POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The Village exists to provide students, families, businesses, mentors, and community partners with a safe, encouraging, and purpose-driven environment. The following policies help us maintain a culture of respect, responsibility, service, and personal growth.

Students are expected to:

• Treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Follow directions from Village staff, mentors, volunteers, and approved partners.
• Contribute positively to the community.
• Care for Village property and equipment.
• Maintain appropriate language, behavior, and attire.
• Participate in service opportunities and community responsibilities.
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility.

Bullying, harassment, threats, violence, discrimination, possession of weapons, illegal substances, vaping, alcohol, tobacco products, theft, vandalism, or other dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.

The Village believes students thrive when families and communities work together.

Families are expected to:

• Maintain accurate emergency contact information.
• Inform staff of significant health, safety, behavioral, custody, or educational concerns.
• Support Village policies and expectations.
• Communicate concerns respectfully and promptly.
• Participate in meetings or conferences when requested.
• Complete required forms, permissions, and waivers as needed.

We encourage every family to actively contribute to the Village community through service, mentorship, prayer, partnerships, or voluntary support.

Student safety is a foundational priority of The Village.

All staff, mentors, volunteers, drivers, and approved partners who work directly with students must comply with applicable screening, background check, clearance, and training requirements.

Any concerns involving student safety, abuse, neglect, harassment, threats, self-harm, violence, or other serious incidents will be addressed promptly and reported to appropriate authorities when required by law.

Families are responsible for providing accurate medical information, including allergies, medications, emergency contacts, and other health-related concerns that may affect a student's participation.

In the event of an illness, injury, or medical emergency, The Village may contact emergency services and/or seek appropriate medical assistance when a parent or guardian cannot be reached.

Every student is welcome at The Open Table.

Students may enjoy available meals, snacks, beverages, and café offerings throughout their time at The Village.  Food allergies, dietary restrictions, and medical concerns should be disclosed to Village staff. While we strive to accommodate needs whenever possible, families remain responsible for informing us of known medical conditions.

The Village is not a school and does not issue grades, diplomas, transcripts, or educational credentials.  Families remain responsible for selecting and maintaining enrollment with their chosen educational program, including public, private, cyber, homeschool, or hybrid options.

Village mentors provide encouragement, accountability, guidance, supervision, and support but do not replace the parent, school, or educational provider.

Students are encouraged to attend The Village as much or as little as they would like. Our goal is not perfect attendance, but meaningful participation.  We simply ask that students attend the sessions they reserve. When a student reserves a spot and does not attend, another student may miss the opportunity to participate.  If plans change, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible so another student can take your place. Respecting reservations helps us serve more students and steward our resources well.

Students may participate in approved transportation, field trips, apprenticeships, service projects, career exploration activities, and community experiences with signed parent authorization.

Additional permission forms may be required for certain activities.

Students are expected to follow all safety instructions and behavioral expectations during transportation and off-site activities.

Businesses, organizations, churches, mentors, and community partners participating with The Village agree to:

• Maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
• Treat students with dignity and respect.
• Model professionalism and integrity.
• Follow all applicable laws and regulations.
• Immediately report safety concerns or incidents.
• Cooperate with Village staff regarding student supervision and expectations.

All partners working directly with students may be subject to background checks, clearances, training requirements, or approval processes.

Students are welcome to bring cell phones to The Village, but they should remain put away unless there is an emergency.  The Village is a place to study, serve, train, and grow. When technology is needed for learning or projects, The Village will provide the necessary devices.

We will never confiscate a student's phone. However, students using phones during sessions will be asked to put them away.

Students are responsible for their personal belongings. The Village is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property, including phones, computers, bicycles, vehicles, or other personal items brought onto Village property or to Village-sponsored activities.

The Village encourages respectful communication and timely resolution of concerns.

Students, families, volunteers, and partners should bring concerns directly to Village leadership so issues can be addressed fairly, respectfully, and constructively.

The Village reserves the right to deny, suspend, or revoke participation when a student's behavior, a family's conduct, or a partner's actions create safety concerns or substantially interfere with the mission, operations, or well-being of the community.

The Village reserves the right to update, modify, or revise policies, procedures, programs, and participation requirements as needed to support its mission, comply with legal requirements, and protect the safety and well-being of the community.

The Village exists to love students, discover gifts, and launch purpose. Every policy, procedure, and decision is guided by our commitment to create a safe, welcoming, and purpose-driven community for all.