Student Behavior & Dress Code Policy

Expected Student Behavior 

Show respect for authority figures- other parents, tour guides, field trip leaders, and guest speakers. Teach children that the adult in charge of the activity has been delegated to correct inappropriate behavior if necessary. (1 Peter 2:13-17; Romans 13:1)

Wholesome friendships are encouraged between boys and girls. Have an attitude of compassion for differences, needs, or disabilities of others.  Teach children not to be cruel to people who are different from themselves. (Matthew 7:12; James 2:1-9; Galatians 5:22-24; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:3)

Unkind remarks, name calling, profanity, coarse jokes, conversations involving occult or sexual situations is unacceptable. (1 Thess. 2:12; Ephesians 4:1 & 5:4-5)

Respect the property and landscape of those we are visiting.  Remind children to walk in the halls, sit in their seats and "stay on the path". Playing on the stage, rough housing, using electronics, or office equipment without proper permission is not allowed. Climbing trees or fences; picking leaves or flowers on private property is not appropriate. Stay inside, unless given parental permission or have supervision. (1 Cor. 8:7-13; Phil. 2:3-4; Romans 12:17-18)

Please keep headphones, ear buds, cell phones, or other distracting articles at home or turned off in a backpack. (James 3:13)

No weapons, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or illegal drugs- are permitted during any homeschool function. Noncompliance will result in expulsion from the current activity, and for a second offense, expulsion from future homeschool activities. (Matt. 5:16; Gal. 5:19-21)

Discipline and Classroom Management 

We are a Christian co-op and believe it honors God when our students are obedient to adults and respectful of their fellow students. Each classroom teacher will explain his or her own class rules to the students so that they understand what is expected of them during that class. 

If a student violates the rules, the following processes will take place:

First Offense:  The student receives a clear warning from the teacher or other adult in charge. 

Second Offense: The student is removed from the class and taken to their parent or guardian.

Third Offense: The student and parent will meet with a member of the leadership team to determine the next course of action. 

In the event of expulsion, there will be no refund of fees.

Dress Code

Our basic expectation for all families is that co-op attire should be neat and modest.  

As Christians, we all acknowledge that our bodies are living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and all strive to flesh that truth out in our own homes, but families will naturally differ from one another in the exact standards of neatness and modesty in dress.  

Students should understand that dress codes are common in life. There is an appropriate way to dress for church, athletics, and various other settings. So too does ABCS Co-op have general expectations for appropriate dress for our co-op days together.  Part of joining a co-op is learning to set aside personal preferences for a small portion of the week to share a community experience. We hope the following specific dress code expectations will create a space where all families feel they can attend co-op in good conscience and where the co-op's visual environment is safe and respectful. Here is what we are asking of our families:

Clothing should be clean, neat, and in good repair, modest in style, fit, appropriate for the activity or event, and should not draw undue attention, offend, or tempt anyone (1 Tim. 2:9; Col. 3:17, 23-24)

• Condition: Clothing should be clean and in good repair. 

• Coverage: Tops should fully cover shoulders, midriffs, and the chest.  Skirts, Dresses, Shorts: Must be modest in length, typically lower thigh or just above the knee. Undergarments should not be seen beneath clothing.  

• Fit: Clothing must not be excessively tight. Form-fitting bottoms should be worn with an appropriate covering layer. For instance, leggings and yoga pants may be worn with a tunic, skirt, dress, or long shirt.

• Images on Clothing: Clothing should not have inappropriate pictures, slogans, or scary images.
  

The above expectations are not meant to be an exhaustive list of dos and don'ts; they are intended to provide structure for decisions about what is acceptable co-op attire.  If an outfit is questionable, please err on the side of conservatism.  We created this dress code in a spirit of unity and ask that all members of ABCS co-op follow it during co-op days and at co-op social functions. 

*Summer Meet Ups Caveat:  We try to meet as a co-op various times in the summer. While the board will ensure the dress code is followed at Spirit Lake Baptist Church during co-op days, we feel that this gets a bit trickier in public spaces such as parks or beaches.  We would simply request that families participating in our summer meet-ups please follow modest dress principles in that setting by wearing modest summer wear and modest swimsuits as a courtesy to those who struggle with visual temptation. And we would encourage families to speak to one another about their own struggles with their children or personal convictions if there is an issue. If we care for one another, we should be able to speak to one another lovingly about any issue that might arise between families.