WHAT WE BELIEVE

 

The Connection is a network of qualified academic tutors who partner with parents to provide college-bound students with rigorous, challenging instruction in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.The Connection is a network of qualified academic tutors who partner with parents to provide college-bound students with rigorous, challenging instruction in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment.

 

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Think on these things - Let them be the object of your careful attention and study, so as to practice them. Think what they are; think on the obligation to observe them; think on the influence which they would have on the world around you.


THE primary TEACHER

 

As your child's primary teacher, you play a big part in how well your son or daughter does in school.

 

PARTNER WITH US

 

We invite you to work with our teachers to help students get all they can out of the schoolyear.

PARENT’S ROLE

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY 


Foremost, we are committed to the educational philosophy that defines the homeschooling movement: parents are a student's primary source of learning.   We are a support to the homeschooling family, not a substitute for instruction at home. Therefore, we have outlined a few commitments of responsibility:

Parents are still the primary teachers and ultimately responsible for the education of their own children. In addition, it is the parents' full responsibility to keep ongoing attendance and grading records for their students if or when these are needed for the fulfillment of future academic (or other) pursuits. The Connection cannot guarantee any such documentation for any student. For families residing in Tennessee, parents are expected to register their children with their choice of an umbrella school. Our classes are designed to extend home education, not replace it. We are a curriculum provider, not your legal liaison with the state.  In addition, it is the parent’s responsibility to be aware of material covered in class, weekly assignments and due dates, and to work with their child(ren) to prepare them for each week’s class. Most classes will require 1-1 ½ hours of work per weekday per class at home per class. Parents are expected to oversee their child's progress, so they may be prepared to turn in all assignments and have the maximum benefit of instruction time. 

Students have educational and behavioral expectations to meet. Students do not need to be a believer of Christ in order to participate at The Connection; however, they need to respect Christian values and morals in behavior, dress, and conduct. If absent from class, it is the responsibility of the student, with the support of the parent, to contact the tutor and request information and assignments missed. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all assignments, and/ or contact the tutor for additional clarification when confusion arises during the week. Finally, if an e-mail response has been assigned or web tutorial has been provided, it is the responsibility of the student to access this technology and use it effectively to complete the assignment given.


Tutors are responsible for class preparation, communication of expectations, classroom discipline, and evaluation. The Connection adheres to the morals and values as displayed by Jesus Christ, operating from a distinctly Biblical worldview. As such, we have a responsibility to provide an excellent educational experience for your child (Col. 3:23). Our tutors are highly qualified in their area of academics, with each holding education and experience within their specific disciplines. Tutors regularly provide homework helps (assignment sheets/ assignment calendar), so students and parents understand teacher expectations. Tutors will maintain an orderly classroom environment conducive to learning. Tutors are always available for a phone call, email, or conference to provide additional feedback or answer questions.


GRADING: Tutors provide a semester evaluation in the form of a numeric score as well as letter grades; averages are also available by request if your homeschooling organization works on the quarter system. Course tests and grades will be assigned by the tutor for work completed in class; however, the final grades given to the student are ultimately under the discretion of the parent- teacher. In addition, it is the parent’s responsibility to report their child’s final grade(s) to their umbrella school.

ATTENDANCE: We offer year long courses designed in two semesters each consisting of 16-to-17 weeks depending on the class/ curriculum. Classes will meet for 32-35 weeks. Attendance is vital to performance; therefore, unexcused absences are discouraged. If an attendance problem arises, it will be addressed first by the tutor before involving the director.

DRESS CODE: The Connection dress code allows pants, knee-length short/ skirts, sleeved shirts for girls, and (preferably) collared shirts for boys. Cleanliness and modesty, which display Christian character, is expected at all times. No tank tops, T-shirts with sayings, flip-flops, or Crocs are allowed on campus.


DISCIPLINARY ACTION: In rare cases a more assertive disciplinary approach may be necessary due to violations in behavior, tutor/church guidelines, or dress code. In these situations the following procedures have been established:

  • One warning from the tutor for any violation.
  • Upon next violation, student may be asked to leave classroom and tutor will contact the parent.
  • Upon third violation, a conference will be scheduled between tutor, parent and director before student is allowed back in class.


The Connection reserves the right to suspend or expel any student for behavioral reasons.


RESOLUTION OF CONFLICT: We seek to follow the conflict resolution principles as given in Matthew 18:15-20. If the parent has a problem with a tutor, we ask that it first remain a private matter between the parent and the tutor. If no agreement can be made between the parties, then the director will become involved to arbitrate.

PHOTO RELEASE: Throughout the year your child may be photographed by his or her teacher or yearbook staff. By signing below you grant The Connection the right to publish your child(ren.)’s photograph(s) in publications or on The Connection’s website.   You understand that this photo may be used in the agency’s publications or on a website designed to promote the agency’s services as well as offer information and resources.  By signing below, you acknowledge your understanding of the above and grant your permission for the use of the photograph(s).

SCHOOL CALENDAR/MAKEUP DAYS: All notices and/or closures for inclement weather or other similar school issues will be placed on The Connection website (www.theconnectiontutorial.com) as needed. Please check the website frequently. If a tutor is sick, it is at his/her discretion to make up the class. Parents and students will be notified as soon as possible if a class will be canceled due to illness. An optional makeup day in the schedule may be utilized by tutors for canceled school days.