S.H.I.N.E.

Supporting Homeschoolers in North Edmond

PURPOSE:
P To glorify God and keep His commandment to faithfully teach the next generation about His goodness by providing mutual support, encouragement, accountability and fellowship to new and experienced home school families in North Edmond through field trips, small group meetings, cooperative learning experiences, seasonal activities, mentor relationships, celebrations and informal and formal sharing/teaching opportunities.

LEADERSHIP:
The leadership of S.H.I.N.E. shall consist of a leadership team, made of 2-3 husband/wife couples. All couples are equal in power and purpose, although gifted in different ways and capable of functioning in different capacities.

Duties:
P Leadership couples shall prayerfully give direction to all activities occurring under the
S.H.I.N.E. support group. They reserve the right to allow or refuse any activity if not in accordance with the purpose and goals and/or not in the best interest of the membership/families of S.H.I.N.E.

P Leadership couples shall be in agreement on all decisions affecting the entire membership of
S.H.I.N.E.

P Leadership couples shall/may delegate any reasonable planning, coordinating etc. as necessary
if in the best interest of the membership/families of S.H.I.N.E.

P Leadership couples shall oversee, accept or reject membership applications to S.H.I.N.E. P Leadership couples shall create an attitude and environment of encouragement and support
consistent with the purpose of S.H.I.N.E.

P W hen positions for the leadership team become vacant the existing husband/wife teams shall
prayerfully seek Gods direction and leadership in selecting a couple to serve in the vacant position. The selection will be done privately until all parties have agreed on the new team members and the new couple up for consideration has accepted the leadership team position.

Qualifications:
Leadership couples shall m eet the follow ing qualifications:

P Leadership team members shall be a married couple practicing their biblical roles in m arriage. P Leadership team members shall have been committed to homeschooling, based on the biblical
commandment, for the past 2 years.

P Leadership team members shall continue to homeschool at least one child while serving on the
leadership team. If the leadership couple ceases to hom eschool at least one child they shall resign their position as team leader. (Homeschooling is defined as the parent or parents providing the majority of education.)

P Leadership team members must meet all other guidelines for membership in S.H.I.N.E. and

have been a member of S.H.I.N.E. for at least one year. (excluding founding members)

P Leadership team members shall live a lifestyle in accordance with biblical standards. If moral
failures arise and are unresolved under the Conflict Resolution Policy the leadership couple shall resign their position on the leadership team.

P Leadership team members shall live in the north Edmond area. P Leadership team members shall attend a support group leader retreat or conference at least
every other year. Expenses may be covered by S.H.I.N.E.

Membership:
P S.H.I.N.E. shall be compromised of Christian homeschooling families in the north Edmond
area. (Provision for membership of those outside of the Edmond area will be made on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Leadership Team.)

P Initial membership shall be reserved for those who attend the yearly orientation/planning
meeting, concur with the Statement of Faith, Conflict Resolution Policy, Standard of Conduct, sign the Liability W aiver and agree to abide by the support nature and purpose of S.H.I.N.E. (Yearly signing of the above documents is required for each family. Make -up meetings will be scheduled at the discretion of the leadership team.)

P Membership dues will be exacted per family and will be determ ined each year by the leadership
team. Failure to pay dues forfeits participation in all support group activities. Special provision will be made for those who desire membership, but are unable to pay. Arrangements may also be made at the discretion of the Leadership Team for trading of service for membership/class fees.

P Members are expected to pay for all classes/events as determined by each instructor or the
Leadership Team in a timely manor as well as attend classes as enrolled unless unforseen events occur that make attendance impossible. Please notify instructor or other class participant as able.

P Members must sign a liability waiver prior to attending or participating in any S.H.I.N.E. event.
S.H.I.N.E members are expected to take full responsibility for their own actions and the actions of their family members.

P Members may be affiliated with other local support groups or co-ops. P Non-members are welcomed when accompanied by current members and may enjoy field trips
and other planned activities but may not participate in co-operative learning experiences. Nonmembers interested in joining S.H.I.N.E. are welcome to observe any activity of S.H.I.N.E. as guests. After a period of two months or three planned events guest will be encouraged to join S.H.I.N.E. to continue participation. All participants must sign a Liability W aiver form prior to participating.

P Members are required to accompany their children to all events and be on-sight for all classes
unless arrangements have been made with another adult to supervise and take responsibility for their child and the organizer of the event is aware of the arrangements.

