In Sync Student Handbook

2026-2027

STUDENT HANDBOOK A guide for parents and students The “everything you need to know” guide to success for parents and students of In Sync Center for the Arts.

STUDIO CONTACT office@insyncarts.com

617-328-5678 www.insyncarts.com

550 Adams St. Quincy, MA 02169

Welcome!

The primary goal of our faculty is to teach life lessons, music and dance skills that offer children the best chance for success in a safe and nurturing environment. Arts education encompasses far more than technique. We believe the discipline of dance and music training gives young people a better understanding of commitment through learning and discovering what they can accomplish through hard work. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, teaching the skills needed for a successful life. Dance and music enrich our lives and it is our hope to build a lifelong love of the arts in our students.

No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your student. We pride ourselves on a high level of communication with our families. Please help us maintain an open line of communication by reading emails and consulting the website for important information. Holiday closings, snow days, special events, performance information, etc... will always be communicated via email, in a paper handout, on the website and posted in the waiting room! Please take advantage of these opportunities to stay in touch with the wonderful things happening at the studio!

In Sync Philosophy Through the arts, we create children who are inspired.

We are instilling confidence, self-awareness and kindness into our students.

We seek out a diverse staff to represent our diverse community. We are dedicated to giving students great role models and a positive experience. The In Sync atmosphere is friendly and inviting. We want parents and children to feel like In Sync is their home away from home. We strive to give families the respect they deserve in a fun, safe and inspirational environment!

In Sync Team Founder & Artistic Director Teri Mangiaratti

Leadership Team Julie Sullivan Green - General Manager Amy Enos - Studio Director Robert Barton- Music Program Director Ariana Haddad- Special Events Director Nyxanna Martin - Enrollment and Student Development Director

Dance Education Staff Kayla Agcaoili Sarah Bristol Melissa Kelley Clark Alex Diaz Teresa Fardella Ariana Haddad Nell Mancini Nyxanna Martin Chanel Masody Gabriella Perez Chad Shabazz Morgan Sweeney Brooklyn Toli Lauren Webber Juliana Wiley-Thomas

Music Education Staff Robert Barton Pilar Kelly Greg Tragellis Liz Saraf Alexander Voss

GENERAL POLICIES COMPLETING A REGISTRATION WITH IN SYNC SIGNIFIES UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS HANDBOOK.

EMAIL Email is our primary mode of communication with our families. Newsletters, general information, class reminders and account statements are sent by email. Please make certain we have an updated and accurate e-mail address that is regularly monitored at all times. Please check our website periodically and join our Members Only FaceBook page.

HEALTH POLICY Students and families should only attend class, our lobby & events if they (and their entire household) are healthy and free of any illness/COVID symptoms including fever, cough, chest discomfort, GI issues, difficulty breathing, etc… Masks are welcomed if you are not feeling 100% or recovering from illness. Staff/contractors/interns may choose to wear masks as an extra precaution against illness or if they are recovering from illness. We remain vigilant with our sanitizing and cleaning protocols and practices and appreciate your commitment to keeping our community safe.

TUITION Our main season runs mid-September to early-June. The total seasonal tuition is divided into 10 equal installments for our standard 10-payment tuition plan (1st of 10 is due at registration, 2nd10th of 10 are withdrawn on the 15th of each month September through May automatically from your debit or credit card on file). Late fees will apply as follows: unpaid monthly balance on the 20th of the month = $5.00 late fee. Unpaid monthly balance on the 25th of the month = $10.00 late fee and unpaid monthly balance on the 30th of the month (28th in Feb.) = $15.00 late fee. If an account becomes two (2) months delinquent, the student(s) will be automatically dropped from the class(es) with all past fees due. If you would prefer to pay by check or cash, you may arrange with the main office to pay in full your annual tuition in 1 payment when you register or choose our bi-annual tuition payment plan (2 payments- one upon registration and one before January 15th). Tuition has been adjusted for holiday and school vacation week closings. There are no tuition adjustments for absences.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS In Sync generally follows the Quincy Public school system for weather cancellations. NO SCHOOL=NO IN SYNC CLASSES / EARLY DISMISSAL= NO AFTERNOON IN SYNC CLASSES / DELAY START = NO MORNING CLASSES. Please check our Facebook page and/or call the studio for a voice message confirmation.

