•  Shema Homeschool Co-op's purpose is to educate our children in a Christ-centered environment, providing unique educational opportunities that capitalize on the strengths of the parents involved. Secondly, we seek to foster community among our families and provide support and encouragement to one another on the homeschooling journey, with whatever curriculum and methodology you choose to educate your children. Our co-op mornings consist of four classes for children Kindergarten through 12th grade. We also offer preschool classes and nursery for the siblings of older students!

•  We are an "all hands-on deck" co-op. This means all moms (and/or dads, grandma, etc.) are involved and present during co-op each week and will be assigned to be a helper or to teach classes, if they prefer. We do this with everyone’s individual gifting and preferences in mind.

•   There is a $100 co-op contribution per co-op day, per family for each semester. These funds go towards anything needed throughout the year such as materials for class projects, paper and cleaning supplies.  Example: Tuesdays = $100 per family for the semester. Thursdays = $100 per family per semester. If you select to attend both Tue. & Thurs., then your cost will be $200 for the entire family for a 14 week semester. 

• All enrollment forms are subject for review. Enrollment is not based on an approval system, however Shema Homeschool Co-op reserves the right for any reason deemed necessary by the leadership team to decline enrollment on behalf of the best interest of its current members.

• Due to an abundance of preschoolers, if you only have children below Kindergarten, preschool enrollment is reserved for siblings of older students. We do review preschool enrollment on a case-by-case basis and welcome families that are committed to homeschooling upon availability.  

         Please click the Preschool Inquiry link here for consideration. 

 Table of Contents

1. Contact Information

2. Background Checks

3. Student Information

4. Release & Liability Waiver

5. Statement of Faith Agreement

6. Dress Code

7. Illness Policy

8. Teaching 

9. Payment/Contribution

10. Commitment

If your oldest is going into pre-K or below this Fall, please click on the Preschool Inquiry link here.  ***Required birthdate for Kindergarten enrollment is August 15, 2021.

West Haven Church has been most gracious in allowing Shema to use their building at no charge to the co-op which keeps our costs low. 

We strive to keep a safe environment, so there is never a reason to feel that your children will be put in any danger. The facility is also maintained and very safe. We require 2 adults in every classroom at all times. 

This waiver may come across strongly, but we do want to ensure that the church is proctected from being liable for injuries that may have occured to anyone while participating in normal activities with Shema Homeschool Co-op. Participants include ALL family members, caretakers and students from Dads & Grandparents to Toddlers and Infants. 

Shema Homeschool Co-op

 Release and Waiver of Liability 2026/2027

To participate in Shema Homeschool Co-op, you are assuming risks and granting permission for: 

To attend and participate in in-person classes with Shema Homeschool Co-op at West Haven Baptist Church in Tonganoxie.  In doing so I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree that: 

On my behalf, and on behalf of my child(ren), I and any legal representatives, heirs and assigns, herby release, waive and discharge Shema and West Haven Baptist Church, It’s leaders, pastors, teachers, staff and representatives from all liabilities, claims, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto. I understand and agree that this release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions or negligence of Shema and/or West Haven Baptist Church, its teachers, staff, representatives whether it be before, during or after participation in any Shema program or activity. 

I am giving up on behalf of my child(ren) and myself certain legal rights and remedies including the right for my child(ren) and/or myself to recover damages in the event of death, personal and/or bodily injury of any kind, property loss or damage, expenses of any nature whatsoever including attorney’s fees, and other losses that my student(s) or that I may sustain with association with my child's participation in Shema Homeschool Co-op at West Haven Baptist Church in Tonganoxie. 

I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to the above policy and procedure and that my signature is required for enrollment into Shema Homeschool Co-op.  I voluntarily sign this release as my own free act with full knowledge of its significance, intending to be legally bound thereby.

