Useful Links

Join the PTSA as PTSA member
Link to update your student grade info
2024 Twain ASP session calendar
Parent chaperone guide (coming soon)
Parent leader guide (coming soon)
2024 Fall Child Release Consent Form


Need financial support?

Simply email Ms. DeWalt to apply, and you may receive partial or full coverage for your registration fee based on availability and your needs. Remember, the fund supports various scholarships and programs on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Want to ensure your student's spot in advance?

Volunteer as a parent leader for a program and get a spot for your child. As a parent leader, you will still pay the program fee, but you will have a guaranteed space in the class. Send us an email via afterschoolprograms@twainptsa.org.

 

More questions?

Check out our FAQ at the bottom of the page to see if your question has been asked before.

 

Tell us what you think!

If you have any thoughts or ideas, please don't hesitate to share with us via our feedback form: https://forms.office.com/r/vUVmmsp16r

   
 

WELCOME TO THE TWAIN PTSA
AFTER/Before SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Are you looking for some fun and enriching activities for your child? Twain PTSA is offering a rotating variety of quarterly enrichment programs. And, new for Fall 2024, we will have BEFORE school programs in addition to our regular after school programs!

Whether your child wants to learn a new language, express their creativity, challenge their mind, or improve their health, there is something for everyone at Twain. We hope your child loves the after school programs at Twain.

Have questions or need help? Email our volunteer ASP Chair at afterschoolprograms@twainptsa.org

 

 
 

🚨PLEASE READ🚨 ENROLLMENT QUALIFICATIONS


         
 

  

 These programs are only available to families with a current PTSA membership. 
Join or renew your PTSA membership today.

  
 

 

 2024 Updated Chaperone Policy for Enrichment Programs (ASP+BSP):  When signing up for after-school and before-school programs in 2024, please read the requirements carefully and ensure you can commit to the necessary effort and duties, as some programs require parents to volunteer as a chaperone at least once, while others do not.

  
    Please remember, all chaperones must be approved LWSD volunteers and PTSA members to ensure the safety of our students and staff. If no chaperone is available for a class that requires one, the class may be cancelled. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.  
         


 
 

📣 What's New? 📣 


     
  Attention, ASP & School Play Parents and Upcoming changes to Choir!
 🗓️ Last updated on 06/13/2024
If your 4th or 5th grader is going to participate in the School Play program and also enrolled in After-School Programs, please inform the ASP instructors or parent leaders of any absences due to the play. There will be some overlapping schedules for School Play with our After-School programs and appreciate your help in coordinating these details.

*Please note that School Play program is not part of After/Before School Program. It is an independent program sponsored by PTSA specific for 4th and 5th graders.

Upcoming changes: The Choir After-School Program will shift to the Winter session to accommodate the preferences of many Choir families.

Thank you for your attention to these updates and for helping us ensure a smooth experience for all our students.		  
     


     
  Fall 2024 Exciting News: Twain's Before School Program and more!
🗓️ Last updated on 06/04/2024
Get ready for a new school year with exciting programs at Twain! We're launching a Before School Program from 8am to 9:05am, alongside with our existing After School Program from 3:45pm to 5pm. Here's what's coming:

  
   ☀️ Before School Program (8am to 9:05am) ☀️
  • Tue - Ball Hockey - McVander Hockey (G1-4)
    ** 2 free spots for 5th graders as assistant teaching buddy
  • Wed - Chess club - Excel with Chess (K-5) 
 🌙 After School Program (3:45pm to 5pm) 🌙
  • Tue - Minecraft - iCode Bellevue (G3-5)
 
  ✏️ = Chaperone duty is required for participating families.

  
  * Program in conversations: Intro to STEM - MadScience (✏️) & Self Defence (✏️). No guarantee the programs in conversation will be ran in Fall. 

** Details for sign-ups will be available in August 2024. As we roll out our morning program for the first time, we welcome your input to refine our processes. Your support is invaluable to us!		  
      

 

  

 

PROGRAM DETAILS
Registration will be available via the Mark Twain portal at 6crickets to families with a current Twain PTSA membership.
Join or renew your PTSA membership today. 

🍁 Fall 2024 session is coming soon.
Session Dates: 09/16/2024 ~12/13/2024
 		   🌺 Spring 2024 session is concluded on week of June 17th.🎉
Thank you for all the amazing parent volunteers!		  
       

