Policies - how to have the best time making music

Confirmation 
Almost immediately after you register your child, an email will be sent to your preferred email address confirming your chosen class. Please plan to attend a Parent Orientation meeting one of the dates offered. (virtual is an option)

Make-ups 
Missed classes can be made up by attending another class of the same age level, or an approved arrangement. Please call, text, or email your make-up preference. 

Illness 
Please do not bring a sick child to class. Make-ups are available. Please refer to this web site's class schedule for class days and times. 

Closing and Bad Weather 
Make-up classes will not be scheduled for bad weather days. Otherwise, if the venue is open we are meeting. If GCISD closes for bad weather, and /or the centers do, we will not have class. Please listen to local radio/TV for weather closings; I will send an e-mail as well. *Gathering at my home will be considered in certain circumstances.

What (Not) To Bring 
Bring your active clothes; dress for moving & dancing! No food, drink, gum, or toys in the MusikGarten room, please. And please turn off devices before entering the class space -- your child wants your full attention. It is often easier to leave distracting items hidden on our classroom shelf, or in the car.

Class Time 
I will open the door when I am ready to greet your child. There are several waiting areas outside the classroom. Please do not let your child run around the area. We need to be considerate of others in the building!

Restrooms 
Please find time for your child to go to the bathroom and get a drink before class.
 

Managing Safety & Learning 
Hitting and aggression on a drum can be musical -- on another person will not happen in our gathering space. If a child is physically disruptive toward others, grownups present are advised to remove the child from the group ~ 3 minutes and re-join us when ready. This brief separation is similar to taking a break during an emotional meltdown. Grownups not present give Ms Joley permission to (1) redirect a child to the Thinking Corner and (2) move the child to a safe place like the Thinking Corner if they refuse to move themselves.

Observations 
Understand that all children learn at different rates, in different ways. Some children will be quiet in class, others will be active; all are "taking in" the musical moment. A student might do everything perfectly at home, but not in class. As a parent, you know that every child is unique, so we can let the music work its magic with yours! Model the kind of participation and safety you want your child to practice.