POLICIES & GUIDELINES | emhomeschoolers

ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN HOMESCHOOLER’S

GROUP POLICIES & GUIDELINES

Updated September 8, 2021

EMH is the place for you if:

Your desire is to HELP BUILD a SUPPORTIVE HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY with families looking to do the same.
You’re interested in CREATING LASTING FRIENDSHIPS for you and your family.
You would like to CONNECT WITH OTHERS for field trips, mom’s night out, or meet-ups including park days, holiday programs and parties, talent shows, promotion ceremonies, volunteer opportunities to name just a few!

EMH is a parent-led group asking members to volunteer their time, treasure, and talents to the benefit of our group members. We believe consistency and commitment from our families is key. In order to foster close, ongoing relationships, we encourage families to take root and grow alongside other families that have committed to doing the same.

Whatever style of homeschooling you’re doing, or just starting out, EMH is a group that encourages each other in our various homeschool journeys.

“Success rests not only on ability, but on commitment, loyalty, and selflessness”

MEMBERSHIP

Estrella Mountain Homeschoolers(EMH) is a closed/private group. For the safety of our children and respect of our members, ALL information is confidential.

Members must be presently home educating at least one school-aged child and currently living within the West Valley area. Families of preschoolers who plan to homeschool will be allowed membership upon leadership approval.
EMH believes in the liberties of individual families. As such, each family is encouraged to make their own decisions when participating in events hosted by EMH members pertaining to masks, or otherwise.
EMH does not carry insurance and will not be held liable for any injury (physical or emotional), illness, or damaged/lost personal property sustained during an EMH sponsored event. In addition, our host facilities (i.e. Estrella Mtn. Church, Starpointe Resident’s Club, or any venue allowing us usage) will not be held liable for any injury (physical or emotional), illness, or damaged/lost personal property while on their property.

MEMBER CONDUCT

To maintain the integrity of EMH please adhere to the following guidelines when dealing with issues with fellow members.

Please follow the Golden Rule, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” Be respectful and polite in word and conduct.
Recognizing large groups of individuals have various beliefs, opinions, and lifestyles, please be mindful of just how delicate unity can be. To ensure harmony, absolutely no gossip or negative talk about fellow members and/or their children is allowed. Families are encouraged to cultivate strong relationships by only discussing issues and solutions with whomever problems arise with.
First impressions are everything. While we all know the hearts of the families within the group, new(er) members would like to get to know them as well. Be mindful of new(er) members and make an effort to welcome newcomers when you see them.
Please keep an eye on your children at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure your child maintains proper behavior during activities or while attending a field trip.
While we all wish to have our children work out their own problems, sometimes children require guidance in their understanding of how to properly work out issues. It is highly recommended that you walk your child through the process of addressing problems with other children by sitting down with the other family and being an example of how to talk it out with them. Gossip and/or physical means of problem-solving are unacceptable and not tolerated. If a third party becomes necessary to help resolve the situation, leadership will schedule a time to meet with the individuals involved.

EVENTS

Estrella Mountain Homeschooler’s calendar will only be full if the members assist in the planning of events. As such, members are expected to volunteer their talents in planning or assisting in at least one activity/year for the benefit of our families. EMH events are reserved for currently participating EMH members who have completed the emergency contact form. Any "potential new member" guests accompanying EMH members to a tween/teen event, are required to submit an emergency contact form and agree to EMH policies & guidelines PRIOR to the actual event.

When posting for events, please do not cause other events to compete with pre-existing events. Sometimes events require a minimum number of participants that posting a new event close to an existing event may negatively impact.

For events requiring reimbursement, a 2-week RSVP deadline will be given prior to the event. It is mandatory that you sign up for events you wish to participate in so the event planner and participants providing items can establish a budget and plan accordingly.

For any event requiring reimbursement for supplies, ALL collections will be paid in person to leadership or EMH Paypal account: estrellamtnhomeschoolers@gmail.com, according to the event deadline specified by the organizer.

REIMBURSEMENTS: Party organizers are eligible for reimbursements paid out in order to facilitate an EMH event. Please submit your receipts to leadership for reimbursement. In the event that you go over your specified budget, if there is extra money within the group account, you will be reimbursed accordingly.

