Handbook | SCCH

SECRET CITY CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOLERS HANDBOOK

Secret City Christian Homeschoolers - General Information

Contact Information

Any questions, comments, concerns can be emailed to the above address and will be directed to the appropriate leader.

This website is used to register for classes, post pictures, make/send announcements, see notes from teachers, post upcoming field trips/events, etc.

Leadership

SCCH is led by a leadership team. Below are the current leaders and their responsibilities. This team regularly prays for all the SCCH families and will be in contact with each family throughout the semester. Please reach out to them as needed.

Sarah Walton - Coordinator
Stephanie Jones - Administrator
Stephanie Hedrick-Caldwell - Finance
Meghan Thomas - Public Relations & serving as needed

Jaime Stewart - Secretary

Location

Glenwood Baptist Church (200 N. Alabama Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830). Entrance is located under the drive through awning.

Parent Involvement

SCCH is not a drop off co-op. A parent/guardian must stay on campus and volunteer in some aspect every hour their child(ren) is attending classes. More information can be found on the parent/guardian agreement page.

Class Information

Classes are 50 minutes long and held from 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM. You may stay for as many/few classes as you want. Class supply fees are a one-time, non-refundable, fee that covers supplies for the whole semester. You will receive an invoice by email for these fees that will be due a couple weeks prior to the semester beginning. Please read class descriptions carefully and contact the teacher before signing up if you have questions about class expectations, curriculum, etc.

Family registration fees

The membership fees help cover utility expenses, liability insurance, and other expenses the co-op incurs each semester. These fees should be submitted via our secure website (www.scchor.org) or cash upon submitting registration paperwork. The family registration fees are a one-time fee due at the beginning of each semester and are non-refundable. If you sign up to help clean after co-op TWO times during the semester, you will receive $10 off the registration fee. The link to sign up is on the website under the family registration selection.

$50 (if 1-2 children are attending)

$60 (if 3-5 children are attending)

$70 (if 6 or more children are attending)

Lunch

Lunch is from 11:45 - 12:35 PM. Please pack a lunch for your family. If you need an allergy free area to eat in, please let leadership know. The last Thursday of the month we will have Pizza Day where we order from Domino’s Pizza. Orders will be done on the website only and are open from Sunday-Wednesday morning.

Snacks

SCCH will have a snack shack for you to purchase coffee, drinks, and snacks. All proceeds go directly back into the co-op.

Spirit Days

SCCH will have some fun spirit days once a month to give the kids something different and fun to look forward to.

Serving Opportunities

SCCH offers a variety of ways for our children to give back to our community throughout the semester. If you have ideas of how they can do this, send an email to scchomeschool@gmail.com

Field Trips

The SCCH leadership team will take turns planning and leading a variety of field trips. (at least 1 every month or so). Any field trip ideas/suggestions can be sent to SCCH via email.

SCCH Statement of Faith

Part A - Faith

SCCH is a Christian Co-op, however it is not affiliated with any one church or denomination. SCCH strives to be a place where Christian homeschooling families can unite in providing an enriching and loving community for one another. While many denominations may be represented at SCCH, SCCH will focus on what we do agree on, not on the things that could divide us. SCCH does not discriminate on basis of race, ethnicity, or denominational affiliation. SCCH defines a Christian as a person, who by faith, has received Jesus Christ as their personal savior. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10) All members should agree on the essentials of Christian faith as described below:

1. We believe in and submit to the divine authority of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 20:1-3, Deuteronomy 6:4, John 15:26, Matthew 28:16-20)

2. We believe the Bible to be the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:15-16, 2 Peter 1:21)

3. We believe God created all things, just as found in the Biblical account of creation in Genesis 1-2.

4. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His imminent bodily return in power and glory. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Hebrews 1:3)

5. We believe because of the original sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), all mankind is now born with a fallen nature, without hope, doomed to eternal destruction, in need of salvation that can only be found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23, Acts 4:2, John 14:6)

6. We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28)

Part B - Christian Conduct

Specific SCCH behavioral expectations and rules can be found in the Rules and Regulation section of the SCCH handbook. Below is a general code of Christian conduct resulting from the above Christian faith statements.

1. Personal Conduct

SCCH members should exhibit attitude and speech that is honoring to The Lord and beneficial to those around them (Ephesians 4:29, Philippians 2:5).

2. Conduct towards Others

SCCH members should treat all other members with mutual Christian love, honor, and respect. (Romans 12:10, 1 John 4:21,1 Peter 2:17)

3. Conflict of Resolution

Conflict should be resolved in a Biblical manner, particularly as described in Matthew 18: 15-17. This is explained in more detail in the SCCH Conflict Resolution Guideline.

