Pathway Family Participation Agreement

We respectfully request that parents review the following material with your students prior to the beginning of classes.

As PARENTS we recognize the value in committing our time and talents to a dedicated community of homeschool families. We agree to the following:

• We understand that we are fully responsible for our child's education and that the Pathway Homeschool Co-op will enhance that education.

• We understand that as parents, we are the primary teachers of our students. We will ensure that our students show the same level of respect to the Pathway Teachers and Assistants as they do at home. 

As STUDENTS we recognize the privilege to participate and enjoy the Pathway Homeschool Co-op weekly gatherings. We commit ourselves to the following:

• Appropriately participating in class.

• Respecting Teachers and Assistants in words and actions.

• Honoring peers and other students in words and actions. 

Conduct Guidelines

Relationships 

We desire students to maintain Christian friendships within our Pathway Homeschool Co-op community. Physical contact in any form should be above reproach. Do not force physical contact, touch or affection on anyone.

Additionally, sexual activity of ANY kind including inappropriate language, comments or touching will not be tolerated. Pathway Homeschool Co-op Leadership reserves the right to excuse Members and/or Students from participation in the co-op should any of the above mentioned activities occur during Pathway Homeschool Co-op functions.

Supervision Policy 

For the safety and well being of all, every gathering and event has physical boundaries. Students will not leave the building of Northwest Gospel Church unless accompanied by a Teacher for a class, in which they will not be allowed to leave the Northwest Gospel Church campus. Field trips will also have established boundaries. Stay within those boundaries.

It is the policy of Pathway Homeschool Co-op and Northwest Gospel Church that children and students are under adult supervision at all times. 

Cell Phone Use

Cell phone use is not allowed during class; this includes text messaging. Please silence your cell phone during class. Some Teachers MAY allow cell phones to be used during class time as a way of enhancing teaching or gaining information. Absolutely NO participation in social media, videos or photos taken during Pathway Homeschool Co-op functions, unless approved by a Teacher. Students should not use their phones between classes, in the bathrooms or in the hallways. Pathway Homeschool Co-op Leadership reserves the right to confiscate any cell phone being used inappropriately and will return said phone at the end of class time. 

Honor and Respect 

We desire to practice honoring and respecting authority in all our thoughts, words and actions.

All communication with students via email or text MUST include the parent.  Please keep all communication kind and spoken with integrity.

Communication 

Conflicts

For conflicts that arise within our Co-op community, we will adhere to the biblical standard set forth in Matthew 18. 

• If there is a problem with a student disrupting the class or acting in a manner that is disrespectful to others, the student will be lovingly but firmly advised to stop the behavior. 

• If the student continues to be disrespectful or disruptive, the teacher will contact the parent to discuss the situation. All communication with students will include the parent. 

• If the problem persists, then further action may be necessary and could result in the student being asked to leave the co-op. 

Matthew 18:15-20 "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."

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

Discipline Policy

As a Pathway Homeschool Co-op community we are committed to helping our families grow in Christian character. 

Specific standards that will be upheld within our co-op will include

• Treating each person with gentleness and respect. 

• Being courteous and kind in all of our interactions.

• Obeying authority

• Exhibiting a respectful tone of voice

• Demonstrating respect to people and property

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Romans 12:10 "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

Discipline Guidelines

We are a Christian co-op and believe it honors God when our students are obedient to adults and respectful of their fellow students. If a student is disruptive, we want to make every effort to use preventative discipline first. When preventative discipline is not adequate, corrective measures will take place.

Preventive Discipline

• Creating a loving, caring and fun environment

• Focusing on positive actions

• Being fair and consistent with children

• Maintaining a close watch on actions to help redirect behaviors before an issue arises. (Assistants can make a huge difference in the classroom here)

Corrective Discipline

• Handling any issues individually by pulling the child aside and not correcting in front of the entire class, when possible.

• Explaining to children why the behavior is unacceptable and telling them what is acceptable.

• Explaining the consequences of unacceptable behavior. (“If you do that again, you will have a time-out and will sit in that chair for 2 minutes.”)

• At no time do we want to demean or berate a child, use language that is not edifying, or use corporal punishment to discipline a child.

• A volunteer may, at any point they deem necessary, text a parent or guardian to come back and talk with his or her child.

If a child has displayed intentional, aggressive behavior, we will immediately contact a parent or guardian to come and talk with their child, and if necessary, remove him or her from the classroom. If a student continues to have discipline issues, the parent will be asked to remove the student for the remainder of the term, without a refund of fees.

We strive to pursue an attitude of grace with one another and use discretion with our words. Our communications should always build one another up, not tear down. 

1 Thess 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Phil 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."