2007-2008
Covenant Learning Coop (CLC) Policies and Procedures
Vision Statement
To partner with home-schooling families and to magnify the Lord in the eyes of the students by providing quality, interactive, Christ-centered, group learning opportunities in core curricular areas.
- Classes are central to a family’s curriculum.
- Classes follow a master plan that families can rely on for coverage and continuity in a subject area.
- Classes launch a subject with required home study to maximize the learning experience.
- Teachers are enthusiastic and strive to inspire a love for both the subject matter taught and for learning in general.
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
Scope and Sequence: CLC provides instruction from Pre-3 to 12th grade. The Scope and Sequence for CLC’s classes is available for review on the co-op’s website, www.lchec.org. The scope and sequence is reviewed annually, and courses may be added or deleted.
CURRICULUM GOALS
Curriculum Goals: At CLC, we believe we are preparing the future leaders of our nation and world. Our job is to partner with parents to help prepare the students to lead. As we are assuming that most students are planning to attend college, college admission requirements have been taken into consideration. CLC offers rigorous academic courses which challenge the students to think critically and imaginatively.
The curriculum planning committees and the teachers of CLC choose curriculum with the goal of preparing students for leadership. We desire to raise godly, Christian young men and women who know how to learn and love learning. We want them to articulate knowledge and the truth in a way that is both effective and winsome. Consequently, they must be armed with knowledge, integrity, and a Christ-centered view of the world. They must also be able to think critically and analytically. We desire to bring forth a generation of ambassadors for Christ.
In short, we aspire to teach:
- a love of learning
- critical thinking skills
- love of literature
- the scientific method
- problem solving
- analytical thinking
- a Christ-centered worldview
- an ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively both orally and in writing
- the ability to learn independently
- the ability to evaluate information and ideas
- an ability to communicate and visualize beyond one’s culture
- the ability to work interdependently.
COURSES AND CURRICULUM SELECTION PROCESS
Courses and Curriculum Selection Process: At the elementary level, a team composed of CLC teachers and parents review and select materials. High school teachers are occasionally used as a resource during this process. At the high school level, the team is composed of the academic advisor, the department coordinator, and the involved teacher(s). The team evaluates several options in order to select the courses and curriculum to offer. Our goal is to obtain the best curriculum choices for a homeschooling environment. We choose curriculum that is both assessable to a homeschooled student and economically feasible. In particular, we tried to be sensitive to the limited amount of class time per week and the need for much of the work to completed at home with the assistance/guidance of the student’s primary teacher, his/her parent. After picking a curriculum, we would like to commit to it for 3 years, however often time it is difficult to asses a curriculum until you have taught with it. Therefore, we do reserve the right to change curriculum before that time if the curriculum does not work in our co-op or contains offensive or antithetical information that is too difficult to bypass or overcome.
In order to prepare the students for future academic studies and/or the workplace, we have selected textbooks/materials which are widely recognized for their high caliber. Many of the works of literature are considered “classics” and/or have received critical acclaim. Similarly, the science curriculum is acknowledged as a leader in the homeschooling field. We always look for the best academic material. However, we do not use exclusively Christian texts. Consequently, parents should actively discuss course materials and topics with their children in order to share their beliefs. Particularly, in regards to scientific, historical, and literary topics, familial communication and discussion continue to be critical to each student’s education.
Literature Selection and Philosophy: Students will read a wide variety of literature including novels, short stories, poetry, essays, plays, and speeches. The selections chosen are often classics like To Kill a Mocking Bird, “Romeo and Juliet”, The Goldent Goblet, and A Christmas Carol. Other selections have received critical acclaim.
All of the works have strong literary merit. Moreover, they have layers to analyze and discuss. One of the characteristics of quality literature is that it requires the reader to examine the characters’ actions and choices. As in real life, not all characters make the best decisions. At CLC, we encourage students to analyze the characters and their actions from a Biblical perspective. Whenever a character acts in a way which is not Biblically-correct, we will discuss his/her actions in class. However, we encourage parents to continue this dialogue at home as they oversee their child’s weekly assignments.
