Life Adventures- Bluffton Policy Handbook 2020-2021
PURPOSE STATEMENTLife Adventures Homeschool Resources is a Christian homeschool group. We are also an open, inclusive group, welcoming homeschoolers of all faiths and those with none. We encourage cooperation and service to each other and our fellow man. We schedule social and educational activities and provide support for new and veteran families alike.
Life Adventures Homeschool Resources was formed to provide information and support to homeschooling families. A variety of events are offered to meet those goals as well as to encourage Christian fellowship. Opportunities include monthly meetings (workshops and/or topics), field trips, Moms' Night Out, Couples' Night Out, field day, swim and park days, plus a website.
POLICY CHANGESIn light of Covid-19, all participants in Life Adventures accept that our policies are subject to change at a moment’s notice. We will abide by the Covid-19 regulations set forth by the State of Indiana, and in doing so, may have to adjust policies as the recommendations from the state and our host facility adjust. If changes are made to our policies, families participating will be notified immediately and directly.
CALENDAR 2020-2021
August 18 Open House
Sept 25 First Day of 1st Semester
Dec 18 Last Day of 1st SemesterJan 8 First Day of 2nd Semester
March 26 Last Day of 2nd Semester
No classes on Friday, November 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
CODE OF CONDUCTThe goal of all Life Adventures events, whether field trips, classes, or meetings, is to provide academic and relational benefit to all participants. In order to facilitate this goal, it is crucial that everyone show the utmost respect and courtesy to others within the group and to all involved in making the event possible.
To that end, Life Adventures requires the following conduct from all participants:
PARENT GUIDELINES
CHILD GUIDELINES
(Parents – Read this information with your child/ren and make sure they understand and abide by the following.)
Life Adventures expects the following behavior is followed by all students:.
• Show respect for everyone in words and actions. (no name calling, curse words, bullying, etc.) No child will push, poke, punch, kick or, in any way, intimidate another child.
• Show respect for all property - Our group must leave the facility that is hosting us cleaner than we found it and in good repair.
• Our children must stay on the facility property unless leaving with a parent or as part of an organized group or class.
• Only students over the age of 10 are permitted to remain at the facility without parental supervision in between class periods. These students are welcome to stay in our social hall in between classes, as long as they can be respectful and quiet.
• We will have periodic volunteer work days, depending on our host facility. Families are highly encouraged to attend and contribute.
• All students must show respect to the hosting facility by walking in the building and using quiet voices. (No stealing, vandalism, or wanton destruction of property. No running, yelling, or throwing, except where allowed, i.e. gymnasium area, playground). We will utilize the lower level of the church, and children should have no reason to go upstairs except for the following: 1. Use of conference room as an overflow classroom. 2. Our host facility, St. Joseph Catholic Church, keeps its sanctuary open at all times for private prayer. If our families wish to take advantage of this quiet space, they are welcome to use it for prayer and reflection according to the rules of the Church. Otherwise, no one should enter the sanctuary.
• Do not leave the activity or room without the permission of a parent or instructor.
• Abide by the facility guidelines regarding food and drink.
• Clean up after yourself.
• Help with all clean up.
• Participate in all events or classes willingly. Anyone causing serious disruption will be asked to leave.
DRESS CODE
We believe that parents are responsible not only for their child’s education, but also their attire. We are a diverse group, and enjoy the variety that each family brings. However, as we have boys and girls participating together, we want to protect our children from offense.
This dress code applies to adults as well as children.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
We believe that parents should be in charge of their children, and help monitor the behavior of all children who attend Life Adventures. Should there be a problem, we again encourage each participant to speak directly to the other participant with whom there is a concern. However, in the event that conduct warrants it, the following steps will be taken:
1. First offense – A staff member will speak with both the parent and child. A note will be made by the staff member that this has occurred.
2. Second offense – Same as above. In addition, the parent and child will be asked to review the code of conduct and discipline policy and the child will be asked to sign it.
3. Third offense – A meeting will be held with the parent/s, child, and staff members; a parent may be asked to attend all future events with the child; the child and/or family may be given temporary dismissal from participation in events or classes sponsored by Life Adventures.
Note: In any offense, if it is deemed appropriate, the child and/or family may be asked to write a letter of apology to the offended parties and arrangements for restitution may be made. As the safety and prudent upbringing of participants is our highest concern, for certain egregious acts as determined by staff of Life Adventures, children may be dismissed from participation without warning.
