Policies / FAQ
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Membership
What are the responsibilities of Little Way membership?
As a cooperative we depend on the commitment of our member families. We have 22 weeks of classes this upcoming school year and ask that you make those meetings the priority on those Fridays. Each member is typically assigned to serve in three classes, whether by teaching or assisting. We always seek to match you with classes suited to your particular gifts and interests.
Are there any guidelines/requirements for what I should teach in class?
Not everyone needs or is expected to teach, but for those who will be leading a class, we thank you and encourage you to let your skills and enthusiasm shape your plans. We are also happy to discuss past curricula and resources that have worked well. Any lessons presented must be in harmony with Catholic teaching.
How much are the family fees?
Thanks to parent-teachers volunteering their time, membership costs under $20 per week, or even less per student if you have multiple children enrolled. For those who feel led and are able to contribute beyond the regular fees, any amount is appreciated. We sincerely thank you for your generosity.
How do I register?
Please complete the registration form and submit your first payment via Venmo @littlewaycoop (confirmation code 5929). Please email LittleWayHSC@gmail.com for details on paying by check or PayPal if you prefer. $50 of this deposit is non-refundable because our insurance and supply purchases are based on enrollment. If your circumstances allow, payment for the full year is always appreciated to simplify our bookkeeping. Registration constitutes acceptance of Little Way’s mission statement and policies.
Does Little Way allow enrollment in individual classes?
Yes, we do have an à la carte option, with limited availability and subject to board approval. In keeping with our mission to foster community, this is not a drop-off option: We ask you to assist in a class while you are at co-op (whether your child's class or another class happening at the same time) and to help with the planning of a Little Way event or field trip of your choice. Your family is also welcome at all Little Way events.
Attendance
What if I need to be absent?
We respectfully ask you to limit absences to illness, travel, or other extenuating circumstances. When an absence is necessary, please find another co-op parent to fill in for you, whether by emailing the group or asking someone directly. Please post in the “Absent” tab and let Suzanne Greydanus, who coordinates the schedule, know by text. If you are a lead teacher, we suggest that you keep some simple back-up lessons or activities at co-op that can be easily taught by a substitute.
May I send my child to co-op without me? May I leave for part of the day?
Generally no. Students in Group 3 and younger must always attend co-op with a parent or grandparent (i.e., not another co-op parent). In limited instances, a student in Groups 4 or 5 may attend co-op with another family. Your presence is vital for many reasons, including our sense of community, our ability to staff our classes, and our insurance requirements.
What is Little Way’s health policy?
For the well-being of our co-op families, the following rules for attendance must be observed:
Family members with an infectious illness of any kind may not attend co-op.
Family members with a temperature of 100 degrees or above within 24 hours of co-op or a co-op event, may not attend.
If anyone in your home has vomiting or diarrhea within 48 hours of co-op or a co-op event, the family may not attend. PLEASE use your prudential judgment and be wiling to forgo co-op to avoid infecting others.
If any family member has the flu, bronchitis, conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) or pneumonia, the family should not attend until the affected person is no longer contagious.
Any family member who has had head lice should be treated and fully nit-combed until no nits appear, before returning to co-op.
If a family member has a medical condition that affects his or her ability to meet these criteria despite not being ill (e.g., tendency to get carsick on the way to co-op), please provide an explanation of the exception needed.
May my child join a different age group?
While we enjoy flexible grade levels in our own homeschools, at co-op we find it beneficial to group students by age (as of October 1st). Students may stay in a younger group if the family prefers, but they may not skip ahead.
Behavior
What should my child know about learning at co-op?
Students are expected listen and participate during classes, with the understanding that younger children may need some time to learn couteous classroom behavior. Out of respect for the teacher and other students, a child who is disruptive (ignoring teachers, making noise, distracting other children) will be sent to his or her mother for the duration of the class, at the teacher’s sole discretion. Persistent disruption may indicate that a child is not yet ready to take part in learning with the group.
Is there a policy regarding cell phones?
To prioritize in-person connection we discourage the use of screens at co-op. Our ideal would be for students to keep cell phones away during our meetings (including lunch and especially during class) or at least minimize their use.
Administrative
Is there a dress code?
We do not have a uniform, but in the interest of modesty and tastefulness, please refrain from wearing revealing clothing (such as low-cut, midriff-baring, or see-through tops; or very short skirts or shorts) or clothing with rude humor.
How does Little Way communicate with its members?
Any essential information will be sent through our Little Way email list, to which you are added once you register. We also have a private group on The Jump and an optional Facebook group. Members are welcome to share articles, make prayer requests, and ask general questions on either forum.
Who runs Little Way?
Our members! We have a volunteer board of seven Little Way moms who spend many hours on behind-the-scenes planning, but we are always open to and grateful for help and suggestions from all members. We especially encourage you to propose classes, coordinate field trips, plan service opportunities, and organize special events.
Who is on the board?
Peggy Renieris – Co-President
Faith Rose – Co-President
Suzanne Greydanus – Secretary
Jeni Sussmann – Treasurer
Heather Marvell – Events Coordinator
Tara Thompson – At-Large Member
Robin Nicoloso – At-Large Member
Please feel free to contact us with any questions at LittleWayHSC@gmail.com.
Last updated Sept. 18, 2024.