Parent and Member Handbook

NantucketBoys & Girls Club

Nantucket Boys & Girls Clubs - Parent and Member Handbook

Table of Contents

3 - 4 About Us

Mission/VisionWha Wet Do Five Core Program Areas

5 - 7 MembershipClu Hob ursInclemen Wet atherMembershi Gp uidelinesSchool Attendance & Club Participation Member Conduct & DisciplineLat Pice k-U Pop licy

8 - 10 Safety is Key!Saf Pae ssag Poe licyOpen Door PolicyHealth & Emergency Procedure Medicin Poe licyNon-Smoking and Drug-Free Environment Dres Cos deTelephone Use Photo Rel easeOut of Club ContactFie Trld ipsPersona Bel longings

11 Useful InformationVolunte Oer pportunities Survey Q& uestionnaires Rentals

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Nantucket Boys & Girls Clubs - Parent and Member Handbook

Our Mission/VisionNantucket Boys & Girls Club mission is to empower the youth of Nantucket to realize their full potential.

What We DoNantucket Boys & Girls Club is a private, non-profit agency serving school-age youth: (6 yrs. old)1st -12th Grade (under 19). Through programs and activities stressing Academic Achievement, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles, the Boys & Girls Clubs offer a variety of recreational, cultural, social and sports-oriented experiences for members.

We are part of a nationwide affiliation of local, autonomous Boys & Girls Clubs working to help youth of all backgrounds, with special concern for those who need us most, develop qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our communities youth have greater access to quality programs and services that will enhance their lives and shape their futures. As young people experience the totality of the Club, it becomes a place of hope and opportunity.

Our Club is facility-based, has over 18 paid professional staff supplemented by volunteers, and offer daily access to a broad range of programs that promote the health, social, educational, vocational, character and leadership development of girls and boys served. We complete a full background check of every staff member and volunteer each year.

Today, over 700 boys and girls take advantage of the programs, activities and services provided by Nantucket Boys & Girls Club. They benefit from trained, caring, professional staff and volunteers who help young people take control of their lives, envision productive futures, and achieve their goals.

NBGC complies with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Nantucket Health Department. This information, along with background checks, health care and discipline policies can be reviewed by parents/guardians upon request.

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Five Core Program AreasOur Club provides diverse activities that meet the interests of all youth. Our Clubs implement five Core Program Areas that engage young people in activities with adults, peers and family members that enable them to develop self- esteem and reach their full potential. The five Core Program Areas provide a framework for programming in Nantucket Boys & Girls Club.

The five Core Program Areas that our Club offers include:

Character and Leadership Development

The Character and Leadership Development Core Program Area empowers youth to support and influence their Club and community, to sustain meaningful relationships with others, to develop a positive self-image, to participate in the democratic process and to respect their own cultural identities as well as those of others. Examples: Torch Club and Member/Youth of the Month.

Education and Career Development

The Education and Career Development Core Program Area enables youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines, to apply learning to everyday situations and to embrace technology to achieve success in a career. Examples: Power Hour, Club Tech and Robotics.

Health and Life Skills

The Health and Life Skills Core Program Area develops in youth an understanding that positive behavior can nurture their own well-being, can help set personal goals and can help them live successfully as self-sufficient adults. Examples: SMART Girls, Passport to Manhood.

The Arts

The Arts Core Program Area enables youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and an appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing. Examples: Fine Arts Program, Digital Arts Festival, ImageMakers National Photography Program, Drama Matters.

Sports, Fitness and Recreation

The Sports, Fitness and Recreation Core Program Area develop in youth fitness, positive use of leisure time, skills for stress management and appreciation for the environment and social skills. Examples: Basketball Leagues, Flag and Tackle Football, Lacrosse, Games room activities and Triple Play.

MembershipAny youth attending school in grades 1(6 yrs old) through 12 (under 19) can become a member.

Before a member can attend, membership forms must be completed by a parent or guardian, dues must be paid and a parent or guardian is required to attend orientation before their child is allowed in the facility. Memberships are good for the school calendar year.

