Policies & Guidelines

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment – Parent/Guardian Agreement

This agreement confirms that each family participating in Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment is independently homeschooling their child in accordance with Kentucky law. Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment is not a school and does not fulfill the legal educational requirements of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

I, the undersigned parent/guardian, agree to:

  • File my Letter of Intent to homeschool with my local school district.

  • Maintain required attendance and scholarship records for my child.

  • Acknowledge that I remain my child’s primary educator.

  • Use Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment as an enrichment/tutoring service to support my homeschool curriculum.

I understand:

  • My child must be respectful, cooperative, and prepared to learn.

  • I am responsible for transporting my child to and from sessions on time.

  • Tuition must be paid according to the schedule provided.

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment – Enrollment & Tuition Agreement

1. **Program Description**  

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment meets 1-3 days/week for 4 hours a day and provides academic tutoring and enrichment in a group setting for homeschool students.

2. **Tuition & Fees**  

Enrichment Program:

  • 1 day a week (4 hours) = $80/month ($640/year) = 36 weeks

  • 2 days a week (8 hours)  = $105/month ($840/year) = 36 weeks

  • 3 days a week (12 hours) = $125/month ($1000/year) = 36 weeks 

  • Curriculum Fee: $125 per year - due before classes start. (August) 

  • Tuition is due on the 1st of each month.  (Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec/Feb/Mar/Apr/May) 

  • Late payments incur a $15 fee after the 5th.  

Additional Resources:

  • Curriculum Only = $160 

  • Tutoring Rates = $10 per 30 minutes

3. **Refunds & Cancellations** 

Material fees are non-refundable after the first week of the semester. Tuition is not refundable after the first week of each month. If a family withdraws, they remain responsible for the current month’s payment.

- If you pay for the semester in full. You will only be refunded for the months your student will not be attending. You WILL NOT be refunded or prorated rate for the month the withdrawal takes place in. 

4. **Attendance Policy**  

Regular attendance is expected. Absences do not reduce tuition.

5. **Drop-off Policy**  

Students may be dropped off. Emergency contacts must be up to date. Drop off time is 8-8:30am. Pick up time is 12:30-1pm. 

6. **Conduct Expectations**  

To create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment, all students participating in Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment are expected to follow these conduct guidelines:

  • Be Respectful
    Treat all instructors, classmates, and materials with kindness and care. Listen when others are speaking, follow directions, and use polite language at all times.

  • Use Appropriate Language
    Foul, offensive, or disrespectful language is not allowed. Students are expected to speak in a way that is kind, encouraging, and appropriate for all ages.

  • Be Safe
    Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Respect personal space and classroom boundaries. Running or rough play is not allowed indoors.

  • Be Responsible
    Arrive prepared with needed supplies. Take care of personal belongings and shared materials. Clean up your space before transitioning to a new activity or leaving for the day.

  • Be Engaged
    Participate actively in lessons and activities. Follow instructions, stay on task, and try your best—even when something is challenging or new.

  • Be Honest
    Always tell the truth and take ownership of your actions. Mistakes are part of learning—we grow by being honest and learning from them.

  • Use Technology Only When Allowed
    Phones, tablets, or other devices should only be used with permission from the instructor and for educational purposes.

  • Respect Our Shared Space
    Treat the learning environment, including furniture, supplies, and anything borrowed, with care and consideration.

7. **Liability Release**  

I acknowledge that Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment is not liable for injuries or damages sustained during program participation.

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment – Student Code of Conduct 

To create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment, all students participating in Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment are expected to follow these conduct guidelines:

  • Be Respectful
    Treat all instructors, classmates, and materials with kindness and care. Listen when others are speaking, follow directions, and use polite language at all times.

  • Use Appropriate Language
    Foul, offensive, or disrespectful language is not allowed. Students are expected to speak in a way that is kind, encouraging, and appropriate for all ages.

  • Be Safe
    Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Respect personal space and classroom boundaries. Running or rough play is not allowed indoors.

  • Be Responsible
    Arrive prepared with needed supplies. Take care of personal belongings and shared materials. Clean up your space before transitioning to a new activity or leaving for the day.

