FAITH HOMETEAM
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
2019-2020
Revised - August 2019
Our Vision
To be a help and a blessing to homeschooling Families in our community.
HOMETEAM COOPERATIVE LOCATION -- Dixie Baptist Church, 8585 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston, MI 48348
PURPOSE -- Classes are offered not to replace your child’s curriculum, but to enhance your child’s learning environment. Parents work together to provide these opportunities in a friendly, safe, Christian environment.
OUR BELIEFS:
About The Scriptures
We believe the entire Bible, including both the Old and the New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
About God
We believe that there is one and only one, living and true God. He is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth. God has revealed Himself as a Trinity in unity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are three Persons and yet one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6)
About Jesus
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. He is Himself very God. He took upon Himself our nature. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, Mary. He died upon the cross as a substitute for the sin of the world. He arose from the dead in the body in which He was crucified. He ascended into heaven in that body glorified. He stands with us as our High Priest in heaven. He will come again personally and visibly to set up His Kingdom and to judge the living and the dead. (Colossians 1:15; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 11:15-17; 20:4-6, 11-15)
About Salvation
Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin. In that sense, he is lost. This is true of all men. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ who bore our sins in His own body on the cross. He gave His life in exchange for each of ours. By trying to outweigh our sin with good works, we reject the free gift of salvation. Trust in Christ’s perfect work is the only solution. (Romans 3:10, 23; John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)
About The Church
The Church is a gathering of believers baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body. Its mission is to reach the world with the gospel of Christ, gather with the saints and grow in the Word. (Matthew 28: 19-20; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4). The Church will handle issues of discipline and peacemaking using Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5.
About The Family
We believe that marriage is a union between Man and Woman. It is understood for all members that scriptural marriage is between one man and one woman as God designed and ordered (Gen.2; 1Cor. 7). All other marriage definitions are outside Biblical boundaries.
CO-OPERATIVE POLICY — Hometeam is a co-op that depends on every family doing their part to make it a success. Active parent participation in the classroom is a requirement. Please refrain from non-class related discussion while classes are in session. If a family fails to “show up” for two Hometeam days without calling, we maintain the right to remove them. In these cases, fees will not be returned.
HOMETEAM YEAR -- The fall semester usually begins about the 3rd week of September meeting 6 times. The winter semester usually begins about the 3rd week of January meeting 8 times. Hometeam meets every other Thursday (occasionally weekly classes are offered see the current semester registration form for details).
GOVERNING STRUCTURE --The Hometeam Coordinator is Lora Saul.
BI-WEEKLY SCHEDULE --
12:00 p.m. — Nametags are located on the tables outside the auditorium. All parents and children meet in the auditorium for dismissal to classes. Please be prompt. Please sit with your first hour class. Dismissal takes place by class.
12:10 p.m. — Children are escorted to their first class by the assigned parent helpers.
1:05p.m. — First hour class dismissed, and children are escorted to the second hour.
2:05 p.m. — Second hour class dismissed and children are escorted to their 3rd hour class.
3:05 p.m. — Third hour class dismissed and children are escorted to auditorium for announcements and devotion. SCA students are dismissed directly to their classes. TOTs remain in the nursery area to be picked up by parents.
At the end of the day please pick-up your Tots and then report promptly to the auditorium to retrieve your older child/(ren) promptly at 3:30 p.m. This is important so that all parents can leave promptly.
We all need to work at being out of the building so the staff can finish their work and leave promptly at 4:15.
SNACK AND LUNCH -- The time slot for lunch is 11:30—noon in the Founders Room. You may bring your own lunch. There is no eating or food allowed in the hallways. Some teachers may allow snacks or occasionally provide one, please check with the teacher. Also, be aware of this if your child has allergies.
COORDINATORS -- There will usually be a Coordinator or Floater available. If you have questions, need help, need additional help in a classroom, supplies, copies, or anything else during the hour the coordinator will be able to assist you.
SNOW DAYS -- If Springfield Christian Academy is closed due to weather, then Hometeam is also cancelled. If this happens in the fall, which is unlikely, there will be no make-up date. If this happens in the winter semester, we will have one make-up date at the end of the semester.