A full school years’ membership costs $250 per child with a 2nd child discount at $150 and a 3rd child at $100. Scholarships are available and no child will be turned away due to financial hardships.

We are happy to take payment in the form of cash, check, or credit/debit card. We are also offer a payment plan for those in need.

Club HoursDuring the school year, our Club is open immediately after school until 6 p.m. for Grades 1st-6th. For grades 8th-12th, we stay open until 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Fridays we are open to all members until 8 p.m. and for teen members until 10:30. Saturday we are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and reopen 7-10 p.m. for teen members only

On scheduled no-school days (including holiday breaks and spring break), the Club will be open with limited hours. Check our website for detailed hours of operation during this time.

During summer, we run an 8 week program that is a separate charge from the school year membership. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Our Clubs are closed during the following holidays: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Patriots Day, MLK Day, Thanksgiving Break and Holiday Break (we will offer limited hours during Holiday Break )

Other closings will be posted at the Club and on nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org.

Inclement WeatherWe will be closed if the weather is severe enough to cancel or force an early dismissal from school for the day. To find out if your Club will be closed, check the following sources: nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org, Nantucket Boys and Girls Club Facebook and Twitter, or sign-up for text alerts. Text "Nantucket" to 84483 to receive updates from the Club. If schools are closed, we are closed. If school dismisses early due to weather, Club will NOT be open. Please make alternate plans and discuss your severe weather plan with your child(ren).

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1. A current membership is needed in order toparticipate in Club activities.

2. Members/guests need to scan their card or sign inat the front desk when entering and leaving theClub.

3. All members must adhere to our Policies forleaving the Club; 1st-7th Grade- Safe PassagePolicy, 8th-12th Grade- Open Door Policy

4. All members and staff are to treat each other andall property with respect and courtesy.

5. The Club believes in solving problems with otherspeacefully and fairly. Staff members are here tohelp members solve problems with other membersin this way.

6. Any behavior that might be described as “bullying”will not be tolerated.

7. Safety is our first priority. Ex: running is onlyallowed in the gym and outside.

8. Members must use appropriate language.

9. Members are to use proper manners at all timeswhile in the Club.

10. Maintain your personal space by keeping hands,feet, etc. to yourself.

11. Stay in the Club. If you leave the building withpermission (in accordance with our Safe Passage/Open Door Policy), you must leave the property.Please follow your parents’ wishes regarding whereyou are.

12. No member, regardless of age, will be allowed toreturn to the Club once they leave the premises forthe day.

13. Do not ask or beg for food or money.

14. Use the main entrance only.

15. Members need to help take care of games,equipment, and facilities.

16. Food and drinks are to be kept in the canteen ordesignated area only.

17. The Club reserves the right to cancel anymembership if in violation of the discipline policy.

18. Coats/jackets/book bags are to be stored indesignated Club areas. Please have your name onall items. The Club is not responsible for lost orstolen items.

19. Leave all electronics, toys, and valuables at home.The Club is not responsible for these items andwill not provide reimbursement.

20. A staff member supervises all areas. Any areawithout a staff member supervising is consideredto be closed and off limits to members.

21. Tobaccos, drugs, alcohol, weapons of any kind,gambling and gang symbols/colors are notpermitted on Club property or at Club events.

Member GuidelinesThe following member guidelines apply to all Club programs. Every member must read and understand these rules upon receiving a membership.

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Late Pick-up PolicyPlease adhere to Club hours and make sure to pick-up your member on time. There may be occasions when the Club will have to close early. Parents will be notified in advance and it will be listed on our Club calendar. The Club will offer a 15 minute grace period before a member is consider late pick-up. If not picked up on time, the following will apply:

1st late pick-up:

2nd late pick-up:

3rd late pick-up:

4th late pick-up:

5th late pick-up:

Warning-Guardian will sign-off

Last Warning- Guardian sign-off

3 day suspension for member

5 day suspension for member

Possible expulsion from Club (At the discretion of the Executive Director)

If not picked up after 45 minutes, Nantucket Police Department will be notified.

