Policies aren't the fun part of learning, so, we don't want to spend too much time on the rules, but they do need to be discussed, nonetheless. Most of these are rare situations, but they need to be addressed before you register. We are not big fans of surprises. We imagine that you're not, either. A more formal packet will be given to you upon registration, and we will gladly answer any questions you may have. This segment discusses commitment, missed classes, vacations/holidays/extended breaks, extended breaks/time slots, recitals, no call/no show absences, tuition payments, late pick-up from classes, no call/no show exits, discount programs, damages to the classroom, and disruptive behavior. Please read these so that there are no surprises.
Most, if not all, of these issues can be resolved or avoided by good communication and consideration.
Commitment:
-First and foremost, learning a new skill is a commitment. It is a commitment between the parents, the students, and the teachers. We teach the objective for the week, but it is the student's responsibility to practice what we send home. For younger students, the parents need to be involved. We will discuss appropriate practice times upon registration, however, it doesn't involve the miserable timer that our parents gave us. For a young student, it's unproductive, and will make them hate the craft. That's the last thing any of us want. There will be practice involved, though.
Missed Classes:
-A student will not advance with missed classes. If your child (or you) has excessive absences, you will not advance as fast as a student who comes to class each week. Tuition is billed monthly, and we do allow one makeup per month. In order to qualify for a makeup class, twenty-four hours' notice must be given. The exception to this is in the event of an emergency. If, for any reason, we cannot make up the class, tuition will be pushed out one week. Excessive absences will be discussed upon registration. What is or isn't an emergency?
Emergencies:
Your child was sent home from school, because they were sick.
You're home, because you're sick.
Your car won't start.
A family emergency of any kind.
NOT Emergencies:
Your child is going to a birthday party, and you forgot to let us know.
You forgot that your child had class.
Your child has company over, and cannot make it to class.
Non-emergencies require 24+ hours notice. If you are sick, we absolutely want you to stay home. We will reschedule the class. The last thing any of us want is to spread sickness. If you're coughing, running a fever, vomiting, or anything else that would keep you home from school or work, let us know, and we will reschedule. We are all about the idea that sharing is caring, but we absolutely do not wish to share germs.
Vacations/Holidays/Extended Breaks:
- We like vacations. We love them, actually. Please let us know ahead of time if you're taking a vacay, though, so that we can sort our schedule with the other teachers. If you're out for one week to go to Disney, we are completely fine with that, and hope that you have an amazing time. If you're taking a month off to travel the world, though, we need to know before all of us are in the classroom. Sending us a text two hours before class begins, and letting us know that you're going to be out for an entire month isn't the best way of handling things. We appreciate the notice, but everyone is already scheduled to be there. Please give us a minimum of 24 hours.
Extended Breaks/Your Time Slot:
If you take an extended break (a month, summers, etc.), unless you are still paying tuition, you will lose your spot. We can discuss other time slots when you return, but other students will fill that slot if they register while you're out. Tuition reserves your spot, and even if you're out, it won't be filled. If you're taking a huge amount of time off, however, without paying tuition, your slot likely won't be available when you return. Please keep this in mind before taking a long break, and let us know what your availability will be when you return.
Recitals:
-Recitals are to show the advancement you've made within the last six months. To be eligible to participate in recitals, twelve consecutive weeks of attendance is required for established students, and four consecutive weeks are required for new students. Exceptions might be made, on a case-by-case basis. If you're not attending class, you're not advancing, and will not be invited to participate in recitals.
No Call/No Show Absences:
-We hate this next one. We really do. All of us come to class with the anticipation that you will be there... Then, you're not. Don't be that person. We are really only asking for the common courtesy of letting us know, in advance (24+ hours), that you'll be out. That helps with scheduling, and gives student teachers the opportunity to study, do homework, or, you know, have a life. We work hard to give you the best experience possible, and only ask that you remember to notify us if something comes up that prevents you from coming to class. We won't yell at you. Promise. If you don't let us know ahead of time that you will be out, and just don't show up, we will have to charge you for the class. Please let us know ahead of time that you'll be out. I will even send an automated text reminder that we have class. Just respond to the text, and we will find a makeup time for you.