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GENERAL POLICIES (CONTINUED) SCHEDULE Classes begin for the 2026-27 season on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The entire studio will run on the same vacation and holiday schedule. Classes are NOT held during public school vacation weeks.

These weeks are worked into the entire school year schedule and tuition payment plans accordingly – no tuition adjustments or make-ups necessary! We have designed our calendar so that every class gets the same number of meetings over the course of the season. Please see the calendar at the back of this manual for a full listing of dates and days off.

PICKING UP YOUR CHILD CHILDREN MUST BE PICKED UP PROMPTLY WHEN THEIR CLASSES END. Please call us if you experience an unanticipated delay. Excessive delay in pickup without parental contact will result in alerting the authorities. We follow the guideline of 10 min. late - we call the primary contact; 20 min. late – we call the secondary or emergency contact; 30 min late with no parent contact – we must call the authorities.

CLASS OBSERVATION We have closed circuit real-time cameras in each of our dance studios that are broadcast in the waiting room on television monitors. You may view the class from the lobby. We will periodically have ‘Share Weeks' to invite our preschool to grade 2 parents into the classroom for the last 10 minutes of the class to view in-person what we have been working on. These are listed in the calendar at the back of this handbook and email reminders will be sent out prior to each share week.

Thank you for not being a distraction by peeking in the studio windows or opening studio doors during class time.

ANNUAL FAMILY MEMBERSHIP FEE As well as covering insurance expenses and processing fees, members receive great discounts on In Sync activities, summer camp, workshops and special events! Most of our events have a "member" price and "non-member" price. Family membership for Season 31 covers every member of your family household from September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027.

RESPECT We want every student to feel safe and respected at In Sync. We are proud to have wonderful teachers and assistants. If we feel that any student is being disrespectful in any way to another student, teacher, or parent we will consult with the parents/guardians of that student and if the situation cannot be resolved, we will remove the student from class with no refund. Communication lines are always open and we ask that teachers and staff are always approached with respect from students and parents. If you have questions about our policies, please contact the leadership team.

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GENERAL POLICIES (CONTINUED) GENERAL SAFETY

We have emergency first aid available and our staff is CPR / First Aid Certified as well as CORI and background checked. We rely on you to notify us of any allergies, medical, and developmental issues to help us teach your child to our best ability and keep your child safe when they are here with us.

Please provide the front desk with any updates and action plans throughout the school season. If your child requires an EpiPen, it can be left at the front desk during their class and picked up immediately following the class.

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DISCONTINUING A CLASS A parent/guardian must contact the office via email in order to request a drop of a class. Withdrawal becomes effective immediately and we will remove your child from the class(es) and stop your tuition payments for the next billing cycle. Absence from class sessions does not serve as notification of intent to unenroll. Students wishing to withdraw must submit a formal unenrollment request via email or phone. Please be aware that there are no adjustments or refunds for tuition already paid to date.

DANCE CLASS INFORMATION ATTENDANCE Consistent and on-time attendance is important for personal confidence and skill mastery. The study of dance and music is a cumulative process and one lesson builds from the next. When consecutive classes are missed, it often places stress on the child to catch up and assimilate back into the class.

We have a very lenient dance class makeup policy; you may make up a missed class in the same class you are enrolled in at a different time in the week. You do not need to call to schedule, however we suggest arriving early to check in at the front desk because it may be a different teacher and/or room than the dancer is accustomed to. In Sync does not guarantee a make-up class for every student absence and there are no tuition adjustments for missed classes. If your current class time has become inconvenient or you foresee numerous upcoming absences, please call the office to explore a permanent class move that works better with your schedule.

