Handbook

Table of Contents

Statement of Faith………………………………………………………………………………………….2

Parents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

Parent Expectations……………………………………………………………………………………….4

Disputes Between Families/Individuals………………………………………………………….4

Parent Participation……………………………………………………………………………………….4

Parent Volunteers………………………………………………………………………………………….4

Safety…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5

Payment………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Refund Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………6

Students………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7

Attendance…………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Drugs & Alcohol……………………………………………………………………………………………..8

Weapons………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8

Dress Code……………………………………………………………………………………………………..8

Cell Phones, IPADS, & Laptops……………………………………………………….……………….9

Code of Conduct……………………………………………………………………………………………10

Discipline Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………….10

Tutors……………………………………………………………………………………………………………12

Roles and Responsibilities…………………………………………………………………………….13

Physical Contact……………………………………………………………………………………………13

Expectations Outside of the Program……………………………………………………………14

Reporting Suspecting Abuse………………………………………………………………………….14

TN Homeschoolers Leadership Team…………………………………… ………………………16

Statement of Faith

  • We believe that the Bible is true, holy, and the authoritative word of God.
  • We believe that God exists in three persons; God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
  • We believe that Jesus was born in a human body from the virgin Mary, lived a holy and sin-free life, died and was raised to life. We believe that he was fully God and fully human.
  • We believe that all humans were born into a sinful nature, all fall short of the glory of God, and all are in need of a Savior.
  • We believe that God created all men as men and women as women, and that marriage should be between a man and woman.
  • We believe that salvation is a free gift that is offered to everyone who calls upon the name of Jesus Christ and dedicates his/her life to him. We know that personal works are done as a response to this free gift, and not in lieu of.
  • We believe that each child is a good and perfect gift that comes from the Lord and we will do our best to protect and love each and every child.

PARENTS___________________________

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Parent Expectations

We believe that God’s perfect design for parents includes being present in their child’s education and development. TN Homeschoolers expects parents to:

  • Adhere to all the policies and procedures that are set forth by the organization. This helps create a smooth-running environment that also promotes the safety of everyone involved.
  • Pay for all programs, fees, co-ops, clubs, etc. promptly and on time. The inability to pay on time may result in dismissal from the program.
  • Always supervise your children when the student(s) are not actively participating in a club, class, or co-op.
  • Promptly drop off and pickup your student(s) from any event, club, class or co-op on time.
  • Read all materials presented and make a true effort to stay up to date on what is going on within the organization.
  • Follow the dress code that is laid out in the student section of this handbook.

Disputes Between Families/Individuals

We understand that living in a broken world means that there will be disputes and disagreements between families and individuals. This may be between two adults/parents, between students, and even possibly between tutors and parents. If there is a disagreement or dispute, we expect it to be handled in a Biblical fashion.

  • If there is a disagreement, the offended person should go directly to the other who may or may not be at fault. They are to discuss the matter at hand and attempt to find a solution. (Matt. 18:15)
  • If a resolution cannot be made, they should then take the issue to two leaders of the organization, which are listed at the end of this handbook. The two leaders of the organization, along with the offended person should then go to the person who is allegedly at fault to discuss a solution together. (Matt. 18:16)
  • If a resolution still cannot be made, there may be discussions regarding dismissal from the program(s) for either or both of the parties. (Matt. 18:17)
  • Gossip, degrading talk, or slander will not be tolerated. We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord’s Kingdom, and we will do our best to live together, as such.

Parent Participation

Parents are encouraged to attend programs, clubs and co-ops with their children. Parents are also encouraged to sign up and participate in various field trips, events, etc. We value the role that each and every parent plays in their child’s life. Please note that parents or guardians will be responsible for their children at all times.

Parent Volunteers

TN Homeschoolers is ran by parent volunteers, just like you, and there are always opportunities to get involved! Please let someone on the board know if you are interested in volunteering!

Safety

We take safety very seriously at TN Homeschoolers. Each event, club, class, co-op and field trip may be ran differently depending on the safety concerns, number of participants, location, etc. Wristbands, name tags, etc. may be required at various times. If this is the case, please be respectful while checking in, and abide by the safety precautions. These precautions are for the safety of everyone involved.

Payment

Payment for all clubs, co-ops, field trips, events, etc. are due prior to the start of each semester. Some deadlines may be PRIOR to the beginning of the semester program, and an outstanding balance may be grounds for removal from the program.

All tutors are private contractors, and set their own rates (within boundaries) for each of their classes, clubs, etc. Failure to pay for your student(s) affects the class as a whole. Each tutor has a certain number of students needed to make the material(s), value of time spent, and class-size work. Failure to pay affects all these things.

