I.    NAMESAKE

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Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  Ephesians 2:19-22

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II.  MISSION

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EXALT GOD  “   ENRICH STUDENTS  “   ENGAGE PARENTS

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We, the members of the Cornerstone Cooperative, desire to EXALT and glorify God in all we do, EDUCATE and EQUIP our children in a safe and enriching environment, and  ENGAGE with our students in a mentoring fashion that is consistent with our faith in God.

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A.        EXALT GOD

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1.  Exalt God Through Our Beliefs

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WE BELIEVE in the one true God, who created the universe and has revealed Himself in the Bible as Father, Son, (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. We believe that He alone is Lord and Master of the universe, and that His law is above all other law. (Genesis 1:1)

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WE BELIEVE that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, given so that men might know God, His law, and His plan to save men from their sin. (II Tim. 3:16)

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WE BELIEVE that all people have sinned and can be saved only by confessing their sin and acknowledging Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. (John 3:16; I John 1:9)

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WE BELIEVE that God ordained the family, and ultimately holds parents responsible for educating and training their children in the ways of the Lord. (Prov.22:6; Deut 6:6-9)

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2.  Exalt God Through Our Behavior

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We will exalt God through our behavior by acting with courtesy, speaking kindly and respectfully, doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, and dressing modestly and inoffensively. In all areas, adhering to the things of God so that our testimony, personally and as a co-op, is clearly a Christian one.

 

B.        ENRICH STUDENTS

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1.   Enrich Students Through Education

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• To emphasize community, each co-op will begin with an assembly to include a time of corporate worship.

• As needed, we will provide classes for all students nursery-age through 12th grade.

• Classes will be scheduled in the following core subjects: Physical Education, Art, Music, History, and Science.

• Classes will be created with the goal of appealing to students' interests.

• Teachers shall be knowledgeable, godly, and enthusiastic.

• Academic subjects will be taught with individualized instruction in mind.

• Class size will be contingent on the ability to provide effective teaching.

• Teachers and parents will seek to draw out children's strengths, praise their efforts, and encourage them through their weaknesses.

• Students will be encouraged and challenged to participate in all functions of the class.

• Proper disciplinary action, when necessary, is an integral part of an enriched education.

 

2.   Enrich Students Through Environment

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• Providing a safe and enriching environment calls for the use of fire drills and attendance records, rules of proper conduct between individuals in and around the facilities, and guidelines for disciplinary action.

• Based on availability, endeavor to incorporate enrichment through alternative environments such as extra-curricular activities and events.

• Environment in the visual sense includes how we dress and how our wardrobe affects others. Therefore, dressing modestly and inoffensively applies to everyone, and is mandatory as a participant in co-op.

 

C.        ENGAGE PARENTS

 

1.   Definition of Cooperative:

 

Working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit. Demonstrating a willingness to cooperate.

 

2.   What it means to be an ENGAGED parent at Cornerstone Co-op:

 

It has been said, "More is caught than taught." Being an ENGAGED parent begins with setting a worthy example for other parents and the children.  All parents are expected to use their gifts, experience, and education to fulfill the multiple roles at co-op. These roles take the form of teachers, aides, co-op leaders, coordinators, committee persons, cleaners, recess monitors, substitutes, encouragers, relationship builders and mentors.  Working together for our common purpose and benefit necessitates:

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• Praying for co-op and its members.

• Being prompt, prepared, and willing to help.

• Engaging fully in all functions of the Co-op i.e., meetings, co-op days, & special events.

• Developing and nurturing friendships with other parents.

• Developing and nurturing mentor-relationships with children.

• Fully cooperating with the guidelines for disciplinary action and role expectations.

• Staying current with and responding to communication between members, using the co-op message system and family folders.                                                                                                     

• Communicate with the coop leader or use the Suggestion Box to submit ideas for positive changes in the co-op.

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3.   The success of Cornerstone Co-op is completely dependent on ENGAGED parents.

 

III  MEMBERSHIP

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A.  Requirements

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1. To qualify for membership in the Cornerstone Co-op all members of a family must understand and support and affirm  co-op By-Laws and sign the By-Laws.

2. The family unit attending co-op is defined as one parent and their child or children. Anything outside of this definition will be treated as a special consideration (see below).

     

B.  Attendance

 

Attendance at Cornerstone Co-op should be a priority. Every effort should be made to attend on a regular basis with punctuality.

     

C.  Fees

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1. Fees for the coming year will be determined by the co-op leader(s) and the Treasurer and are used to pay rent and purchase co-op supplies.

2. Each family, regardless of size, pays a standard monthly fee for eight (8) months which is collected at the beginning of each month during the co-op year.

3. A two-month deposit for new registrants and a one-month deposit for renewals is due 6/1.  Registrations received after this date will be accommodated on a 'first come first served' basis contingent on our ability to provide effective teaching (By-Laws II.B.1) .

