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Membership Agreements

 

We are a secular and inclusive family-led cooperative organized to create engaging learning opportunities and a warm community for homeschoolers.

Below is our membership agreement that we make to each other as a community each year. 

We also have a Restorative Justice Process that can be found here. 

Our Bylaws can be found here. 

Member Rights

Each member of Sligo Creek Cooperative (SCC) has the right to an environment in which they are treated with kindness, respect, and equity.
Members are full participants in our community of families, and are entitled to take part in all SCC activities which are not age-restricted.
Members have the right to seek redress if they're treated in a manner that violates the terms of this agreement.
Members have the right to request assistance from the Board if a situation or conflict arises that cannot be resolved by the parties involved. 

Member Responsibilities

We are a cooperative in name and by nature. The day-to-day running of SCC requires member involvement. The basic responsibilities of each family are:

TEACHING

  • Current SCC policy requires two adults in each adult-led class. For this reason, at least one adult in each family is expected to serve as a Teacher and/or a Room Monitor for at least two classes each semester.
  • A  Teacher  is responsible for preparing the materials  and content for the class and presenting instruction or coordinating class activities. 
  • A  Co-Teacher  is a second adult assigned to support the class. The level and type of involvement may vary depending on the needs and structure of the course. In some classes, the Co-Teacher’s primary role may simply be to provide an additional adult presence in the room and assist with basic classroom management or distributing materials. In other classes, the Co-Teacher may take a more active, hands-on role, such as helping prepare materials and activities, working directly with students, or sharing responsibility for instruction. 
  • Some classes have two Teachers who jointly prepare materials and/or share responsibility for teaching. In these cases, an additional Co-Teacher is not needed.
  • For a class that meets both Tuesday and Thursday, each day counts as one class for the purposes of this requirement.
  • In lieu of one of their co-teaching spots, some families may be assigned door-monitor duties. In these cases, families are still expected to co-teach at least one class.
  • Families in their first year of participation are only expected to be Co-Teachers, not Teachers (though you are welcome to teach if you so desire). 

PARENTAL SUPERVISION

While at SCC, parents are responsible for their child(ren), and their child(ren)’s behavior, at all times. SCC is not responsible for unsupervised children. 

  • Although we expect parents to be on-site with their child(ren), you may temporarily assign an adult proxy for your child in the event you need to leave co-op for a period of time.   Each such incidence needs to be recorded in the WhatsApp proxies chat for easy reference by door monitor and other adults. 
  • Additionally, all families should complete a Medical Release Form for each of their children, which will be accessible to all board members, in the event a child needs to receive emergency medical care and their parent is not on-site.


CHORES

Each family will be assigned either a set-up or clean-up job for  either  Tuesday or Thursday.  The Jobs Coordinator will assign these before the start of each semester. Families will perform the same responsibility each week throughout the semester.

  • Set-Up:  Families should arrive by 9:30 a.m. to complete their assigned set-up tasks.
  • Clean-Up:  Families will complete their assigned clean-up tasks at the end of the day, generally ending around 2:35 p.m.

These responsibilities are separate from each family's committee responsibility. 

COMMITTEES

Each family must participate in one of the SCC committees, or serve on the board. See the SCC website for a description of the duties of each committee. 

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Each family should attend monthly membership meetings, typically alternating between virtual evening meetings and in-person lunch meetings during co-op. If unable to attend in person, families are asked to review the meeting minutes or recordings once they become available. 

WhatsApp COMMUNICATION TOOL

SCC families are responsible for keeping up to date on SCC announcements and participate in the running of the co-op. The SCC board will communicate key updates via WhatsApp and member families should review all messages received. (There will be optional subgroups that families can join if they choose.) [Read WhatsApp Community Guidlelines]

CLASS PLANNING

As SCC plans classes for each semester, families are asked to suggest classes they’d like to see offered, or they'd like to teach themselves.  Lunch meetings for each age cohort facilitate discussion between parents, teachers, and students as next-semester planning becomes relevant.  Classes Committee will announce procedures and add meetings to the schedule. 

