Membership requirements:

• - Families should align with Charlotte Mason’s educational principles and follow SC homeschooling guidelines.
• - Moms must pass a criminal background check.
• - Families must commit to the community for the entire school year (unless unforeseen circumstances arise, such as illness, moving, etc.).
• - All members must adhere to our policies, beliefs, procedures, and code of conduct.
• - Moms must participate weekly on our Charlotte Mason discussion posts in our Band group.
• - Mom implements what she learns and employs Charlotte Mason principles in her home.
• - The family exhibits good character and self-control. Children respect and obey authority.
• - Families agree with Willow Creek’s Statement of Faith and Purpose and Vision statement.
• - Mom is humble and willing to take on responsibility.
• - Families are eager to learn, teach, grow, and build community with Willow Creek members.




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Purpose & Beliefs:

We seek to provide supplemental education through the Charlotte Mason method, forming a community that values truth, beauty, and goodness. We emphasize virtuous character and direct children’s hearts to Christ. While we come from different backgrounds, we are united in our faith and purpose. In our study of world cultures, we explore a variety of beliefs, traditions, and histories. While we learn about perspectives that may differ from Christianity, our ultimate goal remains the same: to point our children toward Christ, helping them develop a strong, faith-centered worldview.

We affirm these biblical truths:

• God is sovereign and the Creator of all (Gen. 1:1, Heb. 6:18).
• Jesus Christ reveals God to us and is our Savior (Heb. 1:1-3, John 3:16).
• The Bible is our guide in faith and life (Matt. 5:18, Isa. 40:8, Heb. 11:3).
• Parents have the responsibility to teach their children (Deut. 6:4-7).
• Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col. 3:13)




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Attendance & Sick Policy:

Each family has an allowance of up to 3 missed sick days, and 1 personal day, per semester before a meeting with the Board will be required. Late arrival and leaving early will count as a quarter of a day. 4 quarter marks will equal 1 missed day.

Do Not Attend If (Sick Symptoms):

In the interest of all families; if you, or a child, are experiencing these symptoms, do not attend any co-op functions:

• - Fever of 100.4 as recent as 1 day prior without fever reducing medicine
• - Cough when producing yellow mucus, as recent as 1 day prior
• - Vomiting or diarrhea as recent as 2 days prior
• - Lice
• - Pink Eye
• - Hand, Foot, and Mouth

If you feel there is an extenuating illness not covered in this list, please reach out to a Director.

Extenuating Life Circumstances (Communicate with Directors):

We understand there are other extenuating life circumstances. Please communicate with the directors if there are other barriers (examples below) to your attendance.

• Birth of a new baby
• Bereavement/Funeral
• One planned vacation day per semester that falls on a week with required attendance
• Required work day with your job. Please notify directors with plenty of advance notice and make arrangements for your co-teacher to cover material in your absence.

We value grace and flexibility, but attendance is critical. Weekly attendance will be recorded.





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Behavior Expectations for Children:

Children are expected to be respectful, attentive, and follow instructions. Running is prohibited except outside or in the gym, and personal toys should stay at home unless needed for class. Disrespectful behavior or language will not be tolerated.

Please review with your children the Student Code of Conduct. All children Forms 2 and up are required to sign, and return, in acknowledgement of reading and understanding what is expected of them. However, parents should review the Student Code of Conduct with children of all ages.




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Classroom Policy:

In addition to the Class Expectations handout, all mothers should be prepared to assist with behavior management and ensure a positive learning environment. Working on the habit of attention, mothers should encourage listening and staying on topic in discussions during class. All mothers are expected to be aware of schedule changes made by the directors, ensuring they are in the properly assigned classroom. Schedule changes and long term teacher changes are made by the directors.





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Homework Policy:

Form 1 and Below Students:

Form 1 and below students will not have required homework. They may be requested to bring something from home for a specific lesson. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure this item does not become a distraction outside of the specific lesson it was requested for.

Form 2+ Students:

Form 2+ students will have homework assigned to them most weeks. It is the responsibility of the child to complete this each week. They may be asked to complete something from the lesson time or it will be in preparation for the following lesson. Failure to complete these assignments only hurts your child in class, and makes it harder for them to follow along. Homework completion will be documented. If assignments are not completed for several weeks the teacher will have a conversation with the student and mom; next a conversation between directors and mom/child; if this remains unresolved it will affect your re-registration for the next year.

Teachers will post a syllabus containing all (tentative) assignments at the beginning of the year, along with a weekly assignment update to Band.





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Expectations for Mothers:

Mothers are key to the co-op’s success. We ask mothers, in addition to Parental Policies and Expectations handouts, to:

• Correct children when necessary and ensure they come prepared.
• Be attentive, modestly dressed, and respectful with your attitude and language.
• Help plan and teach lessons and assist in classrooms.
• Be responsible for your children’s supplies and behavior.




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Holidays:

We do not celebrate most holidays, focusing only on the true meanings of Christmas and Easter, aka the birth and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.





