POLICIES

It takes a faithful commitment to make co-op possible. Members are expected to have fully read policies. 

Trinity Homeschool Enrichment is hereinafter referred to as "Trinity" or "co-op."  "Parent" is defined as the adult responsible for child(ren) at co-op. The Board of Directors is referred to as the "Board". 

 

A. Membership Requirements

1. Understand that Trinity is a Christian, bible-based organization with a focus to serve the Lord.
2. Engaged in homeschooling with at least one child 1st -12^th grade.   
3. Attend class days and arrive on-time.
4. Parents must be willing to teach one class and volunteer where needed during co-op hours. 
5. Pay fees by due date.  
6. Keep a current email address on file. Email is our primary method of communication. 
7. Adhere to policies.

 

B. Attendance

As a volunteer program, co-op depends on members being present. Excessive absences and tardies may affect future enrollment eligibility. “Excessive” is defined as:

1. Three (3) or more absences. "Absence" is defined as missing an entire class day.   
2. Four (4) or more tardies. "Tardy" is defined as arriving after assembly begins. 
3. Any combination of absences and tardies which totals four (4).

 

C. General Expectations

1. Show courtesy, kindness, and respect to others; as well as the building and premises. (Ephesians 4:29-31)
2. Students will remain in the building during co-op hours unless accompanied by teacher or parent.
3. Students will not use electronic devices during class unless given permission by the teacher.
4. No food in class unless provided by teacher and related to the lesson. Exception: Drinks with a closed lid are allowed. Nursery children may bring drinks/snacks.
5. No weapons allowed on premises. Examples include guns, explosive devices, and/or fireworks. Pocket knives are acceptable if they remain on your person and are not used in a manner to cause alarm. Firearms are acceptable for adults adhering to the Firearm Policy Section O.1  
6. No tobacco, e-cigarettes, illegal drugs, or alcohol on premises. 
7. No excessive public displays of affection between students while in attendance at co-op activities.
8. If conflicts arise, resolve in a biblical manner as outlined in the "Conflict Resolution Policy."

 

D. Parent/Teacher Expectations

In accordance to Proverbs 22:6, with respect to parents being the primary educator of their children, we recognize there may be varying views regarding when and how children learn about certain topics. Therefore, we ask you remember the following when teaching at co-op.   

1. No discussion about specific denominations/religions, time/mode of baptism, time/mode of salvation, and church doctrine or authority. Exception: Allowed for historical teaching purposes.
2. God means the person of the Christian Bible who exists as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. The Bible is considered God's infallible Word.
4. The Earth and everyone and everything on it was created by God. 
5. Marriage according to God's Word is between one man and one woman.
6. No controversial topics that could lead to discord

 

E. Dress Code

We encourage students to express their individuality in a manner appropriate for a bible-based school setting. Examples of inappropriate clothing:

1. Shows undergarments, cleavage/chest area, midriff, or buttocks.
2. Displays vulgarity, profanity, illegal drugs, alcohol, or sexual content. 

 

F. Fees and Payment

1. All fees are non-refundable.
2. Membership Fee: $50, payable each semester.  
   1. New members: Must be paid within two weeks after approval date or by application deadline date, whichever comes first.
   2. Returning members: Due by application deadline.
3. Student Supply Fee: $5 per child.  Due at same time as the membership fees.
4. Class Fees: Amount varies.  Due by orientation.
5. Late Registration Fee: A $5 fee is charged if you apply after the application deadline.
6. Schedule Change Fee, for changes that occur after registration closes: Must pay supply fee for the new class.   No refunds for original class supply fee. No fee proration unless approved by teacher.
7. If unable to pay by due dates, make payment arrangements with Treasurer before the payment deadlines.
8. Optional activities such as field trips, special activities, yearbook, school photos, etc set their own payment and reimbursement policy. 

 

G. Application and Enrollment

1. New members: Applications are evaluated and approved based on information provided such as class ideas, background check, agreement to policies, and space availability. 
2. Returning members from the preceding semester: A re-enrollment form must be received by the deadline to secure your spot for the upcoming semester.
3. Applications submitted after the deadline are held on a wait list for the following semester.
4. If you withdraw after your volunteer position is confirmed, you will be unable to reapply for one (1) semester.
5. With Board approval, members may bring children outside their own family if the non-attending parent/guardian of student(s) submits own application, pays membership and other required fees, and has at least one child that meets minimum grade/age requirement.  

 

H. Volunteer Credit

Volunteer credits determine your time to register for classes.

1. Receive one credit for each class you are assigned as lead teacher.
2. Board members receive two credits
3. The Board may grant additional credits on a case-by-case basis.

 

I. Classes and Registrationss Registration

1. Membership and student fees must be paid before registering for classes; unless payment arrangements are made. 
2. Teachers may have the option to approve or deny students based on criteria required for the class. This option requires board approval.
3. Registration is done on a "first come, first serve" basis according to volunteer credit level. 
   1. Early registration occurs one day prior to open registration.
   2. Members with two or more credits: Registration start time is 12:00am on early registration day.
   3. Members with one credit: Registration start time is 6:00pm on early registration day.
   4. Open registration starts at 8:00am and is for all members. 
4. Students must be enrolled in a class each period unless the board approves an exception.  
5. Students will attend the class they are enrolled in and remain in class until dismissed.
6. Grades and transcripts are not provided for classes completed. 

