Purpose
We are dedicated to enriching the lives and education of homeschool families through elective academics and social interaction. Open Minds Project welcomes all families regardless of religion, race, or family makeup, as long as they are active, committed participants. Please read our code of conduct to better understand who we are.
code of conduct
There will be a test! Just Kidding... Are you ready to join us?
Our spots are limited and often fill quickly. Families who are interested in developing and leading classes are given priority. If you are that parent, Be Ready to share your passion and Fill out an interest form here!
Schedule
Open Minds Cooperative meets once a week on Tuesdays at a Church in Edwardsville, IL. There are three class periods, lunch, and recess.
- 9:45 Doors open
- Instructors begin classroom setup and nursery become available
- Parents sign in on attendance log, distribute family name tags, and help their kids find a calm seated activity while waiting for the day to begin.
- 10:00 Announcements
- Parents and Students (except nursery) should listen quietly for announcements
- Stars students walk as a group to class and other students are dismissed.
- 10:15-11:05 Class Period 1
- 11:10-12:00 Class Period 2
- 12:00-12:25 Lunch
- 12:30-12:55 Free time: Gym recess, Quiet lounge, Nursery, Teen clubs
- 1:00-1:50 Class Period 3
- 1:50 Cleanup & Dismissal
- Students are seated in dining hall while waiting for their adult to finish their responsibilities
- Instructors/Assistants finish work in classrooms
- Parents return name tags, collect their belongings and depart with children
2025-2026 Projected Schedule
- Fall 1: Sep 2 - Oct 7
- no class 10/14 & 10/21
- Fall 2: Oct 28 - Dec 9 (skipping Nov 25)
- Spring 1: Feb 10- March 17
- no class March 24th & March 31
- Spring 2: April 7 - May 12
classes
We strive to provide an assortment of courses covering subjects students find interesting. Courses are decided when volunteer commitments and student enrollments are finalized. Past classes have included: mission to Mars, art elements, anatomy (with dissection), child development, geology rocks, first aide, animal exploration, yearbook, cooking, engineering for purpose, discovering dinosaurs, chess, Spanish, character drawing, photography, sewing, farm life, improvisation, and much more. At this time, classes are divided by age with 5-6 year olds in one class and 7 and older choosing their classes. There is a nursery and pre-k room available for younger siblings
student creations
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Parent Involvement
In order to keep costs low, and involvement high, all parents volunteer. A parent/guardian is required to remain on site, and is expected to be actively engaged in 2 volunteer positions during class days. Volunteer positions are re-assigned at every session change, so there is an opportunity to try different positions. Please inform a board member if an assigned position is not working out, and we will attempt to adjust. Below are examples of jobs you may choose to assist with.
Instructor: Prepare a syllabus, lesson plans, and supply list. Lead lessons and manage classroom behaviors in a respectful way, modeling kindness. Address concerns with a guardians and/or board members. Leave Sub plans in classroom supply tote. Sessions consist of five, 45 minute class periods. Clean classroom and wipe tables to leave as it was found. Instructor PERK: Families with an adult signed up as a lead instructor will get first choice on class selections for their kids.
Assistant Teacher: Assist instructor during class as needed while modeling appropriate active engagement for students. Remain off technology throughout class period to model and engage students. Clean classroom and wipe tables to leave as it was found. When possible, be first substitute during teacher absence.
Administrative: Assist with paperwork, scheduling, organizing field trips, lesson planning, parties, etc.
Nursery: Arrive in nursery at 9:45 so instructors can get their child settled before preparing their room. Organize room, wiping surfaces before the day, as needed. Meet with parents as children arrive to discuss child’s needs. Follow parent instructions on child’s needs, and alert parent if a child becomes inconsolable. Wipe surfaces and tidy room after class. ALL nursery volunteers must complete a background check.
Gym Supervisors: Provide assistance in healthy socialization through leading activities or assisting students in leading. Divide gym when needed to encourage safe play. Supervise to prevent injuries. Respond to injuries/conflicts with respect. Alert parents, or a board member, when needed. Remain in gymnasium until students have left for classes. Put away equipment and check for lost and found items to bring to dining room.
Cleaning: Ensure dining hall is tidy by pushing in chairs, wiping tables, and sweeping floor. Check classrooms and dining room for cleanliness. Empty classroom trash. Clean chalk boards and white boards. Return Open Minds supplies to storage.
