SHARED LEARNING GUIDELINES
(Revised
July 2007)
Purpose:
The purpose of Shared Learning is to provide a location where homeschooling families can meet and offer support, socialization, and educational enrichment by sharing family resources and experiences, working together to enhance home education, and providing opportunities for students to make friends and create lasting relationships.
Statement of Faith:
We believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God and constitutes His completed and final revelation to man. The Bible, in its original text, is without error, including theological concepts and geographical and historical details. We believe that God has existed from all eternity in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ was God come in the flesh being fully God and fully man, except without sin. We believe all men are in violation of God’s righteous requirements and His holy being both by nature and act, and therefore are under His wrath and condemnation. We believe the main purpose of the coming of Jesus Christ was to pay the penalty for man‘s sin through His sacrificial death on the cross and His visible, bodily resurrection. We believe that salvation is a gift offered freely to the sinner. This gift must be responded to by/through an individual faith; not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, but in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone.
By signing the Shared Learning Guidelines Agreement form, members are not signifying an acceptance in the belief of the Statement of Faith, but are acknowledging an awareness of these fundamental beliefs accepted by the majority of the members, and realize that Shared Learning group activities might be enhanced by these beliefs.
Parent
Involvement:
For a successful program, parent participation and contribution is required either in teaching a class, assisting two classes, or performing another volunteer duty during each Shared Learning session. Everyone has a job, everyone helps out, and everyone has fun! Failure to perform volunteer duties will result in member’s loss of “Good Standing” status. Parents of students enrolled in the Shared Learning program should prayerfully consider opportunities to share in teaching, assisting, and providing support to the group as able. Realizing that family situations such as the birth of a child, family illness, and other life challenges create a need to balance priorities in the amount of service, parents in these ‘seasons of life’ may be given preference in volunteering for light-duty service.
Standards of Conduct:
It is important for all parents to also understand the following preliminary conduct requirements.
The basis for our Standard of Conduct is Galatians 5:19-21. Some additional specific direction is offered within this code; however, all behavior whether specifically addressed or not, will be judged by Galatians 5:19-21. Behaviors during all Shared Learning activities that are inconsistent with Biblical teaching, expressly the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21, will be grounds for denial or termination of participation. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.””
Specific Rules of Conduct:
1. Everyone must show respect to the Shared Learning facility and personal property. Damage caused to the Shared Learning facility or personal property may require restitution.
2. Everyone must submit in a prompt and respectful manner to instruction and discipline from the adults placed in authority over them.
3. Before leaving a classroom, everyone must gather their belongings and ensure that the classroom is left in a neat and tidy condition.
4. Speech and communications must be edifying and kind. Profanity, suggestive talk, rude comments, “smart talk”, or mean-spirited teasing will not be permitted.
5. Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. This includes arguing, bullying, fighting, roughhousing, pushing, kicking, etc.
6. Interactions between students while at Shared Learning are to be conducted within the boundaries of chaste Christian conduct.
7. Students are not to bring snacks, toys, noisemakers, or other distracting objects to class with them unless the Class Teacher specifically requests them to do so.
Dress Code for Students,
Parents, and Volunteers:
All persons enrolled in the Shared Learning program should strive to represent our Lord Jesus Christ in their dress as well as their behavior. The dress code is intended to promote an atmosphere that honors the Lord, and is not distracting to others. If there is any question on appropriateness of clothing, it should not be worn at Shared Learning. T-shirts with offensive or inappropriate imprinting, tank tops, halters, muscle shirts, crop tops, see-through shirts, or off-the-shoulder shirts will not be allowed. Shorts, dresses, and skirts should not be more than five inches above the middle of the knee. Midriffs, undergarments, and tattoos should not be visible. Distracting or excessive jewelry or personal adornment, such as body piercing and extreme hair colors will not be acceptable. To determine what apparel is distracting or excessive, a committee from the Shared Learning Panel may be consulted.
Class Teachers/Class
Assistants:
Class Teachers must be enrolled in Shared Learning for a minimum of one semester before teaching a class. Class Teachers are required to sign a Teachers Guideline form in which they pledge to uphold the standards of the statement of faith and to encourage and expect students to observe the agreed upon Guidelines. Class Teachers and Class Assistants should model exemplary behavior and speech, refraining from the use of slang. Class supplies purchased by the Class Teacher may be reimbursed if a class fee was indicated on the schedule and collected during enrollment. In order to be reimbursed for class expenses, an original receipt must be submitted to the LAH Treasurer, which should include the Class Title, Class Teacher, and total expenditures. Reimbursements will not exceed the total amount of class fees collected from enrollment. It is the responsibility of the Class Teacher and the Class Assistant to make sure the class is properly supervised at all times. All Class Teachers and Class Assistants must contact each other if unable to attend a class session. They must also notify the Substitute Assistant Coordinator. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a $25.00 fine. This is to be paid before the next Shared Learning session in order to continue participation in Shared Learning.
Class
Enrollment:
Class enrollment will be offered on a first-come basis. After the enrollment deadline date, some classes may no longer be available for enrollment. At the beginning of each school year, families enrolled in Shared Learning must sign and submit a Shared Learning Guidelines Agreement form and a Waiver of Liability form before attending the first class session.
Fees:
Shared Learning strives to keep fees to a minimum. The family fee for Shared Learning enrollment will be established each semester. This fee covers the expense of building rent, photocopies, administrative office supplies, etc. Some classes will require parents to purchase supplies. Supplies requested by the Class Teacher will be listed on the class schedule and family enrollment receipt. Classes may also have a fee to cover the expense of supplies purchased by the Class Teacher. All fees must be paid at the time of enrollment.
