FAQ - S.T.E.P Youth Program

S.T.E.P. CODE OF CONDUCT AND DRESS

1. Act in a polite, adult manner, respecting everyone else, including staff.

2. Respect the rights of others to express ideas and opinions. Expect to express your own in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander others.

3. The use of profanity and other inappropriate language is prohibited.

4. Smoking, the use of tobacco products, alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

5. Fighting, bullying, threats, and harassment will not be tolerated.

6. Weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon is to be given to one of the chaperones for safe-keeping until the person leaves, at which time he/she may claim the item.

7. Keep the rooms, hallways, and bathrooms clean, depositing trash in appropriate receptacles. Food should be kept in the designated areas.

8. Electronic devices should be turned off during group activities. Cell phones should be on vibrate and used only to call parents or guardians during S.T.E.P. for emergencies.

9. The same dress code enforced at the public schools is also required at S.T.E.P.: --Clothing which may be revealing or suggestive (distracting or disruptive) may not be worn, including: spaghetti or thin straps that are less than one inch in width, halter tops, fish-net shirts, muscle-shirt t-shirts, bare midriffs or backs, lycra or spandex materials, trousers not appropriately worn around the hips, and clothing that does not cover underwear. --Clothing may not be worn which promotes, encourages or depicts any form of drugs (including alcohol or tobacco); obscene, suggestive or vulgar language or actions; gang activities, violent acts, or such things as cults or satanic activity. This includes the words "bar", "lounge", and/or "tavern". --Articles that could cause harm to another or damage to property may not be worn. Examples of such articles include; chains, items with metal spikes, and safety pins. These items could be construed as weapons. --Headgear or head coverings may not be worn inside the building. Headwear is defined as any object, which covers one's head, all or in part, including but not limited to bandanas, hats, hoods, and du-rags. Removal of headgear or coverings is a sign of respect. --Footwear must be worn.

10. Refusal to follow these regulations may mean expulsion for the day or for a series of days, depending on the severity of the incident; or may require the calling of police (for example, in the use of a weapon, alcohol or drugs, and concerning any other illegal, violent, or dangerous situation).

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE STUDENTS ARRIVE AT BUILDING FOR PROGRAM?

All Students are required to sign in when arriving and sign out when leaving. Students are not permitted to come and go as they please. ALL VOLUNTEERS HAVE COMPLETED BACKGROUND CHECKS ON FILE All volunteers have a Criminal Background check and Child Abuse check in order to comply with our Safe Sanctuary Policy requirement through the Central Pennsylvania United Methodist Conference, BEFORE being approved to volunteer with our After-School program. These are on file in the church office.

WHAT HAPPENS FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER/EMERGENCY CLOSURES

There may be situations where weather or other emergencies may be cause for closures. The center will remain open in inclement weather unless the school district has cancelled classes for the day, or for early dismissal. In this case, the After School Program will follow the same schedule as the school district. (NO SCHOOL, NO PROGRAM) If there is a state of emergency declared by the government or other senior leadership team advises the location to be closed, the Middle School and the High School will be notified by the director.

SAFETY

There is absolutely no smoking, alcohol or drug use allowed in the building or anywhere upon the premises. Bullying or harassment will not be tolerated. Students will receive a warning and will be asked to leave if they participate in such behavior. Student will not be allowed to return to the center for two weeks. Any accidents or injury, no matter how small, will be reported to the Director immediately and documented.