Simple Gifts Handbook, revised Jan. 2020
Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-Op Hand Book
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
These written guidelines will help everyone understand expectations, prepare us for certain situations in advance, ensure our safety, and help us manage the use of the facilities that the Lord has provided. The Leadership Committee reserves the right to change policies and procedures without notice.
All families should read the guidelines thoroughly before joining Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-Op. Upon understanding how we function and what your responsibilities will be, you can then determine if co-op is a good fit for your family. Your signature on the enrollment form indicates that you and your family have recently read, understand, and will abide by these policies and procedures.
PURPOSE
To use our gifts, talents and abilities, as Christian homeschool families to support and encourage each other in our homeschool journey.
BELIEFS
Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-Op is a Christian organization that embraces Biblical principles, looking to God to lead and guide as our community grows. We do not limit our membership to those who hold to the same beliefs, nor is it our goal to force these beliefs on others, but we want to be open in letting families know the position from which we come.
We require that all participants agree in writing to be respectful of this position in behavior, instruction, speech, and dress while attending Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-Op.
We honor the beliefs of our host facility, Sunset Avenue Baptist Church.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Membership is for families home educating at least one child who will be between 6-19 years old by August 31st at the start of the school year. Nursery and preschool-kindergarten classes are reserved for the younger siblings of school age students.
While every effort will be made for all to participate, class space may be limited by space and worker/student ratio.
Final decisions about membership will be made by the leadership committee based on the best interest of the co-op as a whole.
Members agree that one parent from each family will serve in 2 positions.
Members agree to participate in 3 co-op classes for 2 semesters.
Compulsory-aged children must be enrolled with the North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education. SGHC is neither a substitute for nor alternative to schooling at home.
All members must sign the Statement of Belief Agreement
Alumni parents and graduates may serve as teachers, without compensation, at the discretion of the leadership committee.
STRUCTURE
SGHC encourages families to use their God-given gifts to glorify Jesus Christ through homeschool group activities. Enrolled families manage this organization and contribute to its success, so parent participation is mandatory.
If your child is at co-op, then the parent must be there also. One parent from each family is required to serve in 2 positions.
Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-op meets at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, Rocky Mount NC.
SGHC meets once per week for 30 weeks of the year. First semester classes begin in mid-August and end the week after Thanksgiving. Second semester classes begin the first of January and end in April.
Participation is for the entire year and for both class sessions in order for the co-op to work effectively.
Classes meet on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30-4:00pm
Extra events, field trips, service projects, and family programs, will be scheduled as appropriate.
REGISTRATION
Families who would like to register must attend an information session.
A $25 building fee donation is payable at time of registration. Payment must be in the form of a check or money order made payable to Sunset Avenue Baptist Church. This donation is not refundable.
Returning families are given the month of January to return registration forms and guarantee space in the upcoming year. After Jan. 31st, returning families will be considered on the same criteria as new families.
An opportunity for observation and information will be given in Fall and in February. There will be Open Houses so that new families can fulfill the face-to-face meeting requirement before registration opens.
Registration for new families begins on the fourth Tuesday of February at 12 noon. Forms may be turned in to Simple Gifts leadership at co-op, by mail, or by email. Registrations must include completed forms, signed consents, donation payment, and fulfilled face-to-face meeting requirement to be accepted. Registrations will be time stamped as received.
Priority for new family registration will be given to members of Sunset Avenue Baptist Church. New families will be added in the order registrations are received and as space allows.
Registrations will be accepted through the fourth Friday of February.
After the registration period has closed, families will only be added at the discretion of the leadership committee as space allows.
INSTRUCTION
All children must be in an age-appropriate class. Children/Youth are not permitted to be teachers or helpers in the nursery, preschool, or any other classes.
Classes are divided by birthdate/age as of September 1 of the current school year.
As homeschool parents, we are aware of our children's social and academic abilities and may offer instruction above or below their grade level. However, SGHC is an enhancement, not a replacement, for your academic program. We will base our classes on birthdates, grouping students together by age. Students may not be moved into a class above their age assignment. Leadership will consider requests to move to a lower age group due to learning disabilities. We are unable to provide one-on-one instruction accommodations for students with special needs.
Curriculum and lessons must honor the SGHC Statement of Belief. The following Bible translations are acceptable: KJV, NKJV, NIV, ESV, RSV, NRSV, NLT, NASB, Amplified, Living Bible, HCSB.
