-1Hedding Teen Center: HUMCTC.ORG

Behavior Contract

2007-2008

In order to ensure that every youth who chooses to use our teen center is given a safe place to study or spend time we all need to agree to certain rules, consequences and rewards.

After the first visit, no student will be allowed to use the teen center without a signed contract and emergency contact information on file.

Teen Center will provide:

The goal of the teen center is to provide a safe place for teens and “tweens” (or Junior and Senior High School students) after school. The center is a ministry of Hedding United Methodist church, and will therefore include some direction in spiritual and moral matters.

The center will be open on Monday - Thursday from 3-6pm, and Fridays from 3-5pm. If there is a need, we may open one day during each school vacation as well. The center will be staffed by a director as well as volunteer tutors, and other adults to help provide safe supervision. All volunteers will be “Safe Sanctuaries” approved, and youth will never be alone behind closed doors with an adult. Healthy snacks, computer work space, and tables/chairs for doing homework will be provided. We will occasionally offer classes in computer technology as well. There will be opportunities to earn rewards, such as time on the basketball court or with the air hockey table. There will also be consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Expectations of the youth:

Youth are expected to have a behavior contract and emergency contact information on file. Youth must be respectful of staff and other teens and follow all rules at all times. Violations of rules will be dealt with in a multi-step way. Rules and consequences are detailed below.

Expectations of parents/guardians:

Parents are expected to not allow their child to attend the teen center without first signing the behavior contract and providing emergency contact information. Parents are expected to provide a phone number where someone can be reached should the youth violate the rules and be asked to leave the building. Parents who’s youth continually violate rules will be asked to meet with the director to discuss behavioral issues and future consequences.

You will be asked to sign a waiver stating your permission for center staff to talk to teachers about homework and study needs for your student. This is optional, but helpful for your student.

The RULES:

The center is open from 3-6pm (or 3-5 on Fridays). Youth should not expect to enter the center until 3pm and need to be out of the building by 6:01pm Monday - Thursday. They may stay for Friday evening activities as long as they are in designated areas.
RESPECT and dignity are the most important aspects of good behavior.
Appropriate language is expected (no swearing, or derogatory terms, even if they are aimed at oneself).
Bullying behavior will not be tolerated (in person or on-line).
Destruction or vandalism of materials and/or property will not be tolerated (and, if severe will result in criminal action)
If it’s not yours, you shouldn’t touch it without permission
Youth will remain in the teen center (room 2) at all times, unless otherwise instructed by the adult in charge.
When using computers, only authorized web addresses may be visited
No drugs (including tobacco) or alcohol are allowed on the premises. Anyone who violates this rule, or appears under the influence, will be asked to leave immediately.
Youth are expected to work on homework during their time at the center.
If the student has no homework that night, he or she will be asked to work on something else educational for at least 15 minutes before being allowed “free time”.
All snacks and drinks will be consumed away from the computer equipment.
Youth are expected to clean up after themselves.
While others are working on homework, youth need to be quiet. When all homework is done, the volume level may rise (though not so loud as to disturb others in the building).
Personal music devises (CD or MP3 players) are allowed as long as earphones are used and no one else can hear the music. The adult in charge has the right to tell students not listen to certain, inappropriate music (such as music that violates the RESPECT rule). There will be CD’s available for students to borrow while at the teen center.

Rewards and Consequences:

Youth who behave appropriately will earn “free time”
Free time activities are at the discretion of the adult in charge, but may include computer or board games, basketball, air hockey or a movie
Youth who show consistent progress in their studies (evidenced by improved progress reports etc.) will earn rewards to be determined by the director
Youth who violate the rules will:

Be given a warning
Be asked to leave for the day

The youth will be given another chance the next day
If the inappropriate behavior continues, the parent will be notified. The youth will not be allowed to return to the center until the student, the parent, and the director (and/or the pastor) meet together to discuss the behavior.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I, __________________________________have read the Hedding UMC

Please print your name here

Teen Center behavior contract and I agree to the rules and consequences.

____________________________ _______________

Signature of Student Date

I, _________________________________ Parent/Guardian of

Print name here

__________________________ have read the contract and agree to let my

print name of student

youth attend the Hedding UMC Teen Center.

____________________________ _______________

Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

Emergency Contact Information:

Name of Student: ______________________________________________

Name of Primary Parent/Guardian: ________________________________

Phone number(s) primary adult can be reached at during teen center hours:

_________________________________________________

Additional adult to contact in an emergency: ________________________

relationship to student: ____________________

Please advise of any medical, psychological/social or learning needs our staff should be aware of (food allergies, depression, ADHD, reading difficulties etc.)

Please list any medications the youth is taking:

Insurance Policy # _______________________________

Doctor and phone____________________ _______________________

I agree to allow Hedding UMC staff to provide basic first aid care. I also agree to allow HUMC staff to call for Emergency Medical care if necessary. I understand that they will make every effort to contact me in such a situation.

_____________________________ __________

Signature of Parent/Guardian date

HUMC Teen Center Homework Help

Permission Slip

Parents and teachers please fill out and return to the teen center

The following student ________________________________ attends the teen center at Hedding United Methodist Church. The teen center offers a safe place for students to work on homework each day after school. We provide snacks, computers, tutoring/mentoring and fun in a safe, Christian, environment.

By signing below, the parent has agreed to allow the center to inquire with the student’s teachers regarding homework or study needs. We ask that teachers keep center staff informed when students begin to fall behind in assignments. If teachers have a list of weekly assignments or a major project coming up, forwarding that information on to the center would be greatly appreciated. You can do so by contacting the center director, Julie Wilson, at JMW1976@gmail.com or by calling the church (476-8165). Julie or a member of our volunteer staff may call or stop by to talk to teachers when we encounter students who need a great deal of extra help.

Teacher: Subject: Best way to contact:

_______________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Signature of Parent: _______________________________

Date: _________________