April. 18: No School: Good Friday

April. 21: Patriots' Day

April 22 - 25: No School: Spring Break

04/14 - 04/17

This Thursday (17) during the after school program, we had a visit from the Framingham Revolution soccer team. The students had the opportunity to talk and ask questions with one of the team players and also to play with him. It was a different and fun afternoon!!

Behavior and Support Policy

Inclusion Policy

The Explorers Programs are rooted in positive reinforcement practices and compliments school day culture and language. Our staff are trained in effective classroom, youth development, and behavior management strategies and work closely with school day staff, families, and students to make sure that students are supported.

• Students are reminded of expected behavior by our Staff and can be referred to the calming/reflection area of the classroom. (3 reminders*)

• Students are offered a check-in with a staff member or the Coordinator.

If the situation is unsafe this may be less than 3 reminders

• If the behavior is productively discussed with the staff or Coordinator, the student will return to the group for a chance to show expected behavior in the classroom.
• If the unexpected behavior persists, the Coordinator or Manager is called to help facilitate the student’s transition to the office and the parent/guardian is called for an immediate pick up.

Examples of an immediate pick up:

• Unsafe behavior to oneself or toward other students or staff members

• Putting hands on another student or staff member

• Refusal of participation and disruption of programming

• Leaving spaces without permission

• No changes in behavior after multiple reminders

Please note these are some examples and there may be other reasons for immediate pick up.

Dismissal Plans

If your student is registered to attend Explorers on a specific day and this dismissal plan needs to change, please make sure to send an email to the following people:

1. Coordinator (cwright@framingham.k12.ma.us)

2. Your student's Teacher

3.The Office Manager (lbarbosa@framingham.k12.ma.us)

Explorer Balance

This is a friendly reminder to log into your MyRec account and review your current balance to ensure your account is up to date. As stated in our handbook balance policy signed by you, payment is due by the end-of-day on the first day of each month. A $25 late fee will be administered for all payments made after the 1st of the month. Additionally, if payment is not received prior to the next monthly billing cycle, a student’s continued enrollment will require that their account balance be 75% paid. If your family requires special payment accommodations, please communicate with me as soon as possible and we can complete a Payment Plan Application together!

Refund Practice

The Department of Community Resource Development has a refund practice located on our website, www.fpscrd.org. We process refunds on a case by case basis. Refunds can take up to 30 days to be issued from the time of the refund request. If you would like more information please visit our website.

Scholarship Information

Financial Assistance may be available to income eligible families through our scholarship program. Scholarships are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis. To apply for a scholarship please reach out to the Harmony Grove Coordinator. Please note, as scholarships are on a first come, first serve basis, there is a limited amount of scholarships available each year.

Full Day Programing and Vacation Week Programing

While we strategically work together within our department, it's important to note that Full Day programming, Vacation Week programming, and the Summer Institute operate independently from our day-to-day activities and require separate registration and oftentimes full payment at registration to ensure your child's enrollment as there is a high demand for these programs. Special programs are managed separately. Please check the Upcoming Dates above and Reminders section weekly for updates. You can also use the link below to stay up-to-date on Explorer programming and special dates.

What should/shouldn't my child bring?

• A water bottle
• Appropriate clothing/footwear for both indoor and outdoor activities (keeping in mind seasonal changes)
• Change of clothes (highly recommended for K-2)
• We kindly request that personal games and toys remain at home. Students are allowed to bring balls, but they MUST stay in their backpacks outside of recess time. If they are seen during other times, staff will collect them and return them to the guardian at pick-up.
• A snack (the daily provided snack can be found here)

This year again, participation in the Bookmobile will be opt-in! Our kids absolutely love this vendor, and we encourage everyone to participate.

Students with emergency medications (epi-pens, inhalers, etc.) will not be permitted to attend unless accompanied by their medication, a completed and signed authorization for medication form, and have submitted an individual health care plan (ex. Allergy action plan). All medications must be brought to school in its original container and include the child's name, the name of the medication, the dosage, the number of times per and the number of days the medication is to be administered. This prescription label will be accepted as the written authorization of the physician. The Program will not administer any medication contrary to the directions on the label unless so authorized by written order of the child's

Physician. Please be advised that both a Medication Administration and Individual Health Care Form must be completed and signed in order for Explorers staff to accept the medication. The forms can be found here.

Please note - we will not accept students into the program who have medication needs if we do not have the medication and proper documentation on site. A parent must be present to hand over medication to our staff.

BEFORE SCHOOL:

Doors open: 7:05am

Activities: 7:10-8:30
Breakfast: 8:35am - 8:50am
School begins: 9:05am
School dismissal: 3:20pm

AFTER SCHOOL:

Program starts: 3:20pm

Snack time: 3:20-3:40pm

Clubs: 4:00pm

Program ends: 6:00pm