Policies & Procedures

#931 W. Eastwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 773.784.7032

Students

The People’s Music School

Appeals

Important Dates

Attendance Policy

Each session, you are allowed a maximum of three days absence per activity (i.e., theory class, ensemble, private or group lesson) in which you are enrolled. Instructors are required to take attendance ten minutes into each class, group lesson, or ensemble. Any student not present within the first ten minutes will be considered absent. In addition to regular class attendance, students are required to be present for their own scheduled performances and to attend a minimum of two concerts at the School in which they are not performing. Students who exceed the allowed number of absences will be subject to a loss of student privileges as outlined here: • More than three missed private or group lessons will result in a loss of those lessons for the rest of the session. However, the student may continue ensemble and theory classes and may register for the next session as a returning student if all other requirements are fulfilled.

· More than three missed ensemble classes will result in a loss of private or group lessons as well as ensemble classes for the rest of the session. However, the student may continue his/her theory class and may register for the next session as a returning student if all other requirements are fulfilled.

· More than three missed theory classes will result in a loss of all classes and lessons for the rest of the session. Additionally, the student will not be allowed to register for the next session as a returning student, but will be required to fall in line to register as a new student.

On rare occasions, extenuating circumstances may prevent a student from fulfilling his or her attendance requirements. In such a case, the student may provide a written letter of appeal to the Board of Directors explaining those circumstances. The Board may request further supporting documents, such as a doctor’s note, and will deliver a decision in a timely manner.

Under certain extreme circumstances, if a student is unable to fulfill some of their requirements, they may request an appeal to register as a returning student. Please be advised that appeals will be accepted only in cases of emergencies and specific schedule conflicts.

In order to submit an appeal a formal letter should be addressed to The People’s Music School Appeals Committee, 931 W. Eastwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 with the following:

· Students Name

· How long the student has attended the school

· Reason for requesting the Appeal

· Supporting Documents

· Student Requirements completed so far (include copy of membership card)

Leave of Absence

A student in good standing can elect to take a session off from their studies and retain their return registration privileges for the following term. Leave of Absence slots are limited and students are advised to make arrangements with the Education Director well in advance.

Under certain circumstances, student may request to take a mid session leave of absence . Please see the Education Director.

Membership Card

The Student Membership Card allows each student to participate in the “Returning Student” registration process, thus alleviating the need to stand in line each session to enroll. This membership card helps you keep track of what you need to do in order to enroll for the following session as a returning student. Each time you fulfill one of your obligations throughout the session (volunteer hours, concert attendance, etc.), you should have your card stamped by a School staff member. Towards the end of the session, there will be a number of “Returning Student” registration days. During these periods, students are invited to present their completed (fully stamped) membership cards to the registration committee (comprised of students and board members). If you have successfully fulfilled all of your requirements, you are automatically enrolled as a student in the upcoming session. Your fully-stamped membership card (or a copy) is required for returning student registration. DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD. We encourage you to make copies as you progress throughout the session. Please be advised that WITHOUT A COMPLETED CARD, YOU CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN THE RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION PROCESS. Also, please note that a student in good standing can elect to take a session off and register for the session after the upcoming one (such as skipping the summer and registering for the fall during the spring term). Membership Cards are not transferable from one person to another. Each Membership Card is designated to a specific student and may not be transferred to another student unless that student is in the same family.