HEAV's Homeschool Day at the Capitol FAQs

Richmond, Virginia
Wednesday, February 22, and Thursday, April 26, 2012

Make your study of Virginia government and history come alive! Teach your children how our government works, and make a significant impact on the Virginia General Assembly. Join homeschoolers from all areas of the Commonwealth for HEAV’s Homeschool Day at the Capitol events. These HEAV-sponsored events are open to ALL homeschoolers!

WHEN IS DAY AT THE CAPITOL?
There are two Homeschool Day at the Capitol events this year! The first is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, and the second for Thursday, April 26. Attend one or both!*
*Subject to availability

WHERE SHOULD I GO?
Come to the Library of Virginia in Richmond at the corner of 9th and Broad streets. Click here for directions and here for a list of garages. Parking at the Library of Virginia is for library patrons only. Both the Homeschool Day at the Capitol events will begin with registration and a one-hour presentation in the library amphitheater on the first floor. You will also receive tour tickets, a schedule, and map for the day, as well as last-minute instructions.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m. You can stand inside the library foyer to wait to register. Tour tickets, maps, and a schedule will be available after you register.

WHERE CAN I PARK?
Parking garages are located nearby ($6-12/day). Arrive early to get a space and allow time to walk to the Library of Virginia. Remember, you will be arriving during early-morning rush hour; please allow extra time. Parking at the Library of Virginia is for library patrons only. Check here for a list of garages.

WHO SHOULD COME?
School-age children are best suited for Homeschool Day at the Capitol. We love babies, but this event is not appropriate for very young children. Since legislative business is often going on in the hallways, baby noises that echo can be a distraction.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Dress in business attire or your Sunday best. No jeans, please. Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.

WILL WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH SECURITY?
Yes, metal detectors are now in place at the Capitol, General Assembly office buildings, and the Supreme Court. For Supreme Court tours, the staff suggests you arrive 15 to 30 minutes early in order to be processed through security. All bags and coats will be put through a scanner. To speed along the process at all security checks, carry as little as possible.

HOW DO I REGISTER?
You may register by calling our office at 804-278-9200, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

$25 per HEAV member family, plus $5 for each non-family member.
$30 per each homeschool family, plus $5 for each non-family member. ALL homeschoolers are welcome!

IS THERE A LIMIT ON ATTENDANCE?
Space is limited to the first 250 participants who preregister for each Homeschool Day at the Capitol event.

WHAT ABOUT GROUP RESERVATIONS?
We may be able to accommodate a group if space allows. Please call the HEAV office (804-278-9200) with the number of students, their ages, and the type of group you will be bringing.

WHAT WILL WE DO?
We have scheduled a variety of family-friendly learning opportunities from learning how a bill becomes a law to enjoying a fun scavenger hunt on the Capitol grounds.

Pick up Capitol grounds maps, tour schedules, and restaurant locations.
Hear a review of homeschool legislation and 2012 homeschool issues.
Listen to an invited legislator or government official discuss current issues.
Make an appointment with your legislator and visit his/her staff.
Tour Virginia's Capitol, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson. The Capitol has been renovated and includes a visitor’s center with historical artifacts and Meriwether’s Capitol Café.
Enjoy a fun Capitol-grounds scavenger hunt with your children!
Tour the Virginia Supreme Court.
Go up to the FREE City Hall Observation Deck to see an unforgettable view of downtown Richmond. The deck is located on Broad Street across from the Capitol.
Drive a short distance to St. John’s Church in the afternoon and participate in an unforgettable reenactment of Patrick Henry’s famous speech. You will sit beside Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Wythe, and others as the Continental Congress debates independence for the colonies.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE OUR TOURS?
HEAV has arranged the tours. Tickets will be dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Library of Virginia when you arrive. Be sure to arrive early!

HOW WILL WE GET TO THE TOURS?
All tours are on the Capitol grounds or within walking distance of the Capitol. In the afternoon you will drive a few miles down Broad Street to St. John’s Church. Street parking is available.

ARE THE TOURS AND EVENTS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?
All government buildings are handicap accessible. Ramps and elevators are available to convey visitors with special needs to the original 1788 Capitol and 1906 wings. Please contact the HEAV office to make us aware of any special needs.

MAY I BRING MY CAMERA?
Cameras and photography are permitted, but photos must be taken while remaining with your group.

WHAT ABOUT LUNCH?
You can choose from nearby restaurants (see a list of restaurants here) or bring a bag lunch. For your convenience, Meriwether's Capitol Café in the Visitor's Center provides deli sandwiches. The Library of Virginia has a small deli, and there is a cafeteria on the sixth floor of the General Assembly building.

HOW CAN I PREPARE MY STUDENTS?
Visit the Virginia General Assembly site and select "Capitol Classroom" at the top of the home page for age-appropriate maps, games, and activities.

IF THE WEATHER IS BAD, WILL YOU CANCEL?
Lord willing, Homeschool Day at the Capitol will go on as scheduled. If it rains, please bring an umbrella to walk between buildings. Most events are inside. Check our website at www.heav.org for special announcements.

CAN I GET A REFUND IF I CAN'T ATTEND?
The deadline for a refund for the February 22 event is Friday, February 17, 2012. The deadline for a refund for the April 26 event is Monday, April 23, 2012. There will be a $3 processing fee. Call our office at 804-278-9200 to cancel.

IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND, PLEASE LET US KNOW AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN ALLOW ANOTHER WAIT-LISTED FAMILY TO ATTEND. Even if it is at the last minute, please let us know--we can still invite another family! If you have questions or need to cancel or change a reservation, please call the HEAV office at 804-278-9200 or e-mail support@heav.org. Please do NOT try to cancel or change your reservation online.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M ON THE WAITING LIST?
If space becomes available, we will move you from the waiting list to the attendee list and notify you by e-mail as soon as possible. At the latest, we will contact you the day before the event.

CAN I HELP?
Yes, we need two or three families with teens to help during registration! If you could volunteer for about an hour during registration, we would greatly appreciate it. You will not miss any of the events. Please contact Yvonne Bunn at support@heav.org for more information.

WILL I GET MORE DETAILS?
If you registered for Homeschool Day at the Capitol, check your Inbox for your confirmation letter with the final details.

QUESTIONS? CANCELATIONS? If you have questions or need to cancel or change a reservation, please call the HEAV office at 804-278-9200 or e-mail support@heav.org.

I look forward to seeing your family at Day at the Capitol!

Yvonne