Virtual Summer Arts Camp handbook 2021

virtual
summer arts
camp
jul 6 – 30
Student and Family Handbook

contents
NJPAC Arts Education Department Overview
Arts Education Department 2
NJPAC Staff 4
NJPAC Summer Virtual Arts Camp Staff 4
Important Contact Information 4
NJPAC Virtual Summer Arts Camp Overview
Faculty 5
Technology Requirements
& Google Classrooms Tutorial 6
Attire 6
Lunch 6
Communication
Family Communication/Contact Us 7
Tuition 7
Policies and Procedures
NJPAC Privacy & Safety Policies 8
Rules of Conduct 9
Student Responsibility 9
Student “Red Flag” Protocols 10
Student Concern Protocols 10
Teen Hotline 10
Working with Minors Policy 10
Social Media Policy 12
Sponsors 13

njpac arts education
department overview
Arts Education at NJPAC
Arts Education has been a central part of NJPAC’s
mission since its inception. Even before the Center
opened its doors, the Arts Education Department
reached thousands of young people through its
in-school and community-based programs. Ten
years later, NJPAC boasts the fourth largest arts
education department of its kind in the nation.
We serve the entire state of New Jersey.
Each season, over 60,000 children, families,
and educators attend or participate in arts
education programs. Part of the Arts Education
Department’s mission is to continually explore
new and innovative ways to use its resources
to serve New Jersey students and educators.
In this spirit, the Arts Education Department has
developed partnerships with school districts,
educational institutions, social service agencies
and arts organizations statewide.
The Arts Education Department currently consists
of four core areas: school and family performances,
in-school programs, arts training, and professional
development for educators, which provide over 20
programs for children, families, and educators.
Located at 24 Rector Street (directly adjacent to
NJPAC), the Center for Arts Education is a 30,000
square-foot building that houses a 100-seat black
box theater, two dance studios, a recital hall, seven
classrooms, nine music practice rooms, and office
space for NJPAC’s Arts Education staff.
“Multiple independent studies have shown
increased years of enrollment in arts courses are
positively correlated with higher SAT verbal and
math scores. ”
(nasaa-arts.org/Publications/critical-evidence.pdf)
2

Letter from Artistic Directors
Hello Creatives!
Welcome to summer 2021! I find myself filled with
hope and a desire for new beginnings. It’s been
a year like no other. Who could have imagined?
We’ve all learned to pivot, reinvent and dig deeper
to find what’s genuinely important in life; what we
must have to survive. Creativity and collaboration
are two “must haves” for me. Of course, there is grit,
and a questioning determination creative people
possess. Together, we will shed our pandemic armor
and look for our new normal. Although summer
classes are virtual, we are interested in you as
a creative person…as an artist citizen. What do
YOU have to say after this past year?
Our theme this summer is “Find Your Voice,” with
a goal to amplify and strengthen what your artistic
expression already might be or is to become. Let’s
reconnect with joy, collaboration and creativity.
To help, we’re got some fabulous teaching artists
to guide you during our summer journey. I look
forward to building our virtual community by
offering you a platform to sing and act your way
to our new beginning.
Lisa Gunn-Becker
Theater Artistic Director
Peace Hip Hop Community,
It is with an abundance of appreciation that I
welcome you to our seventh hip hop summer season!
Our program is evolving in the virtual space with
extraordinary commitment from each community
member! This year, the essence of our programming
is centered around multidimensional perspectives in
a shared space.
Shared Space:
We will work in harmony to contribute to
each other through sharing ideas, time,
and space!
We will create a vibe as we make beats,
raps, dance moves, graffiti/graphic
designs and podcasts.
We will use what we have to experience
peace, love, joy and a lot of FUN!
We will connect and create a vibe from
moment to moment that works for all.
We will contribute to the energy, vibe, and
experience of one another.
We will celebrate each person being
themselves, sharing their ideas, time, and
space for us to make what we imagine.
Thank you in advance and we look forward to
launching in 3, 2...1!
Much Respect,
Sheikia “Purple” Norris
Hip Hop Art & Culture Director
3

