|
|
|
|
HEAV's Virginia Homeschool Update
December 17, 2009
Above the Fold
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
Prefer a text-only version? Click here!
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
A personal note from the president...
Dear Readers,
Last week as I looked over the newsletter before sending it out, I was struck
by how much space we gave to the various ways to support HEAV and felt an inner
disappointment. I thought, "This is too much! It just goes on and on. You
certainly don't need all this, and our time could be better spent. We should be
ministering to homeschool moms, speaking and writing and counseling,
heart-to-heart, not spending days and weeks cobbling together affiliate sales
and fundraising efforts to bring in a few hundred dollars here and there to
further the work of HEAV."
There are moms giving up in frustration. We get the calls. We read the emails.
We dry their tears and pray for them at the convention, seminars, and book
fairs. We all-too-often are asked to unsubscribe them from the list. They are the reason we
work to raise the funds.
These moms are not giving up because they don't have the perfect curriculum;
they are giving up because they get discouraged and feel like failures. They
feel overwhelmed and under-equipped. They often don't know why they began home
educating, and they've lost any compelling reason to continue.
They need to know how to motivate their six-foot-two teenage son. How to get
dinner on the table and homeschool in the same day. How to teach and train
their sons and daughters to love the Lord and to love to learn. How to deal
with their own failings in constructive and redeeming ways. And maybe most
importantly, how to avoid comparing themselves to all the other
"perfect" families they think they see around them. I know. I needed
(and need) all this help...and more!
But the truth is, to do what needs to be done, HEAV needs
financial support, hence the "cobbling" together of fundraisers. So
much of what we do--one-on-one counseling, newsletters, magazines, legislative
work, homeschool outreach, providing expert witnesses, speaking, 2,000-page
website--we provide for free!
So, as I struggled with how to best serve you and how to best use our time, it
occurred to me that every week, more than 9,000 people receive this newsletter.
If each one of us could send just $10 or $20, HEAV would
stop running on fumes. We could stop spending late nights scrambling for
fundraisers, and spend more time on equipping, encouraging, and strengthening
families, and getting ready for the General Assembly next month.
Instead of "cobbling" and "scrambling," all of us here at
HEAV would much rather be directly serving your needs. I know I'd much rather
spend time sharing with you the lessons we're learning--our failures and
successes--in raising six sons and two daughters. Or what was helpful when our
almost-10-year-old son couldn't even read Cat in the Hat. Or how as a bona
fide
"messy," the Lord helped me bring beauty and some semblance of order
to our home.
So, would you prayerfully consider sending just $10 or $20 to support the work of
HEAV? If we'd all send a little, it would go a long way.
Thank you for your support. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for the honor
and privilege to serve you all year long. Have a joyous and blessed Christmas
and New Year!
In His love,
Anne Miller
HEAV President
P.S. As we work to redirect some of our
efforts and reduce "clutter" in the newsletter so you can get right to
the "heart" of each issue, we shortened the various ways to support
HEAV and moved them to the bottom of the Update. Enjoy!
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
Early Convention
Registration Opening Soon!
And what
a convention it will be! Ken Ham, Debra Bell, S.M. Davis, Cynthia Tobias,
Jamie Lash, Inge Cannon and many, many others! Convention registration for
members and lifetime members will open Monday, December 21, 2009. Watch for details!
Non-member registration will open in January.
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
From our sponsor...
 Is Reading a Struggle?
Does your child:
- Skip words, reread lines or lose track?
- Have problems with comprehension?
- Have a short attention span?
- Take longer to do assignments than he or she should?
Find out how we can help! Samuel C. Smart, OD, FAAO, Wm. Mitchell Powell, OD, Angela Tsai, OD
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
 Upcoming Holiday Schedule
The HEAV office will also be closed Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, and Thursday and Friday, December 31 and January 1.
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
RECENT SURVEY RESULTS
 Strong Support for School Choice
Although
90% of Virginia's school-age population attends government schools,
many families would change that if they could. According to a newly
released study, School Choice Survey: Virginia's Opinion on K-12 Education and School Choice (released
by the Friedman Foundation in November 2009), Virginia parents support
educational freedom and school choice. The survey results, however,
reveal a major disconnect between the preferences of parents and actual
school enrollments.
