Homeschool Band!

Coming soon to the Gainesville area: Homeschool Band!

From the director:

My name is Tom Rye and I have the privilege of directing the Home School Bands for the State of Oklahoma . I have a Bachelor of Music Education and for 25 years was a public school band director and 17 years as the Homeschool Band Founder and Director.

We are making plans to move our band program to the Gainsville area. We will offer instruction on all traditional band and string instruments. The classes will meet once a week at your location, the day and time to be determined at a later date. We have a director lined up to begin a program in Gainsville. We need to have several families be involved in our instrumental groups for the program to work. We will be having an informational meeting in the near future. We will tell you more about or program and we will also have several instruments for you to look at and try out.

If you have questions you can call me or email me. You can also check out our web site to find out more about us. I look forward to meeting with you in the next few weeks. 

Thank you
Tom Rye
1705 Kings Road
Edmond, OK 73013 405.341.1580 home I 405.659.8853 cell
*trye@att.net
www .okhomeschoolbands.com

*This post will update as more info is received.*

Local Spanish Classes

Jeanette Hayes, retired Whitesboro school teacher, will be resuming her homeschool Spanish classes for middle-school through adult, beginner through college levels.

Mrs. Hayes holds a Master's degree, has 48 years teaching experience, is certified to teach all grade levels, and has spent time as an interpreter, as well. 

Classes will be $10 per 2-hour session, weekly, most likely afternoons, beginning Sept 8. Firm details will be determined by class size.

Location: Whitesboro, TX.

Call Mrs. Hayes at 903-819-7520 for all other details.

Graduation

Every year, RRCH parents host a graduation ceremony. This is completely planned and organized by the current year's senior parents.With several years of graduations under our belts, there are plenty of knowledgeable moms who can help the first-timers.

Some years there is a large graduating class, and some years it's pretty small. But the beauty is that each ceremony is unique! And each one is a blessing to attend.

If you have a graduating senior, and are not part of the Yahoo Group or following RRCH on Facebook, leave a comment below to be directed to the current group of organizing parents. Depending on the group of moms involved, planning may start as early as the September before graduation.

Cooke County Cotillion

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." 
                                                                ---1 Timothy 4:12

  

Cooke County Cotillion was created with the goal to help our children be comfortable in a variety of social settings so that they might be ready to be a witness of God’s glory wherever He might send them (I Corinthians 10:31-33). To meet this goal CCC provides experience and instruction in Biblically-based etiquette, fine dining manners, skills in both ballroom and modern dance, and familiarity in various social settings; such as a reception, banquet, dinner party and other formal settings. 

 

We offer an event each month September through April, ending with a Formal. 
Each event is preceded with a mailed invitation to the cotillion teens. An RSVP is expected. The evening begins with a short etiquette lesson followed by dinner. Dance instruction is taught by a professional dance teacher. The evening is ended with a time of general dancing.

*Students must be 12 years old to participate in that season’s cotillion.

 

*The attire for cotillion is slacks, shirt and tie for the gentlemen and Sunday dress or skirt/blouse for the ladies. At the spring formal, a suit coat or sports jacket is required for the young men. The young ladies may wear a formal or prom-style dress if desired. Further details on dress code are provided in the CCC registration packet.

 

*Each family is asked to pay a non-refundable fee of $60, due at registration. Each cotillion evening costs $15 per student with the exception of the spring formal, which being a formal event may cost more. Parents may join us for $10.00 per parent. 

 

Registration for the upcoming cotillion season occurs at the fall Enrichment Class registration in the summer. Registration packets are emailed the week before. 

 

For further information, please feel free to contact Michelle Myers at john.myers1000@gmail.com.

About Enrichment Classes

Red River Enrichment Classes meets in Gainesville for two semester per year: a Spring semester (January-April) and a Fall Semester (September - November). Each semester is 10 weeks. All classes take place on Fridays. 

Goal - The goal of Enrichment Classes is to enrich the lives of our children through classes taught in a group setting by parent/teachers willing to volunteer their time to share of their knowledge in a particular subject area.  The key to success is cooperation.  At least one parent from each family is expected to be involved and on the premises during the time his/her children are in class.

