Handbook

The Learning Tree Homeschool Group

 

Handbook For Members

The Learning Tree Homeschool Group depends on the active involvement of our member families to ensure program delivery. This Handbook is a guide to help our member families understand these expectations and to ensure each family meets the expectations of a member in good standing.

About Us

The Learning Tree Homeschool Group provides homeschooling families with Christian-viewpoint based enrichment and supplemental classes in a group setting. Classes and activities are organized by homeschooling parents for their children. Each session we actively seek input from member families regarding the types of classes desired, and work with our members to identify teachers of good character to serve as instructors. The Board is responsible for organizing the overall class schedule, managing parent and youth volunteers, and finding active parents to take the lead on our many social, educational, and community-oriented activities.

Our Host Church

The Learning Tree Homeschool Group meets at Reynoldsburg Church of the Nazarene, but we are completely autonomous from the church. The church assumes no liability regarding the Learning Tree Homeschool Group or its activities. The church graciously allows us to use their facilities, but is not involved in our classes nor provides supervision of any kind.

Out of respect for our host church, each time we use their building, property, or grounds, we endeavor to leave it in better condition than we found it. Members must stay within church grounds to avoid trespassing onto neighbor properties. Approved areas outside include the grassy area between the brown doors and the glass doors, and the open, visible grassy area on the opposite side of the parking lot. All members are responsible to help by cleaning up after themselves and respecting all church property. The Learning Tree group has access to the church building and grounds from 8 am until 3 pm each Thursday. Any times or days requested outside of this range need advance permission with the church, via communication with the board's Church Liaison. 

Please do not call the church or send correspondence to the church regarding The Learning Tree Homeschool Group.

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Learning Tree Statement of Principles

1. To provide support and encouragement for homeschooling families by offering group classroom experiences, particularly in areas where subject expertise, expensive supplies, or a group setting is preferable.

2. To provide experiences and a community that will help to prepare students to bring the light of Christ into a secular world, through the cultivation of knowledge, love of God, and love of neighbor.

3. To foster a community of support, respect, kindness, encouragement, and spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. To encourage and support God-honoring relationships within our community. We affirm that since God created marriage to mirror the love of Christ and His Church, and that it was ordained to be between one man and one woman in a lifelong relationship, therefore sexual relationships before or outside of that marriage relationship are not in accordance with God’s plan. We believe that God created male and female with distinct characterizations which should be honored and upheld.

5. To provide information, materials, and a community in accordance with a Biblical worldview that will support and supplement, but not replace, the training and education that God authorizes parents to provide for their children. 

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MEMBERSHIP

Membership Requirements

In order to qualify for membership in The Learning Tree Homeschool Group:

1. You must be an actively homeschooling family with at least one child being homeschooled.

2. You must pay your Session Membership Dues prior to class registration week.

3. Membership exceptions are granted for some select course teachers, as they are often sought out for their experience. However, the teachers we seek are supportive of the purpose of the co-op and to the philosophy of the primary role of parents in home education.

4. If your child is not of homeschool age, as space permits you may participate in our pre-k programs if you are actively considering homeschooling your child.

5. You must agree to abide by our Statement of Principles as outlined above. 

Maintaining Membership

1. Each family must have at least one child enrolled and attending Learning Tree Group while in session, except as noted in #3 above.

2. Members should commit to attending at least seven of the ten weeks each session. Membership may be revoked if absences exceed three per session. Exceptions may be granted for extenuating health or emergency circumstances.

3. Members must agree to respect and abide by the group Statement of Principles. While understanding that some participating members or students might not personally affirm these beliefs, the Biblical Worldview will be respected and upheld at all group activities and gatherings by students, parents, and teachers, regardless of personal belief.

4. Members who do not attend two consecutive sessions will be removed from the Facebook group for privacy reasons. They will be removed following registration at the start of the second session of absence. Members who do not return for three sessions must attend a new member meeting in order to qualify for membership consideration.