CLC’s Science Philosophy: The study of science, more than perhaps any other academic discipline, has the ability to inspire awe and reverence for our Creator God. At CLC, from elementary levels to high school, our teaching reflects this focus on our Creator. While those outside the church often use science as a means to disprove religion, we teach the intricacies of design in nature and the physical world to better reveal the Master Designer.
More specifically, we teach all ages that God is the sole creator of the universe and that no part of the universe or any creature came into being by chance or by any power other than that of the Sovereign God. God is the “Author of Science” and as such can use it to fulfill His will on earth. We introduce evolution as a theory, believed by many, but in reality, not wholly supportable by fact and not consistent with the Word of God in the Bible. We introduce the theory of “intelligent design” as a better explanation for the complexity in creation and consistent with the Scriptures.
We do not, however, teach a literal six-day creation timeline or a specific age of the earth. Sincere Bible-believing Christians differ on the question of the age of the earth; therefore, the discussion of this matter is best left to parents and the children’s spiritual leaders. A list of good reference materials for examining this question can be provided on request.
Parental Role as Educator: We at CLC affirm the parent as the ultimate teacher for his/her child. Consequently, if a parent is uncomfortable with a particular assignment or trade book selection, he/she should contact the teacher. In almost all cases, arrangements can be made for the student to complete an alternate assignment or to read a different book. Similarly, parents are always welcome to observe his/her child’s classes. We encourage and expect parents to be actively engaged in their child’s education.
STAFF, TEACHERS & SUBSTITUTES
Staff: CLC is composed of the Administrative Committee, the Academic Advisor, Department Coordinators, and Teachers. All individuals who serve are committed Christians.
Teacher Qualifications and Procedure for Filling Teacher Vacancies:
All teachers at CLC desire to share their enthusiasm for their subject matter and their love of Jesus Christ with the students they teach. When a teaching vacancy occurs the position is filled internally or advertised locally. All teachers are selected through a three tier process. Teachers are initially interviewed by a CLC Administrator to determine if the candidate is a committed Christian and to review his/her qualifications (knowledge of the subject matter, experience, educational background, etc.). Promising candidates are then interviewed by the Academic Advisor to discuss teaching methods, classroom management techniques, and other educational issues. Finally, references are reviewed.
Note: CLC desires to hire the best teachers available. During the interview process, preference is given to:
1. Experienced teachers who are certified in the area of the vacancy
2. Experienced teachers who have a strong interest in the area of the vacancy or highly qualified individuals whose educational background is in the subject matter
3. Individuals with good experience in the subject matter and a desire to share that knowledge with others.
Teacher biographies are provided on the website for all junior and senior high school teachers.
Substitutes: It is the teacher's responsibility to make arrangements for a substitute or cancel the class. The teacher will determine a make-up date for the class in the event of cancellation. Teachers will arrange for compensation/reciprocation to the substitute for the class. A listing of approved substitutes will be made and distributed. Updates will be sent out as new substitues are added. Please contact Dona De Gree and/or Desiree Voegele if you will be using a sub or cancelling a class.
HOME STUDY PROGRAM (Elementary)
Why require home study?
Science, geography, and literature are all serious subjects requiring more than 90 minutes a week of instruction to achieve mastery. Review and reinforcement at home are necessary throughout the week to cement concepts, learn vocabulary and/or practice techniques.
How much home study is expected?
Home study time commitments can vary from student to student; however, teachers plan on the following averages per class:
1st and 2nd grade: 60 min. per class per week
3rd and 4th grade: 60+ min. per class per week
5th and 6th grade: 90+ min. per class per week
Note: These estimates do not include home study time to prepare for written/oral reports or projects.
Why is there an incentive program for home study?
