SCHOOL POLICIES

• Students are expected to behave respectfully toward their classmates, faculty, staff, and guests of The Grand Opera House. Disrespectful behavior, profanity, bullying, harassment, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

• Students should be dropped off and picked up on time. Parents/guardians should make every effort to arrive promptly at the end of class.

• Students should arrive in uniform, when applicable, and adhere to the FSBT dress code.

• Students arriving more than 15 minutes after their class has begun will be asked to sit and observe the class. Late students should wait quietly by the studio door until the teacher indicates that it is appropriate to enter.

• Please email kkambalov@firststateballet.org (Wilmington) or severson@firststateballet.org (Whitehall) if your child will be absent from class.

• Missed classes must be made up within one month of the missed class. Please notify the School Director in advance if your child will be attending a make-up class.

• Students may not chew gum anywhere in the building.

• Students should not attend class if they are sick, have a contagious illness, or have an injury that prevents them from safely participating. Please notify the School Director of any significant injury or medical concern that may affect participation.

• Students must inform their teacher immediately if they experience pain, injury, dizziness, or feel unwell during class.

• Students are expected to follow all safety instructions given by faculty and staff and to use the studios and facilities appropriately.

• Students should keep personal belongings with them or in the designated area. FSBT is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Students are encouraged not to bring valuables to the studio.

• Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off or silenced and stored during class unless the teacher gives permission for their use.

• Students should not leave the studio or The Grand Opera House during their scheduled class or program without permission from a parent/guardian and the School Director or designated staff member.

• Parents/guardians should not interrupt classes or rehearsals. Questions or concerns should be directed to the School Director or administrative staff outside of class time.

• Students may not communicate privately with any teacher or staff member by email, text message, phone, or social media without a parent/guardian included in the communication. Parents/guardians should be copied on all electronic communication between students and FSBT faculty or staff.

• Students are expected to respect the facilities of The Grand Opera House and FSBT. Damage caused by intentional or inappropriate behavior may be the responsibility of the student and/or parent/guardian.

• FSBT is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students. Concerns regarding bullying, harassment, inappropriate conduct, or student safety should be reported promptly to the School Director.

• FSBT takes reasonable precautions to provide a safe environment for students; however, participation in dance classes and activities involves inherent risks. FSBT cannot guarantee that injuries will not occur and is not responsible for injuries resulting from the inherent risks of dance or from a student's failure to follow safety instructions.

• Failure to follow school policies may result in a warning, parent/guardian notification, removal from a class or activity, or other appropriate action as determined by FSBT.

All Students must sign: Liability Release, Medical Release, and Publicity Release either via Jackrabbit software or in Person BEFORE taking class.

Liability Release: I agree that my minor student or I myself will abide by the policies of The School of First State Ballet Theatre. I consent to my minor student or myself participating in the school’s programs and activities. I recognize that in spite of the care of the school and its teachers, there is a possibility of injury during classes. In the case of such an injury to myself or my minor student, I release The School of First State Ballet Theatre, its teachers, and associated personnel from all responsibility.

Medical Release: In the event of an injury to myself or my minor student, which requires emergency medical attention, I permit the school to obtain such care, and I promise to pay all associated costs upon receipt of the bill. I understand that The School of First State Ballet Theatre is not responsible for any student outside the studio.

Publicity Release: I hereby authorize The School of First State Ballet Theatre and the FSBT company photographer to use all photographs and videos of my minor student or myself for publicity, including advertising and sales promotion.

PAYMENT POLICIES

• FSBT maintains a policy of offering no refunds, credits or transfers of tuition. All tuition is non-refundable. The only exception is for a documented medical reason, effective as of the date that FSBT receives notification in writing, with documentation, of the medical necessity of withdrawing for the remainder of the school year.

• Payment plans require enrolling in e-payments.

• By enrolling in e-payments, you are authorizing FSBT to bill and charge your account according to the payment schedule below.

• Class cards are valid for one year.

• A $35 fee will be charged for return checks or credit/ACH charge back.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

FULL YEAR

Payment due August 20th

PAYMENT PLAN BALLET I - BALLET II

3 payments due August 20th, November 20th, and February 20th

PAYMENT PLAN BALLET III - BALLET VII

9 payments due the 20th of each month, August–April.

Registration fee $30.00

Family Discount - 10% off for youngest child

The School of FSBT DRESS CODE

Male: Fitted white T-shirt (uniform), black tights, dance belt (ages 8+), black ballet shoes. Hair must be securely off the face.

Female: Leotard in level color (uniform), pink tights (skin-toned optional), pink ballet shoes (skin-toned optional), pink or skin-toned pointe shoes with matching sewn elastic and ribbons. Skirt in level color (uniform) may be worn for pointe class (optional). Hair must be neatly secured bun or securely off the face. Shoes should fit correctly; elastics should be tied off, cut and tucked neatly in the shoes.

No dangling earrings. Small studs only. No necklaces, bracelets, wristbands, or watches. All hair accessories must match the color of the dancer’s hair.

Uniforms should be ordered through FSBT. All uniforms will be delivered to the studio for you to pick up. Please allow up to two weeks for delivery.

School closings and breaks are available on the School Calendar web page.

School closings due to weather will be communicated via email and posted on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Youth Protection Statement - First State Ballet Theatre takes the protection of children in our care very seriously. It is at the root of the work we do. This policy is intended to provide multiple layers of protection for children and families we serve. The policy covers all the things we believe are critical to keeping children safe from abuse: the screening/hiring process, our faculty code of conduct, the physical and virtual environment of our organization, and the training and educational programs for our employees, volunteers, families and children.

First State Ballet Theatre is devoted to the safety of children, and our goal is to provide an atmosphere for children to safely flourish while in our care. We take pride in our ongoing efforts to improve our services to young people and their families. The primary responsibility to keep children safe rests with adults.

Click HERE to see FSBT’s Child Protection Policies.