Membership Communication

The primary form of communication between members and the Learning Tree Homeschool Group is email. Members should expect to check email regularly during the session and close to registration dates for important updates. Questions and concerns for the Learning Tree board should be directed to the Learning Tree email address, and not to individual board members via private emails, private messages, or texts. 

Please be aware the Board Members are readily available on weekdays, with the following exceptions: Co-op business may not be addressed during weekends, holidays, or vacation time. Additionally, responsiveness will be limited during class breaks, with express attention given only one month before and one month after each session. Exceptions to this are at the discretion of the individual Board Member. 

Additional information is available on the website, on the Learning Tree member (closed) Facebook group, and via the weekly newsletter updates. Make sure Learning Tree emails and Homeschool Life emails are not going to spam or junk mail folders.

Membership Registration Priority

Class registration priority is given in the following order:

1. Board Members and Committee Chairs

2. Teachers

3. Returning Member Families

4. New Member Families

Class registration is based on the student's age as noted in your family profile, not by grade grouping. Students who meet the minimum age requirements have priority in ALL classes, with the exception of a teacher's own child as noted in #4 below. Class registration for students follows an "Age on First Day of Classes" policy. This policy is enforced as follows:”

1. All classes are established with a preferred age range and grade range.

2. Age/grade ranges follow common age/grade practices for public schools in the US (e.g. a freshman in high school is 14 turning 15, a Kindergartner must be 5 to enroll).

3. The students must meet the minimum age ON or BEFORE the first day of class in order to register for the class.

4. If a teacher wishes to register their own child for a class they are teaching, contact the Learning Tree Board via email in the week before registration and the child will be added manually on the admin side. This includes their child who may fall outside of the class age requirement.  

Enrolling a student who does not meet the minimum or maximum age requirement:

1. AFTER registration for the session closes, within a day or two, verify there is still space in the class you wish to enroll by viewing the class description online.

2. Contact the Board with your request.

3. The Board will contact the teacher, and then notify you if your request can be accommodated.

4. If your child has a birthday that falls AFTER class registration week but BEFORE the class session begins (i.e., the child will be the correct age by the first day of the session) notify the Board via email prior to class registration week, and we will make the age adjustment temporarily.

 

EXPECTATIONS

Expectations of Families

1. Families must read and agree to abide by the policies in this handbook.

2. No refunds should be expected for dropped classes after registration week closes.

3. Parent volunteers are essential to the success of the group. Volunteers help with setting up and cleaning up, assist in the classrooms, staff the nursery, and monitor the doors, halls, and study room. Each family is expected to provide volunteer hours during the semester. See the Volunteer Policy section for more details.

4. All families are also expected to sign up for and participate on one committee. Committee sign ups will take place during class registration. You will find the committees listed on the registration grid. To obtain more information concerning specific committee duties, or to seek advice regarding special circumstances or in finding a committee that fits your family’s needs, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator. 

5. If you have a child with food or other allergies that they could encounter in a class, parents must notify their child’s teachers of the allergy, the reaction, and what to do if a reaction occurs. You MUST communicate allergies to the teacher personally.

6. Parents are expected to have supervision over their children while they are not in class, including during lunch time. Children are not to go outside unattended but must arrive and leave with his or her parent or guardian, or an adult designated by the parent. As an exception, with parent approval and knowledge, teens (16 and up) may be in groups of 3 or more without parents outside the building in public areas during an unscheduled hour or during lunch. If a student (10 and up) has an unscheduled hour, and their parent is teaching or volunteering, they may sit in a designated area in the gathering room, monitored by a designated adult.

7. Members may not register children for classes who are not direct family under their family membership. The member must be the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Members who babysit non-family children during the co-op day must keep the child with them and under their direct supervision at all times.

8. We request that families be supportive of the purpose of The Learning Tree Homeschool Group and contribute to its success, by encouraging students to be prepared for their enrichment classes, to be prompt for class (students and parent volunteers), to be respectful of the church facility and staff, and to provide sincere feedback or suggestions as needed.

