Boys & Girls Club of Richland County · Boys & Girls Club of Richland County Great Futures Start...

Boys & Girls Club of

Richland County

Great Futures Start Here

Parent/Member

Handbook

Mission Statement

“To enable all young people to reach their full potential

as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”

P.O. Box 416

200 Third Avenue SE

Sidney, MT 59270

406.433.6763

Boys & Girls Club of Richland County Revised July 2016 P a g e | 2

Table of Contents KEY STAFF MEMBERS ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

YOUTH PROGRAM MODEL ................................................................................................................................................... 2

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................................................. 2

CELL PHONE/PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY................................................................................................................................... 2

SCHOOL YEAR FEES & POLICIES ............................................................................................................................................ 2

EARLY RELEASE SCHOOL DAYS .............................................................................................................................................. 2

SELECT NON-SCHOOL DAYS AND SUMMER PROGRAM.............................................................................................................. 2

ALL-DAY CLUB ................................................................................................................................................................... 2

SCHOOL YEAR HOURS OF OPERATION .................................................................................................................................... 2

CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

CLUB CARDS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2

MEDICINES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2

GUESTS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2

VISITORS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2

HEALTH & SAFETY .............................................................................................................................................................. 2

BULLYING POLICY ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

NUTRITION PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

RELEASE OF CHILDREN......................................................................................................................................................... 2

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY ........................................................................................................................................ 2

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY (CONTINUED) ..................................................................................................................... 2

CHILD SAFETY POLICY ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

CHILD SAFETY POLICY (CONTINUED) ...................................................................................................................................... 2

STUDENT BEHAVIOR ON SCHOOL BUSES ................................................................................................................................. 2

MEMBERSHIP POLICIES ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY/SIGNATURE PAGE ...................................................................................................... 19

OTC MEDICATIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 19


KEY STAFF MEMBERS

CEO: Elaine Stedman

Director of Development: Michele Seadeek

Operational Program Director: Janelle Buxbaum

Program Director: Ethan Hoffman

Executive Assistant: Cindy Wagner

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 406-433-6763

Fax: 406-433-6764

Email Addresses:

Elaine Stedman [email protected]

Michele Seadeek [email protected]

Janelle Buxbaum [email protected]

Ethan Hoffman [email protected]

Cindy Wagner [email protected]

Local Website: www.richlandbgc.org

National Website: www.bgca.org

Facebook Page: www.facebook/bgcrc

(Please “Like” us.)

mailto:[email protected]


YOUTH PROGRAM MODEL

~ACADEMIC SUCCESS~

Increases grade-level achievement and reduces high-school dropout

rate.

~GOOD CHARACTER AND CITIZENSHIP~

Increases community service and reduces juvenile crime rate.

~HEALTHY LIFESTYLES~

Encourages healthy behaviors and decreases drug use and obesity rates.

Boys & Girls Club of Richland County’s programs are designed to

address the following youth outcomes:


MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Every member is responsible for his/her own actions. The Club has

four basic rules that everyone must follow. These rules will help ensure

the safety of all members and also contribute to creating a fun, positive and enriching experience at the Club.

The four rules are as follows:

Respect yourself

Respect other Club members

Respect all staff and volunteers.

Respect all Club and school equipment, supplies, and facilities.

The following are strictly prohibited:

Swearing or inappropriate language

Insubordination or failure to follow staff directives

Verbal abuse

Inappropriate physical contact

Fighting

Use of tobacco products, weapons, or controlled substances

Theft

Bullying and/or cyberbullying

Sexual harassment

Any damages incurred by a Club member must be paid by the

parents/guardian.


CELL PHONE/PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY

Cell phones or items of personal technology (iPods, tablets, etc.) are not to be used

while at the Club without express permission from a member of the staff. This

includes: texting, gaming, video capture, picture taking, internet usage and the use

of Facebook and/or Twitter by Club members. If a Club member possesses personal

technology, the device should be silenced and kept out of sight inside a pocket,

backpack or bag. If these devices disrupt our daily process or are out at any point

during the member’s stay while at the Club, progressive discipline will be

implemented, and the item in question will be confiscated. The item will then be

released to a parent or guardian upon pick up. Boys & Girls Club employees will not

be held liable for wireless communication devices or personal technology that is lost

or stolen.

We do understand that cell phones are a means of communication with your child.

The Club does maintain a phone line for the usage of our Club members. Please

keep in mind that this phone is for urgent matters only.

