Member Behavior Guidelines and Expectations  

The following  behavioral guidelines are grounded in our community’s core values of community care and restorative practice,  based on willingness, not coercion.  We seek to nurture an atmosphere of respect for self and others and to create a supportive and effective social, emotional, and academic learning environment.  The guidelines are designed with the goal of helping our members take part in repairing harm and restoring relationships.

Community Member Expectations

• Engage in the community and remain active participants by reading the handbook, contributing financially to support our collective (e.g., through facility fees), fulfilling community service commitments as needed, engaging in decision-making as needed, nurturing community relationships, and participating in community building activities.

• Abide by the guidelines in the Health and Wellness Policy.

• Parents/guardians will ensure the safety and whereabouts of their children, and support their children in meeting behavior expectations.

Consent and Respect for Others

• Honor each person's personal and physical boundaries.

• Use respectful, welcoming, and inclusive language.

• Use correct names and pronouns consistently.

• Refrain from touching others with the intent to harm or cause discomfort.

• Avoid bullying and unkind language/ behavior.

Class and Building Behavior

• Acknowledge and be receptive to class facilitator instructions.

• Fulfill commitments made to other members of the community, including community partners (e.g., class and program facilitators).

• Use headphones if playing something with sound so that it does not disturb others.

• Speak and walk quietly in the hallways to avoid disturbing ongoing classes.

• Avoid congregating in the hallways to prevent disturbing ongoing classes.

• Move carefully through the building to keep our community safe and avoid injuries.

Respect for Property

• Avoid using others’ belongings without consent.

• Return borrowed items to their owners in their original state.

• Collect personal belongings, throw away trash, and put things back in their place before leaving.

• Avoid causing damage to buildings, personal property, or the building/city grounds

• Repair or help repair any such damage that does occur, whether intentional or accidental.

Communication and Restorative Practices

• Utilize respectful and nonviolent communication and conflict resolution strategies whenever possible.

• Communicate with empathy and attentive listening, promoting collaboration and growth.

• Strive to understand others' needs and perspectives, aiming to heal relationships rather than punish or assign blame.

• Promote accountability and teamwork, encouraging individuals to take responsibility and collaborate for resolution and growth.

• Communicate responsibly by refraining from spreading rumors, making assumptions, or sharing information that lacks evidence or verification.

• Address grievances with good intentions, aiming for constructive resolution and positive outcomes through open dialogue or mediation.

• Maintain privacy regarding personal matters and show respect by keeping discussions within relevant circles.

• Participate in the restorative process when contacted by the Restorative Circle.

• Follow the Health and Wellness Policy. 

Finacial Policy 
^{Classes are offered as a fee for service. Class costs are paid directly to the teacher via their choice of payment option.}

^{Please note facilitators are NOT employees of RHC, but are independent. All courses require advanced payment and registrations will not be considered complete until payment is made.} 

^{RHC membership dues are separate from class costs and must be paid before the beginning of each semester.
There will be NO REFUNDS issued for missed classes due to illness, schedule changes, or other reasons.}

^{ALL PAYMENTS ARE FINAL unless a class is canceled by the facilitator or arrangements have been direct with the facilitator.}

Supervision Policy 

Richmond Homeschool Collective is NOT a drop-off program and does not provide child care. The expectation is that each student will have a parent/guardian on-site throughout the day with the following exceptions:

1.    If your student is 13+ years old,

AND you and your student feel strongly that they will be able to adhere to our behavior policy,

AND your student can navigate the environment independently without additional support,

AND we have an emergency contact number on file for you,

AND you accept responsibility for your student while you are not present

2.    If your student is 12 years old or younger, if you need to leave the premises at any point, you MUST assign another adult as proxy to supervise your student (this adult cannot be the student’s teacher). This information must be noted on the sign-in sheet for the day.