A CM Co-Op…

I’ve had several questions lately here and elsewhere about my CM co-op. I thought I’d share a bit about it here, in case it is helpful. Below is taken from our Parent Information Handbook.
We are limiting 2011-2012 to 30 families and 75 kids. We do not plan to go higher than this again.

PURPOSE
River City Homeschool Adventures is a Charlotte Mason style support group and co-op. We seek to encourage families interested in Charlotte Mason methods on this big adventure of homeschooling by learning about methods and sharing ideas, praying for one another and supplementing our children’s home education with cooperative group classes and events.
There are many homeschool approaches, all of which are valid and successfully used by many families, however, RCHA, as a support group and co-op uses the Charlotte Mason Approach and seeks to help others understand and implement this approach. Everything we do will be in an effort to support a CM based education.  

HISTORY
RCHA is an off-shoot of another local group and was begun by Christie and Heather, both former members of that group. The old group experienced phenomenal growth in recent years resulting in a long waiting list and the leadership asked members to consider starting new groups to help meet the need that was so obvious. So, after prayer and consideration, Christie and Heather decided to start a new group based in our area of town.
We began in January 2009 as a support group that met for weekly park play dates, monthly mom chat evenings and occasional parties and field trips. In September 2009, the co-op portion of RCHA began meeting Thursday mornings for classes for kids ranging from newborn to 10th grade.
Fall 2010 brought much growth in numbers and ideas. We had 37 families and 97 kids in classes.
In 2011-2012, RCHA will be a strictly CM group focusing on three areas: 1)handicrafts, life skills, hands-on learning, 2) family fine arts classes and 3) Shakespeare study. We are thrilled that two new sister groups are forming for the 2011-2012 year to help meet the needs of Florida homeschoolers. One is a CM styled group and the other is a small co-op for kids 2nd grade and under. We are thrilled to encourage these new groups in their efforts to support homeschoolers. 

GROUP LEADERSHIP
River City Homeschool Adventures is led by Christie and Heather, its founders, as well as a Leadership Team of 4 to 6 group members. Existing Team appoints new team members. Leadership Team Members must:

be a born again believer in Jesus Christ and active in their church fellowshiphave been homeschooling at least 1 yearcommit to accept leadership responsibilities

STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe in one God, the creator of all things, who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Mark 1:10-11

We believe that salvation comes only through the free gift of God, made evident in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and that it is the final authority for Christian faith and life. 
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We believe that the role of a Christian is to glorify God and to be His example on earth. 
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 and “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6

LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP
Support Group Membership – entitles you to participate in everything that RCHA offers except co-op. It is open to new members year round. Membership is granted on a case by case basis and is at the sole discretion of RCHA Leadership. Support group members must participate in something (field trip, park day, etc.) every 2 months to maintain membership status. 

Co-Op Membership – entitles you to participate in ALL that RCHA offers including co-op. It is open to new members prior to the beginning of each school year. It is important to note that ALL RCHA classes will utilize the Charlotte Mason method. Our co-op exists to support families who implement the CM method of education in their homeschool or who have committed to learn about and implement CM methods during co-op gatherings. Membership is granted on a case by case basis and is at the sole discretion of RCHA Leadership. Co-op members commit to fully participate in co-op meetings. A co-op can only work with a faithful and active membership.

COSTS
Co-Op Membership costs $20 per year. This fee covers administrative and website costs, basic supplies, etc. and entitles families to participate in all RCHA activities. In addition, classes will carry a minimum $5 per semester fee. Classes that utilize the skills of an outside teacher also carry a fee set by that teacher and payable to him/her directly. Other activities may have their own fees that will be listed.

