Sacred Heart Home Educator K-6 Cooperative

Our Mission Statement: SHHE Co-op is a parent-run home school ministry which parents pool their resources and talents to expose children to academic and Catholic based classes and activities. SHHE Co-op exists to provide affordable learning opportunities and unique experiences to enrich the education of Catholic home schooled children.

Welcome to our 2nd year of home school enrichment!

The following pages spell out the Co-op in detail. It is important that you read this packet thoroughly. Upon understanding how we function and what your responsibilities will be, you can determine whether this is a good fit for you and your family. Sacred Heart Home Educator Cooperative is designed to offer classes to students who are homeschooling in the state of Arizona. We meet the 1st and 3rd Fridays (see calendar for specific dates), at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, located at 141 N. MacDonald St, Mesa 85201. We offer optional fieldtrips on the 2nd & 4th Fridays at varying location and times.

The Sacred Heart Home Educator Cooperative Board (Amy Schuler, Rebecca Hanning, and Christy O'Gara) approves all lesson plans, materials, and cost of program. All parents are required to be in agreement with our Mission Statement and be faithful to the Magisterium. Sacred Heart Home Educator Cooperative does not employ (pay) anyone. We are fellow cooperative parents working togther. The Board does, however, maintain supervisory authority.

Stewards of God's Creation

This year's theme is "Stewards of God's Creation". Each class will encourage students to take care of what God has given them. "...we need to commit ourselves to caring for the created world, without squandering its resources, and sharing them in a cooperative way." Pope Benedict XVI

Calendar 2010 - 2011

Classes 2010 - 2011

Science Description: Exploring the world God has created. Children will learn about the water, air, land, plants, and animals that surround them. They will discover ways they can take care of the world God has entrusted us with.

History / Public Speaking Description: The goals of the history/public speaking class will be: 1)study and create a time line of the 1700's in American History of its great inventors, ideas, founders, and leaders, 2) study and practice proper public speaking skills, 3) memorize and perform speeches from American History and other topics of interest, 4) learn how to create an outline for a speech (3rd-6th) and 5) recite a speech at the end of year open house.

Math Fun Description: Students will see how the math you teach at home can be fun. They will play games, do puzzles, and projects to encourage a love for math and willingness to practice. 

General Music Description: The annual curriculum would include solfege (pitch learning), note names, basic music theory terminology, learning the instrument names/ families, and singing! Singing! Singing! Focusing on Catholic hymns and traditional folk songs giving them an authentc choir experience. We will teach good singing habits and require attentive listeners. We will play singing games and have a good time!

Recycled Art Description: Turning trash into treasures. Children will have fun making art with a purpose. Each project will encourage students to be good stewards of the gifts God has given them. Tin can lanterns, Saint Medals, weaving with old t-shirts and rock animals are a few of this year's projects.

Lunch / PE Description: Lunchtime is a combination of eating and organized PE. Precautions will be taken to help avoid allergic reactions such as not sharing/trading lunches and washing hands after eating. Students will learn the skills needed to play games and sports that encourage them to be healthy. They will experience working as a team, encouraging them to be supportive of classmates.

Fieldtrip Description: Optional fieldtrips are offered on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. These will help reinforce what is being taught in classes and provide an opportunity to socialize. These days will begin or end at a park close to the location of the fieldtrip. To help energize and "fed" the parents, topics of discussion will be presented at the park. Each family organizing the fieldtrip will decide what time of the day these will take place.

 Working Class Schedule* 2010 - 2011

  *This is a working schedule. Changes to times and grouping on grades may change due to the number of families participating and ages of the children.

Helpers Needed

All families are required to pitch in and help with making the Co-op a success. We have many hands to make light of the work needed to run this Co-op. To make this task manageable, our board has broken the responsibilities down into different roles. Please reflect on the following descriptions and choose one you would like to fill.

Teachers

Please see class descriptions for what is offered this year. Teachers need to attend the in service August 9th @ 6:30pm. Before the year begins, they write lesson plans for the year that include projects and movement activities. All lesson plans are due before August 27th. During the year they will gather materials needed, lead classes and communicate with parents using the student's Co-op binder. Teachers give their time preparig for classes (before and during the year) in addition to the 16 scheduled class times on the 1st & 3rd Fridays.

