Willow Creek Gathers Policies

Willow Creek Gathers Policies

Mission Statement:
To build a community of like-minded families and cultivate strong relationships with each other and God. To grow and become life-long learners and readers of great literature.

Membership Requirements:

Families should align with Charlotte Mason’s educational principles and follow SC homeschooling guidelines.
All members must adhere to our policies, procedures, and code of conduct.
Mothers must pass a criminal background check.
Attending 38% (3 / 8) of Mom’s Education Virtual Nights

Membership is granted at the directors’ discretion based on co-op needs.

Purpose & Beliefs

Our mission is 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. 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).
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).
Parents have the responsibility to teach their children (Deut. 6:4-7).

Attendance & Sick Policy

Each family has an allowance of up to 3 missed days per semester before a meeting with the Board will be required. 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 prior
Vomiting or diarrhea as recent as 2 days prior

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

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
Two planned vacation days per co-op year 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.

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.

If you would like to review our Discipline policy, it is available here.

Classroom Policy

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.

Expectations for Mothers

Mothers are key to the co-op’s success. We ask mothers in addition to class expectations handout, to: 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 their children’s supplies and behavior.

Holidays

We do not celebrate most holidays, focusing only on the true meanings of Christmas and Easter.

Parent Commitment:
By signing, I commit to:

Regular attendance and active participation.
Staying informed via the BAND group and responding promptly.
Abiding by all policies and procedures.
Paying fees on time, or contacting for a payment plan if needed.
Understanding Willow Creek Gathers is not liable for injuries.
Providing necessary information about my child (learning or health needs).
Acknowledging that withdrawing or being asked to leave forfeits any dues.
Acknowledging that failure to adhere to all policies may forfeit your invitation for the following year.

Willow Creek Gathers

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