Parallel Hope Homeschool Co-op

Serving and Educating Through Christ

Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance.”

Member Family Handbook

2024-2025

A Homeschool Program of

Parallel Hope Schools, Inc.

14225 Glen Mill Road

Rockville, MD 20874

Table of Contents

Table of Contents........................................................................................................................2

Our Purpose............................. .....................................................................................4

Our Mission........................................... .......................................................................4

Our Goals.......................................................... .......................................................... 4

Statement of Faith........................................................... ............................................. 4

Summary.................................................................................... ................................. 5

Requirements and Expectations............................................................................................... 5

Member Requirements....................................................... ............................................ 6

Member Expectations.................................................................... ................................. 6

Policies........................................................................................................................................ 7

Cell Phones.......................................................................................... ........................ 7

Student Dress Code.................................................................. ..................................... 7

Student Code of Conduct............................................... ................................................ 7

Student Discipline Policy.......................................................................... ...................... 8

Off-Site Behavior Guidelines......................................................... .................................. 8

Co-op Day Procedures............................................................................................................. 11

Schedule...................................................................... .............................................. 11

Member Absence Procedure................................ .......................................................... 12

Student Snacks..................................... .......................................................................12

Student Release....................... ................................................................................... 12

After Co-op................................................................................................................. 13

Co-op Day Cancellations................................................................................................ 13

Safety Guidelines......................................................................................................................21

Safety & Abuse Prevention.............. ...............................................................................21

Background Checks................................... ...................................................................21

Sick Child............................................................ .......................................................21

Name Tags...................................................................... ............................................21

Food Allergies.............................................................................. ................................22

Privacy.................................................................................................... .................. 22

Photos............................................................................................................ ............22

Transportation to Co-op Events Off-campus.. ................................................................... 22

Field Trips........................................................... ....................................................... 22

Bathroom Guidelines......................................................... ........................................... 22

Resources................................................................................................................................. 23

Leadership Team...................................................................................................................... 24

PHS Member Commitment...................................................................................................... 24

Serving and educating through Christ.

The purpose of the corporation is exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and specific purposes designated by the board under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code; to maintain and operate a school as a not-for-profit enterprise. The corporation also has such powers as are now or may hereafter be granted by the Laws of Maryland.  

This corporation is founded upon the belief that God only created one race: the human race, and that all people are ultimately descendent from the original two created beings from which all people groups and cultures originate.  This includes all languages, skin tones, nationalities, and ethnic groups.  Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Board of Trustees and the school not to discriminate in admissions and hiring practices for legal citizens or legal immigrants.  All persons seeking employee or enrollment must provide proof of citizenship or legal residence as required by law.

The purpose of the corporation is also to facilitate the instruction and education of students in the model of living and submission outlined in the Bible.  As such, all principles and practices of the corporation shall be orchestrated to that culmination. It is therefore understood by all employees, parents, and students of the corporation that nondiscrimination does not allow a person to violate the statements of faith and lifestyle of the corporation.

Our Mission

Parallel Hope Schools, Inc. exists by God’s grace and for His glory to educate and prepare students for life and a career or college. Specifically in this context, to serve together in covenant relationship with one another as a Christian homeschool cooperative and to provide supplemental education and social opportunities as a means to nurture our children into Christ-likeness.  Additionally, through service to God, our students, parents, and staff can change the world.

Our Goals

● Promote Christian values, character development, and a Biblical worldview

● Complement the homeschooling journey by offering tutoring and instructional support in a group setting

● Offer social opportunities through field trips, group events, and outreach

● Support families through prayer, relationships, and practical ways

● Encourage our students to be a positive influence in the world for Christ

● Utilize our shared resources to benefit the community

Statement of Faith

STATEMENTS OF FAITH AND LIFESTYLE

Each member of the Board of Trustees and each employee of the Corporation, having accepted Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior, shall subscribe annually in writing to the following Statement of Faith:

1.        We believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative, and inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

2.        We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30).

3.        We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33), His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35), His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; 7:26), His miracles (John 2:11), His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9), His Resurrection (John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:4), His Ascension to the right hand of God (Mark 16:19, Acts 7:55-56), His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11).

4.        We believe in the absolute necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit for salvation, because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature; that men are justified only by faith in the shed blood of Christ; and that only by God's grace and through faith alone are we saved (John 3:16–19, 5:24; Romans 3:23, 5:8–9; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5).  

5.        We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those who are saved receive eternal life and those who are lost receive eternal condemnation (John 5:28–29).

