Conduct Policy and General Discipline Policy
Student Conduct
Because we are people created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and brothers and sisters in Christ (James 2:1), we are called to respect each other (1 Peter 2:17, Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:10). This respect should extend not only from student to adult, adult to student, but also from student to student.
- Disrespect, whether verbal, written, physical, or in the form of destroying or taking another’s property will not be tolerated and will result in reprimand, parental contact, and possible suspension or expulsion. A referral will be made in JE.
- Social media posts by UHC members that are contradictory to UHC standards, are subject to UHC handbook policies.
- Respect will extend to the property of both the co-op and the host facility. This facility is loaned to the UHC as a ministry partner. Any student who disfigures or damages church or co-op property will at a minimum be required to pay for damages or items at the facility’s discretion. This includes, but is not limited to writing on tables and desks, damaging walls, carpet, or equipment.
- Students will respect the UHC’s policy of not riding or using skateboards, Heelys, bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, hoverboards or anything of this type on campus.
- Out of respect for those around us as well as instructional time, students may not bring items from home that are disruptive to the classroom environment, including but not limited to items that reference violence, alcohol, drugs, vulgarity, as well as items that could be considered divisive.
- Out of respect for others, students may not bring items to co-op to sell.
Consequences:
- Any damage, as mentioned above, done willfully will result in discipline and/or restitution at the discretion of the Executive Director.
- The Co-op staff reserves the right to search the personal property of any and all students without prior announcement. This includes student vehicles.
We want to encourage our students to speak in a Christ-like manner that builds one another up, exhibiting the fruit of the spirit through gracious words.
- Profanity and vulgarity will not be tolerated. Such speech, either verbal or written, will be grounds for suspension or expulsion.
- Neither will insulting, demeaning, or belittling words, whether written or verbal, towards another co-op member be tolerated. This includes practical jokes that may in any way be offensive or embarrassing to a fellow student, teacher, parent, staff or board member.
- While the Upstate Homeschool Co-op recognizes a student’s right to use social media, if the staff or Board becomes aware of anything that may cause concern for the safety of Co-op members or creates an environment of divisiveness included in a student’s social media, it will be treated in the same manner as if done on campus during UHC hours.
Consequences:
- Any offense under the category of speech will be considered on a case by case basis and may result in reprimand, parental notification, suspension, expulsion, or dismissal from UHC.
Student couples (as defined in the UHC Statement of Faith) are expected to behave in a way that is appropriate for a school setting.
As a Christ-centered educational institution, UHC seeks to foster an environment of purity, respect, and integrity in all relationships. Our expectations for student behavior regarding romantic relationships and public displays of affection should be alignment with Biblical principles and UHC Statement of Faith. Students in relationships are expected to uphold school values and exhibit self-control and respect for one another. UHC staff reserves the right to address this issues at their discretion.
Consequences:
- The first violation with regard to couples will result in a warning to the students and a referral to the parents.
- A second violation will require the parents to meet with the Administration and can result in one parent of each student being required to accompany their student to classes for the next 2 Co-op days.
- Further violations will be dealt with on a case by case basis and can lead to student suspensions.
General Discipline Policy for Student Behavior Issues
If an adult speaks to a student regarding their conduct and the student responds respectfully and corrects the problem, no further action will be taken.
If an adult speaks to a student regarding their conduct and student argues/responds disrespectfully, does not correct the problem, has repeated corrections, or if the offense is considered serious by the observant adult and age appropriate Director, the following procedure will be implemented :
- Parental notification: A co-op staff member will inform the parents of the situation and expect them to discipline the student accordingly. Directors reserve the right to consider a consequence based on the severity of the situation. For 3rd- 12th grade students a Discipline Referral will also be recorded in Jupiter Ed.
- Parental or (non-UHC) on-campus responsible adult supervision: If a student requires further discipline for the same offense, the student may be required to have a parent or pre-approved (non-UHC) on-campus responsible adult with him at all times for the entire next Co-op day (walked to class, sit in on classes, sit with him at lunch, etc.). The student and adult are both expected to accept this discipline measure with good attitudes. Note– This step may be skipped at the discretion of the Executive Director depending on the type and severity of student conduct exhibited.
- Dismissal: Failure to comply with the second step listed above can result in dismissal. Also, at the discretion of the co-op staff and board, some offenses, such as possession of firearms or drugs, can result in immediate dismissal from UHC. Dismissal results in the loss of all fees already paid to the co-op for the year and does not release the family from its obligation to pay any outstanding balance.
If a parent or guardian wishes to meet with a staff member in regard to any discipline issue with their child, they should call or email and make an appointment.
See specific UHC policies on the Handbook page for further disciplinary action that may also be taken.