The incentive program is designed to reward completion, neatness, class participation, effort, and to encourage students to do their home study work diligently each week. Students who do their work help to inspire excellence in the classroom. You, as the parent, remain your child’s primary teacher/evaluator. By signing your initials next to an assignment and returning various assignments to the teacher, you certify that your student has made a “best effort” on the assignment. Points are accumulated based on your certification in conjunction with the teacher evaluation.
How does the incentive program work?
Each teacher will include a home study assignment sheet located either in the notebook or on the Teacher Web. Home study sheets should be available by 10am Tuesday morning (sheets may be available sooner) as well as any supporting home study sheets. Please start the homestudy sheet as soon as possible. This will ensure that you will not be surprised by any assignment’s time or material requirements. (For example, some experiments may require a day or two to complete or a household product you do not normally stock.) As your child works through his/her assignments, please initial the appropriate places on the assignment sheet and place appropriate completed material in folder.
How do I make sure I am doing the correct Home Study Assignments?
On each Teacher Web site, the marquee across the top should indicate the week and date of the current assignment. If the week has not been changed by 10am on Tuesday, contact the teacher as soon as possible.
What if our family has to miss a week?
All home study assignments will be posted on the Teacher Web or should be in the child's notebook. Feel free to contact the teacher to obtain any additional information. Please note that not all in class assignments will be able to be “made up”. In the case of illness or travel, full points will be awarded one week later. In other cases, only ½ credit will be given to one-week-late assignments. No credit will be given for assignments later than one week.
What are the rewards for the incentive program?
At the end of year Celebration we will celebrate the accomplishments of the students. Students will receive certificates with a colored ribbon and a gift. The incentives program is designed to award the student for diligent work and some mastery of the subject area. You as a parent are still the final teacher and have the final say. The ribbon colors on the certificate delineate a student’s effort relative to the total points achievable: yellow to indicate successful participation and is roughly equivalent to 84 or below ; red to indicate nearly all points earned and is roughly equivalent 85-92; blue to indicate outstanding effort and is roughly equivalent to 93 and above, often with significant bonus points earned.
HOME STUDY PROGRAM (High School)
Home Study Program: Science, social studies, foreign language, English, and mathematics are all serious subjects requiring more than 90 minutes a week of instruction to achieve mastery. Review and reinforcement at home are necessary throughout the week to cement concepts, learn vocabulary and/or practice techniques. Furthermore, as students move into the junior and senior high school grades, they begin to work for transcript credit. Consequently, the coursework and the time required in home study needs to reflect the hours required to receive credit. At a minimum, the student should expect to spend the following time in home study:
7th and 8th grade: 2 ½ -3 ½ hours per class per week (35-50 min. 4X a week)
9th and 10th grade: 3- 4 ½ hours per class per week (45 min. - 1 hr 15 min. 4X a week)
11th and 12th grade: 4- 5 ½ hours per class per week (1 hr. - 1 hr. 20 min. 4X a week)
Naturally, these are estimates of the time required at the various levels. In certain core courses, the home study may require slightly more time. For example, independent/free reading is not generally included in the time allotments for the language arts classes; however, students will be expected to read for pleasure. In all classes, additional time may be required for special projects, reports or presentations.
Grading: At the junior and high school levels, students receive traditional grades rather than participating in an incentive program. Grades are a means to communicate to both the student and his/her parents the level of mastery and effort shown by the student within a specific grading period. Grades will be reported to parents quarterly and will be based on a combination of home study, class work, quizzes/tests, and other assignments. Within each grading period, a minimum of six grades will be collected.
Effective in September 2005, CLC’s grading scale and GPA equivalency will be:
Grade Grade Range GPA
A+ 98-100 4.33
A 93-97 4.0
B+ 92-90 3.33
B 85-89 3.0
C+ 82-84 2.33
C 77-81 2.0
D+ 74-76 1.33
D 70-73 1.0
F 69 and below 0.0
If a class is designated as an AP course, 0.7 points may be added to the GPA for that course.