Parental Policies and Expectations:

We ask parents to observe the following when bringing situations or issues regarding anything within our community to the Directors:

• Follow Matthew 18:15-20 for conflict resolution. This should never be done through texting.
• If you have a concern or would like the Directors to address an issue, please email board@willowcreekgathers.com.
• If an issue arises and you are unsure of how to proceed, bring it directly to any board member.
• Think the best of people and work toward resolution in all things. Avoid talking about others negatively. However, if there is an issue with anyone in Willow Creek, whether director or another family attending, that is causing you concern or discomfort, we would like you to inform a director.
• Remember we are part of the body of Christ and here to serve our children.




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Conduct

• Everyone will obey all community rules and regulations.
• Each participating parent will conduct him/herself with behavior, words and dress in a way that is Christ-like and honoring to God.
• Each student will address adults as Miss./Mr. (First Name) or Mrs./Mr. (Last Name) as a sign of respect.
• We will not call anyone by pronouns or names that are being “changed.” All clothing must be appropriate for the sex the child was born as.




Communication and Social Media

• Each family will use the selected communication avenue. (Ex: Band) Parents are welcome to take pictures during community gatherings but may not post them on social media if they include the faces of individuals outside their immediate family. Willow Creek may post pictures of individuals following the guidelines and permissions set forth in the Social Media Consent Form.
• Any updates or announcements will be posted to Band no later than Tuesday. Thursday mornings, an updated sick coverage schedule will be posted. Moms should be checking Band for these updates. All form 2+ teachers are expected to post any homework assignments and/or the weekly lesson on the weekly homework post by Friday morning.




Printing Policy

All documents for printing will be submitted by 10pm on Wednesday.



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Teaching / Helping Responsibilities:

Each participating parent will:

• Have lesson plans prepared and sent to the directors by July 15th.
• Be present and well-prepared to teach and/or assist lessons as assigned.
• Phone usage should be kept to a minimum. We strongly prefer all lessons be read from a book or paper. Sometimes things get left home by accident, but the phone shouldn’t be the primary choice.
• Be responsible for ensuring your class helper has all necessary materials and detailed lesson plans to cover your class should you be absent. You must also notify a board member to ensure we have sufficient class coverage. In the event of an extended absence, class coverage is at the discretion of the board.
• Arrive on time, no later than 9:20am.
• Help with cleanup responsibilities.
• Supervise children at all times.
• We will have grace for younger children, but if your child is in Year 1 or above, the expectation is that they are giving their full attention to the lesson.
• Remain on campus for each class day. (If an urgent circumstance arises and I need to leave campus, I will first talk with a Board Member before I leave my child(ren) in the care of another adult.)




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Responsibility / Liability:

• Parents will be responsible and accountable for their children, including their actions. If a student intentionally or unintentionally breaks or damages church property, it will be the responsibility of the parent to resolve it.
• Teachers will inform parents at the beginning of the year (with a tentative schedule), or weekly by Friday about any homework expectations for the following week. Parents will guide and assist their students as needed to complete their homework.
• Students will arrive prepared for lessons with all necessary homework, notebooks, books, pencils, other supplies, etc. We recommend a co-op dedicated bag. All bags for students Form 1 and up must be clear and no larger than 12in by 6in by 12in.




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Commitment:

When joining, families will commit to the entire school year. If you are in town and not sick, you should be present. A tentative schedule is given at the time of registration; the finalized school calendar is posted in Band prior to the Mandatory Mom’s Meeting in May. As is the nature of a co-op, all families involved depend on one another to carry the responsibilities of teaching our children. Thus, if anyone drops out, all families will be affected. Therefore we ask that you take enrollment in Willow Creek seriously and not make other commitments that would affect your ability to attend for the full day, as appropriate for the forms of your children. Consistently having to leave early or arrive late affects the experience for all the families involved.





Student Code of Conduct:

• Be respectful of all adults. Politely address all teachers and parents using Mr./Miss. (First Name) or Mr./Mrs. (Last Name).
• Obey all instructions quickly and cheerfully. If an adult corrects your behavior, receive the correction meekly.
• Be respectful of the home/church facility, its property, and the property of fellow homeschoolers.
• Be kind and treat other students the way you want to be treated.
• Do not talk when an adult is addressing the group.
• Do not use vulgar language or profanity at any time.
• Do not run or engage in horseplay in the hallways or classrooms.




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I Am, I Can, I Ought, I Will (Charlotte Mason Motto)

I AM… a child of God. I'm very valuable because God made me in His image and he loves me. (Phil 2:13)

I CAN… do all things through Christ who gives me strength. God has made me to do everything that I have to do. (Phil 4:13)

I OUGHT… to do my job so that I will be obeying God, my parents and everyone in authority over me. (Phil 2:12, 14-15)

I WILL… with the help of the Holy Spirit keep watch over my thoughts and tongue and choose what is right even if it's not what I want. (Phil 4:8,9)





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General Required Student Conduct Statements:

Classroom Behavior

• I understand I am expected to participate in class activities with a joyful attitude. I will avoid a negative and complaining attitude. Class time consists of any time a mother is up front teaching, whether we’re on our blankets, a chair, or playing a game.
• I understand prompt and cheerful obedience is expected. I will not talk back or argue with teachers or other parents.
• I understand that I am expected to treat prayer and class discussion with proper reverence. Jokes, songs, or behavior that trivialize or exhibit disrespect towards God are not allowed. Presentation topics must be topics that are glorifying God and something I would talk about if He were present … because He is.
• I understand that as a sign of respect for the teacher and other students, I may not speak out of turn during class time and must raise my hand.
• I understand it is expected that I will work diligently, participate and concentrate while in class. I understand that clowning around and disruptive behavior is not allowed.
• I understand that I will come to class with my homework completed.