 

D.  Special Considerations

 

Cornerstone Co-op is mindful and sensitive to special situations and hardships. Consideration will be graciously given to all situations and decided with prayer and counsel.

 

IV ORGANIZATION

 

A.  STRUCTURE

 

1. Advisory Board

 

a. Description

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The Board shall consist of three Christian adults in agreement with the Cornerstone Co-op By-Laws who are not members of the Co-op.  Every effort should be made to include one male member, preferably a pastor. Non-member status allows board members to give objective advice.  The Members of the Advisory Board will be made known to all co-op members.

 

b. Responsibilities

 

• On an as needed basis, provide objective counsel to the co-op when serious issues occur.

• Provide accountability for co-op leadership.

• Pray for the co-op, especially co-op leadership.

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2. Co-op Leadership

 

a. Description

 

The co-op leader should be very familiar with all the functions of Cornerstone Co-op and be a good communicator.  She is the go-to person and the voice of authority. They function discretely when dealing with sensitive issues.  They are accountable to the Advisory Board.  It is recommended that the co-op leader volunteer to teach no more than one class.

 

b. Authority to

 

• Call meetings.

• Fill vacant positions

• Recruit new co-op leadership when needed

• Handle problems and make simple decisions

• Consult with two trusted members when needed

• Seek the counsel of the Advisory Board when needed

 

c. Responsibilities

 

• Manages the waiting list

• Responds to families interested in joining the co-op

• When new families join, ensure they understand the by-laws and contracts

• Lead the August orientation meeting on site, when needed

• Lead the Spring planning meeting which includes recruiting teachers, determining classes, filling coordinator positions, and discussing co-op changes or improvements

• Work with Scheduling Coordinator to develop co-op schedules

• Advertise deadlines

• Man the sign-in table each week during arrival time.

• After all last minute announcements have been placed at the sign-in table, compile and copy them for the family folders.

• Forward all necessary information to the appropriate coordinators following the June and August deadlines, and forward updates as needed.

• Act as Support Leader for all Committees.

 

3. Team of Coordinators

 

a. General Responsibilities and Authority

 

Depending on the position, coordinators may choose to accomplish their tasks on their own, form committees, or ask for volunteers. In the case of committees and volunteers, they may choose their level of participation which at a minimum should include enough help for the committee or volunteers to accomplish their task. Coordinators will keep the co-op, co-op leader, and forms/information coordinator updated with all pertinent information.

 

b. Positions and Job Descriptions

 

Facility Use Coordinator: Acts as liaison between the facility and the coop dealing mainly with scheduling, special requests, and care of facility. Keeps building keys. Opens and closes the building. Must be the last person to leave. Sets up prior to the start of each co-op day and supervises clean-up at end of co-op day. Updates the Facility Care Duties list each year. Prepares and maintains the Recess/Clean-up schedule assigning parents in rotation and sending reminders. Coordinates fire drills with the facility.

 

Assembly Coordinator: At each morning assembly oversee a form of worship whether song, devotional, story, or activity, and an opening prayer. Announcements are limited to last minute needs for the co-op day.

 

Forms/Information Coordinator: This person should have computer skills sufficient to create and edit forms and schedules. Keep all co-op forms current, notifying members of updates via the website forum. Create new forms when needed. Maintain co-op file box and family file box. Prepare sign-in register and class attendance sheets. Prepare before the first co-op, room signs listing the class schedules. Work with Website Coordinator to upload or remove information. Provide Scheduling Coordinator with user friendly forms for scheduling. Prepare booklets each year with pertinent information for members.

 

Scheduling Coordinator: Work with the Co-op Leader to develop the yearly schedule, class schedule, teacher/aide schedule, and room schedule. Using completed registrations, develop class attendance lists. Provide completed forms to the website.  Assign class aides and room assignments.  Ensure everyone knows where and when they are scheduled. Be the contact person in the event last minute coverage is needed.  Maintain communication with teachers.

 

Treasurer/Finance Coordinator: Collect and record co-op membership fees. Keep an accounting of all financial activity using co-op funds. Keep members informed of their balance. Pay bills. Reimburse members for co-op related expenses. Advise co-op leadership of unusual expenses, and of availability of funds for same.

 

Discipline Coordinator: Provide support to teachers when students misbehave. Meet with students and parents to work out discipline issues. When needed, follow through with the guidelines for disciplinary action, keeping track of the number of offenses for each student. Communicate with co-op leader upon taking disciplinary action.

 

Website Coordinator: Act as administrator for the Cornerstone Co-op website. Maintain the site by adding updates and removing out-dated material. Instruct members on its use. Check for new families and send them invitations to join.

