Policy Statement
Attendance/Absences
Regular attendance is expected. As a courtesy to the instructor, if a student must miss a private lesson, he or she must notify the school. Students taking private lessons are allowed one excused absence in the first semester and one excused absence in the second semester. A make-up lesson will be offered for an excused absence. After one excused absence per semester, all other absences will be regarded as “unexcused.” Unexcused absences are not subject to make-ups, credits or refunds. Exceptions will be made in the event of prolonged illness, injury or cases of COVID-19. Excused absences that have been paid for and cannot be made up by the close of the semester are credited to the student’s account. Credits will remain on account for up to one year and are not subject to refund. The school reserves the right to discontinue a student with poor attendance at any time.
Cancellation by the School
If an instructor must cancel a lesson; a make-up lesson will be scheduled at a time that is mutually convenient for both student and instructor. Lessons cancelled by the school or instructor, which cannot be made up by the close of the semester are credited to the student’s account. Credits will remain on account for up to one year and are not subject to refund.
Religious Holidays
With at least one week’s notice to the teacher and the office, regularly scheduled individual lessons that are missed due to religious holidays will be rescheduled as a make-up or credited to the student’s account.
Tardiness
Students who are late for a lesson cannot be guaranteed their full lesson time. Faculty will wait for a student for one third of the lesson time before starting another lesson or leaving. Missed lesson time due to faculty tardiness will be made up at a mutually convenient time.
Withdrawals/Refunds
Students are considered to be continuously enrolled September to June, ensuring that a time slot and instructor are reserved for them. In the event that a student elects to discontinue lessons before the end of the session, eight days written notice submitted to the Office is required. Notice to the instructor is not sufficient, nor is nonattendance. Any make up lessons that have not been taken prior to the withdrawal are forfeited and not refundable.
Parental Responsibility
Parents are responsible for their child’s safe arrival at the school and for picking them up at the end of the lesson. Instructors and staff are not able to supervise children before or after lessons. Also, we ask that parents supervise young children in the hallways, waiting areas and bathrooms as a courtesy to instructors and other students.
School Closings/Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, please check Thames Valley Music School’s voice mail at 860.439.2749 or website (www.thamesvalleymusicschool.org), FACEBOOK, NBC 30 (www.nbc30.com) and News Channel 8 (www.wtnh.com). Students will not receive personal notification from Thames Valley Music School. In the event of a closing, the missed lesson will either be made up or a credit will be issued at the end of the semester.
Media Release
Unless Thames Valley Music School is given advance written notice to the contrary, students, upon registration, give consent for Thames Valley Music School to take photos, audio recordings or video footage of classes, lessons and/or concerts without notice and to publish such photos, audio and video footage royalty free in its print, audio and electronic promotional events, including its website and on social media. This consent also releases Thames Valley Music School from any expectation of confidentiality for minor children.
Coronavirus / COVID-19 Warning & Disclaimer
By enrolling my child/children with Thames Valley Music School, I hereby acknowledge that Coronavirus, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Federal and state authorities recommend social distancing as a means to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. While Thames Valley is taking every precaution to keep students and teachers safe (please see our COVID policy), participating in Thames Valley Music School programs could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. Thames Valley Music School in no way warrants that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in Thames Valley Music School programs.
Release of Liability
I hereby release and hold harmless Thames Valley Music School, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents and volunteers from any and all liability, injury, loss, damage or claim of any kind that may result from my or my child’s attending or participating in any Thames Valley Music School lesson or program. I further authorize Thames Valley Music School and its employees or agents to provide emergency treatment on my child’s behalf.
Thames Valley Music School is a not-for-profit organization in compliance with IRS code 501 (c)(3). All donations to Thames Valley Music School are fully tax deductible. Thames Valley Music School does not practice or permit discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, national origin, religion, or physical handicap or disability.