Untitled Header Image
 

Policies

Absences

If you know are going to be absent and unable to do your parent job, please find a substitute (a list of floating substitutes for each period will be given to parents at the start of term and will be available in the binder at the front desk) and email the jobs coordinator (jobs@palsenrichment.org) and your children's teachers to let them know the day/time and name of your substitute as soon as possible.  If you are unexpectedly absent (such as due to illness) please also email (jobs@palsenrichment.org) as soon as possible so that we can arrange a substitute. It is also helpful if you can email your children's teachers as well.

Addressing Concerns

Concerns or questions that arise during Enrichment should be taken to the appropriate parent or teacher involved.  If you feel as if your concerns or questions during Enrichment have not been heard by the family or teacher, they can be raised by email with any Board Member. (See Contact Us for Board Member email addresses). At the board’s discretion, involved parties may be asked to sit down together to discuss a mutually satisfactory resolution.

Allergy Information

If your family has a severe food allergy, please be aware that families bring lunches from home that they eat onsite and that classes occasionally include snacks. PALS does not have the capacity to monitor food. However, at the start of each semester, please feel free to email secretary@palsenrichment.org with any information you want publicly shared, and we will forward your email to the group. Also, contact your child’s teachers directly to ensure that they are aware of the allergy and know what to do.

Behavior Policy

Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior at all times.  Please treat each other and the facility with respect and courtesy. To ensure an environment conducive to learning, repeated disruptive behavior in class may require that special conditions be imposed, such as removal of a child from a class for the remainder of the period, a parent’s attendance in class with their child, or throughout the day, or in extreme cases, removal from Enrichment classes all together.  Above all else, PALS is a voluntary community space that values and encourages empathy, collaboration, learning and respect.

Class Cancellations:  At the end of the registration period, classes with insufficient enrollment may be cancelled. If a class for which you have registered is cancelled, the registrar will notify you and give you the opportunity to choose another class for that time period.

Closings and Delays

If Pittsburgh Public Schools have a cancellation due to weather we do not hold enrichment classes. If PPS issues a delay we may have classes. PALS Enrichment will announce our open/closed status by email and posts to our website and Facebook pages.

Directory 

During the registration process, families will be asked if they wish to have their contact information (including children’s names and ages) published in a directory that will be available securely on this site to families that are also attending this term.

Facility Care/Clean-up

In order to be good stewards of our rental facility and to demonstrate respect for our fellow Enrichment families, the responsibility for cleaning our Enrichment space rests with everyone. Food is permitted in the cafeteria/gym, the teen lunch room (202) and the quiet lunch room (M2). No food or drinks are allowed in any carpeted classroom. Please clean up food and other debris after eating. Tables and desks in the quiet lunch room and the quiet lunch room must be wiped down after you are finished; cleaning supplies can be found in the closet of room 202 and the metal cabinets in room M2  Please note that dirty diapers MUST be placed in the mezzanine bathroom trashcan ONLY. Before leaving Enrichment, please spend some time cleaning up after yourself or straightening an area that is messy.

Lost and Found

Where possible items found at the end of the PALS day will be placed in a Lost and Found. Items not claimed by the end of the term will be donated.

Jobs

PALS Enrichment relies on parental participation to maintain the quality of our programs. Parents teach, run clubs, plan events, and assist with other functional and administrative needs. We try to match people and their availability with the jobs that need to be done.

No Discrimination

PALS Enrichment does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff if any, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Outside Teacher Policy

PALS Enrichment classes are proposed and taught by parents of PALS students. In a few cases we invite specialized teachers to operate as independent contractors during PALS hours at the PALS site. These teachers must present certification in the area of teaching, acceptable certifications are subject to Board discretion. Additionally any teacher who teaches professionally is required to carry insurance to cover their liability.  

Parent Responsibility for their Children

PALS is NOT a drop-off program. Parents are expected to attend and remain at PALS with their children. You are responsible for your child at all times. Parents are responsible for ensuring students get from class to class. Students will be released at the end of class unless prior arrangements are made with the teacher. PALS is not responsible for the safety, well-being, or behavior of your child. If you must leave the building, your children must be signed over to another adult in attendance who knows and can manage them. Parents are responsible for any property damage caused by their child.

Parking

There is ample street parking available around the church building.

Payment

PALS Enrichment accepts payment through PayPal or check (made out to PALS Enrichment). The PayPal link can be found in your account. Payment is due on or before the first day of term.

Sick Policy

We urge you to use good judgment about attending Enrichment classes if your child is ill. Please do not come within 24 hours of your child having severe cold symptoms, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Sign In and Out

Families are not permitted inside the facility until 9:30am.  Each person must sign in and out upon entering and leaving the building, including infants and children.  We need to know everyone inside the building in case of an emergency. Please remember to sign in and out for lunch as well.

Smoking

Our rental facility has a non-smoking policy in both the building and on the grounds.

Solicitation

PALS Enrichment is to be solicitation free. While many parents have their own businesses please respect our sales free policies and conduct any business outside of PALS Enrichment time and not on site. Fundraising by students for their extra curricular activities is permitted but must be approved by the board.

Close menu