Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program. Parent/Student Handbook

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1 Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program Parent/Student Handbook Handbook last updated: July 11,

2 Table of Contents Introduction Section Welcome... pg 3 Purpose..pg 3 Contact pg 3 Statement of Faith..pg 3 Procedures Section Registration and Enrollment Procedures... pg 4 Submitting Grades & Attendance Forms... pg 5 Grading Scale... pg 5 Standardized Testing pg 5 Graduation Requirements... pg 6 Student Activities... pg 7 Cooperative Classes Activity Days Field Trips Athletic Eligibility Fairs and Bees Parent/Umbrella Communication... pg 9 Publications General and Miscellaneous Information... pg 10 Office Hours Mailing Address Appendix.pg 11 2

3 Welcome to Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program! Welcome! We are excited about a new year of opportunities. Whether you are new to our umbrella or a returning student, we pray that this can be a year that you grow spiritually, mentally and physically, so you are prepared to meet the challenges and blessings that God will bring throughout your life. Our umbrella welcomes any families from the community who are willing to support the policies of Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program (RHUP). RHUP does not discriminate in enrollment on the basis of race or ethnic origin. This handbook seeks to outline the policies and procedures of Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program. RHUP expects students and families to conform to the guidelines listed. We pray that parents and students can participate with enthusiasm in our umbrella and work to improve the experiences of all persons at RHUP. Purpose The Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program is designed to assist families in home educating their children. It is our desire to help you in providing an excellent academic course of instruction. Contact Homeschool Program Director ~ Patti Hunt.. Patti.hunt@riversideumbrella.org (913) High School Coordinator ~ Susan Lemley. Susan.lemley@riversideumbrella.org Middle School Coordinator ~ Christi Bozeman. Christi.bozeman@riversideumbrella.org Elementary Coordinator ~ Brandi Dye.. Brandi.dye@riversideumbrella.org Testing Coordinator ~ Delisa Collette.. delisa.collette@riversideumbrella.org Umbrella Website Visit our website at for the latest happenings and updated forms for our umbrella. Statement of Faith We believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and complete work of God. It is our guide for faith and practice. We believe in a triune God: God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ came to pay the penalty for sin through His death on the cross. He then arose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven. We believe that children are given by God to the parents and that parents have the authority and the responsibility to reach, nurture, train and educate their own children. 3

4 Procedures Section Registration and Enrollment Procedures 1. Submit the completed application for enrollment, curriculum list and appropriate fees to the RHUP office by August 8. Failure to do so could be viewed as a violation of the state s truancy laws set forth by the Tennessee Department of Education [TCA (b)(3)]. 2. Returning families who register after August 8 th will be assessed a $20 late fee. 3. Registration fees: K-8 th Grade $100 1 st child, $75 2 nd child, $65 3 rd child $55 each additional child registering for K-8 th grade 9 th 12 th Grade - $150 1 st child, $ nd child, $ rd child $82.50 each additional child registering for 9 th 12 th grade 4. Submit the official updated health records form (Tennessee Green form). This form may be obtained from your doctor or County Health Department. A copy of the student s birth certificate must be on file also. 5. Begin counting school days toward attendance once you have received confirmation of enrollment with the RHUP (you will receive a Welcome Letter either by mail or ). For example: You start home educating your child July 1 st but don t enroll with us until August 1st. You may not count your school days from July 1st August 1st to fulfill the 180-day school requirement. 6. Any student who has been withdrawn from or has not attended their previous school for more than 5 consecutive days before making application to the Homeschool Program will not be accepted. 7. Teach the required 180 days of school with a minimum of 4 hours per day. 8. Sign agreement pertaining to the RHUP Policies and Procedures (included in registration application). 9. Renewal registration deadline is August If you do not live in the state of Tennessee, please check with your state s regulations. We are happy to be your umbrella, but you should know the following: It is our understanding that HSLDA will not represent you if a problem arises and you use an out-of-state umbrella. Furthermore, even if you live out of state, and you register with RHUP, you must comply with all RHUP policies and requirements. 11. Applications for the current school year will not be accepted after March 15. There may be exceptions in situations where the family has just moved to the area and in some emergency situations. *If this criterion is not met, you will jeopardize your child s enrollment. 4

