Beacon FAQ's

Q:

What ancillary services are available, such as standardized testing, discounts, parent workshops, etc.?

A:

Beacon has been able to provide a number of such services to our members. Because all of the special events and activities are planned and carried out by member volunteers, some may not be available every year. It depends on if someone, or several someones, step forward and agree to head up the activity. These service/events/activities have included: beginning of the year Kick Off, Christmas party, Christmas caroling, Christmas cards, student portraits, Game Night, book swap, standardized testing, Promotion ceremony, among others. We also offer discounted membership to HSLDA. See a board member for the discount code. Parent workshops are often offered at our monthly support group meetings.

Q:

What is the average cost of a Beacon field trip?

A:

Historically, field trips have cost between nothing and up to $35. Many of the field trips for elementary aged children tend to be less expensive. Remember, as a support group member, which also includes everyone in co-op, you are required to offer one field trip.

Q:

What student safety/abuse prevention/anti-bullying policies does BHSG have?

A:

Beacon has in place a Code of Conduct, Parent Responsibilities, and Student Responsibilities that all members, spouses, and children are required to read and adhere to at any and all Beacon sponsored events. If you invite any non-Beacon members to a Beacon field trip, they are also required to adhere to the Code of Conduct. This document is on the website and needs to initialed at the bottom of the form.

Q:

How many classes/semesters are we expected to teach per year?

A:

Each family is expected to offer a one hour class per semester they attend. If you teach solo and you anticipate coming to co-op fall and spring, which is a typical scenario for a mom of Elementary age children, you would teach two classes. Depending on the needs of the co-op, you might be able to teach both classes in the fall or both in the spring or one each semester. You could offer the same class once in the fall and once in the spring. If the class doesn’t get enough students to run, which is typically at least three children, we may ask that you offer a different class the next time around.

An alternative to teaching yourself is to find a Christian from outside co-op to teach in your stead. This person will need to be approved by the Beacon Leadership Team before they will be allowed to teach. We’ve had outside teachers teaching karate, foreign language, history, and home economics.

Q:

What does an average class cost?

A:

Historically, classes have ranged from free to $40, with the average being closer to $8-$12 for a ten week class. Teachers may also require students to have certain items or texts to participate in the class. The cost of each class is to cover the cost of the materials used and provided to the students. Parent teachers are not paid to teach.

Q:

What do we do with children younger than three years old while teaching?

A:

When we have enough adults at co-op, we can schedule nursery help. The nursery “staff” is there to watch the younger children of those people who are teaching that hour. You are welcome to bring your child in to the nursery on your off hour as long as you are there with them. If we don’t have enough people, you are expected to either keep your young one with you or make arrangements with another mom to watch your little one. Check in the Family Directory for someone who may have the same need but at a different hour!

Q:

Can we team-teach classes? And if we do, does that mean we have to teach more classes?

A:

Yes, you can team teach! We have a number of moms who really enjoy sharing the responsibility with another woman. It can make the load lighter. And it does indeed mean you have to offer two classes instead of one per semester you attend. If you team taught you would be expected to offer two classes per semester, which would add up to four classes per year. Sound like a lot? Here is what a number of those teams have done. They offer the same class, but to different age groups. Or they offer the same class but at different ability levels. You could also offer the exact same class twice. This works well for a class that folks would consider fun.

Q:

How many classes do most students register for each semester?

A:

The vast majority of students take three classes per semester. Occasionally families, or even individual students, have taken fewer classes in a particular semester. If you have a junior or senior high student, they are allowed to assist in an elementary age class instead of signing up for a class.

Q:

Is the building secured?

A:

After check-in time, all doors to the building are locked. During co-op hours, the “front desk” is always manned. We have people responsible for signing families in and signing families out. During class hours, we have at least one principal assigned to the “front desk.” And there is almost always a group of moms fellowshipping out there as well! The only time students may be in the halls unaccompanied by an adult is between classes.

If a parent provides a signed note, an older student is allowed to leave the co-op facility. If there are any questions about the validity of the note, the parent will be contacted by cell phone. Please keep your contact information up-to-date! If a parent leaves the co-op facility, it is suggested they have a means of reaching them, in case of an emergency. Please keep your medical forms up-to-date!