6.        We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:12–13; Galatians 3:26–28).

7.        We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:13–14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19–20; Ephesians 4:30, 5:18).

8.        We believe in the sanctity of marriage as a union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-5)

Each member of the Board of Trustees and each employee of the Corporation shall abide by the following Statement of Lifestyle:

The Bible is the ultimate and final source for determining our personal, professional, and public morality. As a follower of Christ, we each submit our will to God in accordance with the Bible.

There are many other precious truths taught in the Bible over which godly men have differed in

understanding. Therefore, this is not a comprehensive list of all that is important to believe, but

of what PHS holds to deeply for Christian fellowship and unity in our homeschool co-op.

Summary

Parallel Hope Homeschool Co-op is a disciple making ministry in which we have an intentional

commitment and shared values among our families. PHS exists to come alongside parents

who provide education for their children at home (i.e., you file an “Intent to Homeschool” form

with your local school district). We use supplemental education and social opportunities as a

means with which to grow our children in their relationship with Christ. We long to glorify God

in our times together as we lovingly encourage, equip, and educate our children in a

Christ-centered community.

Requirements and Expectations

Any cooperative exists because all its members belong and contribute to the function and

success of its mission and its goals. We choose to come together and share our talents and

resources for the mutual benefit of all participants. Our desire is no one be overburdened by

the roles they perform in the co-op. We want this group to be a blessing to everyone and not a

burden to anyone, nor do we want anyone's involvement with the co-op to have an adverse effect on the role they play as spouse, parent, and teacher to their own family. Therefore, as we

covenant together to grow our children into Christ-likeness, each member will select an area of

service, according to what they can adequately commit to in this season, from one of the four

required annual service options and one annual job. This is truly a cooperative effort in that every family plays an important role in the success of this learning venture.

Member Requirements

1. Annual Service Requirement: Each member is required to serve the community in one of the following ways:

1. As a learning Assistant serving two hours on co-op days (1 free hour)
2. As a content Teacher serving one hour on co-op days (1 hour for prep, 1 free hour )
3. As a Coordinator serving each co-op day (free time scattered throughout morning)
4. As an elected Board Member or board committee member

2. Annual Job Requirement: Members choose one annual job from a list maintained by the Administrator of PHS.
3. Cafe Snack: Members commit to bring a portion of the Cafe Snack once a year for PHS parents to enjoy during their co-op morning.
4. Attendance: To ensure that our co-op runs smoothly, members commit to attend all (16) co-op days and scheduled classes, providing excused exceptions for illness, family emergency, new baby, etc. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis at the discretion and approval of the board.
5. Remain on site: PHS is not a drop-off co-op. A parent or designated guardian must be actively involved in the co-op meetings/activities and must remain on-site for the entire co-op day.  The guardian may be an approved parent of another homeschool family.
6. Communication: Members are required to read their PHS emails as they are our primary form of communication. This includes a weekly email (sent Monday mornings) and additional emails sent by teachers, coordinators, and board members, including those sent via the website Forum. Text messages will be used on co-op mornings via the Sub Coordinator as a means to fill classroom spaces due to absences.
7. PHS Handbook: Members are required to read and to abide by the PHS Handbook.

Member Expectations

1. Be on time for co-op days and field trips.
2. Use the website Calendar to sign up for events and field trips as required by the event planner, and provide payment as requested by the event planner.
3. Do not bring sick children to co-op or co-op events (See Sick Child Policy).
4. Attend Mandatory Member Meetings and the Annual Planning Meeting to realign with the Mission/Goals of the co-op and to be involved in the planning process for the following co-op year. These meetings will typically be held in August, January and March.
5. We expect each member to do their best in fulfilling their service requirements for the year. As a grace-filled community, we also ask each member for a willing heart when extra hands are needed for substitutes and as other needs arise.
6. Parents and students should conduct themselves in a graceful and respectful manner (see Code of Conduct.) Parents are responsible for their child’s behavior at co-op and co-op events. As a ministry of Parallel Hope Schools, Inc, we will follow their safety policies and best practices.
7. When personal conflicts arise, we will aim to work together with Christ-like humility to resolve the issues, forgive, and grow in faith and character, following the principle of Matthew 18 - where members seek first to resolve any questions or conflict directly with the individual involved. The board is available to serve as a mediator when necessary.

Policies

Cell Phones

While in the classroom, parents should be considerate and keep cell phones off to avoid

disturbing others. If students bring their cell phones, they must be kept in their backpacks at

co-op. Students should not be playing games or texting on their phone while in a co-op class.

