The families that participate in GPCHE activities come from towns ranging as far north as Watonga, south to Binger and west to Clinton, including most of the towns in-between. Our central location for meetings is in Hydro. Our children range in ages from 3 to 17 years old and we have activities appropriate for each age group.
We are a Christian organization and will be honoring those principals in every activity without apology. We do not have any criteria for membership to our group other than the fact that you homeschool your children. We do require families to agree to follow our policies of conduct and dress as outlined below.
We do not charge a membership fee to participate in our activities. The Coop, however, has a small monthly fee per child to cover expenses for materials and rent of the facility. Some field trips and activities will have a cost involved for which each family is individually responsible.
We welcome you to join us as little or as much as you desire and are able. Our meetings are open and we always enjoy seeing new faces.
The GPCHE Council
Fred and Cindy Nicolai - Directors
Stan and Lorrie Raetz - Co-Directors
Sam and Robin Huereca - Trustees
Dale and Sara Hirschman - Trustees
GPCHE Policy of Conduct
It is important to remember that our conduct and the conduct of our children may be the only “glimpse” of Christianity that those around us see. Therefore, it is imperative that we are courteous and respectful of others. It is our duty as parents to train our children to be responsible. We must also remember that our own example will prove to be the best teaching method our children will learn from.
We ask you read and be familiar with the following areas of conduct. If your students are old enough to understand, we ask that you explain our code of conduct with them.
In the event that someone does disregard these requests, he/she will be asked to leave and not return until proper apologies have been made. A second offense will be taken to the council for action, which may result in being banned from further activities. The council reserves the right to determine the weight of the offense and take action if deemed necessary on the first offense. This list in not inclusive and may be amended as need arises.
1.
When you arrive, please try to keep your children with you at all times. Please, as tempting as it may seem, do not let your children climb on, over, or between any areas not designated as climbing areas! This is a common courtesy and respect for other’s property.
2.On field trips, please help your children learn to be attentive to the tour leader. If it is a particularly bad day for you or your children and they cannot be courteous to the speaker and others around them, please quietly dismiss yourselves from the tour. Sticking it out may not be beneficial for you, your child, or others.
3.On most field trips, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are welcome. But, some tours may ask us not to bring small children because of insurance policies they have or other valid reasons. You will be notified if this is the case. Please do not try to bring a child anyway, you will be asked to leave.
4.We want to be a good witness for our Lord at all times, so we must watch our manners and our talk.
5.Have an attitude of compassion for the differences, needs, or disabilities of others. Parents, teach your children not to be cruel to people who are different from themselves. (Matthew 7:12, James 2:1-9, Galatians 5:22-23)
6.Act, speak, and dress in a manner worthy of the God who calls you. Unkind remarks, profanity, coarse jokes, lying, conversation involving the occult or sexual situations, pornography, or language unbecoming of a Christian is unacceptable and will not be permitted at GPCHE functions. You must also observe the dress code at all times. (1Thessalonians 2:12, Ephesians 4:1, 5:4)
7.Even though you may not have a problem with certain behavior or actions within your family, if you know something may be offensive to someone else, don’t do it. Respect the property and landscape of those we are visiting or renting from. Parents, teach your children about refraining from some things in a group setting that may be allowed at home. In this category we would include things as simple as climbing trees or fences on someone else’s property as well as language or joking that may offend. If personal property is damaged by a student, the parent will be financially and morally responsible for restoring the property to its original condition as soon as possible. (1 Corinthians 8:7-13, Philippians 2:3-4, Romans 12: 17b)
8.No student will be allowed to carry knives of any type to any GPCHE sponsored event.
9.If a student is being disruptive, disrespectful, or causing distractions (not applicable for his/her age or *medical condition) and is asked to stop by an adult, but is not obedient, he/she will be sent to his/her parent. If the behavior continues in a pattern of disrespect, he/she will be asked to leave the class or event. *We understand some children have special needs and take this into consideration.
10. No fighting or bullying will be allowed. Students have the right to ask other students to stop, or leave them alone. If this is ignored, it is considered bullying. The GPCHE council members reserve the right to consider each incident separately. This is a zero (0) tolerance rule.
11. From time to time problems and miscommunications (scheduling, inadvertent omissions, missed e-mails, etc…) may arise. Please, show respect and patience with the coordinator. Remember that he or she is trying to manage the event and handle the problem at the same time. Rude or belligerent parents are subject to the same disciplinary action as described above.
DRESS CODE
PURPOSE AND GENERAL GUIDELINES
As Christians, it is our desire for students to please the Lord and to be a good witness to others in both appearance and behavior. We believe there is a definite relationship between good dress habits, good work habits, and respectful behavior. We require students to dress modestlv and attractively without drawing undo attention to themselves. Students should avoid extreme or questionable fads and fashions. We believe that proper student dress, in association with continual effort for good attitude and behavior, are important elements of our wholesome Christian learning environment.
We reserve the right to determine that which "attracts undue or excessive attention to the wearer. . . " and is therefore, unacceptable.
All Students
The dress code applies to all student activities (i.e. field trips, sporting events, GPCHE plays, graduation, banquets, etc.).
Picture or slogan shirts, blouses, etc., which show or speak of activities not in line with Christian principles are not permitted.
No clothing, articles of clothing, jewelry or accessories related to a questionable secular group or gang will be permitted at any GPCHE activity.
All clothes must fit properly. They should not be too tight or too baggy. Specifically, the trends of extremely oversized clothing or extremely tight clothing are not acceptable.
*Special Note to Parents
Please read the complete dress code carefully, and then encourage and guide your student(s) to wear acceptable dress at GPCHE functions. We appreciate your cooperation in this area. Parents of students in violation of the code will be notified and requested to bring appropriate attire on the day of the violation if there is not some other acceptable clothing to be worn.
For a complete listing of specific dress code guidelines and GPCHE policy handbook, please contact us by clicking on the link below.