Please keep in mind:
• Families will be held accountable for any damages.
• Participating in Life Adventures is a privilege and Life Adventures reserves the right to permanently dismiss participants who fail to comply with our discipline policy.
• The staff reserves the right to change policies and procedures to accommodate the needs of the group and will notify all participants should such a situation arise.
SICK POLICYCovid-19 related guidelines: Teachers and students will be asked to wipe down all surfaces after each use &/or class including light switches, door knobs, tables & chairs, etc. In addition, bathrooms will be deep cleaned prior to class day, and a parent volunteer will wipe down surfaces (door knobs, faucets, toilet lever, etc.) on the hour. We will follow Indiana state guidelines regarding Covid-19, last updated 7/30/2020. These guidelines call for social distancing of 3 feet between each student in the classroom. According to the Executive Order, if the social distancing requirements are met, no face masks or shields are required. Teachers are required to remain 6 feet from students, according to the guidelines issued 7/30/2020. Teachers are not required to wear masks at this distance. Families are asked to social distance in common areas. With this adherence to social distancing, we allow families and teachers to make their own decisions regarding whether or not to wear masks.
Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entry and in the social hall. We will ask that all students use hand sanitizer as they enter the building. We reserve the right to do a contactless temperature check on a student in case of suspected illness.
In light of Covid-19, and the specific risks and concerns it brings to the general public, we will have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy when it comes to illness for the 20-21 school year. Even if you believe you or your children just have a cold, please stay home. Our teachers will work with you to be sure your child does not fall behind in class. If you or your child(ren) arrive and are ill, we will politely ask you to leave. This is for the safety of not only our families, but for the members of the church building we are using. In the case of teacher illness, we will do our best to find a sub or offer virtual lessons.
Family members should not attend any Life Adventures sponsored activity if they are during the contagious stage of illness or have:
• Upper Respiratory or Flu-like symptoms
• Covid-19, or are in a household with anyone positive for Covid-19. No one should return to Life Adventures until 2 weeks after exposure or 2 weeks symptom free.
• Communicable disease
• Head lice, chicken pox, ringworm, etc.
• Vomiting or diarrhea 24 hours prior to the start of the Life Adventures-sponsored activity
• Fever that needs medication to control.
For illnesses other than Covid-19, children must be fever free for 24 hours PRIOR to participation in any Life Adventures sponsored activity. This includes our open lunch and gym time. In addition, below is a list of Communicable Diseases. Should your or your child contract a communicable disease and you or your child participated in any Life Adventures related event during the contagious time, please notify a Teacher or staff member. If you are unsure if you or your child was contagious, please err on the side of caution and contact us.
Here is the list of communicable diseases, along with our rules for exclusion from Life Adventures-related events:
• Covid-19 - until 2 weeks after exposure and symptom-free for 2 weeks or a negative test.
• Impetigo - until lesions are no longer draining
• Pink Eye - until discharge from eye(s) cease; 48 hours on medication
• Head Lice - until all lice/nits are destroyed and removed.
• Whenever a student is found to be infested with head lice, s/he is to be sent home for treatment and not readmitted until the parent confirms that the child is free of any nits.
• The other students in the infested student's classroom and the student's sibling(s) should be examined for evidence of either the lice or lice eggs (nits). The examinations should be done by each student's parents.
• Scabies - until adequately treated
• Ringworm - until under medical control
• Fifth Disease - until fever is gone 24 hours. This is dangerous to the pregnant moms in our group.
• Coxsackle Virus (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease) - until 48 hours after fever is gone
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - until three weeks from onset of illness.
An email will be sent to the co-participants if a contagious child was at a Life Adventures- Bluffton-related event. We will let participants know which communicable diseases their children may have been exposed to, as well as a list of the classes or activities in which the infected child was participating, but to maintain the privacy of the family, no names will be used.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY
We encourage all members to first pray and seek the Lord when becoming offended. Please ask yourself a few questions when trying to ascertain if you need to take further action. Is this an offense that can be overlooked? Is this something that simply hurt your feelings, or something that is more serious? Is this something that needs to be brought to the attention of the offending party? No matter the circumstance, we want to avoid gossiping about the offense. If you feel the need to discuss the matter, please first do so with your mate or a trusted friend, preferably outside of Life Adventures. If you feel this matter needs to be handled further, please follow Matthew 18:15-17.