Safety and Expectations on Campus

• I understand that electronic musical devices, electronic games, and cell phones are not permitted to be used on campus (with the exception of necessary medical use). I understand that it is at the discretion of any teacher/parent on campus to confiscate any item deemed not appropriate to be on campus. Any items confiscated will be returned to my parents.
• I understand that weapons of any kind are not allowed on campus. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as guns, knives, bows and arrows, and mace.
• For school age children, trinkets, small games, toys, etc. should be left at home or in my family's vehicle.
• I understand pre-form and younger students must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• I will be aware of and avoid the off-limit areas of the facility (i.e. main auditorium, kitchen, church offices, front entryway, maintenance rooms), except when given express permission for a specific class or reason.
• I will not play on or around cars in the parking lot.
• I will not play in the cemetery.
• I will walk, not run, in the building, other than during activity time in the gym.
• I understand that chewing gum is not allowed inside the church building.
• I understand that drinks are not allowed in the gym.
• I understand I am expected to treat all class materials and facilities with respect and care; including but not limited to keeping my feet on the floor, my bottom on a chair or blanket, my writing utensil on appropriate/ approved writing material.
• I will take responsibility if I cause any damage to the church facility, its property, and the property of fellow homeschoolers by notifying my parents and/or an adult in charge.




Respect for Others

• I understand that I am expected to treat others with kindness and respect. Teasing, criticizing, name-calling, and any form of verbal, written, or physical abuse are not allowed.
• I understand talking negatively behind people’s back is unkind. I will seek to honor and speak respectfully of all members of our group, whether parent, teacher or student, and refrain from gossip or negative remarks of any kind.
• I understand the importance of intentionally seeking to include others in activities or conversations within our group and avoid behavior that can be viewed as excluding others.
• I understand the importance of modesty and will seek to show respect, honor and wisdom in my clothing choices. I will seek to dress in a way that shows respect to myself and to God. This includes wearing appropriate-length dresses, skirts, shorts, and tops. No clothing containing slogans or images that are profane or go against biblical teaching is allowed.




Personal Integrity

• I will strive to pursue excellence in my academic work and be diligent to complete my assignments to the best of my ability, knowing my parents are ultimately my teachers and will guide/approve any decisions for modified or uncompleted assignments.
• I will pursue truthfulness and honesty in all my work.
• I will seek to do good when I have the opportunity, and to be of help and encouragement to others.
• I understand if any conflict arises between me and another student, I will seek counsel from my parents and will seek to follow the biblical model for conflict resolution.
• I understand that as a believer, my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I will honor it accordingly. I understand that substance use of any kind (ie: alcohol or drugs) will result in being removed from Willow Creek Gathers and all of its programs.
• I will respect all property belonging to others, including the church. I will not damage or take anything that does not belong to me.
• I recognize that I will be held responsible for my conduct, both in action and attitude, by my parents, teachers, and those in authority at Willow Creek Gathers.
• I understand there is to be no romantic relationship activity of any kind, including public displays of affection.




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Disciplinary Action:

The following policy of correction and discipline will be in effect in all class settings: (The word “class” shall include all regular classes, assemblies, events, breaks and indoor/outdoor transition times).

Correction Policy:

1. First Offense: Verbal warning.
2. Second Offense: Move seats to another side of the room.
3. Third Offense: The child may be escorted to the hallway and accompanied by the helper for a couple minutes of calm-down time.

Teachers should not allow any statements of ill-intent to go without action. If a child says any harmful words, the child’s parent should be notified by the end of co-op day so the situation can be addressed as they feel warranted for their family and the director should be notified.

• Severe Behavior: Aggressive actions like hitting, biting, or kicking will result in immediate removal from the situation.
• Joking or otherwise, co-op is not the place for comments about harming ourselves or others; having/bringing weapons and all such statements will be taken seriously.
• Excessive Violations: Ongoing discipline issues may lead to a loss of co-op privileges. Decisions will be made prayerfully by the Board.




Bullying Policy:

At Willow Creek Gathers, we aim to foster a community of kindness, inclusion, and Christ-like love. We are committed to building each other up and discouraging any form of bullying—physically, mentally, or emotionally. Bullying, defined as intentional harm or intimidation, will not be tolerated.

Action Plan for Bullying:

1. First Offense: Parent contact to address unkind behavior. The child may be shadowed by a teacher or helper to correct the behavior.
2. Second Offense: The child may be excluded from co-op the following week or required to be shadowed by a parent.
3. Third Offense: The child may be asked to leave for the remainder of the year, with no refund of fees.




• Severe or Violent Behavior: Immediate dismissal at the discretion of the directors.