NJPAC Arts Education Staff
(partial listing)
Steven M. Goldman, Esq. & Barry H. Ostrowsky,
Co-Chairs, NJPAC Board of Directors
John Schreiber, President & CEO
Jennifer Tsukayama, Vice President, Arts Education
Meggan Gomez, AVP Faculty and Creative Practice
Mark Gross, Director, Jazz Instruction
Vicky Revesz, Director Program Operations
Rosa Hyde, Director AED Performances and
Special Event Operations
Erica Bradshaw, Director, Theatre Arts Instruction
Roe Bell, Senior Manager, School and Community Programs
Danielle Vauters, Senior Manager, Programming and Performances
Ashley Mandaglio, Senior Manager, Professional Development and Training
Daniel Silverstein, Manager On-Site Programs
Kristine Mathieson, Manager, In-School Programs
Sheikia, Purple Haze Norris, Director, Hip Hop Arts and Culture
Kim Washington, Manager, Marketing, Sales, and Recruitment
Natalie Dreyer, Arts Integration Faculty Lead
NJPAC Summer Program Managers
Roe Bell, Sr. Manager, Schools and On-site Programs
Daniel Silverstein, Manager, On-Site Programs
Victoria Revesz, Director, Program Operations
Important Contact Information
Email: artseducation@njpac.org
Staff: Roe Bell, Sr. Manager, Schools and On-site Programs
973.307.0373
Daniel Silverstein, Manager, On-Site Programs
973.378.0656
Vicky Revesz, Director, Program Operations
973.297.5826
4

njpac virtual summer
arts camp overview
Faculty
Virtual Summer Arts Camp Co-Artistic Directors
Lisa Gunn-Becker (Musical Theater & Acting/Devised Theater)
Sheikia “Purple Haze” Norris (Hip Hop Arts & Culture)
Acting Faculty
Danielle Thompson
Daryl Stewart
Doriane Swain
Nicola Murphy
Rai Arsa Artha
Hip Hop Faculty
Adeola Fashina
Ana Garcia
Anthony Harris
Boshia Burgess
Carlos Cordova
Derick Cross
Eric Shandroff
Gonzalo Silva
Jennifer Moore
Jerryl Sharif
Karen Ng
Malik Whitaker
Spencer Frowirth
Stephen Dent
Musical Theater Faculty
Alexander Ratner
Lauren Palmeri
Marion Drew
Harper Levy
5

Technology Requirements
Students participating in the program will
need access to a computer or tablet with internet
connectivity, a webcam and microphone for the
duration of the programming. Computer cameras
should remain on for the full duration of the class.
We will be using following platforms for
this experience:
• Zoom – Primary platform for
classroom instruction.
• Google Classroom – Primary repository for
assignments and materials.
NJPAC is not responsible for providing technology
or individual technical support for this program. Our
staff will make efforts to provide aid and instruction
to reconnect the student in the event that technical
difficulty is experienced.
Attire
Dress code requirements for specific disciplines will
be provided by the faculty.
The following rules apply: no cut-offs, provocative
and/or vulgar t-shirts are allowed.
Please dress in comfortable attire appropriate to
your discipline.
Students should be mindful of attire. Students
should be camera-ready and wearing appropriate
attire for class. (No pajamas or bathrobes).
Lunch
For students participating in an AM and PM
session, please make sure you have your lunch
prepared in advance. There is a one-hour break in
between the AM and PM sessions.
Important: A personal Gmail account is needed
to access Google Classroom and Google Meet. This
email should be different than the parent’s email.
If the student does not have a Gmail account, no
problem! It’s free to set one up, and our staff would
be able to assist you if needed. This is required in
order to participate.
6

