Maxine Patterson - School of Dance

Attendance

Regular class attendance is essential for progress in dance education. It not only takes twice as long to teach a child that is repeatedly absent, it also slows the progress of the entire class. Students should arrive at the studio 15 minutes early to ready themselves for class. Not being on time or leaving early will result in not having perfect attendance. Too many absences will mean being moved to a lower level class.

Arrival, Departure, & Late Pick-Up

There is a great sense of responsibility and a strong sense of discipline learned when a student is on time and dressed properly with the appropriate shoes. We understand that, on occasion, circumstances beyond one's control prevent promptness. IF A STUDENT ARRIVES LATE, HE/SHE MUST ASK PERMISSION TO ENTER THE CLASSROOM. Please notify us if someone other than a parent or guardian will be picking up a child. No child will be allowed to wait outside at either location. JEA students are allowed to wait in the front lobby and be picked up there.
Due to security and staffing concerns, there will be a fee if a parent or guardian is more than 15 minutes late to pick up a child. There will be a $5.00 charge per 15 minutes or any part of 15 minutes. For example, if class is over at 5:00 and you arrive between 5:15 and 5:30, there will be a $5.00 charge and after 5:30-5:45, the charge will be $10.00, and so on. This charge will be added to your account and must be paid. We are not responsible for students who are told by their caregiver to wait outside.

Parents-Guardians

Please remain quiet in the office in order to maintain a disciplined environment. There will be no observing of classes unless approved by Mrs. Patterson and the instructor ahead of time. Close to Winter Break, we will schedule observation times. Siblings are not allowed to be left at the studio without adult supervision. Students cannot watch brothers or sisters when they are in dance class and we are not a daycare facility.SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED ANYWHERE IN THE BUILDING OR OUTSIDE ON OUR PROPERTY.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are not allowed, at all, in the classrooms. All cell phones should be left home, students are allowed to use the studio phone if necessary to call parents. Cell phones will be taken away and held in the office until student leaves to go home. PLEASE NOTE THAT MAXINE PATTERSON SCHOOL OF DANCE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOSS OF ANY CELL PHONES.

Snacks

Please send only healthy snacks, i.e. fruit, carrots, etc. with your child to the studios. Snacks may be eaten, in the student waiting area, either before or after class. No fast food or meals need to be brought to dance class with you, please. The only foods that are allowed in the JEA must be marked Kosher with a large K or a circle with a U in it. No food cooked at home or from any restaurant is allowed in the JEA. Please do not send your child to class with soft drinks, candy or gum. Foods that are high in sugar calories actually affect the student's ability to concentrate on the lesson at hand. Please, wherever you are, be sure to dispose of your trash properly. Trash cans are available at both the Lincoln Street Studio and the JEA. Failure to adhere to these policies may result in a "Water only" policy.

Make-Up Classes

Missed classes may be made up at either location. The class must be the same level or the one below the one student is enrolled. Make-up classes are not available when we are preparing for recital.

Cancellation

If a class is cancelled for any reason, a notice will be sent home ahead of time explaining. If a teacher cancels a class due to an emergency, a make-up class will be scheduled by that teacher. Severe weather closings will be posted on the home page of my website under "Hot News".

Withdrawal

If it becomes NECESSARY to withdraw from classes, written or telephone notice is required. Tuition continues to accumulate until we are notified. Any outstanding balances MUST be paid in full or turned over to an attorney for collection.

Classroom Etiquette

No gum or candy or drinks allowed in any class. No talking in class. No hanging on the barres at any time. No food allowed in the studios. Studios and dressing areas should be cleaned up upon departure. Mirrors will not be touched at any time. Teacher will be treated with the utmost respect at all times. Drink water and use the restroom before class. Focus on your dancing, not on your hair, teeth, or anything else. Be ready for class on time and enter the studio clear minded and focused.

Calendar

Our dance studio closely follows the public school calendar. However, there are teacher work days and conference days when we will still have dance classes. The following are days that the studios are closed for the listed reasons.

	November 21-24	Thanksgiving Break
	December 20-January 2	Winter Break
	March 29-April 5, 2013	Spring Break

We will have our annual Dance Recital on Sunday, June 9th, at the Savannah Civic Center. Times are still to be determined. Please plan for rehearsals the last week of May and into June 9th.