If a student does not abide by this policy, the cell phone may be taken away by the teacher or

assistant and given to the student’s parent.

Student Dress Code

All students are required to wear appropriate clothing. Please do not let your children wear

revealing tops, short skirts/shorts, or items with controversial writing or graphics on them.

Student Code of Conduct

At co-op we expect our students to...

1. Honor the authority of staff and other adults at co-op.
2. Follow directions the first time they are given.
3. Display respect by…

1. speaking with honor to and about adults and fellow students.
2. not participating in harmful talk to or about adults and fellow students.
3. being mindful of another’s personal space and belongings. If something does

4. not belong to you, you need to leave it alone.

~ Treat others the way you like to be treated - with your actions and words. ~

5. Move about the building, remembering to...

1. stay within our designated co-op space.
2. talk quietly using an inside voice.
3. not run around, unless you are in PE class.
4. practice good stewardship of the church space.

6. Look out for the interest of others.

In the classroom we expect our students to...

1. Come to class prepared with all necessary supplies and a teachable attitude!
2. Upper grade students commit the necessary time to any homework assigned in class.
3. Respect the speaker by raising a hand and waiting until called upon to speak.
4. Avoid causing distractions by silencing cell phones and other devices and keeping them in a backpack during class time.
5. Remain in the classroom until dismissed by an adult.

Student Discipline Policy

Our discipline policy consists of two steps. First, a verbal warning is given to the misbehaving

student. If he/she does not correct his/her behavior, the second step is to remove the student

from the classroom to sit with his/her parent (or assistant in case the parent is teaching at the

time) and notify the PHS Administrator. Further steps will be taken for a student struggling with consistent disciplinary issues at the discretion of the Administrator. Please see age/grade specific Directives for further details.

Off-Site Behavior Guidelines

The same PHS behavior guidelines are expected for off-site events with special attention given

to courteous and controlled behavior. Students must be able to follow directions, be

self-controlled, and respectful. If a child becomes disruptive or behaves in a manner that hurts

the Christian witness of the group, they may be asked to leave the event or activity.

Right to Refuse or Revoke Membership

In order to keep harmony in our group and for the protection of all our member families, the

Board has the right to refuse or revoke memberships at any time based on the following

conditions:

● Violation of the requirements and expectations outlined in this handbook.

● Blatant disregard for the requirements and expectations outlined in this handbook.

● Any activity or conversation in direct opposition to the Bible or to the PHS Faith Statement that the board of PHS deems a divisive or harmful issue for our member families.

Violations of any of these can be addressed by the board as a “voluntary removal” by that

member from enrollment. The board will give the member(s) in question a chance to

appeal/address the board and before action is taken. If the situation cannot be resolved, a

majority vote will be taken by the board.

Co-op Day Procedures

Schedule

We meet from the beginning of September through the end of May. Each student may work with any parent volunteer that is tutoring a subject.  The Co-op days begin at 9:00 am and end at 12:30pm dividing into the following hours:

8:30 - 9:00 Arrival time.  Arrive with supplies in assigned classroom.

9:00 - 9:55 First class group.: Students work on first two subjects.

10:00 - 10:55 Second class group. Students transition if needed, then work on the next two subjects.

11:00 - 11:25 Group play/PE time.

11:30 - 12:25 Third class group. Students complete any remaining subject work.  This is also the time to complete any art or music projects.

Students are divided into mastery level groups.

.

Member Absence Procedure

For absences, please communicate with PHS as soon as you know you will be absent. If it is the morning of co-op, you may contact the administrator directly. If you are a tutor, please check with the administrator for scheduling first for coverage.

Student Snacks

You may pack snacks from home for your child(ren) for break times. Snacks are not provided by PHS.  However, parents may work out a snack schedule to supply non-perishable snacks once for an entire week.

Student Pick-up

Students need to be picked up by a parent at the end of the co-op day from their assigned room.  Please collect students in different rooms from youngest to oldest. Students are not

allowed to run around the building or parking lot, disrupt church staff, or be destructive to the

facility.

After Co-op

Families are welcome to bring a lunch to eat together in the fellowship hall. The time allowed for lunch is from 12:30 to 1:30.  If your family stays for lunch, PLEASE BE SURE TO CLEAN UP AFTERWARDS. The church does not have staff to do this, and we want to be respectful and examples of good stewardship.

Co-op Day Cancellations

If bad weather occurs on a co-op day, co-op will be canceled based on MCPS closures. Members will also receive an email confirming the cancellation of that co-op day.

