Sharing Our Academics and Recreation (SOAR) Extended Care Program
DIRECTOR: Mrs. Marie Farren
The SOAR Program at St. Joseph Regional Catholic School provides a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for students whose parents cannot be at home in the hours immediately preceding or following the school day. The program includes time to complete homework assignments in a supervised setting. Various daily activities, along with indoor/outdoor games for those who attend. We request that all students bring their own snack and a drink for the afternoon session.
ADMISSION
Admission to the SOAR program is open to all students from Pre-kindergarten to 8th Grade. Students in Grades 6 to 8 are admitted into the program with the understanding that the program is mainly geared toward the younger children. As a service to parents, older students will be allowed to remain in the program if they choose to be helpful to the younger students, following the rules, along with being respectful of its staff. SOAR is structured as a full-time extended care option for students. Participants should be pre-registered in the program. Emergency contact information needs to be provided as part of this process. Although, registration is required, no student will be turned away should they need to stay due to an emergency situation.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The morning session is 7:00am to 8:00am. The afternoon session is 2:45pm to 6:00pm. The schedule operates in conjunction with the school calendar. If school is not in session, SOAR is closed as well. On scheduled late arrival days and early release days, the program is open at 7:00am and closes at 3:00pm. If there is a snow-delayed opening (90 minutes), the morning program will begin at 8:30am. In stormy weather, the program closes at 4:00pm. An attempt is always made to notify parents by phone. However, parents should be alert to weather conditions and should plan for early pick-up when inclement weather is predicted. Check the school website for any changes to program times and closures.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
It is imperative that parents provide emergency contact information to the SOAR program staff. A minimum of two contacts other than the parents is required. Without prior authorization from the parent, the child will NEVER be released to anyone who is not on the contact list. Picture identification may be requested if the person picking up the child is not known to the staff. Restraining orders or relevant custodial decrees must be on file in the office if they are to be enforced.
DISCIPLINE
The SOAR program is a privilege, not a right. All students, regardless of age, are expected to follow the rules, and be respectful of their peers and staff in order to participate. Parents agree to cooperate in insuring that their children behave. If students are not conducting themselves appropriately, they will be given reminders and time-out periods. Parents will be notified when these measures do not work. Continued misbehavior will warrant a conference between parents and the program's director. The student may be suspended from the program temporarily or permanently if his/her behavior does not improve.
DROP OFF & PICK UP
The extended care room is located at the far end of the lower level parking lot (in the back of the school). After dropping off or picking up your child, please slowly drive your vehicle up the hill to the main entrance (office entrance) of the school to exit. We have many delivery trucks, parents, visitors and students who use the main entrance throughout the day, so please use caution while driving in this area. Under no circumstances is a child to be dropped off unsupervised. Parents have to make sure that their child is left with a program staff member only. Students who are not picked up in car line, and are sent to the afternoon program will be charged accordingly.