Welcome to SOUL Patrol! By completing this registration for your child, you also become part of our awesome family of faith! We are so excited to have the opportunity to spend time with your child each week and to be a valuable part of their faith journey. Here at SOUL Patrol, we are a part of the First United Methodist Church mission; “Share Christ, Make Disciples and Transform Lives.” We take this job seriously! We believe that every soul is worth saving and every child is a unique, beautiful child of God. Each week we focus on learning more about the gospel, building our relationship with Jesus and discovering what it really means to follow Jesus in our every day lives. We strive to build relationships with each child and help guide and mentor your children as their faith grows and develops. The Bible can be confusing! We do our very best to help answer questions and strive try to find ways to help you, as parents, to actively engage with your child about what they are learning here. We encourage open dialogue and invite parents to come volunteer your time throughout the year. Nothing encourages your child to explore their own spirituality more than witnessing their parents doing the same!Here at SOUL Patrol, our staff is made up of FUMC staff and volunteers who are all Safe Gatherings certified. What that means to you is that our staff and volunteers go through several levels of background checks, reference checks, and comprehensive abuse prevention training, they know better — what to do, what to look for,

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and how to protect those they serve. We are dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and healthy environment for children to come and learn about Jesus! In case you were wondering, you do not need to be a member of the First United Methodist Church for your children to attend! We welcome children of all backgrounds. We know that each child is specially created by God to be a blessing to this world. While created in God’s image, all children are unique and special individuals with special needs. Here at SOUL Patrol, each child is recognized for the individual he/she is and each child is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve. This parent handbook outlines what you may expect from SOUL Patrol and explains our policies and procedures. We hope that you will find it useful and look forward to providing you and your child with a quality, Christ-centered experience each Wednesday!In Christ’s Love,Samantha Sanchez, Director

Registration

In order for your child to attend the SOUL Patrol program, the Registration/Permission Form provided by the church will be required. Forms may be picked up at the church office. They are available via email as well. Please call 356-1227 for more information. All registration forms MUST be received prior to your child’s first day of attendance. Due to liability, we absolutely cannot allow a child to remain on the premises without proper paperwork. This is for the child’s safety as well protecting the sanctity of our program. We will maintain

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confidentiality of all information obtained. YOU MUST give us updated information whenever there is a change. It is imperative that we have working phone numbers at all times, in the event of an emergency or necessary notification. We will also ask you to sign a statement acknowledging receipt of a copy of this parent handbook, which includes our operational policies/procedures.

Schedule

SOUL Patrol will be held on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00pm at the First United Methodist Church, 321 W. Grant Ave, beginning September 12, 2018 and running through May 1, 2019. The program will follow the USD #214 official calendar. SOUL Patrol will not be held on holidays and inclement weather days that result in school closings. The program officially begins at 4:30 and children MAY NOT be dropped off prior to 4:15. Children being dropped off must come in the WEST DOORS to sign in. Children may ride the shuttle bus to Joyce school. We strongly recommend this method for the convenience to parents as well as the safety of the children. It is your responsibility to tell your child’s teacher. The program will begin promptly at 4:30 and at that point we will disperse into groups. This is a very large building, it is essential for your child to be here at 4:30 in order to be with their group. Please make it a point to be on time in order for your child to experience the program in its entirety. We close promptly at 6:00 pm. Children must be signed out of from the SOUL Patrol Dismissal Room in order to be dismissed.

Sign Out Procedures

Your child must be signed out, when picked up each day. All students must be picked up inside the WEST DOORS. Parents must enter these doors and go up to the Red Desk to sign out. Only persons authorized in writing by you (Emergency contact named on Registration Form), the parent(s) and/or guardian(s), may remove your child from the program. Staff members may request photo identification if the person picking up is unfamiliar and check authorization form. Please be aware that we do this for the safety and protection of the children in our program. Your child will not be released to anyone without prior written notice and/or a telephone call. All calls should be made prior to 3 pm to the church

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office. Text messages may be sent to Sam at 620-575-4796 during the program. Calls will not be answered.

Late Pick Up Policy

The SOUL Patrol program closes promptly each evening. All parents and/or guardians are expected to pick up their children on time. If you are unable to do so, it is your responsibility to notify the Director that you will be late or are sending an alternate to pick up your child. After the program closes, a staff member will attempt to contact the parent, guardian or emergency contact by telephone. If a child remains at the program an hour after closing time and neither parents, guardians nor emergency contacts can be reached and there has been no communication from the parents or guardians, the local police department will be contacted and the child released into the custody of the appropriate law enforcement official. Three late pick-ups may result in your child being dismissed by the program. Please be considerate and remember that the volunteers who give their time and talents to teach your children do so at the expense of their own families. It is extremely important that our volunteers be appreciated and respected in order to continue their work. At 6pm, they have completed their Christian ministry and are ready to return to their families. We understand that emergencies do arise. However, it is your responsibility to notify us as early as possible to make the proper arrangements.