9. Members should endeavor to follow the Biblical model of conflict resolution for offenses with other members, as described in the Biblical Conflict Resolution section below.

10. Because all people are created with value and worth beyond measure, members will endeavor to treat each student in a respectful way that honors their Creator. (Matthew 7:12) Members should use discernment when discussing student behaviors. Concerns should be taken directly to the parent of the student. 

11. We also ask for your prayers as Board members and teachers earnestly seek to follow God's direction for our group.

Expectations of Students

1. We are blessed with the use of Reynoldsburg Church of the Nazarene’s facilities and need to be aware that church affairs are being conducted during class time. Therefore, please proceed quietly in the halls and use only the Gathering Room entrance to the church. Students must treat the building/facility, all church property and grounds, and the church staff, with utmost respect.

2. Students are expected to be in areas designated for Learning Tree Homeschool Group use at all times. Outside, these areas include the grassy area between the brown doors and the glass doors, and the open, visible grassy area on the opposite side of the parking lot.  Students who do not have a class to attend are encouraged to be in the Gathering Room or other public spaces as approved by their parent. Students who are witnessed in off limit areas including, but not limited to, the side of the church that faces Crest Road, behind the church, or behind the shed are subject to the discipline policy below. 

3. Students are expected to be on time, prepared, and present for their entire class out of respect for the teachers and other students. Late arrival disrupts the class and is unfair to everyone involved. Habitual tardiness or leaving class early may result in dismissal from the class. Students are to wait in the hallway if they arrive early for class. They should not enter the classroom if the previous class has not been vacated, and should not enter the classroom more than 5 minutes before the start of their own class. 

4. No use of electronics is permitted in the classrooms unless approved by the teacher for a specific class activity. Hand-held games or entertainment devices are to be turned off and put away.

5. All students are to be respectful and cooperative to teachers, parent volunteers, and other students, treating others as they wish to be treated.

6. Students are expected to dress modestly and in accordance with the church environment, out of respect for other students and our host church.

7. Public displays of affection during co-op are not permitted.

8. Students should endeavor to follow the Biblical model of conflict resolution for offenses with other students or adults, as described in the Biblical Conflict Resolution section below.

9. Any behaviors or conversations that contradict the Statement of Principles of the Learning Tree Homeschool Group are not permitted. Such conversations may be subject to the discipline policy below.  (1 Timothy 4:12) 

Expectations of Teachers

1. All teachers committing to teach one or more classes agree to arrive in time, and to begin and to end their classes on time. Classes are 55 minutes long and end 5 minutes prior to the next class.

2. Teachers are expected to thoroughly prepare for their classes and have a weekly outline available for member families to review upon request. The church copier or other supplies are not available for use by members of The Learning Tree Homeschool Group.

3. Teachers who experience a family emergency or sudden illness are expected to contact a Board Member as soon as possible and provide lesson plans for the class.

4. If you are planning to serve food/treats in your class, you must inform parents in the class description prior to registration, and then again during the session prior to serving food. This will allow parents to choose whether or not to risk the potential allergen exposure or provide a snack for their child that would be safe. 

5. Teachers agree to support our Statement of Principles and endeavor to meet these goals through their classes, including respecting the beliefs of: a literal Biblical account of the creation, the fall of man, humanity’s redemption through Jesus Christ’s atoning death and resurrection for salvation, and the Biblical view of marriage. Teachers might not personally hold all the same views, but they must agree to respect and not contradict or disparage those beliefs in their classes, to students, or to member families. If a curriculum desired to be used promotes views contrary to our Statement of Principles, teachers agree to leave out the content not in accordance with those beliefs.

