DCS Frequently Asked Questions
When is the DCS booklet going to be mailed?
The DCS booklet of activities for children and adults is mailed to residents three times a year; early September, early January and late May. Classes and programs usually start a week or two after they arrive in the homes.
I don’t have my DCS booklet anymore. Can you mail me another one?
The booklets are mailed out initially to residents in a bulk mail order to save money. It is costly to mail out booklets individually. The DCS booklet is posted online at http://andoverma.gov/dcs/ throughout the current season.
How can I register for a program?
You can visit the DCS office, 36 Bartlet Street, Andover, MA 01810, 2nd floor, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. There is a convenient white mailbox in front of our building if you find yourself up-town after office hours. You can also mail us a registration form with all of the necessary information or call us at 978-623-8274 with a Visa and/or MasterCard. Anyone with access to a fax machine may fax us the registration along with the credit card information at 978-623-8275.
My child is registered for a DCS program. Do I need a copy of a recent physical in order to attend?
No. However, DCS does require all students under age 11 to fill out an emergency information sheet. Preschool children also need to show a birth certificate. You can find an official copy of the EIS at http://andoverma.gov/dcs/
The weather is bad today. Will the program be held?
DCS runs many programs out of doors. We will try to hold the program if possible, which may require you to drive out to the program. DCS has an information phone line to consult for guidance. We do live in New England and it is difficult to correctly make the right call for classes held hours after the office is closed. We suggest that you call after 2 pm for afternoon classes and after 5 pm for evening classes. The info line number is 978-623-8279.
Pomps Pond has its own procedures. We will pull everyone out of the water if there is a threat of lightning and/or thunder. Lessons may be held in light rain. Please call the pond for cancellation information at 978-749-9423.
Golf lesson cancellations are determined at the range. Please consult the DCS program booklet for the contact phone number.
My child is younger than the age guideline you have listed with the course description. He has experience playing with older neighborhood children. Can my child take the program?
DCS follows the age guild lines posted in the booklet very carefully. There is a certain comfort level when handling large groups of children. The ages and/or grade levels we require usually equate with skills the child has reached physically or socially. We ask that you wait your turn and register when the child meets our requirements.