P Members are strongly encouraged to seek membership in the Hom e School Legal Defense
Association. Discounted memberships are available to S.H.I.N.E members through OCHEC.

P Members are strongly encouraged to participate in state wide hom e schooling events sponsored
by organizations such as OCHEC, for example, Capital Day in February and the annual Home School Convention scheduled the first weekend in M ay. Scholarships maybe provided at the discretion of the Leadership Team.

S.H.I.N.E.
Statement of Faith
Tenets of Christian Theology
We believe the Bible to be the verbally inspired and only infallible Word of God, inerrant in the autographs (II Tim. 3:16, II Peter 1:20-21). We believe God is one being Who eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All of the persons are equal in power and glory (Matt. 28:19, II Cor. 13:14). We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and man (John 1:1, 14), born of a virgin (Matt. 1:18), sinless in His life (Heb. 4:15). He died on a cross as a substitution for sinful men (Heb. 9:15). He rose bodily from the grave (John 20:1-9, 24-31, Acts 2:24) and now reigns with the Father (Acts 2:33, Heb. 10:12). He will return visibly and personally to the earth both in salvation and judgement (Acts 1:11, Heb. 9:28, Matt. 24:35). We believe all humans are sinful by nature (Rom 3:23, 5:12) and can only be forgiven by repentance and statement of trust in Jesus as Savior (John 3:16), brought about by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-7). We believe in the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life (Romans 8:117). We reject the anti-Christian tenets of secular humanism, including the general theory of evolution, one-world government, government-mandated sex education, government-mandated parenting courses, modern feminist ideology, abortion, and the promotion of homosexuality as an alternative, acceptable lifestyle.

Family
We believe that the family is the basic governmental, social and spiritual unit created by God. In it each child learns selfgovernment, social relationships, and develops a relationship with the Creator and Savior (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:18-20). We understand family to mean a male and a female parent with one or more children, all related by blood or joined together forever through adoption. We reject homosexual marriages or homosexual orientation because it is contrary to Scripture and the intentions of God in creation (Rom 1:18-32, Gen. 1:26-31, Gen. 2:18, 24), and we believe that such relationships are destructive to children and the very idea of family. We also reject transitory co-habitation relationships as being equally in violation of Gods laws and incapable of providing the long term nurture and instruction needed by children and commanded by God (Prov. 1:8-9, 2:1-11; Col. 3:21; Eph. 6:4). In view of Gods word, no homosexual or merely co-habitating parents are eligible for membership.

Parental Rights and Responsibility in Education

We believe the ultimate responsibility for the education of children belongs to parents (Deut. 4-9; 6:1-25; 4:1-4). We believe this is an inalienable right given by God which the State cannot create, destroy, nor alter. Authority for such training can be delegated to other forms of education; however, the ultimate responsibility for this education remains with the parents. We believe that the government, at all levels, should respect the right of parents to choose the academic alternative of home education. We believe that parents who have chosen this educational alternative are accountable to discharge these duties in an honorable and responsible manner to the attaining of educational excellence and good citizenship. We believe education in the home to be the best form of education.

Nature of Education
We believe that all education is religious in nature since ones view of the world and life is involved in teaching (Prov. 2:1-8; 3:1-2; 6:20-23; Matt. 28:18-20). Every discipline of knowledge, whether it be subjects such as mathematics, science, or history will have as its final reference point a theistic or humanistic view of reality (Col. 1:15-20 and 2:8-15), and there is no neutral academic discipline.

Signed:_____________________________________________Date:____________________________________

Signed:_____________________________________________Date:____________________________________ ***Changing or adding to this form denotes a conflict. Please see the leadership team if you have questions.

S.H.I.N.E.
Conflict Resolution Policy
The S.H.I.N.E. Conflict Resolution Policy and Standard of Conduct have been taken from the OCHEC Conflict Resolution Policy.