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CLASS ETIQUETTE Arriving late is disruptive to the overall flow of the class, other students and the teacher. Students who arrive late should enter without disturbing the other dancers and quietly speak with the instructor before joining class. Students may be asked to independently warm up or may be required to sit and watch in order to prevent injury. Students are allowed to bring a water bottle into the room with them and teachers will allow water breaks as needed. Students will not be allowed to leave class to get a drink. It is the tradition at the end of class to thank the teacher and fellow students by applauding; please encourage this respectful tradition.

CORRECTIONS Individual corrections are positive attention from your teacher. Listen and try to apply to every specific and general correction during class time. You can always learn from someone else’s corrections. Maintaining a dance journal helps many dancers organize their long term goals and remember corrections from class to class for better progress.

DANCE BAG NECCESITIES All dance shoes, extra hair elastics, preschoolers should have an extra pair of underwear...just in case.

Dancers 3rd grade and up should have deodorant and body spray, teenage dancers should always have extra feminine products, a few Band-Aids, any medication your child may need - we are not allowed to distribute any medication!

DANCE RECITAL Preparing and performing in the annual dance recital is part of our program. It is expected that all dance students will participate in our June recitals. Students ages 2 through grade 2 will participate in our “Mini Recitals”. Mini Recitals average 90 minutes, no intermission and are a very special experience for our youngest students.

Students grades 3-12 participate in our “Full Recitals” which average 2.5 hours and give our older students an opportunity to shine with more elaborate lighting, staging, props and an end of show finale routine that is always a crowd pleaser! Tickets are sold to all recitals online after the final tuition payment is made in May. Exact recital dates and information is communicated multiple times starting in November via email, paper handouts, signs in the studio, in class and through posts on our social media.

Please feel free to ask any member of the office team at the front desk if you have any questions about recitals!

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RECITAL PACKAGE Everything your dancer needs to perform in the June Recitals is included in his/her/their class tuition. This includes one leotard (or performance shirt) to keep, rental of all costume pieces for performance and picture day, a collectable pin, extra rehearsals, and a recital keepsake t-shirt.

S.T.E.P. LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM We have a wonderful program that allows older students the opportunity to assist dance classes and help with office tasks. This is an extensive program that teaches participants about dedication, work ethic and becoming a great role model for our young dancers. If you are interested in more information, please ask Miss Nyxanna!

PERFORMANCES BALLET SHOW PERFORMANCE All ballet students grades 3+ participate and an optional opportunity for other In Sync dancers to participate at Milton High School.

Tentative DRESS REHEARSAL: Friday, February 26, 2027 from 4:00pm - 9:00pm Tentative BALLET SHOWS: Saturday, February 27, 2027 at 3:00pm and 6:00pm

ANNUAL DANCE RECITALS All In Sync dance students ages 2+ participate at Milton High School Tentative SHOWS: June 10, 11, 12 and 13, 2027 (Exact show times TBA)

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DANCE RECITALS (CONTINUED) ANNUAL BALLET PERFORMANCE: - FEBRUARY 2027 Each year all of our ballet students in Ballet Level 1-7 (grades 3-12) and the Ballet Company participate in a main stage original ballet production. Ballet tuition includes a costume to keep and all additional rehearsals. This is a wonderful additional performance opportunity for our dancers and a terrific opportunity to support the ballet program by attending with your family. Dancers enrolled in other styles of dance with us may also be given an optional opportunity to participate in the ballet production - watch for sign up information. Please mark the date on your calendar and plan on bringing the whole family!

JUNE DANCE RECITALS: - JUNE 2027 The recital offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress. A big part of dance training includes learning through performance. The experience helps build self-esteem and confidence, which can result in better in-school presentations, improved social skills, and strong college and job interview skills. The rehearsal process is a tremendous learning experience as well. It helps the children develop retention skills, and by working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as a team to create the best result.