1. The Bible

We believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final standard for faith, life, and truth. It is final and complete, not to be added to or taken away from. The complete scriptures are 66 books in total from Genesis through Revelation. Any words that contradict what the Bible says cannot be inspired or from God. God’s Word is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and for training in righteousness. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21, Revelation 22:18-19)

2. God

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three personhoods: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all equally divine. God is the Creator of all things, eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, holy, sovereign, just, loving and perfect. (See Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14) 

3. Jesus Christ

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three personhoods: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all equally divine. We believe that Jesus Christ, Yeshua, is eternally God and the Son of God. All things were created through Him, by Him and For Him. When He was in the flesh He was both fully man and fully God. He was the image of the invisible God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and performed miracles. Jesus was crucified on the cross, died as the substitutionary sacrifice for sin, rose bodily from the dead on the third day after his death, ascended to heaven, and will return in power and glory. (See John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-20; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:11) 

4. The Holy Spirit

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three personhoods: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all equally divine. The Holy Spirit is sent to indwell His children. God sent the Holy Spirit who convicts of sin, regenerates the heart, empowers believers for holy living, gives spiritual gifts, and enables the fruits of the Spirit which can only come through Him. (See John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-17; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 John 4:14-15, Genesis 1:2)  

5. Humanity

We believe that all people are created in the image of God but have sinned and fall short of His glory. Sin separates us from God. God loves humanity as His most special creation. So He sent Jesus to bring us back into a right relationship with Him. We believe that the path to healing and wholeness is found not in self-redefinition, but in submitting to God’s truth, receiving His grace, and walking in the identity He has given. God has given humanity dominion over all creation to responsibly rule and steward it for His glory. (See Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:23) 

6. Sin and Salvation

All humans have sinned. No one can earn salvation. We believe that salvation is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection alone to pay the punishment that we deserve. Salvation is a gift of God, not earned by works. All who repent of their sins and trust in Christ are justified, adopted into God's family, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. While the believer is justified by grace through faith, sanctification is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit throughout this life. We are called to daily growth in holiness but ultimate perfection is achieved only at glorification when we see Christ face to face. (See Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1; John 1:12, Romans 6:23)

7. The Church

We believe the Church is made up of all true believers around the world—the Body of Christ. Jesus Christ is the head of this body, and He loves and sustains His Church. Each member of the body has a unique and vital role, designed to be lived out for God’s glory as we serve together in unity. As we faithfully use our spiritual gifts alongside one another, the Church grows in strength and witness. The local church is the visible expression of this global body. It is called to gather in worship, grow through discipleship, share life in fellowship, serve with compassion, and live on mission in the world. (See Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:11-16, Ephesians 5:22-33)

10. God's Design for Marriage and Family

We believe that marriage is a sacred covenant instituted by God, uniting one man and one woman in a lifelong, exclusive union becoming one flesh. It is a beautiful reflection of the relationship between Christ and His Church - Christ being the head of the church like the husband is the head of the wife. It is scriptural that the wife submit to her husband as the church submits to Christ. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church and gave Himself up for her. 

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to raise their children in the knowledge and instruction of the Lord, disciplining and discipling them according to scripture and the glory of God. They are to explain the gospel to them and lead them to saving faith in Jesus. Children are to honor and obey their parents, as unto the Lord. (See Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:22–33, Gen 2:18, Ephesians 6:1)

11. Gender Identity and God's Design

All people are created in the image of God. We believe that God intentionally created each person as either male or female. A person’s biological sex, assigned by God at birth, is not a mistake or arbitrary. It is a foundational part of their identity and purpose. We affirm that God’s design for gender is good, purposeful, and not subject to personal preference or cultural trends. We accept God’s sovereign design and wisdom when he created each individual. (See Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13–16; Mark 10:6, Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Jeremiah 1:5)

By signing below, I indicate that I have fully read and understand Shema’s Statement of Faith. I understand that everything will be taught with these viewpoints and standards in mind. 

 Shema Homeschool Co-op Dress Code

As a Christian learning environment, we aim to reflect our faith not only through our words and actions but also through how we present ourselves. This dress code encourages modesty, respect, and readiness to learn, aligning with our identity as followers of Christ. What we wear should honor God, edify others, and encourage a spirit of humility and grace. 

All students and adults at Shema Homeschool Co-op are held to this dress code for all weekly meetings and any events that we will be representing at on or off campus. If a student or adult wears clothing that violates the dress code, extra clothing will be offered to change into. 

