HEART BEAT OF WONDER

God, you have taught me from my you. Until now, I have declared your wonders. Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come. – Psalms 71:17-18

PERFECTION
We are not without fault, yet we can give perfect effort and have high standards in learning our crafts.

Remember! Practice makes permanent and proficient (not perfect)

RELATIONSHIP
Laugh! Have fun. Share memories. When students have relationships with each other, they work together better as a team, which will make them a better ensemble.

MENTORSHIP
Student & Parent Mentors

TEAMWORK
Teamwork makes the dream work.
We are a team.
Many hands make light work. We strive to create opportunities to exercise responsibility and teamwork and build camaraderie amongst each other.

ENVIRONMENT
We strive to create a positive and affirming attitude towards young people rather than one in which the demand for perfection overrides treating the students with respect.

Constructive feedback and direction, understanding, and encouragement are much more effective than being critical, demanding, and discouraging toward young people.

We do not tolerate lashon hara, translated from Hebrew as evil speaking  or gossip. It is never proper to speak poorly about someone or something that would cause their reputation to be tainted without giving them an opportunity to speak for themselves.

TECHNIQUE
Good technique is a must in every craft.  We even have a Technique Coach (aka Posture Police) for our instrument students, and choir occasionally.

SIGHT READING
Valuable skill to have as a musician

PERFORM OR PRESENT
Perform great music written by great musical minds.
Present great art using proper techniques

This can be challenging but is attainable

SERVICE
Build stronger relationships and music and art skills among the students, first.

Bless other people by sharing and visiting with them afterwards (young people & elderly)

SHARING
Sharing. Together.

This summarizes what we strive to do every day, every week, every month, every year.

Focused Practice

Daily practice is required for most classes. Specific requirements will be assigned in class. Expected practice times will vary depending on the class level. Typical requirements would be practicing for 30 minutes, five to six days a week. Weekly Focused Practice Records must be signed by a parent and turned in every week at class. Individuals who do not practice may have their seating/role changed, be placed in a lower class/ensemble, or may be dismissed from class.

Class Attendance

Wonder programs depend on every participant to be prepared, present, and on-time during each class, rehearsal, concert and event. Please give prior notice of any schedule conflicts by calling the Wonder Attendance Line, in advance, and following the prompt when leaving a message. This applies to all participants who are unable to attend a class or required event, will arrive late, or will leave early.

Performance Attendance

Participants are expected to attend all classes, rehearsals, concerts, and/or performances. Participants are required to attend dress rehearsals and the rehearsal prior to a performance unless excused. Individuals with more than 2 absences during a performance period or miss the rehearsal prior to a performance may have their seating changed or be denied permission to perform.

Class and Performances Etiquette

• Show proper respect to peers and instructors.
• Do not talk or visit during class time or performances.
• Phones and electronic devices should be put away during class/performance and only be checked between classes or after an event. Violations may result in the device being confiscated until the end of class or event.
• Participants should be prepared with the necessary materials and equipment for each class.

Instrument: Students should arrive in time to have music on stands and instruments out, tuned, and ready to begin at class start time. Those who need assistance tuning their instrument should arrive 15 minutes prior to class start time. Bring a black 3-ringed binder to keep your music, along with a pencil (no pens) to each rehearsal and performance.

Voice: Students should arrive in time to have music out and ready to begin at class start time. Bring a black 3-ringed binder to keep your music, along with a pencil (no pens) to each rehearsal and performance.

Movement: Students should arrive in time to get properly dressed (with appropriate shoes) and ready to begin at class start time.

Instrument Code

• Students should never play another student’s instrument.
• Percussion equipment should only be played by percussion students.
• Parents are financially responsible for the cost of repairing damage caused by the negligence or neglect of their child to Wonder owned instruments and equipment.