Each year we distribute a recital packet of information with everything parents and students need to know to make the recital experience enjoyable for all. Please keep your eyes peeled for this once we enter the new calendar year.

NO Costume or Recital Fee! Your dancer will automatically receive everything they need to perform in the June Recitals. This typically includes one leotard (or performance shirt) to keep, rental of all costume pieces for performance and picture day, a collectable pin, extra rehearsals, and a recital keepsake t-shirt.

JUNE DANCE RECITAL TICKETS Tickets for the dance recitals will go on sale from a third party online ticketing company a few weeks prior to performance dates. Our families of graduating seniors will have a special pre-sale to purchase their tickets first. Ticket prices will be finalized when the facility cost is confirmed. No one is admitted to the recital without a ticket. Infants and children who may have a hard time remaining seated during the entire performance may wish to stay home so parents and older siblings can fully enjoy the performances without interruption. Children over the age of 3 should not be seated in laps - this obstructs the view for the people around you. Recitals do have the expectation of selling out so please prepare to purchase your tickets early! Complete recital information will be given out in early spring.

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DRESS CODES

DRESS CODE All dancers are required to be in proper dress code for class. Dress codes introduce a sense of discipline into the classroom. Hair must be securely fastened away from the dancer’s face so that is not a distraction or a need to fix it during class. There are NO STREET SHOES ALLOWED on our studio floors. Dancers must change into their dancing shoes when they arrive at the studio. For student’s safety, only stud earrings are permitted. No other jewelry may be worn.

DANCEWEAR ONLINE BOUTIQUE MINISTARS, KINDERSTARS and BALLET & TAP KIDZ (Grades 1& 2 White Footed or Convertible Tights Black Leotard (skirt optional) White Ballet Shoes Black patent tap shoes BROADWAY JAZZ KIDZ (Grades 1& 2 White Footed or Convertible Tights Black Leotard (skirt optional) Skin Tone Jazz Shoes

TUMBLESTARS and ACRO/JAZZ KIDZ (Grades 1 & 2) White Convertible or Footless Tights Black Leotard (skirt optional)

GROOVESTARS, GROOVE KIDZ and HIP HOP GRADES 3-12 In Sync Hip Hop Uniform T-shirt (available in studio only) In Sync Hip Hop Uniform Sweatpants (available in studio only) Black High Top Sneakers

TOTSTARS White Footed or Convertible Tights Black Leotard (skirt optional) White Ballet Shoes

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DRESS CODES (CONTINUED) All Levels

Level 3

Level 1

Level 4

Level 2

Level 5

Level 6

Level 7

BALLET LEVELS 1-7 Level Colored Leotard (skirt optional) Ballet 1: Light Pink Ballet 2: Lavender Ballet 3: Mulberry Ballet 4: Marine Blue Ballet 5: Navy Blue Ballet 6: Plum Ballet 7: Black

Pink Ballet Shoes Pink Tights

ACRO LEVELS 2-6 Skin Tone Convertible or Footless Tights Black Leotard Black shorts optional

CONTEMPORARY GRADES 3-12 Skin Tone Convertible or Footless Tights Black Leotard Foot Undies or Half Soles

JAZZ GRADES 3-12 Skin Tone Convertible or Footed Tights Black Leotard Tan Jazz Shoes

TAP GRADES 3-12 Skin Tone Footed or Convertible Tights Black Leotard Black Oxford Tap Shoes

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DRESS CODES (CONTINUED) SUPER COMBO GRADES 3-6 Skin Tone Convertible Tights Black Leotard Black shorts optional Tan Jazz Shoes Black Tap Shoes

MALE IDENTIFYING DANCERS BALLET and TAP (all ages) White T-shirt Black Dance Pants, Leggings or shorts Black Ballet Shoes Black Oxford Tap Shoes

MALE IDENTIFYING DANCERS JAZZ (grades 3-12) White T-shirt Black Dance Pants, Leggings or shorts Black Jazz Shoes

MALE IDENTIFYING DANCERS CONTEMPORARY and ACRO (all ages) White T-shirt Black Dance Pants, Leggings or shorts

If you have any questions about dress codes, please reach out to the office!