Dress Code Guidelines:

1. Clothing should not be revealing or suggestive. Please avoid outfits that are overly tight, short, low-cut, transparent or sheer. 
2. Shorts must be worn under skirts or dresses at all times, due to the active nature of activities that our students and adults may participate in on a weekly basis. Shorts and skirts must also be a minimum of finger tip length when one is standing up straight with their hands at their sides. 
3. Tank tops will follow the “2 finger width” standard. Straps must be 2 finger widths thick of the person wearing the tank tops. 
4. No undershirt-style tank tops (commonly referred to as “A-shirts”) worn as the only shirt.
   Cut-off shirts or muscle shirts
   Camisoles (camis) worn as tops
   Any top that exposes the torso/midriff or cleavage. 
5. Pants or shorts should always sit comfortably at the waist and stay secure in place. Avoid clothing with inappropriate language, graphics, or symbols.

Special Notes:  Youth & Children: Parents and guardians are encouraged to guide young ones in understanding and practicing these values through their clothing choices.

Events & Activities:  Some events (e.g., sports, Field Trips or semi-formal gatherings.) may have more specific or dress expectations; these will be communicated ahead of time.

Grace & Understanding:  We recognize that some may be unfamiliar with these expectations. Let us show kindness and hospitality as they learn and grow in faith together.

ILLNESS POLICY

2026 - 2027

• Children and adults of the entire family must be UNMEDICATED FEVER, DIARRHEA, VOMIT and GREEN MUCUS free for at least 24 hours before attending.

• 
  Children and adults of the entire family must be symptom free of any communicable disease for 24 hours before attending.

• 
  The illness of ONE family member will affect the attendance of the entire family.

• 
  Temperature of 100° or higher will be considered a fever.

Thank you so much for your consideration of others. We are one big family here and we want to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone in the group. 
Illnesses of any type are a big concern, but our God is BIGGER. Lord willing, this will be a smooth year with little to no interruptions!

Sincerely, 

The Leadership Team 

Tentative Class Subjects 2026/2027

Tuesday - Science          

Kindergarten - Answers - New Testament, Zoology, Life Skills & PE       

First Grade -  Answers - New Testament, Zoology, Phonics/ELA, PE

Second Grade -  Answers - New Testament, Zoology, STEM Ocean Explorers, PE

Third Grade - Answers - New Testament, Zoology, STEM Ocean Explorers, Logic, PE

Fourth Grade - Answers - New Testament, Zoology, PE, Drama or Logic

Fifth Grade - Answers - New Testament, Zoology, PE, Drama or Logic 

Middle School - Bible, Zoology, Sign Language, Drama 

HighSchool - Bible, Biology, Sign Language, English/Literature 

Thursday - History / Geography / Social Studies Focus     

Kindergarten - Bible, PE, Spanish, Your World       

First Grade -  Bible, PE, Spanish, Art, Your World

Second Grade -  Bible, PE, Spanish, Art, Pirates and Islands

Third Grade - Bible, PE, History, Lego Building, Pirates and Islands

Fourth Grade - Bible, PE, Wax Museum, Home Ec, Typing

Fifth Grade - Bible, PE, Wax Museum, Home Ec, Typing

Middle School - Bible, Civics, Wax Museum, PE/Health, Spanish

HighSchool - Bible, Government/Economics, PE/Health, Spanish

Note: Infant, Toddler & Preschool classes are available for siblings in kindergarten and up. Those include classes like Bible Time, Music & Movement, Sensory, Arts & Crafts, etc.  

We understand that illness and life circumstances arise from time to time. At the same time, we want to emphasize the importance of consistent weekly attendance within the Shema community. Each member plays a vital role in fulfilling the mission together!

Even when it may feel like your presence is just one small part, your commitment truly matters. Regular attendance is essential to helping us function well as a unified body at Shema Homeschool Co-op. Your consistency helps ensure that classes remain safe, well-supported, and operating at their best for the benefit of all the families in our cherished community.

If you need to be absent for any length of time or need to withdraw for any reason during the semester, please contact Jennifer Belcher to let her know that you will no longer be able to attend for the remainder of the semester.     

By signing below, you understand that you are committing to the day/s that you have selected for the Fall 2026 enrollment, excluding sick days, and/or upon extended leave notice or withdraw notice to Jen Belcher, Director of Shema Homeschool Co-op.