Property & Facilities Code

• Please remember we are guests in the facility. Show proper respect for the property and facilities, as well as those who may be using the facility.
• Be considerate of the custodial staff who care for the building, please pick up after yourself, and leave the space better than when you arrived.
• Elevator may be used by parents with a stroller, expecting mothers, or individuals with health issues that prohibit them from using stairs only. Children are not use the elevator unsupervised.
• No running or roughhousing will be permitted.
• Parents are financially responsible for the cost of repairing damage caused by the negligence or neglect of their child on the premises.
• Food or beverage is not permitted outside of designated areas (except tight-lidded bottles with water only).

Dress and Grooming Code

Wonder strives to create an enriching environment for individuals to learn music and art. This includes the expectation for proper attire and grooming among our participants. We do not intend to dictate each type of clothing to be worn during the program but occasionally find it necessary to say what shall not be permitted. We expect individuals to wear normal clothes in a normal manner.

Simple guidelines for appropriate dress and personal appearance are:

• Tops: All students are required to wear a Wonder t-shirt to weekly classes. New students will receive a Wonder t-shirt at no additional cost. In cases where students are not required to wear their Wonder t-shirt, halter-tops, bare midriff, tank tops, off-the-shoulder tops, muscle shirts, and see-through apparel are not to be worn as outer garments. Tops, dresses, etc. worn as outer garments must be must have closed backs and straps must be at least three (3) inches wide at its narrowest section. Layering shirts to meet this requirement is not permitted. Cleavage must be covered. All students and participants (male and female) must keep tops on at all times; no shirtless play or leisure during sport or water activities.
• Pants: All pants and slacks must be worn at the waist with no visible undergarments. Not too tight or baggy. Dresses, skirts, or shorts (including slits) must be knee-length. Tights, leggings, or other types of hosiery must be accompanied by knee-length or longer top or dress. Fashionably-ripped or torn pants must not expose skin above the knees.
• Shoes: Shoes must be worn at all times. No bedroom or house slippers or shoes with cleats may be worn. Footwear deemed inappropriate will not be permitted. Discretion should be used as to the appropriateness and safety of certain types of shoes.
• Sweaters and sweatshirts: Sweaters and sweatshirts are permitted if modest, loose-fitting, plain, and worn over a Wonder t-shirt. Coats are only permitted when entering or exiting the building. Students are advised to wear sweaters or sweatshirts if they feel the need for additional warmth. Blankets are not permitted in class; except for pre-school-age children.
• Headcoverings and accessories: Headcoverings (including wraps, scarves, kippahs, yarmulkes, wigs, etc) worn for religious or modesty reasons are allowed. Hats (baseball caps, cowboy or cowgirl hats, visors, etc.) are allowed but students and participants may be asked by Wonder staff to temporarily remove them if they interfere with the program or any activity. Bandanas, dew rags, sunglasses, rollers, and picks are not to be worn in the building.
• Pajamas. School-age students and participants are not permitted to wear pajama pants, pajama shirts, or bedroom slippers during the program. Pre-school-age students and participants may wear pajamas if permitted by their parent or guardian. Pajamas may be worn on Wonder-approved special dress-up days.
• Cross-dressing is prohibited at all times. 
• Any apparel, jewelry, cosmetics, chains, makeup accessories, notebooks, or manner of grooming which by virtue of its color arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute denoting membership in a gang or advocating drug use, violence, or clothing bearing racially or sexually offensive messages are not permitted. Pajamas may not be worn. No body-piercing jewelry or exposed tattoos.
• Attire that may damage property or cause personal injury to others (such as chains or studded items) is not to be worn.
• Clothing or accessories that are suggestive, have a double meaning or innuendo or suggests inappropriate ideas is unacceptable.
• Swimsuits and water attire: Midriff must be covered at all times. Medium neckline. No plunge or low scoop fronts. No extreme scooped or plunging backs. No high cut thighs. No white swimsuits, tops, or trunks. No see-through swim attire may be worn (wet or dry). No thong-style bottoms. No white trunks. Knee-length shorts or trucks and short or long-sleeve rash guards required.

