Lakeway Heritage Community Co-op 2024-2025

Student Contract

This form is to be read very carefully by students. This should be read by each student.

I. STUDENT CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR

"A friend loves at all times." ~ Proverbs 17:17 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." ~ 1 Timothy 4:12

We are thankful LHCC has had so few disciplinary issues. However, because we are getting bigger, there are more opportunities for students to cause a little havoc. Discipline issues can take a fun class and turn it into a real headache. Our goal is for our students to have fun with their friends and learn in a safe and thriving environment.

Our co-op is composed of many ages in one small setting, grades pre-K-12. It is important for all of our students to understand the importance and value of one another. Our setting allows us to be good Christian friends towards one another and to be good examples to our younger peers.

Along with teaching in wisdom from the Lord, we are to maintain discipline and Godly character in the classroom. We understand that sometimes a student is not trying to be disruptive, naughty and deceptive, but rather being goofy, full of energy, and maybe a bit excited. Our teachers have been trained to recognize the difference, but know that we still need to maintain an orderly and functional classroom. There is a balance between holding up the rules and standards, while at the same time showing grace, patience and understanding.

Our purpose is not to expect perfection, but rather to see growth, maturity, and the Fruits of the Spirit blossoming forth from each and every child who walks through our doors. In the end, the academics are not the ultimate goal here; our goal is to capture the hearts of these children for the Lord.

Please go over the rules and procedures with your children at home so they know what we expect from them. Our teachers will do the same in class, particularly during the first few weeks. Our job is easier when parents, teachers, and staff can all be on the same page.

Here is the list of rules that we have for our co-op:

1. Be respectful towards your teachers and fellow students

2. Listen quietly while others are speaking

3. Be considerate of other people’s belongings and of the church

4. Walk quietly through the hallways and keep your hands to yourself

5. Be responsible with your homework and assignments

6. Accept responsibility for your behavior

7. Keep your area clean after each class

8. Use words that are honoring to the Lord and those around you

9. All students should come to class prepared for class. A backpack with their school books, a pen and/or pencil (that is sharpened), notebook/paper, crayons (if class requires it) PLEASE LABEL BELONGINGS!

Prohibited Offenses

The following behaviors are prohibited at LHCC and co-op -related activities:

• Cheating/academic dishonesty – i.e., copying the work of another, or using the work of another as your own.

• Disrespect of, or disobeying, LHCC staff and/or persons in authority.

• Engaging in harassing, or bullying conduct.

• Foul Language

• Engaging in threatening behavior toward another student or LHCC staff or volunteer on or off Grace Community Property

• Failure to complete assigned homework

• Persistent tardiness

• False accusations that may harm another student, staff or volunteer.

• Fighting.

• Leaving a classroom or the co-op designated area without permission.

• Possessing, viewing, or distributing pictures, text messages, e-mails, or other material of a sexual nature in any media format.

• Theft (stealing property belonging to GCC or another person).

• Unruly, disruptive, or abusive behavior that interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with students.

• Any illegal or immoral offense.

• Possession of any illegal item on the school campus.

• Any other offense as determined by administration.

II. OUR DRESS CODE

Our co-op is growing more and more each semester. We are thrilled with our growth, in particular our high school crowd. However, with so many students comes the responsibility of making sure our co-op has a standard of dress code that encourages modesty and Godly thinking.

In the past, we have had students who would test the limits. If you are questioning whether an outfit meets the standards, please err on the side of conservative. We understand this may be a bit strict for some families and you may even have to go buy a few new things, but please keep in mind that this is only one day a week for typically 14 weeks.

It is not fun for us to confront these issues with students and parents and we never want to embarrass anyone, so what follows is the procedure we have implemented to encourage Godly standards while trying to protect the heart of the students.

1. If a student does not dress appropriately, he or she will privately receive a warning, be required to read the dress code, and then be asked to change clothes or be sent home.

2. If the student receives a second warning, the student will be removed from class and a parent will be called to pick up the student.

3. If the student disregards the dress code a third time, the student will be expelled from the co-op for the remainder of the semester. Re-admittance the following semester will be considered pending a review by the admin team.

Here are the dress code guidelines:

Girls

• All shorts must be mid-thigh length or longer. Parents, please help us with this!

• All shirts and blouses must cover midriff, back, sides, and all undergarments including bra straps at all times. All shirts, tops, and dresses shall have sleeves and cover the shoulders. No low cut shirts.