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YOUR DANCER’S JOURNEY WITH US

SPECIAL INFO FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL STUDENTS The first few weeks of classes serve as an introductory phase to help students become comfortable with the overall dance experience, the classroom, their teacher, and their classmates. Right from the beginning, we focus on your child’s coordination, listening skills, musical awareness, and developing imagination. We accomplish this through age-appropriate music and song, simple stretching exercises, ballet, tap and tumbling basics, and games in an environment of creativity. Preschool dance is about helping children learn to tap into their imaginations and express themselves creatively. Some students take a few weeks to warm up to the class and may want to watch what is happening at first this is totally normal. Give your dancer time, and you will be soon enjoying a personal dance recital every night at home!

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IN SYNC CENTER OF THE ARTS MUSIC PROGRAM The primary goal of our faculty is to teach life lessons and skills that offer children the best chance for success. Music education encompasses far more than technique. We believe the discipline of musical training gives young people a better understanding of commitment through learning, working together with a private musical coach, and discovering what they can accomplish through hard work. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, teaching them the skills needed for a successful life. As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your student.

Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be regardless of what others may achieve. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments.

IN SYNC MUSIC LESSONS Students are enrolled for the entire school year season which runs mid-September through June and meet with an instructor weekly for a 30 minute private lesson.

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG MUSICIANS The first few weeks of classes serve as an introductory phase to help students become comfortable with the overall music lesson experience, their instrument and their teacher. Right from the beginning we focus on your child’s coordination, listening skills, musical awareness, and developing imagination. Beginning music is about helping children learn to tap into their imaginations and express themselves creatively.

IMPORTANCE OF AT HOME PRACTICE Private lessons are 30 minutes once a week and are not effective without at-home practice. We give our students the skills they need during our lessons and then send them home to master those techniques. If there is no at-home practice, they will be re-taught again at the next lesson. You are paying good money for each lesson, so making sure your student practices at home will get you more bang for your buck during lesson time. We suggest adding it to the evening routine - even 15 minutes a day can make a huge impact on aptitude and advancement.

In Sync Music Recitals Winter Music Recital Sunday, December 13, 2026 (additional fee required) Spring Music Recital Sunday, June 6, 2027 (included in tuition)

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MUSIC RECITALS Music recitals offer our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present their families and friends the results of months of hard work, dedication and progress. A large part of musical training includes learning through performance. The experience helps build self-esteem and confidence that can result in better in-school presentations, improved social skills and strong college and job interview skills.

SCHEDULE CHANGES Permanent schedule changes must be made through the In Sync office at 617-328-5678 (not with your child's teacher). Please call us or stop by to explore a change in your lesson day and/or time if your current time isn’t working for you.

MUSIC LESSON CANCELLATIONS & MAKEUP POLICY All lesson cancellations must be made DIRECTLY WITH THE IN SYNC OFFICE at 617-328-5678 or office@insyncarts.com. Families may also contact their child’s music teacher directly through our Band App Group. Please see the handout given out on the first day for a QR code to join!

For permanent class withdrawal, please see the Discontinuing a Program section on the General Policies page.

"No Show" (not showing up for the lesson with no notification) = FORFEITURE - No make-up / no refund or credit "Late Cancellation" (less than 24 hour notice with notification) = FORFEITURE - No make-up / no refund or credit "On Time Cancellation" (more than 24 hour notice) = ELIGIBLE FOR A MAKE UP - maximum of 4 per school year "Studio Cancellation" = ELIGIBLE FOR A MAKEUP – doesn’t count against per school year maximum Please make your cancellations carefully, we must be strict with our music lesson make up policy to respect our instructor’s time. All makeup lessons are arranged directly with your child’s music teacher in person at his/her next lesson. Unscheduled make-up lessons are forfeited at the time of un-enrolling. Tuition will not be refunded for inability to complete make-up lessons. Please make all efforts to make up your missed lessons.

