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2019-2020 Handbook

These policies pertain to CMS students, families & guardians.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Mission & Vision ...................................................................................................2 2. Non-Discrimination statement ..............................................................................2 3. Point of Contact & DonorView Contact Info ..........................................................2 4. Calendar ................................................................................................................2 5. Hours of Operation ...............................................................................................3 6. Program Admission ...............................................................................................3 7. Tuition .............................................................................................................. 3-4 8. Cancellations & Refunds .......................................................................................4 9. Class & Lesson Times ............................................................................................4 10. Practice .................................................................................................................4 11. Practice Log ...................................................................................................... 4,10 12. Berklee Pulse Method Program .............................................................................4 13. Absence Policy ................................................................................................... 4-5 14. Probation .............................................................................................................. 5 15. Dress Code ........................................................................................................ 5-6 16. Weather Closings & Emergencies ..........................................................................6 17. Behavior & Safety .............................................................................................. 6-7 18. Signing in Policies ................................................................................................. 7 19. Faculty Absences ............................................................................................... 7-8 20. Illness ................................................................................................................... 8 21. Instrumental Rental ............................................................................................. 8 22. Books & Supplies .................................................................................................. 8 23. Plagiarism & Fair Use ............................................................................................9 24. Photo & Video Policy .............................................................................................9 25. Use of Mobile & Personal Electronics ....................................................................9 26. Communications ...................................................................................................9 27. Volunteers & Interns .............................................................................................9 28. Field Trips & Off-site Performances ......................................................................9 29. Reservation of Rights ...........................................................................................9 30. Practice Log ......................................................................................................... 10 31. Make-Up Lesson Contract ................................................................................... 11

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1. Mission & Vision Our Vision: To create brighter futures through music. Our Mission: To enrich and inspire all children through music education. Our Core Values - We believe:

1) music is foundational to every child’s development and fosters a lifelong appreciation of the arts

2) one-on-one relationships between student and teacher are essential 3) family has an important supporting role in the musical development of the

student 4) all children deserve to be applauded for their accomplishments

2. Accessibility & Non-discrimination Community Music School welcomes students of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and abilities. We are committed to providing equal access to music education to all students, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin or the presence of a disability. If your child has a disability, special need or unique learning style, please contact us so that we may discuss and consider how to best accommodate those needs as a student of CMS.

3. Point of Contact & DonorView Primary Point of Contact Stephanie de Jong – Interim Program Director Phone: 919-832-0900 Email: sdejong@cmsraleigh.org

Parents/guardians are advised to check their email at least weekly for messages and updates.

Please add sdejong@cmsraleigh.org to your address book or approved sender list so these emails will not go to spam.

It is the responsibility of all families to update your contact information in your Parent Portal on DonorView (https://app.donorview.com/wEnn)…email addresses, phone numbers and mailing addresses. CMS is not responsible for any communications you may miss due to incorrect contact information or not checking email.

4. Calendar The CMS School Year Calendar can be found on our website @ https://cmsraleigh.org/students/currentstudents Explorations/Journeys/Ensembles begin Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Destinations/Private Lessons begin Monday, September 9 2019.

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5. Hours of Operation CMS Office Hours – reachable by phone or email: Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm CMS Operational Hours – Mon-Fri 4:00-8:00pm Because we share space with a WCPSS High School, we are NOT to be on campus until 3:45pm on any given day. If for some reason you need to see a CMS staff member in person, you will need to call or email to make an appointment.

6. Program Admission As funding and scheduling permit, students are selected for the program after submitting an application, meeting the eligibility requirements, and completing the interview process. Eligibility is determined by the student’s qualification for the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program through their school. A copy of the Wake County Public Schools “Direct Certification Notification Letter” showing approval of benefits must be on file for each child by October 15th, 2018 for continued enrollment. Refusal to submit verification will affect the child's ability to participate in CMS and its programs. Alternate income verification such as a tax return is acceptable in instances where the child’s school does not offer this program. In instances where the student has been a participant in CMS and no longer meets this requirement, additional criteria may be utilized to assess eligibility. This determination is at the discretion of CMS staff. These students must pay the grandfathered tuition rate of $2 per lesson, or $60 for the year. Returning students are evaluated based on their progress and attendance the previous year. Provided they remain in good standing with the school, and continue to meet the eligibility requirements, they will be re-admitted for the new year. Students are assigned instruments based on the availability of instructors. We are not always able to accommodate a student’s first or second choice of instrument, or their preferred lesson time.