 

Frequently Asked Questions

🗓️ Last updated on 06/21/2024

1   Q: How do I register my student?

A: Registration is on a first come first served basis via online registration at Mark Twain School portal at 6crickets.com and only available for PTSA members. Open enrollment will end three business days before the first session or when maximum class enrollment is reached prior to the deadline. Students may only be enrolled in classes by their parent or guardian. Payment for classes can be made via 6crickets online payment system. If you do not have internet access or need assistance, please contact the After School Program Coordinator.
 2   Q: What is the behavior policy for after school programs? 

A: We insist that students respect the instructor and parent volunteer, and act in an appropriate manner. If your student has behavior issues which are disruptive to the class, we will issue a warning. If there is a second incident, we may be forced to terminate your student’s participation in the program (no refund).
 3   Q: How do I pick up my child after the program? 🆕

A: For the After School program, parents are required to pick up their children on time from the covered area between the gym and the library immediately after each class. Please be punctual; a delay of more than 10 minutes will result in a warning. Repeated delays may lead to your child's removal from the program without a refund. If you have made alternative pick-up arrangements for your child, such as allowing them to walk home alone or be signed out by a sibling under 18, we require written consent of these plans. Consent form: 2024 Fall Child Release Consent Form.
For the Before School program, there is no need for parents to pick up their children as we will release them to walk to their classrooms independently. For younger children, if assistance is needed to escort them to the correct classroom, please contact the program instructor directly to make the necessary arrangements. 
 4   Q: Is signing up as a parent chaperone necessary for all class registrations? 🆕

A: Signing up as a parent chaperone is only necessary for programs that specifically require parent chaperone duties. To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, these programs mandate parent participation as chaperones. We advise parents to thoroughly read the policy and instructions to ensure they can commit to the chaperone duties before registering. Failure to sign up for chaperone duties in these specific programs may result in the cancellation of your child's enrollment. Please make sure you are able to fulfill this important role.

 5   Q: What determines the need for parent chaperone duties in programs? 🆕

A: Starting in 2024, our collaboration with program providers ensures that every class has two qualified adults present. This is to comply with our PTSA insurance policy. These adults must have passed the LWSD volunteer background check and be active PTSA members. If the program provider can guarantee two instructors for all classes, parents are not required to serve as chaperones. However, if the provider is unable to meet this requirement, we will ask families participating in the program to help fulfill this role by serving as chaperones.

 6   Q: How can I become a parent chaperone or volunteer for a PTSA After School or Before School program?

A: To become a qualified volunteer for the PTSA After School and Before School programs, you must meet the following three criteria to comply with our PTSA insurance (see no.1 & 13 Q&A). You can apply for LWSD background check approval online or obtain an application from the school front office. To join the PTSA  by filling out the PTSA Membership Application here.
 7   Q: What are my duties as a parent chaperone?

A: You are responsible for chaperoning the class on your scheduled day, taking attendance, contacting parents if a student or instructor is absent, witnessing any accidents, handling any misbehavior or late pick-up issues, and making sure each student is signed out by a parent or guardian. More detail
 8   Q: What should I do if I cannot attend my scheduled day as a parent chaperone?

A: Please notify the backup parent chaperone and the program parent lead as soon as possible. It is important that there is always one parent chaperone present for each class. If no chaperone is available, the class will be cancelled. If you miss your scheduled day without informing anyone, your child may lose their spot in the program and you will not receive a refund.
 9   Q: How will I know if my registration is confirmed?

A: You will receive an official confirmation email from 6crickets once your registration and payment are processed. Please do not attend the class unless you have received the confirmation.
 10   Q: What happens if a class is cancelled or missed due to weather or other reasons?

A: PTSA may cancel a program due to low enrollment, if the parent chaperone is no-show, or in unforeseen circumstances. In that case, you will either get a refund or an online course based on the program provider's policy. If a class is missed due to weather or other reasons, PTSA will try to make up the class if possible. However, there are no refunds for missed classes.
 11   Q: Can I cancel my child's enrollment and get a refund?

A: Yes. You can request a refund or cancel your registration easily through 6crickets with the program provider directly. No need to contact Mark Twain PTSA, as we are not in charge of this. Please check each provider’s cancellation policy before you register.

 12   Q: Can non-Twain students participate in PTSA programs?

A: Yes, non-Twain students who live in the Twain attendance area are eligible to register for Twain PTSA programs on a space-available basis. Twain students have priority over non-Twain students in case of over-enrollment. Non-Twain students must follow the same rules and fees as Twain students.
 13   Q: What is the waitlist for a class?

A: The waitlist is a list of people who are interested in joining a class that is currently full. If a space becomes available in the class, the space will be offered to people in the waitlist based on when they were added to the list.
 14   Q: How likely is it that a space will become available in the class?

