FICHE Membership is a privilege and should be respected as such. When we participate in activities, classes, and functions as members of an organized group, we represent FICHE, as well as, other home educators, through both our attitudes and behavior. For these reasons, here are some of our guidelines that we want to re-emphasize as families are renewing their memberships. These guidelines apply to all family members – parents, children, and alumni - attending any field trip, class, sports club, or other activity, as well as, any guest that may accompany them. (Based on Colossians 3:23-26.)
Emphasis #1 Biblical Marriage & Genders Identity
Two key points in our Statement of Faith:
6. We affirm the biblical definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:6-9).
7. We believe God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complimentary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. (Gen. 1:26-27) – AFCL
Therefore, Biblical marriage is the only form of marriage that we support and the only form of which we want to hear our children speaking. We also do not support, nor will we allow, talk about any of the “modern” or “woke” (sinful) definitions of marriage or various genders.
Emphasis #2 Respect for Authority and Others
It falls upon parents to teach their children to respect others. We are only here to uphold and reinforce what the parents are to teach. Both children and adults should show godly respect for others – the young and the old. This covers everything from differences in opinions to personal belongings. Rom. 12:10, Matt. 7:12, I Peter 5:5 Additionally, both children and adults need to show respect for all FICHE authority from FICHE leaders to co-op teachers to field trip leaders to sports coaches/instructors. Membership in FICHE is a privilege, not a requirement. Respect must begin with and be modeled by parents first if we are to see the children following suit.
Emphasis #3 Parental Supervision
FICHE is not a school or drop-off program. The responsibility of older mature students can be transferred to another parent. FICHE coordinators do not assume responsibility for unsupervised children. Excerpts from FICHE Policies and Procedures:
1. No child under the age of 10 is to be left at any class or function without an attending parent. If parents are unable to attend a class or activity with their child, they have the option of making arrangements with another parent to be responsible for their child. Do not add this responsibility to the event coordinator.
2. We believe that parents are the ultimate authority in their families, but we are many families with different philosophies on discipline. We ask that when discipline is necessary you do not make a scene. If more than a reprimand is needed, we ask that you take your child to a private area. (Based on Ephesians 6:4)
Emphasis #4 Dress Code Policy
Dress is to be clean, neat, gender-specific, and modest; no offensive dress will be allowed. Please, remember that modesty is to be portrayed by all adults/parents and students/children. The following explanations apply to both gentlemen and ladies:
- Shorts must be at least knee-length (when standing)
- NO visible undergarments – even when bending
- NO writing on the back of jeans, pants, or skirts (except logos). NO offensive or profane words or pictures on shirts, jackets, etc.
- NO bare midriffs – even in bending or when arms are raised
- NO skin-tight pants, jeans, or shirts
Ladies must demonstrate additional modesty in these areas:
- Developed ladies must wear appropriate undergarments; but they are NOT to be visible.
- Skirts must be at least knee-length (when standing).
- NO strapless, spaghetti-strap, halter tops or low-cut shirts without another shirt under or over them. Straps must be at least 2” in width. Blouses should be properly buttoned up unless worn with an appropriate undershirt. No shirts or dresses that are backless below the bra-line (as in mid-back).
- Girls participating in PE, recess, or other active events should wear modesty bloomers or shorts under their skirts.
- Leggings are considered legs not pants and, therefore, shorts or skirts meeting the above requirements must be worn over them.
- High school Formal has a slightly altered dress-code which will be distributed each spring.
Emphasis #5 Illness Policy
We strongly believe that the health of our families far outweighs the benefits of a few hours of socialization (or even education). It is for this reason that this policy pertains to all activities in all areas of the entire FICHE homeschool group. If any person has had ANY of these symptoms in the last 24-hours before any class or activity, please, do not let the ill person attend.
Fever Unexplained Rash Croup
Cold or Virus (cough, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, etc.)
Any other contagious illness/ condition (If in doubt, please contact a doctor or nurse first.)
Additionally, If ANY person in your family has had ANY of these symptoms in the last 24-hour period, then NO member of the family may attend any class or activity. Please, be considerate of other families and keep these symptoms/illnesses at home.
Flu or Flu-like symptoms Vomiting Diarrhea, not related to diet
Strep Throat Viral or Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Any other serious contagious illness. (If in doubt, consult a doctor or nurse first.)
If you have questions or need clarification about symptoms, please ask the coordinator of the activity or event you plan to attend.