduled when necessary between 8:00am – 8:30am and 4:00pm – 4:30pm
- Email: jacquelyn@brightwatermontessori.org or leticia@brightwatermontessori.org
Tonia Secor (CH Guide)/Lorena Mojica (CH Guide)
- Email: tonia@brightwatermontessi.org or lorena@brightwatermontessori.org
- Leave a note in the parent log at the CH2 door
- Call the office to talk by phone
- Speak with us in person before 8:45am
Christine Stevens (CH Guide)/Veronica Vital (CH Guide)
- Call the office and leave a message
- Write a note in the notebook on the table outside the classroom
- Email: christine@brightwatermontessori.org or veronica@brightwatermontessori.org
Rose Dorer (Elementary Guide)/September Luitjens (Elementary Guide)
- Email: rmdorer@brightwatermontessori.org or september@brightwatermontessori.org
- Call the office to set up a meeting (best time is 1:00pm – 2:00pm)
Daneen Bergquist (Elementary Guide)/Clare Kue (Elementary Guide)
- Email: daneen@brightwatermontessori.org or clare@brightwatermontessori.org
- Call the office to leave a message or to set up a meeting
Megan Andrews (Elementary Guide)
- Email: megan@brightwatermontessori.org
- Call the office to leave a message or to set up a meeting
Karen Anway (Elementary Guide)
- Email: karen@brightwatermontessori.org
- Call the office to leave a message or to set up a meeting
Aida Lewis (Elementary Guide)
- Email: aida@brightwatermontessori.org
- Call the office to leave a message or to set up a meeting
Amoke Kubat/Annie Hickman
- Email: amoke@brightwatermontessori.org or annie@brightwatermontessori.org
- Personal contact is also great – please find us at school or call the school office to set up a meeting
Krista Lucas
- Email: krista@brightwatermontessori.org
- Call the office to leave a message or schedule an appointment
Will Everage
- Email: will@brightwatermontessori.org
- Call the office to speak by phone – can be reached between 3:30pm and 4:00pm
Susan Block Johnson
- Email: susan@brightwatermontessori.org
- Please call the office to leave a message or to schedule an appointment