A: It is unlikely that a space will become available, as most people who register for a class tend to attend it. However, your request helps us gauge the level of interest in a program and helps with our planning.
 15   Q: How can I guarantee a spot in the class?

A: You can volunteer to be the parent leader for a program that does not have one. As a parent leader, you will help coordinate the class communications between the families and the program provider regarding the student attendance or any concerns from both parties. You will also secure a spot in the class for yourself. If you are interested in being a parent leader, please contact us at afterschoolprograms@twainptsa.org
 16   Q: What are the responsibilities of a parent leader in the after-school program? 🆕

A: As a parent leader, you would play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the program. Your responsibilities would include:
  1. Encouraging parents to sign up as chaperones (probably a few emails to families who didn't sign up before the session starts)
  2. Communicating with chaperones about absent students (usually 2-4 times per session)
  3. Helping to find a substitute or notifying the backup chaperone if the main chaperone is unavailable at the last minute (usually 2-3 times per session)
  4. If any, collecting feedback from families and teachers, passing along messages, and helping to connect teachers with parents when needed (usually 0-1 request per session)
  5. Reminding chaperones of their scheduled dates (We do have an email reminder that will be sent by the system automatically, but welcome for additional courtesy reminder.)
If you're unsure about fulfilling all of these responsibilities but still want to contribute, don't hesitate to reach out to our ASP coordinator. We will be happy to work with you and find a solution that fits your situation.
 17   Q: What are the benefits of being a parent chaperone leader in the after-school program? 🆕

A: As a parent chaperone leader, you will not only receive a discounted program fee, but you will also have the opportunity to shape the program by providing input and even making decisions on program topics, scheduling, locations, and age ranges. Depending on how much time you want to invest, the ASP program coordinator will sync up with you through a series of emails or calls in the weeks leading up to the start of the session.
 18   Q: Can I share the parent chaperone leader responsibility with other parents?

A: Yes, you can team up with another parent to share the parent chaperone leader responsibility. However, to reduce communication complexity and ensure smooth operation, there should be no more than 2 parent chaperone leaders per program. By collaborating and sharing the workload, you can ensure the success of the program, create a positive experience for all students, and build stronger connections with other parents. Additionally, the discounted fee for the program will be split among the parent leaders, providing an added benefit for taking on this role.
 19   Q: Is the program fee eligible for Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)?

A: Some parents have claimed the ASP receipts for the dependent care tax credit, but the eligibility of an program fee for the Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) depends on your tax situation. You should talk to your tax professional about how to get reimbursed from that account. If you need the provider Tax IDs for tax purposes, you can find them in your 6cricket receipts. To do that, you can follow these steps from 6cricket website. Where is the TAX IDs.
 20   Q: How does Student Assistance Fund work? 🆕

A: Families who would like a scholarship for their students for the Mark Twain PTSA ASP/BSP, can apply for the fund by sending an email to Mrs. DeWalt, our school counselor, who will work with families and the PTSA to ensure students are adequately supported. The fund is distributed on a first come, first served basis. Students may receive full or partial scholarships, depending on the need and number of requests. Scholarships are paid directly from the PTSA's Student Assistance Fund to the desired After/Before School Program. 
 21   Q: How can I support the Student Assistance Fund?

A: You can support the fund by making a donation to the PTSA or by participating in our fundraising events (Corporate Matching, Shop & support and more). Your generosity will help us provide more opportunities for our students. Thank you for your support!

 22   Q: Does the PTSA take any profits from the after-school program fee collected from parents?

A: No, the PTSA does not take any profit from the after-school program fee collected from parents. The program fee and tuition are a complete transaction to the program provider. The PTSA's role is to support the after-school program and help facilitate its success, but it does not gain any income from the program fee.

 23   Q: Does the PTSA membership fee contribute to the funding of the after-school program?

A:No, the PTSA membership fee does not directly contribute to the funding of the after-school program. PTSA membership fees funds State and National PTA efforts that advocate for safer laws and better educational programs. Donations to the Twain PTSA via our various fundraising efforts fund important programs and events for Twain teachers and students, and family events that build a connected community, like the student assistance fund.
 24   Q: What are the requirements for running PTSA enrichment programs at Mark Twain?

A: PTSA Before & After School Programs are allowed at Mark Twain Elementary thanks to Twain PTSA sponsorship. Our PTSA insurance policy states that in order to run our programs the following requirements must be met:
  • Every program must have 2 adults with one of it should be PTSA member present at each class.
  • All chaperones must be approved volunteers with a current background check by the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) and members of the Mark Twain PTSA.
  • All chaperones must witness any accidents, take attendance, contact parents/guardians if needed, and make sure each student is signed out by an adult at pick up.