We provide many opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities ranging from classes to field trips. Please remember that Holy Family Catholic Church is graciously accommodating our weekly group activities and we need to conduct ourselves appropriately and follow the rules that they have set forth for using their facilities. When we gather at any event sponsored by Holy Family Homeschool Enrichment of the Triad (HFHET), we are representing our faith, our families, and the Catholic homeschool community.
I. School Year.
A. Co-op Day.
1. Classes will meet on Mondays from 9:30am to 1:30pm.
2. A Rosary prayer will be scheduled every Monday of co-op at the Chapel at 9:00am.
3. A calendar will be created prior to each semester and will indicate start date, scheduled days off, and ending date.
B. Closings.
1. The co-op will follow Forsyth County for school closings due to inclement weather.
2. If co-op is unexpectedly cancelled, families will be notified by email or telephone.
II. Holy Family Homeschool Enrichment of the Triad Facilities.
A. Classrooms.
1. We will be using 4 classrooms located in the family center of Holy Family Catholic Church.
2. To access the rooms, parents and students must enter the church through the designated doors located at the right side of the church near the brick stairs.
3. Children are required to stay within their assigned classrooms during the day and are only allowed to switch classrooms under adult supervision.
4. Bathroom facilities are located in the same hallway, directly across from the classrooms. Children are allowed to use these bathroom facilities with permission from an adult, or under adult supervision for the younger children.
B. Outdoor Facilities.
1. The use of Holy Family’s outdoor area is allowed unless there is another scheduled group using the area. This includes a playground and a picnic shelter.
2. Children need to be under adult supervision at all times when outdoors due to liability issues.
C. Kitchen Facilities.
1. Use of the kitchen located in the family center is allowed. This includes refrigerator and microwave use.
2. All food items left in the kitchen must be labeled and are not to be left overnight.
3. The kitchen area must be left clean and care must be taken so as not to damage other groups’ food items.
D. Use of other areas at Holy Family Catholic Church.
1. The Chapel is available for use for personal prayer, as well as our weekly scheduled Rosary and Angelus. Children are not allowed to enter without adult supervision. Please be aware that parishioners and other groups are also open to use the Chapel at any time.
2. The nursery is available to registered families with HFHET during co-op times. Please make sure that if using the nursery for your infant or toddler that you provide the nursery attendant with basic necessities such as diapers, wipes, snacks, etc. Parents will be assigned as nursery attendants prior to each co-op semester.
3. The use of any other area in Holy Family Catholic Church is not allowed without prior permission. Please contact the Holy Family Liaison/HFHET Leaders if you have any questions or additional needs.
III. Food, Drinks, and Lunchtime.
A. Food and Drink.
1. Food and drinks may be stored in the kitchen refrigerator, if needed. All food items need to be labeled appropriately.
2. Parents are allowed to bring in snacks for their nursery-aged children, as well as for themselves. Please make sure that all containers are labeled.
3. Food is not allowed during class time, except at the discretion of the teacher.
4. No food or drinks are allowed in the hallways.
B. Lunchtime.
1. Lunch can be enjoyed in a designated classroom or, if weather permits, in the covered picnic shelter outside.
2. Parents are allowed to leave the building for the purchase of lunch at nearby restaurants, but must return before the lunch hour is over.
C. Clean-Up.
1. Parents and students are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
2. All tables and eating areas must be cleared of trash and food particles before leaving the lunch area.
3. All trash must be disposed of in appropriate receptacles.
4. Spills must be cleaned up immediately.
IV. Dress Code.
A. With respect to God, ourselves, and others, children and adults should dress modestly and avoid wearing items that may be viewed as offensive.
B. Homeschool ID Cards.
1. Photo ID cards for both parents and children will be issued at the beginning of each semester for a fee of $2.00.
2. ID cards will be required for all students attending a HFHET sponsored event.
3. ID cards should be worn over clothing, preferable near the collar, where they are easily visible.
4. It is not mandatory to wear ID’s during co-op, but parents and students may wish to do so.
V. Class Policies.
A. Attendance.
1. Attendance is vital to the function of our group.
2. Parents and students are required to attend co-op for its entire length. No early dismissals will be allowed unless prior notification has been made.
