Parent and Student Handbook
Table of Contents
1 - Introduction

2 - Studio Manifesto

3 - Registration

4 - Communication

5 - Important Dates

6 - Code of Conduct

7 - Age Groups

8 - Safety

9 - Privacy

10 - Timetable

11 - Dress Code

12 - Fee Structure

13 - Attendance

14 - Social Media


1. Introduction: 

It’s our absolute pleasure to warmly welcome you into our family at Starlight Performing Arts, llc. Our team is thrilled to see many familiar faces return to the studio and even more excited to see some new faces join our community. We have created this one-stop handbook to hopefully shed some light on how things will run throughout the year as well as answer a lot of queries you may have before the year begins. While we would love you to take the time to read this information carefully and keep your handbook in a safe place to refer to as you need, don’t forget that our friendly office staff are always here to help and will happily answer any queries you may have. Nothing is too big or too small, we promise! ☺


QUICK REFERENCE STUDIO INFORMATION

: Address: 712 E. Bay Avenue #4
Phone Number: 609-756-7380
Mobile / Cell Number: 609-756-7380
Email: officemanager@starlightpac.com

Website: www.Starlightpac.com

Director:
Lisa Carlson
Assistant Director:
Jenny Stodd
2 / Studio Manifesto: 

To start us off,  it’s important to us at Starlight Performing Arts  that all members of our team share our vision, our purpose and the philosophy that encompasses everything we do both in and outside of our classes. This is a vision that is shared and demonstrated by the directors, teachers and staff members at our studio and it is the driving force behind every interaction with our students and their families. 

Starlight performing Arts is place where kids of all ages shapes and sizes learn to dance, sing, act, play music, and perform. This is a studio where creativity, individuality and self-expression is encouraged and has a community of teachers, students and families who are passionate about performing arts. Our goal is to create a positive and happy experience for all of our students. We strive to nurture and develop talent, celebrate the achievements of all students and inspire a love and appreciation of all styles of the arts. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment in which all students can feel empowered, comfortable and free to express themselves.

We are committed to creating a healthy, supportive, family environment.

We are passionate about educating the next generation of artists as not only talented performers but well rounded human beings. 

We care about every human in our cure. 

We love to share in all of our students ups and downs. 

We embrace being the change you wish to see in the world .

We stand for equal opportunity for all. 

We listen to our studio families feedback. 

We prioritize healthy boundaries and well rounded kids. 

We promise to listen to every single person and implement constructive criticism that helps make our studio stronger. 

We value progress over perfection. 

We focus on each student as an individual. 

We share in creating a better future for everyone through the arts.



3/ Registration: 

Before lacing up those jazz shoes, it’s important that all students and/or parents – whether returning or new - fill out and sign your registration paperwork so we can ensure we have the most up-to-date contact details for you. This information includes your registration form, media release form (so we can show off photos and videos of our amazing performers in and around the studios), and public liability / Insurance contract. These are available via your mindbody account for online signature or under the student paperwork tab on or website. Additionally we can print this for you in person at the studio. Please contact us ahead of time so we can have it ready for you. 

Our Early bird registration offer not only means that you will have your registration fee waived or go into the running for a SPAC gift certificate, but it also ensures that in the event of classes reaching capacity before the Semester kicks off, you will be guaranteed a place in the class/es of your choice. 

You can register in person and take advantage of the early bird special at Starlight Performing Arts any time with in a month of a new semester starting, or online using the “Starlight PAC†app on your phone. 

Our annual registration fee is $30 per student/ per family and must be paid in full prior to the commencement of classes. Make sure you get your payment in via Credit Card, Internet Bank Transfer, Cash or Check as failure to pay your registration fee in time may result in losing your place in the class.

We encourage all of our students and families to try a variety of class styles and we are more than happy to accommodate trial classes for existing students who are wanting to try something a bit different. Please contact reception if you would like to try a new class and we will happily schedule a quick meeting and fit you in for a trial (provided the class has not reached capacity).



** REMINDER ** Don’t forget - if you refer a friend or family member to enroll at our registration day, you’ll both only pay $5 registration fee for the whole year! That’s a discount of over 80%, so don’t miss this chance to bring your friends. 


Parent Release Form for Photography and Videography
I, the undersigned, give permission for Starlight Performing Arts, llc to use video footage and / or photographs of my child/ward, _________________________________. This usage may include (but is not exclusive to) displaying publicly, distributing, or publishing, photographs, and/or video of my child for use in materials that include, but may not be limited to:

 - printed materials (eg - brochures and newsletters)
 - online and offline advertising and promotion
 - videos and digital images such for use on Social Media.
By signing this form, I acknowledge that I am giving unrestricted permission for my child’s image to be used in print, video, and digital media. I agree that these images may be used by Starlight Performing Arts, llc for a variety of purposes and that these images may be used without further notification. I do understand that any identifying information including surname and location will not be used in conjunction with any video or digital images.