njpac virtual
summer arts camp
communication
Family Communication
In order for NJPAC to provide a successful
experience for students, it is necessary for the staff
and parents to work together and support each
other. If you have questions or concerns related
to the program, please email your questions to
artseducation@njpac.org.
You can also utilize Google Chat/Hangouts to
contact artseducation@njpac.org using your gmail
account. A manager or coordinator will respond to
you as soon as possible.
Parents/Guardians who have submitted their
email address through the registration process
will have access to Google Classrooms to view
assignments and receive announcements.
We will be using a text messaging platform called
Remind to send you reminders and notifications
about your students. If you receive a text message
from NJPAC inviting you to Remind, please accept
the invite if you would like to receive text message
reminders from us. The invite is optional.
If you are interested in learning more about
Arts Education or connecting with other parents,
please join our Facebook group to become
a part of our growing community.
facebook.com/groups/njpaccoffeetalk
Students and families are not permitted to
communicate with faculty or staff through any
social media platforms including text messaging.
Emails and calls to faculty must be through NJPAC
email accounts and phone numbers.
We are no longer using Acceptd as a form of
communication. Please use one of the above
options to communicate with NJPAC staff.
Tuition
The application fee and tuition are nonrefundable.
If your child can no longer attend the program at
any point, please notify NJPAC Summer Virtual Arts
Camp staff as soon as possible via
artseducation@njpac.org.
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policy &
procedures
Acceptable Use Policy:
Virtual Courses
Although we are not physically in class, all NJPAC
policies and procedures applicable to virtual
courses continue to apply. By registering for and
attending any virtual NJPAC Arts Education course,
you agree to the following:
Never Share Personal Information
• Sharing and/or receiving personal information,
including phone numbers, social security
numbers, addresses, email addresses, dates
of birth, and social media handles, such as
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat,
etc., by any student or parent/guardian
in connection with any virtual NJPAC Arts
Education course is strictly prohibited.
• NJPAC is not responsible if personal
information is shared and/or received by
any student or the student’s parent or
guardian via Zoom, social media or any
other virtual platform during our course
• NJPAC is not responsible for any consequence
arising from such sharing and/or receiving of
personal information
• NJPAC cannot call back any personal
information shared and/or received by any
student or the student’s parent or guardian
once it has been shared
• NJPAC will investigate incidents and
complaints of personal information sharing
and/or receiving and will take appropriate
action, if warranted
Pratice Online Safety
• Notify a staff member or parent immediately
if you come across information, messages,
interactions with any other person involved
with teaching or attending the class, or
images that are inappropriate, threatening,
dangerous, or make you feel uncomfortable
platform, other than the platform designated
for the course. Any communication with faculty
and staff outside normal class time should
take place through NJPAC emails and
phone numbers
Positive Communication
• Respect the Center for Arts Education faculty,
staff, and fellow students at all times
• Bullying, profanity, and discriminatory
language is strictly prohibited while using the
NJPAC platforms designated for the course
• Discrimination or harassment based on race,
creed, color, national origin, nationality,
ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy),
familial status, marital/civil union status,
religion, domestic partnership status,
affectional or sexual orientation, gender
identity and expression, atypical hereditary
cellular or blood trait, genetic information,
liability for military service, protected hairstyle,
and mental or physical disability (including
perceived disability, and AIDS and HIV status)
is strictly prohibited
• Sending sexually explicit photos or messages
is strictly prohibited while using the NJPAC
platforms designated for the course
Be Prepared for Class
• Attend virtual class fully and appropriately
dressed
• Participation in NJPAC Arts Education is a
privilege and we hope all students will take full
advantage of the experience by concentrating
on the activities and applying their energy in a
positive manner
• Any and all assignments must be submitted by
the provided due dates
• Students are NOT permitted to engage with
faculty and staff through any social media
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Acceptable Use Policy:
Virtual Courses (continued)
For Parents and Guardians of Students Under 18
• Parents or guardians must strictly monitor
student internet use in connection with all
virtual NJPAC Arts Education courses.
That includes all provisions contained in this
Acceptable Use Policy. The best way to keep
students safe and on task is to have a parent
or guardian who is present and involved
Any failure to comply with the terms and conditions
as outlined in this policy may result in disciplinary
action, including removal from the virtual course.
In the event you are removed from the course
for failure to comply with any of the terms and
conditions outlined in this policy, no refunds will
be provided.
Students are bound by all NJPAC policies and
procedures, as well as applicable local, state, and
federal laws.
Rules of Conduct
In order to maintain a happy and safe environment,
students are expected to uphold and respect the
following Rules of Conduct.
NJPAC maintains a zero tolerance policy pertaining
to physical actions against others, stealing, bullying,
and disrespect for staff and property. These actions
are disruptive and result in negative experiences
for fellow students. The administrative staff reserves
the right to suspend or terminate a student from
the program at any time for failure to adhere to the
rules and values of the program.
Rules are established in order to enhance the wellbeing
of the larger community. If students do not
follow the Rules of Conduct, a warning will be
given and parents will be notified. Any additional
disciplinary issues will result in dismissal from the
program. No refund of tuition will be given to any
student asked to leave the program for Rules of
Conduct infraction(s).
Any student deemed in violation of zero
tolerance policies will be immediately dismissed
from the program.
NJPAC maintains a zero tolerance policy on the
following:
1. Bullying or Cyberbullying*
2. Vandalism
3. Theft
4. Disrespectful or vulgar behavior
5. Disrespectful or vulgar language
6. Involvement in any activity that is
considered illegal
Bullying/Cyberbullying*
Bullying is when one or more children (the bully/ies)
target a child (the victim) and that a reasonable
person would know that the bully’s actions will
have the effect of physically or emotionally harming
the victim, damaging their property or insulting/
demeaning the victim.
(Adopted from the YMCA Policies and Procedures)
Student Responsibility
NJPAC Summer Virtual Arts Camps are training
programs for serious and committed students.
All students are expected to abide by the rules of
the program, and devote their time on a daily basis.
All students will be advised by their instructors
about materials required for class and students
are expected to be prepared with the appropriate
materials at each session. Students should check
Google Classroom for their Meeting ID, assignments
and announcements. If at any time it is determined
that a student is not complying with the terms of
the program as summarized in this handbook,
NJPAC reserves the right to ask the student to
leave the program.
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Student “Red Flag” Protocol
Student Red Flag Protocol: (self-harm)
If faculty member believes a student to be at risk
for self-harm, the faculty and staff MUST follow the
below actions:
1. Faculty notifies the site managers
immediately.
2. Site managers will notify the supervisor and
the parent/guardian(s) will be called.
3. Supervisor will call NJ Children’s System of
Care at 1-877-652-7624.
4. If in-person, Staff and faculty remain with the
student until NJ Children’s System of Care
arrives at NJPAC to assess the situation.
If necessary, call NJPAC security.
5. Supervisor notifies NJPAC Human Resources.
Student Concern Protocol: (depression anxiety)
If faculty believes a student to be depressed or
anxious but not at risk for self-harm, the faculty
and staff MUST follow the below actions:
1. Faculty notifies the site manager.
2. Site manager will notify the supervisor and
the parent/guardian(s) will be called.
Teen Hotline—Available 24/7
If you want to speak with someone,
know that you are not alone.
1-888-222-2228
Working with Minors Policy
Purpose and Scope
NJPAC and the Center for Arts Education
acknowledges and embraces its obligation to
provide a safe and secure environment for minors
participating in NJPAC programs and activities as
they explore their creative talents through music,
drama and dance. The protection and well-being
of children under the age of 18 is of the highest
priority for NJPAC and for those involved in its
administration.
The NJPAC Working with Minors Policy (the “Policy”)
applies to all NJPAC sponsored activities and
programs operating under the authority and
direction of NJPAC and taking place: (i) on the
NJPAC campus, in a residence hall and online
courses; or (ii) at NJPAC sponsored off-campus
programs and activities in which minors will be
physically present and participating. The Policy
establishes guidelines for those in the community
who are involved in covered programs or activities
and may work or interact with individuals under
the age of 18.
Definitions
Minor for purposes of this Policy means any person
under the age of 18 who is participating in a NJPAC
sponsored or NJPAC sanctioned program or activity
operating under the authority and direction of the
Center for Arts Education, excluding on-campus
guests or attendees at a public performance.
Authorized Adults for purposes of this Policy
means all individuals, ages 18 and over, paid or
unpaid, who instruct, supervise, chaperone or
otherwise oversee Minors in connection with NJPAC
sponsored or NJPAC sanctioned programs
or activities operating under the authority
and direction of the Center for Arts Education.
This includes, but is not limited to faculty, staff,
students, parents, volunteers, interns, independent
contractors, consultants, alumni, guest artists or
other personnel who will participate in any way in a
NJPAC sponsored program, event, performance or
other organized activity that includes Minors.
10

