HOME Update, June 9, 2009

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Please forward information on the following issues to homeschoolers that you are in contact with:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. HOME Upcoming Events

2. Opportunities of Interest

3. Great Resources

4. Visit our Website for the Latest News and Information!

----------------------------------------

1. HOME Upcoming Events

*** HOME Seminars throughout the State

Homeschoolers of Maine (HOME) will be offering a number of seminars throughout the state aimed at homeschool leaders, potential leaders, and all those homeschoolers called upon at one time or another to answer questions! That’s all of us, really!! Many things are happening within HOME and in the homeschool arena! Come and learn how to serve others effectively during this exciting time of growth for homeschooling in Maine! Or come simply for encouragement and shopping! A variety of other workshops will be offered at each location. In addition, the Heart of HOME Bookstore will be at each site.

In an effort to meet the unique needs of every group and region, each location will offer its own schedule of events. Workshop selections may differ from one place to the next. Please call the contact person for more information on the schedule for any given area, and to register.  

-   Saturday, June 20^th at 10:00am at CHAN Center in Caribou. Call Annette McEndarfer for more info and to register at 207-498-3041.

-   Tuesday, July 7^th at 10:00am in the Guilford area. Call Trisha White for more info and to register at 207- 717-7619.

-   Tuesday, July 14^th at 4:00pm at the HOME office in Hope. Call Kathy Green for more info and to register at 207-763-2880.

-   Tuesday, July 28^th at 10:00am at the Farmington Baptist Church Conference Center. Call Kimberly Miller for more info and to register at 207-6453164.

If you would like more information, or would like to have us come to your region, please give us a call at 207-763-2880!!

*** Upcoming Getting Started in Homeschooling Workshops at Locations around Maine

Are you just beginning to homeschool? Are you researching the option for your family? Plan to attend this workshop at one of the locations listed below!

We will cover the following topics:

 Maine’s new homeschooling law

 Record keeping

 Curriculum planning

 Helpful resources

 Portfolios and evaluations

 Support groups

 Special needs

 And much more!

-   Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 12:30pm at CHAN Center in Caribou. Call Annette McEndarfer for more info and to register at 207-498-3041.

-    Saturday, July 7, 2009  at 2:30pm in the Guilford area. Call Trisha White for more info and to register at 207-564-7308

-    Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 2:00pm at the HOME Office in Hope. Call the HOME office at 763-2880 to register.

*** For a list of all upcoming HOME Events in 2009, visit http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/event_calendar.htm

--------------------------------------

2. Opportunities of Interest

*** Summer Reach for the Stars Program

June 1 – 30, 2009

Get Free Usborne books for your family while helping homeschoolers in your area that are in need of books!

Usborne Books & More has chosen a pledge-based reading incentive program called REACH FOR THE STARS!!  

How does it work?

Children will read (or be read to for pre-readers) and gather pledges from family and loved ones during the month of June. 

50% of your pledge money goes directly to your family to select new Usborne books.

50% of your pledge money provides new Usborne books for homeschoolers in need in your area!

BONUS!  The family that gathers the most pledges will get $50 more in free Usborne books!

 For more information, contact:

Tracey Fleger, Educational Consultant
(207) 268-9153
tracey@usborneforkids.com
www.UsborneForKids.com

***  Kids Bowl Free Program

Bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever “Kids Bowl Free” program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.  For more information and locations in Maine, visit www.kidsbowlfree.com

*** Constitutional Law Online

Registration for the fall semester of Constitutional Law Online, taught by Michael Farris, Chairman and General Counsel of Home School Legal Defense Association and Chancellor of Patrick Henry College.

The class begins September 14, 2009, and concludes February 22, 2010. 

This 18-week Internet-based course follows Michael Farris' textbook, "Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens," and uses a computer-based audio CD-ROM to deliver the "classroom" lectures. The syllabus lists the reading and listening assignments for each week and offers a flexible schedule for homework.

For more information, or to register, visit the class website at http://conlaw.hslda.org

------------------------------

3. Great Resources

*** Penny Postcards

If you like history, and especially local history, then check out the website below.  These Penny Postcard pictures are great! 

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~usgenweb/special/ppcs/ppcs.html

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Visit our Website for the Latest News and Information!

*** Annual Assessments

Participate in Annual Assessments through HOME, and support your state organization! For more information, visit our website at http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/portfolio_review.htm

*** Notice of Intent

For a "Notice of Intent" or “Subsequent Letter of Intent” form, visit the HOME website at http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/Directions_for_Notice_of_Intent.htm

*** Maine Law Summary

The HSLDA Maine Law Summary is posted at the HOME website at http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/law_summary.htm

*** The Heart of HOME Newsletter: 2009 Online Issue Available

Great articles are available in the Winter 2009 issue of the Heart Of HOME Newsletter. Visit http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/current_issue.htm

*** Subscribe to the Heart of HOME

Be sure to subscribe or renew your subscription to the Heart of HOME Newsletter online with Paypal! Check it out at http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/subscription_form.htm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*** HOME updates are sent upon request. If you have received this message in error, if you have received duplicate copies, or if you wish to have your name removed from our update list, please email us at homeschl@midcoast.com. Thank you!

*** If you have found our ministry to be a blessing, please consider sending a tax-deductible donation to HOME at the address below. Thank you

Homeschoolers of Maine
PO Box 159
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-2880
homeschl@midcoast.com
www.homeschoolersofmaine.org

==============================================================================================================================================

New Truancy Law

Maine's truancy law now has a bit more teeth since the Governor signed LD 454 into law in June '07. The consequences of failure to comply with the compulsory attendance laws are potentially more severe. The new truancy law increases fines for parents to $250 and provides for intervention from the Department of Human Services. What does this mean for homeschoolers? Nothing, if you are in compliance with our homeschool law. If, however, you have missed deadlines for filing letters of intent and assessment results, you will be at a much greater risk.

Home School Recognition Award

In late September, the first ever "2003 Home School Recognition Award" was presented to Maine Senator Carol Weston of Montville at the HSLDA National
Home Education Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach. Senator Weston fought valiantly for Maine homeschool families during the last legislative session. Her mission was to pass legislation that would free Maine homeschoolers from the archaic and cumbersome application and approval process that had been in place during the past two decades. Her persistence and diligence paid off, and in May Maine joined the list of 36 states that simply file a notice of intent to homeschool.

The new law has brought relief to thousands. In fact, many have been surprised by the how easy the process has been. Scott Woodruff from HSLDA and Dr. Edwin Kastuck from the Department of Education have both reported that the process seems to be working well.

The HSLDA conference was held at the beautiful Founders Inn in Virginia Beach, and brought together hundreds of homeschool leaders from all fifty states and other parts of the world. Ed Green, Executive Director of HOME and his wife, Kathy attended the four day event which provided training, support and encouragement to leaders of state homeschool organizations. Green noted that, "It was great to be there among so many other state leaders to acknowledge Senator Weston's outstanding service and support of homeschoolers. Her dedication is a blessing to all people of Maine."

Congratulations Senator Weston!

From left to right: Peter Weston, Scott Woodruff (HSLDA Attorney), Senator Carol Weston, Kathy Green, Ed Green, and Mike Smith (HSLDA President)