Parent/Guardian signature __________________________ Date ______________


Health Information and Medical Release/Waiver Form

I, _________________, the parent/guardian of _________________________,acknowledge that participation in programs at Starlight Performing Arts, llc is potentially dangerous and there is an inherent risk of injury involved. 

In allowing my child to participate in Starlight Performing Arts, llc activities, I hereby assume all the risks associated with the performing arts. I understand the importance of myself and my child following the instructions and rules set by their instructor/s, and I agree to release Starlight Performing Arts, llc and it’s employees/staff of any and all liability which may arise as a result of my child’s participation in activities at Starlight performing Arts, llc.


4. Communication: 

By now you have probably noticed that we are BIG on communication here at Starlight Performing Arts, llc. It is our promise to respond to all enquiries within 24- 48—hours and we will never leave a query unanswered. Our friendly office staff can be contacted on 609-756-7380 between 4pm-7pm Monday through Friday. 

For convenience, our primary means of communication is via email. You will receive regular newsletters and important information via email so please ensure you have provided the studio with an up-to-date email address that is regularly checked. We are of course happy to include multiple email addresses per family if you would like your correspondence sent to numerous recipients. Don’t forget to add our email address info@starlightpac.com and officeassistantstarlightpac@gmail.com to your contacts so we don’t end up in the dreaded Spam folder!
We are also proud to provide you information round-the-clock via our very own Dance Studio app. You can download “Starlight Pac†at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/starlight-pac/id1161620362?ls=1&mt=8. Just follow the prompts to install our app on your mobile device and you’ll receive alerts as they happen. 

In the infrequent case of urgent information (for example, unexpected class cancellations or performance changes), we will send an SMS and/or telephone to all families. If you have our app and enable notifications you will also receive a push notification in the event of any cancellations or important information. So, for this reason, please make sure the mobile phone number you have provided to the studio is correct and up-to-date.

Facebook is a great way for us to keep in touch with a large number of people at once, so we encourage all families to join our closed Starlight Performing Arts Teachers and Parents Facebook group. This group can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/211645706605760 and will be monitored to ensure all content is appropriate and relevant. 

We always display important information, dates and studio details on our noticeboard/TV in reception so please have a quick look when dropping off and picking up in case there is anything you may have missed. We are always happy to chat in more detail about communications you may receive from the studio, so if you need any clarification please don’t hesitate to call us on 609-756-7380 to chat with one of our helpful team members.  


5/ Important Dates

: We understand wholeheartedly how busy the lives and schedules of our studio families can get as the year rolls on, so we have tried to get all of our important dates organized and ready for you so you can plan other commitments. Below we have listed some of our most important “Save the Dates†with more information (including times, costumes, requirements, etc.) to be communicated via email as we get closer to the events. If you know ahead of time that your family will be unable to attend these events due to planned holidays or existing commitments, please let reception know at your earliest convenience. Other performance opportunities may arise during the holiday season. Please keep an eye on your email for information as we get it. 





6/ Code of Conduct:  

To ensure the smooth, safe running of Starlight Performing Arts, llc and an enjoyable experience by all, below you will find our code of conduct. As always we are open to feedback, so if any of the requirements outlined below are unclear or concerning, please give us a call to discuss further. Following a formal meeting, we do reserve the right to dismiss or take disciplinary action on any students or parents who breach our studio’s code of conduct.
Families who do not comply with their fee obligations may be charged a late fee, and/or excluded from performances. External debt collection may occur when fees remain overdue and this will be at the expense of the client. Costume expenses are the responsibility of the parent, and costumes will not be issued to students with unpaid class fees.
No classes (including private lessons) or teachers are to be disturbed unless it is an emergency. Parents are not to approach teachers or students during class and if messages or food/drink/medication needs to be passed on to a student, it must be done through a Starlight Performing Arts, llc staff member. All parents must wait in the waiting areas or outside of the studios until classes have been dismissed.
We are unable to take responsibility for our students before or after their scheduled classes and it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their child is picked up and dropped off on time. In the case of an emergency or unavoidable delay, please contact the studio immediately to inform us of the situation so we can keep your child calm and safe until they can be collected.
Any questions or complaints must go through reception – parents and students are not permitted to contact Starlight Performing Arts, llc teachers via phone, in person, or via email / social networking with studio issues unless it has been broached with the Director first. Personal meetings with the studio director can happily be arranged via reception.
In the rare case of a parent or student showing disrespect or defamation to any parent, staff member or student, a meeting will be called immediately and dismissal may be considered at the discretion of the Director. Physical, mental, emotional or cyber bullying by parents, staff or students will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the studio.
Starlight performing Arts, llc takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises and we encourage our families to avoid bringing valuable items into the studio where possible.
Only private lesson students are permitted to enter solo competitions and it must be with the permission of their teacher.
Starlight Performing Arts, llc management reserves the right to change teachers or timetabling when necessary at any time throughout the year.