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROCESS

SCC uses a restorative justice approach to address conflict and uphold our shared values of accountability, community care, and relationship-building. Families agree to participate in the restorative justice process to guide conflict resolution with a focus on listening, repairing harm, and moving forward together as a community, rather than punishment. This process is supported by volunteer facilitators, including internal board and community members as well as external trained facilitators when needed, ensuring that concerns are handled thoughtfully, fairly, and in alignment with our Membership Agreement and Bylaws. 

SPECIAL EXCEPTION FAMILIES

In limited circumstances, a teenager or caretaker may fulfill some of the responsibilities for the family in lieu of a parent. Please contact [email protected] if you need to be considered  for an exception. 

Code of Conduct Policies

The following policies apply to both member adults and children.

1. Non-Discrimination Policy

SCC does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members 

Mutual Respect and Good Faith Engagement 

Members agree that when an individual identifies conduct, language, materials, or practices as harmful to their identity or lived experience, other members will give such concerns heightened weight and consideration, particularly where that identity is marginalized or underrepresented. This includes concerns rooted in neurodiversity. This provision supports  mutual  respect  and collaboration across differences, with the goal of helping all members participate as fully and safely as they can as their authentic selves, without abusing protections to disregard harmful impact on others. 

At SCC, being believed is the baseline. When something sounds unfamiliar or even wrong to us as individuals, we can take steps to notice that reaction in ourselves. It is often a signal of an opportunity for growth rather than evidence that the concern is unfounded. Just as we extend good faith to members navigating nut allergies or religious dietary needs, we extend the same to concerns about identity and harm. 

Repeated experiences of not being heard carry a cumulative cost, discouraging people from speaking up and signaling that a space is not safe. This cooperative hopes to be a place where members can set those burdens down.

We do not expect perfection. We agree to put forth effort, humility, and a willingness to keep showing up. Mistakes are a normal part of learning to do this well. Our goal is a community where we can practice naming and repairing our mistakes without fear of shame, and where accountability is offered with support rather than judgment. 

In practice, this means: 

  • Pausing before responding when something feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar 
  • Refraining from dismissive or adversarial reactions
  • Recognizing that not understanding a harm does not invalidate it
  • Acknowledging mistakes openly and repairing when possible 
  • Advocating on behalf of others when we are able to share the labor of raising concerns 
  • Extending grace to all who are learning, while still holding the community's values 

2. Sexual Misconduct Policy

SCC does not tolerate sexual abuse or misconduct. We provide procedures for members or any other victims of sexual abuse or misconduct to report such acts. No member, regardless of his or her title or position has the authority to commit or allow sexual abuse or misconduct. Those reasonably suspected or believed to have committed sexual abuse or misconduct will be appropriately disciplined, up to and including termination of their membership, as well as possible criminal prosecution. 

For the protection of all students, and as part of your registration with SCC, all adults in your family who participate in the co-op will be asked to complete a confidential criminal background and sex offender registry check. By agreeing below and by signing this Agreement, you consent to this background check. 

3. Anti-Bullying Policy

SCC believes that all members have a right to a safe and healthy environment. Our community has an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance. We do not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any member. No member shall intimidate, harass, or bully another through words or actions. Such behavior includes: direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling; and social isolation or manipulation. 

4. Illness Policy

The following three items constitute SCC's policy regarding COVID-19 and other communicable infections.

Masks

Any SCC Member is welcome to wear a mask when they feel it is appropriate, outdoors or indoors. Following Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) guidance, all indoor and outdoor spaces at SCC are mask-optional. Mask requirements may change with MCPS or local public health guidance. Community members are welcome to make a request to the class teacher (or board president(s)) for a class to be masked to take into consideration a family’s health circumstances (e.g. immunocompromised member of the household). We encourage these requests to be made before the start of the semester. 

Vaccine Policy

SCC is a community that relies on trust and science. We value the health of all of our members, including those who may be immunocompromised. We expect everyone to get vaccinated in a way that best considers the health of others in the community, and we recommend parents familiarize themselves with the back-to-school immunization requirements from the  Maryland Department of Health . We reserve the right to revisit this policy in accordance with local public health authority guidance, and changing public health information. 

