Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, please check our website up to ONE hour before your class is scheduled to start if the weather is bad. Our general rule of thumb is, if schools are on a "delayed"
opening in the town where you take class, then we will have class that
day, at the regularly scheduled time. If the schools in the town where you take class are closed due to inclement weather, our classes will be canceled in that town - but we have made exceptions to this when schools are on vacation, and for afternoon classes when weather has become progressively worse in the afternoon hours. If in doubt, please check our website. A message will be posted on the HOME page *if* class is canceled and I will also have an outgoing message on the office answering machine, call 203.691.9759.
Please check either source before heading out to class for both morning and afternoon classes. If a class is canceled, we will extend that class an extra week at the end of the semester. However, if a class is canceled due to snow, we will extend an extra week, *except* when we have had to cancel more than once for inclement weather. We will try to squeeze in an extra class at the end of the semester in this case, but it is not always possible as we quickly approach our next semester. You will receive an email from our office if this should happen. All extended dates of classes are listed on the "Classes page", just look for the end date.
If you are concerned about driving in inclement weather, we understand, and we will offer you the opportunity to schedule a makeup if that is the case. It is ultimately your decision whether you want to brave driving in weather you don't feel comfortable driving in, and for this reason, we will offer you extra makeups in the winter semester.
If you, or your child is sick, we ask that you do not come to class. We want the children to be able to attend as many classes as possible, and therefore we allow you to attend two makeup classes per semester. These classes should be made up within the same semester and scheduled in advance by signing up on our On-Line Make-up Scheduler. You can sign up for a makeup right up until the moment of the class. Click on the page to "Schedule a Makeup" and follow directions to sign up for a make-up class in whatever location you like. Note: If the make-up scheduler says “no make-up available”, that make-up has been taken and you need to select another. PLEASE!!! DO NOT SHOW UP as we do not want to overfill our classes.Please feel free to discretely nurse your infant but do not bring food or drinks into the classroom.Children are encouraged to move and explore the music in whatever way they feel comfortable. Some children like to watch intently from mom’s lap while others enjoy moving around the room singing and playing. It is very important to respect each individual child’s learning style. Please keep in mind, however, that we do not allow your child to run, hit, throw, or grab in class. Our teachers strive to maintain a safe and fun environment for everyone. Please assist them by helping your child with our rules. Participate: Your child needs to see you playing music. You are your child’s most influential role model, regardless of your own musical ability. Let your child see you having fun!
No Talking in class: Resist the urge to speak verbal instructions to your child during class. You are welcome to chat with friends before and after class, however please refrain from chatting during class as it is a distraction to the teacher and everyone else in the room. Most importantly, we want the children to be thinking musically for the entire class, and we are also trying to teach the children to be active participants in all that they do. If you absolutely need to speak, please do it quietly, or take your child to the waiting area.
Let your child be: Children learn through the process of play. They want to touch, move, watch, listen, explore and have fun! Let your child discover his/her own way and let them see you make music yourself!
Make music at home: Our classes are only 45 minutes, once a week. Play the CD in the car or at home, and don’t forget to make music at home, during your daily routines, dressing, playing, cooking in the kitchen, bath time, and bed time lullabies. You’re the real music teacher and doing all this at home, will enrich their musical experience.
If you have any questions about the program or your child’s musical development, touch base with the teacher.
Have a wonderful Semester!!