• All skirts or dresses need to be at least to your knees, if not shorts must be worn underneath.

• No fishnet stockings

• Form fitting leotard/spandex/yoga pants are not allowed unless worn with loose fitting shorts that cover to mid-thigh or longer or a skirt or dress of knee length or longer. (Tip: Have students put their hands at their sides. Mid-thigh shorts should be longer than their fingertips.)

• Leggings, jeggings, etc, may be worn only with a tunic, long shirt, dress, etc. that is knee length or longer.

Boys

• No pants hanging low with underwear hanging out

• No tank tops

• No offensive t-shirts

• No exposing armpits or bellies, even in athletic classes

III. SICK POLICY

If your child has been exposed to the flu, COVID, Rotavirus, strep throat, or any other contagious virus, or is running a fever, having tummy problems or showing green runny nose stuff, we ask that he/she does not come to class. If you are planning on volunteering and your child is sick or you have any reason to believe that you have been exposed and may be carrying a yucky virus, please stay home and rest as well. We will find a substitute for you and reschedule your volunteer time! Please know it is our desire to have a healthy atmosphere for our students. We understand how hard it is when a virus hits an entire family, so we just ask that you please keep sick children home. *Remember, if the majority of your family is ill, you can probably assume that those who are not will be soon and are therefore contagious. So please, keep that child or adult home too.

IV. REGARDING SEXUAL CONDUCT

In light of society’s changing norms regarding sexual behavior and gender identification, as a ministry of Grace Community Church we find it necessary to clarify our position and set up some guidelines for student behavior in these matters while on campus participating in the co-op or during co-op sponsored events. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are sinful and are not in accordance with the Scriptures. Such behavior will not be tolerated.

Co-op students may not discuss things of a sexual nature with other students, share images of a sexual nature, text each other regarding things of a sexual nature, discuss sexual orientation or promote behavior or ideals that are in any way not in accordance with the biblical standards outlined above.

PDA does not need to be at co-op, those that are dating need to keep their hands to themselves while on campus.

Disregarding this policy will lead to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion

V. STUDENTS’ SAFETY/SUPERVISION

Lakeway Heritage Community Co-op’s last class ends at 2:30 pm, and children need to be picked up by 2:45. The cleanup crew is usually finished by 2:45 and they should not have to wait around each week for students to be picked up. We understand if something comes up and you notify us that up and you notify that you will be late to pick up, but this can not be a weekly thing. Pickup needs to be done no later than 2:45.

VI. HOMEWORK RESPONSIBILITIES

Enrichment classes will offer limited homework and only serve to enhance the family’s home schooling experience. Course grades are not generally given for Enrichment classes, unless requested by the parents. Requested grades will be for class participation only.

Students enrolled in Academic classes will most likely have weekly assignments/projects. These assignments should be a priority for the student because it hinders the entire class if the student doesn’t keep up.

If a teacher feels that assignments are not being done, and that the student’s lack of preparation is a hindrance to the class, we reserve the right to ask the child to withdraw from the class for the rest of the semester.

If the teacher asks the student to leave no further monies will be due. If you withdraw your student after the dropout date you are still responsible for the money due for the class.

Grades will be emailed at semester end to our email on record.

VII. TARDINESS

Be on time for class. Coming to class 5, 10 or even 15 minutes late each week is very disruptive to the class and inconsiderate to the teacher. We understand for those coming far away sometimes it cant be helped due to traffic conditions, but if you can send your teacher a quick text and let them know you will be late (before class) so they have a heads up that you will be coming in late

VIII. BULLYING/FOUL LANGUAGE

Conversations, private and public, are expected to be positive, constructive, and respectful. Inappropriate conduct and conversation is defined as that which would knowingly result in another person’s discomfort. Jokes, pranks, offensive symbols (suggestive sign language, etc.), pornography of any sort, gossip, derogatory remarks, degrading names and putting others down, misuse of God’s name or spiritually meaningful terms, vulgar language, suggestive stories or drawings, horseplay, hiding book bags, invading private property, acts of intimidation, and invading private space are examples of what is offensive.

If you hear this type of conversations or it is directed at you please see a board member directly, do NOT wait. This needs to be addressed immediately. We do not tolerate any bullying or foul language. Students if you can’t have this conversation in front of your parents or in church should you be having it at co-op?

Everything reported is confidential.