Classroom Moms

For this role you may choose to do the first 8 weeks or last 8 weeks. This is a very important role to ensure that class days run smoothly. This parent will remain with their group throughout the school day ( 9:30-2:30) providing a consistent authority figure and a sense of security for younger grades. They are extra hands and eyes for the teachers. They help students to focus and show them where they need to be. They lead prayer time after lunch and update parents on student's behavior using the student's Co-op binder. Classroom moms have no responsibilities outside of the Co-op class days. They give their time for half the year during classes.

Lunch Monitors & PE

Keeping lunch/PE time safe and fun is the role of these parents. They plan PE activities for 16 classes. They take the students to lunch, ask them to clean up after themselves and wash their hands. As students finish they lead them in planned physical activities. Their focus is solely on the children. They giver their time preparing for the day and gathering supplies, in addition to the 16 scheduled lunch / PE times.

Substitutes

Sickness and emergencies often happen at the last minute, so these parents fill in any gaps for the day. They check in the 1st  3rd mornings to see where they are needed. They step into the different roles when other families must stay home. They lend extra hands for special projects. They make their entire 1st & 3rd Fridays available, in case they are needed. Substitutes have no responsibilities on days they are not needed in the classroom.

Nursery Coordinator

The nuresery is for children whose moms are in a classroom. They need to attend the in service August 9th @ 6:30pm. This role supervises the quality of the nursery and makes the schedule for the year. This includes songs, story time, activitie, snakc time and bathroom breaks. They set-up the room and make sure it is restored to its original condition or better at the end of the day. They ensure that the children are actively attended to. Time for the Nursery Coordinator is spent planning for the year, gathering supplies for activities, and helping in the nursery at varying times throughout the day.

Nursey Leaders

For their assigned time, our nursery leaders must arrive on time to help run the childcare. They follow the schedule made by the Nursery Coordinator. They actively attend to the children by making planned projects, playing games, giving out snacks, changing diapers, making potty runs, et. Our nursery leaders will be required to help maintain a clean nursery and encourage little ones to pick up after themselves. Their time is spent in the classroom at the assigned time for the entire year. They may spend some time helping the Nursery Coordinator plan and gather materials outside of their assigned time.

Discussion Leader

Without support and prayers of others, parents run out of steam. Before/after each fieldtrip will be an opportunity for the parents to be "fed" by prayer and education. The Discussion Leader will plan 14 topics for the year that pertain to homeschooling, the Co-op, and our Catholic faith. They will gather information for the parents to review and discuss. Their time is spent preparing for and leading the discussions.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ALL FAMILIES:

~Please understand that all feew are non-refundable* Post-dated checks are accepted and will not be cashed unil the date written.

~Childcare is available for Teachers, Classroom Moms, and Substitutes while they are in a class.  Please drop your children off with any supplies they need. This includes drinks and snacks labeled with your child's name. Inform the parents running childcare of any allergies, dietary needs, or special instructions. Please drop off your children early enough to be in your class on time.

~ Please do no call Queen of Peace regarding Co-op matters. Address all inquiries to Board members (Amy, Rebecca or Christy).

 Parent Rules & Expectations 2010-2011

1. Register with the intention to participate the entire year. Dropping classes will negatively impact the other families.

2. Fill one of theroles above at the time assigned to you every 1st & 3rd Friday. Without your involement we have no Co-op.

3. Receive your Safe Environment Training from the Diocese of Phoenix.

4. No Cell phone use during class: this includes text messaging. Please turn off cell phones during class. 

5.  Send your child with their lunch. Students will not be allowed to leave for lunch.

6. Parents will be contacted if a disciplinary problem arises. Please check you child's Co-op binder after classes.

7. Please keep sick/contagious family members/students at home. If you must miss a class arrange for a substitute to fill you assigned position.

