Absence & Make-Up Policy

***READ CAREFULLY. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THIS POLICY. ABSENCES CAN CAUSE COMPANY AGREEMENT TERMINATION, RESULTING IN ADDITIONAL CHARGES.*** 

Performance Company is an intense training program for Members. Upon execution of the Performance Company Agreement members are required and expected to make Performance Company a priority. Every effort must be made to NOT miss classes. Consistent class participation is crucial to the success of the program.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Definition

· In order for an absence to be an EXCUSED, the Member MUST notify the administrative team of any foreseen absences on the application. 

· Parents are required to complete an absence form in order for an absence to be EXCUSED. The link to the form is located at the TOP of the Elevation Dance Studio website. If an absence form is not received, the absence will be considered UNEXCUSED, regardless if a phone call was made to the front desk. We are unable to keep track of every parent who calls in, so please be sure fill out the form. Link: https://bit.ly/EDSabsenceform2425

· Absences are tracked via class roll and online absence forms. You may receive a warning for excessive absences or when there are 3 absences in 1 class. It is the member's responsibility to abide by the absence guidelines set forth in the agreement.

Emergency Excused Absences

·      In the case of an unforeseen school, medical, and/or family emergency, the member must set forth in writing one of the following: 

1.     A TEACHER’S NOTE for unforeseen school requirements that will affect their grade.

2.     A DOCTOR’S NOTE for unforeseen medical emergencies.

3.     A written note from their parent providing the reason for missing class for an unforeseen reason. 

Please email all notes regarding absences to lauren@elevationdancestudio.com. 

·      If a Member misses a class for an Elevation required rehearsal, convention and/or performance, that absence will count as an excused absence and will NOT count against the total allowed absences.

·      If an absence occurs outside of what is written on the application, or outside what is stated above, it will not be deemed an excused absence.

·      Absences eligible for an excused absence will be subject to approval by the Elevation Faculty and the Artistic Director.

·      Parent must complete online absence form located at the top of the Elevation Website. 

ABSENCE POLICY

·      Members are allowed a MAXIMUM OF 4 ABSENCES(excused or unexcused) in EACH of their required classes. 

·      MEMBERS SHALL NOT MISS CLASSES DURING THE MONTH OF MAY

·      ABSENCES NOT RECORDED ON THE ONLINE FORM WILL BE CONSIDERED UNEXCUSED.

· If 4 absences occur from one required class, whether excused or unexcused, it will be considered excessive and WILL result in Company Agreement termination.

• For example, if a Member misses 4 Jazz classes, this does not have to be consecutive, such absences are automatically grounds for termination.

• Any other activity / interest / dance rehearsal (outside of Elevation classes, rehearsals, performances, & conventions) will not be considered an excused absence.

COVID RELATED ABSENCE POLICY 

If your dancer cannot attend in person or LIVE via zoom, he/she will be marked absent and that does count towards the total absence allowance.  If your dancer is unwell to the point that attending in person is not possible, please let me know and we will be sure make an exception. Missing a class due to travel or for any other reason will be counted as an absence.

ILLNESS/INJURY: 

If a Member is unable to dance due to an injury, or is sick and NOT contagious, the Member is required to watch class and take notes if deemed necessary by the Elevation Faculty member teaching such class.  If a Member is sick and unable to participate, a phone call from a parent to the front desk must be made AND an absence form must be completed. The Artistic Director, in her sole discretion, may determine whether the Member will be charged for the missed class. In the event a Member will be at 3 absences due to illness or injury, please contact the Artistic Director immediately.  

In the event an injury persists and prohibits the dancer from fully participating in multiple classes within a 14 day period, a meeting with the Director will be required. If a doctor has not yet seen the dancer, the Director may require a visit and written authorization from a doctor in order to return to classes. If the dancer is diagnosed with an injury that is substantial enough that they cannot participate in classes for  30 days, a refund will be given in the form of a credit. If the injury is foreseen to last longer than 30 days, please schedule a meeting with the Director.

MAKE-UP POLICY:

·      Only EXCUSED absences are eligible for a MAKE-UP CLASS.  

o    Make-up classes are available to Company Members from September – March ONLY (non-company members can only make-up until February).

o    If a Member misses a class, they are allowed ONE make-up class / month for 1 excused absence.  (Note: only 4 absences, excused or not excused, allowed in 1 class before individual program termination.) Any other excused absences will not be eligible for a make-up.  For example, if a Member is required to take 7 classes per week, but he/she misses 2 within a 1-month period, he/she will only be able to make-up 1 class.  

o    ONLINE Absence form must be completed for excused absences to be eligible for Make-Up Class

·      All UNEXCUSED absences are ineligible for a make-up, AND will incur charges on your account.  The charge will be $18 / class.  For example, if you miss two classes you will be billed for $36 in addition to the monthly tuition.  If classes will be missed, there may be an opportunity to assist in classes either the week prior or the week following an absence from class upon approval by the Elevation Faculty and the Artistic Director.

·      Permission to make-up an excused absence does not “erase” that absence.  A make-up class gives that student an opportunity to get caught up on any missed material from the class absence.