CHURCH OFFICE -- Please do not go to the church office unless there is an emergency. Always try to find the Hour Coordinator first.
OTHER CHILDREN ATTENDING -- If extenuating circumstances arise and you need to bring a child that does not normally attend Hometeam with you, please contact the Hometeam Coordinator to discuss if arrangements can be made prior to the Hometeam date.
CELL PHONES -- All parent cell phones must be on vibrate during Hometeam hours. If you MUST take a call please leave the classroom. Please no texting during class times. Let’s be models for our children on being respectful and attentive of the person leading the class.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
All co-op parents are always required to stay on the premises . Parents who pay the drop off fee may leave. We do not allow drop-off for preschool age or younger children. All co-op parents must commit to teaching, co-teaching, or helping in some way during the semester.
Parents are responsible for making sure that their children understand and follow the Behavioral Code found in this manual.
TEACHERS AND PARENT HELPERS -- You are responsible for keeping your classroom clean. If you have a messy project, please be sure that floors and tabletops are protected with drop cloths. At the end of third hour please remove your garbage and place the bag outside of your classroom. Please end your class FIVE to TEN minutes early to have all children help clean up and return the room to its original condition. We must respect the janitorial staff and keep our rooms tidy.
PARENT HELPERS —
FLOATERS -- If you are assigned as a floater for a hour— PLEASE report to the coordinator. The Hour Coordinator will be delegating to each floater duties and responsibilities for that hour. Floaters may be asked to cover a class as a parent helper, make copies and deliver them to a teacher, gather supplies, etc. If your nametag has a class in brackets next to the word floater please check on that class, before coming to the parent area.
POSTING/ADVERTISING POLICY -- As a courtesy of our host church, we will only advertise Church events and activities from our sponsoring church. This includes yahoo posts, flyers, advertising in the teacher’s room.
ABSENCES - If a co-op parent cannot attend Hometeam for any reason, the children must be kept home as well.
Please do not send your children, regardless of their ages, with another hometeam family. If you do, you will be called and asked to pick them up. You may send them with another adult who will replace you in your classes.
ILLNESS – Please, if you or your children are ill, do NOT come to hometeam. We know that this can be a difficult decision to keep the whole family at home when only one child is sick, but please be respectful of the other families in attendance. Please ensure that your child has been fever free and vomit free for 24 hours and does not have any other active signs of illness.
TEACHERS -- You are responsible for making the necessary preparations for someone to take over your class in case you are absent. Please call your co-teacher or helpers to plan arrangements for your replacement. If you are having materials dropped off the day of Hometeam, to be used in your absence, please have them delivered to the school office not where your class meets. Please let the Hometeam Coordinator know what arrangements you have made for your class.
If you will not be at Hometeam email/call/text the Hometeam Coordinator (saulfam3@yahoo.com, 248-535-4345). You can also post on the BAND app if you will be absent. If you are a teacher, please let the Hometeam Coordinator know what arrangements you have made for your class. (See Above)
DRESS CODE
A person’s appearance directly affects his or her sense of well-being, self-confidence and ability to learn. Therefore, appearance in general should be neat and well groomed. The following types or styles are considered inappropriate for girls and boys and are not allowed at Hometeam. If found an infraction of the dress code, you will be asked to go home and change clothing or wear your coat, or a borrowed item that covers you appropriately.
BEHAVIORAL CODE
We believe every child involved in Hometeam has a God given ability to be someone special in this world. Our goal is to provide a safe place for learning and socializing away from worldly influences. We believe that Hometeam should be a place where children can learn not to settle for mediocrity, but to make a difference in this world. The following is a list of expectations of all children attending Hometeam. Please go over these expectations with your children.
While attending Hometeam I will…
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES/DISPUTABLE MATTERS POLICY
We are a parent-led, volunteer, independent co-op with the goal of being a blessing to all families involved in Hometeam. Therefore, we cannot allow controversial issues or disputable matters to be a hindrance to our purpose. Please be very cautious and sensitive in subjects of discussion that you think might be of this nature. Also, if you are in a classroom where you feel a discussion is of this nature or heading in a negative direction, please gently speak up and remind everyone of this policy. This includes but is not limited to the following: denominational differences, political views, and other matters of contention.
GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING CONCERNS OR CONFLICTS WITH FELLOW PARENTS OR CHILDREN
Hometeam follows the Biblical procedure outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, as our guidelines in dealing with all situations of conflict or concerns.
“If another sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If they listen to you, you have regained that one.
But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every work may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
If they refuse to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a heathen.”
Please use these guidelines when handling a situation between parents and with the children. Everyone has the right to know if they or their children have caused a concern or offended someone in some way. They should not have to learn about the offence by being told by others. Please do not discuss the situation with other parents unless you have first spoken directly to the person.
If you have questions about this policy or how to implement it, or Hometeam Coordinator will be happy to counsel you on this.
Please click onthe tab below to print per family and return to Coordinator.
To be a help and a blessing to homeschooling Families in our community.
HOMETEAM COOPERATIVE LOCATION -- Dixie Baptist Church, 8585 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston, MI 48348
PURPOSE -- Classes are offered not to replace your child’s curriculum, but to enhance your child’s learning environment. Parents work together to provide these opportunities in a friendly, safe, Christian environment.
OUR BELIEFS:
About The Scriptures
We believe the entire Bible, including both the Old and the New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
About God
We believe that there is one and only one, living and true God. He is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth. God has revealed Himself as a Trinity in unity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are three Persons and yet one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6)
About Jesus
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. He is Himself very God. He took upon Himself our nature. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, Mary. He died upon the cross as a substitute for the sin of the world. He arose from the dead in the body in which He was crucified. He ascended into heaven in that body glorified. He stands with us as our High Priest in heaven. He will come again personally and visibly to set up His Kingdom and to judge the living and the dead. (Colossians 1:15; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 11:15-17; 20:4-6, 11-15)
About Salvation
Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin. In that sense, he is lost. This is true of all men. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ who bore our sins in His own body on the cross. He gave His life in exchange for each of ours. By trying to outweigh our sin with good works, we reject the free gift of salvation. Trust in Christ’s perfect work is the only solution. (Romans 3:10, 23; John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)
About The Church
The Church is a gathering of believers baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body. Its mission is to reach the world with the gospel of Christ, gather with the saints and grow in the Word. (Matthew 28: 19-20; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4). The Church will handle issues of discipline and peacemaking using Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5.
About The Family
We believe that marriage is a union between Man and Woman. It is understood for all members that scriptural marriage is between one man and one woman as God designed and ordered (Gen.2; 1Cor. 7). All other marriage definitions are outside Biblical boundaries.
CO-OPERATIVE POLICY — Hometeam is a co-op that depends on every family doing their part to make it a success. Active parent participation in the classroom is a requirement. Please refrain from non-class related discussion while classes are in session. If a family fails to “show up” for two Hometeam days without calling, we maintain the right to remove them. In these cases, fees will not be returned.
HOMETEAM YEAR -- The fall semester usually begins about the 3rd week of September meeting 6 times. The winter semester usually begins about the 3rd week of January meeting 8 times. Hometeam meets every other Thursday (occasionally weekly classes are offered see the current semester registration form for details).
GOVERNING STRUCTURE --The Hometeam Coordinator is Lora Saul.
BI-WEEKLY SCHEDULE --
12:00 p.m. — Nametags are located on the tables outside the auditorium. All parents and children meet in the auditorium for dismissal to classes. Please be prompt. Please sit with your first hour class. Dismissal takes place by class.
12:10 p.m. — Children are escorted to their first class by the assigned parent helpers.
1:05p.m. — First hour class dismissed, and children are escorted to the second hour.
2:05 p.m. — Second hour class dismissed and children are escorted to their 3rd hour class.
3:05 p.m. — Third hour class dismissed and children are escorted to auditorium for announcements and devotion. SCA students are dismissed directly to their classes. TOTs remain in the nursery area to be picked up by parents.
At the end of the day please pick-up your Tots and then report promptly to the auditorium to retrieve your older child/(ren) promptly at 3:30 p.m. This is important so that all parents can leave promptly.
We all need to work at being out of the building so the staff can finish their work and leave promptly at 4:15.