Support Membership costs $10 per year. These families are NOT eligible for participation in co-op classes.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Monthly Mom Chat Evenings – This is a time of fellowship, encouragement and idea sharing. Prospective Members are welcome to attend. Most meetings are held at the home of either Christie Groff or Heather Johnson and begin at 7:30 PM. Meetings are for Moms only. Nursing babies are welcome, but please make other arrangements for older children.Learning with Charlotte – Beginning in fall 2011, RCHA will form a CM study group with one of our new sister groups. We will use modern translations and Charlotte’s original works to further our understanding of this gentle method of learning. Details will be kept up to date on our website. Communication – The primary means of communication between RCHA members is via the website and e-mail. Our web address is http://www.rchajax.com. The site is password protected for the safety of our members, so please do not share your password with others. Support and Guidance from Experienced Homeschoolers – Mom chats, park days, field trips and other events are great opportunities in which to meet people and glean valuable information from those who’ve been at this for a few years.Availability of Evaluation and Testing – The homeschool law states that you must file an annual evaluation with the county for all children ages 6-16. You may choose between a standardized test or a portfolio evaluation. We will have a list of state certified teachers who have offered their services for hire in this area. A group testing may also be sponsored by RCHA in the spring of each year dependent upon interest.A Growing List of Annual Activities & Field Trips – As a member, you may participate in and facilitate any of the events and activities offered. Minimal fees may be required for some events. Events are first and foremost for members, however, we realize the benefit of being able to include grandparents and other guests at times. RCHA is a Box Tops for Education organization. Look for box tops on all kinds of products, from cereal to kleenex. Clip your box tops and bring them to group. RCHA gets $0.10 for each box top collected, representing over $100 of free money (sometimes even more)– save those Box Tops!Group Membership Rate for H.E.R.I. & FPEA –  RCHA members are strongly encouraged to join FPEA and HERI. We will offer group membership in both groups at current rates. 

FPEA is the largest association of homeschool families in Florida. Their mission is to Support Your Homeschooling Journey through practical information, personal engagement, and positive encouragement. There are many benefits to FPEA membership. See http://www.fpea.com for more information.H.E.R.I. is a network of smaller support groups, umbrella schools and individuals   representing homeschoolers throughout northeast Florida. H.E.R.I. membership includes membership in the FPEA. See http://www.herijax.com for more information. 

Other Benefits –  a yearbook  or memory book (additional cost), discounted God’s World News subscriptions for members. Support group members may order GWN, but will need to make arrangements to pick up their copies. Many future possibilities exist, too!
FIELD TRIP PROTOCOL

Payment Deadlines are clearly listed on all field trips. Your payment must be received by the posted deadline or your spot will be cancelled. Pay when you sign up!Payments for Field Trips are non-refundable. For most field trips, money has to be paid in advance and unfortunately, RCHA cannot refund monies already paid out. Cancellations – if for some reason you are unable to attend, please go online and cancel your sign-up so that the coordinator does not expect you.  Please don’t be a “no-show”. If you need to cancel day of, CALL the coordinator.Punctuality – Remember that we represent homeschooling at large and our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a bad reflection on both when we don’t meet our obligations.

Plan to arrive a minimum of 10 minutes early (earlier if indicated) for all field trips and meet in the designated spot. We will enter as a group and cannot wait for latecomers. Remember that being late is disruptive and inconsiderate.
Be Prepared – Please do not wait until the night before or day of the function to get directions and other needed information.Follow Rules – Parents are to make sure ALL RCHA kids follow ALL rules and restrictions of the host site. 

Be clear about what is “hands-on” and “hands-off”.Do not run, jump or climb where inappropriate.Patiently wait our turn if other groups or people are present.
Respect Speakers & Guides – Quietly pay attention to what is being presented.

Remain seated during presentations so as not to be a distraction to others.Understand that it is disrespectful to gather in groups at the back of the audience and chat while speakers or guides are presenting.
Guests – You may invite whomever you wish to come with you on field trips that do not have maximum capacity limits. In the case of a max. capacity trip, RCHA members have first shot.Trip Ideas –  Anyone is welcome to suggest and organize a trip, so long as the RCHA rules and those of the host site are followed. Submit a request via the website calendar.
DRESS CODE
We want RCHA to be a place where young hearts and minds are protected from a world that often asks kids to grow up too quickly. Our standards of dress should reflect modesty. This dress code is applicable to ALL RCHA classes, functions and field trips!

