Coyote Handbook

The Coyotes is a Christian based teen group servicing all Junior High (7th-8th and a minimum of 12 years of age) and Senior High (9th-12th) Homeschool Students in the northern Nevada area. All are welcome to attend our events. For more information contact us at:

This handbook further explains what the NCHS Coyote Teen Group is all about, and how you can participate! All homeschool teens interested are encouraged to read this handbook. Coyote Teens are welcome to print want you need for your benefit.

The NCHS Coyotes is a Christian based homeschool group servicing all Junior High and Senior High School teens living in the Northern Nevada area.

We take our example from scripture. Though to be a Christian is very exclusive (accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, modeling your life from scripture and living your life to please God), we choose to be inclusive by welcoming all people to our group. God loves all people He created and desires all to fellowship with Him and come to the knowledge of His perfect love and saving grace through Christ Jesus.

Though we open our group to all, the Coyotes began as a Christian group and therefore should retain its’ Christian point of view in all activities and leadership.

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Coyote Teen Group is three-fold:

· To provide Christian teen socialization through various activities
· To provide leadership and character development through service
· To provide Mission/Outreach opportunities

It is our intention that parents play an intrinsic part of the leadership development of their child through instruction, encouragement and keeping them faithful in any elected or assigned duties. We believe your child’s participation and completion of their responsibilities, as a committee member, will help develop leadership attributes for their individual success as adults.

By allowing your teen to participate in a Coyote committee will verify parental willingness to keep your teen accountable to his assigned duties as described in this book. Helping your teen work through those “difficult” times when he or she experiences the stress of deadlines and commitments can serve to be the cultivation point of enhancing character or leadership skills.

Because the Coyotes Teen Group is a Christian one, we take our example of what it means to be a leader from Christ’s example of joyfully being a servant to all. It is with this attitude in mind, in serving one another, that we will be successful to not only accomplish leadership qualities in our children, but also and more importantly, direct them to be adults who choose to please Jesus Christ.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

“We give all glory and honor to Jesus Christ to Whom all praise is due”.

In His service,

Those who will be considered as committee members must qualify by the following criteria.

a. Must be a Christian, professing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
b. Must be a homeschool student

c. Must have parents approval to apply for committee membership
d. Preferably be in grades 9th through 12th

f. Must be a student in good standing, as deemed by parent
g. Nevada Christian Home School members have first priority

Because the Coyotes Teen Group is a Christian one, we take our example of what it means to be a leader from Christ’s example of joyfully being a servant to all. It is with this attitude in mind, in serving one another, that we will be successful to not only gain leadership qualities, but also and more importantly, be someone who chooses to please Jesus Christ.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Titles and Duties
These committee positions are implemented directly under the supervision of the Coyote Advisors. All final decisions about activities and goals of the Coyote Teen Group are made by the Coyote Advisors. All committees established by the Coyote Teen Leadership must be under the direction of a Coyote Advisor.

Each teen leader will go through an interview and application process to obtain any committee role within the Coyotes. The Coyote Advisors will decide who will be awarded a position. These positions are similar to holding a job and should not to be associated with holding a student government office position. The Coyote Advisors are to be considered as an employer and the teen as a employee.

Each teen being considered for a committee position within the Coyotes must meet the Committee Criteria. The Coyote Advisors are looking for enthusiastic teachable teens that have a positive attitude.

Coyote Leaders responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Set a good Christian example to all members of the group.

This position is our welcoming committee. We are looking for someone (preferably at least one boy and one girl) who is willing to welcome and introduce themselves to new teens during their first visit.

There are two positions available within the Yearbook Committee: Yearbook Editor and Yearbook Photographer. The Photographer position is key for the yearbook - if no pictures are taken, there will not be a yearbook! Everyone on the Yearbook Committee will be taking pictures for the entire school year; so everyone on this committee will hold a Yearbook Photographer title. Those who wish to create yearbook pages will hold a Yearbook Editor/Photographer title. This committee requires a lot of work as we need teens who are reliable and consistent in attending most Coyote activities with a mindset of "being on the job" for the yearbook.

1. You must own a digital camera (or be willing to develop your film to a CD format). Instruction will be provided on how to take a quality picture and achieve yearbook goals.

2. Yearbook Editors must be able to create yearbook pages on their computer. We are available to teach any teen with this process.
3. Yearbook Editors will sign up with the Coyote Advisor for the events they want to photograph and do pages for. There will be a deadline for turning the page(s) in, on a disc, to the Coyote Advisor.

4. All Yearbook Editors are required to make a minimum of 2 pages for the yearbook during the school year. If an editor does not do their assigned pages by the deadline, the Coyote Advisor will complete the yearbook page instead.
5. At least 2 photographers will be required to take photos at all Coyote events to ensure we have pictures. It’s fine if we have more teens taking pictures. Usually, the more pictures taken, the better the yearbook.

There are two positions available within the Newsletter Committee: Newsletter Editor and Newsletter Contributor.

The Newsletter Contributor would be willing to submit articles for the monthly newsletter and solicit articles from other teens within the Coyotes. The Newsletter Editor should have good writing skills and be willing to edit articles that are submitted. Anyone serving on this committee may submit articles for the online newsletter.