In keeping with the spirit and intent of our mission statement and core

programming values, handheld gaming devices, iPods, tablets, etc. are NOT

ALLOWED in the Club, except under specific supervision or on specifically

designated days.

Boys & Girls Club accepts NO responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged devices or

property.


SCHOOL YEAR FEES & POLICIES

Individual Annual Membership Fee: $75/child

Family Annual Membership Fee: $125/family

Yearly Programming Fees: $360 per school year

Additional Children: $180 per school year

Discount: 15% by September 16

All-Day Club $25/Day

BGCRC Tax ID# 11-3694698

Payment arrangements are available upon request.

All outstanding fees must be paid in order to register for the school year or summer

session.

Payment is due by the fifth of each month. You will receive a statement of the monthly charges

on or about the 25th of each month. If a payment is not received after 30 days, your

child may be removed from the program. If you anticipate an inability to pay on time,

please let the Financial Program Manager know immediately. It is important to communicate

your needs to us in order to keep you child enrolled. The payment plan schedule must be

strictly followed. If payments are late, payment plan privileges will be discontinued, and your

child will be removed from our program.

If a check is returned or an electronic payment is rejected due to lack of funds, a $25 fee will be

charged and all additional fees will be on a cash-only basis.

Scholarships are available. To apply, you must fill out the scholarship application, provide

proof of current income, and include a one-page written explanation. Scholarships are given on

a first come-first serve basis providing funds are still available. All scholarships are final only

when the CEO has finalized and signed the scholarship agreement. Until that time, payments

must be made in full. Scholarships must be reapplied for during each session of Club

membership—after school and summer programs. All deposits and registration fees are NON-

REFUNDABLE. We do not issue refunds or credits for a child’s absences due to illness,

travel, suspension, or dismissal from Program.


SCHOOL YEAR HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday-Friday 3—6:30 p.m.

EARLY RELEASE SCHOOL DAYS

Wednesdays 2—6:30 p.m.

SELECT NON-SCHOOL DAYS AND SUMMER PROGRAM Selected Days 7:45 a.m.—5:30 p.m.

~Note the earlier ending time~

CLUB CLOSED

School Spring Break (Office Open)

Memorial Day

Fourth of July

Two Weeks before School Starts (Office Open)

Labor Day

October Teacher’s Convention Days

Day before Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving Day

Other Days as Necessary

Selected School Break Days

Winter School Break

ALL-DAY CLUB

Wednesday, January 18

Friday, February 24


MEDICINES

Prescription and/or non-prescription medications will NOT be administered by

Club staff or stored at the Club at any time. The only exception will be the

administration of an EpiPen if written permission is in the child’s file prior to the

event and the child is unable to administer the EpiPen dosage on his/her own

behalf.

CLUB CARDS

Each Club member is required to carry his/her own Club card at all times while at

the Club. Members must check in and out of the Club using these cards each day.

Replacement cards may be purchased for $5. Members must check in and check

out daily using their Club card.

CONTACT INFORMATION It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to provide the Club with accurate and

current contact and pick up information, emergency contact phone numbers,

custodial issues, and correct addresses. Please update the Club immediately if

any of this information changes during the course of the program.


GUESTS

Club members may bring a guest to Club activities for a $5 fee for up to three visits.

After that time, the guest must pay membership and programming fees to

participate in Club activities. All guests must be checked in with staff at the desk.

VISITORS

Parents, business professionals, service club members, officials or other interested

persons must check in with staff upon arrival and make arrangements to be

accompanied by a staff member.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Smoking, use of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited at the Club or on any

sponsored outing or trip. All weapons are prohibited. Boys & Girls Club of

Richland County is housed on a drug and alcohol-free campus of the Sidney

Public Schools.

If a member becomes ill while at the Club, they must be picked up in a timely

manner. If your child stays home from school due to an illness, he or she may not

attend the Club that day.


NUTRITION PROGRAM

The Club offers a daily free after-school snack each day and breakfast, lunch, and two

snack on all-day Club days. We ask that members do not bring other snacks, gum, etc. to

Club. If there is food in their backpacks, we ask that it stays in their backpacks and is not

consumed at the Club.

BULLYING POLICY

Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive, unwelcome and repeated behavior, often

among school-aged children, that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It

typically attempts to force one person into doing what another wants.

BGCRC endeavors to prevent bullying of all kinds, including cyber bullying by enforcing

rules of good conduct that clearly describe the expectations of how Club members

should and must treat each other.

