OPERATIONS: The Afterschool Program shall operate on school days between 2:15 and 5:30 PM. On early release days, the program shall open at 11:30 AM. Occasional field trips on these days may also be held.

STAFFING: The staff members include a Director, and assistants, who meet the employment standards of St. Mary's Elementary School and the Diocese of Springfield. The program and its staff members are under the direct supervision of the Principal of St. Mary's Elementary School. Registration in the program is available to any student enrolled at St. Mary's Elementary School in grades Kindergarten through Eight. Non-students shall not be accepted for placement.

FEES AND COSTS: *NON REFUNDABLE* registration fee of $50.00 per family (helps to cover snacks, arts and crafts and supplies for the entire school year.)
*$5.00 PER HOUR FOR EACH CHILD
*If enrolled, students may attend the program as needed, as long as the Registration Fee has been paid.
*Billing will be done on 15 minute intervals.
*Pick-up times are flexible, but closing time is 5:30 PM SHARP.
A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged after 5:30 PM.
*Monthly bill will be issued during the first week of each month and payment will be due within 10 days of the dated bill. There will be a late fee of $10.00 added to the next bill (Payment due dates will be strictly enforced. Checks should be made out to St. Mary's Afterschool Program.)

DAILY ACTIVITIES/ROUTINES: Afterschool activities include daily snack (provided by the program), structured play and physical education activities, independent homework and reading time, arts and crafts and special videos. Regarding homework, students will be divided into groups with a provision of approximately 45-60 mintues to begin homework. Whatever is not completed, must be done at home.

PROGRAM POLICIES

1. CODE OF BEHAVIOR: While we believe in a relaxed atmosphere for your children at the Afterschool Program, it is necessary to maintain order. Accordingly, it will be required for children to play in a more quiet manner indoors. They are also expected to respect others' property and speak courteously to others. After snack and play, they are required to leave the area neat and in order.
   
   
2. DISCIPLINE: If a child is misbehaving and/or creating a safety hazard, he/she will receive a verbal warning and a subsequent time out. In the event of repeated misbehavior and unwillingness on the part of the child to comply, it may be necessary to contact the parent. Further difficulty may result in withdrawal from the program.
   
   
3. SNACKS: Healthy snacks will be provided daily which will include food and drink. We ask that you do not send candy or gum with your child to the Afterschool Program.
   
   
4. EARLY DISMISSAL FOR ILLNESS: If your child becomes ill during the Afterschool Program, we will contact the parent at his/her place of employment. (If it is preferable to call another person during this circumstance, please indicate this on the registration form.) If your child is dismissed from school, during regular school hours, or the program due to illness, or for any other reason, he/she is not permitted to return that day.
   
   
5. REGISTRATION: The registration for MUST be completed and returned along with the registration fee before the student may attend the Afterschool Program. Because of the demand for this service and limited space, the number taken into the program will be limited and accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
   
   
6. SCHEDULE CHANGES: Any time your child's schedule changes (not attending on a regularly scheduled day or attending on an unscheduled day), you MUST submit in writing two notes, one addressed to the homeroom teacher and one to the Afterschool Program. For safety reasons, we must be properly informed as to where your child needs to be.
   
   
7. PICK-UP: ONLY: those people listed on the registration form my pick up your child. Proper identification, such as a license, will be required. All students will be signed out by Afterschool Program staff, to this authorized and properly identified adult. We ask that when you sign them out, please let them know that it is time to leave. (We know that it is hard sometimes to get them going, but this would be appreciated by the staff.)
   
   
8. EARLY CLOSING: It may be necessary to close the Afterschool Program due to inclement weather. You must have a plan in place whereby students will know exactly what they are to do. The school cannot make phone calls to each family - there are simply too many. A form will be sent in the fall in order that we might have such information on hand. You are advised to listen to channels 22 and 40, as well as local radio.
   
   
9. EARLY RELEASE DAYS: On these days, lunch is provided for a small fee. Students may bring their own lunches if you prefer. Also field trips are occasionally planned for early release days, for a small additional fee.
   
   
10. CLOTHES: We strongly recommend that each child bring play clothes to change into after school.
    
    
11. SPECIAL NEEDS: Please sure to notfiy the Afterschool Program Director of any special needs, allergies, illnesses, etc. that your child may have.
    
    
12. TO REACH THE PROGRAM: During regular school hours, messages can be left in the school office by calling 568-2388. While the Afterschool Program is in session, please call the school number and dial Ext. 14 to reach the Afterschool Program.