Welcome to the Twain PTSA
Spring After school enrichment program

Are you looking for some fun and enriching activities for your child after school? Twain PTSA is offering a variety of after school programs each session. 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. If you need anything, email us at afterschoolprograms@twainptsa.org		  

Useful links & info

Join the PTSA as PTSA member
Link to update your student grade info
23'24' Twain ASP session calendar


Parent chaperone sign up form - Spring Choir
Parent chaperone sign up form - Spring Chess club
Parent chaperone sign up form for Spring STEAM club - Coding & Robotic club


Need financial support?

Join our awesome after-school programs with the support of the PTSA Student Assistance Fund. It is very easy. Just email Mrs. DeWalt to apply. We will do our best to cover some or all of your registration fee, depending on your situation and the funds available. Please note that the fund is also used for other scholarships and programs and it is on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to secure a spot in advance?

You can 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 question?

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 thought or idea, please don't hesitate to share with us via our feedback form: https://forms.office.com/r/vUVmmsp16r

📣 Calling all parents! We have some exciting news to share!

Our Three spring After-School Programs, Choir, Chess, and Coding & Robotics, are getting ready (April 15th to June 21st). Scroll down to view more about each program.

But that's not all! We are already planning for next school year (after 2024 summer break) and are considering adding MadScience, LEGOs, Martial Arts, Creative Spanish, and Yoga/Dance into our programs. But we need parent leaders!

As a parent leader, you'll manage parent-program communication such as collecting feedback and updating chaperones on student absences. AND as a thank you, you will receive a discounted registration fee.

Come join us, get involved in your student's education and connect with other parents/guardians and make a positive impact on our school community! Our ASP coordinator, Jecy Chang, and PTSA board members will be here to support you whenever you need any extra hand.

Interested in learning more? Contact Jecy Chang at afterschoolprograms@twainptsa.org. We can't wait to hear from you!!



  

Before jumping into the enrollment...
Few things you would want to know. :)

    Save time and prepare for a hassle-free registration and payment process:
Take a moment to check it out and update the following information:
    Refund/Cancel is easier with program vendor via 6cricket.
You can request a refund or cancel your registration easily through 6cricket with the program provider. No need to contact Mark Twain PTSA, as we are not in charge of this. But please check each provider’s cancellation policy before you register.
    ASP enrollment qualification and class cancellation policy related to parent chaperone
Enrolling in any program requires volunteering as a chaperone at least once for each program. All chaperones must be approved LWSD volunteers and PTSA members to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Please note that if no chaperone is available for a class, the class will have to be cancelled. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.


Important notice: PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS closed. 

To save time and avoid errors, we recommend that you add the courses you are interested in into your shopping cart ahead of time by following these steps.
  • Go to the 6cricket Mark Twain portal by clicking the button below and enter your children's information and preferences.
  • Review the course return/cancel policy and make sure you agree with it.
  • Add the program(s) you want to join to the shopping cart and proceed to checkout.
  • If the program is full, you can join the waitlist. Sometimes, parents may cancel their registration at the start of the program.
  • If you have any questions or issues during the check out process, you can use the 6cricket online chat feature to get immediate assistance.

Thank you for your interest! Our Spring After-School Program registration has now concluded.

 

 

 

Program info

  Mark Twain Choir club --- Spring session:  Apr 15 – June 10, 2024 (8 classes)
No class date:  May 27 (Memorial Day - Holiday) 
Time: Every Monday - 3:45pm-5pm
Location: Mark Twain Music room
Age/Grade: Grade 2-5
Student/Instructor ratio: Min 16, Max 40.
Tuition:$184.28 (Fee included)

Come join the Choir Club at our elementary school! In this fun and social space, you'll learn the importance of working together as a group while building foundational music skills through active rehearsals. In the Choir Club, you'll have the opportunity to "Learn the basics of choral singing", "Practice your music reading skills", "Learn and perform music from all over the world" and "Join fellow students who share your passion for singing." At the end of the program, we'll showcase our talents in a final family concert, where you'll have the chance to perform several choral songs for your loved ones.

 		    
  Mark Twain Chess Club --- Spring session:  Apr 16 – Jun  18, 2024 (10 classes)
No class date: None
Time: Every Tuesday - 3:45pm-4:50pm
Location: Mark Twain Library
Age/Grade: Age 5-12yr / Grade K-5
Studenet/Instructor ratio: Min 10, Max 30. Our ratio goal is between 12-15 kids per instructor.
Tuition:$210 (fee included)

Embark on an epic adventure with the Twain Chess Club! Join us on a journey where your children will have a blast playing chess while also exercising their higher-order thinking skills like problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, planning, and even creative thinking. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! In our first class, we'll discover everyone's chess skills and create groups based on our findings. This will help us tailor our lessons to make sure everyone learns the best chess strategies. Each session will be packed with 15 minutes of practice play, 20 minutes of engaging lessons, 20 minutes of tournament time, and 5 minutes of clean-up and check-out.

