Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sign ups for Fall 2026 Classes are open until 9/17
Program & Class Offerings
How are classes selected, and why might a class not be offered?
How are classes selected, and why might a class not be offered?
We strive to offer a well-rounded lineup of high-quality enrichment opportunities each term. Class selection is based on historical popularity, vendor availability, age-appropriateness, and community feedback.
A specific class or topic may not be offered (or may be canceled) due to the following factors:
Minimum Enrollment: Each class vendor requires a minimum number of participating students to cover operational costs. If a class does not reach this threshold during the Interest Form window, it must be canceled for that term.
High Demand & Facility Constraints: Demand for after-school enrichment at Fernwood frequently exceeds our available classroom space and adult chaperone capacity. Because space is limited, we rotate classes across terms to offer a diverse variety of topics throughout the school year.
Instructor & Volunteer Availability: Every class requires an approved provider and a dedicated adult chaperone.
Have a class idea or vendor recommendation? We love hearing from our school community! Please fill out our Enrichment Feedback & Suggestion Form to share what programs your child would like to see in future terms.
If you'd like to see more classes offered, consider joining our team! Volunteer support is key to expanding our capacity. Visit our Volunteer Page to learn more.
Are scholarships available?
Are scholarships available?
Yes! The PTSA is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate in after-school enrichment, regardless of financial circumstances. Full and partial scholarships are available for families experiencing financial hardship or currently qualifying for district assistance programs (such as Free & Reduced Price Meals).
All inquiries and requests are kept strictly confidential. To apply, please reach out to us at fernwoodptsaafterschool@gmail.com while the Interest Form is open. Submitting your request before the Interest Form deadline ensures funding can be confirmed before official registration closes.
Registration and Enrollment
Who can participate in after school classes?
Who can participate in after school classes?
All currently enrolled Fernwood Elementary students are eligible to participate! Please note that due to age-appropriate curriculum or safety guidelines, certain classes may be restricted to specific grade levels (e.g., K–2 or 3–5). Any grade restrictions will be clearly indicated in the class descriptions during registration.
How does the registration process work?
How does the registration process work?
We offer three program sessions throughout the school year:
Fall Session (8 weeks): Begins in October
Winter Session (10 weeks): Begins in January
Spring Session (8 weeks): Begins in April
Registration for each session is a two-step process:
Submit an Interest Form: Forms open 1-2 months before the term starts and remain open for 2-3 weeks. You can select and rank all classes your child is interested in.
Randomized Drawing & Enrollment: If a class receives more interest than available spots, a randomized drawing determines class rosters based on ranked preferences.
To maximize participation across Fernwood, students are limited to one class per term unless additional spots remain open after the drawing.
What happens if my child is selected in the drawing?
What happens if my child is selected in the drawing?
You will receive an acceptance email with instructions to complete registration and payment. You have 72 hours from notification to finalize registration before the spot is offered to the waitlist.
Tip: Please add our PTSA email address (fernwoodptsaafterschool@gmail.com) to your safe-senders list so notifications don't go to spam!
How are siblings, waitlists, and volunteer spots handled?
How are siblings, waitlists, and volunteer spots handled?
Siblings: Drawn independently by default. If you want your children drawn together, please note it on your Interest Form.
Waitlists: After the 72-hour priority window, waitlisted families are notified in phased batches based on their drawing order. Each batch is given a specific window to register before the next group on the waitlist is invited.
Volunteers: Confirmed chaperones receive a guaranteed spot for their child! Chaperone positions are filled first-come, first-served—indicate your interest on the Interest Form to apply. See the Volunteer Page for more details.
Class Logistics & Student Behavior
What should I do if my child will be absent?
What should I do if my child will be absent?
If your child will be absent from a class, please notify us as early as possible through one of the following methods:
Update the Shared Attendance Sheet: Mark your child's absence on the digital attendance sheet provided at the start of the term.