If, after prayer and seeking outside counsel, you feel this matter should be pursued, and this matter concerns another member, another member’s child(ren) including any support team member, or a teacher:
• The issue should be confronted privately between the members involved.
• If resolution is not achieved after this step, and it is necessary to bring in outside mediation, please contact a member of the Adventure Team and a meeting with both parties will be pursued.
• If resolution cannot be reached in the above manner, both parties will be asked to submit a written account of the conflict and the matter will be taken to the Team to determine the appropriate response to the conflict.
All written communication should include specific facts that can be confirmed. Do not include gossip, hearsay, or opinions. Please also include your suggestions for handling the matter and/or your desired outcome.
All information will be treated confidentially by the Team, and those involved in the matter are encouraged to treat the matter with confidentiality as well.
FEES:
Classes: Teachers will be paid in cash or check or through Paypal. The arrangement between subcontracting teachers and their students is an implied contract between parents and teachers, and parents are responsible for paying their class fees at the first class of the month. Families will not be allowed to register for the next session unless all of their children’s teachers are paid in full or otherwise compensated. Teachers will notify Life Adventures Staff if there is an unpaid balance. In addition, parents will provide supplies & textbooks required on syllabus.
BACKGROUND CHECKOur facility, St. Joseph Catholic Church, requires that all adults working directly with children undergo a background check and Safe Environment Training. All of our teachers will perform a background check and do the necessary training prior to teaching. Any parent who wishes to sit in class with their child and therefore have direct contact with other children must also undergo the background check and Safe Environment Training.
PURPOSE STATEMENTLife Adventures Homeschool Resources is a Christian homeschool group. We are also an open, inclusive group, welcoming homeschoolers of all faiths and those with none. We encourage cooperation and service to each other and our fellow man. We schedule social and educational activities and provide support for new and veteran families alike.
Life Adventures Homeschool Resources was formed to provide information and support to homeschooling families. A variety of events are offered to meet those goals as well as to encourage Christian fellowship. Opportunities include monthly meetings (workshops and/or topics), field trips, Moms' Night Out, Couples' Night Out, field day, swim and park days, plus a website.
POLICY CHANGESIn light of Covid-19, all participants in Life Adventures accept that our policies are subject to change at a moment’s notice. We will abide by the Covid-19 regulations set forth by the State of Indiana, and in doing so, may have to adjust policies as the recommendations from the state and our host facility adjust. If changes are made to our policies, families participating will be notified immediately and directly.
CALENDAR 2020-2021
August 18 Open House
Sept 25 First Day of 1st Semester
Dec 18 Last Day of 1st SemesterJan 8 First Day of 2nd Semester
March 26 Last Day of 2nd Semester
No classes on Friday, November 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
CODE OF CONDUCTThe goal of all Life Adventures events, whether field trips, classes, or meetings, is to provide academic and relational benefit to all participants. In order to facilitate this goal, it is crucial that everyone show the utmost respect and courtesy to others within the group and to all involved in making the event possible.
To that end, Life Adventures requires the following conduct from all participants:
PARENT GUIDELINES
- Parental cooperation is expected. Please work in a spirit of cooperation and unity.
- Respect the beliefs and opinions of other participants. We ask that parents use discretion when discussing topics that might be contrary to another parent’s belief system. This does not mean we don’t discuss controversial topics, but do so giving dignity and respect to others’ opinions.
- Parents are ultimately responsible for their child/ren's actions and behavior at all times.
- Children ages 10 and under should not be left at the facility without parental supervision when they are not attending a class. Children of any age may be dropped off for class, but they must have a parent present when class is dismissed.
- If you need to speak directly to a child about something due to a specific behavior or a comment that caused hurt feelings, please follow up with the child's parent to make them aware of the situation.
- No one may attend classes or events while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- If there is a serious offense, please talk to the parent of the child before confronting the child.
CHILD GUIDELINES
(Parents – Read this information with your child/ren and make sure they understand and abide by the following.)
Life Adventures expects the following behavior is followed by all students:.
• Show respect for everyone in words and actions. (no name calling, curse words, bullying, etc.) No child will push, poke, punch, kick or, in any way, intimidate another child.
