The Commons Family Handbook

GSP Commons LLC

Adopted June 2026

Welcome

The Commons is a membership-based homeschool community built on connection, curiosity, and trust. We provide a shared space where families can explore, learn, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships. Membership provides access to the space. Each family remains fully responsible for its own homeschooling and for its own children at all times.

This handbook describes how we use the space together, how we make decisions, and what we ask of every member family. By joining The Commons, each family agrees to the expectations set out here.

Community Values

We believe:

Children are people. They are worthy of dignity and respect.

People need community. Collaborative relationships enrich learning and life.

Freedom nurtures growth. Exploration and self-direction build confidence and resilience.

Play and learning happen everywhere. Both are essential to growth and creativity.

By participating in The Commons, families agree to contribute positively to this culture and to uphold respect and integrity in all interactions.

Governance

The Commons is operated by GSP Commons LLC, which owns and is responsible for the facility. The LLC is owned by the Gronwald, Stevens, and Prichard families (the “Owner Families”).

Owner Families

The Owner Families are responsible for the legal, financial, and operational health of the LLC. They hold ultimate authority over matters involving the lease or ownership of the facility, insurance, taxes, and any obligations of the LLC.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee consists of four current members, one of whom must be from the Owner Families. The Membership Committee is responsible for:

Membership Committee members serve one-year terms and roll off quarterly throughout the year. Seats are filled by nomination at a monthly meeting or via Slack, and submitted to the Owner Families for approval. If a nominee is invited to serve and accepts, they join the committee at the next quarterly term when the previous committee member rolls off (January, April, July, September). One member of the Membership Committee must represent the Owner Families.

Becoming a Member

Membership in The Commons is a relationship-based process. We accept families whose values and expectations align with ours and who will contribute positively to the community.

Application Process

  1. A prospective family contacts the Membership Committee to request information.
  2. The family visits The Commons and meets with current members.
  3. The family submits an application. This handbook and the Release, Waiver, and Assumption of Risk Agreement (Appendix A) are provided with the application, and each adult acknowledges the handbook and signs the waiver as part of submitting it.
  4. The Membership Committee makes a recommendation to the Owner Families.
  5. The Owner Families approve or decline the application.
  6. On acceptance, each adult in the family signs the Membership Agreement and sets up payment of dues.

The handbook is provided again with the Membership Agreement, and remains available to members at any time.

Membership begins on the date the family’s Membership Agreement is signed.

The waiver is signed at application rather than at acceptance because prospective families visit the facility during the process. Signing at step 3 means a family walking through the building is covered from their first visit onward.

Dues and Financial Terms

Dues fund the rent, utilities, insurance, supplies, and upkeep of the facility.

Amount and Schedule

Dues are $80 per month per family, payable on the first of each billing period. The Owner Families may adjust dues with at least 60 days’ written notice to members.

Payment

Dues are paid to GSP Commons LLC. A member family is considered in good standing when current on dues.

Late or Missed Payment

A family whose dues are more than 30 days past due is not in good standing and may lose facility access until the balance is cured. A family whose dues remain unpaid for more than 60 days may have their membership terminated under the Membership Lifecycle section of this handbook.

Refunds

Dues are non-refundable except in the case of termination initiated by the LLC for reasons other than member conduct.

Facility Use

Hours and Access

The Commons is located at 520 S. 2nd, McAlester, OK 74501. The space is open to all members from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Members may schedule the space outside of regular hours.

Each member family receives a door code or key. Members agree not to share the door code or keys with non-members, and not to give non-members access to the facility if they are not present.

Shared Responsibility

The Commons is a shared space, and shared spaces require shared responsibility. Each family is responsible for ensuring the members of its household:

Periodic cleaning and maintenance days may be scheduled as needed. Member families are expected to participate in reasonable shared upkeep.

Food, Allergies, and the Kitchen

The kitchen is shared. Families are responsible for cleaning dishes, surfaces, and appliances they use. Food left in the refrigerator should be labeled with the family’s name and date. Unlabeled items may be discarded weekly.

Members are asked to be mindful of common allergens. Any known severe allergy among member children should be communicated to the Membership Committee so the community can take reasonable precautions.

