Dear Co-Op Member,

Welcome! The Learning Tree is excited and encouraged by your choice to home school and be a part of our co-op. The following policies and procedures are designed to support and administer the vision and philosophy of the Learning Tree. We are a Christ centered community that provides a variety of educational and enrichment classes for home-schooling families in a safe and loving environment.

Please go over these rules with your students. We look forward to a terrific school year!

The Learning Tree Leadership

 

 

Semester Dates

 

• We have 2 semesters that range from 14-16 weeks each. We always begin the Monday after Labor Day in September.
• 2nd semester begins the Monday after Martin Luther King Jr. day and ends in May
• Registration for fall is held in the spring.
• Members please check your calendars for current semester dates.

 

Building Usage

 

• Parents are responsible for their children while at Co-Op. If your child is not in a class and they are 8th grade or under, they need to be with you at all times.
• In order to respect VCC’s boundaries and provide an acceptable place for high school students to be when not in class, we provide an area in our main hallway as a high school zone. There will be tables set up each week, and high school students can stay there and hang out with friends quietly, play cards or study if they do not have a class or have free time. Because we are providing this area as a way to give students an acceptable place to study and socialize, they will either need to be in this area, in class, or may volunteer in a class. In the interest of giving high school students an acceptable for use outside of class, this area is designated for high school students only and may not be used by parents. We ask that high school students keep in mind that this area is in the midst of Learning Tree activities, and keep the volume low accordingly.
• Please also note the map with designations of where students are supposed to be and the areas in which they are not allowed. In addition, as always, the patio and the atrium are off limits to all students.
• Students are not permitted to use the VCC vending machines
• We also have both social and quiet areas for adult usage during your free hours, please refer to the map for more information

 

Classroom Use

 

• Everyone is responsible to clean up after his/her self; teachers should check to be sure your classroom is cleaned up before you leave the room
• Last hour teachers must stack chairs and make sure classroom is picked up
• Hand sanitizer is provided in all classrooms for teacher/student use

 

Restrooms

 

• Please be sure to clean up after yourself in the restrooms
• There are men’s and women’s restrooms located to the left of the Info Desk. A unisex bathroom is located in the classroom hallway. Restrooms in both pods of the preschool area are also for co-op use.

 

Parking Lot

 

• Parents are permitted to park in the lot outside the children’s wing. Please do not park in handicapped spaces or along the curb without the proper handicapped permits.
• Unlicensed students are not to be in the parking lot without an adult accompanying them. (even high schoolers) This is a safety precaution for all students!

 

Playground

 

• The playground is meant for young children who are supervised by their parent.
• We ask that only kids 10 and under be on the playground. The equipment is not meant for older kids and the bigger kids can get too rough for the little ones.
• It is OK to play at lunchtime or after co-op as long as a parent is supervising. If your children want to be on the playground with friends please do not assume another parent is to be supervising them, please check with that parent to be sure they are assuming responsibility for your children.
• During co-op hours, no children are to be on the playground without their class, teacher, or parent.
• Please stay away from pond area!

 

Lunch Areas

 

• The Chew and Chat area is reserved for 9th –12th graders. Parents may eat in this area if they are eating with students. We ask that groups of adults not take over whole tables, as this takes space away from the students. Please do not eat on the stage.
• Students may eat in a classroom if there is an adult in the room with them AND the teacher from the class gives permission. No students may be in classrooms without a supervising adult. This includes high school students, as well as younger children. High school students eating in classrooms must have an adult with them.
• High school students may also eat in the preschool area or a great room, as long as there is a parent supervising them.
• Any age student may eat in any of the great rooms as long as an adult is with them. Adults who are supervising the great rooms need to sit near the doors to deter children from sneaking out unnoticed.
• The preschool rooms are acceptable classrooms for lunch. Please do not eat in the nursery.
• No one is allowed to eat in the gym, the atrium or the hallways. Only young children supervised by a parent may eat outside or be on the playground at lunchtime.
• Learning Tree leadership will be monitoring the halls at lunchtime. If your children are unsupervised or disruptive, this will be reported to you and a plan must be made to correct the situation.