5 Submitting Grades & Attendance Forms Paper Grade Reporting - Submit to the Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program Director the grade and attendance report on the form provided (see the Appendix of this handbook). This form is considered a legal document and should be treated as such. EASY PEASY STUDENTS: We are no longer able to accept the grade sheets provided by Easy Peasy. All grades must be submitted on the grade sheet provided by RHUP. Online Grade Reporting Families with high school students only have the option to submit grades and attendance online. Please check with the RHUP office to get information on how to set up your free account. Grades are due as follows: 1 st Semester January 15; 2 nd Semester July 15. A grade/attendance report will be included in the registration packet. IF GRADES ARE NOT SUBMITTED IN A TIMELY MANNER, YOU WILL BE ASSESSED A $10 PER CHILD LATE FEE. We will not issue transcripts if grades are not on file. Any student with grades that are more than 5 days late are considered truant and appropriate legal action will need to be taken. Grading Scale RHUP utilizes the following grade scale for 6 th grade and above: A: B: C: D: Elementary grades (K 5 th ) have a choice in grading systems. Parents may use the numerical grading system listed above or the following grading system: O=Outstanding S=Satisfactory I =Improving N=Needs Improvement U=Unsatisfactory RHUP asks for consistency in grading in the elementary grades. If you start the school year using one system, you will be committed to that system for the rest of the school year. Standardized Testing Students participation in standardized testing is optional for grades 3 to 10. Testing will be conducted through the umbrella program and notices about testing will be sent through . A deposit is required to participate in testing and will be refunded on the day of the test if your child is in attendance. The PSAT is strongly recommended (but not required) for students in 10 th and 11 th grades. Once in high school, every student must take the ACT or SAT as a requirement for graduation. High School Graduation A graduation ceremony is offered to those who have completed the requirements for a diploma and wish to walk in the ceremony. Participation in the ceremony is not required to receive a diploma. The ceremony is open to all graduating homeschooled seniors in the area (fees apply). Any student wishing to walk in the graduation ceremony must complete a graduation ceremony application by the beginning of April. Contact RHUP office for details. 5

Graduation Requirements Required Credits: 24 Bible: 4 credits Math: 4 credits, including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course.

6 Graduation Requirements Required Credits: 24 Bible: 4 credits Math: 4 credits, including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course. English: 4 credits Science: 3 credits, including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course Social Studies: 3 credits Physical Education and Wellness: 1.5 credits Personal Finance: 0.5 credits *Foreign Language: 2 credits *Fine Arts: 1 credit Elective Focus: 1 credits ACT *Students not planning to attend a university may, at the homeschool umbrella s discretion, be granted a waiver of the foreign language and fine arts requirements to expand and enhance their electives focus. Advanced Diploma Required Credits: 24 Bible: 4 credits Math: 4 credits, including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course English: 4 credits Science: 3 credits, including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course Social Studies: 3 credits Physical Education and Wellness: 1.5 credits Personal Finance: 0.5 credits Foreign Language: 2 credits Fine Arts: 1 credit Elective Focus: 1 credits ACT While the credits required for a diploma from RHUP are comparable with the Tennessee State Board of Education requirements, it is still the responsibility of the student to research entrance requirements for perspective colleges/universities. 6

