FIRMLY PLANTED
faq
HOMESCHOOL RESOURCE CENTER
What is the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center?
The Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center (FPHRC) exists to equip and connect homeschooling families, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive in their homeschooling journey. We desire
to see every homeschool parent flourishing and confident, every student growing, and challenged.
As an organization, we are committed to empowering students, parents and teachers to pursue education within a broad Christian framework. The Center is committed to bringing a variety of resources to families in order
to achieve a common goal: educating and preparing a generation of children to take their place as a voice of
Christ’s love and as leaders in their own communities and beyond.
Is Firmly Planted Homeschool
resource Center a school?
Simply put: NO. We are advocates for homeschooling
families. As a homeschool resource, we strive to support
parents in whatever educational style they determine is best
for their child.
To this end, the HRC is a consortium, not a school. A
school has employed teachers, a comprehensive syllabus and
learning philosophy for every grade, every subject and every
teacher.
A consortium, on the other hand, is an association of
individuals who come together with the objective of pooling
their resources to achieve a common goal. Our facility will
be host to dozens of individual tutors and instructors who
are not employees, but rather independent sub-contractors.
Each instructor will decide which courses they wish to teach,
establish their own learning objectives, select their own text
or other learning resources and guide their students on a
unique learning journey each semester. We expect texts and
resources may change from one semester to the next.
A heart for the whole family
Because we believe that the success
of homeschooling is due in part to
strong families who have access
to many kinds of educational and
community support, we will offer
more than classes for students. Other
resources will include a bookstore,
early childhood support, adult
education classes, a lending library,
music program, performing arts and
much more. Every resource is offered
on an à la carte basis and parents are
invited to choose which resources best
fit the unique needs of their family.
Why A la carte?
We understand that everyone’s homeschool journey looks different, and each family is seeking support in
areas unique to them. We strive to provide classes and other resources that are as eclectic as the people we
are serving. Every semester will be different, with core classes remaining consistent. Options will range from
offerings like beginning watercolors to advanced physics. We hope everyone will find a place to fit it!
Why choose FPHRC?
We are so much more than a location for classes, an awesome bookstore and a place where kids can learn art
and music, we are a community. Our heartfelt desire is to see parents equipped and supported so that they can
help their students be successful in their journey, too. From coaching on transcript writing and curriculum
consultation, to relaxing in the cafe while your children are in class, the Firmly Planted Resource Center has
a variety of outlets to support parents in every way. It is a place to build lasting friendships, find support, and
journey together.
Too Young to Homeschool? Seedlings™ is just for you!
At the FPHRC, we want to support families at every stage of homeschooling—after all, every
parent is homeschooling at one point or another! If your oldest child is five-years old or younger,
we invite you to join our Seedlings™ program!
Seedlings™ is a member-only program that offers classes and get-togethers for moms of preschool age children. Members of Seedlings™ will have the opportunity to participate in a weekly gathering of other young moms, where they will be encouraged an equipped. Some days
will involved mommy-and-me activities, and other days, nursery and preschool workers will
be provided to watch your little ones while you take break, grab a cup of coffee and hang out in
the bookstore. Many other resources such as access to field trips designed with preschoolers in
mind, and workshops for young parents included in your Seedlings™ membership.
Is this a faith-based institution?
New to Homeschooling?
This is the place for you!! Start your journey off on the right foot by gleaning wisdom and direction from experienced homeschooling parents. Receive
consulting on which curriculum to choose, attend classes geared for rookie
homeschoolers and even learn how to discover your child’s unique learning
style! Get your kids connected in the homeschool community. At the HRC,
we’ve got your back… and your books!
Yes. Firmly Planted Family is a registered 501(c)3 that has been serving the homeschool community in
the name of Christ since 2000. Our heart is to shine Jesus’ love all around us, and we hope you will see
this love reflected (no pun intended :D) in how the resource center is run.