Tuition Payments:
-Tuition payments. Yeah, no one likes talking about it, but it's there. Tuition is due on the first lesson of the cycle. No exceptions. If you need a certain date of the month, we can work something out, however, tuition is due on the due date.
Late Pick Up From Classes:
-Late pick-up. We are fine with you running to the store, or picking up a prescription, but please be on time to pick up your student. If you are more than ten minutes late to pick up your students, there will be a late fee, due immediately. It's not fair to the next class that you're late to pick up the students. It also disrupts our family lives when we can't get to where we need to go when we close. While this situation has been rare, it still needs to be addressed. If it becomes a habit, you will be dismissed. We don't want to do that, so, please be on time.
No Call/No Show Exits:
-Ghosting. No one likes to be ghosted, and we don't, either. We imagine this feeling is mutual. This is a bummer, and we wish it didn't happen. We require 30 days' notice if you decide that this isn't for you. That gives us the chance to arrange for a new student to take the slot, in the event that you're leaving. It also helps us determine how many teachers we need in the classroom. We understand that everyone eventually moves on, but that's something that we need to know. In the event of a NCNS exit, we will permanently dismiss you. That's it, that's all, basta finito. Like, forever. We don't want to have to do that, so, all we ask is for common courtesy. We understand that life happens, and that sometimes, being able to commit to learning a new skill isn't happening at that time. Just let us know. Ghosting sucks, and no one likes it.
SNAP/WIC/Reduced or Free Lunch/Medicaid/Chips/Family Discounts:
- We do offer financial aid programs, however, these are only available with a semester contract. Also, we must see paperwork that shows that you are on one or more of these programs. There are no exceptions. We want all students to have the opportunity to learn, however, missing more than half of the classes scheduled in a semester isn't conducive to actually learning. It also keeps us from scheduling other students in a particular time slot, particularly if you have a sweet spot on the schedule. The contract keeps everything running smoothly, and yes, makeups are still available with 24+ hours' notice that you'll be out. At the end of the semester (30 days before the end of your contract), you'll be given the option to re-sign at your current rate. We aren't an apartment complex, therefore, we won't hit you with extra fees every time you re-sign. However, due to demand, particularly during the school year, we do require a contract if you're signing up under a reduced rate program*.
*When more than one family member registers, we offer family discounts. If one student drops out, tuition goes back to the normal rate for one student.
Damages In The Classroom:
- Damages almost never happen in our place. However, because it has happened before, it's something we should talk about. When damages do occur, it puts everyone in an inconvenient place. Those damaged items have to be repaired/replaced. Until that happens, no one else can use those items. With that said, if your child damages equipment, you will be invoiced for the equipment damaged. We prefer that not to happen, so, let's make sure we treat others' belongings with respect.
Disrupting Class:
- This isn't usually an issue, but, in the event that it does occur, it's only fair that we tell you how this is handled. A disruptive student will be given a verbal warning first. We want everyone to get along, and don't want it to escalate further than this. We really don't even want to do that, to be honest. The second warning is a time out/cooling off period. Usually, this will last no longer than 5-10 minutes. The third time will be dismissal from that class period. There will be no credit or makeup for a class that was missed due to disruptive behavior. Most of the time, this is almost never an issue, but if it is, this is how we handle it. Please speak to your students so that your kiddos can get the most out of their classes. We prefer to all get along, and laugh and joke. That's definitely more fun than time out.
Tardiness To Class:
We understand that life happens, and that sometimes, you run behind (the twenty-five year construction job on 290 is a good example). We will try to work with you so that your child gets the full amount of time, unless you're the last class of the day. We all have families, and many of us have things to do at home. We can reschedule if you let us know that you're caught in stand-still traffic, etc. We want to make it as easy as we can to get your weekly time - but we need to know ahead of time (as soon as you know you're going to be late).