School Attendance and Club ParticipationIf your child is enrolled in a private or public school, and they have not attended school, excused or unexcused, they will not be allowed to attend a Club on that day.

Member Conduct & DisciplineIf members disregard the rights and responsibilities of Club membership, they will be disciplined accordingly. We utilize time-outs, guidance techniques, and program suspension when necessary to ensure that all members have the chance to enjoy their experience at the Club. Parents/guardians may be contacted if assistance is needed, and will be notified immediately if a member needs to be suspended from a program. Safe Haven: Weapons or other items which may cause harm to others are not permitted at the Club. We reserve the right to check bags or ask members to empty pockets at any time if we suspect a danger to our members.

Discipline Policy-Three Strike System- Each member starts the academic school year with no strikes. Typically a member is given a verbal warning before any strike is administered. Certain offenses may result in an immediate strike along with suspension from the Club. These include, but are not limited to: Physical contact, bullying, derogatory comments, disrespecting staff/members, theft, and vandalism. When a club member receives three strikes they are suspended from the club indefinitely depending on the severity of the infractions. Members will be told specifically which behaviors violated our guidelines and expectations, and how they can make alternative choices in the future. Each incident the parent/guardian is notified and it will be documented by the director on duty. Club Service and Letter of Apology- When a club member gets a strike, they must complete 1 hour of club service and write a letter of apology to any staff or member who may have been affected by their negative behavior at the NBGC before they can participate in any activities. Each incident will be reviewed by the club directors and an evaluation will be made on any further actions needed depending on the severity of the infraction. Suspensions- At the discretion of the Club’s Directors, a member may be suspended from one day to the remainder of the school year depending on the circumstance. The Executive Director reserves the right to suspend a member for the remainder of the school year or ban the member from the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club. Any suspension will result in a mandatory meeting with the member involved, his/her parent or guardian, and the Directors of the NBGC.

Late Pick-up PolicyThe Club will offer a 15 minute grace period before a member is consider late pick-up. If not picked up on time, the following will apply:

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Safe Passage Policy For members in Grades 1st -7th, a parent, guardian or other pre-authorized adult must retrieve the member from the Club. A member may leave the Club unescorted with written permission from a parent or guardian. Members 12 and older may also escort other members of their household from the Club. No member, regardless of age, will be allowed to return to the Club once they leave the premises for the day unless authorized by a staff member. The Club will not physically restrain a member that insists on leaving the Club, nor block the facility’s exits. Therefore, it is each parent’s responsibility to discuss the Club’s Safe Passage Policy with his or her child and ensure that he or she complies. The Club will not accept responsibility for members that leaves the Club unsupervised and in breach of this policy. The Club does, however, reserve the right to discipline members that leave unescorted without written permission, up to and including suspension and termination of membership.

Open Door PolicyOur Teen Program, 8th – 12th Grade, the Club operates as an "Open Door" Policy. Members are allowed to enter the building during Club hours. Once a member leaves the building, they may not re-enter unless authorized by staff member. The Club is not responsible for teen members who leave the facility and will NOT notify parent/guardian.

Health & Emergency ProceduresIt is important that parents and guardians cooperate with Club Health and Emergency Procedures. Our regulations are designed to protect the well-being of all members. Please do not bring your child to the Club if they have missed that day of school, or if they have signs of illness. In the event that a member becomes ill while at the Club, parents will be notified to come and pick up their child.

In case of an accident or emergency involving a member, which requires medical attention, proper medical aid will be sought. The parent or guardian will be notified as soon as possible of any emergency and any medical attention administered to the member. In the event that expenses for medical services are incurred, it is the member’s parent or guardian’s responsibility to pay for all medical costs. Parents or guardians must promptly notify the Club of any phone number or address change so that they can be contacted in case of an emergency.

