Code of Conduct

By joining Forging Paths Co-Op ("FPHC"), all parents/guardians, students, teachers, and members agree to uphold the following standards of conduct in support of a safe, respectful, and Christ-centered learning environment.

1. Christ-Centered Conduct and Respect

All families, students, teachers, and members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Christian mission and values of FPHC.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• speaking respectfully and courteously to one another;
•  treating teachers, leaders, parents, and fellow students with honor and kindness;
• following directions from teachers, directors, and co-op leaders promptly;
• using self-control in words, tone, and actions;
• refraining from disruptive, rude, threatening, intimidating, or abusive behavior;
• helping maintain a peaceful and positive learning environment.

2. Safety and Care of Property

For the safety of all the members and respect for the facilities, all students and members must follow the rules for the building and premises. Unless specific permission is granted by a teacher or director, the following are not permitted inside the building or on the premises:

• running in hallways or common areas
• biking
• skateboarding
• rollerblading
• throwing balls or other objects
• roughhousing or other unsafe physical activity.

All members are expected to respect the property, wquipment, classrooms, and grounds used by FPHC. Any damage to property may result in disciplinary actionand/or financial responsibility for repair or replacement.

3. Parent/Guardian Responsibility

Parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times while participating in FPHC activities, unless their child is actively in a supervised class and released according to co-op procedures.

Parents/Guardians agree to:

• supervise their children before and after classes
• ensure their children follow co-op rules and instructions
• clean up after their children and help keep co-op spaces tidy
• respond promptly and cooperatively when a teacher or director addresses a behavioral concern.

4. Behavioral Expectations and Safety Concerns

Forging Paths seeks to provide a safe environment for all families. Behavior that threatens safety or significantly disrupts the co-op may result in immediate intervention and sonsequences. Examples of serious misconduct may include, but not limited to:

• violent, aggressive, or threatening behavior
• physical fighting, hitting, or intentional harm to others
• bullying, harassment, intimidation, or repeated verbal abuse
• defiance that disrupts class or co-op operations
• destruction of property
• behavior by a student or parent/guardian that compromises the safety, order, or mission of FPHC.

FPHC reserves the right to bypass progressive discipline when a first offense is serious in nature.

5. Discipline Process for Student or Parent Conduct

While we hope all students and families will act appropriately, if a behavioral issue occurs, FPHC may respond with the following process:

First Offense:
A verbal warning may be given by a teacher, leader, or director.

Second Offense:
A Director may address the issue directly with the parent/guardian (and student, if appropriate).

Third Offense:
If the matter is not resolved after the first 2 steps, consequences will be determined at the discretion of the Director(s) and/or the Board.

In the event a student/parent has a question/concern with a teacher, we ask that you address it as follows:

Possible consequences may include, but are not limited to:

• loss of privileges
• parent required to remain with student
• removal from a class or activity for the day
• probationary participation
• suspension from co-op  activities
• termination of membership.

Serious Conduct / Immediate Action

If the first offense is serious in nature, consequences may be determined immediately at the discretion of the Director(s) and/or the Board, including removal from the activity or premises for safety reasons.

6. Concerns Regarding Teachers or Leaders

If a student or parent/guardian has a question or concern involving a teacher, FPHC asks that the matter be handled respectfully and discreetly using the following process:

Step 1:

The stuedent/parent should first discuss the matter privately and respectfully with the teacher.

Step 2:

If the matter is not resolved, the student/parent should bring the concern to a Director.

Step 3:

If the matter is still not resolved, next steps will be determined by the Director(s) and the Board.

All concerns should be handled in a spirit of grace, truth, and unity, avoiding gossip, public confrontation, or disrespectful communication.

7. Board and Director Discretion

FPHC is a private, faith-based homeschool co-op and is not publicly funded. In order to protect the safety, mission, and well-being of its members, FPHC Director(s) and Board reserve the right to make final dicesions regarding conduct, discipline, participation, and membership status.