THE WAY Christian youth ministry is pleased to have you as a participant in the activities it offers. We are an inter-denominational, non-profit, all volunteer ministry with the goal of providing the youth of this area a safe and enjoyable place to go for recreation with an emphasis on ministering to their spiritual growth and well- being, at no cost. In order to meet these goals, we must strictly adhere to a Code of Conduct that will protect both youth and volunteers and maintain the Christian standards upon which this ministry is founded and supported. Each youth and a parent/guardian must sign this document acknowledging their agreement to abide by the stated Code of Conduct and the penalties for non-compliance. Signatures also indicate agreement to hold THE WAY blameless in the unlikely event of any accidents or injuries that may occur while the youth is in the facility or participating in an activity of THE WAY. THE WAY has required insurance. In addition, THE WAY is not responsible for the safety or whereabouts of the youth prior to, or after leaving the facility, nor any loss of personal property. We appreciate your understanding and support and ask for your prayers for God’s blessing upon this ministry and all who participate or serve in it.

STUDENT SAFETY
THE WAY is totally committed to the safety of your child. Safety measures include:
● Stringent background checks for all volunteers
● Adult supervision at all times
● Central televised surveillance system that includes more than 20 cameras located inside and outside the building
● Procedures for securing personal property. Students are allowed to keep belongings with them or place them in designated areas until time to leave. Smaller expensive items and musical instruments may be given to kitchen staff to be secured.
● At least one board member from THE WAY will be present during all activities in case an issue arises.

CODE OF CONDUCT
● Respect: Self, others, property of others and property of THE WAY. A student whose actions result in injury and/or damage to property will be asked to reimburse THE WAY for any property damage.
● Be an Encourager: Don’t ridicule, make fun of, or criticize others.
● Behave Peacefully: Do not become angry, disagreeable, or contribute to such situations. If serious bodily harm is threatened, a student will be suspended if substantiated.
● Be Positive: Participate and contribute positively in all activities and obey the instructions of THE WAY staff.
● Show Respect: Pay attention, do not disrupt, or talk out of turn. A student must respect THE WAY’s volunteers/adults at all times. If an issue arises, a student may ask to speak with the board member in charge.
● Show Responsibility: Sign in each time you arrive at the facility and sign out when you leave.
● Language: No cursing, swearing, foul, or crude language.
● Keep Hands to Self: No tickling, wrestling, piggy backing, or inappropriate touching (do not touch anyone anywhere where a bathing suit would cover). No Physical Displays of Affection: No kissing, full body hugs, sitting on laps, lying or sleeping next to each other on furniture or floor. No getting in an isolated area to be alone.
● Modest Clothing: THE WAY uses the same dress code as Trigg County Middle and High School, but if there is a difference, THE WAY code is followed. Shirt, shoes, and pants are required. No swimsuits with or without cover ups. No clothing that is sexually suggestive, spiritually degrading, vulgar, illegal, or with inappropriate advertisements. Length of shorts and skirts must be a credit card length from the knee. No midriffs showing, low-cut tops, spaghetti straps, or see-through clothing. No sagging pants (boxers, thongs, or underwear showing). When attending THE WAY before or after a sports event or practice, you must wear clothing that meets the regular dress code. A student may be sent home to get clothing that meets dress code, or if available, clothing will be provided at THE WAY.
● Weapons: Guns, knives, or other weapons will not be permitted on the grounds or in the building at THE WAY.
● Substances: A student must not use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol, tobacco (including vaping), or any illegal drugs or prescription narcotics (unless prescribed to student). In addition, students must not attempt to distribute any of the above described substances. THE WAY works in close contact with local police agencies.

CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENTS CHOOSING TO VIOLATE CODE OF CONDUCT Starting in the 2021-2022 school year, the process of handling behavioral issues will be simplified and more discretion given to the board member(s) in charge to determine when a student should be sent home for misbehavior. Sending a student home is always the least preferred option and done as a last resort. Historically, less than 5% (1 in 20) registered students are sent home during a school year.
A student may be automatically sent home for certain violations of the code of conduct. These include, but are not limited to:
● Possession of firearms, knives, or other weapons
● Being in the possession or under the influence of alcohol, tobacco (including vaping paraphernalia) or any illegal drugs or prescription narcotics (unless specifically prescribed to the student)
● Fighting
● Stealing
● Being disrespectful to adults
● Board members in charge, with input from other adult volunteers, may also send a student home for being habitually disobedient or disruptive in the opinion of the board member.


PROCEDURES FOR SENDING STUDENT HOME (IN SAME SCHOOL YEAR)
1st Time Student Sent Home: Parent/Guardian will be called by a board member of THE WAY. The student may not return to THE WAY for a one week period.
2nd Time Student Sent Home: Parent/Guardian will be called by a board member of THE WAY. Parent/Guardian will be told that if the student is sent home a 3rd time during the school year, the student will face suspension. The student may not return to THE WAY for two weeks.
3rd Time Student Sent Home: Parent/Guardian will be contacted and informed that the student is suspended from attending activities at THE WAY for two months. Parent/ Guardian will be informed they can request reinstatement at the end of the two months. Reinstatement process includes scheduling an appointment for parent and student to meet in person with at least 3 board members of THE WAY. At the meeting, the student will apologize and promise to comply with the Code of Conduct. Parent/Guardian will detail steps taken to help their child understand the behavior expectations and how they will partner with THE WAY to assure student compliance.

Should a student be sent home again in the same school year after suspension/ reinstatement, the student will be suspended for the remainder of the school year. Eighteen-year-old students who are suspended will not be permitted to return to THE WAY.
Board members in charge will document and maintain a record of reason(s) why the student was sent home.
NOTE: When being sent home, under no circumstances will a student be forced to leave the premises without assurance of appropriate and safe travel to place of residence or parent designated location.

𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆/𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲: 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗲𝘁𝗰.