4. Marriage, Gender, Sexuality

SCCH believes in Biblical marriage between one man and one woman, and this special relationship reflects Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:21-33). Any form of sexual immorality, as Biblically defined, is sinful and offensive to God (Matthew 15:18-20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

5. Sanctity of Human Life

SCCH believes God fearfully and wonderfully creates each person for His glory. (Psalm 139:13-14) We believe God creates each person as male or female and these two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Since each person is made in the image of God, every life (born and unborn) has significant value and should be treated with compassion. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Secret City Christian Homeschoolers Rules & Regulations

(Applies to Classes, Activities, Field Trips & Other co-op related Activities)

1. Be respectful when the leader/instructor is talking. Be attentive and pay attention.

2. Be on time. We cannot stress this enough!! Allowing for a few extra minutes is best.

3. Inappropriate conversation, gestures, clothing, offensive language, or aggressive behavior will NOT be tolerated, nor permitted. If your behavior is making another person uncomfortable, then you need to stop.

4. All areas not reserved for our group are considered strictly OFF LIMITS during our scheduled events.

5. SCCH does have a snack shack during co-op. Please be considerate and clean up after yourself. Extra care should be taken to avoid spills.

6. Parent/Responsible adult MUST STAY ON SITE at events/classes, unless there is another adult designated to care for your students. Any adult staying on campus with your child(ren) must be listed on your registration form. A background check will be conducted on all adults on campus. If you need to leave campus for some reason, you must find another adult that will be responsible for your child(ren) and notify the directors at front desk. During Co-Op class times, please sign in for your student, and specify who the adult in charge of your child will be. This is a must unless the event is designated as a drop off event, in this case each student must be signed in with contact information of the parent/responsible adult.

7. NO SICK STUDENTS! If a student (or attending parent) has had a fever above 100 degrees, had diarrhea, vomiting, or anything else possibly contagious, they cannot attend co-op classes/activities until they are healthy for at least 48 hours prior to co-op classes/activities. Healthy siblings may attend with an approved adult that is listed on the registration paperwork below. Please note the adult attending will be expected to help where the usual attending parent has signed up to help.

8. NO WEAPONS! This is the rule for all Co-op classes, events, activities, and field trips. No Drugs or Alcohol. (Parents with a valid permit are welcome to carry.)

9. Public displays of affection (in a boyfriend/girlfriend type relationship) are not acceptable in any co-op event.

10. Show respect for adults AND peers. This includes general hands-to-yourself policy. Respect others’ personal space.

11. Be respectful of others’ personal property, facilities, and equipment. Rule of thumb….Leave the area better than you found it.

12. If any personal item becomes a distraction, the leader of the event has permission to take it and hold it until the end of the event/class/activity. It will be returned ONLY to a parent/responsible adult in charge of you.

13. Shorts and skirts must be at a modest length, and have no writing across the backside. No shirts that show midriff, or cleavage. “Reach up high, and touch the toes. If anything shows, change the clothes.”

14. If you feel you need to discipline your child with corporal punishment, please do this off of the church property.

15. Should any issues or concerns arise, try to work them out with the involved person(s) first, then address them with the co-op leadership if necessary. Slander and gossip will not be tolerated.

16. While cell phones are permitted on campus, they need to be kept in backpack/bag during class, unless the teacher gives permission to use for note taking. If after the first warning, it continues to be a distraction, it will be given to the parent to hold on to. During lunch and break time, phone usage is at the parents’ discretion.

17. Students will not be permitted outside during class time, unless the teacher is having an outdoor activity with their class. They are permitted to play on the play area before/after co-op classes and at lunch time, with parent’s permission. It is highly recommended that an adult be with the students outside as the play area is accessible to the public and there are roads close by.

18. Students must remain in their classes during scheduled times, unless they have teacher permission to use the restroom or water fountain, etc. Wandering the halls/other areas or outside is not permitted.

19. If for some reason, you are unable to attend classes due to sickness, traveling, etc., please promptly notify SCCH leaders. If you are a teacher, please follow the guidelines listed in the teacher’s contract in regard to getting your class(es) covered. It is vital that SCCH leaders are notified when you are going to be absent so we can ensure we have enough coverage for all areas.

SCCH Child Protection Policy

SCCH will make every effort to ensure the safety of all children attending SCCH classes, events, and activities regardless of race, sex, age, or religion. This policy will serve as a guideline for adult-child interactions to ensure both the safety and integrity of all involved in SCCH.