Class
Times:
The Shared Learning facility will open at 12:30 pm. No entrance is allowed before this time. Classes begin at 1:00 pm; each class lasts one hour, unless otherwise indicated on the class schedule. Shared Learning classes end at 4:00 pm. Everyone is to leave the building promptly, allowing for the clean up crew to do their job.
Discipline
Policy:
It is the Shared Learning group’s intent to maintain consistent disciplinary standards. Therefore, every family is advised to read this policy carefully to avoid any misunderstanding or undesired results. Parents, please do not assume that your child will never warrant correction and neglect to thoroughly review this policy with your child. Every child should have a very clear understanding of the group’s standards and the policies that are in place. Students should always conduct themselves with dignity and respect toward their Class Teacher, Class Assistant, classmates, and the Shared Learning facility. If a student is reprimanded for a behavioral problem in the classroom and he/she refuses to immediately correct the behavior or displays obvious disregard for the policies set forth in this Guideline, that student will be withdrawn from the classroom and the Panel will review the conduct of the student with his/her parent. Behavioral problems include continual whispering, lack of attentiveness or participation, distracting activity, deliberately disrupting the class, aggressive behavior toward another student, use of profanity, etc. If the Panel assigns restitution or apology, this action must be completed before the student is permitted to return to classes. Repeated occurrences will result in the student not being allowed to participate in Shared Learning activities. It is imperative that students understand this procedure thoroughly and its consequences. It should also be understood that some behaviors could result in immediate expulsion.
Off-Campus
Classes:
Off-campus classes are a privilege for students in grades 4-12 who demonstrate a mature attitude and ability to follow rules. It is the responsibility of parents to provide transportation and make sure students understand the facility rules. There is zero-tolerance for misbehavior during classes. Students who exhibit poor behavior according to the Shared Learning Guidelines and have been referred to the Panel or have been removed from an off-campus class will be required to follow the discipline section of the Guidelines.
Class
Changes:
To transfer from one Shared Learning class to another, students must complete a Class Transfer form, obtaining approval from both Class Teachers and the Enrollment Coordinator. All class transfers are subject to availability of vacancies. No refunds will be given for the class the student is leaving. If there is a fee for the class the student is entering, it must be paid before the student attends the class.
Other
Policies:
1. Parents should make sure children bring appropriate classroom supplies, as specified by the Class Teacher.
2. All Shared Learning volunteers must initial a sign-in sheet upon arrival to verify attendance.
3. If a child cannot participate in a certain Shared Learning activity, their parent should advise the Class Teacher beforehand.
4. Parents with children attending in 3rd grade or younger are not permitted to leave the facility. A sign-out sheet is available for parents with children attending in grades 4th –12th; an adult who has agreed to take responsibility of the children must be listed on the sign-out sheet.
5. Students are not permitted to bring guests with them to Shared Learning. Students who are not enrolled in Shared Learning will be asked to leave the facility.
6. During the hours of Shared Learning, students must be attending a class, performing a Shared Learning volunteer position that has been pre-approved by the Panel, or under the direct supervision of their parent.
Good Standing
Status:
Members in “Good Standing” will be permitted to re-enroll in the Shared Learning program. To retain “Good Standing” status at Shared Learning, members must have:
1. Performed their volunteer duties as agreed; followed procedure in case of absence.
2. Paid all fees for previous Shared Learning semester.
3. Shown evidence of complying with the Shared Learning Guidelines.
Officers:
The Shared Learning Panel, consisting of at least five members of parents of enrolled children, will coordinate the selection of a building, selection and scheduling of classes, budget planning, coordinating volunteers, and enrollment of families. The Panel will be self-perpetuating, seeking to add no more than two new Panel members annually. The existing Shared Learning Panel will nominate and select new Panel members. A quorum shall consist of a minimum of three of the five Panel members. The Panel may establish committees from enrolled families to assist in duties. Any major change to the Shared Learning program will be submitted in ballot for approval of members.
Liability:
The Shared Learning Panel, members, volunteers, and students in Shared Learning are not responsible in whole or in part for any accidents to attendees, or for damage done to the premises by other students. Each parent assumes responsibility for themselves and their children in the event of any personal injury or for damage to the facility, premises, or contents. An Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability, and Hold Harmless Agreement form is required from each parent in order to participate in Shared Learning activities.
Facility:
Shared Learning’s goal is to leave the facility in as good or in better condition than it was before we attended. This includes cleaning up, putting room back in its original arrangement, and if something is damaged, fixing or replacing it as needed.
Cancellations:
In case of inclement weather, parents should check their email for a cancellation announcement. Parents may also be notified about temporary location changes or cancellations by a Shared Learning Panel member utilizing the Shared Learning Phone Tree.
Missed
Classes:
Refunds will not be given for missed classes or schedule conflicts.
Illness:
Please do not bring your child to Shared Learning if they are potentially contagious. Children should not attend if they have experienced any of the following symptoms within 24 hours: fever, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, chronic cough, discolored nasal drainage, or other contagious conditions. This is a matter of courtesy and respect for the well being of others.
Photocopies:
Photocopies for Shared Learning class activities are available at the UPS Store located at 721 S. Jefferson Avenue in Lebanon. Class Teachers should ask the store clerk for the Shared Learning button before making copies and record the Class Teacher’s name, class title, and number of copies remaining on the Shared Learning button. Quantities greater than 50 photocopies must have prior approval from the LAH Treasurer.
Lost and
Found:
Items left at Shared Learning will be placed in the Lost and Found box. Everyone should be diligent to gather all belongings before leaving each class. Items unclaimed after the last session of each semester will be disposed.
*The Shared Learning Guidelines may be updated and changed by the Panel as needed.