Both academic classes and enrichment classes are offered. Classes for children age 6 and up may have some home assignments, but not of a nature to replace basic homeschool curriculum.
Class subjects, curriculum, and teachers will be decided, approved, and publicized by the Leadership Committee.
ATTENDANCE
This is a cooperative, which means we all work as a team. Because of the example we are setting for our children, it is important to be on time and to fulfill our commitments.
By enrolling your children, you are committing to co-op for the entire school year and all the activities and classes during co-op time.
Due to insurance and church requirements, students are not allowed at co-op without a parent or legal guardian present, or a designated parent substitute due to illness or emergency. (Please do not designate a parent substitute due to scheduling conflicts or errands.)
If you must be absent due to illness or emergency, you may designate a parent substitute for children age 6 and up. Contact leadership as soon as possible to let her know about parent substitute arrangements.
In case of an emergency where you must leave church grounds, ask another parent to be directly responsible for your children. Notify your children and someone from leadership or administrator.
As soon as you know that you will be absent, you must secure a substitute for every job you hold at co-op by contacting leadership and your assistants.
Persistent attendance problems will be addressed on an individual basis and membership evaluated accordingly.
FEES
SGHC seeks to help home school families be a good steward of their gifts, including their finances. There are no tuition fees.
Classes may charge a fee for consumable supplies as determined by the instructor and approved by leadership.
A $25 building fee donation is payable at time of registration. Sunset Avenue allows us to use their facility free of charge. We want to show our appreciation with this love donation. You may donate additional funds if desired. Donations are due at time of registration and are not refundable.
Families are required to buy any text books required by the teacher for the chosen curriculum.
Class fees are due at the orientation meeting. They are paid in cash directly to the teacher.
LIABILITY
Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, SGHC their members and administrators assume no liability and make no assumptions of risk for anyone attending any co-op function.
Parents are directly responsible for their children's education and actions. Compensation for injury or damages, deliberate or accidental, shall be borne entirely by the responsible family. Parents must sign an agreement to this effect.
Parents of students attending Co-Op with a teacher who is not their parent must also sign an agreement.
CANCELLATIONS
If Nash-Rocky Mount Schools are closed due to inclement weather, SGHC will be canceled. We will not cancel due to NRMS delays.
If co-op must be canceled for any other last-minute reason, you will receive a text.
Classes will not be cancelled due to teacher absence.
Cancelled classes will not be rescheduled.
Teachers may electronically communicate abbreviated lessons, announcements, and assignments if it is deemed necessary for the integrity of the class curriculum.
COMMUNICATION
SGHC is independent of the church’s operation, so we ask that you do not contact Sunset Avenue Baptist Church regarding any co-op matters. Please direct inquiries to a member of the Leadership Committee or Administrator.
Announcements and Information will be communicated by Email and on the SGHC Facebook Group. Please check the group Facebook page the morning of co-op for last minute announcements.
Texting is our primary method of communication for last minute announcements and reminders. If you do not have access to text, please let us know.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Be on time.
Supervise your children before and after co-op.
Attend opening assembly.
All parents must serve 2 positions during co-op.
Parents and students should wear appropriate modest clothing.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Be respectful
Have a good attitude and participate in all activities.
Use the restroom before or after class so that classes will not be interrupted.
Do not leave the classroom without the teacher’s or assistant's permission.
Help clean up at the end of each class. We strive to leave the church in better condition than when co-op started.
Respect one another as brothers and sisters in Christ and refrain from public displays of affection.
Encourage and support one another. Rough-housing or bullying, even in jest, will not be tolerated.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
A leadership committee of three families will make decisions regarding scheduling, registration, and administration.
At least one person on this team will be a member of the host church, Sunset Avenue Baptist.
The leadership committee is self-perpetuating, meaning the leaders serve until they step down and the existing committee determines the replacement.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Choose curriculum or teaching plan and submit to leadership.
Set supply fee based on needs of class activities ans submit to leadership.
Purchase or borrow their own teaching curriculum. If a co-op license is required, that cost may be split among families in the class.
Be on time. Come early enough to set up your room before assembly.
Start class on time. Do not wait for latecomers.
Print handouts and prepare copies before co-op as we do not have access to the office copier.
Choose teaching methods that honor the Christian statement of beliefs signed by all SGHC members.