 

Lunch Policy

 

• Lunch is from 12:00- 12:30. You need to stay in one place this entire time. No roaming around the building for all or part of this half hour. Students may bring cards or a small game to play if they want something to do after they are done eating. Students may only leave the lunch space to go to the restroom or get needed items if an adult is with them.
• Clean up the area that you use for lunch. Start cleaning before 12:30 so you are done by 12:30.
• Lunch areas need adult supervision. Each parent is responsible to arrange for the supervision of his or her children at lunchtime. You may eat with your own children or arrange for another parent to be responsible for your child at lunchtime. Children may eat with a group of friends as long as a parent is taking the responsibility to supervise and oversee clean up.
• No gum, glass bottles or glass serving dishes. We encourage clear liquids.
• We may NOT use microwaves so please do not bring foods that need to be heated!

 

Illness Policy

In order to maintain a healthy environment for the families at Learning Tree, we ask that no one exhibiting the following symptoms within 24 hours of co-op attend.

• Fever greater than or equal to 100.5 degrees F.
• Moderate drainage (clear or discolored) from the mouth, nose, eyes, or ears.
• Red discoloration to the whites of the eye(s).
• Skin rashes, as they are difficult to diagnose unless seen by a physician.
• Severe abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
• A painful, red throat, even if fever is not present
• A deep, hacking cough
• Difficulty breathing or untreated wheezing
• Yellow discharge from the eyes
• Lice or nits

We ask that anyone who has been ill be symptom free from 12:00 AM Sunday morning. Please stay home if you or your child is sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading infection.

If you or your child becomes ill while at co-op you should go home. Please notify the info table before you leave if you are scheduled to aid or teach

Class Change Policy

 

• If it is necessary, a student may drop or add a class with the understanding that availability of a replacement class is not guaranteed.
• We strongly recommend that class changes be made by the second week of the semester.
• First step to make a class change is to stop by the information table and get a change form. While you are there, the information workers must first check the book to see if the class you want is available. They also must make the changes in the book. If someone new is working, please remind him or her to do this first before you leave to go get teacher’s signatures. Someone may come and take your spot while you are gone if this is not done first.
• After the changes are made in the book, stop by the finance table to pay your fee. There is a $5 fee for making any changes after registration
• Take the change form and get signatures from the teachers involved in the change (both the one from the class you are dropping and the one you are adding). The only exception to this is if you are making the change before the semester begins
• After all the above is done, bring the form to Kim Meadors to have the final change made in the computer. You may put it in her mailbox if you want.
• Please do not approach the teacher and ask them to take your child. This skips other children who may be waiting on a list and puts pressure on the teacher. If you wonder if a teacher will take another child in their class, ask Kim Meadors or one of the Directors.

 

Dress Code

The main goal of this dress code is to promote modesty in appearance and respect for everyone in our co-op. The dress code applies to all members of Learning Tree, including both students and parents.

1. No bra or underwear showing, including when sitting or bending over.
2. No bare midriff. Shirts should come below the top of pants when sitting or bending over.
3. No spaghetti strap, strapless, or backless shirts.
4. Modesty in the length of shorts or skirts.
5. No inappropriate logos on shirts.

The final decision on what is appropriate will be made by the leadership. If you feel another member or child is dressed inappropriately, please speak to the leadership.

Conflict Resolution

Matthew 18:15-20 “Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”

Unfortunately, personality conflicts and misunderstandings can happen. Though rare, it is important we agree on how to handle these situations should they arise.

The offended party must first seek to resolve conflict between the two parties. If either party is unsatisfied or resolution cannot be met, they then need to seek the assistance of an objective party (typically the Directors or other member of the Leadership Team) to mediate.

