Network Policies

Since the Network classes meet one day a week, this presents a challenge to all. To encourage wise use of the time, instances of disruptions in class, disregard for assignments, and disrespect of the teacher or other students can not be tolerated. Specific judgments may be appealed to the Network Advisory Council (AC) for consideration of extenuating circumstances. These policies are in place to maintain an academic and wholesome atmosphere.

Cheating and Unrepentant

If a teacher determines that a student has cheated, and the student is unrepentant, the teacher shall inform the AC.  The AC will review all the available information and decide whether or not the student is to be expelled from the Network.

Absenteeism

Parents are required to notify the Network administrator or a hall monitor of an excused absence before the scheduled class time. An absence will be considered excused if it is for reason of sickness, bereavement, or cancellation of local school due to bad weather AND the required notification is made. Otherwise, it is considered an unexcused absence. We realize that families and students take vacations and attend mission trips.  These will be considered unexcused, but we hope that families will plan ahead so that such absences do not exceed the limit. Unexcused absences result in the following consequences:

1st offense: $20 fine and the first warning

2nd offense: $50 fine and the second and final warning

3rd offense: Expulsion from the Network

Excused absences are also disruptive to the class environment. We strongly encourage all families to minimize all unnecessary absences. The Network will continue the policy of only allowing three excused absences. The 4th absence of any kind may result in expulsion from the Network or a fine up to $50.  We realize that some homeschool students may have conditions or commitments that result in erratic schedules.  If that will lead to excessive absences, the Network is probably not a good fit for your student.

Tardiness

Tardiness disrupts the classroom environment, and portrays a poor attitude.  When a student is late for class the teacher will note the tardiness on the class attendance record.  Repeated tardiness will be accounted as an unexcused absence.

Dress Code

Each student is expected to come to the Network properly dressed in a Network shirt or sweatshirt, and to wear them in an appropriate and modest manner. Any student that comes to class not wearing the uniform will be sent to the hall monitor, who will provide one for their use for the day. Shirts/sweatshirts wearing the Network logo MUST be the outer most top. Nothing may be worn over the Network shirt/sweatshirt. We ask that students not wear caps at the Network. Girls’ skirts may be no more than 3” above the knee. Repeated offenses in this area will be considered as “Unprepared for class”.

Preparedness for Class

It is each student’s responsibility to come to class fully prepared and ready to participate.  This includes completion of the assigned homework. Failure in this area will result in a charge of “unprepared for class”.

1st offense: Phone call warning to the parents

2nd offense: $10 fine and a phone call warning to the parents

3rd offense: $25 fine and a final phone call warning to the parents

4th offense: Possible expulsion from the class

Class Drop Policy

Classes can be dropped up until the fourth week after they begin in fall, but once budgets are set, the classes are commitments for the entire school year.  Classes dropped during week 1 will receive a $55 credit/refund; classes dropped during week 2 will receive a $45 credit/refund; classes dropped during weeks 3-4 will receive a $35 credit/refund.  Any classes dropped during week 5 or later will receive no credit/refund and will be billed as if the student is still enrolled in that class for the remainder of the school year.  The Network has made contracts with teachers by week 5 and believes it is important for all parties to honor contracts/commitments made.

To drop a class complete the required form and hand it in to the Network Administrator at the hall monitor's table.

Snow Policy

The Network may cancel or delay classes due to bad weather. Notification will be given on TV’s KCCI (listed as “The Network-Des Moines” which will appear in the t’s alphabetically) and an email sent to all students and staff. If your local school district doesn't have school, then you will be excused if you can not make it into the Network. Teachers will assign homework via email for the week. Families pay tuition for snow days. On some occasions, the Network may employ a late start schedule.  Classes will begin at 10:00am with 2nd and 3rd period classes beginning at 10:50am and 11:40am respectively.  Lunch and afternoon classes will resume at their regular times.  If classes are delayed, continue to watch the school notifications, because classes may end up being canceled altogether. (Late starts and cancellation will be made by 7:00am)

If you are outside the metro and school has been cancelled in your area due to bad weather, call the Network Administrator on the Network cell phone (707-8846) and you will be excused for the day.

Contact teachers for your assignments.

Cell Phones

Students are to turn off their cell phones and keep them in their bags during the day. They are allowed to call/text ONLY during a break in their day IN the lunchroom/gym or between the double doors in the front foyer as they wait for their ride. If you need to contact your student during the day due to an emergency, please call The Network cell phone and a message will be given to your student. If a teacher, hall monitor, or other Network staff member sees a student's cell phone outside of these parameters (on or off), that student's name will come before the Advisory Council for possible disciplinary action of a $100 fine or expulsion from the Network.

Firearms and weapons

Students, staff, teachers or guests of the Network may not have in their possession any of the following prohibited items. This policy covers any facility where the Network meets and any time while the Network is in session including times before and after the Network session while individuals are arriving or departing.

  1. Firearms as defined by Iowa Code
  2. Any dangerous or prohibited item as defined by Iowa Code Section 702.7
  3. Any other item as determined by the Advisory council or the facility in which we meet.
  4. Explosives including fireworks as defined by Iowa Code

Exceptions to this policy may only be made in advance with the consent of the Director, Administrator, and Facility Manager.

If any prohibited item is found, it will be immediately confiscated. The first offense will carry a fine of up to $100 and possible expulsion as determined by the Advisory Council. Any second offense will result in immediate expulsion without recourse or remedy other than due process.

Facility rules at Grace Church

We want to honor Grace Church by keeping wear and tear of the facilities to a minimum.

  1. Do not use the phones at Grace Church. Do not make church staff run messages. Use the Network cell phone at the Network Administration table.
  2. No student, parent, or teacher will be allowed to use the first floor main kitchen.
  3. No student, parent, or teacher will be allowed to use the copy machine.
  4. There will be no food or drink in the atrium or classrooms.  Please respect this.
  5. Do not go through the double doors to the south of the bathrooms and do not go into the worship center.
  6. No one is to leave the building during the Network day unless they have a break of at least 1 hour between classes and have parental permission.
  7. In order to leave the building, the student must be on the sign out list at the Network Administration table and must sign in and out each Monday with them.
  8. We are being given the privilege of using the gymnasium. We will be using it for babysitting, lunch and a hang out area between classes. There will be no bouncing balls in the atrium. Grace will have the hoops down most of the time in the gym.
  9. Please clean up after yourselves. We must leave the rooms and gym area clean.
  10. Younger children must be supervised at all times in a portioned area in the gym.
  11. Lunch can be eaten in the gymnasium. No eating in class unless it is a party or initiated by the instructor. No food leaves the classroom. It is OK to use the drinking fountain by the bathrooms.
  12. Use of the Atrium is prohibited.
  13. No students may use the bathrooms by the office. These are for church staff only.