Safety Guidelines

Safety & Abuse Prevention

All members are required to review Parallel Hope’s Safety and Abuse Prevention Policy (and sign off that they have read it) annually and to know and follow its practices.

Background Checks

All members will be background checked as per church policy for anyone working with

children.

Sick Child

Do not bring sick children to the co-op if they have had a fever greater than 100°F, have had

diarrhea or vomiting within the past 24 hours, if they are experiencing excessive mucus or

coughing, or exhibit flu or flu-like symptoms, pink eye, croup, strep throat, or any other

contagious illness/condition. Please use your good judgment in preventing illnesses from being

passed to others.

Name Tags

All students and parents are required to wear their name tag clearly displayed on their body

throughout the co-op day.

Class Transitions

Hallway movement and transitions are to be monitored and supervised by the classroom

assistants and other adults who are helping move students from one place to another.

Food Allergies

Food allergies need to be noted for a student at the time of registration. Food allergy

accommodations can not be guaranteed, but will be assessed year-by-year according to the needs of member families needs. Please bring allergy-safe snacks for your child if this is a concern.

Privacy

Do not share any member’s or teacher’s private information (name, phone number, address or

email) with a non-member without first receiving permission from that person. However, you

may offer to contact the co-op member or teacher on behalf of the non-member.

Photos

Photos are permitted to be taken of classes, field trips and social events for the purpose of

co-op use, including the annual slide show and the yearbook. Any media use or personal use

of co-op photos should never include names of students (including name tags). If you want to

opt out, please inform us.

Transportation to Co-op Events Off-campus

Occasionally throughout the school year we organize classes or social events that leave the

Parallel Hope campus. Adult/parent drivers over 21 will be required for these events. Students of any age will not be allowed to transport other students.

Field Trips

There are dates scheduled for additional opportunities for families to participate in outside of

regularly scheduled co-op mornings. Some require additional fees. Your involvement in these

activities is completely optional. Any child attending a field trip or off-site activity must have a

parent, guardian or immediate family member (sibling at least 18 or grandparent, aunt or uncle)

along with them as the chaperoning adult. Kids in the Upper Grades will have supervision

parameters established with each activity/outing as is deemed necessary and appropriate.

Bathroom Guidelines

School age students should be escorted to the restroom by the classroom assistant who will

wait outside, preferably with the door propped open, to listen to what’s going on. They should

never assist a child alone. Students should use the bathroom nearest their current location.

When assisting a child with fastening their shorts or pants, have the child come to the bathroom doorway, stand in the doorway with the door open to assist them.  Do not go into the bathroom with children. If a child needs assistance in the bathroom, two adults must be present in the bathroom. Parents of children with special needs will take responsibility for diapering/toileting of their child with special needs.  For older students (grades 7-12), teachers should monitor any student that leaves the room to use the bathroom, keeping track of traffic in and out. Try to allow only one student to go to the bathroom at a time. When possible, encourage students to use the bathroom between classes.

Resources

● Parallel Hope Homeschool Co-op – www.parallelhope.com

● M.A.C.H.E. MD – https://machemd.org Maryland Association of Christian Home

Educators partners with Maryland home educators to inspire, equip, and protect

homeschool freedoms through year round events, publications, bi-weekly newsletters,

resource partnerships, and legislative monitoring with member updates.

● H.S.L.D.A. – www.hslda.org The Home School Legal Defense Association is another

valuable resource for Christian homeschoolers.

Leadership Team

A team made up of seven persons, who have been active in co-op for at least two consecutive

years, will serve the group as they oversee the overall operation of the co-op, and be the "last

word" in any decision affecting the group. Roles on the leadership team include: Director,

Treasurer, Registrar, Operations, Events, Prayer & Family Support, and Communications.

PHS Member Commitment

As a member of PHS, I have read, understand, and agree with the following:

● Mission, Vision and Goals Statements

● PHS Statement of Faith

● Parent Member Requirements and Expectations

● Code of Conduct

● Co-op Policies and Procedures

I have also discussed these with my children and will strive to ensure their understanding of the

policies and procedures that affect them. I also understand and commit to fulfilling my service

requirement and other requirements for the Co-op to the best of my ability. I understand that

my failure to do so may terminate my membership. I agree to allow photos of myself and my

child(ren) to be taken and used for co-op. Registration is finalized upon receipt of payment.

Checking the box in your website profile will serve as an electronic signature for this

document.