Policies and Procedures Overview
Philosophy
SEEK exists to supplement home education with an organized enrichment program that facilitates physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth. This is accomplished by creating a welcoming environment where collaborative, classroom-style learning and resource sharing take place.
SEEK is dedicated to upholding biblical values particularly loving, respecting, and serving others. Every decision and policy is made according to principles such as are reflected in the following scriptures:
…encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all…always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
I Thessalonians 5:14-15
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Romans 12:12-13
…what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Program Structure
SEEK meets on Fridays for 10 weeks, from September through November, and again after a winter break, from February to April. Each class day begins PROMPTLY at 9am with a 15 minute general assembly time followed by three 50 minute classes. The school day ends at 12 noon with another general assembly time for picnic lunch and discussion of the day's successes and challenges.
SEEK has many dedicated parents offering their time and expertise to prepare engaging lessons and lead 10-week courses. SEEK teachers are not necessarily professional educators but receive training and resources to ensure success in leading a class.
Every child is unique and the beauty of homeschooling is parents can easily adapt education to accommodate different gifting and learning styles. SEEK desires to celebrate those differences within a classroom setting. Interactive classes and extracurricular subjects allow teachers to meet diverse needs and allow students to complement each other’s skills.
Enrollment and Class Structure
To enroll children into the SEEK Co-op, parents/guardians must complete the electronic enrollment form found on the SEEK website. Once the leadership receives the form, an email confirmation containing next steps will be sent to the parents/guardians. Leaders will add enrolled students to the appropriate class rosters so teachers can prepare sufficient course materials. Students must be enrolled by the 2nd week of the semester in order to take the current classes (see Calendar). If the semester is three or more weeks along, new students will be added to the following semester rosters.
Fees
Fees cover the cost of class consumables and may range from $30-75 per child per semester depending on the course offerings. All fees may be paid by check or cash on at Registration/Orientation. Exact semester costs are posted by the last week of the previous semester. FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
Class Placement
Students are placed in classes based on their age, according to Maine State requirements. This is to increase efficacy when preparing relevant lessons, allocating appropriate class space, and promoting friendships. If student numbers are low in a particular class, grade levels may be combined to sustain classroom energy and excitement.
Grade breakdown: *According to Maine State requirements*
• K4 (4 years old by October 15th)
• K5 (5 years old by October 15th)
• Grade 1 (6 years old by October 15th)
• Grade 2 (7 years old by October 15th)
• Grade 3 (8 years old by October 15th)
• Grade 4 (9 years old by October 15th)
• Grade 5 (10 years old by October 15th)
• Grade 6 (11 years old by October 15th)
• Grade 7+ (12 years old by October 15th)
Exception to assigned grade levels: If a child is struggling, or is anticipated to struggle, with a particular subject or course material, that child may be allowed to take classes that are one grade level below the child’s age.
Service Requirement
SEEK is a cooperative in the fullest sense, relying on the service of every enrolled family to grow the program and provide relevant, engaging learning experiences.
Lunch Policies
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Breakfast and Lunch will not be provided by SEEK Homeschool Co-op. Families are encouraged to bring lunch and snacks
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NO NUTS. SEEK is peanut and tree nut FREE. No snacks or lunch items may contain peanuts or tree nuts, including almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, and pine nuts.
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No food may be sold, traded, or given away. Students must never share food due to allergies that others may have.
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Leave tables and floor clean. Students are responsible for picking up their messes!
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Students will have the opportunity to sign up to sweep and empty trash.
Absences/ Sick Policy/Cancellations
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Parents must notify SEEK Leadership via email or FB Connection Group when their child will miss a SEEK class. If a teacher will miss a class, they must notify their assistant teacher and the Teacher Liaison immediately. Teachers must also ensure that the substitute teacher is prepared to lead the class.
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A child who experiences vomiting or fever, has symptoms of a stomach virus, strep throat, sinus infection, or any other contagious condition within 24 hours of a SEEK day, should not attend SEEK until they are well.
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If school is canceled in North Berwick (MSAD 60/RSU 60) due to inclement weather, SEEK is also canceled. All SEEK cancellations or scheduling changes will be posted on the SEEK Facebook page.