Principal's Welcome Letter
August 11, 2025
Dear JHMS Families: Welcome back to a brand new school year filled with great possibilities for our Hanson community. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, I am honored to partner with you as we continue “Elevating in Excellence”-our theme for the 2025-2026 School Year. I am hopeful that you have truly enjoyed a summer of rest, relaxation and reflection.
My husband and I took time to visit Italy, Greece and Turkey in the month of July. Indeed, it was an amazing, unforgettable vacation. But nothing is more unforgettable than seeing the smiling faces of our wonderful Hanson scholars! I am ready to see them again.
As we embark on this journey together, we remain committed to nurturing a culture of high expectations, meaningful learning and caring community. Elevating in excellence means not settling for good when greatness is within reach. It means challenging ourselves, supporting one another, and celebrating the growth of every student, every day.
Parents and guardians, your support is crucial to our mission. We invite you to stay connected, get involved, and work with us as we help your Hanson Scholar/Eagle soar. Together, we will ensure that every student not only meets expectations-but rises above them.
As we begin to prepare for the upcoming 2025-2026 School year, please note the following:
Friday, August 22, 2025: John Hanson Montessori’s New Primary PreK-3 student orientation - PreK-3 families are invited to meet in the cafeteria at 10:30 am for pertinent information regarding school procedures.
Monday, August 25, 2025: John Hanson Montessori’s Primary PreK-4 student orientation - all new and returning PreK-4 families are invited to meet in the cafeteria at 10:30 am for pertinent information regarding school procedures. We will not host an orientation for our 6th graders; this was done in June 2025 prior to our 5th graders ending the 2024-2025 school year.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 —First day of School for PreK4 - 8th grade JHMS students. FULL DAY IN-PERSON instruction will begin with Homeroom class at 9:30 a.m., and the school day will end at 4:10 p.m. It is critically important that students are on time everyday of the school year.
A phased entry procedure will be followed by PreK3 students. Our Montessori Coordinator, Ms. Bria Pleasant, will contact PreK3 families with detailed information. PreK3 students’ first day of school will be provided within this information.
Please note our school hours are 9:30 am - 4:10 pm. Students may arrive at school beginning at 9:00 am. Students will not be allowed into the building prior to 9:00 am unless they are in the before care program.
Back to School Nights (B2SN)-
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 (6:30 pm) - Grades PreK3 - 3rd.
Thursday, September 18, 2024 (6:30 pm) - Grades 4-8.
During our B2SN events, families will be given the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers and visit classrooms. In addition, families will be introduced to our Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) officers/community. Additional information will be provided prior to these events.
Mandatory Dress Code: JHMS does not have a school uniform policy; however, students are expected to adhere to the PGCPS dress code which is posted on the school’s website.
Schedules: Parents and students will be able to access student schedules and/or teachers in Synergy prior to the first day of school. It is suggested that parents do this prior to August 26, 2025; this will assist students with knowing the location of their classroom. Middle school students will receive a printed copy of their schedule on their first day of school.
Please note that schedule changes will not be made. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to contact their student’s Professional School Counselor to set up a conference with the teacher to discuss concerns.
SYNERGY: Synergy is our school/student/parent electronic portal. It is imperative that all families register into ParentVUE which is the parent portal in Synergy. Electronic messages sent to families will be through ParentVUE. Thus, families who are not registered, will not receive these messages. In addition, it will be the families responsibility to update their personal information in Synergy if changes occur during the school year.
If you have not registered, please go to pgcps.org and search for ParentVue; you will be directed to the ParentVUE Support for Parents. Please contact our Guidance Secretary/Registrar, Mrs. Johnson-Fields, if you have any questions.
School Supplies: A generic 2025-2026 School Supply list for each grade level will be posted on the school’s website. Please anticipate specific school supply lists from individual teachers for students upon their return to school.
Bus Transportation: Bus routing is computerized. Go to https://www.pgcps.org/transportation for bus information. You will receive a letter from the Transportation Department indicating students’ a.m. and p.m. routes with stops and times. Students are not permitted to ride any bus other than their assigned route. Please note that there is a bus driver shortage; please be patient during the first few weeks of school if your child’s bus arrives later than scheduled.
Afternoon Transportation - Please note that students designated to ride the bus home in the afternoon will have to ride the bus home, unless they are picked up for early dismissal. Early dismissal must be completed by 3:15 p.m.
In addition, students who are identified as carpoolers will not be notified by the main office to ride the bus.
We will no longer provide accommodations for informing students of transportation changes prior to dismissal. Unfortunately, this courtesy has become very cumbersome for our main office personnel.
Free and Reduced Lunch: Free and reduced lunch applications will be available the first week of school. If your child qualifies, have him/her return the completed form to the main office, or the form may be mailed directly to the Department of Food Services. If an electronic process is made available, you will be notified. If applicable, please ensure that you are depositing funds in your child’s School Bucks account if needed to purchase breakfast and/or lunch.
PGCPS-Issued Chromebooks: The use of PGCPS-Issued Chromebooks will continue during various classroom lessons; however, students will not be issued a chromebook to remain with them throughout the school year. Students who may need a device to complete homework assignments and/or projects will be given the opportunity to “check out” a chromebook or given the opportunity to complete the assignment in school. The “check out” process will be explained to students and families.
Cellular/ElectronicDevices: It is highly recommended that students refrain from bringing cellular/electronic portable devices to school to avoid possible distractions in the learning environment. Students who choose to bring cellular and electronic devices to school must power them off prior to entering the school building; in addition, the device must be out of sight during the entire instructional day. Students who do not comply with the policies and procedures, will receive consequences outlined in the Students Rights and Responsibilities handbook.
Please note it is not the school’s personnel responsibility to search for lost cellular and/or electronic devices. We will gladly provide assistance to the best of our ability as time permits. Thus it is very important that students understand the importance of securing and maintaining their devices and not allowing their peers access to them.
You are welcome to join me on zoom Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 6 pm for a virtual gathering prior to the first day of school. The zoom information will be posted on the school’s website prior to the event. This is not mandatory; just an opportunity to “see” one another before the real fun begins!!!
John Hanson Montessori is a GREAT school, and we will settle for nothing less than our best for our students. We are HANSON - where Community is Important; Collaboration is Essential; Care is our Priority. It is from this perspective that I plan to continue to lead our school, faculty, staff and students.
On behalf of the administration, faculty, and staff of John Hanson Montessori School, we welcome you and yours as we embark on a global educational experience. We look forward to all stakeholders working together, so our students may reach their destination of GREATNESS!
Please feel free to contact me with any inquiries or concerns; my email address is Courtney2.king@pgcps.org.
Sincerely,
Courtney M. King
Courtney M. King, Principal