 Description - Red River Enrichment Classes is a cooperative teaching and learning experience for home schooling families in the surrounding area.  Parents teach a variety of classes on Fridays to small groups of home-schooled children. Children of all ages are welcome to attend, providing there are openings in his/her grade level. School aged children are divided as follows; K-1^st grade, 2^nd -3^rd grade, 4^th -6^th grade, 7^th-8^th grade, 9^th-12^th grade.  Classes are taught from a Christian perspective (no New Age ideas, evolution, humanism, etc.), but in deference to others’ religious beliefs, denominational doctrine is not taught.

Current Class Schedule: Each semester brings a new variety of classes for each age group. All classes are volunteered by our parents, and are unique and exciting! To get an idea of what may be offered, you may request a copy of a past or current schedule. New class schedules are released about 2-4 weeks before Registration.

Interested in joining Enrichment Classes? We look forward to having you as a part of our group.

How to Apply for Membership in Red River Enrichment Classes

1. Read the Admission Policy
2. Print, fill in, and mail the Application Form and have the Reference Form completed (be sure to include the $18.95 per parent payment for background checks)

Application Form

Applications will be considered on a first-come first-served basis. You will be notified by email of your acceptance into the program and will be given the current class schedule and information.  

A Board Member will hold your application until time to fill any openings that our classes have for the upcoming semester. At that time, a Board Member will telephone or email you

• To extend you an invitation to join us or

• To ask if you would like to wait to join us at a later time if we don’t have any openings for the upcoming semester.

ADMISSION POLICY

New membership is limited and applications will be accepted based upon class availability. We will continue to take applications for the waiting list if the membership limit is reached.

To keep EC a manageable size, we do have some requirements. Membership is open to all families home educating at least one child who will be 5 years old AND in Kindergarten or above during the current academic year. Nursery and preschool classes are reserved for their younger siblings.

Under no circumstances will a student who has been removed from public or private school because of behavior or discipline problems be permitted to attend EC. If discovery is made after registration, the student will be removed from EC automatically.

EC is neither a substitute for nor an alternative to schooling at home. The program will facilitate the educational process to a high degree and relieve burdens, but it does not replace parents' responsibilities in the process. In fact, your participation and supervision will be integral to your child's success at EC.

 Background Checks

In an effort to protect our children, we require that all new parents (both Mom and Dad) submit to a background check prior to acceptance. Since we all benefit equally from this policy, we ask that each person pay for his or her own. Nationwide criminal searches are conducted through Criminal Watchdog.

Additionally, any adult who might replace you on the premises in your absence must have a background check conducted prior to their visit (Grandma, grown son or daughter, etc.).

Grade levels - As parents, we are aware of our children's social and academic abilities, but teachers are familiar with the levels of the courses. Posted grade limits give an idea of the level to which the class will be geared. We request that students not be more than two years below or above their grade peers in age.

Special Needs - Because most parents are not equipped to teach children with severe disabilities or maintain discipline in a class with special needs children, please prayerfully consider if co-op fits your special needs child. It may be necessary for the parent of any child to be assigned as a teacher or helper in some or all of the child's classes.

Why do we have such strict admission rules?

The longevity of EC and the positive impact it has on families’ lives is due to the grace of God and the hard and selfless work of all of our volunteer parents. Having families drop out after registration causes holes in our organization and causes a strain on the rest of the group. Our goal is to enrich the lives of homeschoolers, not to cause stress.

If you withdraw from EC before or during the semester, then your jobs (either as cleaner or teacher or as helper) will remain open for the semester unless they are covered by another volunteer member of EC. If you are scheduled to teach a class, then that class will have to be cancelled or taken over by another mom who should not have to take on additional responsibilities over and above her other EC responsibilities. If you are scheduled as a cleaner for the semester, then your cleaning team will be short one person for the entire ten weeks of the semester if you drop out before the final week of the semester. These cleaning crews should not be penalized by having to do more than their share of work because of your absence. EC students should not be penalized by having their class cancelled at the last minute because of your absence.

 Please strongly consider your ability to fulfill your commitment to our group BEFORE accepting an invitation to join our membership.

It is our strongest desire to support Christian homeschoolers in all aspects of their development, but the good of the program remains the principle responsibility and the primary concern of the Board Members.

By enrolling your children, you are committing to EC for the entire semester, so we ask you to consider your decision prayerfully before joining. Your attendance and punctuality are crucial because we depend on one another for a successful year. When even one parent is late or absent or quits, it puts a heavier burden on the rest of us, and consequently, the children suffer.