 

Supply Closet ("Pit") Coordinator: Clean and organize the pit before the start of co-op. Purchase (with co-op funds) needed supplies with approval of co-op leader and treasurer. Maintain pit throughout year.

 

4. Teachers

 

At a minimum, all parents are required to attend each co-op session as teachers and/or aides with the exception of the Discipline Coordinator.

 

a. Responsibilities

 

• Create course descriptions with costs, & upload to website 3 weeks before end of co-op.

• Over the summer set up curriculum and plan the class.

• Prepare a budget and notify parents if expenses will be incurred to operate the class.

• Send details of the course, purchases, and assignments to families one month before classes begin.

• At year-end, provide a fact sheet of the course to families for their portfolios.

• Communicate via co-op website forum and family folders. Submit last minute announcements on co-op days at the sign-in table.

• Class expectations (assignments, deadlines, discipline, etc.) should be communicated regularly to both parents and students.

• Coordinate or delegate coordination of field trips in your subject area.

• Be punctual to class and prepared. End class on time being considerate of the next teacher's class. If you must be absent, you are responsible to find a substitute teacher. Supply them with a lesson plan and directions. lf you cannot find a substitute or must be absent unexpectedly, contact the teacher aide coordinator as soon as possible.

• Communicate with your aides making them aware of how they can assist you.

     

5.  Aides

 

a. Responsibilities

 

• Assist the teacher in any way needed (retrieving supplies, keeping order, restroom escorts, etc.)

• Escort all students sixth grade and under to their next class.

• Be to the classroom before the students arrive, helping the teacher with set-up if needed.

• If you must be absent, you are responsible to find a substitute aide. lf you cannot find a substitute or must be absent unexpectedly, contact the teacher aide coordinator as soon as possible.

 

6.  Committee Leaders

 

a. Responsibilities

 

• Organize your committee.  Conduct meetings with members of committee.

• Ensure that the purpose of the committee is accomplished and deadlines are met.

• Utilize committee members, delegating necessary tasks.

• Communicate pertinent details to the co-op as a whole and the proper coordinators.

 

B. MEETINGS

 

1. Educational (co-op) Days

 

The scheduling of days and hours for classes is flexible. Once determined, it should stay in place for the entire year.

     

2. Organizational Meetings

 

a. Spring Planning Meeting

 

At least one meeting of all co-op parents shall be held in the Spring to determine leadership, class offerings, teachers, special events, and team coordinators for the next year.

 

b. Optional Summer Meeting

 

As needed, a meeting may be held in August. Attendance can be determined with regard to the agenda. Agenda items may include: New Family Orientation, By-Laws review, significant changes, etc.

 

C. DEADLINES

 

1. Re- for current members: June 1st  (with 1 month's deposit)

 

2. Student/Class Registration deadline: August 1st (changes will be considered after Sept. 30th)

 

V. ETHICS

 

A.  PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS/AGREEMENT

 

• Have a servant attitude helping in any way whenever possible.

• Build the sense of community by participating in social events, visiting in the Mom's Break Room and being punctual for the Morning gathering.

• Dress modestly and inoffensively which means wearing loose and concealing clothing without derogatory pictures or language.

• Be considerate of teachers and classes by having your child prepared with curriculum, completed assignments, and necessary materials/tools for each class.

• Encourage all the children to follow the Student Expectations/Agreement.

• Review the Student Expectations/Agreement with their children and sign By-Laws. In acknowledging that Cornerstone Co-op recognizes the authoritative parent/child role, parents agree to discipline their own children and require they follow the Student Expectations/Agreement.

• Work with the Discipline Coordinator according to the Guidelines for Disciplinary Action (see section V.E.), should the need arise.

• Be unrelenting in gaining an understanding of the far reaching effects of social media (such as Facebook) and the potential for irreversible damage.

• High priority is the guarding of each other's integrity which can only be done by closely following the wise direction laid out in Matthew 18:15-17. No other form of settling offenses will be accepted.

• Avoid and discourage gossiping, even if what is being said is out of concern for another. Strictly follow Prov. 25:9 & 10; 1 1 :3; 20:19; 26:20 to protect each other's integrity.

• Bear all things in love, forgiving each other. Choose to look for the good in others and focus on what we have in common, rather than focusing on differences in beliefs, child rearing, or home schooling.

 

B. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS/AGREEMENT

 

By the grace of God, I will do my best to be like Christ in all I say and do. I will build others up and not tear anyone down. I will work to make everyone at co-op feel included and loved. I want our group to look and be different from "the world".

 

1. Participation

 

• I understand that attending co-op is a privilege, not a right.

• I will actively participate and cooperate in all of my classes. Even when participation includes something I do not want to do, I will join in cheerfully in order to be a positive and respectful member of the class.

• I will be a cheerful observer if for some reason I am unable to participate.