7 Graduating with Accolades To be eligible for an advanced diploma: students must complete and test for a minimum of 4 AP courses during 9-12 th grade or be dual enrolled for four courses through a college or university Students with a GPA of 3.5 and higher may graduate Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude. ACT scores may also be taken into consideration. Cum Laude: Graduating With Honor means graduating cum laude. What does cum laude mean? Translators define cum laude as With Praise. GPA for cum laude to 3.79 Magna Cum Laude: The magna cum laude definition is With Great Honor. Scholars define magna cum laude meaning With Great Praise. GPA for magna cum laude to 3.99 Summa Cum Laude: Most define summa cum laude as With Highest Praise, and the summa cum laude definition is With Highest Honor. It usually means highest grades. GPA for summa cum laude Cords: Students walking in graduation may earn cords in various ways during their high school years. Currently the following cords are available: Purple: Receiving diploma from RHUP Gold: Advanced Diploma Navy: Homeschooled K-12 Light Blue: 20 hours community service per year of high school enrolled with RHUP Red, White & Blue: Mock Trial participant Red: Blood Donor Student Activities Community Service Hours While there is no requirement for Community Service Hours with RHUP, at graduation, we do like to recognize students who have put forth efforts to better the local community. High school students who complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service each year while enrolled with our program, will receive a cord to wear at graduation. See the Community Service form in the Appendix of this handbook. Cooperative Classes Cooperative Classes will take place during the school year. For students who are Kindergarten to 8 th grade, we have classes that meet 8 times per semester on a biweekly basis. Class topics will vary according to what gifts and talents our parents have to offer. High school classes for credit Classes are available for high school students to take for high school credit. Classes will meet once a week for 15 weeks per semester (Fall and Spring). Homework will be required in order to get full credit. Class subjects may vary semester to semester. 8 th grade students may take a high school level class if he/she is emotionally and academically ready for such a class. All students are expected to keep up with homework and assignments given by the teacher. If you are interested in participating in cooperative classes or would like to find out the current offerings, please contact RHUP s Program Director. 7

Field Trips Field trips are scheduled throughout the year. Parents are responsible for their children on all field trips sponsored by Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program.

8 Field Trips Field trips are scheduled throughout the year. Parents are responsible for their children on all field trips sponsored by Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program. If a parent is not in attendance, a designated adult must be chosen to be responsible for the child. Athletic Eligibility Riverside Christian Academy will allow students enrolled in our umbrella to participate in some sports. Home School Participation in Athletics: Home school students will not be allowed to play on any athletic team that requires a tryout. All home school athletes must be enrolled in the Riverside church of Christ home school umbrella. They must adhere to Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference (MTAC) guidelines, as well as RCA student appearance policies (stated below). Student Athlete Appearance Students should maintain a neat and clean appearance. Boys shall keep hair neat and cut out of the eyes and above the collar. No student s hair shall be dyed or worn in any way that brings undue attention to the student or is distracting to other students. Girls are permitted to wear no more than two earrings in each ear. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings. Modest jewelry is permitted, but is subject to the administration s approval. RCA students should not have tattoos. If they have them prior to registering at RCA, the tattoos need to remain covered during school hours and during all extra-curricular activities. In all instances, the administration s decision regarding appropriateness of a student s appearance is final. Parents of students in violation of appearance policies will receive written notification. Fairs and Bees We are currently seeking parents who would like to coach events like Bee s or Fairs. (Spelling Bee, Bible Bee, Geography Bee or Science Fair, History Fair, etc.) If you are interested in organizing and coordinating such an event, please contact the program director to make her aware of your interest. Driver s Permit Form In order to obtain a Learner s Permit, applicants under the age of 18 must prove they are enrolled in school and making satisfactory progress. They need to ask their school to complete a Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance and take the original part of this form with them to a driver license station. For RHUP, this is the Driver s License Form. For additional information regarding TN requirements for a Learner s Permit, visit Tennessee Department of Safety. Student must be in good academic standing and be actively enrolled with RHUP. All Grades, including the most recent semester, must be submitted for DL forms to be sent, unless you just started with RHUP and the first grading period has not occurred. In this case, academic standing will be based on the records from the previous school. Send an to patti.hunt@riversideumbrella.org or leave a phone message at (931) requesting the form. The document will be mailed to the address on your account, so please request 2 weeks prior to when you will need the document. The document will expire after 30 days and you will have to request a new form. There is a $5 duplicate form fee. A RUSH fee of $15 can be paid to expedite this process. All rushes are processed within 3 business days and mailed Priority. 8