 		    
  Mark Twain STEAM club --- Spring session: Apr 18 – June 20, 2024 (10 classes)
No class date:  None
Time: Every Thursday - 3:45pm - 5pm
Location: Mark Twain Library
Age/Grade: Age 7yr - 11yr / Grade 3-5
Studenet/Instructor ratio: Min 4, Max 10. Our ratio goal is between 4-5 kids per instructor.
Tuition:$313.95 (Fee included)

Unleash your child's creativity with our "Introduction to Block Coding & VEX Robotics" program in our spring STEAM club! This engaging program covers computer literacy, coding, and robotics, using fun and interactive tools like Scratch for block-based coding and the VEX Robotics platform for hands-on experience. Our curriculum is fast-paced and designed to provide a positive and engaging learning experience for students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. 2nd graders with prior Scratch experience are also welcome to join. This well-rounded education aims to ignite creativity, enhance problem-solving abilities, and cultivate a passion for STEM subjects. With ten instructor-led classes, this program provides an outstanding opportunity for students to explore technology, unlock their creative potential, and develop valuable skills. Join us and watch your child's imagination soar!


 

Frequently Asked Questions

1   Q: What are the requirements for running PTSA after school programs at Mark Twain?

A: PTSA after school programs are allowed at Mark Twain due to PTSA sponsorship. Our PTSA insurance policy states that in order to run our programs the following requirements must be met:
  • Every program must have a PTSA adult member chaperone 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.
2   Q: How do I register my child for an after school program?

A: Registration will be 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.
3   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.
4   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, parent chaperone is no show or unforeseen circumstances. In that case, you will either get refund or online course instead based on policy provided by program providers. 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.
5   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 6cricket 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.

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

A: Yes, non-Twain students who live in the Twain attendance area and are eligible to attend Twain can join PTSA programs on a space-available basis. Twain students have priority over non-Twain students in case of over-enrollment. Non-Twain students have to follow the same rules and fees as Twain students.
7   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.
8   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.
9   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
10   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)
11   Q: How do I pick up my child after the program?

A: Please pick up your students from the covered area between the gym and the library right after each class. If you are late by more than 10 minutes, we will give you a warning. If this happens again, your child may be dropped from the program without a refund. If you have made other arrangements for your child, such as walking home alone or being signed out by a sibling under 18, you need to let us know in writing.
12   Q: Do I need to sign up as a parent chaperone to secure the class registration?

A: Yes, you do. For the safety of our students, we require one PTSA parent volunteer for each class. Please be ready to assist with one class and to be a backup chaperone for another class per session. If you don't sign up to chaperone, your enrollment can be cancelled.

13   Q: How can I become a parent chaperone or volunteer for a PTSA program?

A: You need to be approved by the Lake Washington School District and be a current member of the Mark Twain PTSA. You can apply for Lake Washington District approval online at LWSD Volunteer Process or get an application form from the school front office. You can join the PTSA member by filling out a registration form from the PTSA Membership Application here.
14   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
15   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.
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 have the opportunity to shape the program by providing input and even making decisions on program topics, scheduling, location, and age range. Depending on how much time you want to invest, the ASP program coordinator will sync up with you through a few 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: What is the Student Assistance Fund?

A: The Student Assistance Fund is a fund that the PTSA board has created to help students who need financial assistance to join our after-school programs (ASP) or other scholarships and programs.
21   Q: How can I apply for the Student Assistance Fund?

A: You can apply for the fund by sending an email to Mrs. DeWalt, our school counselor. She will assess your situation and let us know how we can support you.
22    Q: How much can I get from the Student Assistance Fund?

A: The amount of money you can get from the fund depends on several factors, such as the number of overall requests, the amount of fund remaining, and the level of need of each student applicant. The fund can cover either a partial or a whole amount of the registration fee for the ASP or other scholarships and programs.
23   Q: How soon can I get the money from the Student Assistance Fund?

A: The fund is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the better. We will try our best to process your request as quickly as possible and let you know the outcome.
24   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!

25   Q: Does the PTSA take any profit 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.

26   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. However, students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund to use the fund to register for an after-school program. A portion of the PTSA membership fee goes into the Student Assistance Fund, which is shared among different events and programs hosted by the PTSA and the school.

27   Q: How does the after-school program support parent leaders and students who need assistance enrolling in the program?

A: The after-school program relies on designated donations from parents and partnerships with program providers to sponsor extra seats and discounts for parent leaders. This support helps to ensure that the program is accessible to all students and families, regardless of their financial situation. Additionally, students who need assistance enrolling in the program can apply for support through the Student Assistance Fund, which is partially funded by the PTSA membership fee.