BGCRC is committed to each member’s success in the Club environment, which is safe,

free of discrimination, threats, intimidation, violence, and bullying. We work to assure

that all members have the opportunity and support to develop to their fullest potential

as caring young citizens, and who share a meaningful and respectful bond with others in

the Club and the community.


Your child(ren) will be released only to people who have been identified on the membership

application and who have appropriate picture identification. It is your responsibility to notify

the Club of any additions or changes to the list of those who have your permission to take your

child(ren). It is also essential that we have someone in addition to the parents listed as an

emergency contact. The Club also needs to be notified when someone other than you will be

picking up your child(ren). Even if it is an emergency, the Club needs your permission to

release your child to someone other than you.

Club staff members will assume that both parents have the right to pick up their child(ren),

unless a court order stating otherwise is on file at the Club. Without a court order, the Club

staff members cannot refuse a parent. If the Club has a court order and a non-custodial parent

tries to pick up the child, the Club will call the custodial parent. If the non-custodial parent

leaves with the child, the Club will immediately call the police and report the situation. The

Club will not place the other children at risk in a confrontation with the non-custodial parent.

It is very important to Boys & Girls Club of Richland County that your child arrives home

safely. Therefore, if the person who arrives to pick up your child appears intoxicated or

otherwise incapable of transporting your child home safely, a staff member will call the other

parent or the emergency contact. If the parent refuses to agree not to transport the child, the

club staff will call the police and make a report.

In case of illness or discipline problems, a parent/guardian is required to come

IMMEDIATELY to pick up the child. If the child is not picked up, he/she will not be

permitted to attend the program on the following day.

RELEASE OF CHILDREN


Philosophy: The Boys & Girls Club staff recognizes and respects children as

people with unique feelings, values, and needs. We believe that positive

reinforcement and behavior modification through consequences are effective

methods of interaction.

Rules: At Boys & Girls Club, we follow the Four “R’’s

Respect the staff—listen and follow directions.

Respect the Club—take care of Club equipment and property.

Respect fellow Club members—be friendly, listen and share with other members;

keep your hands and feet to yourself.

Respect yourself—take care of yourself and your belongings.

Behavior Management Procedures:

Positive verbal recognition and rewards will be used consistently to reinforce good

behavior. Rewards can be as simple as individual attention from an adult or a

special activity. The following steps will be taken in the event of behavioral

problems.

1. Reasoning: Communication between the child and staff member to identify the

problem and determine a possible solution. At this point, children are given a

chance to explain what happened and to make a choice about what they should

do next.

2. Removal/Loss of Privilege: Removal from the activity for a short period of

time. This allows the child to gain control of a difficult situation. Timeouts can

include activities which might lead the child to consider alternate behaviors. The

staff might ask that he/she make a short list of alternate ways to handle the

situation, write or draw a letter of apology, or perform a short community

service activity.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY


3. Behavior Corrections: In a case where reasoning and timeouts have failed, or

when a child has had three consecutive timeouts, the child will complete a “think

and write.” “Think and writes” allow the child to document what rule they have

broken, what consequence they received, and what they will do next time to

avoid breaking the rules. Parents will be notified when they pick up their child.

All ‘think and writes’ will be filed and kept confidential. Refusal to complete the

‘think and write’ or the accumulation of three ‘think and writes’ in one month

may result in short-term suspension (up to one week).

4. Parent Conference: An information parent conference will occur when

repeated behavior problems occur and/or when a behavior is particularly

dangerous to the child, staff or other children. Parents, the child, and managerial

staff will discuss the behavior and possible solutions. Future consequences for

continued behavior and future rewards for improved behavior will be agreed

upon and documented at this time.

5. Suspension/Dismissal: If the agreement is not upheld, another meeting will

be held with the child, staff and parents. At this time, a short term (up to 1 week)

or long-term suspension will be required and a discussion as to whether this is

the right program for your child will occur. If the suspension is not effective, the

child will be dismissed from the program. Refunds will not be given for

suspensions or dismissals.

Parents should always be aware that if your child behaves in a way that puts

him/herself, staff, or other children in danger, you will be called and asked to pick

up your child IMMEDIATELY regardless of previous behavior. A suspension will

be effective immediately for any such behavior. In the event a child is

endangering him/herself, another child, or a staff member and a parent or

guardian cannot be reached, we may need to call the police.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT POLICY (CONTINUED)


Ensuring the safety of children in fundamental to the mission of Boys & Girls Club of America

(BGCA). For more than 100 years, child protection and safety have been the bedrock principles

of BGCA’s work. The many actions BGCA has taken over the years include advocating for the

passage of the U.S. PROTECT Act, which improved background screening systems and access.