Instructor: Prepare a syllabus, lesson plans, and supply list. Lead lessons and manage classroom behaviors in a respectful way, modeling kindness. Address concerns with a guardians and/or board members. Leave Sub plans in classroom supply tote. Sessions consist of five, 45 minute class periods. Clean classroom and wipe tables to leave as it was found. Instructor PERK: Families with an adult signed up as a lead instructor will get first choice on class selections for their kids.
Assistant Teacher: Assist instructor during class as needed while modeling appropriate active engagement for students. Remain off technology throughout class period to model and engage students. Clean classroom and wipe tables to leave as it was found. When possible, be first substitute during teacher absence.
Administrative: Assist with paperwork, scheduling, organizing field trips, lesson planning, parties, etc.
Nursery: Arrive in nursery at 9:45 so instructors can get their child settled before preparing their room. Organize room, wiping surfaces before the day, as needed. Meet with parents as children arrive to discuss child’s needs. Follow parent instructions on child’s needs, and alert parent if a child becomes inconsolable. Wipe surfaces and tidy room after class. ALL nursery volunteers must complete a background check.
Gym Supervisors: Provide assistance in healthy socialization through leading activities or assisting students in leading. Divide gym when needed to encourage safe play. Supervise to prevent injuries. Respond to injuries/conflicts with respect. Alert parents, or a board member, when needed. Remain in gymnasium until students have left for classes. Put away equipment and check for lost and found items to bring to dining room.
Cleaning: Ensure dining hall is tidy by pushing in chairs, wiping tables, and sweeping floor. Check classrooms and dining room for cleanliness. Empty classroom trash. Clean chalk boards and white boards. Return Open Minds supplies to storage.
Other things to know
We know not every family does things the same way, that’s part of the beauty of homeschooling. However, in a group setting, we need to abide by agreed upon guidelines. All families sign a list of policies and expectations designed to provide structure and clarity within the Open Minds Project. All families shall review and sign this document before participating.
Each family will contribute a supply fee per semester. Scholarships may be awarded on an as-needed basis. Please contact contact the board to begin scholarship discussions.
Families in good standing will have priority enrollment year-to-year by confirming their commitment and updating information before the current session ends. Public enrollment will open at the board’s discretion to grow the student body. The anticipated maximum enrollment is 60 students and their families.
Each family will contribute a supply fee per semester. Scholarships may be awarded on an as-needed basis. Please contact contact the board to begin scholarship discussions.
Families in good standing will have priority enrollment year-to-year by confirming their commitment and updating information before the current session ends. Public enrollment will open at the board’s discretion to grow the student body. The anticipated maximum enrollment is 60 students and their families.
AttendanDANCE
Member attendance is crucial to the success of Open Minds Cooperative. Absent students miss opportunities to build friendships and learn. Absent volunteers cause disruption to the organization of class days.
- Families are required to attend 60% of class time. Missing more than two weeks in a five-week session will result in being asked to sit out the following session. This policy applies to all absences, both planned and unplanned, and is primarily directed at parent volunteers.
- If an adult volunteer needs to be absent, sending the students with another adult who is willing and able to help where needed will be counted as the family attending for the day. If one child from a family needs to be absent, but the rest of the family attends, that will be counted as the family attending for the day.
- Planned absences: While we encourage families to plan outings and appointments around OMC meeting days, we understand that things come up. If you know in advance about an absence, contact the board as soon as possible to find a replacement. If you know you will be away for two or more weeks, consider sitting out the session. Electing to sit out a session will not result in a penalty.
Our spots are limited and often fill quickly. Families who are interested in developing and leading classes are given priority. If you are that parent, Be Ready to share your passion and Fill out an interest form here!
Leadership
Open Minds Cooperative is led by a parent advisory board. The board consists of representatives from every student age group plus a club leader. Currently the club leader is Mindy Cory and representatives are Melissa Patton: Volunteer Coordinator, Karrington Bostick: Treasurer, and Elizabeth McMahon: Secretary. We work as a team and are all available to address questions or concerns. Board members attend weekly meetings, participate in problem solving, coordinate decision making, structure planning efforts, serve as role models for member families, and listen in confidence to parent or student concerns. Those interested in leadership opportunities can contact the board for information.
Questions, Concerns, and comments
Once all of your information has been received and approved, we will call to discuss enrollment and you will receive a link to a private Facebook group. If you have any questions or concerns, please email.
