CPG Sun Room Class Page For Parents: Oneness-Family School (OFS)

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Classroom Information

What to Bring to School

What Your Child Should Bring to School

  • Blanket, Sheet & Pillow
  • Slippers & Shoes
  • Spare Clothing
  • Water Bottle

Blanket, Sheet, and Small Pillow (Preschool)

If your child is a preschooler, please have them bring a crib mattress sheet for their sleeping mat. Also, bring a child-sized (airline-size) pillow and a small blanket – no bigger than a backpack; we will let you know if they are too large so you can replace them. PLEASE LABEL ALL PERSONAL ITEMS and bring them in a reusable grocery or tote bag. Items will be taken to the nap room on Mondays and sent home on Fridays for washing.

Slippers and Shoes

In the classroom, footwear is mandatory. Shoes must be fully secured to the foot, suitable for outside running, climbing and playing (i.e. sneakers or sandals with full heel and toe coverage). Children should bring slippers, spare shoes, or sandals to wear indoors. Please keep footwear simple and non-commercial character oriented. 

Spare Clothing

Please send a complete change of seasonal clothes – including socks and underwear (two pairs for younger students). We send any soiled clothing home in a plastic bag. These items need to be replaced the following day. Anyone can have a spill or accident, not only those who are toilet training. We are helping to empower your child to manage to change their clothing. Please provide easy clothing and shoes to put on and take off, and practice at home if needed. Velcro straps and slip-on shoes are suitable for those who cannot yet tie. For PE class days, Kindergarteners should have pants/shorts and sneakers.

Water Bottle

Each child needs a labeled, reusable water bottle every day, all year. Children use them for snack and lunch time, specialist classes, outdoor play, and after-school enrichment activities. 

For clothing and other belongings, iron-on and sticky labels are available online at www.mabelslabels.com.

Morning Arrival & Afternoon Dismissal

Arrival: 8:30-8:55 AM

Arrival is between 8:30 and 8:55 a.m. To help with a smooth transition, please drop off in the carpool line along the front curb, or park and walk your child to the front entrance. Staff will be present to receive your children. Children enter and begin their work right away. We advise keeping goodbyes short and sweet; we want each child to enter independently and with empowerment. Loving and reassuring short goodbyes help them grow much more than long separations and negotiations for a little more time together.

It is essential that children arrive on time (by/before 9 a.m.) daily so they will not miss (or interrupt, such as birthday celebrations) important lessons, activities, or work time

Dismissal (3:30-3:45 PM)

Dismissal is 3:30 – 3:45 p.m. The hallways are busy and crowded at this time as students wait for parents or caregivers to arrive.  You may wait in the carpool line along the curb or, if on foot, on the sidewalk along West Avenue. Once you arrive, a staff member will call your child’s name over the radio, and a teacher or office staff will walk them out to you. 

Parking

Parents who want to accompany their child into the school, or enter the school to pick up their child, may use the school parking lot for up to 15 minutes. Please only use spots marked “Oneness-Family School.” Neighborhood parking is available only for families with local permits. 

Please note that the OFS-marked parking spots are primarily for staff members who may arrive at different times throughout the day. The school is not responsible for any cars parked in non-OFS spots or the neighborhood without a permit.

Snack & Lunch

Snack Time

Our selection includes fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, seeds, pure jams, whole-grain crackers, breads, corn chips, salsa, hummus, applesauce, yogurt, cheese, fruit spread, and more. Due to the potential risks with common allergens, we do not serve tree nut or peanut products of any kind and we are a nut safe school; please do not pack anything with tree nuts or peanuts in your child’s lunch. Also, avoid foods that say “may contain peanuts or nut ingredients.” Unfortunately, these will need to be returned home.

