SHIELD Christian Co op represents Christ, therefore we strive to teach our children to behave in a manner that honors the Lord.  With this in mind, the leadership team has adopted the following guidelines, which apply to each guest or visitor of SHIELD.  These guidelines apply to field trips, educational and social functions, as well as Friday School classes.   We respectfully request that you read and electronically sign this agreement.

SHIELD Statement of Faith

Our Statement of Faith acknowledges that we are a non-denominational Christian Co-op that believes in the divine scripture of God’s Word (Holy Bible) for the final authority. It is intended to give a basic statement which all Christians can accept and in no way replaces your church’s Statement of Faith.

Section 1: THE HOLY BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)

Section 2: THE TRINITY

God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Section 3: MAN & SIN

Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates man from God. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2)

Section 4: SALVATION

Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works–only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)

Section 5: SPIRITUAL UNITY

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:1-6; Romans 12:5)

Section 6: THE FAMILY

God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. 

Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. (Genesis 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16)

Dress Code

• The dress code applies to all SHIELD guests or visitors, at all SHIELD functions.

• Be modest in your clothing choices.  

• Shirts should be loose fitting.  Nothing sheer, no halter tops or tube tops. Spaghetti straps may not be worn without adequate coverage.

• Stomachs must be covered.

• Words on clothing must be appropriate (nothing that displays symbols or language that is profane or promotes alcohol, drugs or obscene behavior).

• No short shorts or skirts.  Shorts and skirts should hang lower than the longest finger once placed by your side.

• Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.

• All guests or visitors must wear name tag in the appropriate way.

SHIELD board members reserve the right to ask you to change your clothing or send you home for the day should they feel that you are in violation of this dress code.

Friday School Guidelines

• All General Code of Conduct Guidelines apply to Friday School participants.

• Please honor your commitment by being punctual. Co op begins with morning chapel.  Parents, guests, visitors, and children are expected to follow the class schedule and to be on time to chapel and classes.

• There should be no physical display of affection or physical aggression.

• Only 1 person in each stall. No phones are permitted in the bathroom at any time. (this includes teachers).  Students and adults are required to use the bathroom in accordance to the sex you were born. Students 12 and under are required to go with a teacher to the bathroom. Teacher must stand outside of bathroom, they must also check the bathroom to ensure cleanliness before returning to class.

General Code of Conduct Guidelines

• General guidelines are for all SHIELD guests or visitors, at all SHIELD functions.

• Guests and visitors are expected to be respectful of individuals in authority and follow instructions at all times. This includes, but is not limited to teachers, hall monitors, co-op leadership, field trip & event coordinators and tour guides.

• At all times, be respectful of all property where SHIELD functions are held.  Do not deface or destroy property in any way.  Treat all property and equipment with the utmost care.

• Please stay in the designated areas during SHIELD functions.  No unsupervised or unauthorized roaming will be allowed.

• Please honor one another by being on time for all scheduled SHIELD functions and classes.

• Do not ever take the Lord’s name in vain, speak profanities or vulgarities.

• No weapons are allowed at any SHIELD functions.

• Only 1 person in each stall. No phones are permitted in the bathroom at any time. (this includes teachers).  Students and adults are required to use the bathroom in accordance to the sex you were born. Students 12 and under are required to go with a teacher to the bathroom. Teacher must stand outside of bathroom, they must also check the bathroom to ensure cleanliness before returning to class.

Waiver of Liability

• I am aware that, although precautions have been taken by SHIELD to provide proper organization, supervision, instruction and equipment for each activity, it is impossible to guarantee absolute safety.  I understand that I share responsibility for the safety of myself and my family members, and I assume that responsibility.  
• I will advise the board members of SHIELD of any special needs myself or members of my family may have as well as any activities that should be restricted.  
• I understand that during participation in any event hosted by SHIELD Christian Co-­Op one may be exposed to physically and psychologically challenging situations.  Participating in such events may have certain inherent risks and dangers and may lead to injuries, harm, disablement, damage, or illness. 
• I hereby acknowledge and accept all risks and dangers and will hold blameless SHIELD Christian Co-­Op, their board, general members of SHIELD Christian Co-op, and all persons connected herewith, from all actions, causes of actions, claims, demands, and liabilities whatsoever, both in law and equity.  

• By your signature below (or that of your parent/legal guardian if you are a minor), you acknowledge and agree that SHIELD does not promise, warrant or guarantee protection of your health or safety, or that of your guests, against any disease, illness, flu, virus, contagion, injury or anything similar.  You (and/or your parent/legal guardian) understand that the risk of becoming exposed to such things may result from contact with others and that exposure could result in injury to you, including sickness, or disability. You (and/or your parent/legal guardian) understand and voluntarily agree to assume all of the risks associated with any disease, illness, flu, virus, contagion, injury or anything similar.