9 Resources Lending Library Curriculum books are available to families in good standing with RHUP. Materials may be borrowed for the entire school year. The library is supplemental. To allow for a homeschool program that fits the needs of the individual child, it is the responsibility of the parents to find and purchase curriculum. RHUP is not responsible to provide curriculum or a computer to its families. Workshops Occasionally workshops are held to give parents more information about our program or about homeschooling in general. Workshops are announced through and on the Facebook page. Past workshops included Homeschooling High School, How to Get Started Homeshooling, Praxis Apprenticeships for High School Students, Motlow Dual Enrollment, and Motlow/TN Promise. Parent/Umbrella Communication As with any relationship, communication is key. We do our best to get information and reminders to families in a timely manner. The communication outlets listed below are used for the benefit of families registered with our umbrella. Postings should be limited to items specific to RHUP. To find out about events and happenings for homeschoolers in our area families may wish to join the Facebook group and/or Yahoo! Group set up as Lincoln County TN Homeschool List. These lists are open to all homeschoolers regardless of what umbrella they operate under. Primary source of communication is . All notices and announcements are sent to the address that you provide on your enrollment application. If your address changes, be sure to update it with RHUP s office. Publications Announcement bulletins are distributed at Co-op meetings. Website: riversideumbrella.org Find us on Social Media: Facebook Group: Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program 9

10 General and Miscellaneous Information Office Hours The office is located within Riverside Christian Academy s building. The address is: Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program 116 Riverside Lane Fayetteville, TN Phone (931) Fax (931) patti.hunt@riversideumbrella.org Website Office hours Check the website for current office hours. Office hours vary by season. 10

11 Appendix 11

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13 Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program Community Service Log Student name: Projected Graduation Year: Community service is volunteer work. A student should not receive compensation for community service or receive school credit. Community service should be for someone other than family and cannot be provided as a result of court action. Date of Service Total # Hours Activity or Task Performed Name of Verifier Signature of Verifier Verifying Phone number 13

14 Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program WORK/STUDY FORM A. Student s Name Place of Employment/Volunteer Service: B. Type of Job: Apprenticeship Salaried Work Volunteer Hours per week: Number of Credits: ½ (minimum of 75 hours) 1 (minimum of 150 hours per semester/year) What subject area could this work/study experience fall under? (List all that apply) C. Beginning Date of Job: End Date of Job: Description of Responsibilities: (to be completed by parent or supervisor) D. Projected Goals: E. Total Hours Completed: Final Grade: Supervisor s Signature: (optional) Date: Student s Signature: Date: Parent s Signature: Date: RHUP Approval: Date: RHUP Approval: Date: Complete sections A, B, C and D only and send in before beginning of course. The RHUP Director will approve the suggested course and return the form to you. Complete all sections (be sure to sign & date) and send in when course is finished to receive your high school credit. Return to: Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program 116 Riverside Ln Fayetteville, TN

15 Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program ~ 2017/18 Grade & Attendance Report Student s Name Grade Date of Birth Mailing Address Phone Grades Due January 15 July 15 Grading Scale Subject Semester 1 Semester 2 Final Grade High School Credit Earned Comments Middle/High School To be used for students in 6 th through 12 th grade A B C D Elementary This is an optional grading scale that may be used in place of the above grading scale for grades K 5 only. O=Outstanding S=Satisfactory I =Improving N=Needs Improvement Number of Days Schooled Total Days 1 st Semester Signature of Parent or Guardian Date 2 nd Semester Signature of Parent or Guardian Date Instructions: 1. In the subject column, specify the course the student is completing. (e.g. Math In elementary, Math 1, 2, 3, etc. or Algebra I, Calculus, etc) 2. Each semester you will fill in the appropriate blanks with grades (for middle and high school students, please use number and letter grades) and attendance. 3. Mail a legible copy, not the original, to: Riverside Homeschool Umbrella Program Director, c/o Patti Hunt, 116 Riverside Ln, Fayetteville, TN or scan as a pdf file and (no photographs of any kind will be accepted) them to 15 patti.hunt@riversideumbrella.org 4. Please include a $10 late fee per family if submitted after the due date.

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