Chinmaya Mission® Washington Regional Center
Rules of Conduct for Children
1. The Bala Vihar Program at Kailas Niwas, Chinmaya Mission, 46 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20905, starts promptly. Children are requested to be punctual, seated, and ready for Hanuman Chalisa followed by Arati well before the start time.
2. Rewards will be given once a year for excellent attendance, behavior, and punctuality based on weekly records kept by respective teachers.
3. Respect for self is respect for others. Children should be attentive and respectful in class and raise their hands and wait their turn before speaking.
4. Absence from class for any reason must be notified to the respective teacher before the class. In case of sickness or an emergency, please notify as soon as possible. All teachers’ phone numbers and email addresses are listed in this notebook under “Teaching Staff.”
5. Children should come prepared with their Bala Vihar notebook, books, pencil, and box of crayons or colored pens (for younger children).
6. Children are expected to maintain good manners and discipline at all times. Running in the building is not allowed. Disturbing any of the books or materials in the classroom is not permitted.
7. Gum chewing, drinks, or food are not allowed in the classrooms.
Boys: Kurta Pajama or full pants with kurta. No hats, jeans, or shorts.
Girls: Salwar Kameez or long skirt with blouse. Wear a bindi.
(Children or youth who are attending some other activity after Bala Vihar may bring a change of clothes with them.)
1. With the grace of Bhagavan and Sri Gurudev, Bala Vihar instills in children an appreciation of the play of the Divine in our lives. Children will learn how Hindus have worshipped over the ages to become confident and fulfilled in life. The rich cultural heritage of India, including its teachings on moral values, is taught to children and youth at different levels, using the medium of stories, drama, arts and crafts, and discussion. The volunteer parent-teachers are trained and dedicated to teach India’s rich spiritual heritage to our next generation.
2. At least one parent (if not both) must attend the concurrent Adult Class on Bhagavad Gita while the children’s classes are in session. This is very important.
3. Each child must be registered in order to attend the Bala Vihar program. Please send the Registration Form by June to: Chinmaya Mission/ Attn. Registration/ 46 Norwood Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20905. Fees are $30 per month/couple plus $15/month/child or $540/year for one child, and $720/year for two or more children. (Please note that fees are spread over a 12-month period for automatic deduction purposes.) Fee includes adult and children’s classes, BV Notebooks, and classroom supplies. Financial aid is available.
4. To ensure the quality of teaching, our class size is limited. Registrations received after the June deadline will be admitted on a first-come first-served basis. Additional requests for admission will be placed on a waiting list for the coming year. However, if a child currently attending the program shows a pattern of absenteeism, it will be necessary to let another child from the waiting list take his/her place, and the former child will then be placed on the waiting list for the following year.
5. Once or twice a year the teachers will hold a parent/teacher conference during Common Time. The teachers will update parents as to the class progress and topics covered. This will hopefully facilitate more parental involvement with the child’s learning. Outside of the conference, in general parents are NOT permitted in class unless pre-arranged with the Teacher as well as the Bala Vihar Coordinator/Director. NON-Parents are NOT permitted in class under any circumstances. Our children learn best in interacting with other children and the teachers. BV Coordinators/Director routinely attend classes to evaluate curriculum.
6. Please bring your children regularly and on time to all Bala Vihar classes and ensure that they are not absent from class for reasons other than sickness or an infrequent trip out of town. This is necessary for continuity of the learning process, as well as out of courtesy for the teacher whose weekly lessons necessitate much time and planning.
7. Please notify the respective teacher before the class if your child is going to be absent for either of the above reasons. In case of sudden illness or emergency, please notify the teacher as soon as possible.
8. All children should be well rested and have a nourishing breakfast before attending Bala Vihar. This makes learning easier.
9. Please make sure children come prepared with their Bala Vihar notebook, My Prayers book, any other books in their syllabus, pencil, and crayons (for younger children) or colored pens.
10. During Mission programs other than Bala Vihar (monthly Bhajan-nights, etc.), parents are responsible for their children’s behavior. Please help them respect the sanctity of Chinmayam by maintaining quiet during these programs, not allowing them to run in the building, keeping trash in trashcans, putting games away, etc.
11. Please try to help children at home with the practice and memorizing of Stotrams and Prayers they are learning in class. (Audio tapes are available in the Bookstore for most prayers, if needed.)
12. Feel free to discuss your child’s progress or needs, or any concerns or questions you may have, with the teacher or Bala Vihar Coordinator whenever you wish. We value parental involvement and input.
13. Each classroom needs at least two parent-volunteers for helping to organize occasional field trips, socials, or other special activities. Please let the classroom teacher know if you would like to volunteer.
14. Dress-Code for Bala Vihar: please see the preceding page. We also encourage parents to dress as an example. In winter we recommend children wear sweaters and socks.
15. Chinmaya Mission will use an e-mail group to convey information about schedule changes, other programs, or snow dates. Please inform us if your e-mail address changes.
Wishing all a Fruitful and Blessed Year!
Thank You and HARI OM!