Working with Minors Policy (Continued)
Prohibited Conduct
The following practices and behaviors are strictly
prohibited under this Policy. This list is not meant
to be exhaustive:
• Engaging in sexual activity or other
inappropriate deliberate physical contact or
horseplay with or in the presence of Minors.
• Communicating electronically with Minors,
except through NJPAC’s email system,or
when absolutely necessary and related
to a particular program or activity in which
the Minor is participating. Sending sexually
explicit photos or messages and “sexting”
is strictly prohibited, as is any form of
communication through social media.
• Engaging in the use of, or providing Minors
with, alcohol, drugs or other illegal substances,
or being under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or other illegal substances, during
Minor programs or activities. This prohibition
includes allowing those substances to be used
by a Minor in the Authorized Adult’s presence.
. • Disciplining Minors in any manner involving
isolation, humiliation or corporal punishment.
Any form of discipline must be constructive
and appropriate, given the age of the Minor
and the circumstances of the situation.
• Engaging in abusive conduct of any kind,
either verbal or physical, toward or in the
presence of Minors. Bullying (including
cyberbullying), hazing and initiations are
strictly forbidden.
• Picking up or dropping off Minors at
the Minors’ homes, except if specifically
authorized in writing by the Minors’ parents
or legal guardians.
• Making sexual materials or pornography in
any form available to Minors or assisting
them in any way in gaining access to
such materials.
• Making inappropriate or risqué comments to
or in the presence of Minors.
• Releasing a Minor’s personal contact
information to third parties without the
written consent of the Minor’s parent or
legal guardian. Even with parental consent,
such information may only be released in
connection with a NJPAC sponsored program
or activity in which the Minor is participating.
• Photographing or making videos of Minors
for other than program-related purposes. For
program-related purposes, photos or videos
may be taken only after the Minor’s parent
or guardian has signed an appropriate waiver
obtained from the Center for Arts Education.
Use of any device capable of recording
or transferring visual images is forbidden
in showers, restrooms, locker rooms, dressing
rooms or other areas where privacy
is expected.
• Retaliating against anyone who, in good
faith, raises a suspicion or allegation of
inappropriate conduct toward a minor.
• Other than immediate family members, minors
participating in NJPAC sponsored programs
or activities may not have personal visitors
on-campus or in the residence hall, except with
the permission of the program director or in
the case of emergencies. All visitors must agree
to abide by NJPAC policies and procedures.
• Policy violations will result in the suspension or
revocation of visiting privileges.
• Giving gifts of any kind to Minors.
11