Therefore, if you already know that you may miss three or more Fridays per semester due to vacations or prior commitments, please do not join our program as you and your children will already miss a full quarter of classes, not including possible illnesses. We understand that illnesses and emergencies occur unexpectedly, and we do not want anyone who may be sick to attend, but we also respect the time and effort that instructors put into their classes each week. They deserve the mutual respect of having their helpers and students present in class and on time, barring unforeseen situations and illnesses. Because children look to their parents to set examples and take them to co-op, we ask parents to remember their own commitment and make punctual attendance a priority. Please schedule appointments and vacations accordingly, secure substitutes when you are absent for any reason, and leave your home in plenty of time to be punctual each week.

Fees - Registration per semester is currently $40 per family. $25 of this is paid to our host church for the use of their facility. The remaining $15 covers administrative costs.  No one in EC receives any compensation for their services.

Additionally, there is a one-time background check fee of $18.95 per parent (Mom and Dad).

If you withdraw from EC at any point after Registration, you will forfeit your $40 Registration Fee. If you withdraw one month before the first day of classes, you will also forfeit your class fees, as these will already be paid to the teachers.

Teaching - Once your family has attended for one full semester, we invite you to teach classes. This is not required, but it does have its benefits (early registration, not being on the cleaning crew, etc.). Announcements about class submissions will be made during the semester.

Red River Enrichment Classes welcomes you to our group. We look forward to meeting you!

If you have any questions about this information, do not hesitate to contact a Board Member at redriverenrichmentclasses@gmail.com.

Questions of a Mom to a Soon-to-be Freshman

As my oldest enters the realm of high school I find myself treading on unfamiliar territory.

What now?  

Credits, transcripts, dual credits, ACT, SAT - OH MY!!

Q:  Credit?  What constitutes a credit?

A:  A full year course is equal to 1 credit.  Typically 1 credit is equivalent to 120-180 hours.  A 1/2 year course or 60 hours merits 1/2 a credit.  Elective classes are usually 30 hours (1/4 credit).  On average 6-8 credits are earned per school year.

Q:  Which classes should my freshman be taking to ensure she receives enough credits (general course of study)?

A:   Language Arts - every year

      Math - 3-4 years  Suggested classes:

• Algebra I
• Algebra II
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Calculus

      Science - At lease 3 years of laboratory science classes.  A good combination includes a year of each of      

                     the following: 

• Biology
• Chemistry or Physics
• Earth/Space Science

     History/Social Studies -  1 full year of U.S. History, 1 full year of World History, & half a year of
                                           U.S. Government & Economics

     Foreign Language - 2-3 years

     Arts - 1 or 2 semesters in the arts is a  good choices (include studio art, dance, music, & drama)


Q:  What are electives?

A:  Typically courses that fall outside of the main core academic subject areas.  Electives are not required, but a student chooses to take them. They typically reflect a teen’s interests, introduce or improve skills, or are directly related to a future career. Electives do not require as much time or work as a core subjects, but should include educational content.
Possible electives include the following:

• Apologetics
• Bible  
• Business Related
• Communication
• Computer
• Fine Arts
• Health 
• Life Skills
• Physical Education
• Social Sciences

Q:  What is a transcript & where do I get one?

A:   A transcript is a record of the courses your child completed in high school, the credit he/she earned for each course, & a final grade for the course.  They also include a grade point average & personal information for identification purposes.  You can create a transcript for your child.  For sample transcripts & step-by-step instructions see HSLDA High School Website.

Faith Based Boys

Faith Based Boys is a leadership and character development program serving boys 5-18 years old.  The name of this new organization, its logo, along with its program elements will be developed by a coalition of interested parents and stakeholders who believe that a Christ centered, skills based opportunity is necessary for young men “to be raised in the way they should go”.  This coalition, with assistance from American Heritage Girls, is working to provide an interdenominational program that will be available across the nation.  It is set to launch in Fall 2013.

Please see faithbasedboys.org for more information

American Heritage Girls

American Heritage Girls is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.  AHG is for girls ages 5-18.  

To learn more about AHG please visit AHGonline.org 

For more information about our local troop TX1618 please contact ahgtx1618@gmail.com

Weather Wits and Science Snickers by Steve LaNore

Steve LaNore, weatherman for KXII TV Channel 12 in Sherman, TX has written an eBook full of fun weather humor! Mr. LaNore is reaching out to homeschool parents to share this book and his love of learning. It's called "Weather Wits and Science Snickers" and is only $3 for the download.

