Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of enrichment activities, can I sign up for just one or two?
Beyond the Bell provides after school enrichment and care every day of the week, and students sign up for all five days. In order to ensure appropriate, high quality staffing, students may not sign up for just one day or “drop-in” from time to time.
Will my child be with their friends during enrichment activities?
Students are grouped by grade or grade band, depending on the size of the group. For example, at some schools, fourth graders alone may be in soccer while in others fourth and fifth graders may be in the same activity.
If I register and decide to cancel, what is your cancellation policy?
When you register for Beyond the Bell, you are committing to the entire cycle. Whether you choose a payment plan or payment in full, tuition is required and covers the entire cycle. This allows us to ensure we have appropriate, high-quality staff at all times. Thank you for your understanding and partnership.
What happens if our circumstances change and I fall behind on my payments?
The payment due dates are listed on your school’s Beyond the Bell web page. If your family’s circumstances change, please reach out to your school’s principal to discuss your options. If accounts remain unpaid after the mid-cycle payment-due date, and you haven’t spoken with your school’s principal, your child will not be able to continue attending
Do you offer refunds if my child is sick or misses a week?
We do not provide refunds, credits, or make-up days for missed cycles due to illness or other absences. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact the IMS Beyond the Bell office at 215-383-1989 between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM for assistance.
Is there an attendance requirement?
Consistent attendance contributes to a strong community and ensures students gain the full benefits of the program. Students should not miss more than five days per cycle. If your student is sick or has an appointment, please let your Site Director know in advance.
Does my student have to stay for after care or can I pick them up after the enrichment period?
After care is part of Beyond the Bell and includes homework help and a snack as well as games and activities your child can choose to participate in. You may sign your child up for just enrichment activities, and pick your child up around 4:00 PM when they are done. If you are signed up for enrichment only, your child may not stay for after care. If you sign your child up for after care–at no additional fee–you may pick up your child before 6:00 PM. Please let your school’s Site Director know when they should expect you.
What happens if I am late to pick up my child?
Students who stay for after care must be picked up by 6:00 PM. Students who are signed up for enrichment only must be picked up when the activity ends at your school. Students picked up at 10 minutes past the program end time are considered a late pickup. Parents and guardians must contact the BTB Site Director to let us know if you will be late.
- 1st Late Pickup: Warning
- 2nd Late Pickup: May not attend Beyond The Bell the next day
- 3rd Late Pickup: Will be unenrolled in the Beyond The Bell Program
How do you supervise students and maintain safety?
Your student’s experience in Beyond The Bell is very important to Independence Mission Schools. The following sections outline the expectations and commitments of students, families and staff to create the best environment possible. Please be aware that the IMS Beyond The Bell staff maintains consistent communication and collaboration with the leadership team at each school to ensure we work together as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Student Commitment:
- I will resolve conflicts peacefully and seek help from teachers, parents, or mentors if needed.
- I will respect others' boundaries, opinions, and property.
- I will celebrate and seek to understand differences in others.
- I will stay engaged in all activities and limit distractions during after school (i.e., no electronics unless I have been given permission).
- I will treat others with care and respect. I understand that fighting and bullying are not tolerated and can result in immediate dismissal from after school.
- I understand these commitments are applicable after school and at any off-site events.
Parent/Guardian's Commitment:
- I will support my student in understanding and upholding the student agreement.
- I will advocate for my student in a positive way to ensure the staff is informed of any personal or academic issues that may affect them while they are at Beyond The Bell programs.
- I will encourage open communication with my students and Beyond The Bell staff if any concerns arise regarding disagreements or conflicts.
- I will model and promote positive conflict resolution skills at home and in the community.
- I will work collaboratively with Beyond The Bell staff to best support my student in Beyond The Bell.
- I will communicate with Beyond The Bell staff in a timely fashion about my student’s enrollment, required forms, and any other issues that may arise. I realize missing enrollment deadlines may result in my student being moved to the program waitlist.
Beyond The Bell's Commitment:
- Beyond The Bell will provide a safe environment conducive to learning and enrichment. Bullying, discrimination, and/or harassment will not be tolerated at any level.
- Beyond The Bell promises to see each student and their unique value to ensure they feel cared about and appreciated.
- Beyond The Bell staff will act as role models and mentors to all students.
- Beyond The Bell staff will intervene and address any instances of bullying and/or conflict promptly and appropriately with all students’ physical and psychological safety in mind.
- Beyond The Bell will communicate promptly with parents/guardians about program information, enrollment guidelines and any other issues that may arise.
Process in the event of a Breach in Agreement
- First occurrence: Warning with a phone call home, incident report completed
- Second occurrence: May not attend Beyond The Bell the next day, incident report completed
- Third occurrence: Will be unenrolled in the Beyond The Bell Program
What is Beyond The Bell tax ID number?
For the IMS Beyond The Bell program, your payments are processed by ESF Camps and Experiences and their Tax ID number is #23-2664898.
