Montessori Alternative Public School Society (MAPSS)

MAPSS was formed in 1999 when a dedicated Montessori educator and group of parents proposed that the Montessori method become an option for students in Calgary’s public school system. To make public Montessori school possible, MAPSS raises funds to purchase Montessori materials and classroom tools, provide teacher training, present parent education, and purchase Montessori parent resources for each school’s library.

Homework Policy

Homework is valuable to your child. When, as parents, you take an interest in your child’s schoolwork it increases the child’s motivation. Homework, done well, helps the child develop responsibility and self-direction in studies.

Division One – Grades 1 – 3

The classroom teacher may formally assign home reading. Parents can also encourage home reading. We recommend 10 to 15 minutes a day.

Division Two – Grades 4 – 6

Individual teachers will make parents aware of requirements about homework. Their homework assignments should be about 20 to 30 minutes. If no specific homework is given, we encourage your child to read at home each evening. 

Teachers will not provide assignments to students who will be missing school due to a vacation. Rather, students will be asked to keep a journal of their trip, and will be encouraged to read every day while away.

Volunteer Program

Parent volunteers are a valuable support in our school, providing assistance to teachers in direct work with students, preparing classroom materials, working in the library and a myriad of other tasks. The program is coordinated by the Volunteer Coordinator in partnership with the staff. Further information is available in September of each year. *All of our volunteers must have a valid police security clearance on file in order to volunteer in the school or on field trips. Learn more about Volunteering.

Parental Involvement

Parent involvement in a student’s education reflects a value for lifelong learning and the importance of the school in learning. The home-school partnership is vital to a successful learning experience for students. At CJP there are many ways that parents can be involved – with homework and study at home, as a volunteer in the school or as a member of the School Council, Parent Association or one of its committees.

School Council (SC) and Parent Association (PA)

Parents participate in the discussion of issues regarding the goals and direction of the school through the School Council. Attendance at SC/PA meetings is an excellent way to receive information and stay in touch with school developments. Election of SC/PA Executive members occurs at the Annual general meeting in May of each year. SC/PA committees support parent initiatives such as fundraising, playground development, traffic issues and the annual Stampede Breakfast.

Parent Support for Learning

The following ideas reflect ways that parents can be directly involved in supporting learning for their students:

• Ensure that students attend school regularly and on time.
• Ensure that students arrive at school properly rested, nourished, groomed and dressed.
• Contact the school when it is necessary for students to be absent or late.
• Base staff-parent contact on mutual trust and respect.
• Provide information necessary for understanding each student’s behaviour and learning needs.
• Keep informed of student’s educational programs, progress and achievements.
• Participate in student/parent/teacher conferences and other programs for parents at the school.
• Respond to communication from the school.
• Encourage the value of lifelong learning through active involvement and support of the school program.
• Support and encourage respect for the school’s expectations for student behaviour.
• Encourage home study through active support.
• Be aware of your student’s out of school activities, friends, etc.
• Act as an advocate for your child.