COVID 19 Guidelines
Guidelines for a Safe NFC Dance Season
We are practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings, disinfecting barres, floors, and any other surfaces the dancers might touch between every class. We have created social/physical distance boxes or "Dancing Squares", using colourful tape to help guide students and to practice our rights and lefts.
We are using a government-approved cleaner throughout the studio to ensure that dancers, faculty, staff, and families are kept safe. With your help, we can all continue to enjoy our wonderful program.
We have outlined below what you can expect upon entering, participating, and exiting the dance studio. But as always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us by email nfcdance@hotmail.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nfdance
Please ensure you use the washroom at home before you come to the studio. Washrooms are for urgent use only. A volunteer will be assisting in classes for grades 3 and under and in lieu of our usual buddy system, will accompany any child to the bathroom.
Please bring enough water from home to last the class. We are not able to allow children to share or refill their water bottles. Your water bottle is permitted, but please leave all personal belongings at home.
Please wait outside the arena socially distanced 2 meters (6 feet) apart with a mask on, no more than 10 mins before your class time. A staff member will give access to the building to class participants only upon completion of the questionnaire.
All persons entering the building must wear a mask (covering both nose and mouth), sanitize their hands and complete a questionnaire.
Parents/guardians are not permitted to enter or wait in the building at this time. Newcastle Memorial Arena has requested we limit the amount of persons to a minimum but parents are still encouraged to wait outside or in their vehicles where/when possible.
Doors will be locked once class has begun. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.
Students will arrive ready to dance. Students must place all personal items (shoes, outdoor clothes) in the bucket or bag brought from home and place it in the designated area. Do not bring anything extra to class - toys, stuffies, homework, etc.
Students may then proceed to their designated "Dancing Square".
Students will exit through designated exits and must have a parent/guardian waiting for them ON TIME promptly when class is over. Late pick up cannot be accommodated as we have a strict schedule to adhere to.
Covid 19 Prevention and Screening
In accordance with the rules and regulations set out by our Provincial and Local Public Health Officials, as well as Newcastle Memorial Arena, Newcastle Family Connection (NFC) has constructed the following policies and procedures.
In order to continue to provide families with recreational dance programs, all members of NFC including board members, staff, students, and their families are required to follow them.
**Please note: NFC reserves the right to change or update these policies as directed by the Provincial/Local Public Health Officials in order to provide a safe and stress-free environment to run the programs.
Washroom Procedure
We strongly encourage students to use the bathroom prior to entering the studio. Washrooms are for urgent use only and disinfected regularly. Students will sanitize their hands before and after use.
Prevention
All individuals must maintain a physical distance of at least two meters (approximately 6 feet) or more between persons including teachers, students, and their family members, volunteers, and any possessions. Class times have been staggered and an increase of time between as been allotted to allow for cleaning time and to reduce the number of students entering and exiting the building at one time.
The use of hand sanitizer upon arrival, before and after any breaks, and at the beginning and end of each class is required. Hand Sanitizer will be provided in the arena at the building exits and in the classroom. If any persons have a medical reason, they cannot use the hand sanitizer such as an allergy, they are required to arrive with a substitute for proper hand sanitation.
All individuals will avoid touching their faceS including their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Individuals should avoid high-touch areas where possible, or ensure hands are washed or sanitized after. This includes the washroom facilities which are only to be used for emergencies. Hands are to be washed after and hand sanitizer reapplied before re-entering the class.
Individuals will be encouraged to follow respiratory etiquette (e.g. coughing, sneezing into a bent elbow, promptly disposing of used tissues in the trash, sanitizing hands after, etc.)
All persons are asked not to attend the studio or classes if they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or are under self-isolation or quarantine. A COVID-19 screening questionnaire will be provided on our website.
Screening Procedures
All individuals including teachers, students, volunteers, and arena staff will be screened prior to entry into the arena. Persons will maintain their distance during the screening process and a properly worn mask (covering both nose and mouth) must be on at all times. Entry will be denied to any person who has any of the symptoms. Please see our website for a copy of the COVID-19 screening questions.
Sanitization of Studio
Frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, sinks, barres, props, etc) will be disinfected between each class.
Floors will be washed between each class.
Only disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) will be used. Staff will wear appropriate PPE while cleaning and sanitizing.
Disposable towels and spray cleaners, or disposable wipes, will be made available to regularly clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces.