All returning students must have ZERO outstanding balances at the time of registering for a new semester. If there is an outstanding balance, the student may not be able to register for new programs.

Refund Policy

As a general rule, refunds will not be issued. As stated above, the tutors set their rates, and count on those funds to prepare their class for the semester. We cannot issue refunds as this will greatly affect their ability to plan accordingly.

If you need payment assistance, please let Abby Merryman, or someone else on the board know. There may be allocated funds for scholarships and payment assistance. We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate in our programs, regardless of income and profession.

STUDENTS__________________________

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. “ Colossians 3:20 ESV

Attendance

If you are registered for a club, co-op or class, attendance is of utmost importance. Typically, the clubs and classes will only meet once or twice a week, and failure to attend may result in falling behind in material, and missed content. If you know you will miss a class, please be sure to communicate with your tutor. Disciplinary action for missed classes, clubs, and co-ops may be set by the individual tutor. Please make sure to check with them for their class policies.

Drugs & Alcohol

There is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for all use, consumption, purchase and sale of, or possession of all drugs, tobacco products, alcohol products or any substance that is deemed illegal in the state of TN. Failure to abide by this policy is grounds for immediate dismissal from all programs at TN Homeschoolers.

Weapons

TN Homeschoolers prohibits all students from obtaining and carrying dangerous weapons to any of the events, clubs, co-ops, field trips, etc. Weapons such as: lighters, switchblades, guns (air, BB, stun, or any type), tasers, metal knuckles, martial arts weapons, or any items being used for nefarious activities are prohibited.

Pocket knives are permitted, but if they are used to harm or potentially harm oneself or another person or animal, the student(s) will lose the privilege of being able to bring one to the program(s). The student’s parents will be notified immediately, and disciplinary action may be taken.

Dress Code

We are a Christian organization, so we want everything we say and do to reflect the principles of the Bible. The Bible calls for us to remain modest in our clothing, and to be respectful of others, in regard to what we wear.

To keep it simple – “NO, to the 3 Bs”:

– No booties showing

– No boobies showing

– No bellies showing

Additionally, undergarments must be fully covered. If the clothing has holes in it, they must be low enough to not see the undergarments. No inappropriate slogans, words or images will be allowed.

Failure to comply to the dress code, may result in the staff asking you to either change clothes or leave the premises immediately. We understand that we do take trips where swimwear is worn, please make sure the swimwear is modest.

Cell Phones, Ipads & Laptops

Technology can be an incredible tool and resource, but it can also serve as a distraction. All technology must be silenced and hidden, unless otherwise noted by the tutor. If the student fails to stay off of his/her tech device, he or she may be asked to leave said device with a staff member until a parent or guardian picks up the student.

If a parent is trying to reach the student in an emergency situation, and cannot make contact, the parent or guardian can call Abby Merryman at 615-927-8649, and she will ensure timely communication between the student and parent.

To clarify, a tutor or staff member can remove a tech device from the student if they are using the device during instruction time, are distracting other students with the device, and/or isn’t following instructions because of the device. The device will be given back to the student at the end of the instructional period, or when the parent or guardian picks up the child.

Code of Conduct

Respect yourself and others, be responsible, be kind, and do your best to maintain Biblical principles.

Respect yourself:

  • Know that you are fully loved by the creator of the universe.
  • Know that you are chosen by God to live a holy life with parents that he chose for you, and siblings that were handpicked for you, too.
  • Know that you were created ON purpose and FOR a purpose, and put on Earth to do great and mighty things for the Kingdom of God.

Respect others:

  • Be kind and courteous to others.
  • Follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the organization.
  • Use appropriate language and keep your hands and feet to yourself.
  • Speak respectfully to everyone around you.
  • Don’t touch any item that doesn’t belong to you without permission from the owner(s).
  • Don’t cheat – let your work be your work.
  • Don’t take from others.
  • Dress Appropriately.
  • Be respectful to the property in which the organization uses. Any damage caused by the student will be billed back to his/her parents. Refusal to pay for said damages may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Be Responsible:

  • Turn in all assignments on time
  • Show up to class on time
  • Be attentive during instructional time
  • Come to class, co-ops, clubs prepared
  • Follow the tech device guidelines
  • Clean up after yourself