Abide by the copyright laws of the chosen curriculum.
Communicate regularly with parents via email, letter, or call. Feedback and explanations about class activities will enable parents to help students prepare for weekly classes.
Provide a substitute plan available for the assistant to use in the event of absences.
Maintain order and focus in the class and avoid side conversations with the assistants
End class on time.
Help clean up at the end of each class. We strive to leave the church in better condition than when co-op started.
Accompany students during transitions to and from assembly, break, and dismissal.
If you have disciplinary issues in your class, please speak to the parent that day and also please inform one of the leadership team.
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to serve families of homeschooled high-schoolers, Simple Gifts seeks to offer classes that are needed on high-school transcripts.
Simple Gifts teachers do not assign a student’s final class grade. Homeschoolers are ultimately taught by the parent, and the parent assigns the final grade based on their school standard.
One way of earning high school credit is to complete at least ¾ of a high-school level text with accompanying tests, assignments, and papers to show that learning has occurred. Therefore, we request that high school teachers choose a reputable high school text or create equivilant materials. Co-op time provides only 30 hours of 120 required hours of instruction, so an appropriate text provides the structure for additional instruction that will take place at home.
ASSISTANT RESPONSIBILITIES
Substitute for the teacher if she is absent using the lesson plans provided by the teacher.
Help the teacher gather supplies, implement lessons and handle discipline.
Participate actively in class and avoid side conversations with the other assistants.
Assist students who need extra help.
Help the teacher keep track of time so students will not be late to their next class.
Help clean up at the end of each class.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILIBTIES
Serve with leadership team as moderator on the Facebook group page.
Prepare, receive, and maintain registration forms.
Record attendance.
Take up any money that must be collected for general supplies. Buy supplies and maintain funds.
NURSERY
The nursery will not be staffed by children or teenagers, even as substitutes.
Parents should label every item belonging to the baby and bring diapers, wipes, and healthy snacks for their child as well as a crib sheet and/or blanket if a crib will be used.
All children in nursery must have a parent or legal guardian at co-op at all times.
If a parent is home with a sick child, she must keep her baby home, although she may still send her children in First Grade and above to co-op with a supervising, registered SGHC parent.
Only the parent or authorized adult substitute or siblings will be allowed to drop off or pick up a child from the nursery.
OPENING ASSEMBLY
Opening assembly meets in the Spanish church sanctuary directly above the old fellowship hall.
Opening assembly is a time of music, prayer, scripture, announcements, and fellowship.
Opening assembly sets the tone for the co-op day and gives families a chance to greet each other. It is vital to the dynamic of the co op and should not missed. Please be punctual and make assembly a priority.
At the end of assembly, students walk with their teacher to their first class. Please have all belongings with you in assembly, ready for class.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are not allowed to use phones and electronic device during co-op. Devices used during co-op may be confiscated by an adult and returned at the end of the day.
Parents and teachers are not allowed to use phones and electronic devices during classes; therefore, mute sound, activate voice mail, and return calls and texts after co-op. If you are expecting a critical call, use vibrate and respond to the call outside of the classroom.
SOLICITATION
Solicitation of products or services during co-op is not allowed. Solicitation includes, but is not limited to: literature distributed individually, product demonstrations and direct sales.
CHURCH PROPERTY
No student is to be in any part of the building without adult supervision (except for permitted bathroom breaks)
No student is permitted in the church sanctuary or office hallway.
No student is permitted outside without parental supervision.
No running anywhere in the building.
No playing in the parking lot.
Sunset Avenue Baptist Church will not be held responsible for injuries sustained on church property.
ILLNESS
If your child has the following symptoms he/she can NOT attend class:
fever in the last 24 hours
vomiting the last 25 hours
diarrhea in the last 24 hours
diagnosed contagious illness that has been on antibiotics less than 24 hours
head lice
Also, please keep your whole family at home if any family members have diagnosed with flu or strep.
ALLERGIES
We are a nut-free co-op.
Notify teachers if your child has any medical conditions or allergies.
When we are alerted to an allergy situation, we will email a general notice for members to be aware.
Parents and children are responsible for monitoring their own allergies and sensitivities.
FOOD
No gum allowed
Water is the only beverage allowed unless part of a class lesson.
Each family may bring their own snack and water bottle to enjoy at break.