Pets

Pets are not permitted at The Commons, except for service animals as required by law and animals brought as part of a planned activity approved by the Membership Committee.

Child Supervision

The Commons is not a school, daycare, or drop-off program. A parent or designated adult caregiver from the child’s family must be present at the facility while the child is at The Commons, unless the family has made a specific arrangement with another member family to supervise their child during a defined period.

Parents remain responsible for their own children’s behavior, safety, and use of the space at all times. Adults present at The Commons share informal responsibility for the general safety of all children on site and are expected to speak up if they observe an unsafe situation.

Guests and Visitors

Member families may bring guests to The Commons subject to the following:

Safety

The Commons is built on trust, and the safety of our members and their children is a top priority.

Weapons

Knives, guns, and weapons of any kind are not allowed at The Commons. This policy applies regardless of any license or permit.

Tools and Materials

Tools used for planned activities, such as kitchen utensils, craft tools, or equipment for a scheduled project, must be used responsibly and with appropriate adult supervision.

Emergencies

A first aid kit is located on both levels of the house. A posted list of emergency contacts, the facility address, and the location of exits and the fire extinguisher is maintained near the main entrance. In any medical emergency, call 911 first.

Reporting

Any accident, injury, damage, or violation of safety policy should be reported to the Membership Committee as soon as practical. Any violation of safety policies may result in review of membership status.

Waiver, Liability, and Insurance

Each adult member signs the Release, Waiver, and Assumption of Risk Agreement in Appendix A as a condition of membership. The key points are summarized here. The signed Agreement controls in the event of any conflict with this summary.

Assumption of Risk. Each family acknowledges that use of The Commons involves inherent risks, including risks of ordinary and horseplay-type injuries typical of children and families gathering in a shared indoor and outdoor space.

Release. Each member family releases GSP Commons LLC, the Owner Families, the Membership Committee, and the other member families from liability for injuries or property loss arising from ordinary use of the facility, except for injuries or losses caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Insurance. GSP Commons LLC carries liability insurance. This coverage protects the LLC and the premises. It is not a substitute for each family’s own health, homeowners, or renters insurance.

Personal Property. Members bring personal items to The Commons at their own risk. The LLC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.

This section is a summary and is not legal advice. Any changes to the waiver form itself require approval of the Owner Families.

Conflict Resolution

Healthy community life depends on respectful, direct communication.

If a concern arises, go directly to the person involved first. We encourage restoration over escalation, and we ask members not to discuss conflicts with uninvolved parties.

If a resolution cannot be reached, bring the matter to the Membership Committee. The Committee will listen to all parties and work toward a fair and constructive outcome. If the matter cannot be resolved by the Committee, or if it involves the conduct of a Committee member or an Owner Family, it will be brought to the Owner Families for final decision.

Concerns involving safety, suspected abuse, or any other matter requiring immediate action should be brought directly to the Committee or an Owner Family.

Membership Lifecycle

Withdrawal

A family may withdraw from The Commons at any time by giving written notice to the Membership Committee. Dues are owed through the end of the current billing period. No further dues accrue after the effective date of withdrawal.

Termination for Cause

The Owner Families, acting on recommendation of the Membership Committee or at their own discretion, may terminate a family’s membership for cause, including:

A family subject to termination will be given written notice, a summary of the concerns, and an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made, unless immediate removal is necessary for safety. Terminated families are not entitled to a refund of dues paid for the current or prior periods.

Return of Keys and Access

Upon withdrawal or termination, the family will return any keys, key cards, or other property of the LLC, and the door code will be changed as needed.

Amendments to this Handbook

This handbook will be reviewed by the Membership Committee at least once a year. Proposed changes are shared with all member families for comment for at least 14 days before adoption. Amendments take effect upon approval by the Owner Families.

Acknowledgment

Each adult member of the family acknowledges that they have read this handbook, understand its expectations, and agree to abide by them. This acknowledgment is made as part of the membership application, alongside the signed Release, Waiver, and Assumption of Risk Agreement in Appendix A. The acknowledgment is in addition to, and not a substitute for, that Agreement.

The signature block below is for families completing the handbook on paper rather than through the application form.

Family Name:  

Adult Member Signature:   Date:  

Adult Member Signature:   Date: