Student Handbook

St. Mary's Dance
Academy
Student  Handbook
2019-2020



Web:     www.stmarysdance.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/stmarysdanceinc

Phone: 301-994-1011

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
TO READ THE HANDBOOK.
When registering
you sign a form saying you have
received a copy, it is placed in
the student's folder.






Welcome to St. Mary’s Dance Academy, Inc.  Our primary goal is to
try to provide students the opportunity to learn in a positive, fun,
family oriented environment.  We offer classes for ages 2 – Adult.  
Our classes include:  ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, lyrical,
musical theatre,creative movement, hip hop, mommy and me,
tumbling, floor gymnastics, and cheer with a
focus on dance.  



Dance is a commitment and can be costly.  We offer fundraising
opportunities for those interested.  The profits from fundraisers
goes directly to the participants, the studio does not take any
percentage.


If you have a group of students, for example:  homeschoolers, or a
group of middle school age students wanting to do hip hop, we will try to accommodate you and make a class/time convenient for you.  



There will be a recital sometime in June.  Creative movement
classes and mommy and me classes do not participate in the recital.  



It is the parent’s responsibility to check the information board in the
lobby for updated newsletters.  We try to send newsletters home with
students but sometimes they get misplaced before the student leaves
and never make it out the door.   The biggest complaint we get is
“I drop my child off so I don’t know what is going on.” It is your
responsibility to check the wall.

How to Contact Us
Joanie  Farrar – Director
Email:  stmarysdance@yahoo.com
Phone:  301-994-1011

COMMUNICATION

Studio Website www.stmarysdance.com


Studio Phone  301-994-1011

Visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/stmarysdanceinc

There is an information wall in the lobby – this is your main form of
communication.  It is the parent’s responsibility to check the wall.
It will contain costume, recital, picture info and more.  

Newsletters will be sent out periodically, they can also be found on
the information wall.

Each class will be asking for a class parent(s).  If you are interested
in being a class parent, please inform the instructor.  The main
purpose of the class parent is to get communication to other
parents/students.  The instructor will relay info to the class parent,
who will then email their class with the information. This is most
important when a class needs to be cancelled. It is everyone’s
responsibility to be sure they have the correct email(s) on file,
and they check their email.  We ask that parents do not ask
instructors questions between classes, as it holds up the next class.
If you have a question please email the studio and we will try to get
an answer to you as soon as possible.  

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS (signed on registration form).   
This is signed on the registration form when registering at
St. Mary’s Dance Academy:Parent/Guardian and dancer
recognize there is a risk of injury in any type of dance/sport
program.  Parent/Guardian acknowledges that the student is
participating upon his/her express agreement that injury may
occur and agrees to release St. Mary’s Dance Academy Inc.,
its employees, directors, volunteers from any and all liability
relating to any accident.  St. Mary’s Dance Academy Inc. does not
carry medical insurance for students.  All students are required to
be covered by their own family health insurance in the event of
sickness or an injury.  As the parent/guardian/student, I accept the
financial responsibility for treatment of the student should the
need arise during any and all St. Mary’s Dance Academy Inc.
programs.  I agree not to hold St. Mary’s Dance Academy Inc., and
any assigned representative financially responsible for the care or
treatment that may be needed.  I hereby waive and absolve
St. Mary’s Dance Academy, Inc. of any liability and responsibility
for injuries, damages, or losses incurred during participation of any
and all programs, activities, events associated with St. Mary’s
Dance Academy, Inc. by myself and/or child.


GENERAL RULES


Students may try any class for free.

There will be a $15.00 late fee for any tuition that is more than
7 days late.  No exceptions.  In the past I have let this slide.  
If you cannot attend class you can mail the payment.  See tuition
(page 4).

Please use restroom before class – especially pre-school.

No Gum is permitted in the studio.

No jeans or jean shorts.

No loose jewelry.

Only water is allowed in dance rooms.

Students should not enter a dance room until the instructor has
called them in.

No hanging on ballet barres.  No touching mirrors or curtains.

No banging on doors.

Hair should be pulled back when possible – examples:  
half up half down, ponytail, braid or bun.  

Parents must come inside lobby area to pick up students under 16.


I DON’T LIKE MY CLASS OR I NEED TO CHANGE MY DAY/TIME!
You can change and/or add classes anytime until costumes are
ordered.  If you change and your costume is already ordered you
will not be reimbursed for the cost of the costume.  If you add and
it is possible to order a costume, you can do so and pay the
additional shipping charge.

TUITION/FEES/EXPENSES
*** We suggest you take advantage of fundraising opportunities to offset these costs (see FUNDRAISERS pg.  7).  

TUITION PAYMENTS

Credit cards will be charged a 3.50 processing fee added onto
tuition.

It is preferred that payments be mailed to St. Mary’s Dance Academy,
P.O. Box 314, Valley Lee MD 20692.  Online banking and
automatic billpay, allow users the option to mail their monthly
payments on a specific day directly from their bank account. All banks
offer this service and this way you don’t have to worry about late fees,
as your payment is mailed directly to the studio every month on
the designated day selected by you.  If payment is received after the
7th of the month there is a $15.00 late fee added onto tuition,
only exception is if studio is closed for weather, etc.

Please be sure when paying by check that the students name is on
the check somewhere, especially if student has a different last
name than the signature on check.  
                                                                                                                 
For those paying at the studio, if paying by check please put
student’s name on memo line.

When paying with cash – Be sure to get a receipt!
         
                                                                                                                                                                                  Page 4
Tuition is due by the 7th of each month.  There will be a $15.00
late fee on payments that are more than 7 days late.  Any payments
after the 10th are automatically charged the late fee.  If payment is not
received by the 30th an additional $15.00 dollar late fee will be charged
($30.00 total).  Each additional month is an additional $20.00.   If you have an
emergency situation, please contact Ms. Joanie directly by email at
stmarysdance@yahoo.com.   If the student is absent, the payment can be
dropped off at the studio before the 7th or mailed to St. Mary’s Dance
Academy, P.O. Box 314, Valley Lee MD 20692.  If tuition is due on a
holiday or when the studio is closed, it may be paid at the next
scheduled class time.  Each month the tuition is late another 15.00 late
fee will apply.  After two months, the payment must be paid in full
with the 45.00 late fee, or the student will not be allowed to attend
class or participate in the recital.  

**All fees paid including; costumes, recital fees, etc. are
non-refundable.   

REGISTRATION FEE

There is a registration fee due for the 2019-2020 year.  
Registration fees expire in August, no matter what month you
register.  There is no registration fee for summer classes.  The
registration fee for 2019-20 is 25.00 for returning students/35.00
family, and 30.00 for new students/40.00 family.  
** Registration fees are non-refundable.                                             



RETURNED CHECK

Returned checks will be issued a 30.00 fee.
                                                                                                                                                                    
COSTUME FEES

Each class will need to buy a costume for the recital.  The
appropriate shoes must also be worn/purchased for recital.   
Costume fees are non-refundable.  Costumes usually range
between 85.00 – 120.00 per class, but some may be more.
Instructors will measure students for costumes, and then the
parents will verify measurements and make final decision on size.  
Remember – too big can be taken in, too small can’t.  
Any costume that has to be sent back for size will
have a 25.00 restocking fee. The parent has the final decision on
the size, if you leave it to the instructor, you are still responsible
for the restocking fee.
 A 50.00 non-refundable costume deposit will be required by
October 31st. Costume fees will be due in full by January 15th.
This is mainly to ensure they arrive in time for pictures.  I know this
is hard with the holidays, but last year we tried paying later, and
several costumes arrived the week of recital in mid June.  Costume
fees must be written to Joanie Farrar, as they go on my personal
credit card when purchasing.   
Fundraiser money can be used to pay for costumes
(see Fundraisers pg. 7).  If a costume is ordered late,
it is your responsibility to pay the shipping and handling charge.  
Once a costume is ordered it cannot be cancelled and is
non-refundable.

TIGHTS FOR RECITAL

There is a particular color/brand of tights students wear for recital.  Most classes will have the same color/brand, as it looks better in pictures and helps the videographer when focusing his camera.  Tights will be decided after costumes are selected.  Tights should be purchased through the studio, so that everyone has the same color.  We usually get a discount when ordering in bulk.  


RECITAL FEE


There will be a recital fee due by April 1st.  The amount of the
recital fee is still to be determined, as it depends on several factors:  cost of school rental, DJ, programs, trophies, t-shirts, lighting technician,  
maintenance crew, etc.  Each student will receive a trophy and
t-shirt and an allocated number of tickets, yet to be determined.
Additional tickets can be purchased.  

FUNDRAISERS

Anyone interested in participating in fundraisers may sign up on the
sheet on the information wall at the beginning of the year, or
anytime throughout the year.  The studio does not participate in
fundraisers, and takes no money/percentage from the fundraiser.  
Fundraisers are allowed to use the studio name.  For example,
Joe Corbi’s Pizza pays each participant approximately 5.00 for each
item sold.  This money goes directly to the parent.  
Parents may use this money to offset any costs; tuition, costumes,
recital fees, pictures etc.   Anyone interested in chairing a
fundraiser please let Joanie know, and she will do whatever is
necessary from the studio’s end.  


PICTURES/VIDEOS



PICTURES of each class will be taken sometime in May.  
Classic photography will be taking the pictures.
This is done as a courtesy to our students/parents who wish to
purchase pictures.  You do not have to purchase pictures,
but it is hoped students will attend the photo shoot to at least have
their photograph taken for the group photo.  Pictures are usually
taken during or close to regular class time.  We try to pick a month
that has five weeks in it, so students are still dancing four weeks
out of the month.  




CLOTHING/SHOES/HAIR

** NO JEANS OR JEAN SHORTS ALLOWED

We carry a limited supply of pink ballet and black tap shoes.

It is suggested combo classes get a dance bag.  This makes it easier
to ensure the right shoes go home. When possible put name inside
dance shoes.

CLOTHING

Ballet/Jazz/Modern/Musical Theatre/Creative Movement:  
Girls:  Leotards, tights, tutus, leggings, anything that the student
can move freely in – any color.

Cheer/Hip Hop/Tap:
Girls:  Any clothing that allows the student to move freely.  Be sure
pants are not too long.  

Boys: All dance styles – boys can wear any clothing that allows
them to move freely.  

SHOES

Ballet Slippers required for recital:
Girls:  Pink  leather  Boys:  Black leather
*** No fabric shoes/slippers – the heels come off when dancing
and the soles are slippery.   Any color ballet shoes may be worn to
practice in class, pink is needed for recital for girls and black for boys.                                                                                                              


Modern/Contemporary/Lyrical:  

Barefoot – instructor may want foot paws

Musical theatre/jazz:
Check with instructor

Cheer/Hip Hop:
Tennis shoes – any color to practice – specific shoes may be needed for recital.

Tap – preschool – black is required for recital.
Any color may be worn to practice in class.

Tap – all other groups
check with instructor – depends on class level/age.


HAIR

When possible please have hair away from face.  
Bun, half up/half down, braid, or ponytail is acceptable.  



ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

We hope everyone will try to attend class regularly.  If classes are
missed it can affect the performance and hold the rest of the class
behind.  It can be embarrassing for the student when they get on
stage and the other students know the dance routine and they
have no idea what they are supposed to be doing.   

We understand sometimes there are circumstances that warrant
an absence.  If the student has an injury, or is ill, has a fever,
pink-eye, lice or anything contagious, please keep them home.  

If the student needs to leave early during class, please inform the
instructor, or tap on door and explain they need to leave.  

VERY IMPORTANT - There is no tuition reimbursement for missed
classes.  

When a class is missed, most (not all) classes have another class
that can be used as a make-up on another day/time.  Check with
the instructor.  This must be done within a month of the absence.
All pre-school classes have classes available for a make-up on
another day/time.  


WITHDRAWAL


Two weeks notice must be given when withdrawing from a class.  
Not showing up for class is not the same as withdrawing from class.
You will be charged tuition and late fees until you withdraw in
writing.  Withdraws should be emailed to stmarysdance@yahoo.com or mailed to St. Mary’s Dance Academy, P.O. Box 314, Valley Lee MD 20692.  
It is your responsibility to put the withdrawal in writing and get
acknowledgement that your withdrawal was received.  If a student
withdraws in the beginning of a month the full tuition is still due for
the month.  Withdraws have to be received by the 10th of the
month in order for the student not to be responsible for the tuition for the following month.  All fees paid to date, example recital fee, costumes, etc.
are non-refundable.  


INCLEMENT WEATHER

The studio will follow the St. Mary’s County public school system
for inclement weather.  If schools are closed the studio will be
closed.  If the weather was bad in the morning and then becomes
clear, the instructor will make the call if there is to be class or not.  
If you don’t hear anything there is no class.  The best way to know
is to stay in touch with your room mom and check emails.  Also, we
will keep the facebook page updated.  We can’t always get the web
page updated in time.  Classes cancelled for inclement weather will
be given the opportunity to make-up by attending a different class
or by extending class time.  

HOLIDAYS

We do not close for every holiday or when schools are closed.  
If we are closed for a holiday it will be on the web page,
facebook and posted in the lobby.  We will be closed for Halloween,
Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, the week of
Christmas Eve – New Year’s Day, and Memorial Day.
If you know you will not be in class when the studio is open on a
holiday, please let the instructor know, as the instructor may want
to cancel class and do a make-up on another day or extend the
class time.  


LOST AND FOUND

A lost and found box is kept in the office.  If you have lost anything
please ask the office worker to check the box for you.  

                                                                                                                  
SOLOS/DUOS/TRIO/PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons are available at an extra charge.  Arrangements can
be made by contacting the studio for those who have missed
classes, need extra-help, or want to learn something extra.  

If you are interested in having the student perform in a solo, duo,
trio or small group for the recital, special event (wedding,
talent show, etc.) please contact the studio for pricing and to
arrange scheduling.  The earlier the better, since the student will
have more time to practice.  Prices are different depending on
instructor and the number of students. There is a $50 sign on fee
per student (per routine) for solos/duos/trios that goes to the
studio to help pay the electric. Remember the earlier you start,
the more practices you can arrange.  

A great gift idea for a student is to pay for a solo, duo, trio or
small group. The more students in the group the cheaper the
cost per person.  

T-SHIRTS/POLOS/SWEATSHIRTS/JACKETS


We have several styles of sweatshirts at different prices, and jackets are also available.   We will have one or two opportunities  for students/
parents to place an order before the holidays, as they make great
gifts.   

Jackets can be ordered anytime by simply going to the website and
placing your own order.  Printed Items cannot be returned. http://teamstore.gtmsportswear.com/STMARYSDANCE



POSTING ADS/EVENTS ON BULLETIN BOARD IN LOBBY

                                                                                                               
The bulletin board in the lobby can be used to post any ads,
business cards etc. that you have.  For example if you are having a
yard sale you may post a flyer on the board.  If you need a sitter
you can post it on the board, etc.  

Anyone interested in selling old items such as shoes, tutus etc., items do not have to be dance related – feel free to post ads on the bulletin board.

If you are looking for a particular item, you can post that on the
board.


STUDENT ASSISTANTS

Several classes will have a student assistant.  Student assistants must
be in middle or high school.  Student assistants get community
service hours for helping during the class. There is a form available in
the office for those wishing to assist.  Unfortunately, we cannot use
everyone who submits a form, usually due to scheduling conflicts.