Take a look at the full synopsis from Yvonne Bunn, HEAV's director of homeschool support, for some insightful information!
Canadian Study Results
A
recent Canadian study showed that "home-educated adults in Canada excel
in all measured areas of adult life, including education level,
religious observance, civic and community participation, life
satisfaction, and income."
View more details about the Canadian study.
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
 HOMESCHOOLING AROUND THE WORLD
Fathers Imprisoned for Refusing to Send Their Children to Sex-Education Classes
Eight
Christian fathers are being imprisoned in Germany for refusing to send
their children to sex-education classes. Read all the details at the
link above, and lift up our brothers and sisters in Germany. What a
reminder to us to not take our freedoms for granted!
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
 ANGEL-TREE GIVING...
Here
is real and tangible giving that makes an immediate difference in the
lives of children who have a parent in prison. On behalf of the
incarcerated parent, Angel Tree sends a gift to each child with a
personal note from his or her mom or dad.
The Angel Tree
ministry reaches out to children of inmates and their families with the
love of Christ, seeking to transform the lives of these families and to
reconcile them to their Heavenly Father and each other--they are doing
an amazing work! And talk about interactive! As you give your gift,
you'll see exactly what you'll be giving and can even choose who will
receive your gift! Take a look! - Anne Miller
Pure
religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction.... James 1:27 (KJV)
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
 THINKING ABOUT BEGINNING TO HOMESCHOOL AFTER THE CHRISTMAS BREAK? NEED HELP?
How-to-Begin Homeschooling Success Seminar
Whether
you're ready to start homeschooling after the holiday break, or you're
beginning to explore home education for the future, you can get the
information you need at the upcoming How to Begin Homeschooling Success
Seminar! This afternoon seminar will give you the confidence you need
to begin a successful year.
Do you have concerns about your
ability to teach your own child? Do you wonder what you need to do to
withdraw your child from school? Would you like to know where to
purchase curricula? Are you interested in some secrets of success and
how to avoid some common homeschooling mistakes? If so, join parents
from all areas of the state at the HEAV office in Richmond on Thursday,
January 7, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Get answers to your specific
questions. Take home helpful handouts and the necessary forms. Browse
some of the best homeschool resources (available for purchase).
View more details and register online.
HELP A NEW HOMESCHOOLER! Be sure your support group shares this opportunity with new homeschoolers or interested parents!
SCHEDULE A SEMINAR: If
you would like to schedule a How to Begin Homeschooling Success Seminar
in your area, contact the HEAV office at 804-278-9200 or Yvonne Bunn at
support@heav.org.
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
 Jefferson Lab Physics Fest
Register by THIS Friday!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Moms, dads, and potential scientists, don't miss this FREE homeschool science presentation sponsored by HEAV!
Seating is limited--find out more and register online or by calling the HEAV office at 804-278-9200. The registration deadline is December 18.
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
1) Homeschool Items
View All Homeschool Items
1.1 Homeschool (Sports) Players Program - Fairfax - Registering Now
1.2 Family Foundation Seeks Senate Pages - Richmond - Apply Now
1.3 TeenPact Leadership Classes - Richmond - Register by January 18, 2010
1.4 Virginia Historical Society Homeschool Programs - Richmond - January & February, 2010
1.5 HSLDA Art Contest - January 1 to February 1
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
2) General Interest Items
View All General Interest Items
2.1 Family Research Council: Family Photo Contest - Deadline Is January 15, 2010
2.2 Mariners' Museum Youth Art Exhibition - Deadline Is February 1, 2010
2.3 Virginia State Bar Scholarship - Deadline Is February 8, 2010
2.4 Creation Science Movie Free Online - Vision Forum's Mysterious Islands
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
3) Cool Sites for Homeschoolers
View All Cool Sites for Homeschoolers
3.1 Choice of Bible Reading Plans
3.2 Say "Merry Christmas" in Different Languages
3.3 Still Working on a Christmas Letter?
3.4 Hands-Only CPR
3.5 Virginia College Financial-Aid Programs
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
4) Parting Thought - Clarity
"Don't
assume you're always going to be understood. I wrote in a column that
one should put a cup of liquid in the cavity of a turkey when roasting
it. Someone wrote me that: 'The turkey tasted great, but the plastic
cup melted.'" - Heloise, household tips columnist
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
5) Worth Repeating
"In
the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of
danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our
prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered...do we
imagine we no longer need His assistance?"