Guidelines for Lunch

  • Lunchtime usually begins at about noon in the Sun and 11:40 in the Moon Room.
    Ideally, foods should be sent in reusable containers in small portions. Use containers your child can open and close; please include appropriate cutlery. 
  • Unless you request otherwise, we will refrigerate foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy or items that contain them. Because full-sized/insulated lunch boxes do not fit in the refrigerator, please pack the items needing refrigeration in a large zipper bag or bento-style box and label this with your name and date. The other foods can remain in the locker; just this bag/box will be refrigerated. Consider compact, reusable options like those below. When sending a lunch needing refrigeration, it must be labeled with the name & date. 
  • We suggest you send a balanced meal, including leftovers from family meals, sandwiches, a serving of dairy,  sliced vegetables or fruits, and non-sugar snacks. We encourage children to eat balanced and healthy foods; therefore, items with high sugar content, chocolate, etc., will likely be returned home.
  • It is helpful to send fruits and vegetables already cut and peeled. Practicing this at home with your child involved is a great way to engage them in helping; plus it is tidier and less wasteful.
  • If you wish to send warm food, please purchase an insulated container. These can be bought online and in stores. Insulated/thermos containers do not have to be refrigerated at school. We are unable to heat student lunches. 
  • We always have filtered water; at snack or mealtime, we also offer 1% cow’s milk. We can store rice or soy milk for children with allergies or intolerances. Simply let your child’s teachers know. 
  • We strive to maintain a healthy and environmentally friendly atmosphere at our school, so please avoid disposable items such as “Lunchables,” yogurt tubes, pouch drinks, or other pre-packaged foods. These are often difficult for children to manage opening and eating by themselves, and they tend to create extra mess and non-recyclable waste.
  • Let’s teach our children to care for the Earth and themselves!

We have a NUT SAFE policy.

Teachers may communicate about nuts and other allergies in each classroom, though we always ask that snacks, lunches, etc. contain no foods with nut ingredients or which may contain nut ingredients. 

Play, Sharing & More!

We Aim to Go Outside Every Day!

Send appropriate attire for inclement weather such as rain jackets, boots, gloves, hats, etc. Even in light rain or snow, we can go out if students are adequately prepared. In these conditions, we strongly request that you send your children the right clothing to get out and experience the weather. 

Toys and Items From Home

Please have your children leave all toys, money, jewelry etc. at home. Remind them that we have plenty at school to do and enjoy in our classrooms. Extra items often become distractions and may get lost or broken.

Sharing Ourselves – The Me Bag*

We honor each child and their unique interests through a special activity. A cloth bag called the “Me Bag” will go home with a different child each day and be returned the next day. This is a way for the child to experience leadership and “public” speaking as they share the precious and meaningful objects from their lives.

Please help your child select a single, special item (unless a small collection such as rocks, shells, etc.) that represents their interests and experiences. Some examples are crystals, books, pictures, special music, instruments, crafts, souvenirs, or any other educational or unique object that helps us know them better and may even support our curriculum. The “Me Bag” child will present and talk about the particular item at circle time and be the class helper and leader for the day.

Hints: Quality over quantity! Please avoid toys, stuffed animals, and commercialized/character items.

Field Trips

Off-campus field trips typically occur in the fall and spring. We may visit museums, the theater, parks, and more. In addition to these scheduled events, we may occasionally take spontaneous teacher-led excursions, such as nature walks in the neighborhood. Watch for announcements about lunches, schedules, and chaperone requests. 

Birthdays

We celebrate each child’s birthday at school with a special circle time. Normally, from 9:00-9:30 AM, we invite parents to come in and tell the story of their child’s life as we celebrate their years of growth. We ask that you share a photo or two from each year of their child’s life. These can be printed or shared digitally. Bringing in a snack is optional. Due to allergy considerations, we do not accept snacks made at home, though non-sugary store-bought treats can be shared, provided they are unopened and in original packaging.

Examples of suitable birthday treats include naturally sweetened carrot cakes and cookies, fruits or vegetables, bagels, cheeses, yogurt, etc. These should be in portions ready to serve and planned ahead with the teachers. Please, NO nuts.

We have a NUT SAFE policy. Teachers may communicate about nuts and other allergies in each classroom, though we always ask that snacks, lunches, etc., contain no foods with nut ingredients or that may contain nut ingredients. 

Birthday Celebrations

CPG Birthday Celebrations are usually held from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. but may be at a different time to accommodate parent schedule needs. They may be on the actual birthday but do not need to be. Contact us to schedule.

For the celebration we ask parents to bring just the following things:

A)  Parent(s) (and/or other important family member(s) or nanny, etc.,)
B)   The birthday child (ha ha)
C)   A photo or two of your child at each year of their life*. These can be printed, emailed, or shared digitally

For students with siblings in other classrooms, you might ask those teachers whether the student can come join our class for the celebration.

*This means that we would like you to share a photo of your child near birth or during the first months/year of life, a photo of them at one year of age, a photo at two years, etc. up to the birthday year. (A photo of the child at their new birthday age is not needed.) If your child is turning 4, then you’ll have four photos – at ages “0,” 1, 2, and 3. Through the photos and a special song, we will count the years and celebrate the story of their life. Again, photos can be printed out, shown on a tablet, or shared electronically for display on our large tv screen.