6. Because all people are created with value and worth beyond measure, teachers will endeavor to treat each student in a respectful way that honors their Creator. (Matthew 7:12) Teachers should use discernment when discussing student behaviors. Behaviors of concern discussed between teachers and their classroom volunteer, teachers and the respective student’s parent, or teachers and Board Members should be discussed privately and away from public areas. No such discussions are to take place in classrooms in which any additional student is present. 

7. Teachers must have two adults (teacher & volunteer) present in their classroom during class time. If a teacher’s volunteer needs to take a young student to the bathroom because a hall monitor is not available, leaving only one adult present in the classroom, the classroom door must be left open at all times. Bathroom breaks for students should be discouraged during class time.

 

CONFLICT AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Biblical Conflict Resolution

As a Christian community, we uphold Biblical principles for resolving conflict:

“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.” Matthew 18:15

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:19

“A person’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”  Proverbs 19:11

If there is an offense, then the Biblical model applies.

1. We ask that you first try to overlook an offense if you are able. 

2. Should the offense be too significant to overlook, please go directly to your brother or sister. Your heart should be to win your brother or sister and make amends. (Matthew 5:23-24)

3. If your relationship was not restored after following the above, either member can then reach out to the Conflict Resolution Committee Lead to act as a mediator. You must complete a form located on the website to initiate the mediation process.

In following Step 2 above, please follow the guidance below based on your situation:

Child-child conflict:

• Parents may encourage their child to seek relationship restoration with the other child directly, if appropriate

• Otherwise, parent of the offended child will seek reconciliation with the other parent alone or with both children and parents together

Adult member-child conflict:

• Adult member and the student's parent meet together to seek reconciliation 

Adult member-adult member conflict:

• Adult members meet together to seek relationship restoration

Adult member-teacher:

• Adult member and teacher meet together to seek reconciliation

Gossip 

Gossip and unkind words do not resolve conflict in a Biblical way but instead cause division. If, instead of following the Biblical pattern of conflict resolution represented by the scriptures above, a member family instead sows discord among members, it may result in a denial of membership renewal in future sessions, pending a meeting with the Board to discuss the concerns. 

Biblical conflict resolution is intended to point us to true repentance and unity, and follows our group’s Statement of Principles item #3: “To foster a community of support, respect, kindness, encouragement, and spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Discipline and Dismissal Procedure

** It is important to clarify that all offenses will be included in this policy. The disciplinary actions are not applied to three of each kind of offense. **

Student Behavior Outside the Classroom

If an adult speaks to a student regarding their conduct and the student responds respectfully and corrects the problem, no further action will be taken.

If an adult speaks to a student regarding their conduct outside of the classroom and the student argues/responds disrespectfully, does not correct the problem, has repeated corrections, or if the offense is considered serious by the observant adult, the following procedure may be implemented:

• 1st incident - The child may be reprimanded by any adult member. Then the parent and board should be notified by the witnessing adult. Only first hand witness accounts may be reported to the Board.

• 2nd incident - The parent may receive a written warning from the Board on behalf of the student, and a formal reprimand placed on file. 

• 3rd incident - The student may be dismissed from the group, and no refunds will be granted for the family member fee or class fees. 

Student Behavior Inside the Classroom

If there is a behavior problem inside of the classroom or the student does not choose to participate in the class, the teacher may institute the discipline policy as listed below:

• 1st incident - The child is removed from the class by the volunteer or teacher and is taken to his/her parent. The child does not return to this class on that day.

• 2nd incident - The child is removed from the class by the volunteer or teacher and is taken to his/her parent. The child does not return to this class on that day.

• 3rd incident - The child is removed from the class by the volunteer or teacher and is taken to his/her parent. The child does not return to this class for the remainder of the session and a refund will not be given for the class.

Adult Behavior

Misconduct warranting disciplinary action, including behavior that violates our Statement of Principles, may trigger the following disciplinary actions:

• 1st incident - The member may receive a verbal or written warning by the Board, and given the opportunity to make amends.

• 2nd incident - The member may receive a written warning, and a formal reprimand placed on file.