If necessary, the conflict will be taken to other members of the Leadership Team and they will make the final decision.

Discipline Policy (3 Strikes Policy)

 

• Any student taking a class at Learning Tree is expected to participate in the class and complete all outside assignments to the best of their ability.
• Parents are expected to oversee their child’s work at home, and be aware of the structure and requirements of the class.
• Teachers are to be well prepared for each week, to provide a syllabus for the course, to return assignments in a timely fashion, and to communicate class structure with parents.
• If students do not fulfill the requirements for the class, the teacher has the ability to terminate the student from class.

Conduct that can lead to termination is:

1. Not completing homework
2. Consistently being late to or not attending class
3. Inappropriate class behavior

For each offense the teacher is required to send a form home to be signed by a parent (a strike) this form will be kept on file once returned. If a child receives 3 strikes they may be terminated from the class. There must be a meeting of the parent, teacher and a member of the leadership team before a child can be terminated from class.

Copy Procedure

 

• One person has been designated to make copies. Pre planning in strongly encouraged!
• Turn in your masters using the copy request forms, these can be found at the Info Desk, at least a week in advance when possible.
• Between semesters (during summer and Christmas break) we will reimburse for copies made prior to the first day of the semester. The co-op will reimburse for up to 3 ½ cents per copy made outside of the Learning Tree during the semester.
• The Vineyard graciously allows us to use their professional black and white copier. It can be set to copy both sides of the paper, staple, print on 3 hole punch paper, card stock and much more.

 

Payment Policy

The Learning Tree Home School Co-op’s pay structure is as follows:

• Annual Family Membership Fee- every family is required to pay a $50 non- refundable Annual Family Membership Fee to hold your spot for next year. This is collected at registration in May. Make checks payable to “The Learning Tree”.
• Semester Tuition and High School Fees- Tuition is $70 per student per semester with a maximum charge of 3 students per family (even if you have more than 3 students). An additional $60 fee for high school students per semester.
• Half day tuition is $55 with a high school fee of $30
• Nursery (0-24 months) is free
• Teachers and Leaders get one child’s tuition free ($70 discount)
• Co-teachers get half a child’s tuition discount ($35 discount)
• Tuition, High School Fees, and Class Fees must be paid or a payment plan made with the finance team during the first 2 weeks of each semester
• Please stop by the finance table with any questions

 

Refund Policy

If you withdrawal before the second week of class, the Learning Tree will refund any tuition paid. Any withdrawal after the second week will result in no refund being issued. Please note that Learning Tree will not refund the membership fee paid at registration.

Returned Check Policy

In the unfortunate event your check does not clear due to insufficient funds, a Returned Check Notice will be put in your mailbox at co-op. You will be responsible for the original amount of the check plus a service charge in the form of cash or money order.

Responsibilities of Parent

 

• All parents have a responsibility to respect and encourage all guidelines (we are all hall monitors and traffic/noise control).
• Arrive ten minutes early.  Have your children ready for class on time.  If you are scheduled to work, arrive before the children and be prepared for them.
• Parents are responsible to stay on site during Learning Tree hours. If you must leave the building, another adult must be responsible for your children. Please use the sign out sheet at the Info Desk before leaving. Please note that personal errands should be done outside of co-op hours. We want to promote a community for our members while being fair to everyone. A good way to do this is to stay on site during your “off” hours.
• All parents must have 2 hours of volunteer positions during co-op (this can include teaching, aiding, leadership, or other various roles)
• All parents should eat with their children and help monitor that lunchroom.
• All parents must be willing to sub as needed.
• All parents with their youngest child in Kindergarten or older are responsible to help clean the building after Co-op for one month each semester.  If you cannot fulfill your scheduled assignment, it is your responsibility to find a replacement by the scheduled day.
• Please check your child's backpack each Monday for notes from teachers.  Be sure your child has all needed supplies each Monday.
• Parents are responsible for checking their mailbox each Monday and the website periodically.
• Parents are responsible to pay tuition by the second week of co-op or make arrangements for payment and class fees as they become known.

