STATEMENT OF FAITH

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days and ascended to heaven as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and he will return to take us to heaven with Him. Salvation is found in no one else.

The Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation and provides the Christian with power for living, understanding spiritual truths, and guidance in doing what is right.

The Bible is God’s Word to us. 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 the truth without any form of error. The Bible is our sole authority.

Your signature on the enrollment form indicates that you and your family have read, understand and will abide by this Statement of Faith and neither you nor your family will contradict, hinder, or oppose these teachings in any way during any activity or via any media affiliated with this group.

References: Genesis 1:1, 26,27; 3:22; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-5, 14:10—30; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8-11, 4:8-12’ Romans 1:3—4; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16,12:4-6, 12-13, 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 13:14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; I Timothy 6:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:13, 16; 3:16; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:20-21

GENDER IDENTIFICATION

Navigators is a Christ-centered cooperative that seeks to operate with convictions that reflect Biblical truth regardless of cultural circumstances. We believe that every person must be shown compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Any hateful or harassing behaviors or attitudes directed towards any person are not in line with Scripture nor our Statement of Faith and, as such, will not be tolerated.

We believe that all human beings were created in and continue to bear God's image (Gen 1:27). God created and defined only two genders - male and female - each with distinctly different biological and physical traits. These traits complement each other and work together to reflect the nature of God. Because all people are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14) in our Creator's image, we feel that these differences should be celebrated. To this end, the following policies will be adhered to in Navigators without exception. 

• All members and guests of Navigators will be identified by their God given biological gender. 

• All members and guests of Navigators will be referred to only by their legal name, middle name, or appropriate nickname. Examples of appropriate nicknames may be shortened versions of legal names, middle names, or initials. (Example- A boy named Andrew James may choose to go by Andrew, Andy, Drew, James, or AJ.)

• The use of traditional he/she pronouns and courtesy titles (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Sir, Ma'am, etc) will be used according to biological gender. Alternative pronouns are not permitted.

• All members and guests attending classes and social activities will be required to dress according to their gender. At no time will cross-dressing be permitted in attire or cosmetics. Please see DRESS CODE for specific requirements. 

• Men's restrooms and changing rooms will be available only to biological males. Women's restrooms and changing rooms will be available only to biological females. (Boys aged 5 or younger may be in the women's restroom only when accompanied by their mother or female teacher.) 

DRESS CODE

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

We believe that appearance and conduct should reflect Biblical standards.  As in every area of our lives, we desire the way we dress to honor the Lord, so please choose clothing from a spiritual point of view. Parents and students should wear appropriate, modest clothing in accordance with their biological sex from birth. If in doubt, choose something else. 

To standardize what is considered appropriate, both parents and students need to adhere to the following dress code:

• Clothing must not have graphics, profanity, sexual innuendo, or words or images that are contrary to the Bible.

• Underwear and bras should not be exposed (no sagging or see-through clothing).

• Skirts, dresses, and shorts must extend beyond the fingertips when the student extends arms downward along the sides or reach the mid-thigh, whichever is longer. 

• Tops should not show any cleavage or midriff.

• Cosmetics, if worn, must be event and gender appropriate.

• For water events, men and boys should wear swim trunks (no Speedos). Women and girls should wear conservative bathing suits which cover their cleavage and torso (no bikinis).

NAVIGATORS MEMBERS STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Students and parents should conduct themselves to reflect the virtues of Christ while at ANY Navigators function. Good behavior, respect for others, respect for authority, and respect for any building or location we utilize is expected. Parents are responsible for their children at all times, so it is your responsibility to handle any misbehavior.

Some basic guidelines for behavior include:

Be punctual.

Honor your commitments. Academic members, you and your children should be at all classes each week.

Be respectful of all facilities or locations we utilize.

Be respectful of all teachers, tour guides, or other persons in charge. 

Be respectful to all members and all Navigators leadership. 

Treat others with honor, respect, and courtesy. 

No bullying type of behavior will be tolerated. This includes:

• physical violence of any kind (kicking, biting, hitting, pushing, etc.),
• verbal harassment (derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs)
• written harassment (derogatory or offensive posters, cartoons, graffiti, drawing, or gestures)
• intentional exclusion of a student, group of people, family, etc. 