Summer Birthdays

For children with summer birthdays, we typically do a half-birthday celebration. In this case, a photo of the child at the current age is fine. If the child is 5½, there could be photos of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. We can do summer birthdays at the end of the school year as well, prior to summer break.

Birthday Treats

Bringing in a snack is completely optional, and should follow our usual guidelines and practices for food sent to school. We ask that it be relatively healthy, light on sugar or additives, and nut-safe. We are not able to accept home-baked items, and foods brought from the store must be in the original package with ingredients listed. (We ask you to keep it simple and save goody bags, cupcakes, and extra sweet treats for your home celebrations and parties.)

Suggestions include: fresh fruit or fruit kabobs, yogurt cups (alone or with breakfast cereal or raisins to mix in,) cheese and crackers, veggie snacks, or lightly sweetened, pre-packaged baked items like muffins, carrot cake, banana bread, etc. In support of our students and community, we will confirm that items are nut safe before serving. PLEASE speak to your child’s teacher about any other classroom allergies or considerations and let us know if you intend to bring a snack. We will be ready to provide daily snack regardless.

If bringing a food such as yogurt cups, then providing disposable spoons/silverware would be helpful, as we might not have extra utensils readily at hand.

Thank you and we look forward to celebrating together!

Assessment at the Primary Level

Montessori was founded on the principle of observations and in addition to tracking academic skills, the teachers record social, emotional, and physical abilities to better serve the student’s needs and support their development.

Tracking is done on each individual student’s progress by grade and subject following the school’s annual subject goals and a scope and sequence developed by Dr. Montessori. Tracking is based on conversation, presentation, observation, self-assessments, and student portfolios, and progress is shared in detailed reports.

Primary Program Benchmarks

The Benchmarks summarize the skills and outcomes students accomplish at each level of our Primary Program.

Class Announcements

  • Purple Color Day Tomorrow – and More

    Hello CPG Families

    We enjoyed sitting down with you last week for Conferences and always appreciate the opportunity to share and reflect on your children’s many gifts and achievements.We are writing to remind you that tomorrow is our 

    Purple Color Day. It’s a color of royalty! While many children have purple things to wear, we know that for some, this may be less easy to find in their wardrobe. Keep in mind that since we are now in our 

    secondary color days, if your child does not have purple clothing, they could wear something red and something blue, the two colors needed to make purple. Anyway, as before, they may bring a purple object to school as well, or we will let them find something in the classroom. 

    It is always okay if someone forgets or chooses not to participate, but we do hope to see lots of little purple (or red/blue) friends tomorrow!

    Meanwhile, thank you to volunteers who have offered to  help with our Science Fair morning viewing time at 9:30 next Thursday, March 19, and with upcoming field trips in April and May. If anyone else would like to help out, please reach out to your child(ren)’s teachers. Also, while Science Fair is a full day of school, please let them know if you plan to pick up your child(ren) early for any travel plans, etc. This might be helpful if you plan to come by the school for the community viewing hour from 12:30-1:30 that day. Otherwise, dismissal and AfterCare will be at the regular time as we head into vacation!

    Note that Green Color Day will be next Tuesday, March 17, since that is St. Patrick’s Day. 

    Of course you must be looking forward to Spring Break, so a reminder that it begins for students next Friday, March 20, which is also the first official day of Spring as well as Eid-Al-Fitr. Teachers and staff will be attending the American Montessori Society national conference that day and then join everyone on vacation the following day. We all return to school Monday, March 30. 

    Thank you all and take care–
    The CPG Team

  • Health Alert: Lice in the Moon Room Community

    Dear Moon Room Parents,

    A case of lice has been reported in the Moon Room community today. We ask that today and tomorrow, you check your child’s hair, and if you find a nit, you notify the school and begin treatment. Enclosed is the needed information on our policy, steps to take if you find a nit and a parent checklist. The school will do a lice scan on Monday.

    We have found that quick action to remove the nits is one of the best steps in getting rid of them. For those who may not have experienced lice before, we know that there are sometimes misperceptions about who gets lice, how, and why. Lice do not differentiate between clean homes and dirty homes, clean heads, and dirty heads. In fact, there is no correlation between lice infestation and the sanitation of the home or school settings. Lice are transmitted head-to-head in the course of daily life. Since children play and learn in close proximity to each other, it is inevitable that they are often transmitters of lice.