You can download this book to Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and you don't have to have an eReader to do so! Check it out and be sure to let Steve know what you think.

Class Ideas for EC

Sometimes you want to teach, but you have no idea WHAT to teach! It happens to everyone from time to time. So, here are a few suggestions...and maybe these will take you on rabbit trails to more ideas! Click here to download a blank form for a Class Descriptions.
Check back often to see additional ideas!
Magic Tree House Grades 2-3 or 4-6 Assign one book to be read each week at home, and then discuss the topic in class (dinosaurs, mummies, tornadoes, etc.). Magictreehouse.com has an entire section for teachers with free printable activities and teacher notes for every book.
Magic School Bus Grades K-1 or 2-3 Easy and fun science activities can be adapted from the books or video episodes. The Scholastic website has great links to go with all the topics (bats, gravity, oceans, and more) and there are easy science experiments in the back of each book.

Home Economics is a lost art, or is it? Keep it alive with a basic skills class for high schoolers. This Pinterest board has a few links to start, or go with a program like Keepers at Home.

Unit Studies on any topic are easily adapted to Enrichment Classes. Homeschool Share has an extensive list of Unit Study topics listed by age, from Preschool to High School!

Birds are fun for any age. Here are some links to all sorts of fun bird learning activities.
Crafts are always popular. Need some ideas? Here are plenty for the high school age. Make something new every week and even use them for gifts!

Preschool classes take a certain special kind of teacher! If this is your crowd, and you just need some inspiration, look no further than these links!

The ideas are endless. Read this article for more.

2012-2013 School Pictures

PAYMENT IS EXPECTED ON PICTURE DAY. Packages range in price from $15-55.

We will have Senior portraits in February during Enrichment Classes, followed by picture retakes and group photos (of groups such as Cub Scouts etc.).  There will not be another day for Senior pictures.  If you are unable to make this date and you are a Senior, then you must contact Angela Dick, Yearbook Coordinator, so she can determine another school location for you to take pictures at.

Welcome to Gainesville

• Morton Museum - Free. Rotating displays about Cooke County and local Texas
  history.
• Amelia's Attic - Across from the courthouse on California Street. Great antique store. Fun for browsing or purchasing. It turned my 10 year old into an
  antiques-loving kid. It's also a great way to discuss history when the kids pick
  up something and say "What is THAT?"
• Weises - Commerce street across from the courthouse. They sell old-fashioned Dr. Pepper WITH SUGAR at the back of their store.
•  Frank Buck Zoo - Admission. BUT they have a great deal on an annual family pass.
  

Welcome to Denison

• TX travel information center - located on hwy 75 north of Denison. Great for pamphlets, information, and kid fun. Most workers aren't real kid friendly.
  
• Randel lake - take hwy 75 north watch for signs. This is the main source for Denison's water supply.
  
• Eisenhower State Park- hwy 75 north exit 72 turn left and follow signs. Hiking, camping, fishing, programs, etc. Admission fee
  
• Carpenters bluff bridge – Main Street, go east watch for signs. Old one lane
  bridge crossing red river.
  
• Waterloo park - playground, hiking/mountain bike trail, duck feeding, fishing
  pond.
  
• Eisenhower birthplace - admission fee
  
• Katy Depot- railroad museum, old train, radio station, etc.
  
• Historic driving tour - directions can be gotten at the Chamber of Commerce on Woodard.
  
• Frontier village – Loy Lake Road off hwy 75. Historic village with museum. Museum is free, admission fee to village. Now has HUGE bust sculpture of President Eisenhower out front that can be seen from the hwy. Drive around behind frontier village into the park area to see a old very large tower (used to be a water tank).
  
• Park with ruin type pillars - north side of the old TMC. Park in parking lot
  across the street from the old TMC and walk into the park on the north east
  section of the parking lot. There is a pavilion type area back there that has
  columns made from the old Denison railroad bridges, with a brick floor made of
  the old hand made bricks that used to line Denison streets. There is a plaque
  that tells the history of it all. Take your camera! This place makes awesome
  pictures.

Books-A-Million Reading Program

For the summer of 2012, Books-A-Million in Sherman has a fun program for children of all ages. Simply read 4 Dr. Seuss books to earn a free lunch bag!

This program is only offered at the Sherman, Texas location. Drop by their store to pick up the form and get all the details.

Children who are not yet readers may participate when a parent reads the books to them.