All individuals will always be treated with respect.
All adults that will be present at SCCH must undergo a background check as stated in the registration paperwork.
No adult should ever be alone with a child (besides their own) under any circumstance-in the classroom, restroom, etc. Should a child need assistance in the restroom, the parent should be promptly notified.
Parents of diapered children should change their own children’s diapers, unless specific instruction otherwise has been granted.
Abuse of any kind (physical, verbal, sexual, mental, neglect) will not be tolerated.
Bullying of any sort (physical, verbal, nonverbal, or cyber) will not be tolerated.
All adults should be aware of the legal and moral obligation every Tennessee resident has as a mandated reporter.

SCCH Conflict Resolution Guideline

Within any group of people (even among a Christians), there are bound to be times of disagreements, misunderstandings, and missteps. However, SCCH does expect these difficult situations to be handled appropriately, and in a God-honoring way. SCCH does expect the rules to be followed and respect to be extended to all involved in the co-op. SCCH will use Matthew 18:15-17 as our guide in dealing with situations that require disciplinary action.

Step 1- The conflict/situation should first try to be resolved among those involved.

If this is a situation that involves a behavioral issue in the classroom, the teacher should first issue a warning to the student(s).
If the conflict is resolved, no further action is necessary. If conflict continues, please notify one of the SCCH leaders.

Step 2- One leadership team member will address the offender(s) about the concern/issue at hand. (First Warning)

If this is a situation that involves a behavioral issue in the classroom, the teacher/class helper should walk the student to the co-op leader on duty at the check in desk. The leader will discuss the situation with the student and walk the student to their parent after class to discuss.

Step 3- If conflict/issue continues, the person(s) will meet with the entire leadership team to discuss the situation and implications. (Second warning)

If the offender is a teacher or leader, they may be asked to step down from their position of leadership at this point.
If the offender is a student, the student, along with parents, will meet with the leadership team to discuss the situation.

Step 4- If conflict/issue continues, the offender will meet with the leadership team about further implications, including the possibility of being dismissed from the co-op. (Third and Final Warning)

Please know, it is not SCCH’s desire to see anyone leave the co-op. This guideline is being put in place to help protect the group, ensure rules are being followed, to keep everyone safe, ensure things are running smoothly, and ensure consistency on how potential situations are handled. If steps 2,3, or 4 are reached, SCCH leadership will communicate it clearly to all parties involved with both verbal and written notice.

SCCH Parent/Guardian Expectations

SCCH is not a drop of co-op. In order for the co-op to run efficiently, it takes a team approach. Families should strive to attend at least 13 of the 16 weeks of the semester. (We understand life can bring about unexpected situations and illnesses and ask that if you are experiencing a difficult life situation at any point in the semester, that you please communicate that with leadership). All families are required to have one approved parent/guardian remain on campus and serve in some aspect every hour their child(ren) is taking classes. Parents will select their volunteer roles when selecting classes for their child(ren). If volunteer roles are not selected, the administrators will assign the roles as needed. Below is a list of volunteer roles and what they entail.

Description / Expectations of Volunteer Roles

Teachers

Planning and leading 15 lesson plans for the semester. (Members must be in good standing and a part of SCCH for 1 Semester before teaching)

Teacher Assistants/helpers

Assist as needed in the classroom with handing out supplies, helping students with assignments, and assisting the teacher as needed. In the event the teacher will be absent, she/he will ask if you are able to cover the class for them before other options are considered.

PreK Assistants/helpers

Assistants in the PreK area will assist the PreK teachers and Ms. Lindsay, the PreK director as needed with assistance in the classrooms.

Hall Monitors

Stay in assigned area (usually a chair is provided to sit in), occasionally walk the hallway to ensure safety of everyone, stay outside restroom if someone is using it (peek in afterwards to ensure its usable for next person).

Snack Shack/ Resource Room

Monitoring snack shack (now located in the resource room), making copies when needed, ensuring the resource room stays tidy and well organized. Money box must be taken to the front desk and given to someone in leadership.

Clean-up Crew

Staying after co-op about 30 minutes to help take out trash, sanitize, clean bathrooms, vacuum, mop, clean up however needed.

Floaters

If you do not sign up for something, and you are not assigned a permanent spot, you will be a floater. Each week, you will need to check the schedule at check-in to find your name and your job assignments. These will change week to week. If you have not been assigned a job for the day, you can hang out in the halls with other moms or go to a class of your choice.