Discipline Policy

We believe that all disciplinary actions should be done out of love, mercy and grace just as God has disciplined his people with mercy and love. We also believe that rules and guidelines must be followed, and that obedience to the rules is founded in Biblical Principles. Because of this, all students will be held accountable for their actions. If disciplinary action needs to be taken, it will be done with compassion, love and with careful deliberation. The order of offenses is as follows:

  • First Offense: Parents will be notified, and student will discuss the offense with the tutor, parent and/or board member. A note will be made on the student’s record.
  • Second Offense: Students will be asked to pay a fine of $100 before they can return to the program. This includes classes, clubs, co-ops, events and field trips. The parent/Guardian will need to have a formal face to face meeting the tutor, and board members regarding the offensive behavior(s). The fine is required to account for additional time and efforts given for consideration of the offense.
  • Third Offense: Student will be formally asked to leave the program. This may include one or all of the following: clubs, classes, co-ops, field trips and events. No refunds will be given.
  • If the board of directors deems the offense to be serious in nature, the situation may be escalated to the third and final offense… Dismissing the student from the program immediately, and without refunds.


TUTORS_________________________

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Roles and Responsibilities

We believe that the role of the tutor in a child’s life is invaluable. Good instructors can make a major difference in the lives of children – especially, in regard to the subject at hand. The main role and responsibility of the tutor is to ensure that each child is safe, and that the learning environment is one of positivity, nurturing and encouragement.

We expect tutors to:

  • Be prepared for each class, club, co-op, etc.
  • Start class/clubs on time, and end on time.
  • Provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
  • Ensure that their classroom/instruction setting is put back in the order that it was found in or better than it was found in at the end of each instruction period.
  • Provide a syllabus for the parent(s) and student(s) to follow throughout the semester.
  • Be professional at all times.
  • Speak kindly and encouraging to all students, parents and other staff members.
  • Provide material(s) to those who were absent during an instruction period, so that each child has the same opportunity to be successful in the class or club.
  • Maintain proper communication with students, parents, and the leadership board.
  • Follow the disciplinary actions set forth by this handbook.

Physical Contact

  • Tutors will not be permitted to physically touch a child in a way that may give off an appearance of wrongdoing. Tutors need to be trusted with each and every child.
  • Tutors and children will not be permitted to have one-on-one sessions without the permission of the parent or guardian.
  • Safe touches may be allowed, and may be: a quick side hug, patting the shoulder or upper back, or a light touch of the arm. No physical contact should be made with a child whatsoever, unless there are other children or adults present.
  • Tutors should never force a touch or affection upon any child.
  • If inappropriate behavior of a tutor is suspected, disciplinary action may be taken.

Expectations Outside of the Program

TN Homeschoolers realizes that each person has additional responsibilities and duties outside of the program, but TN Homeschoolers requires that all staff, board members and tutors act within the rules and guidelines of Biblical principles regardless of where they are, understanding that they are representatives of Christians and TN Homeschoolers.

These expectations include, but are not limited to:

If tutors or staff are not abiding by the given guidelines and requirements, performance plans may be implemented. If a tutor or staff member is caught doing illegal activities, termination of the employment contract may be taken.

Reporting Suspected Abuse

All adults are required by law to report any suspected abuse or neglect of children. If you are unsure of what to do, please contact a board member immediately.

TN Homeschoolers Leadership Team_______

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

Leadership Board

Board Executive Director:

Abby Merryman

Vice President of the Board:

Candace Fitzgerald

Secretary:

Jennifer Yockey

Treasurer:

Jordyn Peyton

Community Relations:

Brianna Carvallo

Committee Chair:

Denise Buckelew

Additional Leadership Roles

Director of Committee Relationships:

Candace Fitzgerald

Director of Tutor Relations:

Jennifer Yockey

Director of Parent Relations:

Jordyn Peyton

Tutor Leads by Department

Jennifer Yockey – Tutor Director

Art: Brianna Carvallo

Babysitting Club:

Book Clubs: Donielle Mastley

Cheerleading Team: Alissa Thompson

Comparative Worldview: Jordyn Peyton

Crochet Clubs: Donielle Mastley

Culinary Class: Abby Merryman

Events: Candace Fitzgerald

Field Trips: Abby Merryman

Game Club: Candace Fitzgerald

Kidpreneur Club: Kirsten Allen

Lego Club: Brianna Carvallo

Main Event CO-OP: Abby Merryman

Music: Donielle Mastley

Saddle Club / Riding Lessons: Abby Merryman

Sports in PE:

Sewing:

Woodworking: Becky Gorham

By participating with/on any field trips, events, classes, or clubs with Tennessee Homeschoolers you are agreeing to abide by the guidelines set forth in this handbook.