BGCA has also partnered with the FBI, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

and the Centers for Disease Control to contribute to the development of safety practices that

benefit all youth serving organizations.

In today’s world, young people are faced with enormous challenges—from poverty, to the high

school drop-out crisis, to an obesity epidemic—that threaten their chances to have great

futures. And, unfortunately, headlines remind us every day that we live in a dangerous world

that puts too many young people—America’s most precious resource—at serious risk.

Given these realities, we must be ever vigilant in ensuring that our Clubs are safe havens for

our youth, and staffed by caring adult mentors who have the best interests of kids at heart.

While child safety has been Priority #1 for Boys & Girls Clubs throughout our history, our work

in this area is never done.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Boys & Girls Club of Richland County are committed to

helping our Club provide a safe and secure experience for youth. Throughout BGCA’s Child and

Club Safety Department, a six step plan has been implemented that follows best practices

available today, using the latest advances in technology and expertise:

1. Criminal background checks are required for every staff member and volunteer who

have direct contact with children.

2. Through BGCA’s partnership with Praesidium, one of the nation’s leading safety experts,

BGCA provides a 24-hour toll free Child Safety Hotline to allow local Club managers,

staff members, volunteers and Club members to confidentially report suspicions or concerns.

1-866-607-SAFE (7233)

CHILD SAFETY POLICY


3. Ongoing training and supervision of staff is critical. Our Club’s staff participates in a wide

variety of child safety trainings conducted through seminars, conferences and webinars.

4. Safety policies and procedures must adhere to the highest standards. Clubs are

required to report any suspected child abuse to local authorities. No adult should ever be left

alone with a child—all activities inside and outside the Club must have appropriate ratios of

staff and members.

5. All facilities and vehicles are required to comply with federal, state and local safety laws.

BGCA works with leading experts in the area of security technology to develop state-of-the-art

solutions for more than 4,000 sites.

6. BGCA works hard to create a culture of safety which includes the following initiatives:

National Child Safety Task Force, made up of leading experts

National Peer Review Program, to share best practices

National Safety Awards Program, to recognize leadership and innovation

National Child Safety and Protect Symposium, a forum to enable all youth

organizations to share their best practice ideas and solutions for protecting kids

Our message to communities and parents is clear: We work every day to create a safe and fun

environment where kids can pursue academic success, good character and citizenship, and a

healthy lifestyle—all under the guidance of trained, trustworthy adult leaders. And, our

message to anyone who would potentially compromise our Clubs and our mission is equally

clear: We have ZERO tolerance for inappropriate behavior toward any kids, and we put

resources behind that stance. America’s young people deserve nothing less than our constant

focus on their safety, and our firm commitment to protect every child who is entrusted in our

care.

Jim Clark, CEO, Boy & Girls Clubs of America

Les Nichols, BGCA Vice President, Child and Club Safety

Elaine Stedman, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Richland County

CHILD SAFETY POLICY (CONTINUED)


STUDENT BEHAVIOR ON SCHOOL BUSES Club members riding school buses to the Club are expected to behave in an exemplary manner. They are

not only representing themselves and their families, but also Boys & Girls Club. Disciplinary action that

takes place on the bus may lead to further disciplinary action at the Club. Please be sure to read through

the Sidney Public Schools’ bus rules with your child. These same rules apply regarding Club-sponsored

bus trips.

The following regulations have been established to promote safe travel on school buses.

1. Enter the bus in an orderly manner and take a seat.

2. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.

3. Follow the instructions of the bus driver.

4. Keep all parts of the body inside the bus at all times.

5. Keep the aisles clear at all times.

6. Remain quiet and orderly.

7. Be respectful and courteous to the bus driver and fellow passengers.

8. When leaving the bus, leave in an orderly manner and be alert to other traffic that might be on the

road.

Do not be guilty of any misbehavior such as: pushing, tripping, standing on bus, hitting,

shouting, fighting, littering, talking back, using profane language, smoking, destruction of

property, or chewing of tobacco in any form.

Bus drivers will assume all discipline responsibilities for their routes and have the

responsibility to ensure that students behave in such a manner so as to not become a

safety liability to other passengers. Any violation of bus rules, as listed above, will result

in a warning to the student and parent/parents for the first offense and suspension from

the bus for the second offense for a maximum of two school days. Misbehavior following

suspension will be written up and submitted to the school superintendent who will advise

parents that their child/children are banned from riding the school bus until the district

trustees have met with the parents at the next regular school board meeting.