1. There will be at least 2 Newsletter Editors on the newsletter staff. The Newsletter Adult Advisor may advertise for new positions, if needed.
2. The Newsletter Adult Advisor will be the first person to receive and review all submitted articles for the newsletter. The adult advisor has the exclusive right to send a first time submission back to the writer for the first revision or rejection of the article or editorial. After an article is approved, it will be sent to the editors for final revision and review.
3. The editors’ job will consist of editing submitted articles for length, grammar, and spelling. They will need to get the writer’s final approval for any editing they have done.
4. The newsletter will consist of one or two pages with the following content. This content may be revised as needed:
* Prayer requests/praise reports (first names and last initials only)
* Any activities for teens at your church or any special events in the area
* Inspirational or editorial articles written by Coyotes
* A column or note from the Committee Chairman
* Abbreviated calendar of events (what’s coming up- see website for details)
* Humorous pictures from events
* Book, movie or video game reviews (suitable for a Christian teen group audience)
* A short poll or quiz
* Photograph of a work of art a Coyote member has done
5. The content of the newsletter may change as needed

To serve on the Prom Committee you must be in high school and have an interest in attending the prom.

Most of the major decisions for our annual prom have already been decided. This committee will have the privilege of choosing theme, colors, and menu. This committee will also be responsible to solicit teens to attend the prom along with participating in fund raising efforts. All final decisions will be made by the Coyote Advisors.

Each teen who successfully completes their year of service will receive a Certificate of Recognition at the end of their term. This Certificate should give a description of their specific committee duties.

A teen can be relieved from serving on a committee for the following conditions:

1. Not behaving in a manner befitting a Christian.
As a committee member, being a good Christian example is paramount. You should be willing to take instruction and apply it to your character.

2. Not performing or continually being delinquent with assigned duties.
The teen group depends on you to keep your word.

3. Habitually being argumentative or disrespectful to other teen leaders or any members of the Coyotes.
Committee members must be willing to work together as a group. If a decision has been voted upon and decided by the committee, then each leader will individually do his or her part to help reach the goal of that decision. Also, each committee member will treat each other and all Coyote teens with respect.

4. Refusing to be subject to authority.
We understand that God loves order and an obedient heart. Each committee member must be willing to be first and foremost subject to their parents’ authority, and compliant with Coyote Advisors. Your goal is to have a teachable heart.

5. Failing schoolwork.

If a parent deems their child is behind in their schoolwork and needs to focus more on their grades, a teen would be excused from their duties for as long as the parent deems necessary.

Each teen who successfully completes their year of service will receive a Certificate of Recognition at the end of their term. This Certificate should give a description of their specific leadership duties.

The Coyotes is a Christian teen group, and any conflicts arising in the teen leadership and/or Coyote membership will be dealt with precisely as set out in scripture. It is our hope that each conflict will cause us first to faithful prayer and deep reflection into our own hearts and attitudes thereby causing adjustment first within ourselves. The next step, and best of all, would be to completely forgive the offense, speaking only of it to Christ himself. But, after having done all this, if the offense is something that must be dealt with at a public level, then the steps described in Matt. 18:15-17 will be followed with restoration as our goal.

The Coyote Advisors wish to maintain the Coyote Teen Group as a social group, but not a physically intimate one.

Public display of affection between teens is best left outside a Coyote Teen activity, including holding hands, kissing, hugging, etc. All our events are designed with a large group in mind and therefore any personal intimacy is restricted during all Coyote activities.

Those teens who choose to be intimate during a Coyote event will be asked to leave.

The Coyotes have a prom annually. The prom is open to all Nevada homeschool teens, grades 9th through 12th, and their guests.

A committee established by the Coyote Advisors shall do all the planning for the prom. The prom committee may accept ideas from Coyote members, but the committee will make is responsible for decisions of theme, colors, and menu. Most of the major decisions for our annual prom have already been decided. All final decisions will be made by the Coyote Advisors.

Though a reasonable amount of parents will be invited to attend the prom as chaperones, the prom is not available to all parents. Parents who agree to allow their teen to attend the prom do so with the understanding that their teen is responsible enough to act in a mature manner and can be trusted.

Home school teens are welcome to invite friends of their choice; their friends do not need to be homeschoolers. It is the homeschooler’s responsibility to inform their friends of our Prom Code of Conduct.

Those who wish to continually enjoy the advantages of attending the Coyote prom must agree to abide by the following conditions as set out in our Prom Code of Conduct.

To help facilitate enjoyment for all prom attendees we have the following Prom Code of Conduct. We do not assume to tell you how to live your life, but during the prom, for six hours, this Code of Conduct will be enforced. We advise you and your friends to thoroughly read the following rules.