Working with Minors Policy (Continued)
Using Touch Instruction
Human touch is an essential component of
instruction in dance, drama, and music.
Illustrating a point about breath control, a
woodwind professor presses on a student’s
diaphragm. A dance teacher’s hand on a student’s
body provides invaluable tactile feedback. It is
understood and expected that instructors at NJPAC
may use touch in order to guide their students
toward greater artistry.
The traditions of touch in a given art form may be
less familiar to inexperienced students.
Instructors in our programs will remain mindful
of the students’ needs and expectations. In
teaching minor students, for example, a NJPAC
instructor cannot use touch in the same way that
the instructor experiences it in his or her own
professional training.
Our faculty has been instructed to adhere to the
following basic guidelines to help reduce the
possibility of misunderstanding or discomfort:
1. Limit touch to what is necessary and
appropriate for the instructional point.
2. People experience touch in different
ways depending on factors such as
cultural background, age, gender and
personal experience.
3. It can be helpful to explain at the beginning
of instruction why, when and how you might
touch a student. With minors, parents may
find the information useful.
4. Before using touch, consider giving a verbal
cue about the touch and its purpose: “Let
me adjust your wrist so your hand stays
more horizontal.”
5. Verbal cues can be especially important
before touching sensitive areas, such as
a student’s chest, pelvis, buttocks or
upper thigh.
6. Consider alternatives to touch, such as
demonstration or verbal description.
A description might explain the position
or movement of the body part under
consideration and of adjacent parts.
Metaphor is another useful type
of description.
7. If a student seems uncomfortable or expresses
any concerns about touch, acknowledge the
matter. Immediately cease the contact and
report the situation to the program director or
department head as soon as possible.
Social Media Policy
NJPAC’s overall goal is simple: to actively
participate online in a respectful, relevant way
that protects our reputation, strengthens new
relationships, and follows the letter and spirit of
the law.
The following rules apply when engaging in social
networks while using NJPAC resources, when
referring to or commenting on NJPAC in an official
capacity, or when commenting about NJPAC
business and operations-related material.
• Post meaningful, respectful, true comments:
be transparent, no spam, no remarks that are
offensive, and nothing misleading.
• Use common sense and common courtesy:
Ask permission to publish or report on internal
conversations at NJPAC. Make sure your
efforts to be transparent don’t violate NJPAC’s
privacy, confidentiality, and legal guidelines.
No confidential NJPAC information may be
disclosed online. If you have any doubt as
to whether something is confidential, do not
post it.
• Don’t infringe on copyrighted material,
including photo, video and music files.
12

