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Reaching, Encouraging, and Adorning Christian Homeschoolers Foundations of Learning Supporting Family Relationships Progressing in Faith Opportunities for Fellowship Nurturing a Growth Mindset
 

Membership Guidelines & Policies

Before registering for REACH, please prayerfully consider the commitment that you are making. The focus of the co-op is to be a blessing to the homeschooling families in our group, and it takes the faithful commitment of every member to make it possible. Please read all of the Membership Guidelines & Policies before requesting membership. We do realize that it is lengthy, but you need to be aware of all the guidelines in order for the co-op to function smoothly.
 

Membership Requirements and Guidelines

Membership demonstrates a willing heart to serve the group. All members are required to participate in co-op in a responsible manner. The success of our group depends on the cooperation and participation of our members. Our mission is Reaching, Encouraging, and Adorning Christian Homeschoolers. It takes all of us to make REACH run well. 

*Being a member at REACH is both a privilege and a responsibility. Each one of us was given special gifts and talents. Being a member of REACH allows us to share those gifts and talents with other families. 

In order to be a member of REACH, you must agree to the Statement of Faith (updated May 2025).

  1. REACH is open to families that are actively engaged in homeschooling, with at least one child in grades K-12 and that are in compliance with your state’s homeschooling laws. Homeschooling is defined as any schooling that occurs in the “home.” 

  2. A $50.00 non-refundable fee per family is due at the time of registration. Membership for each year must be renewed each August. Renewal cost is $40.00 for returning families. By registering, you commit to REACH from September through May. Once you have made a commitment to REACH, please realize that we are counting on you. Should you change your mind, your family will not be able to reapply for two years. If you leave the co-op at any time, during any session, you will no longer be considered a member, and your privileges will be revoked. Certain conditions for leaving and returning, such as family emergency or extended illness, may be considered on a case by case basis.

  3. Additional fees above and beyond registration may include the facility fee, field trips, special events, and/or class fees for labs, books, supplies, etc. Class fees are due at the time of class registration, unless otherwise noted. Field trip, special event, and other fees are due by a specified due date. Children are not permitted to attend classes until registration, facility fee, and class fees are paid in full. Please see the Director if other financial arrangements are necessary.

  4. Attendance by everyone is critical for success. Please register with the intent to participate from September until May. Please avoid making non-emergency appointments and plans on co-op days. (See attendance policy for more detail.)

  5. Commitment of the entire family is essential for REACH to succeed. Therefore, at least one parent/guardian is required to teach or help in ALL class periods per session and be willing to help with other jobs/tasks as needed, every week from September until May. All members are required to submit at  least one class to teach each session. All students attending REACH must be registered for all class periods.

  6. Each family will be assigned a specified closing clean-up area. It is your family’s responsibility to ensure that this area is as clean or cleaner than we found it. Before leaving each week, you must be sure your area has been checked and approved.

  7. Parents will be contacted if disciplinary problems arise. If there is an issue with a child, teachers are to first speak privately with the child. If issues persist in a classroom setting, contact the Director for assistance. If the issue is during lunch/social time please make the parent aware. If the problem cannot be corrected satisfactorily, notify the Director. 

  8. We strive for no gossip, language, or conversation that is not edifying to God. Do not speak ill of or put down other members or children. Please speak and act in ways that are edifying to God and that promote unity and encouragement among REACH members. “Sowing discord” {Proverbs 16:16-19}, foul, crude, and/or vulgar language will not be tolerated. If you have a complaint or conflict, please address it directly.

  9. Primary communication will be via our official Facebook group. Please check Facebook frequently for news and updates. It is YOUR responsibility to know what is going on. If you choose not to have Facebook or participate in the REACH Facebook group, you will need to find a friend in the group who is willing to share info with you.

  10. All parents are responsible to enforce the Student Responsibility and Expectations Policy. Parental assistance is mandatory and necessary.

  11. The Director of REACH reserves the right to terminate membership of any member when requirements have not been met and/or guidelines are violated.