Covid 19 Entrance and Exit
Entrance and Exit
To reduce cross-over and maintain appropriate physical distance before and after their scheduled class time, only registered students may enter the building, and only when advised by NFC staff. Please wait outside the west door until invited to enter.
Parents are not permitted into the arena. Our Movement to Music class will have a 1:2 ratio and our Creative classes will have a 1:3 ratio. Parents may wait outside in their vehicles where/when possible. Teachers will always have each child's emergency numbers.
Teachers will allow students to enter 10 mins prior to class start times. Entrance and exit times will be staggered in order to limit the number of students in the common space at the same time and adhere to physical distancing requirements. A student volunteer will be upstairs to supervise students Gr. 3 and under as they arrive while the teacher completes the questionnaire with parents.
Doors will be locked at the start of class time and remain locked until classes end. At this time we cannot accommodate individuals arriving late.
Protective Covering
All persons entering the building (ages 2 and older) must properly wear a mask (masks cover both nose and mouth). PROPERLY WORN MASKS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS GRADE 3 AND UP. We strongly encourage all students to wear a mask. Masks must be worn properly, covering both the nose and the mouth. NFC staff and volunteers will be provide with both masks and face shields.
Social Distancing
Accurate capacity has been established using current guidelines of 2 meters distancing to ensure the best experience for all our dancers. Personal dance squares are tapped on the floor and all dancers are required to stay within their space during the class.
Furniture and décor have been removed from the waiting room area.
All outdoor shoes and clothing will be placed in marked areas. Volunteers and staff will assist students as needed. ONLY BRING THE BARE MINIMUM TO CLASS WITH YOU EACH EVENING. (no stuffed animals, books, or toys). Props have been removed from our program at this time.
Space markers will be placed in common areas, lobbies, and classrooms to ensure two-meter physical distancing requirements are adhered to at all times. Only one parent/guardian of children in Movement to Music are permitted to wait in the upstairs lobby (distanced from others) but are still encouraged to wait outside or in their vehicles where/when possible. Parents must adhere to all the dance and arena policies regarding prevention, wearing proper masks (covering the nose and mouth) at all times, and maintaining social distance. Any children not participating in the current class are not permitted in the building at this time, including siblings.
Parents/guardians are advised to wait outside with students until the designated drop off time (no more than 10 minutes before class start time) and to meet their child near the door after class at the designated time. Children's safe exiting of the building to a parent will be monitored by staff. Late arrivals will only be permitted when it is safe to do so.
Management of Covid 19 and contact tracing
Management of Children with Symptoms of COVID-19
If a child begins to experience symptoms of COVID-19 while in the facility:
• They will be immediately separated from others in a supervised area, away from other persons inside the facility, until they can go home. Whoever is supervising the child will maintain physical distance of at least 2 meters.
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be practiced while the child is in our care.
• Environmental cleaning of any space the child was in contact with will be conducted once the child has been picked up.
• If a student, staff or family member tests positive, NFC and the local health unit are to be notified and their directions will be followed.
• Children or staff who have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be required to stay home and self-isolate for 14 days.
In the event of a required closure due to an Emergency Declaration or other required closure(s), NFC will cancel any remaining dance classes. A credit will be applied to the account for the difference, families have the option of withdrawing the credit in the form of a refund. NFC reserves the right to change or update these policies as directed by the Provincial/Local Public Health Officials.
Contact Tracking and Tracing
NFC will communicate frequently with employees, volunteers, and students with clear signage and other notices as provided by local public health units or the Government of Ontario.
NFC will accurately track all absences as they occur. Records will be kept to assist in tracking in the event that absence is due to symptoms or diagnosis consistent with COVID-19.
NFC will maintain accurate and up to date contact information for all staff, contractors, students, and visitors. The information will include, as appropriate: Name, Phone number, and Parent contact information.
NFC will be providing the information of attendees to the Newcastle Memorial Arena to help them with contact tracing.
NFC will provide records as required for the purpose of conducting contact-tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic to Provincial/Local Public Health officials.
