Afterschool Program Information
& Policies for Parents
Please review the following important information regarding the afterschool program which includes:
FAQ's
Bus Information
Class Times & Pick-up
Absence Protocol
Late Pickup Policy
Class Cancellation & Make-up Policy
Photos
Behavior Policy
Scholarships
Can my child take the bus to MakerSphere?
Yes! Your child can be dropped off by the designated bus from school to any of our locations.
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From Brookside to Seminary 201 Hollow Road – Bus #2 will drop off at approximately 2:49 pm
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From Middle School/HS to 201 Hollow Road – Bus #2 will drop off at approximately 3:53 pm
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From Middle School/HS to 30 Foundry – Bus #6 will drop off at Foundry St/Prohibition Pig at approximately 3:47pm.
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From Middle School/HS to the Shop at 327 US Route 2 – Bus #11 will drop off at Fairgrounds Road across from Ted’s Kar Kare/MakerSphere at approximately 3:27 pm.
Bus numbers do occasionally change. The bus schedule and changes can be found on the website: https://huusd.org/bus-routes. MakerSphere will send notification of changes once confirmed.
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​Will someone be there to meet the bus?
Yes; the class instructor is required to meet the bus and escort students to their class.
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Who do I contact if my child will be absent from their afterschool class?
Please report all absences to your instructor directly. Instructors do not have access to the MakerSphere email and may not receive messages sent there in a timely manner. Therefore, please text or email your child's instructor directly to report absence, late pick up, etc. Parents will receive contact information for your child's instructor prior to the start of the session.
Where is my child's class?
Please check your class location! Classes are happening in four different locations for middle schoolers; please be sure to check your location in the class listing and on your confirmation. (K-4 classes are all at the Seminary location; 201 Hollow Road, Waterbury Center).
​Where is the shop location?
Some classes for middle schoolers will be held at the shop location at 327 US Route 2 in Waterbury/Moretown. The shop shares the same lot as Ted's Kar Kare. The MakerSphere building is at the rear of the lot.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory in the shop
Staff and students must wear closed-toe shoes in the shop at the 327 US Route 2 location. Please ensure that your child wears appropriate shoes for their safety.
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Class Times & Pickup Times
Kindergarten through grade 4 – all classes run from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pickup time is 4:30 pm.
Middle school / high school classes run from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm (except as noted below)
Pickup time is 5:30 pm.
Cooking at Crossett Brook Middle School runs from 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm.
Pickup time is 5:15 pm
Pickup location - use the service road that runs behind the school. Students exit from the sustainability classroom (beside the chicken coop).
Sewing and Woodworking classes for middle schoolers run from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Pickup time is 6:00 pm.
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Late Pickup Policy
Please ensure that your child is picked up on time! There is a fee of $1/minute for late pickup. Repeated late pick ups become an issue for instructors, especially for those trying to prepare for a class that follows. We understand that situations do occur on occassion resulting in parents arriving late. However, these instances should only occur on rare occassion. It is also appreciated that you notify your instructor if you are going to be late.
Parents of students in K-4th grade should plan to come into the building to pick up your child. Students in this age group are not allowed to wait outside without an instructor present. If your child is not waiting outside with their instructor, then please enter the building for pickup.
Students in 5th – 9th grade - Parents are encouraged to come into the building if possible. However, students may be released when they visually confirm their parent has arrived.
Cancellations & Make-up Classes
Children's afterschool classes will not meet on any day that school is not in session (during vacations and holidays) or has been cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances as determined by the school system.
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Children's After School Makeup Classes - If more than one school cancellation occurs during a session, a makeup class will be offered. Parents will be notified by email when the makeup is scheduled. Parents should make the necessary school bus arrangements for drop-off.
Children Absences
If your child will be absent from class, please contact the instructor directly. Please do not send an email to MakerSphere's general email, as instructors do not have access and may not receive your message in a timely manner. Knowing about your child’s absence is appreciated and will also avoid instructors having to attempt to reach parents.
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Photos
Photos may be taken during classes and events and used for promotional purposes. Names of students and/or any personal information will never be used without explicit consent. If you do not wish for your child's photo to be taken regardless, please contact us.​
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Behavior Policy
Children are expected to exhibit acceptable behavior including: participation and cooperation, respectful treatment of fellow students and teachers, and general self-control so as not to be disruptive to the class.
Behavior that impedes another child’s emotional or physical well-being will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behaviors include:
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Uncooperative / refuses to participate in assigned activities and projects
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Intentional abuse of tools/equipment
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Intentional continued unsafe use of tools/equipment after being advised
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Verbal abuse to instructors or other students
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Physical contact or bullying
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Theft or damage to others’ belongings
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Is continually disruptive to the class​
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Scholarships
MakerSphere offers full and partial scholarships for children’s summer camps and after school art programs to families who require financial assistance. To learn more or to apply for a scholarship click here.​​​​​​​​​