Attendance: As the co-op meets only once a week, each class meeting is important! Students should attend unless they are ill or traveling. In the event of illness or travel, it is the student’s responsibility to look on the teachers website to obtain the home study assignment. If they are unable to find the assignment, then they can contact the teacher. Additionally, all papers which were distributed during class will be available on the Teacher Web). If a student is absent, assignments may be submitted up to one week late without penalty. Work submitted after the one week extension is subject to grade reduction or reduction in incentive points, and no work will be accepted after 3 weeks unless special exception is granted by the teacher. Finally, as some class work (like labs) cannot be easily duplicated, absences may affect a student’s grade or incentive points. If an absence is due to a reason other than travel or illness, make-up credit is subject to teacher approval.
Late and Incomplete Work: Late work not due to illness or travel may be turned in up to one week late but will be subject to a one letter grade penalty or reduction of incentive points. Work received two weeks late will resulted in two letter grade reductions or additional incentive point reductions, and no work will be accepted after two weeks without special permission. However, a parent may request an extension without penalty, or a teacher may grant one at his/her discretion based on the individual circumstances.
Honor Roll (High School): At CLC, we wish to recognize excellence in academic achievement. Consequently, we have created two honor roll designations: Superior Achievement and Outstanding Achievement. At the Annual Celebration Night/Commencement, all honor roll students will be recognized for their hard work and academic achievement.
Superior Achievement Award: all A’s
Outstanding Achievement Award: all A’s and B’s
Awards: There are are several awards that students can work towards.
CALENDAR, BREAK/LUNCH, CANCELLATIONS & COMMUNICATION
The calendar of events is located on the website. Please familiarize your self with the dates of the classes and the days that are off due to holidays.
Break (Elementary): In the elementary co-op there will be a 20 minute break between classes. Students will be instructed as to where their break will be during the opening time. Students are to bring a snack and a drink to be eaten during that time. Children are not to eat at any other time.
Break/Lunch (High school): Between classes, students will have 5 minutes to change rooms, get a drink of water, and use the restroom. Lunch break will occur between 2nd and 3rd periods. Students wishing to purchase lunch need to sign-up and select their lunch the previous week or (if they were absent) prior to the beginning of second period. Lunches are set up on a pre-paid account. Full lunch costs $4.00 and additional main course items are $1.00. Finally, snack items may be purchased a la carte with cash. Students should dispose of all trash at the end of lunch period.
Cancellations: CLC follows the Loudoun County public school closing schedule. If the county cancels for inclement weather, we close, unless you are contacted by telephone and told otherwise. There are no make-ups for cancellations that occur during the first 14 weeks of the program; however, we have the possibility to make up 2 days if cancellations occur in the last 14 weeks. If Loudoun County is operating on a 1 or 2-hour delay, we begin classes as normally scheduled.
Additionally, a junior/senior high teacher may need to cancel his/her individual class due to unforeseen circumstances or scheduled vacation. In most cases the teacher will notify the students/parents in advance. However, in rare cases, the students will simply have “study hall” for that period. These cancellations may be made up at the teacher’s discretion, or the student will not be charged for the session.
Communication: The co-op communicates with parents using several methods. The most common ones are:
1. The co-op website (www.lchec.org) has most information regarding policies and procedures as well as additional information on the co-op. We have also added our new teacherwebs that will contain most if not all of your assignments.
2. The co-op maintains a yahoo group to disseminate information regarding upcoming events. Many teachers also contact parents/students through e-mail.
3. The co-op occasionally sends out some information through “snail mail”.
4. Phone calls are occasionally used, primarily to discuss an individual student with his/her parent.
If a parent or student needs to contact a teacher, please check the syllabus for the best means of contacting him/her. Some teachers prefer email while others prefer a telephone call.
If a parent has a concern regarding a particular teacher or class, we encourage him/her to contact the teacher involved. This is a courtesy as well as a Biblical principle. If the parent feels uncomfortable approaching the teacher directly, he/she may contact the Administrator, Dona DeGree (540-338- 0974). Finally, if the matter is in regards to registration or fees, please contact Desiree Voegele (540-882-4868).