Teachers and assistants will supervise break time in their classrooms and make sure rooms are cleaned and swept afterwards
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Because we are all sinners, misunderstandings and personal conflict can occur in any group. Most disputes or differences can be resolved by overlooking the offense and forgiving the person who has offended. We ask that you pray about the issue to decide if it is important enough to require confrontation.
If, after prayer, God gives you the peace to dismiss the issue, then it is over and forgotten and is NOT to be discussed with others.
If, however, after prayer, you feel the offense must be addressed, the offended party must first seek to resolve conflict between the two individuals involved.
If either party is unsatisfied or a resolution cannot be met, they must seek the assistance of the leadership team to mediate. The leadership team will then make the final decision. Offending parties may be dismissed from co-op by leadership.
DISCIPLINE
Every adult is expected to intervene if disruptive behavior is observed.
Parents will be contacted if a disciplinary problem arises and may be asked to remove their child from class. Parents are responsible for their children’s actions and behavior.
Guidelines for handling disruptive behavior in class:
1st Offense – Speak to the student asking him/her to stop the particular behavior and give a warning if it is not stopped.
2nd Offense – Remind the student to stop and seat the student next to an adult. Inform parents of issue after class.
3rd Offense – Remove the student from the class and escort them to their parent.
If a student is excessively rude or aggressive, steps one and two can be skipped. If the student continues to act out during the semester, they will be asked not to return.
SAFETY
A first aid kit is available during co-op.
Parents will receive fire, lock down, and tornado procedure instructions at the first meeting of the school year.
Only registered students and parents are allowed to attend regularly at co-op.
If you need for visiting relatives, friends, children you are babysitting, your children in public or private school or daycare who are out of school, or your graduated children to attend co-op, please check with the leadership committee.
To protect both parents and children, no adult will be alone with a child not his or her own at any time.
Two adults will be assigned to each class to maintain discipline, provide an extra pair of helping hands, and escort children to the bathroom as needed.
The adult must leave the bathroom door propped open when taking a child or children to the bathroom.
The child should toilet him/herself. Adults may assist with outer clothing and hand washing by the open door.
The adult may either assist a potty training child or take the potty training child to the parent, according to the parent's wishes. If you have a potty training child, please advise all nursery staff of your preference in this regard
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
These written guidelines will help everyone understand expectations, prepare us for certain situations in advance, ensure our safety, and help us manage the use of the facilities that the Lord has provided. The Leadership Committee reserves the right to change policies and procedures without notice.
All families should read the guidelines thoroughly before joining Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-Op. Upon understanding how we function and what your responsibilities will be, you can then determine if co-op is a good fit for your family. Your signature on the enrollment form indicates that you and your family have recently read, understand, and will abide by these policies and procedures.
PURPOSE
To use our gifts, talents and abilities, as Christian homeschool families to support and encourage each other in our homeschool journey.
BELIEFS
Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-Op is a Christian organization that embraces Biblical principles, looking to God to lead and guide as our community grows. We do not limit our membership to those who hold to the same beliefs, nor is it our goal to force these beliefs on others, but we want to be open in letting families know the position from which we come.
We require that all participants agree in writing to be respectful of this position in behavior, instruction, speech, and dress while attending Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-Op.
We honor the beliefs of our host facility, Sunset Avenue Baptist Church.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Membership is for families home educating at least one child who will be between 6-19 years old by August 31st at the start of the school year. Nursery and preschool-kindergarten classes are reserved for the younger siblings of school age students.
While every effort will be made for all to participate, class space may be limited by space and worker/student ratio.
Final decisions about membership will be made by the leadership committee based on the best interest of the co-op as a whole.
Members agree that one parent from each family will serve in 2 positions.
Members agree to participate in 3 co-op classes for 2 semesters.
Compulsory-aged children must be enrolled with the North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education. SGHC is neither a substitute for nor alternative to schooling at home.
All members must sign the Statement of Belief Agreement
Alumni parents and graduates may serve as teachers, without compensation, at the discretion of the leadership committee.
STRUCTURE
SGHC encourages families to use their God-given gifts to glorify Jesus Christ through homeschool group activities. Enrolled families manage this organization and contribute to its success, so parent participation is mandatory.
If your child is at co-op, then the parent must be there also. One parent from each family is required to serve in 2 positions.
Simple Gifts Homeschool Co-op meets at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, Rocky Mount NC.