Individuals whose appearance interferes with the learning process by drawing undue attention of other participants or Wonder personnel, by posing as a potential safety hazard to themselves or others, or by being interpreted by Wonder personnel to be offensive in either the message that is implied or the parts of the body that are revealed will be addressed privately with the individual and may be given appropriate attire at the cost of the family or will not be permitted to attend class or other functions.

Students, parents and team members who have questions about the specific guidelines should check with the Executive Director. It is the responsibility of the Executive Director to determine what is permissible.

Technology Policy

We assume members desire to attend Wonder. Thus, we expect members to be present and engaged within the community. Please follow the technology policy below:

Personal Technology Usage

• Cell phone, smart watch, other electronic devices, along with headphones and other listening devices are prohibited during Wonder’s homeschool day programs.
• Laptops, ipods, and other electronic devices may only be used in study halls or in classes which require a device, unless otherwise stated by a Guide.
• If students need to place an emergency phone call during the day, they should request to go to the main office to use an office phone.
• It is preferred that devices be kept with an on-campus parent, if possible.
• During the instructional day, devices must remain out of sight and in silent mode. 
• A single warning will be given for students who take out or use their devices without prior consent. On the 2nd infraction, students will be required to check-in their devices at the front desk upon arrival and may check it out upon departure. Students and Parents may also opt into the check-in/check-out system without any prior infractions.

Class Technology Usage (Computer Science, Lab, etc…)

• Follow all Wonder Way and classroom policies, procedures, and guidelines when using technology.
• Except in classrooms for an approved lesson, sharing a monitor of a cell phone or personal electronic devices with a student is prohibited. Students should not huddle around cell phones or other electronic devices. 
• Device users are personally responsible for the proper use of their accounts and access credentials (password or login). To ensure proper use, device users should only use their own accounts and access credentials and must never allow anyone else to use their account or their access credentials at any time. Access credentials must remain private. No person can use, attempt to use, or facilitate access to another person’s account or access credentials, even if the other person permits or facilitates the use. 
• Students shall only use the system for educational and instructional purposes. Unless directly related to a staff-directed learning activity, students should not use devices to play video games, download music, watch videos, or participate in chat rooms. Limit photography, video, and audio recording to educational use. I understand that this applies to both Wonder technology resources and personal electronic devices. 
• Students must not create, publish, submit, access online, or display any information that is abusive, obscene, libelous, slanderous, or illegal, or which incites unlawful acts, violates Wonder policies, or substantially disruptive community operations. Bullying, threatening, or intimidation of any kind is strictly prohibited, including but not limited to cyber- stalking and cyber-bullying.
• Respect the privacy of others. Device users shall protect their privacy and the privacy of others. Unless directly related to a staff-directed learning activity and unless the device user follows the guidelines established by staff, the distribution of private information is not permitted. Private information includes, but is not limited to, account numbers, access credentials, home addresses, telephone numbers, and student records, including pictures, videos, recordings, or copied text of other students or staff, without prior written approval of the person whose image is being used. 
• Treat others with respect and use appropriate language in all electronic interactions with others.
• Immediately tell an Guide or other adult staff member if an uncomfortable or inappropriate electronic comment or communication is received or if inappropriate materials, pictures, video, or websites are accessed.
• Users shall comply with all laws, Wonder policies, and class rules related to copyright and plagiarism. Respect the work and intellectual property rights of others, and do not intentionally copy, damage, or delete another user’s work. Properly cite used sources when using someone’s information, pictures, media, or other in personal work. 
• When using a Wonder device or system, device users shall not attempt to damage, destroy, or bypass the system, vandalize, steal, or intentionally damage the system or any component of the system, or any Wonder equipment. This includes uploading, downloading, or creating computer viruses, sending mass emails or spam, or intentionally causing a disruption of electronic services. Unless given express permission, users shall never attempt to access, modify, download, or manipulate private Wonder data or the data of any other user. Device users guilty of hacking, vandalism, theft, or intentional damage are liable for the full extent of harm caused and damages may far exceed the cost of repair, replacement, and remediation. In addition, except as directed by an authorized staff member, device users must not alter computers, networks, printers, hardware, software, or any other equipment or part of the system, including  downloading or installing software, changing settings, or any other alterations.  For example, Wonder uses filtering technology, security technology, and protection measures to restrict access to inappropriate materials. Therefore, it is prohibited for device users to bypass or attempt to bypass these technologies and measures.
• Students may be subject to disciplinary action if their use of their cell phone/device disrupts the learning environment. Examples of this include, but are not limited to: cheating, bullying, harassment, unlawful recording or photographing, violating other school rules.
• Wonder and its staff are not responsible for any damage to or theft of a student’s cell phone. Students must properly secure and take care of their own phones and belongings.

