HOME Update, June 30, 2008

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

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1. HOME Upcoming Events
2. Annual Assessment News
3. Opportunities of Interest
4. Following the Threat in California
5. Visit our Website for the Latest News and Information!

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1. HOME Upcoming Events

*** Early Registration Deadline Approaching for Art Classes!

In July, Barry Stebbing, artist, author and teacher, will be in Maine to present art classes for homeschoolers aged 5 - adult. Three-day classes are scheduled for July 21, 22 and 23 from 9:00am - 11:30am or 1:00pm - 3:30pm in Skowhegan and July 24, 25 and 26 in Rockland from 9:00am - 11:30am. Classes will include instruction in art appreciation, beginning drawing, beginning painting, and more!

Register now to receive a reduced rate. Late fees will be applied to those registering after July 7. For more information and registration details for the Skowhegan class, please contact Tracy Smith at 474-5349 or onaturel@o-nature-l.com. For more information and registration details for the Rockland class, please contact Kathy Green at 763-2880 or homeschl@midcoast.com.

For more information on Barry Stebbing, his books and his classes, please visit www.howgreatthouart.com

*** Getting Started in Homeschooling

- Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 2:00pm at the HOME Office

Are you just beginning to homeschool? Are you researching the option for your family? Plan to attend this workshop!

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!

Call the HOME office at 763-2880 to register.

*** For a list of all upcoming HOME Events in 2008, visit http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/event_calendar.htm

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2. Annual Assessment News

*** REMINDER!

Subsequent Letters of Intent to homeschool and annual assessment results are due by September 1! The Department of Education will not be mailing out reminders. To be sure that you do not miss the deadline, make your assessment plans now. Annual assessment results must be included in the same packet with the Subsequent Letter of Intent. Mail copies to both the DOE and your local superintendent. Please go to the link below to review the
process:
http://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/Complying_easy.htm

If you need assistance with assessment options, please feel free to contact the HOME office at 763-2880.

*** Social Security Numbers Required for Maine Certified Teachers

Maine Certified Teachers who are conducting annual assessments must have their social security numbers on file with Dr. Edwin Kastuck at the Maine Department of Education in Augusta. This enables DOE office staff to verify that the individual conducting the assessment holds a valid Maine teacher's certificate. Please contact Jan Bunnell at 207-624-6733 if you are conducting annual assessments for homeschoolers, and wish to be added to the list of certified teachers doing homeschool assessments.

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3. Opportunities of Interest

*** Family Geography Day

Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Family Geography Day! Join the Maine State Museum and the Maine Geographic Alliance for a day of music, games, dance, food, and storytelling from the diverse people who come from all over the world to make Maine their home. Free admission all day. For more information call 207-287-2301 or visit www.mainestatemuseum.org

*** Host Families Needed!

LABO Japanese Exchange Foundation is in need of host families for their one-month summer homestay. Time spent with a Japanese student in your home can count towards high school language arts credits!

If you are interesting in hosting or would like more information, please contact Patty Keyes, Maine State Coordinator, at (207)338-6919 as soon as possible!

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4. Following the Threat in California

*** Keep Praying for the California Homeschooling Case

Read more at http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/ca/200806250.asp

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

*** Watch for Legislative News in Maine

Be sure to visit the link below for Maine legislative news. Also, stay up to date and informed with HOME's Email Updates. We'll always let you know of any issues that need action!

For more information: http://homeschoolersofmaine.org/legislative_information.htm

*** The Heart of HOME Newsletter: 2008 Online Issue Available

Great articles are available in the Winter 2008 issue of the Heart Of HOME Newsletter, Online at 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

*** Notice of Intent

For a sample "Notice 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

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*** 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!