3. If you are teaching a class and will be absent, you are required to notify your assistant or back-up teacher. A prepared lesson, along with any necessary materials, will be required to be transferred in advance.
4. If you are assisting in a class or volunteering, please notify the teacher as well as the HFHET Yahoo Group.
5. Registered families are committed to participating for the full semester.
B. Preparedness.
1. Students must be prompt to each class.
2. Students must bring all required materials to each class.
3. Students must bring all completed assignments, if any, to each class on their due dates.
C. Behavior.
1. Children are to be made aware that they should walk and speak quietly while in buildings.
2. If there is an outdoor activity, children should stay in designated areas for walking, running, and playing.
3. Children are to speak with respect to adults at all times, as well as show kindness and respect to each other and remember to value each person as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
4. Children are to keep hands to themselves and respect other people’s property and space at all times.
5. Disrespectful language and ill manners, such as excessive or unkind teasing, name calling, offensive sarcasm, rudeness, etc. is not permitted.
D. Discipline Guidelines.
1. When student behavior is inappropriate, the teacher should give the student a verbal warning, clearly communicating how behavior is to change.
2. If the behavior continues during class, the teacher should place the child in a designated area where he/she will not be able to participate with the class. The teacher has the option to make the student copy sentences from a text.
3. If the problem persists, the teacher should contact the parents and discuss the problem behavior. Under “Parental Responsibilities,” our policy states that parents are responsible for their children at all times, so it is ultimately the parent’s duty to handle any misbehavior.
4. If the situation does not improve after these warnings, the parents will be notified that the child is being expelled from the class.
5. The student may return to the class after proper apology and restitution is made.
6. If behavior problems persist, the student will be dismissed from co-op for the remainder of the semester.
VI. Parent Responsibilities.
A. Parents are required to check their emails a minimum of 3 times a week and respond accordingly. It is suggested that 2 mid-week email checks are made and an additional email check on the Sunday before co-op.
B. Parents are to know where their children are at all times.
C. There are no “drop-offs” allowed and parents must remain with HFHET at all times while co-op is in session. Exceptions to this are only made on a case-by-case basis.
D. Parents are responsible for the clean-up of their children.
E. Parents may not leave their children unattended, unless they are attending class and under the supervision of another adult.
F. Parents are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their children.
G. In case of tardiness or an absence, parents must contact the appropriate persons including the HFHET Yahoo Group.
H. Parents are required to attend all planning meetings, unless prior notice has been given.
I. A semester commitment is a requirement and necessary to the function of the group.
J. Parents are required to participate in HFHET to some degree by either teaching a class or volunteering in some aspect of the program.
K. Parents must remember that they are examples to all students attending HFHET and should behave accordingly. All behavior should remind students that they are to behave in a holy and dignified matter.
VII. Student Responsibilities.
A. Students must abide by guidelines set forth under “Class Policies: Preparedness.”
B. Students must abide by guidelines set forth under “Class Policies: Behavior.”
VIII. Financial Policies.
A. Although HFHET is a “free” homeschool program, there may be fees associated with individual classes.
B. All class fees are to be submitted to the financial manager by the specified due date.
C. If a family is under financial stress and unable to pay for a class fee, notice must be given to one of the HFHET leaders before the due date.
D. We understand that everyone has a budget. With that in mind, please be generous when contributing to the monthly collection for Holy Family. The use of their facilities allows our group to function and it is offered to us without fees for use of space or utilities. It is because of their generosity that we are able to function at a low cost to Catholic homeschool families.
IX. Miscellaneous.
A. Please direct all questions and concerns to a HFHET leader.
B. Parents with free time are encouraged to gather in the nursery or other designated area for some fellowship time.
C. Reminders, sign-up sheets, and additional information will be available in the nursery for parents to look through.