25 Years of Homeschool Freedom in Texas

by Nicki Truesdell

In April 2012, Texas homeschoolers celebrated 25 years of freedom to educate their children without restriction. The amazing opportunities that your children have through EC are only possible because of those who stood up for your right to homeschool.  

Each homeschooling family has chosen to homeschool for reasons very important and very personal to them; you no doubt felt convicted that this was the best option for their family. And Texas is one of the best states in the country to do just that. 

This freedom has always existed, but it was threatened severely in the 1980’s. According to Tim Lambert with the Texas Homeschool Coalition, “…the 1980s were a perilous time for home school families all over the country, but especially in Texas. More than 100 families were prosecuted by the state for teaching their children at home in those years. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) had taken the position (reversing almost 70 years of policy) that home schools were not private schools and therefore students being taught at home were truant. Everyone who decided to teach their children at home in those days understood they were taking a chance and that they had to be involved in the political process to protect themselves.”

The following is an excerpt from the Handbook for Texas Homeschoolers by Tim Lambert, President of the Texas Home School Coalition:

Home education has been an accepted method of education since the days of the Texas Republic. The state department of education, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), had never attempted to regulate, oppose, or discourage home schooling in Texas until 1981. In that year, the TEA issued a policy that stated, "Educating a child at home is not the same as private school instruction, and therefore, not an acceptable substitute."

The matter did not come into open conflict until the much publicized case of the State v. Short, (Dallas County, 1982). In this case, Richardson ISD took the Short family to court for educating their daughters at home. Dave Haigler, the lawyer for the Shorts, was interviewed on the CBS evening news after the judge had ruled against the family; however, the next morning, the justice of the peace reversed himself and ruled in favor of the Shorts. The legal argument of vagueness of the law became the standard defense used by home schoolers all over the country.

As a direct result of the change in the TEA's policy, over 100 families were prosecuted by school districts for violation of the compulsory attendance law. In those days, the attitude of most home school families in Texas was one of fear. At home school meetings, people did not give out their addresses or phone numbers and the thought of a list of the group getting out to the public created much anxiety and apprehension.

In March 1985, attorney Shelby Sharpe, along with several home school families and curriculum suppliers, filed a lawsuit against all the school districts in Texas on behalf of all home educators in Texas. In what became known as the Leeper vs. Arlington class action suit (Leeper v. Arlington I.S.D. No. 17-88761-85), home educators asked the court to give a declaratory judgment on the question of whether or not the legislature had intended home schools to be private schools when they enacted the compulsory attendance statute in 1915. The basic question was, are home schools private schools?

In the Leeper court proceedings, one point that was established and never challenged by the state was that in the early 1900s, when the compulsory attendance law was passed by the legislature, over 70 percent of the students in Texas were being taught at home. Lawmakers would most certainly not have enacted a law that would have had over half of the population in violation of it. It seems that home education was the norm in Texas even in the early 1900s.

While the Leeper case was pending, Texas Attorney General Jim Mattox was seeking to negotiate with the lead attorney in the case, Shelby Sharpe, to get him to drop the suit in exchange for regulations or rules passed by the TEA. The case was not dropped. Finally, the attorney general encouraged the TEA and the State Board of Education (SBOE) to set up a new accreditation agency within the TEA. This agency would accredit private schools. The purpose of this was to settle the issue of what is a private school by defining it as one accredited by this body.

The SBOE held a public hearing on this issue in April of 1986 in Austin. To the shock of the TEA and SBOE, approximately 6,000 people appeared to testify and protest what they perceived to be government intrusion into private education. This rally came to be known as the "Austin TEA Party."

 Several legislators testified that neither the TEA nor the SBOE had any authority to deal with private education because the Texas Legislature had not given them that authority by statute. The Texas Education Code applies only to public education. The SBOE finally passed a resolution asking the Texas Legislature to define private schools or give them the authority to do so. The legislature refused to do either.

In January of 1987, the class action lawsuit finally came to trial. The trial lasted for a week and a half and included expert testimony from such national figures as R. J. Rushdoony, Raymond Moore, and Sam Blumenfeld. On April 13, 1987, presiding Judge Charles J. Murray issued a decision (binding on all 1,100 school districts) which was a complete vindication of the rights of parents to educate their children at home in the State of Texas.

I was at the Austin TEA Party, at the age of 14, with my parents. When my mom and dad got wind of this hearing we, along with three other homeschooling families, traveled from Collinsville all the way to Austin.  

