Mission Statement:
Our goal is to provide a cooperative learning environment of and for Christian home school families and communities in which we can support and encourage each other as we educate our children to the glory of God.
MPACC Policies and Procedures
Commitment - Co-op is a serious and lengthy commitment. If you have been out in the wilds of home schooling for any length of time without a weekly commitment of any sort, you will need to take a long moment of self-reflection to determine whether this is something you and your children are capable of executing. We meet for 24 weeks (with a nice long winter break built in) and we expect you to be in attendance for all of them to the best of your ability, barring illness and unavoidable travel.
Timeliness - Showing up on time for co-op is extremely important as it shows respect for everyone else who battled through the challenges of getting their kids ready and out the door. Additionally, if you are a lead teacher, your class cannot begin if you are not there. If you child is running late, many times a teacher will not want to begin until they arrive. Things do happen from time to time but do what it takes to be timely.
Classes - We do our best to match up three things-
1. Classes most needed/desired by our current year’s lineup of students,
2. Curriculum that seems to best meet the needs of the class (One of the great benefits of joining a co-op is having another mom do the prep work of a class that you might struggle with or be tempted to let slide. Yay science projects done at co-op! A downside is that the curricula collectively chosen may not be your top pick. You have to weigh this out before joining.
3. Moms (or dads) who have the ability and desire to teach said class. Please make us aware of any strengths and interests you have in teaching.
At-home assignments - to make the most of our time together, most classes will require at-home assignments. This is an excellent encouragement to stay the course during the long days of home schooling when we can be tempted to be too lax and let certain subjects slip. We strive to make the assignment load doable, but as this is not just a play-date co-op, getting the assignments done is part of the time commitment of co-op mentioned above.
Statement of Faith:
We believe in…
One God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and Earth.
Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified, buried, resurrected on the third day, ascended, and will return again in power and glory.
The Holy Spirit, who guides us through God’s word, the Bible.
The Bible as the inerrant, inspired word of God and holds ultimate authority for all matters of life.
Standards of Behavior:
A high standard for behavior at co op shall be maintained. We represent the entire homeschooling movement as well as Christ and ourselves individually. Because homeschool families are generally under greater scrutiny, we ask that dress be neat and modest, and that behavior be exemplary. Please do not allow current styles or commonly accepted behavior to negatively affect your judgment, since our standard is Christ's and not the world’s.
Specific guidelines:
No abusive or foul language, gossip or slander
No pushing, hitting, kicking, or aggressive play
Acceptance of rebuke and cooperation with any adult member
A cooperative and mannerly attitude with all people during classes
Sensitivity to the safety and feelings of younger children
Respect for property and willingness to replace damaged property
No short shorts, or bare midriffs
No public displays of affection between young adults of the opposite sex
All parents have the freedom and responsibility during co-op classes to address behavior issues. If bad behavior is chronic, please talk to the parents of that specific child.
Disruptive behavior is not tolerated. If a child cannot behave properly at co-op, the entire family will be asked to delay their involvement in co-op for one full semester. After that time, the family may be reconsidered for co-op participation.