Consequences for Violation. Violation of any of these standards and expectations may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use a personal device or all or a portion of the Wonder system. Violation may also result in disciplinary action pursuant to Wonder policies, as well as, criminal or juvenile delinquency prosecution, if applicable.

Student Access to the System and the Internet. Though the Wonder uses filtering and protection measures that are designed to restrict access to inappropriate materials, such measures cannot absolutely prevent access. Because of this, each student must follow the rules for appropriate and responsible use and report violations of the Usage Agreement.

Supervision and Monitoring. A student’s use of the system is not private. Administrators and staff may review files, messages, use history, and other records of use: (a) to maintain system integrity; (b) to ensure users are acting responsibly; (c) to further the health, safety, discipline and security of a student or other person; (d) to protect property; and (e) for any other lawful purpose consistent with Wonder policies and class rules. Users should have no expectation of privacy with respect to their activities on the system and any system files stored on Wonder  servers or on off-site storage sites.

Disclaimer of Liability. Wonder is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. Wonder will not be responsible for financial obligations arising from unauthorized use of the system. Additionally, the District will not be responsible for roaming or data charges that may occur if a personal device detaches from Wonder’s network. Wonder will not be responsible for any theft of a personal device. Network privileges, including Internet access, and any applicable accounts, will be granted only after the Student Technology Usage Agreement is received.

Each year, each student and their parent, guardian, or legally responsible care provider must review the guidelines and disclosures contained in this agreement. By signing the Technology Usage Agreement, you acknowledge receipt, understanding, and agreement to its terms. Students will not be permitted to use a Wonder device or have their phones or personal devices at Wonder until the signed policy is returned.

Thank you for helping us maintain an engaging and community-centered environment. 

Health Policy

A sick participant who is unable to participate in the program in a meaningful way should be kept home to rest and recover until symptoms resolve. This helps protect other students, staff, and family members from contracting an illness that can be spread from person to person.

Any participant (parent, student, family member, or visitor) must remain home if he/she has any of the following symptoms:

• Fever: A fever of 100° F or above and should only return after he/she has been fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines or treatments.
• Vomiting/Diarrhea: Return only after being symptom-free for 24 hours.
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Following a diagnosis of pink eye, a participant may return 24 hours after the first dose of prescribed medication has been administered.
• Rashes: Common infectious diseases with rashes are most contagious in the early stages. A participant with a suspicious rash should return only after a health care provider has made a diagnosis and authorizes the participant’s return in writing.
• Head Lice (pediculosis): Participants who have an active case of live lice may attend class only after treatment which eliminates all live lice. Head lice do not jump or fly and are most commonly contracted by head-to-head touch (i.e. taking selfies, sharing pillows, and sharing brushes/combs/hats).
• Colds: Participants experiencing any cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion and cough.

Thank you for helping us prevent and/or minimize local outbreaks of contagious diseases.

Code of Conduct

If an individual is on the property (in or outside the facilities), whether before, during, or after a Wonder function, the following behavior will not be tolerated:

• Disruptive behavior during class or Wonder function
• Disrespect for those in authority
• Foul language or unwholesome speech
• Physical display of affection
• Roughhousing
• Damaging of other’s property
• Possession or use of harmful substances/drugs
• Possession or use of weapons or an item usually considered a weapon
• Other inappropriate behavior determined by Wonder Team

Participants with behavior problems or who have repeatedly displayed characteristics contrary to the Wonder Way may be dismissed from the program at the discretion of the executive directors and advisory board. 