The Peacemakers Pledge

As people reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we believe that we are called to respond to conflict in a way that is remarkably different from the way the world deals with conflict. We also believe that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, serve other people, and grow to be like Christ. Therefore, in response to Gods love and in reliance on His grace, we commit ourselves to respond to conflict according to the following principles. (Gal. 5:19-26; Matt. 5:9; II Cor. 10:31-11:1; Rom. 8:28-29; James 1:2-4)

`GLORIFY GOD `
Instead of focusing on our own desires or dwelling on what others may do, we seek to please and honor God-by depending on His wisdom, power, and love; by faithfully obeying His commands; and by seeking to maintain a loving, merciful and forgiving attitude. (I Cor. 10:31; James 4:1-3; Psalm 37:1-6, Phil. 4:2-9; Col. 3:1-4, I Peter 2:12; John 14:15; James 3:17-18; Rom. 12:17-21; Mark 11:25)

`GET THE LOG OUR OF YOUR OW N EYE `

Instead of attacking others or dwelling on their wrongs, we will take responsibility for our own contribution to conflictsconfessing our sins, asking God to help us change any attitudes and habits that lead to conflict, and seeking to repair any harm we have caused. (Matt. 7:3-5; I John 1:8-9; Proverbs 28:13; Col. 3:5-14; Luke 19:8)

`GO AND SH OW YOUR BROTHER HIS FAULT `

Instead of pretending conflict doesnt exist of talking about others behind their backs, we will choose to overlook minor offenses, or we will talk directly and graciously with those whose offenses seem too serious to overlook. W hen a conflict with another Christian cannot be resolved in private, we will ask others in the body of Christ to help us settle the matter in a biblical manner. (Matt. 18:15-20; James 5:9; Proverbs 19:11; Gal. 6:1-2; Eph. 4:29; II Tim. 2:24-26; I Cor. 6:1-8)

`GO AND BE RECONCILED `

Instead of accepting premature compromise or allowing relationships to wither, we will actively pursue genuine peace and reconciliation-forgiving others as God, for Christs sake, has forgiven us, and seeking just and mutually beneficial solutions to our differences. (Matt. 5:23-24; Matt. 6:12; Eph. 4:1-3, 32; Matt. 7:12; Phil. 2:3-4) By Gods grace, we will apply these principles as a matter of stewardship, realizing that conflict is an assignment, not an accident. W e will remember that success, in Gods eyes, is not a matter of specific results but of faithful, dependent obedience. And we will pray that our service as peacemakers brings praise to our Lord and leads others to know his infinite love. (Matt. 25:14-21; I Peter 2:19, 4:19; Rom. 12:18, John 13:34-35)

Conflict Resolution Checklist

-Seek to please and honor God -by depending on His wisdom, power and love. -by faithfully obeying His commands. -by seeking to maintain a loving, merciful and forgiving attitude. -Take responsibility for your own contribution to the conflict -by confessing your own sin.

-by asking God to help you change any attitudes and habits that lead to conflict. -by seeking to repair any harm you have caused. -Overlook minor offenses and talk directly and graciously with those whose offenses seem too serious to overlook. -Attempt to resolve this in private, remembering these principles: -Deal gently, not critically. -No condemning, NONE! -No commanding, power-play. -No condescending, making fun, belittling, discounting. -No diversions, deal only with the present conflict, no other issues. -Respect the person and his possessions. -Trust the other person. -If not resolved in private, ask others to help you settle the matter in a biblical manner. -Actively pursue peace and reconciliation -by forgiving others as God has forgiven you. -by seeking just and mutually beneficial solutions to your differences.

Standard of Conduct
For adults:

TMaintain order and discipline of your own children and any other children for whom you are
responsible, knowing where they are and what they are doing at all times.

TNever drop a child off and leave them unsupervised at any time. If you are unable to attend an activity
with your child, another adult must be designated to be responsible for your child. Be sure your child knows who is in charge of them. Make sure the adult in charge knows you will not be in attendance.

TW hen attending an activity, be in submission to the adult(s) in charge.

For students:

TObey adults in charge of the activity at all times. TBe polite and show respect to adults in charge of the activity by being quiet and listening well when they
are speaking to you. TAlways respect adults in charge of the activity by not arguing or talking back when disciplined. TYou m ust have permission from your parents or an adult in charge to leave the group. TRespect others by keeping your hands and feet to yourself, never pushing, shoving or hurting anyone, even with words. For all, including the adult(s) in charge:

TPersons attending and/or participating in activities, competitive or otherwise, must behave in a Christhonoring manner at all times. TNo tobacco usage, consumption of alcoholic beverages, or profanity is permitted at any activity. Violations of the Standard of Conduct will be handled according to the Conflict Resolution Policy. If the safety and well-being of the others involved in the activity require it, the offending party will be asked to leave the activity immediately by a person in charge.