• Show respect for all property - Our group must leave the facility that is hosting us cleaner than we found it and in good repair.
• Our children must stay on the facility property unless leaving with a parent or as part of an organized group or class.
• Only students over the age of 10 are permitted to remain at the facility without parental supervision in between class periods. These students are welcome to stay in our social hall in between classes, as long as they can be respectful and quiet.
• We will have periodic volunteer work days, depending on our host facility. Families are highly encouraged to attend and contribute.
• All students must show respect to the hosting facility by walking in the building and using quiet voices. (No stealing, vandalism, or wanton destruction of property. No running, yelling, or throwing, except where allowed, i.e. gymnasium area, playground). We will utilize the lower level of the church, and children should have no reason to go upstairs except for the following: 1. Use of conference room as an overflow classroom. 2. Our host facility, St. Joseph Catholic Church, keeps its sanctuary open at all times for private prayer. If our families wish to take advantage of this quiet space, they are welcome to use it for prayer and reflection according to the rules of the Church. Otherwise, no one should enter the sanctuary.
• Do not leave the activity or room without the permission of a parent or instructor.
• Abide by the facility guidelines regarding food and drink.
• Clean up after yourself.
• Help with all clean up.
• Participate in all events or classes willingly. Anyone causing serious disruption will be asked to leave.
DRESS CODE
We believe that parents are responsible not only for their child’s education, but also their attire. We are a diverse group, and enjoy the variety that each family brings. However, as we have boys and girls participating together, we want to protect our children from offense.
- No vulgar images/phrases on clothes.
- Dress modestly.
- Adults, teachers, or facilitators may ask a student to wear their jacket, call a parent to bring appropriate clothes, or that a child be sent home if dressed immodestly.
This dress code applies to adults as well as children.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
We believe that parents should be in charge of their children, and help monitor the behavior of all children who attend Life Adventures. Should there be a problem, we again encourage each participant to speak directly to the other participant with whom there is a concern. However, in the event that conduct warrants it, the following steps will be taken:
1. First offense – A staff member will speak with both the parent and child. A note will be made by the staff member that this has occurred.
2. Second offense – Same as above. In addition, the parent and child will be asked to review the code of conduct and discipline policy and the child will be asked to sign it.
3. Third offense – A meeting will be held with the parent/s, child, and staff members; a parent may be asked to attend all future events with the child; the child and/or family may be given temporary dismissal from participation in events or classes sponsored by Life Adventures.
Note: In any offense, if it is deemed appropriate, the child and/or family may be asked to write a letter of apology to the offended parties and arrangements for restitution may be made. As the safety and prudent upbringing of participants is our highest concern, for certain egregious acts as determined by staff of Life Adventures, children may be dismissed from participation without warning.
Please keep in mind:
• Families will be held accountable for any damages.
• Participating in Life Adventures is a privilege and Life Adventures reserves the right to permanently dismiss participants who fail to comply with our discipline policy.
• The staff reserves the right to change policies and procedures to accommodate the needs of the group and will notify all participants should such a situation arise.
SICK POLICYCovid-19 related guidelines: Teachers and students will be asked to wipe down all surfaces after each use &/or class including light switches, door knobs, tables & chairs, etc. In addition, bathrooms will be deep cleaned prior to class day, and a parent volunteer will wipe down surfaces (door knobs, faucets, toilet lever, etc.) on the hour. We will follow Indiana state guidelines regarding Covid-19, last updated 7/30/2020. These guidelines call for social distancing of 3 feet between each student in the classroom. According to the Executive Order, if the social distancing requirements are met, no face masks or shields are required. Teachers are required to remain 6 feet from students, according to the guidelines issued 7/30/2020. Teachers are not required to wear masks at this distance. Families are asked to social distance in common areas. With this adherence to social distancing, we allow families and teachers to make their own decisions regarding whether or not to wear masks.
Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entry and in the social hall. We will ask that all students use hand sanitizer as they enter the building. We reserve the right to do a contactless temperature check on a student in case of suspected illness.
In light of Covid-19, and the specific risks and concerns it brings to the general public, we will have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy when it comes to illness for the 20-21 school year. Even if you believe you or your children just have a cold, please stay home. Our teachers will work with you to be sure your child does not fall behind in class. If you or your child(ren) arrive and are ill, we will politely ask you to leave. This is for the safety of not only our families, but for the members of the church building we are using. In the case of teacher illness, we will do our best to find a sub or offer virtual lessons.