REFUNDS for Cancellations: Will be made available provided the organizer has not already purchased items. If items have already been purchased, we apologize, but there will be no refunds. Should an event be canceled due to weather or illness, every effort will be made to reschedule the event. If you are unable to attend the new date, a refund may be in order.

***Sometimes emergencies and/or illnesses come up. Be sure to check your e-mail for last-minute details and/or event changes.

CLUBS & CLASSES

EMH welcomes clubs and classes of any kind for EMH members. EMH is not to be used to promote various businesses within the group. It is the sole discretion of the club or class owner/leader to set the terms and guidelines of each individual club, including any fees associated with the cost of participating in the individual club.

POSTING

Provided members are being kind and respectful with their words, members are allowed to post whatever topic they would like that would be of benefit to EMH members; with the common knowledge of what is and isn’t considered acceptable (ie. No crass, perverse, negative talk). Please be considerate & non-judgmental in your postings, realizing there are members from all walks of life and experiences within our group.

If you receive a message that you do not wish to take part in, you are expected to simply hit “delete” rather than replying asking members to refrain from posting or engaging in the activity being posted about.
Realizing email has the ability to lead to misinterpretation, please utilize the “Suggestion/Concern” process to express opinions regarding EMH.
Many members have various personal businesses and we would like to support your efforts by allowing posting your information within our Group Database under “Our Businesses.” A (2x’s) per year email posting to simply notify newer members of your business is allowable, however, soliciting and promoting via group email is not. You are welcome to minimally solicit/promote in person at events unless complaints begin at which point you are expected to cease in your efforts.
Personal business postings pertaining to classes being offered for EMH children are allowable if you are a regularly participating member.

It is our goal to maintain the integrity and purpose of EMH as a Homeschool Support group. This group is not to be used for business solicitation purposes. EMH is not liable or responsible for any interaction transpiring from business conducted through this group.

PHOTOGRAPHY, INTERNET, and SOCIAL MEDIA

Group photos will be taken during the year for our yearbook. Please let leadership know, in writing, if you do not wish to have your child photographed.
No sharing personal information (member information, events, locations, and group photos) to outside sources without the consent of leadership and/or its members. Outside sources include websites, social media, and ANY non-member, with the exception of family and personal friends. Please note: Verbal communication about the group to a non-member, homeschooling family looking for our support and/or interest in joining our group is allowed.

MONEY COLLECTION & FEES & DUES

To maintain transparency, all accounting records are listed under the “files” section of our group site. All money collections will be paid either in person, to leadership, or via our EMH Paypal account: estrellamtnhomeschoolers@gmail.com. When making payment, please specify what the money is for and send via the "friends & family" option only.

SUGGESTION/CONCERN PROCESS

EMH takes member suggestions/concerns to heart. We value the opinions of our members and welcome the opportunity to make improvements. As such, to express a suggestion or concern, please take a moment to fill out and submit a “Suggestion/Concern” form located on the website. Should the suggestion/concern require further detail an Improvement/Solutions meeting may be necessary. Submitted forms will be taken into consideration by leadership and when/if advice is needed, will be brought before the advisory board.

To avoid potential confusion and inundation of our email forum, please refrain from posting suggestions/concerns on our general discussion board. These types of matters are better-addressed face to face and members are encouraged to use the appropriate means of communication.

ADVISORY BOARD

To ensure impartiality, EMH does have a trusted advisory board. Board members are required to be EMH members for a minimum of three years. Advisory Board members are chosen at the discretion of leadership and when necessary, are there to assist in:

Helping to maintain and uphold EMH Policies & Guidelines
Supporting the decision-making process.
Moderating forum discussions.
Administrative tasks as needed.

Current Advisory Board Members: Stephanie Swindell, Heidi Anderson, & Kristin Byers, Nicole Knifer.

Let’s make a good impression. Do consider that our actions reflect not only on our group but on homeschoolers in general. We realize new issues will arise and these unforeseen circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. As such, rules and policies are subject to change without notification. All final decisions will rest with leadership.

ANY CONDUCT THAT FALLS BELOW THE STANDARDS EXPRESSED IN THE POLICIES & GUIDELINES MAY LEAD TO REVOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP AT LEADERSHIP’S DISCRETION.