There was a lot fueling this mad dash to the capitol: 

1) My mom and dad had been completely dedicated to homeschooling from the start. There was never any talk of "trying it out" or going back to public school later. They were sold. 

2) My parents had already been arrested for homeschooling, and they wanted to be sure that wouldn't happen again. 

Add caption

3) Our family was prone to exercise our right to free speech. This was not the first march, and it wouldn’t be the last. 

March against pornography when 7-11 and the Southland Corporation started carrying pornographic magazines in their stores.

March against abortion in our tiny hometown of Terral, OK.

As with most homeschooling families, we survived on one income, and had little extra. But we packed our tents, sleeping bags, and camp stove and took off. We camped at a KOA campground and ate sandwiches from a cooler.

The group of kids from Collinsville at the Capitol in Austin, April 1996.

Why? Well, I’ll tell you:

Some of you have heard my story, about how my parents were arrested for homeschooling. But the story doesn’t really belong to me; it belongs to my Mom and Dad and to my aunt, Kari Davidson, whom many of you know. They were the homeschool parents who experienced a literal rude awakening early one morning in October of 1983. This arrest took place in Oklahoma, and was the result of an anonymous complaint.

Police officers knocked on our door at 7:00 that morning. A very apologetic deputy informed my parents that they were under arrest for truancy, and he needed to take them to the Jefferson County Sherrif's office. (Three days before, my dad had been fired from his job in this very office without warning and without explanation.)

My parents immediately called our Pastor. The Pastor went to inform my aunt Kari, who lived across town, that the deputy was on his way to her house, since she didn't have a phone. He arrived at the same time the police showed up, so it was a complete surprise to Kari.  She grabbed her Bible, a toothbrush, and a sweater, because for some reason she remembered hearing that it was cold in jail!

All four of us kids stayed with the pastsor’s wife, while the pastor followed the offenders to jail in his own car.

Mom and Daddy were members of Home School Legal Defense Association, so phone calls were quickly made. John Eidsmoe, who was a professor of law at Oral Roberts University at the time, took Kari's case at no charge, since she was a widow. Michael Ferris, John Whithead, and Charles McLaughlin were all involved.

The legalities of homeschooling were a big deal at this time, as homeschooling had begun to grow in popularity. At the time, there were 7 homeschool defense attorneys in Texas. But no one expected a problem in Oklahoma. Oklahoma was, and still is, one of the best states for homeschooling, so this was unheard of!

Bail was set for $200, which our Pastor graciously paid. So Mom, Daddy, and Kari were fingerprinted and processed, but never locked up. They spent the day in the Sheriffs office while the attorneys were contacted.

The court date was set for January of 1984. Meanwhile, John Whitehead called the Oklahoma Attorney General and the State Legislature. Kari had a phone installed at her house in order to keep up with the case. We visited with the attorneys handling the case. Our families even went to the home of Kirk and Beverly McCord (whose name you may recognize as the founders of the Home School Book Fair). We, the children, were questioned privately to prepare us for the court proceedings.

In December, Kari received a phone call from another Oklahoma homeschooler who said that 300 other homeschoolers were planning to march at the courthouse where the case would be heard. She was so happy just to know there were other families actually homeschooling in Oklahoma!

Just days before the case was to be tried in court, the Terral School Superintendent dropped the case. He even came to our home and apologized to my parents for the inconvenience. Kari, however, did not receive a letter or an apology.

I was 11 years old when this happened. My sister was 8, and my cousins were 7 and 4.

Here we are with a local church member who came to perform a weekly "chapel" service for us.

I remember the fear of having police officers knock on our door so early in the morning, and finding out that they had come for my parents. I also remember spending the day at the Pastor's house, waiting for my parents to come home. I did have some worry that they might have to stay in jail. We had only been homeschooling for just over a month, so it was scary to think they had done something really wrong.

As far as my Dad remembered, they were the first to be arrested for homeschooling in Oklahoma.

(As a side note, homeschooling in Oklahoma has been legal since it’s statehood in 1908. All it took for an arrest was the perfect mix of an uniformed school district, a compliant sherriff’s office, and brand new homeschoolers with no knowledge of their rights. Unfortunately, this still happens all over Texas and the United States.)