  • Be Engaged
    Participate actively in lessons and activities. Follow instructions, stay on task, and try your best—even when something is challenging or new.

  • Be Honest
    Always tell the truth and take ownership of your actions. Mistakes are part of learning—we grow by being honest and learning from them.

  • Use Technology Only When Allowed
    Phones, tablets, or other devices should only be used with permission from the instructor and for educational purposes.

  • Respect Our Shared Space
    Treat the learning environment, including furniture, supplies, and anything borrowed, with care and consideration.

I, ____________________________, agree to follow the rules and expectations listed above while attending Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment. I understand that these guidelines help create a safe, respectful, and fun learning environment for everyone.

Student Signature: ____________________________   Date: _______________

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment – Sick Policy 

To help protect the health and well-being of all students, families, and instructors at Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment, we ask that any student who is sick remain at home until they are no longer contagious. This includes, but is not limited to, symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, sore throat, rash, or any illness requiring antibiotics (must be on antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning).

If your child is sick:

  • Please notify the program director as soon as possible.

  • Students must be symptom-free (without medication) for at least 24 hours before returning to the program.

  • In the event of a communicable illness (e.g. flu, strep, COVID), please follow your healthcare provider’s guidance regarding return to group settings.

Tuition & Makeup Policy for Illness Absences

Tuition is not reduced, prorated, or refunded for absences due to illness. Our program costs and staffing remain consistent regardless of individual attendance, and we reserve your child’s spot whether or not they are present.

However, students may be offered an opportunity to make up missed instructional time later in the semester when appropriate and as scheduling allows. Makeup opportunities may include:

  • Attending an alternate class day (if offered)

  • Joining an enrichment workshop or group activity

  • Receiving a take-home assignment or resource to complete independently

Please note that makeup opportunities are not guaranteed and must be coordinated in advance with the program director.

We appreciate your understanding and support in maintaining a healthy, flexible, and respectful learning environment for all students.

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment – Weather Policy

The safety of our students and families is our top priority. In the event of severe weather or hazardous travel conditions (such as snow, ice, flooding, or storms), Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment may delay, cancel, or reschedule class meetings. Decisions will be communicated via BAND as early as possible.

Tuition & Makeup Policy for Weather-Related Closures

Tuition is not reduced, prorated, or refunded due to weather-related cancellations. Program expenses remain fixed, and your child’s space in the program is held regardless of attendance or weather interruptions.

However, makeup hours may be offered later in the semester when feasible. These may include:

  • Rescheduled class days

  • Optional weekend enrichment sessions

  • Take-home materials or remote learning opportunities

Makeup options will vary based on schedule availability and are not guaranteed for every missed hour but will be provided when possible.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we prioritize both safety and continuity in learning.

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment – Conflict Resolution Policy

At Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment, we are committed to maintaining a positive, respectful, and collaborative environment for all students, families, and instructors. We recognize that conflicts may occasionally arise, and we believe in addressing them promptly, thoughtfully, and constructively.

General Principles:

  • All members of our community—students, parents, and staff—are expected to treat one another with respect and kindness, even in disagreement.

  • Concerns and misunderstandings should be addressed directly, calmly, and privately whenever possible.

  • Open communication and active listening are essential for resolving issues peacefully.

Conflict Resolution Process:

1. Student-to-Student Conflicts

  • Minor disagreements will be addressed by the instructor or staff member present at the time.

  • Students will be encouraged to express their concerns respectfully and work toward a peaceful solution.

  • If the conflict continues, the program director will follow up with both students and their parents.

2. Student/Parent-to-Staff Conflicts

  • If a student or parent has a concern involving a staff member, they should bring it directly to the program director in a respectful and timely manner.

  • A meeting will be arranged (in person, by phone, or via BAND) to discuss the concern and work toward resolution.

3. Ongoing or Serious Issues

  • If a conflict cannot be resolved through direct communication, the program director will document the issue and schedule a formal meeting with those involved.

  • A behavioral or support plan may be created if necessary.