Family members should not attend any Life Adventures sponsored activity if they are during the contagious stage of illness or have:
• Upper Respiratory or Flu-like symptoms
• Covid-19, or are in a household with anyone positive for Covid-19. No one should return to Life Adventures until 2 weeks after exposure or 2 weeks symptom free.
• Communicable disease
• Head lice, chicken pox, ringworm, etc.
• Vomiting or diarrhea 24 hours prior to the start of the Life Adventures-sponsored activity
• Fever that needs medication to control.
For illnesses other than Covid-19, children must be fever free for 24 hours PRIOR to participation in any Life Adventures sponsored activity. This includes our open lunch and gym time. In addition, below is a list of Communicable Diseases. Should your or your child contract a communicable disease and you or your child participated in any Life Adventures related event during the contagious time, please notify a Teacher or staff member. If you are unsure if you or your child was contagious, please err on the side of caution and contact us.
Here is the list of communicable diseases, along with our rules for exclusion from Life Adventures-related events:
• Covid-19 - until 2 weeks after exposure and symptom-free for 2 weeks or a negative test.
- Chicken Pox – until all lesions are dry
• Impetigo - until lesions are no longer draining
• Pink Eye - until discharge from eye(s) cease; 48 hours on medication
• Head Lice - until all lice/nits are destroyed and removed.
• Whenever a student is found to be infested with head lice, s/he is to be sent home for treatment and not readmitted until the parent confirms that the child is free of any nits.
• The other students in the infested student's classroom and the student's sibling(s) should be examined for evidence of either the lice or lice eggs (nits). The examinations should be done by each student's parents.
• Scabies - until adequately treated
• Ringworm - until under medical control
• Fifth Disease - until fever is gone 24 hours. This is dangerous to the pregnant moms in our group.
• Coxsackle Virus (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease) - until 48 hours after fever is gone
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - until three weeks from onset of illness.
An email will be sent to the co-participants if a contagious child was at a Life Adventures- Bluffton-related event. We will let participants know which communicable diseases their children may have been exposed to, as well as a list of the classes or activities in which the infected child was participating, but to maintain the privacy of the family, no names will be used.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY
We encourage all members to first pray and seek the Lord when becoming offended. Please ask yourself a few questions when trying to ascertain if you need to take further action. Is this an offense that can be overlooked? Is this something that simply hurt your feelings, or something that is more serious? Is this something that needs to be brought to the attention of the offending party? No matter the circumstance, we want to avoid gossiping about the offense. If you feel the need to discuss the matter, please first do so with your mate or a trusted friend, preferably outside of Life Adventures. If you feel this matter needs to be handled further, please follow Matthew 18:15-17.
If, after prayer and seeking outside counsel, you feel this matter should be pursued, and this matter concerns another member, another member’s child(ren) including any support team member, or a teacher:
• The issue should be confronted privately between the members involved.
• If resolution is not achieved after this step, and it is necessary to bring in outside mediation, please contact a member of the Adventure Team and a meeting with both parties will be pursued.
• If resolution cannot be reached in the above manner, both parties will be asked to submit a written account of the conflict and the matter will be taken to the Team to determine the appropriate response to the conflict.
All written communication should include specific facts that can be confirmed. Do not include gossip, hearsay, or opinions. Please also include your suggestions for handling the matter and/or your desired outcome.
All information will be treated confidentially by the Team, and those involved in the matter are encouraged to treat the matter with confidentiality as well.
FEES:
Classes: Teachers will be paid in cash or check or through Paypal. The arrangement between subcontracting teachers and their students is an implied contract between parents and teachers, and parents are responsible for paying their class fees at the first class of the month. Families will not be allowed to register for the next session unless all of their children’s teachers are paid in full or otherwise compensated. Teachers will notify Life Adventures Staff if there is an unpaid balance. In addition, parents will provide supplies & textbooks required on syllabus.
BACKGROUND CHECKOur facility, St. Joseph Catholic Church, requires that all adults working directly with children undergo a background check and Safe Environment Training. All of our teachers will perform a background check and do the necessary training prior to teaching. Any parent who wishes to sit in class with their child and therefore have direct contact with other children must also undergo the background check and Safe Environment Training.