Membership Agreements

Aiming High Homeschool Co-op

Member Family Rights & Responsibilities Handbook

 

Contents

I. Purpose/Mission 
II. Statement of Beliefs
III. Membership Agreement
IV. Co-op Class Participation Policies
V. Safety Policies
VI. Conduct Policies
VII. Honor Code
VIII. General Policies
IX. Medical Treatment Authorization
X. Releases of Liability
XI. Building Use Policies and Procedures
XII. Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
XIII. Membership Contract

I. Purpose/Mission

Aiming High Homeschool Group provides an environment where homeschooling families can gather as a community to:

• Support each other in successful education
• Encourage growth in Christian principles
• Inspire excellence in all aspects of life 

This environment will be led by our Board of Directors and facilitated by our member families and teachers. While recognizing that we cannot provide educational options that are a perfect fit for every student and every family, we aim to have multiple options for class and co-op arrangement to help meet the needs of as many students and families as possible.

Presently, Aiming High is an all-volunteer program where one parent volunteers two of the three meeting hours. All classes will be founded on Christian principles. While a particular curriculum for some subjects (such as math or a foreign language) may not be overtly Christian in nature, no curriculum used will be contradictory to biblical teachings.

Recently, interest has been expressed for Aiming High to employee teachers for high school credit classes. In the event such occurs, this Handbook will be updated with an addendum to reflect that. 

II.Statement of Beliefs

Aiming High is a community of Christian homeschooling families. We strive to reinforce biblical beliefs in our students. In doing so, we believe:

• Every person is fearfully and wonderfully made by the One True Lord and Creator.
• We are to love our neighbor (any person we come into contact with, either in person, over the phone, or over electronic devices) as we love ourselves, or even better.
• We desire to grow and encourage growth in Christian principles such as:
  • Revering the Bible as God’s inerrant Word, which is useful for teaching us what is true, exposing what is false and/or sin, correcting us, and training us in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
  • Living generously, cheerfully giving of our time, gifts, energy, and finances as the Lord provides. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
  • Living humbly, not counting ourselves as better than any other person. (Philippians 2:3)
  • Live a life that shows gratitude to the Lord for His free gift of Salvation and brings glory and honor to His name. (Ephesians 4:1; Matthew 5:16)
• We strive to love each other well, despite differences in age, gender, ethnicity, financial status, disability, family makeup, denomination, and/or background. To do this, we endeavor to see each person as God sees them and through His power and grace love one another. Love…
  • is patient
  • is kind
  • does not envy
  • does not boast
  • is not arrogant
  • is not rude
  • does not insist on its own way
  • is not irritable
  • is not resentful
  • does not rejoice at wrongdoing
  • rejoices with the truth
• Specific doctrinal beliefs are found below. These are considered the elements essential to salvation. Variation in non-essential doctrines are to be received with grace.
  • God - There is only one true and living God. Goad is eternally existent in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the Creator, Preserver, and Ruler of all things.
  • The Father - He reigns from His throne in heaven over His creation. He is perfect in holiness, love, power, knowledge, and wisdom.
  • The Son - Jesus Christ is the infinite God-Man. Our Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully Man in one Person. He was born of virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and provided atonement for our sin through His shed blood and death. He was bodily resurrected from the dead, He ascended to the right hand of God the Father, and He will one day personally return in power and glory.
  • The Holy Spirit - He is the Spirit of God. He convicts man of sin, calls him to salvation, and effects regeneration. He indwells all believers as God’s assurance of final redemption. He instructs, comforts, empowers, guides, and develops godliness in believers.
  • The Scriptures - The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God to man. It is our sole authority for faith and practice.
  • Man - Man was created by God, in the image of God, as an immortal, morally responsible being whose purpose is to serve, worship, and glorify God. Mankind chose rather to serve self-interest and self-worship. The original sin of disobedience by Adam and Eve ushered in death and judgement. “Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) Since all have sinned, each of us has an individual need for reconciliation to God.
  • Salvation - Salvation is God’s provision for the whole man, provided freely by the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is received by all who by grace repent of their sin and place their faith in Jesus Christ. It includes justification (we are put in right standing with God), regeneration (we receive new life from God), sanctification (we are set apart for God), and glorification (we will live forever with God).
  • Sanctification – God, through the Holy Spirit living within us from the moment we repent and believe in Jesus as Lord, works in us to eliminate sin and develop holiness. As a Christ follower, it is my joyful response to salvation to pursue the Lord’s will and glory in everything I think, say, and do. On this fallen world, I will never be fully sanctified, but will humbly accept the Lord’s correction (which may on occasion come from another person), hold His Word as the standard for my conduct and beliefs, and prayerfully live out the greatest commandments of loving the Lord God with all my heart, mind, body, and spirit and love my neighbor as myself.