Social Media Policy (continued)
• Don’t intentionally do anything to harm
NJPAC’s relationships with artists, clients,
vendors, partners, patrons or any other
business relationships the Arts Center
has, including other arts centers and
performing arts venues, management
companies, etc.
• Don’t comment on anything related to
NJPAC’s legal or financial matters.
• Don’t participate in social media when the
topic being discussed may be considered a
crisis or could potentially be detrimental to
NJPAC (i.e. a refund or protest situation).
Even anonymous comments may be traced
back to you or to NJPAC.
• Online activities should not take away from
your productivity while in class.
Sponsored By
Support provided by the McCrane Foundation, care of
Margrit McCrane
Generous annual support for NJPAC Arts Training
programs is provided by:
BD
Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey
The MCJ Amelior Foundation
Merck Foundation
NJ Advance Media
Victoria Foundation
WBGO Jazz 88.3FM
Wells Fargo
and an anonymous donor
women@
• Always pause and think before posting
something. Is it appropriate to post publicly?
Reminder: Any media inquiries (traditional such
as print, radio, TV, or “new,” such as websites,
blogs, and fan pages) must always be referred to
the Public Affairs Department.
Please use these URLs for the official NJPACcontrolled
social networks. We hope you will
“Follow” and “Like” NJPAC if you haven’t already,
and actively participate online.
facebook.com/NJPAC
instagram.com/NJPAC
instagram.com/NJPACArtsEd
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