Emergency Contact: If an emergency arises during co-op hours, you will be contacted by either an administrator or teacher. Please make sure you update emergency contact information if you move or phone numbers change (cell/ work numbers).
If you have an emergency and need to contact the co-op during class hours, please contact one of the following numbers: Dona De Gree, CLC Coordinator 703-217-0167 cell or Desiree Voegele, CLC Administrator 703-965-8200
SICK CHILDREN & GUEST POLICY
Sick Children: Sick children (green runny nose, fever within the last 24 hours, throwing up/diarrhea, sore throat, colds/flu...) should be kept at home so as not to pass on germs to other children. Please be considerate of other when determining if your child is well enough to attend co-op as some children develop more serious conditions from relatively mild illnesses. If your child becomes ill while at CLC and you are not present, the CLC coordinator will call you to pick up your child.
Guest Policy: CLC participation is for registered students only. There will be 2 times per year when we will invite individuals interested in participating in the co-op to observe classes. These days will be scheduled in advance, and each teacher will be informed that she may have guests in class. Adult guests (dads, grandparents, visiting relatives) are welcome anytime.
DISCIPLINE, CODE OF CONDUCT & DRESS CODE POLICY
Discipline Policy: Covenant Learning Co-op desires to create an environment that encourages students to “grow in knowledge and wisdom, in stature, and in the favor of God and men”. (Luke 2:52) We purposely have not created a long list of rules and regulations for the students to follow. Rather, our goal is to encourage and promote self-discipline.
Students are encouraged to use Biblical principles in their behavior. Each student’s behavior, language, and attitude should demonstrate a high degree of respect for God, others, and oneself.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Code of Conduct:
1. If a child is disruptive in the classroom or at break, the teacher will ask the child to leave the classroom/sit in “time out” for 5 minutes. We have a “zero” tolerance policy. After 5 minutes the child will be asked to come back into the classroom/get out of “time out”. If the child persists in the disruptive behavior, they will be asked to leave the classroom for the rest of the class period. The child will come and sit in the sanctuary (Elementary) or study hall (High School) until the end of the period. A student’s incentive points or grade will be appropriately docked for any missed work.
2. If a child is asked to leave the classroom for the rest of the period, an incident report must be filed. Incident reports are located in the mailbox folders and will be available on the website www.lchec.org. The teacher must first report the incident to the administrator on duty. A copy of the incident report will also be given to the parent. The administrator on duty will review the incident and determine if there are any extreme circumstances that would necessitate further action such as an immediate conference with the parents and then the teacher (and administrator if incident is severe) will contact the parent.
3. If a child receives 3 incidence reports, we will require a conference with the parents and the discipline review team to determine what course of action to take. The discipline review team is comprised of the CLC Coordinator, the CLC Administrator, CLC Elementary or High School Advisor, the HEC Representative, and a Volunteer Elementary/High School Parent.
Dress Code: As a Christian co-op, we encourage students to dress in a way that would be pleasing to God. Furthermore, the Bible says that Christians are not to do anything that may cause a brother/sister to “stumble”. In this light, we encourage all our students to dress in a way which would not be a distraction to others. (Hebrews 14)
Study Hall: A “study hall” area is available for students who have a break in their class schedules. A designated teacher will maintain a list of all students in attendance in the study hall area in the event of a fire drill or other emergency. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period. Study hall students are to check in with the study hall monitor. Students are expected to stay in the study hall area and may not leave the building unless the teacher is given a signed Study Hall Release Form. Study Hall Release forms are located in the front of the mailbox or on the website at www.lchec.org.
CLASSROOM SET-UP, CLEAN-UP & BREAKDOWN
Classroom Set-up and Clean-up (Elementary):
Most classes do not require any specific setup. If your class requires setup, please make sure that you allow some time for setup in you teaching time. Each teacher is required to leave the classroom in the same configuration as they found it. For example if the chairs are stacked when they arrive, they should be stacked when you leave. Each teacher is also required to make sure that the tables are wiped off. Teachers are not responsible for vacuuming and trash removal.