SGHC meets once per week for 30 weeks of the year. First semester classes begin in mid-August and end the week after Thanksgiving. Second semester classes begin the first of January and end in April.
Participation is for the entire year and for both class sessions in order for the co-op to work effectively.
Classes meet on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30-4:00pm
Extra events, field trips, service projects, and family programs, will be scheduled as appropriate.
REGISTRATION
Families who would like to register must attend an information session.
A $25 building fee donation is payable at time of registration. Payment must be in the form of a check or money order made payable to Sunset Avenue Baptist Church. This donation is not refundable.
Returning families are given the month of January to return registration forms and guarantee space in the upcoming year. After Jan. 31st, returning families will be considered on the same criteria as new families.
An opportunity for observation and information will be given in Fall and in February. There will be Open Houses so that new families can fulfill the face-to-face meeting requirement before registration opens.
Registration for new families begins on the fourth Tuesday of February at 12 noon. Forms may be turned in to Simple Gifts leadership at co-op, by mail, or by email. Registrations must include completed forms, signed consents, donation payment, and fulfilled face-to-face meeting requirement to be accepted. Registrations will be time stamped as received.
Priority for new family registration will be given to members of Sunset Avenue Baptist Church. New families will be added in the order registrations are received and as space allows.
Registrations will be accepted through the fourth Friday of February.
After the registration period has closed, families will only be added at the discretion of the leadership committee as space allows.
INSTRUCTION
All children must be in an age-appropriate class. Children/Youth are not permitted to be teachers or helpers in the nursery, preschool, or any other classes.
Classes are divided by birthdate/age as of September 1 of the current school year.
As homeschool parents, we are aware of our children's social and academic abilities and may offer instruction above or below their grade level. However, SGHC is an enhancement, not a replacement, for your academic program. We will base our classes on birthdates, grouping students together by age. Students may not be moved into a class above their age assignment. Leadership will consider requests to move to a lower age group due to learning disabilities. We are unable to provide one-on-one instruction accommodations for students with special needs.
Curriculum and lessons must honor the SGHC Statement of Belief. The following Bible translations are acceptable: KJV, NKJV, NIV, ESV, RSV, NRSV, NLT, NASB, Amplified, Living Bible, HCSB.
Both academic classes and enrichment classes are offered. Classes for children age 6 and up may have some home assignments, but not of a nature to replace basic homeschool curriculum.
Class subjects, curriculum, and teachers will be decided, approved, and publicized by the Leadership Committee.
ATTENDANCE
This is a cooperative, which means we all work as a team. Because of the example we are setting for our children, it is important to be on time and to fulfill our commitments.
By enrolling your children, you are committing to co-op for the entire school year and all the activities and classes during co-op time.
Due to insurance and church requirements, students are not allowed at co-op without a parent or legal guardian present, or a designated parent substitute due to illness or emergency. (Please do not designate a parent substitute due to scheduling conflicts or errands.)
If you must be absent due to illness or emergency, you may designate a parent substitute for children age 6 and up. Contact leadership as soon as possible to let her know about parent substitute arrangements.
In case of an emergency where you must leave church grounds, ask another parent to be directly responsible for your children. Notify your children and someone from leadership or administrator.
As soon as you know that you will be absent, you must secure a substitute for every job you hold at co-op by contacting leadership and your assistants.
Persistent attendance problems will be addressed on an individual basis and membership evaluated accordingly.
FEES
SGHC seeks to help home school families be a good steward of their gifts, including their finances. There are no tuition fees.
Classes may charge a fee for consumable supplies as determined by the instructor and approved by leadership.
A $25 building fee donation is payable at time of registration. Sunset Avenue allows us to use their facility free of charge. We want to show our appreciation with this love donation. You may donate additional funds if desired. Donations are due at time of registration and are not refundable.
Families are required to buy any text books required by the teacher for the chosen curriculum.
Class fees are due at the orientation meeting. They are paid in cash directly to the teacher.
LIABILITY
Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, SGHC their members and administrators assume no liability and make no assumptions of risk for anyone attending any co-op function.
Parents are directly responsible for their children's education and actions. Compensation for injury or damages, deliberate or accidental, shall be borne entirely by the responsible family. Parents must sign an agreement to this effect.
Parents of students attending Co-Op with a teacher who is not their parent must also sign an agreement.
