General Youth Center Information

This is a copy of the letter sent home to students participating in our drop-in after school program. If you are a parent, and have not received this letter or your student's permission slip, please ask your student for it - they've all received them!

The Center - General Information - Drop In After School program

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

The Center’s drop-in program is open to students entering grades 6-12 who live in the Northwestern School District.

REGISTRATION

All youth center participants must return the parental permission form (see attached) to be allowed to participate in the drop-in program at The Center. Students must also fill out our Student Registration form during their first visit.

SIGN IN/SIGN OUT

Students will be assigned an ID card after the return of their parental permission form. They may leave this card at The Center, or they may choose to carry it with them. Please discuss with your student which option is right for them. This card will be REQUIRED to sign in and out during the school year. If a card is lost, a $5 replacement fee will be charged to issue a new one. If for any reason the card reader is down, students will be required to sign in and sign out legibly on a paper form on the front desk with their full first and last name.

DROP-IN FORMAT

Participation in any and all youth center activities is on a voluntary, drop-in basis. Students are permitted to leave one time during the afternoon session. Staff is not responsible for youth when they leave The Center. Please take time to communicate your expectations to your youth as to when they may leave, where they may go, and who they may leave with. If a student is found to be engaging in antisocial behaviors (smoking, fighting, loitering, etc) during their one-out, they will lose this privilege.

ACTIVITY BUS

The Northwestern School District allows students from The Center to ride the Activity Bus home. This bus picks up around 5:45pm during fall sports season, and 5:15pm for the remainder of the school year. If your youth is planning to ride the Activity Bus, they MUST be at The Center before 4:00pm, after which time they will not be permitted to leave except with an adult to catch the bus. All school rules are to be observed during transportation or students may lose this privilege. Students who have been dismissed (for the day, week, etc) from the youth center due to behavioral issues will not be permitted to ride the activity bus during this time period.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Until the Albion Area Fair (Sept. 14 – 18), The Center is open 2:30-6:00pm. The Center will be closed during the Albion Fair. After the fair, our hours are as follows:

Monday – High School – 2:30-6:00pm

Tuesday – Middle School – 2:30-6:00pm

Wednesday – High School – 2:30-7:00pm*

Thursday – Middle School – 2:30-7:00pm*

Friday – Combined – 2:30-6:00pm

*On these nights, Journey and Light Force (Federated Church youth programs) pick up from the Northwester Community Youth Center around 6:30pm. Students who live in the Albion area should anticipate arriving back at The Center around 9:00pm, and will need to arrange for transportation home. The Center will not be open when students return. For additional information about these programs, or questions about transportation, please call 922-3655.

COMPUTER LAB AND PHONE USE:

The Center currently has a computer lab with 10 internet-ready computers (with web filtering software). Students will have access to these computers after school for research or recreation, with homework taking priority. We ask that students limit their time online to a half hour at a time, to allow others to use the computers as well. There is to be no rough-housing in the computer area, and no food and drinks (without lids) are permitted near the computers. A desk has been provided for students to put cups or cans on during computer use. Downloading music or programs is not allowed on youth center computers.

A phone is available on the Director’s desk at The Center. The number is 756-5087. Students are permitted to make and receive phone calls, but they are not permitted to take the phone off the desk, or stretch the cord out the door. We ask that students limit their phone use to less than 5 minutes, unless it is a true emergency. Cell phones are permitted in The Center, as long as students’ ringtones contain no offensive lyrics.

VANDALISM

Damaging youth center property, or other students’ property, will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the situation, a police report may be filed, and information on the suspect will be provided to them. In any matter regarding vandalism and damages, an incident report will be filled out by a staff member or volunteer to keep a record of such behavior. Parents may be liable to pay for damages. The youth center is a free service, and runs on donations – We expect all students treat our equipment and facility respectfully.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS

Students may bring their personal belongings into The Center, but they are responsible for them at all times. A table is provided in The Center to collect backpacks/jackets/etc. The Northwestern Community Youth Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Bikes/skateboards/etc must remain at the front of The Center.

PROGRAM RULES

1. Respect ALL Staff and Volunteers.

2. Respect the furniture and equipment.

3. Respect each other. No fighting/horseplay. No threatening or intimidating other students.

4. No foul or abusive language. No hate-speech.

5. No tobacco, alcohol or controlled substances.

6. Students are permitted to leave ONE time each day. If you abuse this privilege, or use it to engage in antisocial behaviors (fighting, using tobacco/alcohol/controlled substances), you will not be permitted to leave and re-enter.

7. No “public displays of affection”

8. Food may only be eaten in the Cafe area at the rear of the Center – no food of any type in the other areas.

9. Students may not enter the office area or kitchen or use the phone without permission. Please stay out of areas posted as “Adults Only”.

10. No weapons permitted in the Center (Including pocket knives, lighters, etc.)

Failure to follow these rules will result in the following consequences. Depending on the severity of the offense, steps may be skipped, or your parents may be contacted*:

First offense – Asked to leave for the day

Second offense – Cannot return for one week

Third offense – Cannot return for one month

Fourth offense – Cannot return for one year

STUDENTS - WE NEED YOUR PARENTAL PERMISSION FORMS TO BE ABLE TO ISSUE YOUR ID BADGES! PLEASE RETURN THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!