GENERAL INFORMATION - Parent Handbook
HOURS AND DAYS OF OPERATION
The program is open 4 days a week, Mondays through Thursdays 3:00 to 6:00 pm and as needed for early release days.*
After School Track - Monday through Thursday from 2 to 6 PM for Middle School and 3 to 6 PM for K and Elementary School.
Runs according to Natick Public School school days (see calendar here) although students from other locations in the Metrowest are accepted as well.
TRANSPORTATION FROM NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Bussing from the Brown and Kennedy Schools may be arranged by request to the NPS Transportation department. The location is at an established bus stop (buses #11 and #25). Once the arrangement is set up, a teacher will be waiting at the stop to greet your child(ren) and to bring them in. Patricia Paine, Transportation Coordinator at Natick Public Schools, is the contact person for bussing at Brown School. You may reach her at [email protected].
Bussing from Ben-Hem and Lilja schools will be available for the 2024-2025. We are in the process of coordinating bussing and providing transportation from other Public Schools as well.
SNACK and DINNER
Kosher healthy snacks and dinner are served every day to the children!
TUITION
Click here for tuition information.
A SAMPLE DAY AT GEO
(2:00 - early arrival for those who need - relax in reading room, additional homework support}
3:00 Arrival
3:30 Snack
3:50 Activity Period 1 (Includes Homework Time)
4:40 Activity Period 2
5:15 Dinner
5:35 Wind Down and Clean Up
6:00 Program Closes
PROGRAMMING
Activities include arts and crafts, sports, science, cooking, drama, music, dance, cooperative games, literacy, community service, indoor and outdoor free play, and more! See our Activity Calendar tab for past calendars by site.
Specials at GEO, they may not all be happening at the same time...
- Exercise activities building strength and flexibility with a teacher who specializes in Yoga.
- Drama, film and production with a teacher who specializes in production.
- Highly Acclaimed Aleph Champ Hebrew Reading Curriculum
- Homework support
Additional Activities offered... some of these are offered with Hebrew language infusion with our Israeli staff
- Arts and crafts
- Science activities
- Cooking
- Dance and movement
- Cooperative games
- Community service
- Indoor and outdoor free play
REGISTRATION and CALENDAR
Click here for registration.
Click here for the school calendar.
EARLY RELEASE DAYS
GEO will open earlier on early release days.
VACATION DAYS
Currently we are closed on vacation days. The longer term plan is to have vacation week camp built into the program as well as providing programming on other non-school days. We offer a spring camp planned for some days of the April break.
SNOW DAYS
If Natick Public Schools are closed due to weather, GEO is closed.
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FAQs
What happens if Public School is canceled due to weather?
We are automatically closed whenever the Natick Public Schools are closed. In the event that a storm develops during the school day, we will follow the decision made by the Superintendent regarding cancelation or earlier closings of Natick School's after school activities. In that case, we will notify parents via email, text, and What's App.
Who are the GEO staff?
Director of GEO is Chanie Fogelman, Director and Lead Teacher certified by EEC, as well as a certified trainer of the Nurtured Heart Approach, with many years in the field of education. Our supporting staff includes experienced teachers and individuals with expertise in special areas of enrichment.
All adult staff are First Aid and CPR certified, trained in the use of Epi-Pens, have passed a CORI background check, and have previous experience working with children.
We provide staff development opportunities to remain current on trends, mandates and procedures in the field. Feel free to ask the director, Chanie Fogelman, about any staff member and their education and experience.
What if my child will be absent from GEO?
Dismissal changes must be reported directly to GEO by phone or email. Please contact us in advance if there is be any change on any particular day with your child’s arrival or dismissal!
Who can pick up my child from GEO and how can I add someone to my child’s pick-up list?
Only the primary and secondary account holders, emergency contacts, and authorized pick-up individuals listed in your child's enrollment may sign out your child from GEO..
What happens if I can’t pick up by 6pm?
Late pick-ups should happen only in the case of emergencies. If you will be late, you must call GEO. If we have not heard from you by 6:15, we will begin calling emergency contacts. After more than one late pick up, late fees will apply. See our full policy in our Family Handbook.
My child has asthma, an allergy, or another medical condition. What do I need to know and do to be sure he/she is safe at GEO?
If your child has an allergy, dietary restriction, or an existing medical condition, it is essential that we have all of the details on your registration form and/or through an asthma or allergy plan. If your child uses an epi-pen or inhaler, we must have one to be kept at GEO and must receive it before his/her first day with us.
Please arrange your child's medication schedule so that he/she can receive his/her medication by the school nurse before the end of the Public School day, before coming to GEO. If needed we can arrange for a responsible adult from our staff who was trained in Medicine administering to give your child his/her medication. A medication form would need to be filled out and signed in advance for this purpose.
Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and trained to administer Epi-pens. If your child is subject to anaphylactic reactions due to bee stings or other allergies you must deliver two Epi-Pens, with the child’s photo attached, to GEO to be kept with us, along with an allergy plan with special instructions by the attending physician for its administration.
Should I pack a snack?
We provide a kosher snack and dinner each afternoon. We really doubt your children will be hungry between the foods that GEO provides. However, you may feel free to pack an additional snack for your child. It it's a packaged item, it must be certified kosher, meat-free and nut-free.
Will my child do homework at GEO?
GEO will provide a quiet space where students can focus on their homework. Staff will be provided for homework support.
How much notice is required for schedule changes?
Enrollment is a commitment for the school year. Schedule change requests made by the 20th of the month will go into effect on the 1st of the next month. If you need to reduce the number of days or withdraw from the program completely, your deposit will be forfeited. If you withdraw before the end of the school year, we cannot hold your space for the following year.
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How will the program communicate with me?
GEO sends a bi-monthly newsletter via email. When there is program news or an activity sign-up, it will be posted on our bulletin and shared via email. Please check the sign-out area regularly for notices or sign-up sheets and read GEO emails thoroughly.
What if I have questions not answered here?
Email us at [email protected]. Email is the most efficient way to get your questions answered. We can set up a phone appointment for questions or concerns that require discussion, but email is your best first step. Contact us anytime!