SNACK AND LUNCH -- The time slot for lunch is 11:30—noon in the Founders Room. You may bring your own lunch. There is no eating or food allowed in the hallways. Some teachers may allow snacks or occasionally provide one, please check with the teacher. Also, be aware of this if your child has allergies.
COORDINATORS -- There will usually be a Coordinator or Floater available. If you have questions, need help, need additional help in a classroom, supplies, copies, or anything else during the hour the coordinator will be able to assist you.
SNOW DAYS -- If Springfield Christian Academy is closed due to weather, then Hometeam is also cancelled. If this happens in the fall, which is unlikely, there will be no make-up date. If this happens in the winter semester, we will have one make-up date at the end of the semester.
CHURCH OFFICE -- Please do not go to the church office unless there is an emergency. Always try to find the Hour Coordinator first.
OTHER CHILDREN ATTENDING -- If extenuating circumstances arise and you need to bring a child that does not normally attend Hometeam with you, please contact the Hometeam Coordinator to discuss if arrangements can be made prior to the Hometeam date.
CELL PHONES -- All parent cell phones must be on vibrate during Hometeam hours. If you MUST take a call please leave the classroom. Please no texting during class times. Let’s be models for our children on being respectful and attentive of the person leading the class.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
All co-op parents are always required to stay on the premises . Parents who pay the drop off fee may leave. We do not allow drop-off for preschool age or younger children. All co-op parents must commit to teaching, co-teaching, or helping in some way during the semester.
Parents are responsible for making sure that their children understand and follow the Behavioral Code found in this manual.
TEACHERS AND PARENT HELPERS -- You are responsible for keeping your classroom clean. If you have a messy project, please be sure that floors and tabletops are protected with drop cloths. At the end of third hour please remove your garbage and place the bag outside of your classroom. Please end your class FIVE to TEN minutes early to have all children help clean up and return the room to its original condition. We must respect the janitorial staff and keep our rooms tidy.
PARENT HELPERS —
- Please do not assume that the teacher does not need you if there are several helpers in the classroom — ALWAYS REPORT to your assigned classroom at the beginning of the class. If you need to take care of a personal issue please check-in with the teacher first. If you see something that needs to be done — do it.
- Please help the class teacher to keep the classroom clean.
- Please do not allow any child to leave the classroom unsupervised. A parent helper should escort them to the restroom and back to class.
- If you are helping in a class that includes your own child, please be sure to help all the children, not just your own.
- Assist the teacher in gathering need supplies from the supply cabinet or Hometeam closet.
- Wiping down tables as necessary.
- Making sure chairs are pushed in before class is over.
- Make sure a full trash can is emptied and new bag is placed in bin, after third hour. Full trash bags should be left outside of the classroom door to be picked up and disposed of in the dumpster.
- Encouraging children to help in the clean-up process.
- Encourage children to be respectful while the teacher or other children are contributing to class time.
- Helping children with crafts, projects, etc...
- Finally, please remember, socializing should be done in the break room and not in the classroom. If we want our children to focus on the teacher, we must teach by example. Please do not carry on private conversations in the classroom while the teacher is speaking to the children.
- Also please do not use ANY electronic devices in the classroom. If you MUST make a phone call or text, please do so outside of the classroom.
FLOATERS -- If you are assigned as a floater for a hour— PLEASE report to the coordinator. The Hour Coordinator will be delegating to each floater duties and responsibilities for that hour. Floaters may be asked to cover a class as a parent helper, make copies and deliver them to a teacher, gather supplies, etc. If your nametag has a class in brackets next to the word floater please check on that class, before coming to the parent area.
POSTING/ADVERTISING POLICY -- As a courtesy of our host church, we will only advertise Church events and activities from our sponsoring church. This includes yahoo posts, flyers, advertising in the teacher’s room.
ABSENCES - If a co-op parent cannot attend Hometeam for any reason, the children must be kept home as well.
Please do not send your children, regardless of their ages, with another hometeam family. If you do, you will be called and asked to pick them up. You may send them with another adult who will replace you in your classes.
ILLNESS – Please, if you or your children are ill, do NOT come to hometeam. We know that this can be a difficult decision to keep the whole family at home when only one child is sick, but please be respectful of the other families in attendance. Please ensure that your child has been fever free and vomit free for 24 hours and does not have any other active signs of illness.