Choreography, costuming and studio policies remain the intellectual property of Starlight Performing Arts, llc and may not be reproduced or sold by any students, parents or staff without permission of the Director.
.
7/ Safety: 


With the safety of our families a number one priority, Starlight Performing Arts, llc is very serious about upholding Child Protection laws and policies within the studio as well as at public performances and in the online arena (website and social media).

As part of your registration, you will have read and signed a media waiver allowing us to proudly use images and video footage of your student for advertising and promotional purposes. Should you have any concerns whatsoever with signing this declaration, please see our reception staff who will happily assist you.

(Please choose) We have cameras and parent viewing sessions within the studio rehearsal space which can be checked by parents and family members from the comfort of our waiting area. All of our teachers and staff members have undergone official checks allowing them to work with children. 

The directors and staff at Starlight Performing Arts, llc are educated in the negative impact of inappropriate music and costume selection when it comes to performance and are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring children in all of our routines are not subjected to any inappropriate songs or costuming. We recognize that songs with sexist, explicit, violent, racist, homophobic or criminal content may influence our dancers and/or audience and will strive to avoid using such music.  We are committed to restricting costumes that project sexuality, contain explicit graphic or textual content.
Our staff members have all been trained in first aid. We enforce a nut-free policy at the studio to ensure the safety of any students or parents with allergies to nuts or nut products and encourage gluten and dairy free foods when involved in fundraisers or studio events.

Starlight Performing arts takes no responsibility for any stolen or misplaced property on the studio premises and we encourage our families to avoid bringing valuable items into the studio where possible.
You will find within our enrollment paperwork a public liability / insurance statement. Please read this document carefully and sign it prior to the commencement of classes so you fully understand the rights and responsibilities of your family and our studio.


8/ Privacy: 

When you purchase or hire a product or service with Starlight Performing Arts, llc, the information we may collect from you includes your name, address, telephone numbers, email addresses, medical information and perhaps credit card or bank details. It may also include details of the products and services we provide to you as well as the status of your enrollment. We only collect information directly from our students or their parent/guardians primarily for the purpose of providing services and products to you and to administer and manage invoicing and debt collection.
We may occasionally use your information to promote and market to you information which we consider may be of interest to you unless you contact us and tell us not to do so.
We will never sell or pass on any of your information to third parties unless required by government authorities or in the event of debt recovery. Any information passed on will be done so with appropriate privacy and confidentiality protection.
Information is stored securely in paper or electronic form and is accessible only by authorized personnel.
If you would like to know what information we hold about you or wish to update the information, or if you wish to be removed from all further direct marketing communications, please contact our office on telephone 609-756-7380.
9/ Timetable: 



Timetabling our classes is a huge task and we take all care to ensure that children are given classes at an age-appropriate time without long hours that may lead to fatigue or disrupt home / school life. Please find below our timetable for FALL 2020 and please contact us if you have any questions at all.



10/ Uniform: At Starlight Performing Arts, llc, we believe that wearing studio uniforms give students a sense of belonging to our family as well as creating an identity for our studio in the greater community.
Our uniforms also:

• Encourages discipline
• Help students resist peer pressure to buy stylish clothes for class 
• Help identify non-students in the studio 
• Diminish economic and social barriers between students
• Increase a sense of belonging and school pride
• Improve attendance

Uniforms can be purchased year-round from various outlets. For our youngest of dancers Target usually carries everyhting you need for class. We also recommend Encore in Toms River or discount dance supply online. If you use Discount Dance supply, use our studio code to see recommended clothing/shoes and receive a discount.
Discount Dance Supply Studio Code- 34849

 Please ensure all parts of your child’s uniform are clearly labelled - individual shoes, socks, underpants...you’ll be amazed at the amount of lost property we generate!

