Purpose
We are dedicated to enriching the lives and education of our children through elective academics and social interaction. Open Minds Cooperative welcomes all families regardless of religion, race, or family makeup, as long as they are active, committed participants.
Schedule
Open Minds meets once a week on Tuesdays at a Church in Edwardsville, IL.
There are three class periods, lunch, and recess.
There are three class periods, lunch, and recess.
- Announcements: 10:10 - 10:15
- 1st hour: 10:15 - 11:00
- 2nd hour: 11:00 - 11:45
- Lunch: 11:45 - 12:05
- Gym/Recess: 12:05 - 12:35
- Restroom/Transition: 12:35-12:45
- 3rd hour: 12:45-1:30
classes
We strive to provide an assortment of courses covering subjects students find interesting. Courses are decided upon once enrollment and volunteer commitments are finalized. Past classes have included: mission to Mars, art elements, anatomy (with dissection), child development, geology rocks, first aide, animal exploration, yearbook, 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
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 family involvement high, we request all parents volunteer. A parent/guardian is required to remain on site, and is expected to be actively engaged in a volunteer position during class days. Volunteer positions are re-assigned at every session change, so there is opportunity to try different positions. Please inform a board member if an assigned position is not working out, and we will attempt to adjust when possible. Below are examples of jobs you may choose to assist with.
Instructor: Prepare a syllabus and supply/cost list for a course, and lead the course. Sessions consist of five, 45 minute class periods. Instructors lead lessons and manage classroom behaviors in a respectful way, modeling leadership and kindness. Student concerns are addressed with the parent and/or board members. Sub plans are left in classroom supply tote. 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 actively engagement for students. Be first substitute if teacher has an 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 in before preparing their room. Organize room for safety, wiping surfaces before the day, and as needed. Meet with parents as children arrive, discuss any child’s individual needs. Follow parent instructions on child’s needs, alert the parent if a child becomes inconsolable. Remain in nursery room until parents collect their children. Wipe surfaces and tidy room after class.
Gym Supervisors: Provide assistance in healthy socialization through leading games or assisting students in leading. Divide gym into sections as needed to encourage safe choices. 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. Check for lost and found items, bring any to dining room. Check that all equipment has been properly put away.
Dining Room Supervisors: Assist in passing out purchased lunches. Encourage students to clean up, push in chairs, wipe tables, and or sweep floor if necessary. Escort interested students to the gym after cleaning up. Return to dining hall to supervise those playing quietly. Ensure dining hall is tidy.
Substitute/Float: Not every adult will have an assigned position during every period. Adults should remain available as needed
Instructor: Prepare a syllabus and supply/cost list for a course, and lead the course. Sessions consist of five, 45 minute class periods. Instructors lead lessons and manage classroom behaviors in a respectful way, modeling leadership and kindness. Student concerns are addressed with the parent and/or board members. Sub plans are left in classroom supply tote. 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 actively engagement for students. Be first substitute if teacher has an 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 in before preparing their room. Organize room for safety, wiping surfaces before the day, and as needed. Meet with parents as children arrive, discuss any child’s individual needs. Follow parent instructions on child’s needs, alert the parent if a child becomes inconsolable. Remain in nursery room until parents collect their children. Wipe surfaces and tidy room after class.
Gym Supervisors: Provide assistance in healthy socialization through leading games or assisting students in leading. Divide gym into sections as needed to encourage safe choices. 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. Check for lost and found items, bring any to dining room. Check that all equipment has been properly put away.
Dining Room Supervisors: Assist in passing out purchased lunches. Encourage students to clean up, push in chairs, wipe tables, and or sweep floor if necessary. Escort interested students to the gym after cleaning up. Return to dining hall to supervise those playing quietly. Ensure dining hall is tidy.
Substitute/Float: Not every adult will have an assigned position during every period. Adults should remain available as needed
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. The following is a list of policies and expectations designed to provide structure and clarity within OMC. All families shall review and sign this document before participating in classes.
The Open Minds group operates as a 4-H special interest club. In addition to guidelines implemented by group leaders, we abide by rules and regulations set forth by the University of Illinois Extension Office, which oversees the 4-H program in Madison County. This includes agreeing to their Code of Conduct, following special rules related to COVID-19 restrictions, and mask policies. At this time, masks are not required.
All students (5 and older) will need to become 4-H members. In order to become a member of 4-H, there is an annual fee of $20/student. (Fee is currently waived because of local business sponsorship.) Each family will also contribute a $50 supply fee per semester. Scholarships may be awarded on an as-needed basis. Please contact a board member to begin scholarship discussions.
Families in good standing will have priority enrollment year-to-year by confirming their commitment and updating their information before the current session ends. Public enrollment will open at the board’s discretion to grow the student body. The anticipated maximum is 60 students and their families.
The Open Minds group operates as a 4-H special interest club. In addition to guidelines implemented by group leaders, we abide by rules and regulations set forth by the University of Illinois Extension Office, which oversees the 4-H program in Madison County. This includes agreeing to their Code of Conduct, following special rules related to COVID-19 restrictions, and mask policies. At this time, masks are not required.
All students (5 and older) will need to become 4-H members. In order to become a member of 4-H, there is an annual fee of $20/student. (Fee is currently waived because of local business sponsorship.) Each family will also contribute a $50 supply fee per semester. Scholarships may be awarded on an as-needed basis. Please contact a board member to begin scholarship discussions.
Families in good standing will have priority enrollment year-to-year by confirming their commitment and updating their information before the current session ends. Public enrollment will open at the board’s discretion to grow the student body. The anticipated maximum 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, arrange a substitute for your position by checking the volunteer list and making arrangements. 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.
In it to win it?
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, Karrington Bostick, and Elizabeth McMahon. We work as a team and are all available to address questions or address 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, you will receive a link to a private Facebook group. If you have any questions or concerns, please email: openminds4h@gmail.com
