Getting Started with Grace Home Schoolers, Inc.

We’re glad you are considering joining Grace Home Schoolers (GHS). Particularly for new members, the process of joining a new group can at times seem confusing. We want to make this process as easy as possible. Please read this informational paper before filling out the membership and registration forms. GHS is a support group, not an umbrella school. We do not keep any records, nor do we assign credits or grades. Additionally, we ask you to remember that we are composed completely of volunteers.

Grace Home Schoolers is overseen by a group of parents, called the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is responsible for overseeing all programs within GHS, including Creative Learning Days (CLD) and the GHS Enrichment Program. Joining GHS includes membership in the state homeschooling group Florida Parent Teacher’s Association (FPEA), and covers costs for most activities throughout the year, except field trips and a few other optional activities. You must first join GHS to participate in CLD and Friday Enrichment.

Both new and returning member who wish to join GHS for a given school year, need to complete FORM 1. This enables you to participate in all GHS activities (i.e. Fine Arts Night, Fairs, promotion nights and Graduation, picnics, etc.). Not all activities are offered every year, as we provide those activities that we have volunteers willing to organize the activity. Field trips may have additional costs. There are also additional costs for those who wish to participate in Creative Learning Days and Friday Enrichment (see below).

All families who join GHS must read, and agree to abide by, the documents provided which address student behavior, dress code, and standards of conduct. These documents are found on our website, and included with the membership and registration packet.

Each family who joins GHS will receive a monthly or bimonthly newsletter (via email) that has activities and information for upcoming activities. Emails are also sent throughout the year with information pertaining to our group.

Your obligation to the group is to volunteer at one (or more if you so choose!) of these GHS activities (fairs, Fine Arts Night, promotions, etc., and help with set-up, clean-up, and in-between during the event, as needed.

Annual membership fees are as follows:

Creative Learning Days (CLD), for grades K-6, is overseen by a group of mothers called the Sisterboard.

Classes meet weekly on Fridays, except the 4th Friday of each month, and holidays, Christmas break, and Good Friday. To participate in CLD, complete Form 2.There are additional costs to participate in CLD.

Your obligation to participate in CLD is to help in some capacity, whether setting up or cleaning up each week, teaching, assisting, lunch monitor, bathroom monitor, etc. We want to accommodate all families, and if you have special concerns or needs, please speak to a member of the Sisterboard.

GHS Enrichment Program (a.k.a. Friday Classes), for grades 7-12 (as well as 6th graders for Mathcounts) is overseen by a group of mothers called the Motherboard. To participate in Friday Enrichment Classes, compete Form 3.

Classes meet weekly on Fridays, except the 4th Friday of each month, and holidays, Christmas break, and Good Friday. There are additional costs to participate in Friday Classes. Please remember that while we use the term “class” we are not a school, but rather provide enrichment for the education being directed by the parent.

Your obligation varies, depending on how you help during the year, as follows:

• If you teach a class, or assist with a class, the registration fee is waived, and your child(ren) has/have priority in registration.
• If you volunteer to help with study hall or help clean after class each week, your registration fee is waived, and you have priority (after teachers/assistants) in registering.
• All families (except teachers and helpers) are asked to provide lunch for the teachers and helpers who are there every week once or twice during the school year (depending on number of families participating).

Steering Committee contacts:

Mary Childers

Susan Coulter

Creative Learning Days/Sisterboard contacts:

Mary Childers

Susie Cheatham

Friday Enrichment/Motherboard:

Meredith Curtis

Laura Nolette

Janet Brandel

To Do list before coming to Start-up meeting:

• Please print out Form 1, and Forms 2 and/or 3 as needed, Standard of Conduct (signed by student), and Medical Policy. Complete or have ready to be completed.

• Be sure to read the Behavior Standards, Dress Code, Students Rights and Responsibilities and Membership Agreement found on Form 1 and agree to uphold these.