Tuesday 09th of March 2010

C.A.C.H.E. Co-ops

PURPOSE: What Is It?

“Co-op Day” is a cooperative effort on the part of C.A.C.H.E. homeschooling families who desire to work together to provide for their children supplemental learning opportunities, which will enrich their education.

GOALS: What Do We Want to Accomplish?

1) To glorify God as we represent both Christ and homeschooling, exhibiting Christ-likeness in our attitudes, actions, and words-- both as we interact with fellow homeschoolers and others we meet in the building.

2) To learn from within a Biblical worldview, growing in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. It is our prayer that all involved will come away with a greater appreciation for our Creator God and His amazing Creation, more fully equipped to serve God in whatever particular calling He has for that individual.

3) To experience Christian fellowship, as through learning and working together we accomplish more, while godly relationships are developed with like-minded homeschooling peers.

EXPECTATIONS: How Will We Go About Accomplishing These Things?

Cooperation, teamwork, and joint ownership are the key concepts necessary for this large co-op to function effectively... along with respectful and honoring words, actions, and attitudes.

FOR STUDENTS:

1) Every adult is to be viewed as a “teacher,” and as such, children are expected to demonstrate respect, obedience, and honor toward ALL adult authorities at all times. Respect for others, and gratitude for this opportunity, must also be demonstrated in our careful use of and care for the building in which we meet.

2) When children fail to comply with what they are asked to do, the following "discipline procedures" should be followed:

A) A clear verbal warning will be issued reminding them that obedience and respect are the standard expectations.

B) If the non-compliant behavior continues, they will be asked to take a “time out” from what the rest of the group is doing—i.e. the privilege of participating should temporarily be taken away. (Or in the case where the problem is an unwillingness to participate in the group’s activity, they can be given a second reminder and then go directly to step C.)

C) If the problem persists; the child will be taken directly to their parent who must then assume responsibility for dealing with the problem.

3) Students are expected to come to class prepared, bringing necessary supplies and having completed any given readings or assignments. If students are unprepared, they may be asked to simply observe silently that day rather than participating in the activities and discussions. If a student comes unprepared more than twice, parents will be notified, and a solution must be jointly worked out between the student, parent, and co-op "teachers".

FOR ADULTS:

4) An adult from each family will be assigned to serve the co-op. He or she is expected to remain in the building at all times-- unless in special circumstances (such as illness), other arrangements have been made and the necessary paperwork completed to designate another adult as the "responsible party" for your child/ren in your absence.

5) Each Co-op must identify one member as the “Team Leader” who will coordinate the planning and teaching, and serve as the contact person for that class. But each adult is expected to be a contributing member of the team, sharing input and ideas, planning and presenting material, being willing to assist however and whenever needed. All members of the team must be willing to work together to make detailed lesson plans for the term and to carry them out.

6) Remembering that Co-op Day is most of all for the children, we as parents, must primarily focus our attention and energy on the children. As tempting as it is to want to stand and chat with other adults, everyone needs to be focused on assisting with maintaining order, meeting individual children’s needs, and carrying out the day’s lesson plans.

[However, we pray there will be desire for further relationship-development and therefore hope you’ll make plans to get together outside of Co-op Day... “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Heb. 10:24-25]

Thanks so much for your willingness to be a part of this cooperative endeavor! We do pray that your participation in Co-op Day will be a great encouragement and blessing to your family and that you’ll determine it was worth the effort! Looking forward to discovering all that God has in store for us together during this coming year,

PARTICIPATING FAMILIES, PLEASE VERIFY THAT THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE:

“I’ve read the Co-op Day purpose, goals, and expectations. I understand them and agree to do my part in helping to make this co-op successful. I have also reviewed the behavioral expectations and discipline procedures with my children so that they clearly understand what is expected of them.”