 

Attendance

Attendance is necessary in order for REACH to run smoothly and be effective. Please take into consideration your commitment to REACH when scheduling non-emergency appointments and trips. When you do not come to co-op, the burden of your responsibilities fall to those who already have their own responsibilities.Teachers rely on all students being present in order to effectively teach their classes. Some classes (ex: debate, drama) are unable to rehearse without everyone present. Other classes (ex: anatomy, art) build off of knowledge shared in prior classes. Success of the student and/or class is severely hindered by absences. A planned absence is not necessarily an excused absence.

  1. Please be sure you arrive ON TIME and report to your classes on time. Arriving on time is very important. We are depending on you. Everyone contributes to REACH, even helpers. If you are running late, please notify the Director immediately via text. Continued lateness will result in a review of your membership and may result in the termination of membership. Arrival time is 10:15am. Everyone must be settled in the sanctuary before 10:30am. We will have a sign in clipboard at the door each morning. We will collect the clipboard promptly at 10:30.

  2. We realize that illness and unforeseen emergencies may arise. If this happens, it is YOUR responsibility to text the Director before co-op to let them know you will not be there. It is the teachers responsibility to provide the required materials to teach the class. If you are responsible for bringing something to REACH including lesson materials, items/food for an event or party, etc. you must make arrangements to get it to us or find someone to bring it on your behalf. We are counting on everyone to do their part. If you need help with this, please contact the Director.

  3. Any absence without prior notice will result in a review of your membership and may result in termination of membership.

  4. Illness and unforeseen emergencies are the only excused absences. After 3 unexcused absences your membership will be reviewed and may result in the termination. If you are unsure about your absence, please speak with the Director. Any combination of three tardies and/or leaving early equals one unexcused absence.

  5. All REACH members 6th grade through adults are required to work at our annual Santa Shop the first Friday in December. This is mandatory for enrollment unless arrangements are made with the Director prior to joining REACH. 

  6. Attendance at all scheduled REACH events (Fridays September-May) is mandatory. This includes class days and special days such as Presentation Day, graduation, etc.

 

Sick Policy

  • Please DO NOT come to co-op or REACH events if anyone in your household has had the stomach bug in the last 72 hours or anyone in your household has had any of the following symptoms in the last 24 hours. 

    • Fever

    • Diarrhea

    • Vomiting

    • Body rash with other symptoms

    • Sore throat with other symptoms

    • Severe coughing

    • Eye discharge

  • If you or your child is on antibiotics, please be sure you’ve been on them for at least 48 hours before returning to co-op.

  • If you or your child come to co-op with any of these symptoms, you will be asked to leave. If someone in your household is sick, please do not bring the rest of the crew. If your child develops any of these symptoms during co-op, you will be notified immediately.

  • We understand that allergies exist. If you know your child's symptoms are allergy related, they are welcome to attend.

  • When in doubt, please apply the “Golden Rule.” Remember, what was brought in last week will return 4 fold next week.

  • If you have questions about whether or not your family should attend, contact the Director.

 

Expectations for Teachers

Teaching at REACH allows each of us to share our unique gifts and talents with other families. All REACH members are required to submit a class idea to potentially teach each semester and classes are chosen based on the needs for each grade level. In order to ensure that classes operate as smoothly as possible it is important that teachers adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • Teachers must ensure that the content they teach aligns with the REACH Statement of Faith.

  • Promptness for class is extremely important. Being late is generally avoidable with good planning. If there is a reason that you have an issue getting to class on time you must let the Director know so that a solution can be reached.

  • Be prepared for class. This includes being prepared with materials and lessons, but also being prepared for any extra time that may be left at the end of class (all kids must stay in the classroom until class is over). 

  • Please factor any necessary clean up into class time. When class ends, the classroom should be clean and ready for the next class to enter.

  • Be mindful of conversations with helpers or other adults. Little ears are always listening!

  • A general substitute lesson plan for your class, including necessary materials, must be submitted before the first week of class in case of a last minute unplanned absence or emergency.

  • If you know ahead of time that you are going to be absent, please let the Director know as early as possible and communicate with your class helper and provide them with a lesson plan and materials to cover for you.

  • It is your responsibility to communicate with your class helper to let them know what you need them to do to help the class succeed.

  • Cell phone use during class should be avoided unless it is specifically for class or there is a specific, unavoidable reason that you need to check messages or take a call. 