As a Christian organization, we expect our teachers, staff and and volunteer help to agree with and sign
our statement of faith. (see our website)
Code of Conduct
Been Homeschooling for a while?
The HRC has is the vision of long-time homeschool parents of seven, Jay and Heidi St. John. We want
it to be a sort of “one stop shopping” where you can meet new friends, find some encouragement, get
your curriculum and volunteer to help other parents as they homeschool their kids. For parents who are
interested, some of our tutors offer accredited classes for middle school and high school levels.
Do you have an idea? We’d love to hear it.
Whenever Center students are on field trips, or performing for the community, we will expect them (and their
parents) to abide by the same code of conduct they do while at the center. We’re a little old-fashioned that way.
For example, we’ll ask that students (and their parents)
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Be respectful, in speech and behavior
Be helpful (pitch in!)
Be courteous toward others
Be honest
Be on time
Homeschooling a High Schooler?
Why membership?
We are working on an apprenticeship program, where students can “shadow” a
professional for one quarter a year. Veterinary medicine, engineering, CAD drafting,
nursing and architecture are just a few of the programs we would like to see at the Center.
While membership is not required to participate in classes, it is highly encouraged. Once a member, class
admin fees will be cut in half, you will have access to free classes, free resources, free consulting sessions,
and many other resources.
Explain class admin fees?
Membership Fee
$200 per year, per family.
Membership stays in effect for
12 months from sign up date.
Seedlings
Membership Fee
$100 per year, per family
The Firmly Planted Resource Center is primarily
volunteer operated, however, many expenses are
involved in running a full-time resource center. Admin
fees greatly help cover the costs of such expenses and
are necessary to the function of the center. We desire
for all to be able to participate in the program, and have
therefore strived to land on a fee that is reasonable to
the family, and sustainable to the center.
Admin Fees:
$40 per class, per child (non-member fee)
$20 per class, per child (50% member discount fee)
The Admin Fee is the base cost for every class. In
addition, teachers may (but not always) charge a separate
fee for their individual classes. Tutors at FPHRC are not
employed by FPHRC, nor do they pay rent for use of
our facility. They set their price, and 100% of that fee
goes directly to them.
Who Can Teach?
We ask that teachers sign a basic evangelical Christian statement of faith.
Homeschooling works, in part because it encourages a love of learning. We want to keep that love of learning
alive by inviting you to teach a class on something you feel passionate about. It can be almost anything!
The HRC welcomes professional teachers to apply, as well as parents who have a passion and want to share it
with others! Have an idea for a class? We invited you to fill out a teacher application form!
The HRC is not a denomination-specific center. Therefore, if/when issues come up that we recognize differences
could be noted between denominations, students will be directed back to their parents for answers.
Background checks are required for every teacher and are run through the state police. A fee may be required
to cover this. Accountability is ensured through two adults being present in every class, especially with
younger children.
Can my older child teach younger ones?
Private Music Lessons and Tutoring
The Center has a limited number of rooms set aside to facilitate private music
lessons, as well as one-on-one tutoring. If you’re interested, please indicate this on
your application and someone from the Center will contact you.
We encourage high school students to volunteer in classes as well as apply to teach classes! Teaching is an excellent
way to learn and we see it as a positive thing to have older students involved in teaching younger ones.
Do you offer incentives to parents who
About TEACHING at the HRC
Firmly Planted is a Christian ministry. All classes will begin with a foundation that assumes a biblical
worldview, including science. Our beliefs are comprised of Scripture-based convictions about the nature of
creation. For example, we believe that
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it; the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
“For in him [that is, Christ,] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible...
all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold
together.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
The way in which we teach our students about the creation will always point them toward the Creator, but
we do not “require” that teachers teach from strictly Christian curriclua, rather that they approach their
class from a biblical worldview.
VOLUNTEER to teach classes?
Yes. Our community of homeschoolers are blessed tremendously by every parent who teaches and
volunteers at any capacity. Costs are kept low when we pool our resources. If you are a parent and can teach
a class, the HRC offers a sort of a “go to the head of the line” pass for class registration.