8. Help restore Queen of Peace to the condition it was in or better then at the end of the day. This includes taking out trash, sweeping up classrooms and walkways, straightening chairs, ect.

9. Coordinate one optional fieldtrip on the date designated (see calendar above). Details should be e-mailed out a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.

10. If participating in optional fieldtrips, a parent is required to attend with their children. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Fees for fieldtrips are separate and will be announced before hand.

11. Co-op participation is contingent upon fees being paid on time. Fees are non-refundable*

12. As a cooperative organization, all parents are responsible to enforce Co-op rules and expectations.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE POLICIES WILL JEOPARDIZE YOUR FAMILY'S PRIVILEGE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CO-OP. PLEASE RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Student Rules & Expectations 2010-2011

Please review thes with your child(ren) prior to the first class.

1. Treat teachers, parents, other students, and our host facility/staff courteously and with respect at all times.

2.  Be in class at all times while at Queen of Peace. Do not loiter in the hallways or outside.

3. Remain within the designated Co-op boundaries of the church. DO NOT use areas of the church, school, or office that Queen of Peace has not invites Sacred Heart Home Educator Cooperative to use.

4. Do not run or talk loudly while walking to and from your classes.

5. Do not bring cell phones or games to Co-op. Other parents may choose to confiscate distracting items and return them to your parent at the end of the day.

6. Eating is not allowed in the classrooms at any time. Please honor all Queen of Peace signs denoting where food and drinks are allowed.

7. Do not share/trade food with other students. They may have allergies you do not have.

8. It is your responsibility to clean up after yourselves.

9. No bikes, skateboards, or roller blades allowed on church premises.

It is the responsibility of parents to enforce these with their children. 

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE POLICIES WILL JEOPARDIZE YOUR FAMILY'S PRIVILEGE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CO-OP. PLEASE RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

To register for the 2010-2011 academic year

Please check off the following items to ensure that everything is turned in:

________ 1) Read the entire registration packet to pray whether Sacred Heart Home Educator Cooperative is a good fit for your family.

________ 2) Complete a Registration Form.

________ 3) Pay $75 to SHHE, this covers the cost of project supplies, teaching materials, classroom supplies, ect. Turn in $80, payable to Queen of Peace, this helps offset the expense of maintaining the rooms.

________ 4) Read and sign Rules & Expectations.

________ 5) Bring your Registration Packet, Registration Form, and your fees to Espee Park 7/2/10 @ 9:30am or mail to 2021 East Downing St. Mesa, AZ 85213

~If there is no opening, you may request to be put on a waiting list. You will be notified if/when an opening occurs.

~If there is an opening: Provide the appropritate fee checks within one week of notification. If not received within one week, the opening will be offered to another student.

*If for some unseen reason the Co-op is not able to take place this year the fees will be refunded. 

 After Registration:

~Teachers will attend the in service day August 9th @ 6:30pm and submit lesson plans no later then August 27, 2010. 

~A welcome packet will be sent.

~Approved lesson plans will be posted on the SHHE website. www.shhe.org

Sacred Heart Home Educator Cooperative Disclaimer Note

Sacred Heart Home Educator Cooperative does its best to evaluate parent's skills and abilities when assigning roles. Each parent is given a list of responsibilities, policies, and expectations. It is required that they personally ascribe to our Mission Statement, pledge loyalty to the Pope, the teachings of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and to our diocesan Bishop. Each teacher is required to turn in lesson plans for approval. We recognize teaching style and personality vary among instructors and we in no way guarantee your satisfaction of any given teacher or class. If you are unhappy and have tried to resolve the issue, you are under no obligation to continue the class. If your complaint is based on personality or style, we ask you withdraw quietly without spreading dissension among other co-op families. If your issues ar more serious in nature, we ask that you please, immediately, inform the Board (Amy, Rebecca, Christy) of specific behaviors which have raised your concern. We encourage our parents to take their concerns to the teacher before contacting the Board. Again, please exercise discretion when discussing issues with others at Sacred Heart Home Educator Cooperative. We are a Catholic Co-op and make every attempt to avoid the temptation of gossip.