III. Membership Agreement

• Families wishing to participate in Aiming High will be asked to sign this document which will acknowledge:
  • • They have read and understand the Family Member Policies and Procedures Handbook
    • They agree to abide by the Building Use Policies
    • They agree to abide by the Co-op Honor Code
    • They commit to actively participate in the co-op for the full school year (as set by the Board), barring unforeseen changes in family circumstances
• Registration Policies
  • Register with Aiming High by filing out the online membership form and paying the membership fee.
  • Fees:
    • Non-refundable Membership Fee: $225/family
    • High School credit classes, when instituted, will set by each teacher. 

IV. Co-op Class Participation Policy

It is important for a group that is dependent on the volunteerism of others that a policy exists which insists that members follow through with any commitments made to the group in terms. To that point, please be sure to honor your commitments to the community, and do not sign up for an event unless you are planning to attend. If, for some reason, you find that you will be unable to attend an event that you have previously signed up for, please contact the coordinator as soon as possible, so that plans can be adjusted and/or businesses alerted. Monday co-op attendance is mandatory. While we realize that sometimes things come up, such as illness, please do not schedule engagements or doctor appointments on co-op days. We have two floaters on staff for those unfortunately days of sickness, but realize that we count on you each week to be at the job you have committed to.

Parents volunteer to serve in some capacity for 2 of the 3 hours of meeting. The 3^rd hour, parents participate in support group, which provides fellowship, support, and prayer.

V. Safety Policies

• Parents and students are urged to use extreme caution while driving on campus. We will not be the only people on campus and we want to keep everyone safe. Follow all safety rules and laws with and abundance of attention to pedestrians.
  • No student may leave campus unless accompanied by their parent or a designated responsible adult under any circumstances.
  • Students are not allowed outside at any time without direct parent supervision. 
  • Students are not allowed to wonder the hallways without direct parent supervision. 
  • Teachers will be responsible for students in their classes for the time periods that their classes cover. Parents are responsible for their children of any at all other times. 
  • Students are not allowed to hang out during class time in the parking lot.

