FAQ
Q: What is FISH?
Q: How do I join?
Q: Do I have to attend a specific denomination of church?
Q: What does FISH offer?
Q: How much is membership?
Q: Do I have to help teach other children?
Q: Do you offer academic classes?
Q: Who makes up the FISH leadership body?
Q: Who can participate in FISH Athletics?
Q. Does FISH have a graduation ceremony?
Q. Why can't I see certain events FISH offers on the calendar?
Q. Where do you meet?
Q. Do you have a dress code?
A: FISH is one of the oldest homeschool ministries in the area; we have been serving the Brandon, FL area for 25+ years. The purpose of F.I.S.H. is to provide support, encouragement, resources, and information to homeschool families. We are Christian families educating our children in our homes. We place strong emphasis on spiritual maturity and development of Christian character. We purpose that all of our activities and approved materials will be consistent with the Holy Bible in order to honor and glorify the LORD Jesus Christ.
A: Non-members can click "JOIN" at the top of the website. All information can be found there.
Q: Do I have to attend a specific denomination of church?
A: No. FISH is open to all believers of different denominations. We do require that you affirm the Statement of Faith.
A: These are some of the things FISH offers to its members:
- Family and age-specific fellowship/events
- Competitive sports for 4th-8th grade
- Competitive sports for high school
- Mom's encouragement nights
- Field trips
- A vibrant high school community complete with monthly socials, dances, spirit nights and graduation
- Clubs
- P.A.T.H. Co-op
- Select drop-off classes
- Performing Arts Club (Theater)
A: Our annual fee is $90. We offer need-based scholarships to cover some of the costs - just ask. The yearly membership runs from June-May regardless of when you register.
Q: Do I have to help teach other children?
A: While we do offer a co-op (P.AT.H. on Fridays) you do not need to take part in that to be a member of FISH.
Q: Do you offer academic classes?
A: FISH does offer a limited number of drop-off classes for an additional fee. We also have some free enrichment clubs and activities.
Q: Who makes up the FISH leadership body?
A: FISH is board-run. All board members are volunteers.
Q: Who can participate in FISH Athletics?
A: FISH members can participate in sports, but must be registered as homeschoolers so as not to compromise our league status. Public and private school students may not join FISH or participate in the sports we offer.
Q. Does FISH have a graduation ceremony?
A: FISH offers one of the most beautiful and meaningful graduation ceremonies. We generally have 50+ graduating seniors and 1,000+ guests. Senior year with FISH is an incredible time to make memories; complete with photo sessions, trips and service to the younger grade through our Promotion Ceremony.
Q. Why can't I see certain events FISH offers on the calendar?
A. As a safety measure for FISH students and families, we keep most of our events with times and locations behind the membership paywall. Events that are open to the community are made public.
A. We partner with several local churches for our sports, events and classes. These include First Baptist of Dover, South Bay Church and Alafia Baptist.
A. FISH recognizes that there is considerable variability within the Church regarding what is considered acceptable dress. There is very little applying directly to appropriate clothing within the Bible, leaving much of this up to personal interpretation and cultural context. As Christians, we treat each other and the Lord with love when we promote thoughts honoring to God (Philippians 4:8), live in a way that avoids even the appearance of evil (1Thessalonians 5:22), and submit to each other in humility (Philippians 2:3-4).
Clothing and jewelry may never have words or symbols that are inconsistent with our values or beliefs as Christians. These may not be derogatory or in any way discriminatory towards any race, gender, or belief system.
FISH members, parents, teachers, volunteers, and those registered for events must dress modestly at all times. Clothing must cover all of the chest (including fully covering all cleavage), mid-section (including the sides) and waist down to the mid-thigh. Tops must always include some clothing that spans the shoulders (e.g. straps). Any clothing that is see-through must be covered by something that is opaque, covering those areas listed. Any rips or tears in clothing within these areas may not expose skin. Underclothing (e.g. bra straps or underwear) may not be exposed. Footwear will be generally required (except at events at water venues) and head coverings may be worn if desired but must be removed during prayer and the playing of the National Anthem.
This dress code may be modified to be more conservative or specifically appropriate for a particular activity (e.g. “dressy” for a formal event or requiring close-toed shoes for a hike, for example) on particular occasions, as determined by that activity’s leader. FISH leadership recognizes that these guidelines may not be practical in events that involve water (e.g. the beach or a pool). In those cases, swimwear must be modest. Males must wear shorts that extend to the mid-thigh (not briefs or “speedos”) and females must have their chest, buttocks, and mid-section fully covered (e.g. a one-piece or tankini).
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to email: [email protected]