| I had a parent recently ask me what measures do we take in order to keep your kids safe. So instead of just e-mailing them back with my answers I wanted to let you all know the safety measures we take and are going to take while your children are attending our studio classes. We never want to think of horrible things happening to our children, but the truth is that we never know when someone is going to do something "crazy". I want you to know what we are trying to do at PowerHouse Dance to protect your children. Even though we cannot stop anyone from doing what they are planning on doing, we can do our best to prevent something from happening.
Parents are in the lobby 75% of the time, however there are times where there is not an adult or parent in the lobby. These times are typically during the more advanced classes in the evenings. During these times the instructors have been advised to keep the studio A & B doors open if there is not an adult in the lobby. If students are in the lobby working on homework or eating they will be asked to do so right by the studio A & B doors, so we can see them. If you are not comfortable with handling it this way please make sure that you are at the studio during your dancer's breaks.
I cannot get a buzzer system on my front doors, however we will have bells put on the front doors to alarm us of someone coming into the studio.
Please have a talk with your dancer that they are to wait for their ride inside the lobby. Also, if they need to go over to Mr. Goodcents they need to have a buddy go with them. We have told them all this, however having you stress this rule to them helps. Especially with the warm weather right around the corner the kids try to stand outside to wait for their ride. Please ask them to wait inside even if it is nice out.
The instructors and I prop open the back door sometimes to let the fresh air in. We will no longer prop open the back door and leave the room. If the back door is propped open there will be an instructor in that room at all times. If they leave the room they have been asked to shut the back door. This way no one can come inside without an adult around.
I have contacted other studios in the area to see what they do to keep their students safe and they are doing the exact same thing that we do. (Making kids wait inside for their parents, know who is in the lobby and keeping the doors to the studio rooms open if there is not an adult, ect.) They did say that if a parent feels it is unsafe, then they ask them to stay at the studio to wait on their child in the lobby. I am now suggesting this to you all if you feel it is unsafe.
We cannot change what someone is "planning" on doing. All we can do is be alert and aware. If you do notice someone around the studio that looks suspicious please call the police and then notify me and the instructors. Having a police report on file is better than having nothing. If you are feeling unsafe at any time then dial 911. I adore these kids and want to do all that I can to keep them safe. Please have a conversation about safety with your dancers. Sometimes we get so used to daily life that we don't think that we need to have a reality check. Make this our reality check and not something worse. Thank you for your time.
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