VI. Conduct Policies

• Aiming High does not function as a school with a principal or support staff. Each member is asked and expected to take ownership and part in helping keep co-op facilities clean, quiet, and orderly. Students are asked to remember that Aiming High represents a Christian homeschooling community and should therefore demonstrate behavior exemplifying the fruit of the Holy Spirit while participating in all co-op classes and activities. We, by no means, expect participants to behave perfectly at all times, but expect students and parents to strive to live out in such a way that reflect God’s righteousness and grace.
  • Behaviors expected specifically while meeting for co-op classes are:
    • Stay in areas for which we have permission to use.
    • Do not eat in the building except in designated areas at designated times (snack time and lunchtime).
    • Any trash created during classes/meetings should be disposed of properly in trash cans.
    • Bathrooms are to be kept clean. Please report any toilet malfunction immediately.
    • If you make a mess or spill something, clean it up promptly and thoroughly.
    • No running or loud active play indoors, unless led in an activity by your teacher/parent leader.
  • Students, to show thoughtfulness and respect to co-op leaders:
    • Arrive on time. Don’t linger past time to be in class, as teachers have other classes immediately following each other.
    • Complete assignments on time and bring them to class.
    • Engage in active discussion and ask questions in a respectful manner. Raising a hand in lieu of interrupting someone is always preferable.
    • Be an active listener in class, paying attention to the teacher. Class time is not for socializing with classmates.
    • Refrain from expressing inappropriate attitudes and unacceptable (vulgar, profane, disrespectful) language.
    • Maintain an inside (not high volume) voice while indoors.
    • Cell phones, electronic games, and personal music should not be used in class.
  • Parents, to show thoughtfulness and respect to teachers:
    • Arrive on time for the Welcome/Announcements in Ross Hall.
    • If you are teaching a class, you need to arrive to set up your classroom before announcements begin.
    • Respect teachers’ requests and help hold your student(s) accountable for completing their work.
    • Refrain from interrupting classes unless there’s an urgent reason.
    • Please keep your phone on and close in case a teacher needs to get a hold of you during class.
  • All members should:
    • Conduct themselves in a way that their words and actions promote unity and encouragement.
    • Avoid disrespectful, offensive, rude, or immoral behavior.
    • Avoid gossiping about one another. 
    • Handle conflict privately and with maturity. If conflict is not resolved, engage Aiming High leadership in conflict resolution. (see Matthew 18:15-17)
    • Exhibit grace and gratitude for teachers, volunteer leaders, and other students and families.
  • If a student chronically breaches codes of conduct after being corrected, or if the offense is considered serious by the observing adult, that student will be referred to the Aiming High leadership who will meet with the observing adult, student, and parent to determine appropriate disciplinary action. As a last resort, a student may be dismissed from the co-op.

VII. Honor Code

• Any form of academic dishonesty is a serious offense. Such dishonesty will be addressed by leadership and may result in any combination of the following:
  • A failing grade
  • Removal from a class
  • A request for a formal apology
  • Forms of dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
    • Plagiarism
    • Falsification of data in coursework
    • Using one piece of work to fulfill more than one assignment
    • Cheating on exams or tests
    • Turning in work completed by another individual as one’s own

VIII. General policies

1. 1. Digital Media/Photograph
      1. All members acknowledge and agree that personal photos are permitted to be taken by students or parents without the specific consent of the photo subjects’ parents. However, if a digital media image is taken during co-op classes, meetings, or activities is posted online, a parent may request its removal. Aiming High leadership will convey this request to the member family who uploaded the image(s). All members agree to respect and respond promptly to any such request.
      2. Any photo or other digital media image taken by Aiming High authorized members may be used for promotional purposes unless the parent of a child whose likeness appears in the image elects prohibit this.
   2. Dress Code: Students and parents should dress is such a way that is not a distraction to other students and parents. Inappropriate or obscene pictures, slogans, or words are not allowed. Clothing with excessive rips or holes are not allowed. 
   3. Illness policy: Please do not send your child to class while they are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness. This includes, but is not limited to: Cough, Sneezing (not due to allergies), Fever, Rash, Pink eye, Vomiting/diarrhea
      1. Students should be symptom free (with the exception of a long-term cough which lasts past all other illness symptoms) a minimum of 24 hours before returning to participation in groups and classes.
   4. Student driver policy:
      a.Student drivers are expected to heed all traffic laws.
      b.All drivers and vehicles should be properly licensed, registered, and insured according to state laws.
      c.Aiming High is not liable for drivers or passengers as they travel to and from co-op classes, meetings, or activities.
      d.Parents of adolescent drivers acknowledge, understand, and abide by the following:
      1. That their student is allowed to arrive and depart from Aiming High activities without the direct supervision of an adult.
      2. Aiming High leadership, teachers, and volunteers are not responsible for their student before classes begin or once they are concluded.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of our community and ask for grace as we grow and deal with unique situations and circumstances. We invite conversation and feedback as we continue to develop and hone our policies and procedures.

If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. Now on to various Releases.