    Here are some things that parents can do to minimize the risk of getting lice:

    • Tie back or braid long hair before sending your child to school if there is a notice of lice in your child’s classroom or among their friends.
    • Encourage your child to wear a kerchief, cap, or head covering when lice are found in the classroom. This simple step can make a big difference for your family.
    • If your child is on a sports team, make sure they wear their cap or helmet. Batting or football helmets are a good example of how lice may be spread during times of infestation.
    • Increase vacuuming and changes of sheets at home during periods when lice have been reported, particularly if you have had overnight visitors in your home.
    • If your child will attend an overnight play date, send your own pillow and pillowcase and wash it when the child returns home, especially when lice have been reported.
    • Do tie back the child’s hair. A simple braid or ponytail will reduce risk. Consider checking beforehand to ensure that lice have not been an issue for the host family. While it’s an uncomfortable question to ask, it’s an easier conversation than calling the same family to report that your child has picked up lice!

    Check your child’s head every few days if you’ve heard a report of lice in the classroom. Look out for scratching at the back of the neck, above the hairline.

    Children may work with heads close together or may share clothing without teachers realizing it. Do be alert and let us know if you think your child may have lice.

    Please ask your child’s teacher or in the school office for a lesson on how to check for lice. We’d be glad to confirm if you are concerned one way or the other.

    There are non-toxic approaches that can be used in conjunction with the pharmaceutical approaches, such as shampoos with tea tree oil, which may discourage lice. While the pharmaceutical product must be used to kill the lice, Licenex, a non-toxic shampoo treatment from MicroNutra Health, loosens the nits, making it easier to comb them out, and can be used after the pharmaceutical approach. However, these products will not get rid of lice once they are found; the pharmaceutical product will still need to be used.

    If you discover lice, call the families of your child’s close friends and email Schoolhealth@onenessfamily.org. Together, we can ensure that the problem is contained in a discreet and supportive way. Please take a look at the Oneness-Family School Lice Policy and the Parent Responsibility Checklist, which are attached to this email and located on the Parent Portal. In addition, enclosed is the website and the phone number of a local company that aids in eradicating lice. www.adviceonlicemd.com or call 240-242-4267.

    Please do email your questions or concerns to Schoolhealth@onenessfamily.org

    Thank you

    Hans Gonzalez

    Hans@onenessfamily.org

  • Science Fair and Chaperone Help

    Hello Families.

    As you know, Science Fair is Thursday, Mar. 19. All students from Preschool through 8th grade are involved. From all grade levels there are various displays, and from Arbor, Academy, and Ambassadors there are student presentations and demonstrations. All of this is open to our community during a Public Viewing Hour. 

    While the Viewing Hour is later, during that same morning from 9:30 to 10:15 our Sun and Moon students have the opportunity to go and see the Arbor, Academy, and Ambassador presentations. If you are free and able to come assist us during this time, we can use your help in bringing our children around in small groups for this viewing. Please let your child’s teachers know if you can do this. Chaperone help could also come from a nanny, grandparent, aunt, etc. 

    Separate from our CPG students’ time to visit the displays, the Public Viewing Hour is from 12:30 to 1:30, and it is when all parents and family can come and see everything. Arbor, Academy, and Ambassador students will be present in person to demonstrate/discuss their work, answer questions, and receive comments. Sun and Moon students will be having lunch and recess at that time, though you will be able to see their work with photos, display boards, and research books, where you can leave written comments for Kindergarten students. 

    Because ScienceFair Thursday is the last day before Spring Break, we know that some families may wish to visit the public viewing hour and then leave early for travel – or just to start spring vacation ahead of afternoon traffic. Let your teachers know if you decide to pick your child up early that day so that we can safely record their sign-out. 

    Note that our school parking lot will not be available for parents/visitors on Friday. Please make use of the Walsh Street public parking or other nearby lots and garages.

    Looking well ahead, our next planned off-campus field trips are April 9th for the Sun Room and April 23rd for the Moon Room, both to Locust Grove Nature Center. We are happy to bring a few parent chaperones along if you are interested. Just let your child’s classroom teachers know. 

    Trips farther on the horizon:

    Sun and Moon together: Brookside Gardens with Butterfly Experience April 30th 

    Sun: National Zoo  May 21st

    Moon: National Zoo  May 28th

    Parking for this Friday:

    We will see you Thursday or Friday for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please note that due to scheduled installation of a crosswalk on Friday at West Avenue and Ridge Street, it may be difficult or impossible to pass through West Avenue in front of our school during some hours. We invite you to make use of the school parking lot this Friday, entering and exiting from Wisconsin Ave. Kindly adhere only to your allotted time slot(s) for your conference(s) if parking in our lot, as spaces will be need to be kept available for all families in turn.