• 3rd incident - The member may be dismissed from the group, and no refunds will be granted for the family member fee or class fees. 

Dismissal

Immediate dismissal may occur for serious violations (e.g., physical violence, verbal aggression, vandalism, sexual misconduct). By addressing behaviors that endanger safety promptly and decisively, we can maintain a secure and healthy environment for all members.

 

POLICIES

Volunteer Policy

All families are expected to provide weekly volunteer hours. Families will select those during registration. Every effort will be made to accommodate each family’s individual needs, but our first priority is to staff the session in the best way possible. This is your homeschooling group. The success of this endeavor depends on the input and cooperation of all participants.

The Volunteer Policy is outlined below:

1. Weekly volunteer requirements are based on the number of time blocks for which your family members are registered to attend. 

   1. Any or all children registered for one and the same hour block requires one hour of volunteer time. 

   2. Any or all children registered for two or more hour blocks requires two hours of volunteer time. This includes if one child is registered for one hour, and another child a different hour, or if one child is registered for two or more hours.

2. Please be on time. All volunteer positions are in place for the safety of our families, and to ensure smooth transitions throughout the day. Finding or filling holes for late or missing volunteers creates a domino effect of other missing volunteers. Because of this, it is essential that you be on time for your volunteer position, both in class and non-classroom positions.

3. Each teacher is in charge of what is required of his/her volunteer. Please do not use your phone or computer without receiving approval from the teacher. 

4. Please do not use your phone or computer while at your non-classroom volunteer position without receiving approval from the Volunteer Coordinator.

5. If it is necessary to miss a week, it is your responsibility to find your own substitute. The procedure used to find a substitute is:

   1. Open the list of volunteers for the hour or hours you will be missing (linked on the Learning Tree homepage)

   2. Call a substitute from the list of floats for your hour or hours.

   3. Call or email the volunteer coordinator to inform them of who will be your substitute

   4. In an emergency situation ONLY, contact a board member at 614-526-8584 and leave a message if no one answers.

6. We understand that last minute things happen (illness, car trouble). In this case you can call a board member first. 

7. Unexcused violations of volunteer time may result in your family being dismissed from the co-op.

Some of our volunteer positions include: hall monitor, nursery helper, classroom volunteer, cleaning person, door or hall monitor, or float (fills in positions as needed). To obtain more information concerning specific volunteer duties, please refer to the registration grid. 

Committee Policy

The Learning Tree has multiple committees to assist with extracurricular activities and events. All families are required to commit to one committee position during each session. Failure to participate in your committee may result in membership denial for the following session. Committee positions include things such as planning a social event, planning a field trip, leading or assisting with planning a party, and one time serving positions such as set-up or clean-up for an event. 

Members will select their committee position during registration. We are always open to new ideas for events, gatherings, activities, etc. If you have a passion for a function or would like a party to enrich your child's homeschooling journey, consider being the lead and email the board with your idea. 

Attendance Policy

All teachers are responsible for the students listed on their class roster. For this reason attendance is necessary to ensure the safety of the students. If a student does not report to class, or if the student leaves class early, the teacher must notify a board member or the parent.

Parents must notify teachers if their child will not be attending class. Failure to communicate more than two absences might result in dismissal from that class. Members should commit to attending the full ten weeks each session if possible. Membership might be revoked if absences exceed three per session; exceptions might be granted for extenuating health, or emergency circumstances.

 Illness Policy

1. Teachers and nursery workers should be advised of any allergies or other chronic conditions.

2. For the protection of your child and others, we ask you not attend Homeschool Group classes or activities if he/she appears ill. This includes:

   1. a fever within the past 24 hours

   2. vomiting and/or diarrhea within the past 48 hours

   3. skin infection or rash

   4. any eye infection/pink eye

3. If your child becomes ill during a class or activity, you will be notified.

4. Teachers do not administer medication to a child.

Nursery Policy

The nursery is available for children of teachers and volunteers during their class time/volunteer hour. Please do not leave your children there unless you are teaching or volunteering.