IX. Medical Treatment Authorization 

Any teacher, volunteer, or leader of the Aiming High Homeschool Co-op can give the following minor(s) medical care as needed while students are in class. Said adult will use discretion based on the circumstances. Said adults can also obtain immediate care in case of a medical emergency in the event that the parent cannot be consulted or located or if the need for care is deemed to urgent. Parents will be solely responsible for any expenses incurred in providing treatment to their child.

Parents hold the responsibility to let Aiming High teachers, volunteers, and/or leadership aware of any allergies and/or other pre-existing medical conditions which may impact a student during co-op activities. If needed, parents will provide and Emergency Action Plan to include a step-by-step plan of how to respond to and treat a medical emergency caused by an allergy or other chronic medical condition. The plan will serve as information and a guide for Aiming High-affiliated adults, who agree to follow the plan to the best of their ability, but doesn’t make those adults responsible for the outcome of any medical emergency. Aiming High and is associated adults assume no responsibility for any treatment or actions in response to medical emergencies, incidents, or conditions.

X. Releases of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to participate in Aiming High Homeschool Co-op classes, groups, and activities, all participants (hereinafter referred to as “Family”) agree to the following:

1. Release, covenant not to sue, waive, and discharge Aiming High Homeschool Group, their independent teachers, their affiliated teachers, advisors, administrators, board members, volunteers, participants, or other family members, or the hosting locations from all liability for any loss or damage and any claim or damage on account of injury to the person or property or resulting in death of a Family member while the Family is participating in Aiming High Homeschool Group activities.
2. Family agrees to indemnify Releases from any loss, liability, damage, or cost Family may incur due to the presence of Family in or on the premises at the hosting location. Family realizes transportation to and from the Aiming High Homeschool Group or any time off campus is the family responsibility. Family also realizes that times between classes, gaps and schedules, before and after classes, and days and hours that teachers are absent are the family responsibility. Leaving a child anytime with Aiming High Homeschool Group and/or on the premises of the hosting location without supervision is at the sole risk of the Family. 
3. Family assumes full responsibility for and risk of bodily injury, death, or property damage while in or on the location of Aiming High Homeschool Group hosting location and/ or while working for any purpose participating in the group activities. 
4. Family expressly agrees that this release waiver, and indemnity agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the state of Virginia and that, if any portion of the agreement is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. 
5. Family, in consideration of being permitted to participate in Aiming High Homeschool Group, for family and families errors, executors, administrators, and assigns, releases an forever discharges all releases, and their heirs, administrators, an executors of and from any and every claim, demand, action, of whatsoever kind of nature, either in law or an equity arising from or by reason or any bodily injury or personal injuries known or unknown, death or property damage participation in Aiming High Homeschool Group or any activities in connection with Aiming High Homeschool Group or on the host property location. 
6. Family releases all hosting locations and Aiming High Homeschool Group leadership, teachers, and volunteers from any claim whatsoever on account first aid, treatment, or service rendered to the Family during participation in Aiming High Homeschool Group activities. Family members understand that they will be solely responsible for and will promptly pay any expenses which may be encouraged and providing treatment to the family. 
7. Family agrees that the parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) of the participants should inspect the facilities and equipment to be used and if the parent or guardian believes anything is unsafe, he or she should immediately advise someone in the Aiming High Homeschool Group leadership of such conditions and has the ability to refuse to participate. 
8. Family acknowledges and fully understands that each member or participant might engage in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death, and severe social and economic losses which might result not only from their own actions, inactions, or negligence, but the action, inaction, and negligence of others, or the condition of the premises or at any equipment used. Further, that there may be other risks not known to Aiming High Homeschool Group leadership or not reasonably foreseeable at this time. 
9. Family assumes all the foregoing risks and accepts personal responsibility for the damages following such injury, permanent disability, or death. 
10. Family additionally assumes all the foregoing risks and accepts personal responsibility for and releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue or hold responsible Aiming High Homeschool Group or any individual affiliated with the organization for transmission of any disease or virus which may cause injury, damage, or death, including the novel coronavirus known as Covid-19 or any other viral, bacterial, or other agent of disease which may already exist or be created or discovered anytime in the future.
11. Family releases, waves, discharges , and covenants not to sue Aiming High Homeschool Group, it's affiliate clubs, their respective administrators, directors, agents, volunteers, and other employees of the organization, or other members or participants , sponsoring agents, advertisers, and if applicable owners or lessors or premises used to conduct the event, all of which are hereinafter referred to as “releases,” from any and all liability to each of the undersigned, his or her next of kin for any and all claims, demands, losses or damages on account injury, including death and damage to property, caused or alleged to be caused in whole or part by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise. 
12. Family states that mother and or father of Family have carefully read the above release and know and understand the contents of the release and their significance & this release as families own free act. 
13. This agreement shall be binding on each member of the family, their personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin.
14. This release contains the entire agreement between the parties to this agreement and the terms of this release are contractual and not a mere recital. 