No exposed skin between shirt and pants/shorts/skirt.No visible underwear, spaghetti strap tops, or too tight clothing.Shorts and skirts should not be excessively short. The length should come to at least the bottom of your thumb when you stand.No wording across the back of the shorts or pants.Be mindful of slogans and logos to assure they are in accordance with our mission.No Heelys (skate shoes) at any co-op class, function or field trip.RCHA Statement of Behavior & Responsibility

PARENTS

All members of RCHA recognize that RCHA is a Christian group and will acknowledge the responsibility of the group to uphold the RCHA Statement of Faith.RCHA is a co-op group, and as such, parent participation is mandatory. Absences are allowed in the event of sickness, planned vacation, or family emergency, provided a substitute is found to fill the parent’s role at group. Leaving children at group so that the parent can run errands is not allowed.Children are expected to be respectful of people and church property. This includes obeying all adults in authority, speaking respectfully to both adults and other children, walking quietly while inside, and treating church property with care. Parents are responsible for ensuring that all children (not just their own) abide by these standards.Parents agree to adhere to the dress code.In the event that the behavior of a child becomes disruptive to the point of difficulty for the teacher, class or group as a whole, the child’s parent will be summoned and the offense documented as an incident report that both parent and child will be asked to sign. Upon receipt of 3 incident reports for the same child, the family will meet with the group leaders to discuss the possibility of removal from all group activities.All children are to be under the supervision of an adult at all times.  Children with any kind of contagious illness should not attend group activities. Please find a substitute for your assigned role at group and keep sick children at home.RCHA represents homeschooling, and above all Jesus Christ to the community at large and to each other. The actions of group members should leave a positive impression.

CHILDREN…

I will listen to and obey teachers and other adults.I will be respectful of others.I will treat property with care.I will adhere to the dress code. I will NOT bring electronic devices unless required by my class – iPods, cameras, computers, etc.I will do my best to be a good example.
RCHA represents homeschooling, and above all Jesus Christ to the community at large and to each other. The actions of group members should leave a positive impression.
All parents and children will sign the “Statement of Behavior & Responsibility” and acknowledge that it is binding.

CO-OP CLASS INFORMATION
3 Charlotte Mason Style Co-Op Classes Per Month – 

Co-op Members enjoy participation in classes offered on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursday mornings. 
Classes are offered in two terms from September – December and January – April. Each term will culminate in a Family Night.
Family Night will be a time of sharing what has been learned during co-op that term. December’s will be followed by a dessert fellowship and April’s by either a dessert or dinner fellowship.

2011 – 2012 FAMILY FINE ARTS SCHEDULE

Schedule 
9:00 – 10:30 Handicrafts, Life Skills & Hands-On Learning Classes
10:30 – 11:30 Family Fine Arts
11:30  – 12:15 Shakespeare (select opportunity for this year)
Park Play Time for those who are interested.

Please do not interrupt the teacher and the rest of the class by arriving late. 
 
Name tags are required for all who attend Thursday classes. You are responsible for keeping up with your family’s name tags.

Substitutes
All parents are required to serve during both class hours, as either a teacher, assistant, or facilitator. In the event that you will be absent due to illness or vacation, it is your responsibility to secure a replacement for your assigned role at group.

Guests
Guest adults or children are welcome only with prior permission from either Heather Johnson or Christie Groff.

Clean-Up
Any area that RCHA uses, needs to be tidied and ready to go for the next church event.  Parents in each class should tidy up after their class, which includes wiping off tables, chairs, and whiteboards, straightening tables and chairs, and sweeping up any stray crumbs. 

There will be a rotating schedule of set-up and clean-up teams who will ensure that it all gets done. This will be posted on the website. Families will serve as a team – children will help parents to accomplish the tasks.

Let’s always leave the building and grounds looking better than we found them. God has truly blessed us with a great facility so let’s be good stewards of His blessings!

I hope that’s helpful for any considering a co-op start up.