  • In cases of repeated or serious misconduct, the program reserves the right to dismiss a student or family from participation

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment – Behavior Policy & Consequences

At Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment, we believe that all children can learn and grow in a respectful, supportive environment. To maintain a safe and productive space for everyone, we expect students to follow our conduct guidelines and treat others with kindness and responsibility.

When a student chooses not to follow these expectations, we use clear, consistent, and age-appropriate consequences to correct behavior and support personal growth.

Our Approach

  • We focus on teaching appropriate behavior, not just punishing misbehavior.

  • We consider the age and developmental level of the student.

  • We give students the opportunity to reflect, reset, and repair when appropriate.

Step-by-Step Discipline Process 

1st Incident – Gentle Reminder

  • The student will be reminded of the expected behavior in a calm, respectful manner.

2nd Incident – Verbal Warning + Reflection

  • The student will receive a clear verbal warning. They may be asked to take a short break (calm corner or quiet space) and reflect on their choices before rejoining the group.

3rd Incident – Loss of Privilege + Restorative Task

  • If a student continues to misbehave after two warnings, they will:

  • Lose a privilege (such as free play time, special activity participation, or choice seating), and

  • Be assigned a simple, supervised restorative task to help give back to the group and take responsibility for their choices.

  • These tasks are not intended as punishment, but as a way for students to reflect and contribute positively to the environment. Tasks may include but are not limited to: :

  • Writing sentences

  • Writing an apology letter

  • Walking up and down the hill (to reset and refocus)

  • Walking a dog around the property

  • Brushing animals (dogs & cats) 

  • Picking up sticks or pinecones in a designated outdoor area

  • Collecting small rocks from the yard or path

  • Moving rocks from one location to another

  • Sweeping outdoor walkways or classroom areas

  • Watering plants or garden beds

  • Cleaning or organizing classroom shelves

  • Assisting with tidying up after group activities

  • Cleaning the chicken coop (for older students and with supervision)

  • Wiping down tables or helping clean the entry area

  • Wracking leaves 

  • Pulling weeds from the garden/flower beds

  • All tasks will be age-appropriate and supervised. Parents will be notified of any recurring behaviors and corresponding tasks assigned.

4th Incident – Parent Contact

  • The program director will contact the parent or guardian to discuss the ongoing behavior. A behavior support plan will be created to help the student succeed.

Continued or Serious Behavior – Suspension or Dismissal

  • Repeated or severe behavior (including aggression, bullying, or defiance) may result in temporary suspension or permanent removal from the program at the director’s discretion. No refunds will be given in such cases.

Behaviors That May Lead to Immediate Removal:

  • Physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting)

  • Verbal threats or repeated foul/inappropriate language

  • Destruction of property

  • Defiance of adult instructions

  • Repeated bullying or harassment

Younger Students (Pre-K to 1st Grade)

  • For younger learners, redirection, brief breaks, and simple language are used to guide behavior. Parents may be contacted earlier in the process for guidance and support.

  • Students are given more opportunities to correct their behavior but are not exempt from restorative tasks.

Restorative Practices

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to:

  • Apologize or repair relationships

  • Reflect on what happened and what they can do differently next time

  • Take ownership of their choices in a supportive, non-shaming way

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment – Parent Volunteer Policy

Gillespie Homeschool Enrichment thrives on community involvement. To help us maintain a safe, supportive, and well-supervised environment, we kindly ask that each family volunteer one day per month to assist with supervision or program support.

Volunteer Responsibilities May Include:

  • Assisting with classroom supervision or outdoor activities

  • Helping with setup, cleanup, or transitions between activities

  • Supporting small group learning or creative projects

  • Supervising free play or lunch breaks

Volunteer shifts will be scheduled in advance and coordinated with the program director. If a parent is unable to fulfill a scheduled volunteer day, we ask for as much notice as possible and may offer alternate ways to support the program (e.g., helping with materials, donating supplies, etc.).

Please Note:

  • All volunteers must respect program rules and follow staff guidance while on site.

  • Siblings not enrolled in the program may not attend volunteer shifts unless otherwise approved.

  • This volunteer time is a key part of maintaining our low student-to-adult ratio and ensuring a quality experience for all students.