What other volunteer opportunities are available?
Glad you asked! The list is long! Registration, hall monitoring, bookstore
help, janitorial, advertising, teacher assisting, mom mentorships, tutoring, refreshments-- you name it! We are thrilled about anyone wanting
to volunteer and we are excited to work with you to find where you fit!
Will my children get into the classes they are signed up for?
We’ll do our best! First option will be given to parents who are volunteering to teach. Classes do tend to
fill up quickly so it is advised that you register your child as soon as registration opens. We work hard to
ensure that classes have the appropriate space needed to accommodate it’s popularity, but space is limited
so sign up as soon as possible!
Each teacher will set their own tuition and materials fee per class, depending on subject, length of
class, materials needed, etc.
The Homeschool Resource Center (HRC) is able to pay for this facility by charging an hourly “Facility
Fee” (FF) for each classroom occupant-hour. This fee covers utilities, building maintenance, liability insurance, secretarial and front-office receptionist, accounting, licenses, and more.
There are two ways for parents to utilize the HRC: Either as members or non-members. Annual membership fee is $200. For most families, annual membership will make the most financial sense.
What classes are offered?
Classes will vary from term to term—based on what parents and area educators offer to teach. We will be filling
class offerings based on AGE & INTEREST:
By Season:
Seedlings™ - our weekly program designed to support and encourage families with young children
Primary - Classes designed to students ages 6-10
Intermediate - Classes and activities designed for students ages 11-13
High School - Classes and activities designed for students ages 14-18
Parent Educators - Classes, workshops and opportunities designed with homeschooling parents in mind
By interest:
Music
Art
Drama
Science
History
Language Arts
Foreign Language
Home Economics
Financial Information
Apprentice (HS)
Sports
Dance
Civics
Community Service
Theology
Computer Science
Animation
Film
Photography
Culinary Arts
Entrepreneurship
Law & Justice
Do you have an interest you would like to see
addressed or a class you would like to teach?
The HRC charges $4 Facility Fee for each hour a student utilizes a classroom in our facility for non-members, while members receive a 50% discount and pay only $2 Facility Fee per classroom hour.
A TYPICAL class will be 1 hour per week and run for 10 weeks per quarter, depending on the calendar
year. For those classes, the Facility Fee will be $18 per class for member families. ($36 for non-member
families)
There might be a special 1-week summer art class that meets from 9:00-noon each day. 3 hours per day
times 5 days = 15 classroom hours or $30 Facility Fee for that class. Classes that meet more than one day
a week will obviously incur an appropriate Facility Fee as calculated above. This Facility Fee system gives
us tremendous flexibility in offering a wide variety of classes for both children and parent and also maintains our facility to the highest standards.
This “Facility Fee” applies to every hour of use in our building, whether it’s children classes, parenting
classes, adult classes, etc.
Should you take advantage of the annual membership program?
It’s easy to calculate. If you will be utilizing classrooms an average of 3 hours each week from September
thru May you’ll want to join. 36 weeks of classes times three hours each week equals 108 classroom hours
per year which would save your family $216 as members. That could represent one child attending three
1-hour classes each week, or three children each attending one 1-hour class per week.
These Facility Fees will allow us to complete future construction of stage, auditorium seating, video
production facilities, sound equipment and much, much more, allowing HRC to offer an ever-expanding
selection of valuable classes for you and your family.
YES! HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
We are so excited to have you join our community!
Please fill out a membership application and if you’re
intrigued.... a volunteer/and/or/teacher app!!
FIRMLY
PLANTED
PO BOX 460 . BATTLE GROUND . WA . 98604
[email protected]
360.687.5433
Directors:
Jay and Heidi St John
Teacher/Class Applications:
Nancy Hill, HRC Class Coordinator
Treasurer:
Joyce Kvalvik
February 2017