Dear Leaders,
Spring is such a busy time of year for support group end-of-the-year testing, sports-league activities, award banquets, and art shows, all in addition to family gatherings and church activities. Spring is also the time when many parents start thinking about the possibility of homeschooling next year. As they think of homeschooling questions, they call you to get answers! How do you homeschool? What about socialization? What about the law? Can I teach a special-needs child? Are public school services available? Where do I get curriculum? Do I have to test my child?
Working Together
You want to reach out to new homeschoolers--and HEAV wants to direct new homeschoolers to your support group! There are several ways we can work together:
1. Website Listing
Make sure your support group information is up-to-date on the HEAV website. Simply check the information we have listed for your group. We know people and positions change, so take a quick look and if we need to correct your information, use the easy-to-fill-out form. There's nothing more discouraging to an interested parent than to get a disconnected number and not know whom to contact for help.
2. Share the Leader Letter
Be sure to forward our Leader Letter to all those in leadership. However, if you're getting our Leader Letter second-hand and would like to receive your own copy, just let me know at support@heav.org. I'll make sure you're added to our Leader List. We want all the group leaders to have the same up-to-date information.
3. Get a Knowledgeable Speaker
Good information and encouragement build strong support groups. Let us know if we can assist you by providing a speaker for one of your support group meetings. Give me a call or send an e-mail and let me know the topics you're interested in covering. I'll be glad to come or one of our very experienced homeschool board members can share with your group. Because our schedules fill up fast, it's not too early to schedule speakers for summer getting-started meetings or for fall support group meetings.
4. Offer a Homeschool Success Seminar
Or if you'd like to plan a program to reach out to new homeschoolers or those still trying to decide, we're available to present our three-hour introductory seminar, "How to Begin Homeschooling." This will save lots of telephone time answering the same questions over and over again! Simply provide a place and let those in your area know about the event. There is NO COST to your group! Let me know if we can help you by offering a seminar or sending materials. Call the HEAV office at 804-278-9200 or e-mail me at support@heav.org.
EXCITING CONVENTION NEWS!You are invited to be our guest at HEAV's Support Group Leader Luncheon! If you're in support group leadership--on your board, a newsletter editor, an officer, committee chair, etc.--you are invited to join us Friday at the convention from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. for a special luncheon to honor your service to the homeschool community.
If you're like me, all you really wanted to do was homeschool your own children, but then someone suggested you become the leader of a homeschool support group. Interesting job, isn't it? How do you get members to sign up to do the newsletter and run the field trips? As a matter of fact, how do you get members to even attend the meetings? How can you share the vision of homeschooling with people who have no vision?
At the Support Group Leader Luncheon, you'll hear Jessica Hulcy, national speaker, co-author of KONOS Curriculum and a state leader from Texas, share how she has used the concept of teamwork, hospitality, and shoes--yes, shoes--to help build a support group that goes beyond support and establishes a community of homeschoolers who serve each other.
Lots of door prizes and gifts along with fellowship and fun! Questions? E-mail support@heav.org. To register call the HEAV office by May 28.
How many do you need?
Help get the word out: Tell a friend! Share the vision, encouragement, and excitement of the HEAV convention! You are our best advertisement! We will gladly send you convention brochures to give to your support group members, friends and neighbors, or to take to your church, library, bookstore, and doctor's office--just let us know how many brochures you need! Contact us at 804-278-9200 or registration@heav.org. With your help, this will be the best convention ever!
What a Deal! Special Bonus Gifts for Convention Pre-Registration!
Let your support group members know HEAV is offering special bonus gifts for those who pre-register for convention. Everyone who registers for the convention will receive a FREE "Jamestown~400 Years: A Journey of Discovery" CD from KnowledgeQuestMaps.com. And everyone who preregisters by May 22 will receive the CD and four more bonus gifts--even those who have already registered! The CD and gifts will be sent in the confirmation packets in late May.
Attention All '07 Graduates!
Please have seniors who want to participate in the HEAV graduation ceremony in Richmond on Saturday, June 9, contact our graduation coordinator at graduation@heav.org or call 804-278-9200 immediately. Space is extremely limited!
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Scholarships Are Available
We want to make the convention accessible to all who would like to attend. Full and partial scholarships are available. Encourage families who could benefit from a scholarship to call our office or e-mail registaration@heav.org for details. Your group can also help families in need by donating to HEAV's scholarship fund. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Need to make a copy? June is Homeschool Copyright Ethics Awareness Month Have you ever wondered what you can and cannot copy? Have you ever had a twinge of "Maybe I shouldn't copy this"? The deluge of information on the Internet only complicates the copyright question. If we want to do what's right--and I believe we all do--then maybe we should find out if what we "think is right" really is. Take the copyright quiz and see how you do! Pass it along to the folks in your support group.
According to HSLDA, the U.S. Marine Corps has joined the U.S. Army in actively pursuing homeschooled students. A recent statement from the Marine Corps Recruiting Command Public Affairs Chief makes it clear that homeschoolers are eligible to enlist in all military programs, the same as a graduate from public school.
REMINDERS
Answers in Genesis(Co-sponsored by HEAV)
Community Church
Ashburn, VA
May 18 and 19, 2007
Come hear creation scientists Ken Ham (pictured), Buddy Davis, and Dr. Danny Faulkner speak. The cost for the family is only $35. You can find more information about the Answers in Genesis conference (individual rates, speaker topics and schedules, etc.) by visiting their website, contacting Cris Loop at looptroop4@cox.net, or calling Cris at 703-352-0681. www.answersingenesis.org
Mariner's Museum FREE Open House(Co-sponsored by HEAV)
Newport News, VA
April 24, 2007
Register for a free sneak preview of these special homeschool programs and a tour of the Monitor Center, call 757-591-7751 or e-mail homeschool@MarinersMuseum.org. www.MarinersMuseum.org
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Let me know what we can do to serve you and make your support group even stronger!
With warm regards,
Yvonne Bunn, HEAV Director of Homeschool Support
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This page last edited: 23 May 2007
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