S.H.I.N.E.
Membership Information
Last Name: _______________________________ Father:______________________ Mother:_________________ Birth month and day:_ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Children:
Name ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ Age-DOB _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

Address:____________________________________________________
Street City Zip

Phone: (H)______________________ (Cell)________________________ Email:______________________________________ Members nam es, addresses, emails and phone numbers will be made available to the group. Please check here if you DO NOT want your information made available. _________ I am willing to be an encourager/mentor to a new home school mother. Years home schooling_______________ Number of children currently schooled in the home______________ If you dont mind sharing, what curriculum do you use? __________________________________ Name of church where you currently attend_______________________________________ Please share your conversion experience with a leadership team member or write it down on another piece of paper and include it with your membership information sheet. (Both spouses please.) ____ W e have received, read, agree with and will adhere to the S.H.I.N.E. Statement of Faith and will seek to uphold the purpose of this organization. ____W e have received and read the Code of Conduct and Conflict Resolution Policy to our children and agree as a family to abide by it. ____W e agree to pay the annual dues of S.H.I.N.E. ____We have signed a liability waiver form. Father____________________________________ Mother___________________________________ Date_______________ Date_______________ Yes No

S.H.I.N.E.
Supporting Homeschoolers in North Edmond Support Group Waiver and Release of Liability
This family waiver form covers parent(s) and child(ren) listed below: Fathers Name:____________________ Mothers Name:___________________
Children:
Name ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ Age-DOB _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

This W aiver and Release of Liability (Agreem ent) is a legal and binding agreem ent which, when signed, will perm anently lim it your ability, your spouse, heirs, executors, adm inistrators, personal representatives or assigns to hold S.H .I.N.E support group or any host facility liable for injuries or losses you may cause or sustain as a result of participation in activities. S.H.I.N.E. (Supporting Hom eschooling in North Edmond)- A Christian Hom e School Support Group, also known as S.H.I.N.E, will not be held liable for personal injury, damage to property, or expenses of any nature that may be incurred by any participant or member of any S.H.I.N.E. sponsored activity, class or event. Neither shall any host of said activity, class or event be held liable. Curriculum advice or educational counsel is also given and must be received as a free, non-professional, personal opinion only and parents/legal guardians will retain all responsibility for any and all legal and educational choices they make for their children. All parents/legal guardians will assume all risk of personal injury, sickness, damage and expense of any kind caused by their children or self at all S.H.I.N.E. functions. To the fullest extent permitted by law, on behalf of myself, my spouse, heirs, representatives, executors, administrators and assigns, I agree to forever RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS and COVENANT NOT TO SUE S.H .I.N.E. Home School Support Group or any host facility from any cause of action, claim, or demand, including one related to bodily injury, property damage, death or accident arising out of or related to my or my families participation in the activity. This Agreement shall be constructed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma, and I consent to the jurisdiction of this state. I expressly agree that this W aiver and Release fo Liability is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted and that if any portion is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full legal force and effective.

Read Entire Agreement Before Signing

S.H .I.N.E. has m y perm ission to use pictures of m y children and m yself on the blog site

and for promotional purposes of the group.

Signed by the Father/Legal Guardian:___________________________ Date: _______________ Signed by the Mother/Legal Guardian:___________________________Date:________________ Child 18 years or older:______________________________________Date:_______________ Adult Participant:__________________________________________Date:_______________ Adult Participant:__________________________________________Date:_______________ Notes: 1. Children 18 years or older who plan on participating in field trips, classes, events, etc. will need to sign the release form. 2. Adults other than parents or legal guardians who plan on participating with your family in field trips, classes, events, etc. will need to sign release form. 3. This release form is good for one year from date signed.

*Host facility refers to any facility that is being utilized for any sized meeting of SHINE. Currently, W aterloo Road Nazarene is one of those facilities.

S.H.I.N.E.
Communication
It is our desire to communicate as effectively, inexpensively and thoroughly as possible. Methods of communication for S.H.I.N.E. FBlog site. The Leadership Team will communicate with the membership of S.H.I.N.E. through the use of the blog located at www.shinesupportgroup.blogspot.com Communication on that site will be specific to the group, not one particular person. The site will include definitions of the group, events, dates, times etc. This will be the main form of communication used. FEmail. The Leadership Team will communicate with individuals about specific things and entire membership of S.H.I.N.E. about general items as needed through email. FOn occasion the Leadership Team will communicate about specific events through phone calls. FSuch internet services such as MySign-Up and Evite may also be used to communicate about certain events. FA membership directory will be made available for all members of S.H.I.N.E.

Communication concerning cancellation or change of planned events.