Swearing and the use of other inappropriate language is prohibited. If you wouldn't say it in front of Jesus, you shouldn't say it at Navigators.

All clothing choices should be according to the guidelines set forth in DRESS CODE.

Boy-girl relationships among students are to be kept platonic in nature while attending Navigators activities.

Parents are responsible for their own children at all Navigator sponsored events - classes, field trips, etc. If a behavior offense occurs during a Navigators function, the host(ess) or other adult member should notify the student’s parent so they may work it out according to their family’s rules.

ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4-5).

1. By enrolling in the academic track, you are committing to co-op for the entire day, for the entire co-op semester. Our academic schedule is made available well in advance (usually months in advance) so that families may plan accordingly. Please refrain from scheduling appointments and vacations during times that will conflict with co-op.

2. Leaving early will only be allowed for legitimate causes (see below) and must be approved by leadership.

3. Please be punctual each week for your designated arrival time.

4. Your attendance and punctuality are crucial for the success of this co-op. When even one parent is late, absent, leaves early without approval, or drops out then another member loses their break period to cover the void. 

5. If you must miss class for any reason, please inform your aide and the Substitute Coordinator immediately.

6. If a family member, such as a dad or grandparent, brings your children to co-op they are required to take your place in all classes and duties (set-up/clean-up). If you are a teacher, your stand-in will act as the aide to the class, and your normal aide may serve as the teacher - unless your stand-in is comfortable teaching your class. It is your responsibility to get all teaching materials and supplies to your aide.

Any member who is absent, tardy, or leaves early 3 or more times in a semester WITH OR WITHOUT LEGITIMATE CAUSE may be restricted from registration in future semesters. (Examples of legitimate causes are sickness, surgery, or a death in the family. Examples of illegitimate causes are vacations, other social plans, or being tired/ busy.) The Leadership Team reserves the right to refuse enrollment to a family with a record of excessive absences or tardies in the previous semester(s).

DISCIPLINE & SUSPENSION POLICY

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

Students and parents should conduct themselves to reflect the virtues of Christ while at any Navigators class or function. Good behavior, respect for authority, and respect for any building or location we utilize is expected. Parents are responsible for their children at all times, so it is ultimately the parents’ responsibility to handle any misbehavior.  As students are not always under the direct supervision of their parents, the following procedures will be followed by each teacher and/or helper.

1. For the first offense, the teacher or aide will give the student a verbal warning.

2. For the second offense, the teacher or aide will escort the student to his/her parent and allow the parent and child to work it out alone according to their family's rules. The teacher will inform a member of the Leadership Team by that afternoon of the circumstances involved. The student may return to class after proper apology, restitution, and resolution to reform are made.

3. If the inappropriate behavior continues for a third time, the teacher will repeat the second step. However, the student will remain with their parent and will not be permitted to return to that class that day. The teacher must notify the Leadership Team before the end of co-op that day. Leadership will communicate with the parents and the student in an effort to address the issue.

4. If behavior problems persist, the student may not be allowed to return for classes. Parents will be responsible to make all arrangements for this child’s care during remaining co-op sessions AND continue to fulfill personal obligations to serve within the group.  It is not the responsibility of the teacher, Leadership Team, or co-op to make accommodations for the suspended/expelled student, or the parent’s responsibilities during the co-op day.

In the event that the behavioral offense occurs during a Navigators function outside of a classroom setting, the host(ess) or other adult member should notify the student’s parents so they may work it out according to their family’s rules. If the behavior includes physical violence, the threat of physical violence, sexual harassment, destruction of property, or other major violation of Navigators policy then the matter should be promptly reported to the Leadership Team.

The Leadership Team reserves the right to refuse future enrollment in classes or co-op entirely to a student who has been suspended or expelled, created disruptions, or exhibited inappropriate behavior.

My name below, indicates my understanding of and willingness to adhere to the above standards and expectations for The Navigators Homeschool Cooperative. I understand that participation in The Navigators Homeschool Cooperative is a privilege and that I can be removed if my children, family member or myself are found to be in violation of any of the procedures or policies outlined. I also understand that my signature represents my entire household including my spouse, children and any other family member who may participate with The Navigators Homeschool Cooperative either academically or socially. I also understand that I will NOT be allowed to attend classes or any social activities officially coordinated by The Navigators Homeschool Cooperative if I have not agreed to these Policies.