Transportation is also available to and from the Club through Richland County Transportation Service.

These buses drop off and pick up at the Club’s main entrance. All communication between

parents/guardians regarding transportation on Richland County’s buses must be done ahead of time by

calling RCTS at 433-7433 (RIDE).


MEMBERSHIP POLICIES Eligibility: Boys & Girls Club of Richland County is open to all boys and girls between kindergarten and

Grade 12. Grades K-5 will have daily after-school programming; grades 6-8 will have monthly special

events; students in Grades 9-12 have the opportunity to serve as volunteers or paid program aides in the

after-school program.

Nondiscrimination: Membership is open to eligible participants without regard to race, religion, color,

disability, national origin or gender.

Application Form: Each prospective member must complete and have a parent or legal guardian sign

and return a membership form before the child may attend Club activities

Programming Expenses: The Club incurs approximately $3,000 per year, per child in programming

fees. Much of the cost of programming is generated through individual and corporate donations, grants,

and fundraising activities; however, each family is asked to contribute a small portion to help maintain

quality programming and services. Those families who have a financial hardship may fill out the Back-A-

Kid Application to determine if the household income falls within the sliding scale for reduced fees.

Programming fees and dues may not be waived until this application has been evaluated by staff. Back-A-

Kid funds are made available through donations and are limited in number to those donations.

Clothing: Please be sure to send your child in appropriate clothing for active play. Kids may wear shorts

during warm weather, but shorts need to come to the end of fingertips when arms are extended at sides.

Tank tops are allowed, but shoulder straps need to be at least the width of two fingers. Hats are not

permitted indoors. For colder weather, please make sure that your child has suitable outerwear—boots,

hat, gloves, coat, etc. A $5 fee is assessed for each article of borrowed Club clothing not returned within

one week.

Lost & Found: Valuable items should be left at home. Found items may be kept in the lost and found.

Items not claimed (including jackets, backpacks, and other clothing items) are given to charity on a

regular basis. Boys & Girls Club is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.


TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Boys & Girls Club of Richland County has established use of a computer system and is pleased to offer Internet access

for member use. This will allow members to have monitored access to a variety of Internet resources. In order for

members to use the Internet, their parents or guardians must first read and understand the following acceptable use

policies.

Acceptable Uses

1. Members will have access to the Internet via the computers in the Club and access is limited to when those

computers are open.

2. Network users must respect resource limits and will only be able to save files to the computers with staff

permission.

3. Member use of the Internet is contingent upon parent/ guardian permission in the form of a signed copy of

this Acceptable Use Policy.

4. Material created and/or stored on the system is not guaranteed to be private. Network administrators may

review the system from time to time to ensure that the system is being used properly.

5. Network users must keep their passwords private. 6. Network users are expected to adhere to the safety guidelines listed below.

Unacceptable Uses

1. The network may not be used to download, copy, or store any software, shareware or freeware.

2. The network may not be used for commercial purposes.

3. Use of the network for advertising or political lobbying is prohibited.

4. The network may not be used for any activity or to transmit any material that violates United States or local

laws.

5. Network users may not use vulgar, derogatory or obscene language.

6. Users may not engage in personal attacks, harass another person or post private information about another person.

7. Network users may not access Web sites, newsgroups, or chat areas that contain material that is obscene or

that promotes illegal acts. If a user accidentally accesses this type of information, he or she should

immediately notify a staff member.

8. Network users may not engage in “spamming” or participate in chain letters.

I have read and understand the above information about appropriate use of the computer network at BGCRC and I

understand that this form will be kept on file at the Club. I give my child permission to access the network as outlined

above. I also understand that my child’s work or his/her photo may occasionally be published on the Internet and be

accessible.

OTC MEDICATIONS

I give permission for the administration of the following non-ingestible over the counter medications

(mark all that apply):

Insect Repellent

Sunscreen Cortisone/Anti-Itch Creams/Ointments

OTC Antibiotic Creams/Ointments

Burn Creams/Sprays

Other OTC First Aid Medications Deemed Necessary by Staff

I ________________________________ have read through the handbook and agree to the

terms and conditions of my child’s (children’s) membership in Boys & Girls Club of Richland County.

_______________________________________ _____________

(Parent/Guardian’s Signature) (Date)

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