- Benjamin
Franklin (1706-1790), American Founding Father, inventor, printer,
author, statesman, diplomat, and more. These words were spoken at the
Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on Thursday, June 28, 1787,
when delegates had reached an impasse in negotiations. ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
6) Verse of the Week
Where
is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the
east, and are come to worship Him. - Matthew 2:2 (KJV)
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
7) Homeschool Laugh of the Week
Taken from The Official Book of Homeschooling Cartoons (www.familymanweb.com). Reprinted with permission.
|
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
8) Easy Ways to Support HEAV
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
 Give a Gift - Get a Gift
Give
an end-of-the-year, tax-deductible donation to HEAV for only $50 or
more, and get the engaging and fun Willi Gets a History Lesson (a $24
value) as a gift!
We appreciate your support!
[Our many thanks also go to Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph for her generous gift of these give-away Willi Gets a History Lesson books!]
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
LAST DAY TO SAVE!
Homemaking Help for 21st-Century Moms
Special Holiday Package
17 E-books - Plus 2 Bonuses - for $19.95!
Today is the last day of this three-day homemaking special, so if you haven't yet, take a look and see if these e-books would be a blessing to you or a mom you know--they are being offered at a great savings! The sale ends TODAY (Thursday, December 17, 2009).
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
 SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MONEY COUNT
- Shop Online at GoodShop
More than 1,300 Retailers - Plus Coupons
- New Harris Teeter Program
Click here for more details as well as other simple ways to let portions of the money you're already spending on things like groceries,
online shopping, and travel go toward supporting homeschooling in
Virginia.
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
MONEY-SAVING SPECIALS/OPPORTUNITIES
Virginia Homeschool Manual Special Package
Choose Your Special Package - Get Two Free CDs Valued at More Than $200!
Peel-A-Way Program - Deadline Is December 31, 2009
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
Submit an Item
Know of an event, contest, or resource that would interest fellow homeschoolers? Please submit it using our online form at www.heav.org/resources/update/submit-event.html.
Note:
We compile information for publication at least two weeks prior to the
send-out date, so please submit items as early as possible (preferably
one month in advance). HEAV reserves the right to accept or reject any
material submitted.
There will be no Virginia Homeschool Update on
December 23 or December 30. The
next Update is scheduled for January
6, 2010. Have a blessed holiday
season!
~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~ ~:~
Disclaimer
The Virginia Homeschool Update
is produced by Maya Barnes (graphics & layout),
Kathleen Dillie (copy editor), Chris (editor), Sarah Kohrs (manager),
Katherine Loop (assistant director of publications & marketing),
and Anne Miller (director of publications & marketing).
HEAV
does not necessarily endorse the above-mentioned resources, nor
guarantee the accuracy of information found on any external resource we
may mention. If you find anything wrong on our website, please let us
know so we can correct it.
HEAV diligently researches each
link prior to publication. However, we recommend you, the parent, fully
examine websites before allowing your children to surf them without
supervision.
Copyright © 2009 by the Home Educators Association
of Virginia. All rights reserved. You are free to pass along all or
part of this Update, but please include the following credit line when you do: "Taken from HEAV's Virginia Homeschool Update, a free newsletter for Virginia homeschoolers. You can sign up at www.heav.org." You may modify this credit line if needed, but please credit HEAV and link to the HEAV website (www.heav.org). |
Home Educators Association of Virginia
e-mail: update@heav.org
phone: 804-278-9200
web: http://www.heav.org
Note:
Your membership and donations to HEAV enable us to continue monitoring
legislation and help us to guard and promote homeschooling freedoms.
Not a member? Join today!
Donate to HEAV now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