My family’s story, although quite dramatic for us, is a simple one compared to many others. There are numerous families who have been through worse. Thanks to the good people at Home School Legal Defense Association and Texas Homeschool Coalition, much is being done every day to protect this very basic parental right. Arrest may not happen to you, but your support of these organizations will help protect families whose rights to homeschool are in danger.

In all the history of the world, freedom has never magically appeared. Battles for freedom of any sort had to be fought…sacrifices had to be made to win and keep freedom.

 People who did not consider themselves “politically active” in any way suddenly found themselves speaking out against, fighting against, and even dying because of threatened tyranny. The United States of America would not exist without the willingness of brave families who gave up everything and risked everything to seek freedom for themselves and generations to come. The Pilgrims, who first fled to Holland from England and the tyranny of the King, left their second home, and in their desire to raise their children away from the dangers of the culture around them, they picked up everything and braved a 6 week ocean voyage, wilderness, Indians, and the great unknown. They had very little knowledge of this new world, its weather, terrain, people, vegetation, or possibilities. But it was worth it to them to protect their children and save their souls.

I, for one, am humbled by their sacrifice and thankful that they were willing. They suffered many hardships and losses, but they also produced some of the greatest men and women in history. 

The American colonists did likewise. They did not simply wake up one morning and decide to start a revolution; they recognized the threat to future generations and took it upon themselves to do something about it in their lifetime.

John Adams said, "I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy."

You do not have to be an activist; you should be knowledgeable and aware. All homeschoolers need to be willing to act on information regarding threats to our freedom.

"Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people."
John Adams

The threats still exist, at the local level, the State level, and the national level. Make no mistake: parents who take responsibility for the upbringing of their children are a real threat to the liberal agenda.

 The Occupy Wall Street movement has listed among its many demands to “ban the private ownership of land” and “make homeschooling illegal because religious fanatics use it to feed their children propaganda.” This movement has the public support of President Obama and other Democratic leaders in Congress.

The freedom to educate our children is vital to the future of America. We can thank the pioneers of the modern homeschooling movement for standing up for that freedom. But it is our responsibility to keep it.

Texas Homeschool Coalition has played a vital part in preserving the freedom of Texas Homeschoolers. They work closely with the Governor and the State Legislature, closely examining every piece of legislation for threats to families who educate their children.

In closing, I would like to thank my mom, Debbie Barnes, my Dad Andy who passed away in December, and my aunt Kari for the legacy that they have given to me and everyone here. These pioneers in the homeschool movement paved the way. Now it’s up to us to keep the way open for our children and grandchildren. 

Save those empty ink cartridges!

Red River Enrichment Classes has joined the Worklife Rewards program with Office Depot. This program allows us to recycle 10 empty printer ink cartridges each month for Office Depot reward of $2 each. We use this money to pay for copies and supplies (class descriptions, handbooks, nametags, etc.)

So, please save your ink cartridges and bring them to EC for recycling, and help EC at the same time!

College Prep - Homeschool Dual Credit

If you are looking for another dual credit option, consider the College Prep program from College Plus.

"CollegePrep is a one semester dual credit and collegiate preparation program for homeschool high school students ages 14-18. CollegePrep does not require your student to increase their workload, take additional classes, or force you to buy extra curriculum.

Through CollegePrep, your student earns high school and college credit, at the same time, for what they are already learning, using curriculum you already own. And, this counts as an honors course on your student’s high school transcript.

During your student’s one semester in CollegePrep, they can earn 12 accredited and transferable college credits, which are also worth 2 high school credits, for what they are learning in subjects like History, Science, Math, and Literature."

 College Prep Website

Red River 4H

Red River 4H meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, September through May, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Gainesville, TX.

Children may take part in a variety of activities, such as clothing projects, food shows, volunteer opportunities, agriculture, Share the Fun, and much more.

The Red River 4H group is led by a fantastic RRCH mom!

For more information, contact:

Katy Smith 817-980-0147

Enrichment Class Outlines

In January 2012, Red River Enrichment Classes celebrated its 12^th year! We are so excited about what God has done for us, and look forward to the future.

As we grow, the need for increased structure and accountability increases. To that end, EC teachers will now submit a Class Outline Form with each class proposal. This additional information will not be included in class descriptions printed for distribution, but the form will be kept on file.

The Class Outline Form will afford teachers an opportunity to consider class goals and material in advance. This is a good thing! The goal is not to increase anyone’s burden, but rather to benefit teachers, parents and the board as we work together to bless the children we’re so privileged to instruct.  

Classes will not be considered without this form.