  • The REACH Director reserves the right to review any class at any time, including topics that will be covered, curriculum/lesson plans, and materials used.

 

Expectations for Class Helpers

  • It is expected that you interact with the class and help the teacher with whatever is needed.

  • In elementary classes and younger if a student has to leave the classroom for any reason including using the restroom, it is your responsibility to escort them.

  • If the teacher is absent, you are the substitute teacher. It is the teacher’s responsibility to provide you with a lesson plan and materials unless you agree to handle it on their behalf. In the case of a last minute unplanned absence or emergency the Director will provide you with a lesson from the sub plan file.

  • Be mindful of conversations with other adults. Little ears are always listening!

  • Cell phone use during class should be avoided unless it is specifically for class or there is a specific, unavoidable reason that you need to check messages or take a call. 

 

Student Responsibility and Expectations

(Parents please review these and go over them with your children prior to the first day of co-op.)

  1. Show courtesy, thoughtfulness, and respect to all teachers/parents, other students, and host church staff, as well as the building and premises.

  2. Be willing to accept guidance and correction from adults and/or teens in charge of classes and activities.

  3. Remain within designated boundaries of the host church. You may NOT use areas or equipment of the church/premises that we have not been invited to use.

  4. Do not gossip or participate in conversations that are not edifying to God. Do not speak ill of or put down others.

  5. No foul, abusive, or coarse language. No crude or cruel joking around. No bullying. 

  6. Running rough-housing, horseplay, climbing on/being disrespectful to church property, biting, kicking, slapping, and/or pushing is not permitted, even if it is done in a joking manner.

  7. Do everything without complaining and arguing (Philippians 2:14).

  8. Participation in classes is mandatory. Please come to class on time, be respectful to the teacher and other students, participate graciously, listen to your teacher, and complete assignments.

  9. No cell phones, electronic games or personal music devices are allowed in/during class unless given permission by the teacher.

  10. No food or drink anywhere but the Fellowship Hall unless it is water with a lid.

  11. No pets, except service dogs are permitted.

  12. No weapons of any kind, real or fake, (guns, knives, etc.) or illegal drugs or alcohol are permitted.

  13. Students need to be in their assigned classrooms. Students are not to wander hallways, sanctuary, or outside without supervision. 

 

Conflict Resolution

We do realize that with so many different personalities, conflicts and misunderstandings may arise due to poor communication or different expectations. We must agree as a whole on how to deal with these situations before they arise.

Please first pray about any conflicts/differences that arise. Most conflicts can be resolved by overlooking and forgiving the person who offended you. If God gives you peace over the issue, please move on and do not discuss it with others.

After you have prayed, if you still feel the conflict/difference must be addressed, please use Matthew 18:15-20 as a standard for your resolution.

Matthew 18:15-20 states, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Take the problem first to the person you feel has offended you. If you cannot reach a satisfactory resolution, please ask for the assistance from the Director to mediate.

 

Dress Code Policy

We ask that parents and students alike dress appropriately for the occasion. REACH does not want to institute a specific dress code. We do, however, want parents and students to be aware of how they look before they arrive at co-op or our events. Students are to dress appropriately for the classes they are attending. (Example: Tennis shoes must be worn for gym class.)

 

Multimedia/Photo Policy

1. Members of REACH may use various media to record our classes and events and to recognize families and their participation and accomplishments, such as yearbook, graduation, performances, field trips, etc.

2. By becoming a member of REACH, you are granting us permission to use your image/likeness and voice as well as your child(ren)’s image/likeness and voice in different forms of print, digital or electronic media. This includes, but is not limited to, public display of flyers, special events, advertisement, internet (including website and social media) or print.

3. We cannot be held responsible for what other co-op members may do with their own photos/videos that they have captured.

 

Class Cancellations/Inclement Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather or if it is necessary to cancel classes for any other reasons, we will post in our Facebook group no later than 8:30am Friday morning.

 

 

The policies set forth in the REACH Membership Guidelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Director. The Membership Guidelines and Policies are put together for the benefit and safety of our members, member children, co-op, and host church. In regard to policies, actions, and attitudes during co-op and any special REACH events, please remember Colossians 3:17:

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 

 

By accepting membership, you agree to the above terms and conditions.

 

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