In the event of inclement weather or the change of plans for a specific event the Leadership Team or event planner will: JCall the involved participants if the activity is in 24 hours or less as well as update the blog with specifics as time permits. JSend emails to the involved participants and update the blog if the activity is more than 24 hours out. Participants will also do their best to notify event planners according to specific deadlines for RSVP events and if their plans for participation in an event change according to the above guidelines. All difficulties concerning communication will be handled according to S.H.I.N.E.S Conflict resolution policy.

S.H.I.N.E.
Guidelines for Appropriate Dress
(All S.H.I.N.E. participants shall dress appropriately for the specific planned activity. -Wear older clothes when soiling is possible like in art or some field trips. -Wear appropriate foot wear. Athletic shoes, preferably tennis shoe type with shoe strings for PE. (Can run safely without shoes falling off) No flip-flops for PE. Please make sure sole of the shoes are not lose or slick for PE. -Dress for the weather on field trips and out door activities. Consider layering clothing. -Loose clothing as well as tight clothing can be a hazard depending on the activity. Please evaluate and dress appropriately. (All S.H.I.N.E. participants shall maintain modest dress at all times. Including guests, parents, teachers, students and grandparents. -Appropriate length shirts. No midriffs showing when hands are raised above the head as might occur in PE and choir. -Modest neck lines for mothers and girls. -No undergarmets showing, including straps. -Modest length shorts (Please try the bend, spin, squat, sit test at home before coming to an activity.) -Modest length skirts, dresses and skorts when appropriate. No skirts in PE please! Check skirts, dresses and skorts with the bend, spin, squat, sit test for activities that require lifting hands, movement or even sitting in a chair. Evaluate skorts for appropriate length even with the shorts underneath. -Evaluate t-shirts with slogans, saying or pictures for appropriateness.

If conflict arises concerning a participants dress, the S.H.I.N.E. conflict resolution policy will be used to deal with the conflict. We fully trust parents to follow Gods word and His leading when choosing clothing that is orderly, well arranged, decent and modest for their families. (Greek definition of modest used in the New Testament)

S.H.I.N.E.
Health and Illness Guideliness
Please be considerate of others when evaluating the health and well being of your own children. In order to protect the health of others please do not bring your child to events if they have had... ; A fever in the past 24 hours ; Diarrhea in the past 24 hours ; Vomiting in the past 24 hours ; A diagnosis of a known communicable disease or such i.e. chicken pox, head lice, untreated strep throat, etc. Siblings of sick children will be permitted to attend at parents discretion. Please evaluate the mode of transmission of the illness and possible incubation period, trying not to put others at risk. Please cover wounds that are open, weeping or new injuries. If you child has an active case of MRSA, please let the Leadership Team know. Follow your doctors instructions for treating and covering the site and hand washing to decrease transmission. Please review all forms of prevention of disease transmission with your family. (Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze using a cupped hand or elbow. Whenever you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and say, Excuse me, please! (Hand washing after using the restroom, changing a diaper, before eating and when visibly soiled. (Refraining from sharing drinks or eating after another. Having parents on site alleviates S.H.I.N.E.s need to know much of the following information. Please share what you deem is important for us to know about you and your family. The following information maybe shared at your discretion. TIf you child has a medical condition that might be exacerbated by a specific activity. TPossible allergens that your child might come in contact with in class. TIf your child is taking certain medication that might impact their ability in class. TCertain chronic diseases.

S.H.I.N.E.
Boy/Girl Relationships Guidelines
!We desire to create an environment where both genders can come and feel comfortable in their own skin with their brothers and sisters in Christ free from the pressures of the world to act, look or dress a certain way. !The Leadership Team recognizes young adults and their need to socialize and have meaningful relationships with friends of the opposite gender. !We support friendly interaction during class time and free time at SHINE. !We discourage boyfriend/girlfriend relationships at anytime during SHINE. !We discourage openly talking/discussing about a person and their external qualities, clothing, or physique that might make them attractive as such (a boyfriend or girlfriend).

S.H.I.N.E.
Contact Information Group Contact Information www.shinesupportgroup.blogspot.com shinesupportgroup@gmail.com Leadership Team Members Contact Information Paul and Angela Kersh 7427 Ashley Trail Edmond, OK 73025 angelakersh@gmail.com 405-313-1832 Brad and Vicky Stone 7881 Lindsay Edmond, OK 73025 vickystone6@gmail.com 405-618-2999