 

Responsibilities of Student

 

• Be on time.
• Students need to stay in the appropriate areas of the building.
• High school students who have a free hour(s) must be in the high school zone during free hours
• Be prepared.  Bring supplies, books, and homework.
• Be quiet in the halls between classes.  No yelling or running.
• Be respectful of others property

• Other students - keep your hands to yourself
• Parents
• Teachers
• Other people working in the building

Remember, we are guests in the building.  If we are not courteous, we may not be invited back!

• Be ready to have fun, make new friends, and learn something!

 

Responsibilities of Teacher

 

• All teachers to reflect the vision and governing values of the Learning Tree.
• Be prepared and on time for your class.
• The Learning Tree reserves the right to approve all teachers and curriculum.
• Teachers are required to submit a class description, class syllabus and substitute teacher lesson plans.
• Teachers are responsible to find a replacement if they cannot attend.  In an emergency, call the substitute coordinator.  Do not phone the church.
• Have open communication with parents concerning disruptive behavior, chronic tardiness and/or incomplete work.
• Avoid food during class time unless relevant to lesson plan.  NO GUM.
• Turn in all copy requests with the appropriate form to the Information Table one week prior to need.  If you elect to make your own copies, you will be reimbursed at 3-1/2 cents per copy.  During summer and Christmas breaks, we will reimburse the full amount for copies.
• When making purchases for co-op supplies or materials, please keep the receipt. Simply staple the receipt to the BACK of the "Reimbursement Request Form" and fill out the form completely.  Please pay special attention to the consumable/non-consumable section.  After purchasing a non-consumable item, please list each item separately so the Learning Tree can keep track of inventory.  Turn in form with receipts to the finance table.
• Teachers are responsible for notifying students/parents if a class fee is involved (can put a note in parents' mailboxes).  The Teacher also needs to let the Finance Department know that there is a class fee and submit a list of students in the class and the amount of the fee to be collected.  Learning Tree will reimburse the teacher directly for the expense as well as collect the fees from the students involved.
• Do not allow any new students into your class without an appropriate Class Change Form signed by both teachers involved.
• If you have questions or concerns, contact your lead teacher.
• See Discipline Policy for appropriate direction.
• Teachers must honor existing waiting lists before accepting new students into a class.  If you are not sure if you have a waiting list, have the student's parent check with the Information Desk.

 

Sub Policy

Please refer to your member folder for more detailed info on our sub policy

Overview:

We are using sub coordinators to coordinate and organize substitutes for all Learning Tree Classes this year. There are 2 sub coordinators, one will oversee the subs for nursery-2nd grade, and the other will oversee the subs for 3rd-12th grades. They will also act as floating subs, filling in when needed.

How to get a sub when you’re absent?

Each teacher and volunteer is responsible for either finding your own sub or contacting your sub coordinator. Please try your best to find your own sub. If you find your own sub, please be sure to let the sub coordinators know whom and when so they can keep track of everyone.

• If you aid in a class and the lead teacher will not be there one week, it is part of your job to fill in and is not considered subbing.
• If you are a lead teacher who will be absent and you have an aid, you need to first contact your aid to let them know they will be filling in and ask if they will need a sub to help them. If they do, you should find a sub then contact the sub coordinator.
• If you are an aid and will be absent, please contact the lead teacher first to see if they will need an aid.

Notes:
Nursery- Kindergarten aids: you will always need a sub when you are absent.

Sub coordinators are not responsible for finding a sub for your cleaning rotation if you are absent a week you are scheduled to clean.

We understand that subbing is not anyone’s favorite job, but it is just a reality that we will need subs at Learning Tree. This is an area that we can all come together and truly “Co-op”erate to make our year work smoothly. Thank you! We really appreciate your help!