7. Tuition Tuition for Explorations, Journeys & Ensembles is $32 per year, per class. Destinations (Private lessons) is $30 per year, per class. If a returning CMS student no longer qualifies for the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program, tuition may be higher (see grandfathered tuition rate, above). There is absolutely no participation in lessons or ensembles if payment is not received by the due date. Failure to pay on time will result in forfeiture of your spot at CMS. Tuition is non-

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refundable if students withdraw or are asked to leave the program for disciplinary reasons.

Payment is due in full by August 24, 2019. Payment may be made by cash, money order, cashier’s check or credit card ONLY. Credit card payments may be made by logging into your Parent Portal (if you need help, see video below): https://app.donorview.com/wEnn Cash payments can be made at the Parent/Student Orientation.

8. Cancellations/Refunds CMS course fees are non-refundable. There are no refunds for missed lessons/classes or withdrawals from CMS.

9. Class & Lesson Times Class and lesson times are assigned at the beginning of the school year based on teacher availability. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of our students, but in some cases it may not be possible. If you accept your lesson time, you are accepting it for the entire school year and will not be permitted to change it. Please bring any scheduling concerns to the attention of the Program Director prior to the first day of class.

10. Practice Regular practice is required for all CMS students in order to stay enrolled. Parents/guardians are required to monitor and support practice at home. Weekly practice charts will be given by each teacher. Each teacher will communicate his/her expectations, but most require a minimum of 30 minutes at least five days each week. Teachers will evaluate progress.

11. Practice Log - *See final page for copy

12. Berklee Pulse Music Method Program Students in 6th grade and above are invited to participate in the online instructional program, Berklee PULSE Music Method, free of charge. Each student receives a course of study designed specifically for him/her. Enrolled students may log in at CMS, at home or from any public library. The PULSE library has fun and educational resources, such as a tool that helps you practice improvising along to contemporary songs.

13. Absence Policy Classes missed by individual students will not be made up. In the event of an absence, please notify the Program Director as far in advance as possible. If the teacher is absent, the class will be made up at the end of the term. Students may be dismissed from CMS for lack of attendance. CMS reserves the right to cancel a student’s assignment if the student fails to make progress, attend on a regular basis, or any other reason.

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Regular attendance is necessary for students’ success and to achieve the maximum possible benefits from their CMS experience. Attendance is the responsibility of both students and parents. Students are required to bring their instrument, music, and any other necessary materials with them to all classes, lessons, and ensembles in order to be counted as present.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled lessons and other required events as noted on the calendar. Arriving on time for lessons is required. Students should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled lesson/event. Only two absences per semester are allowed. If a student misses a Recital that he/she is to perform in, that will count as an absence. Minutes of tardiness will count toward absence computations. For instance, arriving 10 minutes late to three lessons equals one absence. Appeals are to be made in writing. Absences due to family or medical emergencies may be excused at the discretion of the Program Director, but only if CMS is notified of the reason for the absence in a timely manner. Parents or Guardians must notify Stephanie de Jong at least 24 hours before an expected absence by phone (919-832-0900), or email: sdejong@cmsraleigh.org. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. If you are unable to make it to your lesson or if you are running late, please call 919-832-0900 and inform Stephanie or Nikki, the Program Assistant. No make-up lessons are offered for student absences. Parents are NOT allowed to be in the instructional classroom or lesson, unless invited by the teacher to do so. Parents are a wonderful support system but can also impede the instructional progress that is being desired by our faculty.

14. Probation Any student who exceeds the absence limit, is consistently unprepared or late for lessons, or does not make minimum, satisfactory progress during the year will be placed on probation. If progress and/or attendance does not improve to the satisfaction of the teacher within the communicated time period, the student will not be allowed to continue at CMS. Parents will be notified in writing of their child’s probation and its terms.

15. Dress Code Students should demonstrate good judgment in dressing appropriately for lessons, performances, concerts and other events where they are representing CMS. Clothing should be modest and neat, at a minimum, and shoes must be worn at all times for health and safety reasons. Concert attire for boys: Dress pants or khakis, collared shirts tucked in, dress shoes

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Concert attire for girls: Dress pants, knee-length or longer skirts and dresses, blouses, dress shoes

For recitals and concerts, whether you are performing or sitting in the audience, no athletic clothing, jeans, sweatshirts, or sneakers are to be worn.