NOTE: Repeated late pickups may result in your child’s dismissal from the program.

Wednesday Fellowship Dinner

The First United Methodist Church holds Fellowship Dinners every Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm. These family dinners are open to the public and are free will donation. All SOUL Patrol students and families are invited and encouraged to attend. However, children may not attend the dinner without a parent and/or guardian present. These meals are NOT an extension of SOUL Patrol, but a separate event hosted by the FUMC. While attending the dinners, children are expected to remain seated while eating, to be responsible for their own messes and to be respectful of all in attendance. Everyone is expected to stay seated while

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eating and not take food outside of Wesley Hall. This is an opportunity for the children to demonstrate the life skills they learn while attending SOUL Patrol each week. The FUMC congregation signs up weekly to help clean up after the dinners. These dinners are a great way for the FUMC congregation and SOUL Patrol families to get to know one another. The FUMC family is delighted to have you here and would love the opportunity to get to know you better. We request that you please be considerate and conscious of the fact that this event is held in our church home. The expectation is for all persons to be responsible and respectful of the building and all attendees. Children should not be permitted to run in Wesley Hall. FUMC has many elderly members who attend these dinners and their risk of injury is greatly increased by unruly children. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child is behaving appropriately at all times while attending the dinner. Please assist your young children in the bathroom. We have had a great deal of messes left each week. Please help to care for the building.

U-Church

U-Church is our Wednesday Night Discipleship opportunity for all ages. Following the Fellowship Dinner, U-Church begins at 6:45. We encourage your whole family to find a group to join in and begin or continue your faith journey. We have something for everyone and hope you find your perfect fit to worship here with us. We believe that a relationship with Jesus will change your life and we encourage you to stay after dinner each week to learn more.

Worship Schedule for FUMC

If you do not have a church home, the Ulysses First United Methodist Church would be delighted to have your family worship with us and would welcome you warmly as a member of our family of faith. We have an open door policy to all Christians of any religious background.

9:30a Sunday Service is held in the Sanctuary Sunday School classes for all ages begin at 10:45

6:45 U-ChurchMiddle School 5:50-7:00 in the Youth RoomHigh School 7:00-8:15 in the Youth Room

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If you would like to receive more information about our services or to speak to our Pastor, Todd Guinn, please contact the church office.

Disciplinary Policy

Discipline is not punishment. It is the process of teaching children self-control and self-discipline. Our aim is to teach children what socially acceptable behaviors are that will help them in school, church and in all years of their life. It is our policy to discipline children in a loving and gentle way. Care is given at all times to preserve, or work on improving, the child’s self-image and further the development of his/her self-esteem. A child with a consistent behavioral problem who is not responding to his or her leader or who exhibits extreme or dangerous behavior will be sent to the director. Three referrals to the Director will result in the child’s dismissal from the program. All children are treated with the respect, tenderness, and good humor they are due as a child of God. Physical punishment has no place in our program.

Discipline Plan

Rules:

--Follow directions the first time they are given & do not be disruptive.

--Always speak in an appropriate, respectful manner.

--Be respectful and obedient for ALL leaders.

--Be considerate of others’ feelings and belongings.

--Absolutely no name calling, teasing or bullying will be tolerated.

--Keep hands, feet and objects of any kind to yourself.

--There will be no hitting, kicking or fighting.

--Respect the Lord’s House and treat all building furnishings appropriately.

Discipline:

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1st offense: The leader will calmly & quietly address the behavior with the child. The child will be reminded of the rule and receive and explanation of how they violated it and what they should do to correct their behavior.

2nd offense: The leader will calmly & quietly move the child to the back of the group & explain to him/her why this is happening. The child will be asked to verbalize what he/she should do differently. After a couple of minutes of good behavior, the child will be allowed to rejoin the group. If the child does not calm down and behave, their time away will be restarted. This will be done in increments of approximately 2 minutes.

Third and Final offense: Once steps 1 & 2 have failed, it is necessary to remove the child. The child will be taken to the Director, where the matter can be further discussed. This will constitute a documented situation that will count toward the 3 offenses for dismissal policy.

Note: Repeated minor offenses will be noted and any consistent patterns of problem behavior may be reported to the parents at the discretion of the Director and/or Assistant Director.

Roles and Responsibilities of Parents

Parents and guardians are responsible for:

Dropping off their children (WEST DOOR) at the program no earlier than 4:15 each Wednesday.

Picking up their child(ren) by the close of the program (WEST DOOR). Local law enforcement may be called if children remain at the program one hour after closing time.