TEACHERS -- You are responsible for making the necessary preparations for someone to take over your class in case you are absent. Please call your co-teacher or helpers to plan arrangements for your replacement. If you are having materials dropped off the day of Hometeam, to be used in your absence, please have them delivered to the school office not where your class meets. Please let the Hometeam Coordinator know what arrangements you have made for your class.
If you will not be at Hometeam email/call/text the Hometeam Coordinator (saulfam3@yahoo.com, 248-535-4345). You can also post on the BAND app if you will be absent. If you are a teacher, please let the Hometeam Coordinator know what arrangements you have made for your class. (See Above)
DRESS CODE
A person’s appearance directly affects his or her sense of well-being, self-confidence and ability to learn. Therefore, appearance in general should be neat and well groomed. The following types or styles are considered inappropriate for girls and boys and are not allowed at Hometeam. If found an infraction of the dress code, you will be asked to go home and change clothing or wear your coat, or a borrowed item that covers you appropriately.
- NO Bare shoulder shirts — including spaghetti straps, tube tops, tank tops or muscle shirts, (Sleeveless shirts are acceptable) – exception would be a dance/gym class that requires such clothing.
- NO Bare midriff or see through clothing.
- NO Mid-thigh or shorter skirts
- NO Bicycle shorts or short-shorts (NO shorter than fingertip length).
- NO Body piercing (except in the ears)
- NO Clothing styles that show underwear or give the appearance of underwear
- NO Excessively baggy clothing (especially if underwear shows)
- NO Clothes with indecent pictures or writing or inappropriate music bands
- NO Pajamas, pajama pants, loungewear or other sleepwear including leggings and yoga pants.
- NO leggings and yoga pants.
- You may wear leggings under a dress in the winter.
BEHAVIORAL CODE
We believe every child involved in Hometeam has a God given ability to be someone special in this world. Our goal is to provide a safe place for learning and socializing away from worldly influences. We believe that Hometeam should be a place where children can learn not to settle for mediocrity, but to make a difference in this world. The following is a list of expectations of all children attending Hometeam. Please go over these expectations with your children.
While attending Hometeam I will…
- Wear my nametag in a visible place at all times. (on your pants is not acceptable.)
- Show respect for teachers and assistants by not only listening with ears, but also with eyes. I will refrain from talking with other students while the teacher is talking and save conversation for a time while working on a project or when socializing is appropriate.
- Show respect for my fellow students by listening and not talking while they make presentations.
- Help to make Hometeam a place where everyone knows that they will be welcomed and not made fun of for being different.
- Come to class on time and prepared with the supplies needed for the class.
- Leave electronic equipment such as cell phones, iPods, tablets and iPads, etc. at home or in my backpack and turned off while at Hometeam.
- Always demonstrate respect for others and these rules not only with my actions but also by displaying a positive attitude.
- I will stay in the areas designated for Hometeam use, and I will not wander the building.
CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES/DISPUTABLE MATTERS POLICY
We are a parent-led, volunteer, independent co-op with the goal of being a blessing to all families involved in Hometeam. Therefore, we cannot allow controversial issues or disputable matters to be a hindrance to our purpose. Please be very cautious and sensitive in subjects of discussion that you think might be of this nature. Also, if you are in a classroom where you feel a discussion is of this nature or heading in a negative direction, please gently speak up and remind everyone of this policy. This includes but is not limited to the following: denominational differences, political views, and other matters of contention.
GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING CONCERNS OR CONFLICTS WITH FELLOW PARENTS OR CHILDREN
Hometeam follows the Biblical procedure outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, as our guidelines in dealing with all situations of conflict or concerns.
“If another sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If they listen to you, you have regained that one.
But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every work may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
If they refuse to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a heathen.”
Please use these guidelines when handling a situation between parents and with the children. Everyone has the right to know if they or their children have caused a concern or offended someone in some way. They should not have to learn about the offence by being told by others. Please do not discuss the situation with other parents unless you have first spoken directly to the person.
If you have questions about this policy or how to implement it, or Hometeam Coordinator will be happy to counsel you on this.
Please click onthe tab below to print per family and return to Coordinator.