    Thank you and take care–
    The CPG Team

Moon Room Teaching Team

  • Carina Sonora

    Primary Program Teacher (Ages 3-6), Moon Room

    Email

    carina@onenessfamily.org

    Biography

    As a child from Rio Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina, Carina knew she wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and work with children. She began her career at Oneness-Family School in 2002 as a Montessori Assistant & Aftercare Teacher, where she learned the importance of preparing children socially, emotionally, and academically for higher education. Carina earned her MSDE teaching certificate in 2003 and her Early Childhood AMS Montessori certificate in 2011.

    Carina believes parents and teachers should work together as allies to ensure children reach their full potential. She embraces the need to create an environment filled with age-appropriate materials and hands-on activities. She encourages children to explore, build social skills, and develop motor skills through Montessori lessons that are fun and positive.

    Carina loves hiking in the mountains with her husband and their dogs Honey and Bruno in her spare time. Her favorite hobbies are biking and Pilates. Carina has practiced martial arts (Karate-Do) for many years and earned a black belt in 1998. She also devotes time to bringing awareness and funding to animal shelters or worldwide organizations that provide care for animals in need.

    Carina Sonora

  • Matthew Chappell

    Primary Program Teacher (Ages 3-6), Moon Room

    Email

    matthew@onenessfamily.org

    Biography

    Matthew began his career as a Montessori teacher over 25 years ago after taking part-time summer work at a Montessori school operated by family friends. This experience confirmed something that Matthew already knew, which was how much he enjoyed connecting and interacting with children. Wanting to deepen this experience and pursue a meaningful career led him to begin Montessori teacher training that same year.

    The experience of learning while teaching is continually rewarding for Matthew. His love of pursuing and sharing knowledge about many topics carries over to the students, helping them feel proud of what they know while recognizing that adults are still learning, too. He approaches teaching with the hope that he will instill curiosity and confidence to explore in his students so that they will enjoy connecting with their world.

    Matthew’s university studies in French later facilitated picking up Spanish, which he now speaks fluently with his Peruvian wife and her family, along with other friends and neighbors.

    Matthew appreciates what he calls the “team-oriented approach and atmosphere of unity” at Oneness-Family School, working with and supporting colleagues while enjoying the same from them. 

    Fun fact: Years ago, he singlehandedly dug and set up a 750-gallon garden fishpond so his father could relax outdoors, watching beautiful carp splash and swim.

    Matthew Chappell

  • Cameron Youngblood

    Primary Programs Assistant Teacher (Age 3-6)

    Email

    cameron@onenessfamily.org

    Biography

    Cameron came to Oneness-Family School after five years at Wellan Montessori School in Massachusetts, where he supported children’s growth and learning in a variety of classroom settings. His work there gave him valuable experience with Montessori education and a deep appreciation for the independence and curiosity children bring to their learning. Cameron graduated from Grinnell College, where he honed his skills in research, writing, and communication, as well as his ability to collaborate and think critically. 

    In the classroom, Cameron brings warmth, attentiveness, and curiosity to his interactions with students. He is committed to creating an environment where children feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and exploring their interests. Cameron believes that learning is most powerful when it is connected to a child’s natural sense of wonder, and he strives to nurture that spark by listening carefully and responding thoughtfully. 

    Outside of school, Cameron practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoys running, he is also a lifelong fan of the beach, hiking, baking and is a devoted supporter of Boston sports teams. In addition to these interests, Cameron has a rich background in Buddhist practice, he was previously ordained as a monastic under the Thai Theravāda Buddhist tradition and continues to cultivate his practice at Wat Thai Washington, D.C. This grounding in mindfulness and reflection deeply informs his teaching, helping him to remain present, patient, and engaged with each child.

    Cameron Youngblood

Upcoming Events

This is a shot of a class of children on the rug and a teacher demonstrating some dance moves.
A student is working with textiles
  • Mar 19 2026

    Science Fair

    All Day

  • Mar 19 2026

    Parent Viewing: 12:30-1:30 pm

    12:30 – 13:30

  • Mar 19 2026

    Science Fair Parent Viewing

    12:30 – 13:30

  • Mar 20 2026

    No School: Teacher Training Day

    All Day

  • Mar 23 2026

    No School: Spring Break

    All Day