WSYB School Policies

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At Washington State Youth Ballet, we place a high value on maintaining open communication between our esteemed faculty, dedicated parents, and talented students. We strive to keep you informed and involved through various channels such as e-blasts, individual emails, bulletin board/door postings, class handouts, the WSYB website, and Facebook. 

For effective communication, it's crucial that your contact information is always up to date. If a parent or student wishes to speak with an instructor, please don't hesitate to contact the Director for an appointment.

SCHOOL CLOSURE POLICY

With the utmost priority on the safety of our students and their parents, classes will not be held when the Walla Walla public schools are closed due to weather. When school begins late, WSYB will hold classes as scheduled. In the event of severe weather and school closure, the Director will personally contact the families of students scheduled for a class that day to provide updates. We also have a system in place for making up missed classes. Please check with the academy for details. If the Federal Government is closed, WSYB will be closed as well, ensuring the safety of our entire community.

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

Occasionally, there may be behavior issues in the studio that distract students and disrupt the class's progress. If a student's behavior is disruptive, the instructor will give them a verbal warning. If the behavior continues, the student will be asked to watch the class, and the Director will contact the parents/guardians. We believe in working together positively to understand the behavior and provide students with tools to cope with any issues they may face.

WSYB'S POLICIES ON BEHAVIOR AND PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

We are committed to providing a healthy and supportive environment for WSYB, including our students, their families, WSYB employees, guests, and visitors. We expect respectful treatment of each other at all times and prohibit inappropriate and offensive conduct, including name-calling, making malicious or derogatory comments, harassment, spreading rumors and lies, gossiping, making fun of others, fighting, threatening behavior, using profane or abusive language, destruction of property, stealing, and any other malicious conduct, whether verbal or physical. This policy also applies to social media postings involving WSYB students or their families. WSYB has a zero-tolerance policy for weapons, illegal drugs, and underage use of cigarettes and vaping items. Students who bring a weapon or banned substance to WSYB, regardless of its intended use, or arrive at WSYB or a WSYB event under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug will face strict consequences. 

WSYB reserves the right to remove or dismiss anyone who engages in conduct that violates this policy. In such cases, no tuition refund will be given.

PICKING UP/DROPPING OFF STUDENTS

When dropping off students, please ensure they have enough time to prepare for class. Students need to warm up and be dressed appropriately. If a student is more than 10 minutes late for class, the instructor will decide whether they can participate. They will be asked to watch the class if they arrive more than 15 minutes late. This is especially important for ballet classes, where the structured warm-up helps prevent injuries.

Please be prompt when picking up your children, especially late in the evening. In case of a delay or emergency, we will have someone at the studio until the last student leaves. If you are going to be late, please get in touch with the school. All dancers must wear clothing over their dance attire when being dropped off or picked up, as parking lots are public areas. 

Fathers are not allowed in the female dressing room. If you have a young dancer, please ensure they are dressed before coming to the studio, or you can take them into one of our two bathrooms to help them prepare for their class.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Regular class attendance is crucial for dance training. If a student cannot attend class, please notify the Director by phone or email before their class. Students are encouraged to make up absences; please call the Director to discuss suitable make-up class times.

STUDIO ETIQUETTE 

WSYB aims to prepare dancers to reach their maximum potential. We expect everyone to treat each other respectfully at all times. Students, siblings, parents, and visitors must conduct themselves quietly and respectfully in lobbies, hallways, dressing rooms, and bathrooms. Please keep dressing rooms neat and orderly, and supervise all children. Excessive noise and disruptive behavior like running and climbing are not allowed. Videos of classes are not permittedwithout the instructor's permission.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

~ Only talk in class when the instructor asks or answers a question. ~ Pay attention to all corrections, whether for you, another dancer, or the entire class. 

~ Do not lean or hang on barres. 

~ Refrain from negative body language such as crossed arms, rolling eyes, or facing away from the teacher during combinations. 

~ Do not sit between combinations; the teacher will provide time to stretch. 

~ Cover your mouth when you yawn, cough, or sneeze. 

~ Do not walk in front of the instructor while they are teaching. 

~ No cell phone or watch use in the studio during class without permission from the instructor. 

~ Older students are expected to be role models for the younger students. 

~ No gum or food in the studio. Students may bring closed water bottles into the studio.

~Please throw away all trash.

~Any injury must be reported to the instructor and or Director immediately. Students who are injured are asked to watch a class and take notes.

~ If you are feeling sick, please stay home and rest

~Always be supportive of other dancers in your class.

~Do not quit in the middle of a combination.

~NEVER SAY "I CAN'T"