Damage done to facilities or its equipment will be the financial responsibility of the individuals involved in causing the damage.

Code of Conflict

When addressing a complaint or conflict, please follow the steps below:

1. Do not complain to people not involved in the conflict. We do not want conflict to breed more complaining, negativity, critical attitudes, or exaggerate the situation. 
2. We do not tolerate lashon hara, translated from Hebrew as evil speaking or gossip. It is never proper to speak poorly about someone or something that would cause their reputation to be tainted without giving them an opportunity to speak for themselves. This applies reciprocally to students, parents, instructors, and the Wonder organization.
3. Go to the person directly involved in the problem (e.g. student, instructor, administrator, parent, or volunteers). Calmly explain your position and seek a peaceful resolution. If the conflict involves two students, both parents may be present, if needed. If both parents cannot be present, another adult must be present.
4. If the conflict is not resolved with the person one-on-one, both parties must go to another person to witness the conversation. Ideally, this person should be a responsible party (parent, instructor, administrator, volunteer department, or leader). Calmly explain your position and seek a peaceful resolution.
5. If the conflict is not resolved by the person in charge, go to the executive director. Calmly explain your position and seek a peaceful resolution.

Dating and similar relationships are not allowed between minors. 

Teamwork

Wonder members are encouraged to work together as a team. We strive to create opportunities to exercise responsibility and teamwork and build camaraderie amongst each other. One way we do this is by involving all of our members in the setup and breakdown of weekly rehearsals, as well as concerts, performances, and events. Everything runs smoother when all hands are on deck. As the saying goes, many hands make light work.

We appreciate the great attitudes and dependability of our students!

Who is Pela the Hummingbird?

Pela Chirp, is our digital tweeting bird and the smallest member of the Wonder Team and occasionally makes an appearance in print and online!

Group Chat Guidelines
(Current group chats are only available for staff, setup/breakdown Helping Hands, and Wonder Honor Society Members)

Chat conversations with a bunch of people can be a great way to collaborate and communicate, but they can also be nerve-wracking. Follow Wonder’s guidelines for group chat etiquette so everybody can enjoy the chat:

• Be friendly and polite, kind and courteous.
• Think before you type. Messages cannot be edited or deleted once posted.
• Judge favorably and assume positive intent. Before taking offense, remember tone and intent can be lost in written communication.
• Be involved in group chats and voice your opinions. However, once a decision has been made, everyone is expected to commit and work together.
• Respond in a timely manner whenever possible.
• Stay on topic.
• Be patient with others.
• Don’t give out sensitive information about yourself or Wonder parents/students.
• Avoid private conversations in a group chat.
• Don’t text bomb – nobody wants to receive 20 or 30 notifications. Stick with easy responses, condense your texts, and be direct.
• Have fun with gifs and emojis, but don’t overdo it.
• Never leave a group chat unexpectedly.

Wonder will close if Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church (CCPC) closes the facilities due to poor weather conditions or if the Wonder Directors deem a closure necessary for the safety of Wonder families and team. Please keep in mind, CCPC follows Cherry Creek School District cancellation and delays.

We will do our best to send a notification out as soon as possible. Snow days cannot be made up at the end of the calendar year, and tuition cannot be refunded for days missed. The safety and well being of Wonder families takes priority.

Regarding closures:

• Homeschool Day and Community Time classes are cancelled for all students and team members. 

Regarding delays:

• Since our start times are later, we will cancel morning Assembly.
• Homeschool Day classes will operate on a normal schedule.
• Community Time programs will operate on a normal schedule.
• Dismissal times will be the same as usual for all classes.
• We will monitor conditions throughout the day and make a decision about whether it is safe to hold evening activities. We will communicate that decision as early as possible before the end of the Wonder HSD day.