Nursery volunteers will not be responsible for diaper changes, so please be sure to notate on the nursery sign-in sheet where you will be located in the building while your child is in the nursery, in case a diaper change is needed. When leaving your children in the nursery,  label all your child's items (diaper bag, sippy cup, etc.). We will have labels available to label your child as well!

Sign Out Policy

The Learning Tree is a cooperative group and is NOT a drop-off program. For parents to leave the building while their child is at co-op, a signed medical release form must be completed and filed with the Board. There is a sign out sheet you need to complete before leaving, and you must designate another adult who will be at the co-op as a responsible party for your children. Signing out should be considered temporary or occasional, for purposes such as running errands or getting lunch. Unless it's an emergency situation, do not schedule appointments requiring you to be off-site during co-op hours.

Visitor Policy

For the safety of our families, we ask that all members notify the Board of any visitors ahead of time. On arrival, the member will notify the front desk assistant, log the visitor in the sign-in book, and the visitor will be issued a visitor’s badge. If circumstances do not permit visitors on the day a member requests a visitor to come, the Board will contact the member to let them know.

All visitors must be signed in by an adult member and remain in the presence of that member for the entire visit.

 

SAFETY

In the Event of Fire

1. Fire escape routes are posted on the doors of each classroom.

2. If the fire alarm goes off, everyone is to remain calm, leave their personal belongings, and follow their teachers instructions by leaving the building through the nearest exit. 

3. Teachers and parent volunteers are expected to escort their class to the back of the parking lot in the field.

4. Once in the field, and attendance has been retaken, teachers will immediately notify a board member if a child is unaccounted for. 

5. Parents will immediately notify a board member if their child is with them instead of with their class. 

6. Students will be released to their families once everyone is accounted for. 

In the Event of Winter Weather

1. We will follow the Reynoldsburg Public School closing schedule during times of inclement weather. If Reynoldsburg Public School is on a two hour delay, please pay attention to your email for a final determination of class cancellations. We will not delay our start time.

2. If 1 week of classes are canceled due to inclement weather, we will extend the session calendar by 1 week or replace a break week with the make-up week.

3. In the event 2 or more weeks of classes are canceled due to inclement weather, we will adjust to a shorter session schedule.

In the Event of a Tornado Warning

1. If a tornado warning is issued for Franklin County, teachers and parent volunteers are expected to calmly escort their class to the sanctuary.

2. Once in the sanctuary, and attendance has been retaken, teachers will immediately notify a board member if a child is unaccounted for. 

3. Parents will immediately notify a board member if their child is with them instead of with their class. 

4. Students will be released to their families once everyone is accounted for. 

5. If a tornado is imminent, families will be asked to take shelter in place by seeking an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Stay away from doors, windows, and outside walls. Avoid sanctuary and gymnasium as your final shelter as they both have a flat, wide-span roof. 

In the Event of Unexpected Canceled Classes

Families will be notified through email and The Learning Tree Homeschool Group closed Facebook group. Class refunds are not guaranteed.

First Aid Kits

There are two first aid kits available to our members. One is located in the gym storage closet and the other is by our front desk in the gathering room. They contain a variety of items including: bandaids, latex-free gloves, medication, wraps, ice packs, burn gel, itch cream, sting ointment, CPR mask, small and large splints, and a choking mask (in the gym box only). 

Allergies

Allergies can be quite serious, and we must be careful to ensure student safety for those with food and other allergies that may cause a reaction.

Parents: If you have a child with food or other allergies that they could encounter in a class, please notify the teacher of the allergy, the reaction, and what to do if a reaction occurs. You MUST communicate allergies to the teacher personally.

Teachers: If you are planning to serve food/treats in your class, you must notify parents prior to serving food. This will allow parents to choose whether or not to risk the potential allergen exposure or to provide a snack for their child that would be safe.