 

2. Respect

 

      a. Speech

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• I will speak kindly and respectfully with all whom I come in contact, whether in person, in writing, by phone, or through social media.

• I will not swear, use coarse language, or initiate or participate in put-down humor by any means.

 

b. Clothing

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• I will dress neatly wearing clean, modest, properly sized clothing without tears.

• Modest means no see-through fabrics, nothing tight showing undergarment lines, and no clothing that exposes undergarments.

• I will not wear a hat during class or other distracting accessories.

• I will refrain from wearing faddish styles that represent life styles dishonoring to God.

• I will not wear clothing that has offensive writing or pictures.

 

c. Relationships

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• I will conduct myself courteously and respectfully with everyone.

• I understand that all peer relationships are limited to friendships that honor Christ. These friendships must honor Christ in private as well as in public.

• I understand that acts of romance are not permitted.

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d.  Property

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• I will respect other's personal property.

• I will not take possession of anything that does not belong to me.

• I will never loiter in areas not supervised by an adult.

 

e.  Electronic Devices

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• During coop, I will turn off and conceal all electronic devices except during lunch time and after co-op.

 

f.  Obedience

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• I will immediately obey without argument, any adult at co-op who interacts with me.

• I will be respectful to my teachers and aides by obeying all classroom rules and being prepared for class with curriculum, supplies, and completed assignments.

• I understand that these rules are for my benefit and the benefit of the co-op.

• I understand that I will be disciplined according to the Guidelines for Disciplinary Action (below) if I break these rules.

 

C.  TEACHER EXPECTATIONS/AGREEMENT

 

• Teaching in line with scripture, and affirming II Timothy 3:16-17 which reads: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

• Faithfully teach your class each time it is scheduled and in a way that engages students and compensates for their ages and learning styles.

• Exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, while always upholding student expectations.

• Make it a priority to show your enthusiasm for your class topic.

• Post homework assignments on website.

• Provides parents/student with syllabus at start of class.

 

D.  AIDE EXPECTATIONS/AGREEMENT

 

• Refrain from engaging in off topic conversation with other aides in the class while the class is in session.

• Refrain from using electronic devices during class. lf absolutely necessary, leave the room.

• Make it a priority to be engaged in the learning process, showing your enthusiasm.

• Exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, while always upholding student expectations.

 

E.   GUIDELINES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION

 

These guidelines are established for use by any parent who witnesses behavior that violates the Student Expectations/Agreements. They should be followed in the order given.

 

1.   First Offense

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• Parent/Teacher/Aide makes a first attempt at handling the offense, giving a warning that they may receive disciplinary action.

• Inform the child's parent about the warning.

 

2.   Second Offense

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• Parent/Teacher/Aide escorts student to the Discipline Coordinator and informs him/her of the offense.

• Student misses the rest of the class they were removed from.

• On the same day, discipline Coordinator talks with student and parent and also informs that a second offense has taken place.

• Coordinator informs co-op leader.

 

3.   Third Offense

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• Parent/Teacher/Aide escorts student to the Discipline Coordinator and informs him/her of the offense.

• At the discretion of the Discipline Coordinator who will consider the particular offenses, the following actions may be taken:

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    Temporary removal from the class

  • Removal from the class for the remainder of the semester

  • Suspension from the next co-op day

• Coordinator informs parent and coop leader the day of the offense.

 

4.   Fourth Offense

• Parent/Teacher/Aide escorts student to the Discipline Coordinator and informs him/her of the offense.

• At the discretion of the Discipline Coordinator in consultation with the co-op leader and possibly the Advisory Board who will consider the particular offenses, the following actions may be taken:

  • Suspension from all co-op functions for the semester

  • Suspension from all co-op functions for the year

  • Permanent Expulsion of the student

• After returning to co-op from a suspension, a student will be on probation for a time to be determined. While on probation, one offense will result in permanent expulsion of the student.

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5.   Offenses Subject to Immediate Expulsion

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Any student committing one of the offenses listed below will be taken to the Discipline Coordinator  who will notify the parent and the co-op leader immediately. The student will be suspended immediately until the Discipline Coordinator, Co-op Leader, and Advisory Board meets to determine if expulsion is necessary.

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• Damaging/threatening or immoral communication through social media such as Facebook, email, texting or the like

• Possession of a weapon (under suspicion of harmful intent)

• Sharing or displaying a weapon on co-op premises without co-op permission

• Possession and/or inappropriate discussion of illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia

• Experimentation or intentional use of flammable materials such as lighters, matches, chemicals or the like

• Any violent behavior, such as fighting, punching, shoving, language, or the like

•  Any sexual talk or activity

 

VI. REVISIONS

 

Revision of the Cornerstone Cooperative By-Laws shall be conducted when needed. Revisions should be reviewed and accepted by the Advisory Board, facility owner, current co-op leader, and several members in long-standing.

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