16. Weather Closings

CMS follows the Wake County Public School inclement weather policy/procedures for full-day cancellations, early dismissal, and cancelled after-school activities. Please check our website to confirm a cancellation. www.cmsraleigh.org Emergencies In the event of an emergency situation, students will exit the building with faculty and/or staff following evacuation procedures in place. For those will mobility impairments who cannot safely negotiate and exit from the school facility, will “shelter in place” as per the emergency protocol. In the event of a medical emergency, please dial 911. There is a first aid kit is with the Program Assistant. If your child has a medical condition or allergy, please share that information with their teacher so they can be prepared and watchful. The Program Assistant will have access to your child’s emergency contact and important medical information.

17. Behavior/Safety Parents and students must respect and adhere to all CMS policies and procedures. Attitude and behavior of students is evaluated along with other factors to determine continued enrollment. Students and parents should behave in a manner that is respectful of others and not disruptive, practicing courtesy and consideration in interactions with fellow students, families, faculty, staff, Board members, and guests. Verbal, emotional, or physical abuse or bullying by any party will not be tolerated under any circumstance. Parents and students should use appropriate language at all times. Should a situation arise in which there is a conflict between the parent/guardian, teacher, and/or student, contact the Program Director immediately and a meeting will be scheduled to discuss the situation. The Executive Director may be present during this meeting. A student may be dismissed from the program based on a parent/guardian’s behavior. Program Assistant, will be present at the school during all lessons. Please report any concerns to them immediately. The Program Assistant reserves the right to dismiss anyone from the property for violation of the following guidelines below. Parents/Guardians have full responsibility for their children’s actions and behavior. There are no exceptions. Parents are strongly encouraged to remain at the school for the duration of their child’s

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lesson to allow for communication with faculty. Parents shall not enter the classroom unless invited by the teacher. While in the waiting areas, the following policies and procedures must be followed:

● No food or drink other than water allowed in the waiting areas or classroom ● No loud conversations, noises or music are allowed in waiting areas; please

silence all cell phones ● You are responsible for supervising the siblings of the students who are taking

lessons ● All students must remain in the waiting area quietly until called by their

instructor ● Everyone must keep the waiting area clean and neat ● No smoking is allowed inside the school building or on the school grounds ● Bringing weapons or illegal substances into the CMS facility will be

grounds for immediate dismissal

18. Signing in Policies Students and parents/guardians must sign in and out for each class/lesson. Each student will be given a name badge with the corresponding color of their class/lesson designation. The badge will be picked up upon arrival to CMS and scanned for attendance. Name badges must be returned before leaving for the evening. Explorations - Red Lanyard Journeys – Yellow Lanyard Destinations – Green Lanyard Ensembles – Black Lanyard If the person who brings the student to lessons will not be staying and will not be picking the student up, they must indicate who will be doing so. This is so that we can ensure that your children leave with the right person. Please be sure that your DonorView Parent Portal is updated with the correct information regarding who is allowed to transport your child. Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to remain at the school during classes/lessons. There is a gallery where all parents/siblings/guardians can wait during their student’s class or lesson time. The parent/guardian of a student under the age of twelve (12) must remain onsite for the duration of the student’s lesson or class. If a student under the age of 12 must use the restroom during class, then the parent/guardian who is onsite must accompany the student to and from the restroom.

19. Faculty Absences Make-up lessons are scheduled on the CMS calendar. If a faculty member is absent, every attempt is made to find a substitute. If a substitute is not available, the faculty member will make up the lesson on a designated make-up day, as noted on the calendar. The teacher and/or program director will inform students regarding make-up lessons. A signed make-up day agreement is required for the faculty, students/parent guardians for

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scheduling make-up days based on a faculty absence. The make-up lesson will not be given unless the agreement form is completed and returned to the faculty instructor.

20. Illness If a minor under the age of twelve (12) becomes ill during a class/lesson, a parent/guardian must immediately be available to attend to her or his child. If a minor over the age of twelve (12) becomes ill during class, and a parent/guardian is not onsite to attend to her or his child, the parent/guardian must be reachable by phone and make arrangements for the immediate pickup of the child.

21. Instrument Rental CMS maintains an instrument loan program for actively enrolled students that are recommended by their faculty instructor for instrument rental. These instruments are the property of CMS and must be returned promptly when requested or upon your exit from the program.