XI. Building Use Policies and Procedures

1. The entirety of the building (Williamsburg Community Chapel) used for co-op meetings should be left in as good as or better condition than we found it.
2. Teachers and parent volunteers are to take a picture of a room when they arrive before setup so they will know how to put tables, chairs, etc. back to the places in which they were found them.
3. Food and drinks can be consumed only in designated areas and when supervised by adults.
4. Students, parents, and teachers are not to use food or beverage items belonging to the church. Members of the co-op are to bring whatever items they wish to consume as snacks or meals. If something is needed and the church has it, the co-op member agrees to replace said item.
5. Children and youth should have adult supervision at all times while they are on the premises. There will be no running or horseplay within the buildings (except supervised playtime during recess/PE).
6. If something is spilled, co-op members should clean it up. If a mark is made on something, it should be cleaned off. If something is broken, it should be reported to an Aiming High Homeschool Group leader immediately, and they will communicate the situation to the church liaison.
7. At the end of each co-op day, designated members will return all WCC items to where they were found them, vacuum or sweep each room used, wipe down tables and chairs as needed, and empty trash cans into the dumpster located in the parking lot. Bathrooms are to be inspected and verified clean. Playground and other outside areas used for recreation are to be inspected to make sure no items or trash has been left behind.
8. The director will coordinate with all co-op members a cleaning schedule and checklist to be used throughout the year.

XII. Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

At Aiming High Homeschool Group, we believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31.) Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the Statement of Faith and/or moral teachings of our group.

We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen. 1:26-27.)  We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including but not limited to same-sex marriage, adultery, fornication, homosexual identification and/or behavior, bisexual identification and/or behavior, and transgender identification and/or behavior) and/or the promoting of such behavior prevents a person from fulfilling God’s design for their life. (Matt. 15:18-20; 1 Cor. 6:9-10.)

We believe that to preserve the function and integrity of Aiming High, and to provide a biblical role model to our students and the community, it is imperative that all persons that volunteer or are employed by Aiming High in any capacity, as well as students, adhere to this Statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22.)

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:9-11.)

As a result of our beliefs, Aiming High will only identify students, parents, and/or guardians with pronouns connected to their biological sex at birth. By signing this Statement of Sexual Identity and Gender Orientation you affirm that you understand that this is our policy and that Aiming High students must refrain from harassing behavior and from practicing or promoting all forms of sexual immorality as listed above.

XIII. Membership Contract

When families become members of Aiming High Homeschool Group, they are agreeing that they: 

___ Understand that Aiming High’s commitment is for the entire academic year and attendance is mandatory.

___ Have read and understand Aiming High’s Statement of Faith and agree to respect these beliefs upheld by volunteers, teachers, and leadership.

___ Have read, understand, and will abide by the Aiming High Member Family Handbook.

___ Have read and understand the Aiming High Tuition Policies. Parents agree to pay membership fees in accordance with these policies.

___ Have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Aiming High Safety Policies, Conduct Policies, Honor Code, and General Policies.