Further style-specific uniform requirements are as follows:

Ballet- Ballet students must have split sole pink (girls) / black (boys) ballet shoes. You will also need pink ballet/black tights and a leotard.
Pre-School and Combo levels- Any color is ok! Be Creative and have fun! FULL SOLE BALLET SHOE for Ballet Maryjane patent leather velcro tap shoe. For Jazz/Hip Hop- Jazz shoes
Jazz and Tap- Students require black/tan jazz and/or tap shoes with tights. Flat lace up or slip on black tap. For their uniform, students may wear any combination of form fitting tights, leotards, shirts, crop tops, shorts or pant.
Hip Hop- Students require non street wearing sneakers/combat boots along with any combination of shirts, crop tops, shorts or pants. Can be baggy for this class.
Lyrical/Modern/contemporary- Students can wear bare feet or ballet shoes for this class. As they get more advanced we suggest getting some foot thongs / foot undeez / foot gloves.
Musical Theatre, Acting, and private lessons- Comfortable clothing students can move, sit, stretch in. Dance wear is not required, but you can wear it. Non street wearing sneakers, jazz, or character shoes. Please check with instructor for preference.
12/ Fee Structure

Please find below the fee structure. Feel free to contact our office staff if you have any fee-related queries.




Workshop style classes will be paid by a one time Registration fee for the entirety of the workshop
Semester classes will be billed per 16 week semester via upfront, monthly, or autopay.
Private Lessons must be paid in advance of the lesson per lesson or package.
Refunds will not be issued for missed classes due to cancellation or public holiday – where possible, we will endeavor to arrange make-up lessons for classes cancelled by Starlight Performing Arts, llc or will offer an alternative class. Due to covid 19 classes may transfer online at any moment. No refunds will be issued for online classes. 

Casual Payment (Drop-In) 
Our casual Drop-In classes can be paid as you attend via cash, credit card or check to be paid to the office staff. Drop-Ins are not ensured a spot in class for the full semester. Please check to see if there is a waitlist for the class prior to enrollment.
If you wish to withdraw from classes at Starlight performing Arts, llc, it is a requirement that you notify the studio in writing 30 days prior. Refunds will not be granted for any reason after the third week of a semester. Classes may switch to an online or outdoor platform at anytime.
13/ Attendance

Your child’s attendance in class is very important to their peers and our teaching staff. As a member of the team, it is a commitment for you to ensure your child attends their classes on time each week and attends all lessons planned for them. Not only do absences impact the showcase and end of semester performance routines we create, it also impacts the social and confidence-building principals we work hard to foster in each age group. 

If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent due to holidays/vacations, commitments or school trips, please let us know ahead of time so the class impact is minimal. If your child is too unwell to attend class, we ask that you inform our admin team as soon as you can so they can let the teachers know and preparations can be made to catch up on any missed work. 

 Students may join us for class via zoom and participate or observe at any time to help with make-ups. If there is space available in another class-students may be given permission to make up in person. 

14/ Social Media


Starlight Performing Arts, llc’s Social Media Policy refers to all social networking sites, video/photo sharing sites, blogs, micro-blogs, wikis, podcasts, forums, instant messaging and geo-spatial tagging (for example, Facebook check-ins). Please see below for our regulations regarding Social Media and feel free to contact our office staff if you have any questions. 

- Please remember that your anonymity on Social Media is never guaranteed and to exercise particular caution when posts, images or videos identify children in your care.

- Remain mindful that your behavior on Social Media remains in keeping with Starlight Performing Arts llc’s code of conduct as outlined in chapter 6 of this handbook.

- Any comments or posts perceived to be obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory or hateful towards Starlight Performing Arts, llc staff, students or families may subject the owner to disciplinary or legal action.

- Should you wish to engage on Social Media while identifying as a studio volunteer or employee, you may only do so with integrity, respect, and adhere to privacy and confidentiality policy. 

- Any content revealing or referring to sensitive studio information is not allowed to be shared online. 

- Intellectual property laws (for example, costume design, song arrangements, and choreography) must be observed by all studio patrons when posting online.

- While affiliated with our studio, (for example, images of your child in Starlight Performing Arts, llc uniform) we will not tolerate any posts that are racially, sexually, physically or religiously offensive. 

- All matters pertaining directly to the studio - whether it be fees, scheduling, placements or performance opportunities - may not be communicated via Social Media. We have an open door policy and encourage all communication, complaints and feedback to be communicated to the Directors directly.

- We discourage parents / students and teachers from becoming ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on Social Media, unless there is an existing relationship. We consider all studio members to be family and as such feel the obligation to respect and monitor personal boundaries. 

- Families found to be engaging in ‘hidden’ or ‘private’ groups formed for the specific purpose of discussing studio matters will be encouraged to join our closed Facebook group for public discussion and warned against discussing Studio matters in their private online groups.

- Photos or Videos taken from performances or rehearsals may NOT be posted online with out written consent. 

- You may not post photographs / videos that feature Starlight Performing Arts, lc performers other than your own online without the proven consent of their parent/guardian. 

- Identifying information of any featured minors - including names, ages or location - must be removed when posting on Social Media. 