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Medicine PolicyIt is not the policy of Nantucket Boys & Girls Clubs to administer any prescription medicine to members at any time unless we have written permission from guardian and instructions. Medications may be stored at the Club with a prescription from the doctor and a parent/ guardian release on file, but we strongly encourage a guardian and/or member to administer their own medication in accordance with the prescription.

Non-Smoking & Drug-Free EnvironmentAll facilities, properties, grounds and events are non-smoking and drug free. Alcohol, non-prescription drugs and any other substances are strictly prohibited. Everyone is expected to report any smoking or drug use to staff immediately.

Dress CodeMembers, parents, and guardians are expected to follow the Boys & Girls Club’s dress code at all times. Footwear must be worn at all times. Sandals or open-toed shoes are allowed in the Club, but gym shoes must be worn at all times in the gym. Appropriate attire may be required for certain activities. Members’ jackets and backpacks must be placed in the designated cubby or locker areas.

It is up to the discretion of the staff as to what clothing is inappropriate. We tend to follow school guidelines in terms of what is appropriate. Your child may be asked to change clothes or phone home if necessary. Examples of inappropriate clothing include: sagging pants; logos associated with alcohol, drugs, or offensive material; and clothes that are revealing.

Telephone UseClub phone is for emergencies only. We ask that members seek permission before using the phone. Members are allowed to use their personal phone in the front desk area only. Parents may also call the Club to check on their children or relay important information to them.

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Photo ReleaseNantucket Boys and Girls Club uses images of our Club members engaging in programs to show our volunteers, donors, and parents what exciting acitivities we have at our Clubs. Images also let us share the accomplishments of your child(ren). For this reason, we frequently use photographs and/or video of our members participating in Club programs for youth-recognition and publicity purposes. This might include newspapers, annual reports, the Club’s website, and social media sites representing the Club. However, the image use of your child(ren) is a very personal decision. If you do NOT want your child’s name or image used for these purposes, you may indicate so on the Membership Form. We are very careful about abiding by parents’ wishes in this regard.

Out of Club ContactWhile Nantucket Boys and Girls Club maintains on-going policies of carefully screening both volunteers and paid staff, it is in the best interest of all concerned that all contact between staff and members be on a professional basis in the context of Club programming.

Therefore, Nantucket Boys & Girls Clubs specifically prohibits the establishment of personal, out-of-Club relationships between staff and members. This includes written correspondence and social media outlets. Pre-existing relationships (like friends of the family) must be documented and signed by those parties involved. If you have any questions concerning this policy, please contact the Executive Director.

Field TripsThe Club periodically provides supervised transportation to and from scheduled activities and field trips. We own vans for the purpose of transporting members, and all drivers are properly licensed and trained. No member will be taken off Club property on a field trip without a permission slip on file for that specific trip.

Personal BelongingsAny personal belongings brought to the Club should be labeled clearly. Anything lost or stolen is not the responsibility of the Club. Members must take all projects and personal belongings home with them each day. Each Club maintains a Lost and Found for a period of time, which is emptied and donated to local charities periodically. Electronic devices such as cell phones and gaming devices are discouraged.

Volunteer OpportunitiesWe offer many volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including athletic league coaching and tutoring Club members during the school year. Please ask at your Club about the chance to help us make a difference in our members’ lives. For the safety of our members, a background check is completed on ALL volunteers.

Surveys & QuestionnairesPeriodically, members are asked for their feedback by participating in surveys and questionnaires regarding their Club experience, behaviors, skills, attitudes and beliefs. This information is used to let us know how we are doing, how we can improve our services, how we are making an impact and for grant reporting purposes. Information gathered from these measures is reported confidentially and collectively. Please notify the Club Director if you do not want your child to participate.

RentalsNantucket Boys & Girls Club is available for rentals during non-operating hours. Most areas of the Club are available, and we offer packages that combine different areas. Please contact the Club or visit our website for additional information.

Nantucket Boys & Girls Club 61 Sparks Avenue

PO Box 269Nantucket, MA 02554

508.228.0158www.nantucketboysandgirlsclub.org

Nantucket Boys & Girls Club