Questionaire
Questionnaire:
Have you had close contact with anyone with acute respiratory illness or travelled outside Ontario in the past 14 days? ? Yes ? No
Do you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 or had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19? ? Yes ? No
Do you have any of the following symptoms:
? Fever
? New-onset cough
? Worsening chronic cough
? Shortness of breath
? Difficulty breathing
? Sore throat
? Difficulty swallowing
? Decrease or loss of sense of taste or smell
? Chills
? Headaches
? Unexplained fatigue/malaise/muscle aches
? Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
? Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
? Runny nose/nasal congestion without other known cause
Liability Waiver
In consideration of the enrolment of the above-named participant(s) in the program taking place at the Newcastle Memorial Arena and the recital venue offered by Newcastle Family Connection Inc., I hereby accept full responsibility for any injuries to my child(ren) in the above-mentioned program. I further agree not to take any legal action against Newcastle Family Connection Inc., its directors, paid staff or volunteers, in the event of personal injury to my child(ren), family or myself, while participating in said program.
Payments, Withdrawal and Refund Policy
All payments will be done in sessions for the 2021 -2022 session. Payments will be on Oct. 8, 2021, Jan 8 , 2022, and March 8, 2022. If one of the sessions is canceled, that payment will be put towards the next session. If we cancel the remainder of the season, a refund will be given for the number of classes remaining in the schedule. For instance, if the classes are postponed in Feb., we will adjust the payment due in March. However, if we cancel classes in March or April, you will receive a refund.
We encourage families to pay via e-transfer and an email will go out prior to due payment due dates.
Payment can be refunded-pro rated up until 14 days after classes begin in Sept., with a written request for refund. After 14 days no refunds are available. You are responsible for the entire season. Any programs canceled by NFC will be fully refunded. No refunds are giving for late withdrawals.
Emails
It is very important for all families if you would like to receive these messages from us, to acknowledge our policy agreement. Should you wish to opt out of our email list please just say "please remove me from your list" in the subject line of an email and your name will be removed. We do not send emails to anybody who does not explicitly provide us with permission to do so.
Our primary form of communication to families is through email. All of our newsletters, class schedules, recital information, and registration information is sent via email. We work hard to send the emails by bcc to protect your privacy. If you withdraw from the program in the middle of the session, your name will be removed from the email list. At the conclusion of the season (which is after the notice of picture/dvd pick up) our email list will be updated to reflect only families enrolled for the next season who have given permission for us to send them emails. If you wish to be removed from the list earlier, please contact us.
By acknowledging this agreement text you are giving us permission to send you emails.
Dress Code
NFC organization believes and knows that how you dress is a reflection of yourself and your individuality; however, it is important
that the way you dress does not disrespect yourself, others or the values of the organization and society in general.
Please adhere to the following guidelines:
a) Students are to dress neatly, in good taste, and in a manner appropriate for dance. Students are not to wear clothing or jewelry
that condones or advertises drugs, intoxication, sex, racism or violence.
b) Strapless tops, bare midriffs, muscle shirts that are open at the side and clothing that is considered to be too revealing are not acceptable in the studio.
c) Shorts are to be a reasonable length, such as a running short but booty shorts are considered unacceptable. Leggings, capris, track pants and yoga pants are all reasonable options.
d) The inappropriate dress will be addressed by staff and/or the administration; a parent/guardian of the student will be notified. Students may be asked to change, cover, or remove the inappropriate article or be sent home.
If you are unsure of an article of clothing, please check our website under "Dress Code". We will have pictures of acceptable and unacceptable dance attire.
Absentees
If your child is absent for more than 4 consecutive weeks (without a medical note), then they will be considered withdrawn from our program. Teachers work hard on choreographing a routine and lack of attendance can hinder this process.
All fees are still due as per our withdrawal and refund policy.
Photo and Video Policy
I agree to Newcastle Family Connection Inc. using my child(ren)'s picture and video for any educational, promotional, display purposes or situation which the Board of Directors approve of. Due to privacy and safety reasons, camera and video recordings other than by Newcastle Family Connection Inc. will not be permitted during class or at rehearsal and recital and any other NFC events. Privacy issues have become a problem, especially in this age of social media, so it is a policy that is strictly enforced.
Allergy Policy
Newcastle Family Connection Inc. has a strict no nuts/peanut policy. NO NUTS or PEANUTS are allowed in dance classes, at the studio or any venue NFC is operating in. This includes rehearsal and recital venues.
If your child has any allergies, please indicate so on our registration form.
Member's Guide
Newcastle Family Connection Inc. (NFC), a non-profit charity, was established in 1990 in recognition of the need for programs and support for families in the Clarington area. Over the last few years, we have made steady improvements and additions to the services we provide. Currently, we offer a recreational dance program for children.