CANCELLATIONS
If Nash-Rocky Mount Schools are closed due to inclement weather, SGHC will be canceled. We will not cancel due to NRMS delays.
If co-op must be canceled for any other last-minute reason, you will receive a text.
Classes will not be cancelled due to teacher absence.
Cancelled classes will not be rescheduled.
Teachers may electronically communicate abbreviated lessons, announcements, and assignments if it is deemed necessary for the integrity of the class curriculum.
COMMUNICATION
SGHC is independent of the church’s operation, so we ask that you do not contact Sunset Avenue Baptist Church regarding any co-op matters. Please direct inquiries to a member of the Leadership Committee or Administrator.
Announcements and Information will be communicated by Email and on the SGHC Facebook Group. Please check the group Facebook page the morning of co-op for last minute announcements.
Texting is our primary method of communication for last minute announcements and reminders. If you do not have access to text, please let us know.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Be on time.
Supervise your children before and after co-op.
Attend opening assembly.
All parents must serve 2 positions during co-op.
Parents and students should wear appropriate modest clothing.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Be respectful
Have a good attitude and participate in all activities.
Use the restroom before or after class so that classes will not be interrupted.
Do not leave the classroom without the teacher’s or assistant's permission.
Help clean up at the end of each class. We strive to leave the church in better condition than when co-op started.
Respect one another as brothers and sisters in Christ and refrain from public displays of affection.
Encourage and support one another. Rough-housing or bullying, even in jest, will not be tolerated.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
A leadership committee of three families will make decisions regarding scheduling, registration, and administration.
At least one person on this team will be a member of the host church, Sunset Avenue Baptist.
The leadership committee is self-perpetuating, meaning the leaders serve until they step down and the existing committee determines the replacement.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Choose curriculum or teaching plan and submit to leadership.
Set supply fee based on needs of class activities ans submit to leadership.
Purchase or borrow their own teaching curriculum. If a co-op license is required, that cost may be split among families in the class.
Be on time. Come early enough to set up your room before assembly.
Start class on time. Do not wait for latecomers.
Print handouts and prepare copies before co-op as we do not have access to the office copier.
Choose teaching methods that honor the Christian statement of beliefs signed by all SGHC members.
Abide by the copyright laws of the chosen curriculum.
Communicate regularly with parents via email, letter, or call. Feedback and explanations about class activities will enable parents to help students prepare for weekly classes.
Provide a substitute plan available for the assistant to use in the event of absences.
Maintain order and focus in the class and avoid side conversations with the assistants
End class on time.
Help clean up at the end of each class. We strive to leave the church in better condition than when co-op started.
Accompany students during transitions to and from assembly, break, and dismissal.
If you have disciplinary issues in your class, please speak to the parent that day and also please inform one of the leadership team.
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to serve families of homeschooled high-schoolers, Simple Gifts seeks to offer classes that are needed on high-school transcripts.
Simple Gifts teachers do not assign a student’s final class grade. Homeschoolers are ultimately taught by the parent, and the parent assigns the final grade based on their school standard.
One way of earning high school credit is to complete at least ¾ of a high-school level text with accompanying tests, assignments, and papers to show that learning has occurred. Therefore, we request that high school teachers choose a reputable high school text or create equivilant materials. Co-op time provides only 30 hours of 120 required hours of instruction, so an appropriate text provides the structure for additional instruction that will take place at home.
ASSISTANT RESPONSIBILITIES
Substitute for the teacher if she is absent using the lesson plans provided by the teacher.
Help the teacher gather supplies, implement lessons and handle discipline.
Participate actively in class and avoid side conversations with the other assistants.
Assist students who need extra help.
Help the teacher keep track of time so students will not be late to their next class.
Help clean up at the end of each class.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILIBTIES
Serve with leadership team as moderator on the Facebook group page.
Prepare, receive, and maintain registration forms.
Record attendance.
Take up any money that must be collected for general supplies. Buy supplies and maintain funds.
NURSERY
The nursery will not be staffed by children or teenagers, even as substitutes.
Parents should label every item belonging to the baby and bring diapers, wipes, and healthy snacks for their child as well as a crib sheet and/or blanket if a crib will be used.
All children in nursery must have a parent or legal guardian at co-op at all times.
If a parent is home with a sick child, she must keep her baby home, although she may still send her children in First Grade and above to co-op with a supervising, registered SGHC parent.