Examples follow below. You’ll notice that some classes (Games! & etc.) lend themselves to a very informal format, while more academic classes call for a bit more structure.  

If you have any questions about this form or classes in general, please contact an EC Board Member. To download a Class Description Form, click here.

Sincerely,

Nicki Truesdell
Dainah Blalock
Nichole Hackney
 

{ Example 1 }

 Class: Backyard Science                        Grade: Pre-K

What are your goals for this class?

My goal is to make preschool students more aware of God’s incredible creation and teach them how to learn and discover the exciting things in nature for themselves. We will have a notebook to show parents at the end of 10 weeks.

Please give a basic 10-week outline for accomplishing these goals:

Weeks 1 & 2 – introduce field guides and teach students to look up animal tracks, wildflowers, and insects. Take walks outside as weather permits.

Week 3 – Read about the life cycle of a plant; plant lima bean seeds in a cup

Week 4 – discuss trees, the change of seasons, and make a leaf rubbing

Week 5 – read about rocks and minerals and examine rocks found in the church yard

Week 6 – read and talk about weather; make a tornado in a jar

Week 7- read and talk about snakes and lizards

Week 8 – read and talk about insects

Week 9 – read and talk about spiders

Week 10 – show and tell; class party with nature themed snacks

Please list materials used in this class:

• Usborne book of Rocks and Minerals
• Trees and Seasons
• Spiders
• Magic School Bus Explores Plants
• printed materials from www.homeschoolshare.com to make lapbooks
• various field guides

{ Example 2 }

 Class: Board Games                            Grade: 9^th-12^th

What are your goals for this class?

To have fun! I want to provide an hour of relaxed social time where kids interact with each other through the fun of popular board games. I will also encourage good sportsmanship and teamwork.

Please provide a basic 10 week outline for accomplishing these goals:

Every week we will just play board games and have fun.

What materials will be used in this class?

Popular board games, like Clue, Boggle, Scrabble, etc.

{Example 3}

"Build it Big" class

Goals for the Class: To use the principles of science and teamwork to solve various tasks using household items.

Outline:

Week 1: Marshmallow Tower (Structures)

Week 2: Balloon Columns (Structures)

Week 3: Tower of Coins (Forces and Energy)

Week 4: Bubble City (Design It)

Week 5: Balloon Car (Forces and Energy)

Week 6: Roller Coaster (Design It)

Week 7: Parachute (Design It)

Week 8: Moving Cans (Forces and Energy)

Week 9: Paper Bridge (Structures)

Week 10: Cup Tower (Structures)

Materials Used in Class: balloons, marshmallows, coins,bubbles, straws, books, marbles, soda cans, paper, cups, plastic bags, water,etc.

Back-Up Plan: The Cup Tower or Paper Bridge Activities canbe easily led by anyone.  I will have supplies and directions for both ready at the beginning of the semester so I can hand them off to someone if need be.

 {Example 4}

"The Hobbit" class

Please give a basic 10-week outline for accomplishing these goals:

Week 1: Chapters 1-2, history and characteristics of Dwarves and trolls

Week 2: Chapters 3-5, studying Elrond, Imladris, and Elves; Goblins (Orcs); Gollum; the Ring

Week 3: Chapters 6-7, studying wargs, Eagles, Beorn, Mirkwood

Week 4: Chapters 8-9, studying Wood Elves, Sting, King Thranduil

Week 5: Chapters 10-11, history and maps of Lonely Mountain, Lake Town, the Secret Door

Week 6: Chapters 12-13, the Arkenstone, Smaug and dragons, Mithril, Thror, Dunland, Cram

Week 7: Chapters 14-15, the Bard,birds, Carc, Roac,

Week 8: Chapters 16-17, Dain, return of Gandalf, Thorin, Gobblins, The Battle of Five Armies

Week 9: Chapters 18-19, the Return Journey and the Last Stage

Week 10: Wrap up- quiz, questions,and games

What materials will be used in this class?

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 
• The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad 
• The Tolkien Companion by J.E.A. Tyler 
• Finding God in the Lord of the Rings by Kurt Bruner & Jim Ware 
• The J.R.R. Tolkien Handbook by Colin Duriez 
• Unfinished Tales by J.R.R. Tolkien 
• The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

We hope these examples will give you a clear understanding of the kind of outlines required for class submissions.

Thank you to all of our wonderful EC parents for your creative and fun classes!