Newsletters and Information Handouts: All newsletters and important information is done electronically via email to our members. It is important to have your current email on file with us to keep up to date with NFC news. Newsletters are put out several times a season and are loaded with great information. All handouts are posted on the dance bulletin board upstairs at the arena and online at newcastlefamilyconnection.ca If you have not received any emails, please contact us at nfcdance@hotmail.com to confirm that we have your correct email.
Recital: Newcastle Family Connection presents a year-end show every year. It provides an opportunity for every dancer to participate in this entertaining production. No dancer should miss the opportunity to participate. No pictures/video safety policy is in place at rehearsal and recital for all audience members.
Refunds: A $10.00 fee will be charged on all refund requests. All refund requests must be in writing. Refunds will be available up to 14 days after classes begin on a pro-rated basis. No refunds will be available after 14 days.
Late Registration Fee: A late registration fee of $10.00 will apply for students registering after the first class.
Multi-Child Discount: A 10% discount will apply for the 2nd child and 50% discount for the 3rd and subsequent child(ren) in a family.
Multi-Class Discount: A 10% off discount will apply for the second class a child registers in.
Makeup Days: You will be notified if a class is canceled due to bad weather conditions or instructor illness. The class will be rescheduled but may not be rescheduled for the same day and time as a regular class.
Minimum Number: A minimum number of three students is required for a class to continue. A class will be canceled and all fees returned if a minimum number of students do not sign up for a class. If a class is canceled by NFC, a full refund will be available.
NFS Cheques: "Non-sufficient funds" cheques are subject to a $20.00 service charge and must be replaced with cash.
Bathroom Breaks: Due to the location of the bathroom at the arena, the following conditions apply to students using the bathroom:
The movement to Music and Creative Dance Classes: The instructor will stop class when a student needs to use the bathroom facilities and the whole class and instructor will accompany the student. If a parent is present, then they will accompany the student instead.: Grade 1 and Up: A buddy system will be in effect. Two students will go to the bathroom facilities together. The class will continue.
Please have your child use the bathroom facilities before each class to help ensure a smooth class. If you have any concerns about the bathroom break policy, please contact us.
Drop off and Pick up: The Newcastle Arena hosts many events and groups and is accessible by many people. For safety reasons, your child should be escorted to class and picked up at the classroom door.
Shoes: Gymnastic or ballet shoes will be needed for all classes except Hip Hop. Hip Hop requires indoor black running shoes. All students need appropriate footwear. Sock feet will not be accepted due to safety reasons. During class, any colour shoe is acceptable but black shoes will be needed for the recital. Shoes need to be indoor shoes only.
Bodysuits: Bodysuits are not required for classes. Please ensure students adhere to our dress code.
Etiquette
Dance Room Etiquette
* Respect your instructor and fellow dancers by being on time, dressing appropriately and being prepared for class.
*Please use the restroom BEFORE dance class begins.
*No street shoes in the dance area.
*Please adhere to our dress code.
*Please stay in the waiting area until your dance instructor asks you to begin class.
* For safety reasons, no gum in the dance area.
*No food or drinks besides water are allowed in the dance area. If you bring water into the classroom, make sure it has a tight cap on it to ensure it won't spill. Place water bottles against the window wall next to the dance floor, well away from the dance area.
*Please leave the curtains closed.
*Red means stop! Stay away from the mirrors for your safety. *Do not hang, push or lean on the ballet barres.
*No one is to leave the dance area without permission from the dance instructor.
*Stop and listen to the dance instructor when she is talking.
*Pay attention, be open-minded, a good participator, a good sport and remember you are a representative of Newcastle Family Connection.
*Please treat your fellow dancers with kindness and respect.
*If there is another class after yours, please clear out of the classroom immediately so the next class can begin.
*Cell phones are not permitted in the dance area and must be kept in the waiting area. All cell phones must be shut off or on silent/vibrate mode in the waiting area.
*Have fun!
Parents: *Please pick up your dancers on time. We are only responsible for your child while they are in class.
*Please do not leave children unattended in the waiting area.
*Please do not allow your children to horseplay in the building.
* All cell phones must be shut off or on silent/vibrate mode in the waiting area.
*If your child is ill or has a fever, please don't bring them to dance class.
*Please make sure that you and your children clean up after yourselves.
*Please respect our no pictures or video policy.
*We are not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
Volunteer Organization
NFC is a volunteer-run organization. To assist us in running the organization we require a large amount of volunteer commitment. New volunteers are always welcome. If you have any questions or interest please email or speak to a board member.