Only the parent or authorized adult substitute or siblings will be allowed to drop off or pick up a child from the nursery.
OPENING ASSEMBLY
Opening assembly meets in the Spanish church sanctuary directly above the old fellowship hall.
Opening assembly is a time of music, prayer, scripture, announcements, and fellowship.
Opening assembly sets the tone for the co-op day and gives families a chance to greet each other. It is vital to the dynamic of the co op and should not missed. Please be punctual and make assembly a priority.
At the end of assembly, students walk with their teacher to their first class. Please have all belongings with you in assembly, ready for class.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are not allowed to use phones and electronic device during co-op. Devices used during co-op may be confiscated by an adult and returned at the end of the day.
Parents and teachers are not allowed to use phones and electronic devices during classes; therefore, mute sound, activate voice mail, and return calls and texts after co-op. If you are expecting a critical call, use vibrate and respond to the call outside of the classroom.
SOLICITATION
Solicitation of products or services during co-op is not allowed. Solicitation includes, but is not limited to: literature distributed individually, product demonstrations and direct sales.
CHURCH PROPERTY
No student is to be in any part of the building without adult supervision (except for permitted bathroom breaks)
No student is permitted in the church sanctuary or office hallway.
No student is permitted outside without parental supervision.
No running anywhere in the building.
No playing in the parking lot.
Sunset Avenue Baptist Church will not be held responsible for injuries sustained on church property.
ILLNESS
If your child has the following symptoms he/she can NOT attend class:
fever in the last 24 hours
vomiting the last 25 hours
diarrhea in the last 24 hours
diagnosed contagious illness that has been on antibiotics less than 24 hours
head lice
Also, please keep your whole family at home if any family members have diagnosed with flu or strep.
ALLERGIES
We are a nut-free co-op.
Notify teachers if your child has any medical conditions or allergies.
When we are alerted to an allergy situation, we will email a general notice for members to be aware.
Parents and children are responsible for monitoring their own allergies and sensitivities.
FOOD
No gum allowed
Water is the only beverage allowed unless part of a class lesson.
Each family may bring their own snack and water bottle to enjoy at break.
Teachers and assistants will supervise break time in their classrooms and make sure rooms are cleaned and swept afterwards
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Because we are all sinners, misunderstandings and personal conflict can occur in any group. Most disputes or differences can be resolved by overlooking the offense and forgiving the person who has offended. We ask that you pray about the issue to decide if it is important enough to require confrontation.
If, after prayer, God gives you the peace to dismiss the issue, then it is over and forgotten and is NOT to be discussed with others.
If, however, after prayer, you feel the offense must be addressed, the offended party must first seek to resolve conflict between the two individuals involved.
If either party is unsatisfied or a resolution cannot be met, they must seek the assistance of the leadership team to mediate. The leadership team will then make the final decision. Offending parties may be dismissed from co-op by leadership.
DISCIPLINE
Every adult is expected to intervene if disruptive behavior is observed.
Parents will be contacted if a disciplinary problem arises and may be asked to remove their child from class. Parents are responsible for their children’s actions and behavior.
Guidelines for handling disruptive behavior in class:
1st Offense – Speak to the student asking him/her to stop the particular behavior and give a warning if it is not stopped.
2nd Offense – Remind the student to stop and seat the student next to an adult. Inform parents of issue after class.
3rd Offense – Remove the student from the class and escort them to their parent.
If a student is excessively rude or aggressive, steps one and two can be skipped. If the student continues to act out during the semester, they will be asked not to return.
SAFETY
A first aid kit is available during co-op.
Parents will receive fire, lock down, and tornado procedure instructions at the first meeting of the school year.
Only registered students and parents are allowed to attend regularly at co-op.
If you need for visiting relatives, friends, children you are babysitting, your children in public or private school or daycare who are out of school, or your graduated children to attend co-op, please check with the leadership committee.
To protect both parents and children, no adult will be alone with a child not his or her own at any time.
Two adults will be assigned to each class to maintain discipline, provide an extra pair of helping hands, and escort children to the bathroom as needed.
The adult must leave the bathroom door propped open when taking a child or children to the bathroom.
The child should toilet him/herself. Adults may assist with outer clothing and hand washing by the open door.
The adult may either assist a potty training child or take the potty training child to the parent, according to the parent's wishes. If you have a potty training child, please advise all nursery staff of your preference in this regard