Classroom Set-up and Breakdown (High school): High school students will hired as part of the “Set-up or Clean-up” crew on a 14 week rotation. Students will have an opportunity to re-apply at the end of the session and new students will be interviewed. If you have a student that is interested in serving on a team. Please email ddegree@comcast.net.
Set-up: Students assigned to assist with set-up should arrive no later than 8:30 to prepare the facility for school. A teacher will direct the students in setting up tables, chairs, whiteboards, and partitions.
Clean-up: At the end of the day, all students are responsible for the breakdown of their classroom. Each student should put up his/her own chair and assist with the breakdown of tables. Additionally, all students should dispose of trash. Students assigned to the “clean-up crew” will be responsible for wiping off and putting up the whiteboards and classroom materials and for putting away the partitions. Students on the clean-up crew may leave after the teacher dismisses them.
FIRE DRILL & FIRST AID
Fire Drill: For both safety and insurance purposes the co-op is required to conduct periodic fire drills. During a fire drill, students and teachers should remain with their classes. Specific teachers will be assigned to check the restrooms, and students in study hall are to go with the designated teacher to the rendezvous spot. Classes may reenter the building when the “all clear” is given.
First Aid: A first aid kit is provided. However, if your child has a specific medical condition that may require attention during co-op hours (asthma, allergies, or diabetes), please make sure that you have informed the co-op.
CLOSING, PARKING &CARPOOL (ELEMENTARY)
CLOSING
At 4:00 p.m. Elementary students will meet in the main hallway for the closing prayer. Announcements will be made during closing, however we will duplicate all announcements on the website as well.
Carpool: In order to insure the safety of our children and expedite the exit from the building we will be following the following exit procedures.
· Cars will line up across the front of the church.
· An individual will come through the carpool line and place each person on a list in order. People waiting in the cars will have priority over walk-ins.
· Your children will then be called in order and will proceed out to your vehicle.
· Once your children are secure, you will drive off and make space for the next vehicle in line.
o If you need to talk with an individual, please get your children and then move to the parking area to talk. Even a short chat can clog up the line.
o If you are waiting for your children and you notice that several cars have moved off in front of you, please try to move your vehicle forward so that those behind can move forward.
FINANCIAL MATTERS:
Billing & Payments: In order to properly account for the financial resources of CLC we ask that all payments be made upon receipt unless other arrangements have been made. Payments can be made using Pay Pal (in the near future) or by check. Payments for all tuition, classes, and fees should be made by the 31st of December. Alternative payment plans are available if necessary. Tuition is due upon registration and is non-refundable. If you choose to drop all classes, you will be issued a tax donation form for this amount. Materials are likewise due upon ordering. If you choose to drop a class after materials have been ordered a re-stocking fee of $30 will be assessed. Finally class fees are due in full by the 31st of December. You may break this amount into 4 equal payments de the 1st of each month (Sep., Oct., Nov., Dec.) Please remit by mail to:
CLC
37885 Campbell Clan Ln.
Purcellville VA 20132
Receipts will be mailed or emailed.
Reimbursement & Receipt Policy: In order to be reimbursed for CLC administrative, class or party expenses, the following procedure should be followed:
Keep all receipts if applicable and attach to the Reimbursement Form. Reimbursement forms are located online. This form must accompany your reimbursement. Place completed reimbursements in the Payments mailbox which is located in the front of the elementary co-op mailbox.
FELLOWSHIP & BIBLE STUDY FOR CLC
A time of fellowship, bible study, and prayer, facilitated by a CLC mom, is scheduled from 12:30 to 1:30pm in the Sanctuary of Purcellville Baptist Church. All are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Dona De Gree at ddegree@comcast.net or 540-338-0974.