Notifying SOUL Patrol staff if:-Any information on the registration form changes (Telephone numbers, addresses, pick up information)-There is a change in the daily departure routine or the person picking up-Their child is being withdrawn from the program

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-Their child’s participation in the program is limited due to health or other impairments.-Their child has any allergies, food or otherwise, that could present an issue during participation in the program.-There are any changes in the child’s home environment that could affect the child’s behavior.

NOTE: A child may be dismissed from the program if a parent does not meet the above responsibilities on a consistent basis.

Additional Information

All personal belongings, including jackets, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc. should be clearly labeled to help avoid loss. Lost and Found items will be available at the red desk, in case your child does lose something. Please note that children are not permitted to bring any items to SOUL Patrol that they are not allowed to have at school (Nintendo DS, Ipod, cell phones, etc.). SOUL Patrol & FUMC cannot be responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen belongings.

Notification of Changes

It is extremely important that you notify the FUMC office immediately of any changes in home address, parent phone numbers or authorized pick up persons.

Grievance Procedures

SOUL Patrol takes seriously all concerns expressed by our families. Should an individual have a grievance, the following procedure should be followed:

Any concerns regarding your child’s care while attending SOUL Patrol should be brought to the attention of the Director AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

If, after discussing the matter with the Director, the problem cannot be resolved, you will have the opportunity to meet with the Pastor to seek resolution.

Contact Information

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During the hours of SOUL Patrol, the church office is closed. Therefore, we emphasize contacting the office prior to 3pm of any changes in pickup procedures, etc. If you need to contact the Director during the program, you may call or text 620-575-4796. Include the child’s name, parent’s name and all pertinent information of why you are calling.

FUMC Office: 620-356-1227 (Do NOT leave a voice mail during program hours.)

Samantha Sanchez, Director: 620-575-4796 (call or text)

Copy of Registration/Permission InformationFor Your Records Only

Functions and ActivitiesIt is my understanding that participating in the SOUL Patrol program of the First United Methodist Church is a privilege. Prior to my own/child’s participation in such activities, I acknowledge that there are certain risks associated with the activities, including, by way of example, physical injury due to activity-related accidents, physical injury do to transportation-related accidents, illness, or even death. In addition, I acknowledge that there may be other risks inherent in these activities of which I may not be presently aware.

Release of Liability

By signing this Permission/Waiver Form, I expressly warrant that the child named above or I (if I am a participant/volunteer) am capable of withstanding both the physical and mental demands of the activities discussed above. I also expressly assume all risks of the child when participating in the activities, whether such risks are known or unknown to me at this time. I further release the First United Methodist Church and its ministers, leaders, employees, volunteers and agents from any claim that my child may have or that I may have against the First United Methodist Church as a result of injury or illness incurred during the course of participation in the activities. This release of liability shall include (without limitation) any claims of negligence or breach of warranty. This release

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of liability is also intended to cover all claims that members of the child’s or my family or estate, heirs, representatives, or assigns may have against the First United Methodist Church or its ministers leaders, employees, volunteers or agents. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the First United Methodist Church and its ministers, leaders, employees, volunteers or agents from any and all claims arising from my participation in its activities and programs, or as a result of injury or illness of my child during such activities.

Special Events and Field Trips

I understand that the child named above will be participating in various activities at the First United Methodist Church, SOUL Patrol Program and at various locations in the City of Ulysses during the program. I understand that during this period my child may take part in activities such as: Religious studies, discussion groups, music, games of skill and experience, crafts, local mission projects, walking or being transported to outside events at other locales and establishments, and other activities consistent with the purposes of the SOUL Patrol program.

Photography

I authorize the First United Methodist Church to include myself/child in pictures for promotional purposes of events he/she is participating in. I understand that my child’s full name will not be published with the pictures he/she is in.

First Aid and Emergency Medical Treatment

I recognize that there may be occasions where the child named above may be in need of first aid or emergency medical treatment as a result of an accident, illness or other health condition or injury. I do hereby give permission for agents of the First United Methodist Church to seek and secure any needed medical attention or treatment for the child named above, including hospitalization, if in the agent’s opinion such need arises. In doing so, I agree to pay all fees and costs arising from this action to obtain medical treatment.

I give permission for attending physician(s) and other medical personnel to administer any needed medical treatment, including surgery and again, I agree to pay for the medical treatment.

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Child’s Name____________________________________ Date___________________

I understand that SOUL Patrol’s policies have been developed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children attending our program. I have read the Parent Handbook and understand the program policies and procedures. I have discussed the rules of the program with my child.

I understand that failure to return this acknowledgment will not relieve me from knowing and following the policies of SOUL Patrol.

_________________________________________ Date___________________Parent/Guardian Signature

*****PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN IMMEDIATELY*****

*****YOUR CHILD MAY NOT ATTEND UNTIL FORM IS RECEIVED*****

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