● Instrument rentals are available for– $25 deposit required up front ● Teachers select appropriate instrument for student (size, quality, case,

accessories) ● The Temporary Possession Agreement must be completed before the

instrument leaves CMS ● Students with CMS instruments should check with Nikki on the first day of

class to renew the loan ● At the end of the year, instruments must be inspected by the student’s

teacher and any damage recorded. Students who plan to return and remain in good standing may keep their instruments over the summer.

● Equipment is due back to CMS within ten days if the student exits the program

● Deposits will be refunded within 30 days, if the instrument is returned in good working condition

● Families are responsible for the cost of any necessary repairs to their instrument

22. Books & Supplies

CMS has a small library of books and music. These are available for use by CMS students. Teachers access method books in our music library for their students. Families are responsible for purchasing materials required by their instructor when donated materials are not available. If the instructor provides materials to the student, it is the responsibility of the family to settle payment with the instructor in a timely manner. These items may be borrowed but should not be copied. Use of CMS instruments and music books in appropriate ways consistent with their purpose and handle with care so that these may continue to be used by other students in the future.

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23. Plagiarism & Fair Use All students are required to abide by all copyright laws and are forbidden to plagiarize. Students and parents/guardians are responsible for identifying the creator of any photos, videos, audio files, or other copyrightable material they distribute or post online. Parents/guardians or students may not post online any photos, videos, or audio files of any student other than themselves without permission of those in the photos, videos, or audio files.

24. Photo & Video Policy It is necessary for pictures and videos to be taken of CMS students, faculty and staff during lessons, events, and performances. Tuition paid for lessons constitutes less than five percent of the money needed to run the school. CMS must always strive for greater awareness in our community, and sharing photos and videos of our students is essential to building that awareness. Photos and videos of students may be shared on our website, social media, email newsletter, in the local media, and with our funders and student sponsors. Please be sure you have indicated “Media Permission” in your DonorView portal granting CMS permission to utilize these images for marketing and fundraising purposes. We will only use your child’s first name.

25. Use of Mobile & Personal Electronics CMS students may use mobile & personal electronic devices during non-instructional use. Use of these devices during classes, lessons, ensemble rehearsals is prohibited unless being used for instructional purposes. All devices must be silenced/turned off during instructional time unless otherwise noted by the instructor.

26. Communications CMS utilizes E-mail as the primary means of communication with our participants.

27. Volunteers & Interns Volunteers & Interns are a vital part of the CMS community. All volunteers/interns must be approved by the Executive Director and will be identifiable by an orange lanyard.

28. Field Trips & Off-Campus Performances CMS will have off-campus performances throughout the year. Typically, these performances are by invitation of the Program Director or Executive Director. Parents/Guardians will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from these performances for their children. In the case of special field-trips, permission slips will be distributed and must be completed/signed before the student is allowed to participate in the field-trip.

29. Reservation of Rights The CMS Board of Directors in conjunction with the Executive Director, reserves the right to amend these policies/procedures at any time. Please continue to visit our website: www.cmsraleigh.org for the most current information. CMS students/parents/guardians are responsible for checking our website on a regular basis for the any organizational changes.

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Student Practice Log

Student’s Name: _______________________Lesson Date:_____________ Teacher:_________________________Instrument:__________________ Lesson Assignment Scale and Technique: ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ New Pieces: ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Review Pieces: ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Teacher’s Comments: ____________________________________________________________

Weekly Practice Log (Please record in exact minutes practiced daily)

Parent/Guardian Comments: Total Minutes Practiced: _____ Parent/Guardian’s Signature: _______________________________

Day of Week

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Date

Minutes

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Destinations (Private Lessons) Make-Up Agreement Form

Make-Up Policy Classes missed by individual students will not be made up. If the teacher is absent, the class will be made up at the end of the term. The teacher will make arrangements to schedule make-ups. This form will act as a contract between the teacher & student to attend the scheduled make-up lesson. If this form is not signed by the student and parent/guardian, the teacher is under NO obligation to provide the make-up lesson. Fall Semester Lesson Time December 17 __________ December 18 __________ December 19 __________ Spring Semester Lesson Time May 18 __________ May 19 __________ May 20 __________ May 21 __________ May 22 __________ CMS Faculty Signature___________________________________ Student Signature______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________