Send a Message: Notify us directly via the class WhatsApp group or by emailing the PTSA Enrichment Lead at fernwoodptsaafterschool@gmail.com.
Please note: Notifying the school’s main office about a regular school day absence or early dismissal does not automatically notify our PTSA after-school program. Please contact us directly so we know your child is safe.
How will I be notified if a class is canceled?
How will I be notified if a class is canceled?
We strive to give families as much advance notice as possible whenever a class session must be canceled. Notification protocols depend on the reason for the cancellation:
1. Scheduled or Advance Cancellations
Notification Method: You will be notified via email and the class WhatsApp group as soon as a cancellation is confirmed.
District & Weather Closures: If Northshore School District cancels regular school or ends the school day early due to severe weather or emergencies, all PTSA after-school classes are automatically canceled for that day.
2. Unexpected / Same-Day Cancellations
In rare instances, a class session may need to be canceled unexpectedly on the day of (e.g., due to sudden instructor illness or an emergency absence of the required adult chaperone).
Notification Method: We will immediately send an urgent message via the class WhatsApp group, and directly call parents/guardians to arrange prompt pick-up.
Are refunds or make-up sessions provided for missed classes?
Are refunds or make-up sessions provided for missed classes?
Student Absences: Tuition secures your child's seat and covers vendor operational costs for the full term. Therefore, refunds, credits, or individual make-up sessions are not provided for missed classes due to student illness, travel, or scheduling conflicts.
Instructor, Facility, or Weather Cancellations: If a class session is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances (such as severe weather, facility issues, or instructor illness), we will make every effort to work with the vendor to schedule a make-up session or address the missed time based on the specific provider's policy.
Where do students meet after school to attend class?
Where do students meet after school to attend class?
Immediately following dismissal at the end of the regular school day, all participating students report directly to our designated check-in area which is located in front of the kindergarten foyer near the former Main Office.
Transition & Check-In Process:
Teacher Notification: Please notify your child’s classroom teacher of the days they are scheduled to attend an after-school class. Teachers will help guide students—especially younger ones—toward the check-in area at dismissal.
Attendance Check-In: Upon arrival at the meet-up location, PTSA chaperones take attendance and escort the group to their assigned classroom.
When and where is student pick-up, and what is the late pick-up policy?
When and where is student pick-up, and what is the late pick-up policy?
Dismissal occurs promptly at the scheduled end time for each class.
Pick-Up Location & Dismissal Options
Standard Pick-Up Location: Pick-up takes place in front of the white gate next to the main office. Parents or authorized guardians must meet the chaperone at the gate to sign their student out.
Students Walking Home: If you indicated on your Parent Info Form that your child has permission to walk home independently, they will be released at the end of class.
On-Site YMCA Childcare: If you indicated on your Parent Info Form that your child attends the on-site YMCA program, a chaperone will escort them directly to the YMCA room following dismissal.
Late Pick-Up Policy
Notifying Us: If you anticipate an unavoidable delay due to traffic or an emergency, please notify us immediately via the class WhatsApp group or by texting the After School coordinator.
Grace Period: A 10-minute grace period is permitted for unexpected delays.
Frequent Tardiness: Because chaperones must remain on site until every single child is safely collected, repeated late pick-ups may result in your child's removal from the program without a refund.
Are students allowed to bring a snack?
Are students allowed to bring a snack?
Yes! Because classes take place immediately after the school day, students are encouraged to bring a quick snack and a water bottle to refuel before class begins. All snacks must follow Fernwood Elementary’s schoolwide snack policy.
What are the expectations for student behavior?
What are the expectations for student behavior?
All students are expected to follow normal Fernwood Elementary school rules during after-school programs—showing kindness, listening to instructors, and staying safe.
Because our classes are managed by instructors and PTSA volunteers, a positive environment is key. If a student is continuously disruptive or poses a safety concern, we will contact parents to discuss the issue. If the behavior continues, the student may be removed from the class without a refund.
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