How Seek Works:
How is SEEK designed?
The S.E.E.K. co-op offers classes for preschool through 12th grade students, once a week from 9am-2pm. We run for 30 weeks (September through April), taking time off for holidays, and adding an extra two weeks if needed for snow make-up days. We offer two semesters of 15–week sessions each. Some classes run only 15 weeks while others meet all year at 30 weeks. Since our classes are a la carte, each person's schedule at SEEK will look differently. When not in a scheduled class or job assignment, children and parents have the opportunity to socialize in the cafeteria or hang-out area. All areas except for the cafeteria have a parent monitor. The cafeteria can be used all day and items can purchased at the nearby snack shop between the hours of 10am and 1pm. There is also a staffed nursery for moms with babies to use while they attend to their volunteer jobs.
Because SEEK is a co-operative endeavor, all adult members are asked to fulfill volunteer job needs while attending, such as: being a hall monitor or helper in the classroom, quiet study, or music lesson room. Parent commitment is what enables SEEK to work smoothly and benefit everyone. If a parent is unable to attend co-op for any reason, we ask that they find replacements for their job. Parents also must remain on-site while their children are participating unless approved by leadership; this is not a drop-off co-op program. We have a "parent-only" coffee room open during the hours of SEEK which you can enjoy during one of your free hours.
In addition to our co-op sessions, we offer opportunities outside of that time to gather for events, such as: our yearly picnic, service projects, field trips, moms night socials, junior/senior high socials, senior high formal, performance night, and graduation.
What is a day of SEEK like?
Since we offer a la carte classes, each family’s day will look differently depending on the hours they schedule themselves to be at SEEK, we only ask that families attend for at least 2 hours to fulfill their volunteer job requirement. SEEK doors open at 8:30 AM as some families arrive early to begin preparing things for the day. The first thing families do when they arrive is to stop at the information desk to grab their nametags and also make note of any information or announcements. Members then find a spot in the cafeteria to place their belongings for the day— being considerate of leaving tables clutter-free for people to eat their lunch throughout the day. Around 8:55AM, teachers and members needing nursery care drop their children off there while students and parents (with a job) head to their rooms for the first hour of class. Students not in class find something to do in the hang out area or cafeteria. At 9:50AM, classes dismiss and students flood the hallways to get to their next class or to a place they can enjoy free time. This cycle continues each hour until classes finish at 2pm. Students and parents can eat their lunch in the cafeteria at any time their schedule permits. We run a small snack shop adjacent to the cafeteria area that has items for sale until 1pm. Co-After the last class is completed, volunteers begin cleaning, breaking down tables, and returning rooms to their previous state. Care is made to be good stewards of the building before exiting as we conclude an enjoyable day of learning, lots of socialization, and fun!