Early Morning Drop-Off Program

November 26, 2007

Dear Seth Boyden parents:

The PTA has decided to turn the administration of the early-morning drop off program over to the YMCA, effective January 1, 2008.  Due to decreased participation, the EMD program has been losing money, and PTA funds have been used to cover expenses of the program.  Funds that are raised by the PTA are earmarked for particular projects that benefit the entire school community, such as the recent improvements to the library and auditorium, and cannot be used to support the program. 

The YMCA was chosen because they successfully administer the morning child care program at the other elementary schools in our district.  Following is some basic information about the program.  This information was provided to us by the YMCA and is being communicated here for your convenience; any specific questions should be directed to Tommy Donaldson, the YMCA School Age Child Care Director (973-762-4145 ext.15)

The YMCA before-school child care program begins at 7:30am and ends at 8:45am when school begins.  The program is run by trained staff and offers many activities for your children.

The cost of the program is $140 per month and children need to be members of the YMCA to participate.  The YMCA membership fee is $80 for a youth and $175 for a family.  Payment of this fee entitles your child to all of the benefits of YMCA membership.  Some important points of the YMCA's program are as follows:

• This is not a drop off program.  Parents must accompany their children into the cafeteria each day.
• Membership in the program provides care for your child for every school day.   There is one fee ($140/month) regardless of how many days your child attends. 
• All children must be registered in order to participate in this program. 
• The YMCA requires a security deposit of $140 that will be applied to the June payment provided that the child stays in the program.  Otherwise, the security deposit will be used to pay any outstanding bill.  
• Financial assistance is available. Contact the YMCA for more information. 

If you would like to sign up for the program, or if you have any questions, please call Tommy Donaldson at the YMCA at 973-762-4145 ext 15.

The current Seth Boyden EMD program will continue through the end of 2007.  If your account is up-to-date, you can use your deposit to pay for the remaining December days.  Any outstanding balances must be paid at the end of the year, and any remaining deposits will be returned to you. Look for your November statement next week to check the status of your account.  If you have any questions about your current account, please contact Gretchen Henderson (gretchenlhenderson@gmail.com, or 973-763-0468).

The Seth Boyden PTA