Our Mission

Through the sharing of our members’ gifts and talents we strive to provide academic support and enrichment to home school families, which would enhance a parent’s effort to educate their children, by offering quality classes in a Christian environment.

Our Statement of Faith

We believe the following basic Christian truths:

1. The Bible is divinely inspired and the authoritative Word of God.
2. There is one God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe existing in three persons: God-the-Father, Jesus-the-Son, and the Holy Spirit.
3. Lord Jesus Christ being fully God became fully man, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, was raised bodily, and is at God’s right hand and will personally come again.
4. All people have sinned and are guilty before God.
5. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, out of His love to save us from our sins.
6. All those who believe and receive Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as their Savior are forgiven by God and have eternal life.
7. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ and works in all people to bring them to faith and obedience and dwells in believers equipping and empowering them for lives of holiness and faithful service.
8. The Church is the Body of Christ, consisting of all believers and fulfills Christ’s’ mission, making disciples of all nations and bringing glory to God.

Since our classes are academic in nature, and since we have members from many different Christian denominations, we ask that there be no class-time doctrinal discussions outside of these basics.

Structure

FAITH meets one day each week, for 31 weeks, late in August through the first week in May. We meet Mondays, from 9:00am-3:00pm. The fall semester is 15 weeks and the spring semester is 16 weeks. We do not meet on major holidays and we take an extended Christmas break.

Leadership

FAITH is led by two Head Coordinators and governed by a Board of Directors. All of whom are Co-op parents committed to prayer and to the Lord’s leading for the co-op. They are also actively participating in a local church body. In addition, there are age group department coordinators who serve on the Leadership Committee and prayerfully lead each department.

Continuity and Quality

Membership in FAITH is a yearlong commitment. For the sake of continuity and quality of our program for all members we ask that you commit to participate in both semesters of the co-op year and attend the mandatory parent meeting in June.

This mandatory meeting will update you on important information as both a parent and a teacher. They incorporate department workshops to enhance your current skills and expand your talents and continuous improvement. We know you want the best for your children and we appreciate your commitment to the group to give in this way.

Spiritual Focus

We believe that the best way to start the day is with prayer. Please be sure to lead your students in prayer at the beginning of your 1st period class. We also ask you to lead the students in the Pledge of Allegiance to our country’s flag, as Christians living in one nation under God.

Treasury

FAITH is a non-profit organization. Membership fees consist of a registration fee and a building use/maintenance fee. Your building use/maintenance fee goes to the host church, for insurance, storage, etc. Your registration fee goes into the general fund to pay for teacher reimbursements, your handbook, mailbox materials, nametags, directory, etc. Some other expenditures include having a first aid kit on hand, walkie-talkies, web page, vacuum cleaner, co-op curriculum and other supplies you can view in the co-op closet. Class fees are collected to cover class supplies that will exceed the general $20 class allowance.

We have made every effort to provide a quality program at a low cost. This is made possible by the invaluable parental service of each family, as together we pool our resources for the benefit of the group.

Communication

Our primary means of communication for FAITH is through our newsletter and e-mail. There is also a family “mailbox”/file folder at co-op that will be found near the administration table. Please check your file before leaving on Monday. Mailboxes will be used for co-op information only, so you will not be receiving lots of information that may not apply to your family.

If you know of any information or announcement that would be of interest to the majority of our families, talk to one of the Head Coordinators about how to best distribute the information.

Nametags

Each member of FAITH will be issued a nametag. All members will be expected to wear it in a visible location near the neckline for security reasons. There is a $1.00 replacement fee for lost name tags.

Membership Responsibilities

Application Procedure

Each family must complete an application each year. Each year the family will need to sign the statement of faith, co-op agreement, parental consent form and waiver of liability. In addition, all new applicants must attend an introductory meeting to complete their application. Applications will be reviewed for acceptance into FAITH. A non-refundable registration fee is due with your application. Should it be determined the FAITH not be the right fit for your family, then your registration fee will be returned. At the time you are accepted into the co-op, your registration check will be cashed and is non-refundable.

Returning families will be able to apply for the following year beginning in February and on March 15 we will open enrollment to new families. Returning families can not be guaranteed a spot for their family after March 15.

Joining FAITH is acknowledging a willingness to follow the co-op’s policies. You will be required to sign that you are aware of the policies, dress code, statement of faith and responsibilities and that you agree to follow and enforce them.

Enrollment

Only children in your family will be enrolled at FAITH. If you have a situation that needs special attention please contact a department or head coordinator. Your request will be handled on a case-by-case basis as space allows. Placement of students will be based on their age as of September 1st, academic grade level and social maturity.

Teaching Commitment

Our primary focus is to provide academic and enrichment classes for our children. We do our best to offer a well-rounded selection of classes that meet the largest percentage of the students’ needs. Please let us now what talents, skills or areas of expertise you can share.

There are several grade/age levels you can choose to teach in, as well as choosing a subject and teaching that one subject at several grade/age levels. We ask that you serve in either the am session or the pm session each semester. Our goal is to not have to ask you to serve any on-call or clean up time during your morning or afternoon off.

We ask that everyone be careful about cleaning up after yourself or your classroom and we will not need clean up assignments.

Planning and Teaching Guidelines

Please remember our primary focus is the students. Your coordinator will work with you to plan interesting and age-appropriate classes for your students.

Early preparation is essential for a quality program. You will need to give your coordinator your syllabus by the first week of co-op. This syllabus needs to include the work you are sending home for the students to do as well as your in class plans. There needs to be enough detail for a substitute to be able to teach if needed.