Illness & Sickness Attendance

  • As a cooperative that depends on each other for shared roles of teaching and cleaning, we ask that any adults unable to attend, for personal or health reasons that may remain private, arrange substitutes for their roles during absences.  Appeals may be made in the Absences chat, however, unanswered requests will result in cancellation of classes. This can usually be avoided through direct arrangements with subs. 
  • If you develop symptoms of any communicable disease (e.g. cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches) we strongly recommend taking extra precautions of washing hands frequently, wearing masks while at co-op (SCC will provide masks if needed), and avoiding close contact with others. It’s ok to go home! 
  • Caregivers should use their best judgment about whether their child is capable of taking such precautions. If in doubt, keep them at home. 
  • If you have had a fever, please do not come to co-op until you have been fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications.
  • If you have had vomiting or other gastronomical distress, please do not come to co-op until you have been symptom free for 24 hours. 
  • If someone else in your household has symptoms of any communicable disease, but you are not sick yourself, we strongly recommend that you take extra precautions to wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, and avoid close contact with others. 

5. General Conduct Policy

All members must work together to keep SCC safe and orderly. This includes:

  • Moving through the building and on the grounds safely.
  • Treating the premises with respect. Members are responsible for any damage caused by themselves or their children. 
  • Following all current safety and health protocols. 
  • Keeping our spaces clean and tidy. 
  • Maintaining a reasonable noise level. 
  • Following the instructions of members who are carrying out SCC business. 

6. Drug-Free Policy

Smoking (including vape or e-pens), alcohol, and illegal drugs are not permitted on the premises. 

7. Classroom Conduct Policy

Students are expected to be in their assigned classrooms during their classes. A student may request permission from their teacher to leave the classroom, for either a short break after which they will return to the classroom, or to go to their parent or proxy parent. 

If a student is disruptive during class, a teacher may ask that student to leave the classroom and return to their parent or proxy parent. If the disruptive behavior is chronic, the teacher should confer with the parent and student to resolve the situation. If needed, members of the board can serve as mediators for this discussion. In the event of continued and unresolved disruptive behavior, the parent may be requested to withdraw the student from the class. 

8.Food Policy

Tree nuts  are not permitted at SCC for the safety of members with life-threatening allergies. Depending on the allergies of current members, you may be informed of other prohibited foods. For the most recent list of prohibited foods, see the FAQ. Food is not permitted in the classrooms, but drinks are. 

The facility permits us to use some of their kitchen facilities for food storage, preparation, and class activities. Members must follow the guidelines set for us by the facility when using the kitchen. 

Members must clean up after themselves and, if necessary, their children. All food and food items must be disposed of or put away by the end of the co-op day. 

9. Facilities Policy

We have permission to use the Parish Hall, kitchen, classrooms, storage rooms, bathrooms, and the grounds. Adults and students should follow posted signs and not enter areas that are labeled as off-limits. Please do not enter the other areas or the offices.

The building has an elevator that provides accessibility for those with impaired mobility or those with heavy materials. We ask that others refrain from using the elevator. 

If you drive to the co-op, please use the free parking opposite the building and in the surrounding neighborhood and follow posted signs. Limited parking for those with impaired mobility is available in the semi-circular driveway in front of the building. Please reserve these spots for our members who need them.

10.Financial Policy

Members are expected to pay annual membership fees before summer of the upcoming year. Fees are payable by PayPal or check in lump sum or payment plans. A $35.00 fee will be assessed for any check returned by the bank for insufficient funds. 

Membership fees are refundable through the third week of classes if your family withdraws from SCC. 

Members who have an outstanding balance from previous semesters will not be permitted to register for classes until their balance is paid. Please contact [email protected] if your financial situation is currently difficult. We have payment options available, as well as partial or complete scholarships. 

11. Special Needs Policy

SCC does not have the professional resources to serve students with significant emotional, social, psychological, or physical needs. However, we will work with parents to make accommodations when possible, including allowing a parent to attend class with a child.

12. Visitor Policy

All persons on our site, or attending SCC functions, shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner in keeping with these policies. Please email [email protected] if you would like to invite a family to come visit SCC; we will be happy to welcome them!

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