A NOTE ABOUT MUSIC LESSON ATTENDANCE AND OUR MAKE-UP POLICIES When registering for private music lessons, you are committing yourself and a music teacher to that weekly block of time for the entire season. We ask that you are very mindful and respectful of the instructor's time and dedication to your child. Every student is allotted a private make up lesson for

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lessons missed due to a conflict or an absence with over 24 hours notice with a maximum of 4 make up lessons for the September - June season. Giving 24-hour notice allows your teacher to free up that 30 minute spot for another make up lesson, trial lesson or personal time. So, as soon as you know there is going to be a conflict, please call the In Sync office so we can record it and let your teacher know. If you leave a voice message (617) 328-5678 or an email office@insyncarts.com, that counts as notice...so please let the office know, even if it is at a time the office is closed. You are allotted ONLY 4 make-up lessons per 10-month school year, which you will then schedule directly with the teacher at your next lesson, so please choose carefully.

Make ups earned in September through January, must be made up before March 1st and make ups earned February through June, must be made up before July 1st or will be forfeited with no refund or credit.

Absences categorized as "No shows" are simply when your teacher is at the studio waiting for you to arrive...and you don't. The teacher’s block of time is still being held for you and therefore no make-up is allotted for that absence.

We understand that things happen and kids do get sick last minute. No hard feelings, just no make-up lesson and no refund or credit. This policy applies to scheduled makeup lessons as well. If the teacher has to cancel, or In Sync is closed due to weather, a make-up lesson will be scheduled with the teacher at your next lesson and not count toward your allotted make up lessons for the school year. Only a make-up can be scheduled for these instances – no refunds or credits will be given.

All holiday closings or school vacations are calculated into our annual tuition amounts. Each month varies between 3 - 5 lessons per month with an equal number of lessons in the season. The 10 tuition payments do not fluctuate according to how many lessons there are in each month, the tuition payment plan has been calculated for the entire season of mid-September to mid-June with 10 equal payments.

Important: If you decide to un-enroll from lessons before the end of the school year, any un made up make-up lessons will be forfeited. If there are any questions at all about make-up lessons, please don’t hesitate to ask the front desk staff.

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2026 - 2027 ANNUAL CALENDAR Generally, In Sync is OPEN for all Monday holidays with the exception of those within the school vacation weeks.. Check back periodically throughout the season - this will be updated with events as they are planned and finalized!

September 10, 2026 First day of classes for 2026-2027 Season October 26-31, 2026 Wear your Halloween Costume to class!

October 26, 2026 Trunk-Or-Treat Party @ In Sync November 7, 2026 Ballet Featured Role Auditions November 18th - 23rd Family Appreciation Week November 26-28, 2026 CLOSED – Thanksgiving Break - no classes or lessons December 13, 2026 Music Recitals @ In Sync December 21, 2026-January 2, 2027 CLOSED - December Break - no classes or lessons January 4, 2027 Classes and lessons resume February 15-20, 2027 CLOSED - February Break - No classes or lessons February 26, 2027 Ballet Show Dress Rehearsal @ Milton HS February 27, 2027 Ballet Show @ Milton High School @ 3pm & 6pm April 19-24, 2027 CLOSED - April Break - No classes or lessons April 24-May 10, 2027 Rollover Registration “add/drop” priority period June 5, 2027 Last Day of Regular Classes June 6, 2027 MUSICPALOOZA Music Recitals @ In Sync June 10-13, 2027 June Recitals @ Milton High School June 28, 2027 Summer 2027 Session Begins

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