 

J. Teacher Supply Fees & Reimbursement

1. Teachers use class supply fees to buy materials for class.
2. Any leftover materials purchased with supply fees belong to Trinity and should be turned in by the last class day.
3. Teacher reimbursements will not exceed total class fees collected.
4. For reimbursement, submit receipts with appropriate form. Deadline to submit reimbursement request is last class day of semester.
5. Allow 7 calendar days to receive reimbursement. 
6. Reimbursement may be held if balance is owed; unless financial arrangements were made.
7. Unclaimed class supply fees are considered a donation to co-op.

 

K. Discipline Procedure

Members should inform the Board about incidents that do not adhere to expectations and guidelines.  The following is an overview of disciplinary steps; however, The Board may use discretion and evaluate situations on a case-by-case basis.  

1. Incident Log
   1.  Parents will report any behavior issues that warrants attention by submitting an incident report.
   2. Incident reports are reviewed by the Board and disciplinary action issued, if necessary. 
2. Discipline Process
   1. 1st step: An adult provides a verbal warning.  
   2. 2nd step: If verbal warnings are not effective, the student will be taken to a board member for discussion. If appropriate, the board member may allow the student to return to prior activity. 
   3. 3rd step: If the student was allowed to return to activity but continues the behavior, the student will be taken to parent.
   4. Repeated issues, whether similar in nature or not, may result in the family being placed on probation or suspension.
   5. Students may be immediately removed from class for issues requiring prompt attention. Some examples are safety issues, vulgar language or gestures, threatening behavior, violence, bullying, dress code violation, or any other issue needing immediate attention.
3. Probation
   1. Violations of policies by students and/or parents may result in a family being placed on probation.
   2. Probation length is one (1) full semester.
   3. If a family member is on probation, the family will be classified as "not in good standing" and cannot vote or run for a board position.
   4. If probation terms are satisfactorily completed, the family returns to "in good standing" member status.
   5. If probation terms are not satisfactorily completed, the consequence may range from a one (1) semester suspension up to permanent expulsion.
4. Grounds for Immediate Suspension or Expulsion
   1. Repeated or blatant disregard of policies
   2. Sexual abuse
   3. Vandalism
   4. Threatening behavior
   5. Bullying
   6. Physical Violence
   7. Possession of prohibited or illegal items
   8. Violating firearm/weapon policy
   9. Any issue that directly impacts the safety of other members

 

L. Illness/Medical

We take illness seriously. Do not spread your germs. If one family member is sick, keep everyone home. If you arrive sick, you will be sent home. Do not attend if in past 24 hours if a family member has shown any signs of illness such as fever, non-allergy related runny nose or cough, unexplained rash, vomiting, sore throat, or any communicable/contagious condition.

 

M. Class Cancellation

1. Notice given by 7:30am on the class day via email.
2. Some reasons for cancellation are:
   1. Inclement weather conditions. We will cancel if any Hunt County or surrounding county school district closes or delays start of school.
   2. Church becomes unavailable.
   3. Too many families absent

2

N. Board of Directors & Leadership

1. Trinity is managed by a Board of Directors.
2. Board members are elected by members.
3. The board of directors and other leadership or committee positions will be maintained in accordance with the Bylaws.

 

O. Safety & Security

1. FIREARM POLICY: In accordance to law, firearms should not be accessible to a child; therefore, do not carry in purses, bags, backpacks, or other portable items. Open carry is not permitted. Conceal carry is only allowed on your person "On your person" means carrying in a concealed holster attached to your body. 
2. Observe all building use and safety procedures both in writing and verbal.
3. Background check performed on all non-student participants and instructors age 18 or older. A valid state-issued ID may be requested to verify identity. Background checks are renewed every 3 years on returning members.
4. A minimum of two unrelated adults assigned to each class in 5th grade and under.
5. Members and visitors must wear ID badge while attending on class days.
6. Family information collected is not used for solicitation or shared with third parties (excluding for background check purposes).
7. First aid kit available at check-in table. Use proper hygiene practices and wear gloves for all bodily fluid exposure. Report injuries to leadership. For life threatening injuries, call 911.
8. FIRE PROCEDURES: Walk students outside single file with one adult leading and one following behind the children. Keep students with you until the "all clear" sign is given. 
9. EXTREME WEATHER PROCEDURES: Follow same guidelines above except lead students to hallway or other storm safe location. 
10. CRITICAL SITUATION PROCEDURES: You will receive directions from Leadership Team. Until directions are received, keep students in the classroom.

 

P. Conflict Resolution

With so many different personalities, conflicts and misunderstandings may arise. If this happens, we ask you approach resolution with a spirit of kindness, gentleness, and grace (1 Corinthians 4:21).  Following the spirit of Matthew 18:15-20:

1. First, think and reflect upon the conflict/differences. If you find peace about the issue, please move on and do not gossip about it.
2. If you still feel the conflict/difference should be addressed, consider taking the problem to the person you feel has offended you.
3. If you cannot reach a satisfactory resolution or do not feel comfortable speaking to the person, ask for assistance from a board member or another person to mediate.

 

Amended and adopted this 29th day of May 2025 by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.