1) This is a formal annual event. Ladies must wear dresses; Gentlemen must wear a suit and tie, or tuxedo. Modest attire please: No exposed cleavage, exposed abdomens or exposed undergarments.
2) This is a chaperoned event. Respect and obey all those in authority, which includes all adult supervisors.
3) Behave maturely, or you will be required to leave without reimbursement of expenses.
4) Hidden Valley Country Club has a “no teen group” policy. They have made an exception for the Coyotes. Please respect the facilities and its rules. You are not allowed to leave the building and patio area. You are not allowed to go onto the golf course or use the golf sidewalks. Teens and parents will be responsible to make restitution for any damages caused.
5) Music has been pre-selected. Please do not bring your own to the prom.
6) At admittance all attendees must check in. No leaving and reentering the facilities.
7) No “close” dancing, you must keep a respectable distance apart. A respectable distance apart is measured by 6 inches apart. No hanging on each other. Chaperons will be monitoring this during the prom.
8) No smoking, alcohol, drugs, or weapons allowed.
9) By purchasing a prom ticket, attendees agree to comply with the NCHS Coyote Prom Code of Conduct.

Note to Parents: Please thoroughly read the Coyote Prom Code of Conduct to understand what is required of your teen at this event. Though there will be sufficient adult chaperones, teens will be responsible for their own actions. Parents who agree to allow their teen to attend the prom do so with the understanding that their teen is responsible enough to act in a mature manner. Teens and parents will be responsible to make restitution for any damages caused. Any infractions may result in future prom privileges being revoked. In the event of accident or injury, by allowing your teen to attend Coyote events, parents agree to hold harmless Nevada Christian Home School and their representatives, including the operator of any vehicle (if necessary) providing transportation to any event. Event time schedule will be honored; parents are responsible to pick up their teen on the scheduled time. Parents understand there is no guarantee that teen advisors will remain after the designated event time. Coyote Advisors will not supervise the coming and going of Teens who drive themselves to any Coyote activity. By purchasing a prom ticket, attendees agree to comply with the NCHS Coyote Prom Code of Conduct.

During the high school years a student may want to be identified with a particular school or group. A high school jacket can be a source of social and public recognition of advancements and achievements earned. The jacket also provides an opportunity for the community to witness the beauty and maturity in a student who has chosen to home school. Coyote members should wear their individual jacket with pride and respect.

It is for this very reason that all Coyote members in 9th through 12th grade may wear the Coyote High School jacket after they have excelled in an area of personal interest. The student’s level of accomplishment should be more than at a minimal entry level. For each patch earned the student should be at an “experienced or above” ability level. There is no limit to the areas of personal interest that a student can excel in, such as: academics, leadership, sports, etc.

The Coyote Jacket may be purchased at Miller's Jackets, 950 Glendale Avenue, Sparks, NV 89431 (775) 331-8252. Hours are M-F 9:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; additionally open on Saturdays in winter only 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prices vary. It takes about one month to fill your order. Miller’s Jackets is able to create a patch for any area of interest you have excelled in.

All NCHS Coyote jackets have been pre-selected as black and grey and have a minimum patch requirement of the NCHS Coyote Letter and our coyote mascot. There are many styles available so it is best to order in person directly from the store. The NCHS Coyote letter and mascot may not be adhered to any other garment except the Coyote Jacket available at Miller's Jackets.

Parents must procure an Authorization signed by a Coyote Advisor prior to purchasing the NCHS Coyote Letter and Mascot. These certificates are freely provided for the parent’s benefit to aid in their purchase and help verify said accomplishment. This Authorization must be presented to Miller's upon purchase.

The Coyote Advisors rely on the integrity of parents that individual accomplishments have been earned by the student.

The Coyote High School Graduation is hosted by Nevada Christian Home School. NCHS has a graduation packet available to parents to help facilitate a graduation ceremony. This event is a traditional semi-formal graduation: Not as formal as a wedding, but not as informal as a private home ceremony. It is the sole responsibility of the parents of the graduate for all graduation costs including but not limited to invitations, rentals, and clean-up costs.

The Coyote Advisors are available to help answer any questions parents may have regarding graduation.

It has been our experience a graduation can be a huge success, if parents work together on expectations. Parents should attend the NCHS graduation meetings ready to serve and compromise together.

Because our Coyote teen group is a Christian one, it has been tradition to have graduation ceremonies in available local churches with Pastoral guest speakers.

If you are interested in a graduation ceremony, please contact Nevada Christian Home School as soon in the year as possible so that appropriate plans can be made. Cap and gown orders begin as early as February.

Note: Parents are welcome to attend all Coyote events. Teens must check in at each activity. Teens and their guests are expected to honor Coyote policies; and the authority of the Coyote Advisor. Though there will be adults attending the activities, teens will be responsible for their own actions. Parents who agree to allow their teen to attend Coyote events imply that their teen is responsible enough to act in a mature manner, and can be trusted. Teens and their parents will be responsible to make restitution for any damages caused during any Coyote event. In the event of accident or injury, by allowing your teen to attend Coyote events, parents agree to hold harmless Nevada Christian Home School and their representatives, including the operator of any vehicle (if necessary) providing transportation to any event. Activity time schedule will be honored, parents are responsible to pick up their teen on the scheduled time. Parents understand there is no guarantee that teen advisors will remain after the designated activity time. Coyote Advisors do not supervise the coming and going of Teens, particularly those who drive themselves to any Coyote activity. We support parental authority and we encourage parents to decide whether a Coyote event is suitable for their teen.