• Please come prepared.
• You must bring your copies, no copier is available. We will reimburse up to $0.06 per copy. We do not reimburse for copies made on your copier at home.
• Please pray for, encourage and praise your students.
• You are responsible for the students in your class. Please take attendance and keep it with your class in case of emergency.
• Please follow our discipline policies. Deal with problems early.
• If illness or emergency prevents you from teaching, you must find a substitute and notify your Coordinator.

Reimbursements

You may spend up to $20 per semester, per class, on copies and supplies. Any class costing over $20 should charge a class fee to cover expenses. You can request and turn in reimbursement forms to your Coordinator. Before money is spent over the $20 limit approval is required from a Head Coordinator and Business Coordinator.

Grades

Each student from 3rd grade and up will receive a grade from the co-op classes they are enrolled. At the beginning of each class you should give a breakdown of what is required in the grading for the class you are teaching. See examples below. Parents still have the ultimate authority in what grade they give their child. A percentage grade should be given so the parent may assign the corresponding letter grade.

Example 1		Example 2
Test	70%	Participation	50%
Quizzes	10%	Homework	50%
Homework	10%		100%
Participation	10%
	100%

Member Conduct and Policies

As a co-op, all families must work together. Each family must have at least 1 parent/guardian filling an assigned job. Most classes will be taught by parents who have children participating in the co-op. All parents and teachers are responsible to enforce co-op rules and expectations.

Each teaching parent will work either an A.M. or P.M. session each semester. A.M. sessions are from 8:45 am – 12:00 pm and P.M. sessions are from 12:30pm and 3:15pm.

All registration fees must be paid and registration paperwork completed before registering your child(ren) for classes.

All teachers must sign the statement of faith.

All teachers and students (8 years old and older) must sign our member conduct and policies agreement.

A family’s commitment is for one school year.

We do not employ teachers. From time to time we may allow/ask a teacher to teach a specific class that our parents cannot teach. That teacher will be allowed to charge a monthly fee to students. Families will pay the teacher directly, not through the co-op. However, the co-op does maintain supervisory authority. Tuition for specific teacher-paid classes must be paid on time. Tuition is due on the first co-op day of the month and will be considered late after the 2nd Monday of the month. A $5 late fee may be assessed by the teacher. If after the 3rd Monday of the month the tuition is still not paid the student will not be able to return to that class. If you have special situation you must discuss it with the teacher. Please register your students in their classes with the intention to participate for the entire class.

Registration, tuition and fees for all classes are non-refundable.

Parents assume full responsibility for their children at all time while at co-op or on any co-op sanctioned field trip.

Parents and guests are required to follow the dress code.

Sick or contagious family members may not attend co-op.

Please remain in the designated co-op areas of the church.

If property is damaged (accidentally or intentional) by your child or your guest, you are responsible for paying for its repair or replacement.

No electronic equipment allowed at co-op. Students, please turn off cell phones.

Clean up after yourself.

Dress Code

Clothing should be modest.

Underclothing should not be visible.

Skirts should be knee length.

Shorts should be no shorter than where your fingertips touch your legs when standing straight.

No hats in the church building (okay outside or on field trips).

No clothing with inappropriate pictures, slogans or advertising.

Co-op reserves the right to modify the dress code at any time. Due to so much variety in clothing styles, the co-op head coordinators reserve the right to make final determination of what dress is considered appropriate.

Student Responsibilities

Treat teachers, parents, other students and our host facility/staff courteously and with respect at all times.

Remain in designated co-op areas.

Do not run or talk loudly while in the co-op building.

Eating and drinking is not permitted in class, unless scheduled by a teacher; eating and drinking is only allowed during the lunch period in the designated area; it is your responsibility to clean up after yourself or your family.

When in study hall, please work quietly. You must bring work or a book

No bikes, skateboards or roller blades allowed on church property.

No weapons (real or play) or illegal drugs will be permitted on the premises or on any co-op sanctioned event.

No foul language, bullying or teasing.

No physical display of affection or physical aggression.

Disciplinary Methods

Forms of discipline may include disciplinary notes, work assignments, probation, suspension or dismissal.

Disciplinary notes will serve as reminders to parents and students of a policy that is not being followed or of school work that is not being completed. Teachers, department coordinators and head coordinators may give disciplinary notes.

Work assignments are to be completed exactly as requested within a specified time period. Work assignments may be given by a teacher, department coordinator, or head coordinator.

Probation may involve loss of privileges and exclusions from co-op activities or the use of the facility. Probation may only be levied by a head coordinator.

Suspension is a removal from the co-op with an option to reapply after a specified time. Suspension may only be levied by a head coordinator.

Dismissal is the last resort and means of permanent removal from the program. A dismissed individual may not be present at any facilities or at any functions related to this co-op without written permission from a head coordinator. Dismissal is only administered by the Board of Directors.

An individual may appeal a disciplinary action to co-op’s Board of Directions. An appeal must be made in writing within seven days after a discipline has been enforced.

Fees

Building Use/ Maintenance Fee	$75 per semester/per family (1st semester payment is due with application; 2nd semester payment is due by October 1)
Registration Fee	$15 for 1st child ($15) $13 for 2nd child ($28) $11 for 3rd child ($39) $ 9 for 4th child ($48) $ 7 for 5th child ($55) $ 5 for 6th child ($60) $ 3 for every additional child ($63 and up)