In celebration of AFHE's 25th anniversary, members of the AFHE board are enjoying traveling to different counties to visit with homeschooling families around Arizona over a 12-18 month period. We are here to serve and encourage you as you teach your children at home. One of the primary ways we serve Arizona homeschoolers is to watch legislation that might affect our rights to teach our children at home. AFHE supports and promotes parent-led, family-funded, relationship-based education of children by their parents at home.
Homeschool moms, dads, and kids of all ages are invited to join us for lunch (sub sandwiches, chips, fresh veggies, dessert, water, and pop), fellowship with other homeschoolers, and door prize drawings! You don’t have to be an AFHE member to attend. Anyone who wishes to stay after the picnic to let the kids play together may do so, because we have the park reserved for the whole day. There is a playground and 2-mile hiking trail, too. Please tell all of your homeschooling friends and don’t forget to RSVP at the link below:
Did you know…? March 23 is the anniversary of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. Patrick Henry was an eloquent orator and motivational leader at the time of the Revolutionary War. He was a great American patriot and a strong believer in citizens’ rights. He was also homeschooled as a child by his father and uncle. I’ve put together a Patrick Henry study guide that includes a copy of his speech. Have your kids practice their oratory skills by reciting it today. Although he’s speaking of British tyranny in particular, Patrick Henry makes some good points that American citizens in any day and age would be wise to remember... Download this 18-page e-book for FREE at http://www.HomeschoolPatriot.com .
United Nations' threat: No more parental rights Expert: Pact would ban spankings, homeschooling if children object
A United Nations human rights treaty that could prohibit children from being spanked or homeschooled, ban youngsters from facing the death penalty and forbid parents from deciding their families' religion is on America's doorstep, a legal expert warns.
Parents would no longer be able to administer reasonable spankings to their children.
A murderer aged 17 years, 11 months and 29 days at the time of his crime could no longer be sentenced to life in prison.
Children would have the ability to choose their own religion while parents would only have the authority to give their children advice about religion.
The best interest of the child principle would give the government the ability to override every decision made by every parent if a government worker disagreed with the parent's decision.
A child's "right to be heard" would allow him (or her) to seek governmental review of every parental decision with which the child disagreed.
According to existing interpretation, it would be illegal for a nation to spend more on national defense than it does on children's welfare.
Children would acquire a legally enforceable right to leisure.
Teaching children about Christianity in schools has been held to be out of compliance with the CRC.
Allowing parents to opt their children out of sex education has been held to be out of compliance with the CRC.
Children would have the right to reproductive health information and services, including abortions, without parental knowledge or consent.
"Where the child has a right fulfilled by the government, the responsibilities shift from parents to the government," Farris said. "The implications of all this shifting of responsibilities is that parents no longer have the traditional roles of either being responsible for their children or having the right to direct their children."
The government would decide what is in the best interest of a children in every case, and the CRC would be considered superior to state laws, Farris said. Parents could be treated like criminals for making every-day decisions about their children's lives.
"If you think your child shouldn't go to the prom because their grades were low, the U.N. Convention gives that power to the government to review your decision and decide if it thinks that's what's best for your child," he said. "If you think that your children are too young to have a Facebook account, which interferes with the right of communication, the U.N. gets to determine whether or not your decision is in the best interest of the child."
He continued, "If you think your child should go to church three times a week, but the child wants to go to church once a week, the government gets to decide what it thinks is in the best interest of the children on the frequency of church attendance."
He said American social workers would be the ones responsible for implementation of the policies.
AZ Museum of Natural History - Homeschool Day - Feb. 26
Hello Homeschoolers!
Please join us at the Arizona Museum of Natural History on Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 1-3 pmfor our only planned Homeschool Day this year!
The theme isMarsbased on our newest exhibit,Mars!Come and explore the exhibit and learn more about the 'red planet.' The children can create their own space alien and a space-traveling Flat Stanley for fun. Then they can learn about the sizes of the planets and the distances between them for educational experiences.
The cost is $6 per person for everyone age 3 and up. Please call 480.644.3553 to RSVP for the program. We need to know the number of students and ages so we can have enough supplies on hand.
Our contact person has informed us that many of those we desire to serve were having trouble scheduling for President's Day - February 16th. This was a bit of a surprise both to her and to us. It wasn't that long ago that both Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays were holidays for nearly everyone. These traditional holidays were eliminated to make room for MLK day with the generic "Presidents" Day" tossed out to mollify those who still bore some appreciation for Washington and Lincoln. Now this "Presidents' Day" has faded into mere words on the calendar as fewer and fewer employers choose to honour it.
Thus we have changed the date to Sunday, February 15th.
Starting time will be 2:30.
What this will be:
An afternoon of interacting with soldiers and civilians of the Civil War. Children are encouraged to bring broomsticks to learn "military drill" with. Yes, there will again be hymn singing and testifying.
Men 15 and up may join in more realistic historical options if they contact us in advance. (Details are below.)
There will be no battle reenacting as we cannot do any firing at this location.
If you want to see a good Battle Reenactment with plenty of shooting visit us in Payson on April 4th.
The 2009 WestValley Living History Day: "Encampment at Litchfield"
An educational, community service, living history day focused on the Civil War!
Join the ladies and gentlemen of the 1st Virginia Infantry & 1st Minnesota Infantry in experiencing life at and during the Civil War.
It is 1861 again and the citizens of the WestValley are sorting out - North & South - trying on uniforms, learning drill, marching and practicing formations.
Our Westside homeschool friends are invited to turn out and participate in an exciting educational day of living history, military training and even historic testifying, hymn singing and dancing.
When: Sunday, February 15th beginning at 2:30.
Where: StaggPark in the community of LitchfieldPark
Bring: A blanket to sit on. Light refreshments if you so desire.
Children may bring a broomstick or wooden gun and be taught military drill.
Men 15 and up interested in being more realistic "recruits" in uniform should contact us at least seven days in advance at wemakehistory [at] aol.com and mention their desire to be a recruit for the "Encampment at Litchfield".
Cost?
This event is being offered for free by We Make History. Our desire is to bless and to serve.
A donation box will be available and voluntary contributions are much appreciated.
Directions:
Take Litchfield Road to Indian School Rd.TakeIndianSchool east to the first light – which is "Old Litchfield Rd." Go north on Old Litchfield Rd. You will pass a fire station on the left and then an Episcopal Church. The park is directly following.
Bird and nature fans throughout North America are invited to join tens of thousands of bird watchers for the 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), February 13-16, 2009.
A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation.
“Anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the body of knowledge that is used to inform conservation efforts to protect birds and biodiversity,” said Audubon Education Vice-President, Judy Braus.
Volunteers take part by counting birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the event and reporting their sightings online at www.birdcount.org. The data help researchers understand bird population trends across the continent, information that is critical for effective conservation. In 2008, participants submitted more than 85,000 checklists, a new record.
“The GBBC has become a vital link in the arsenal of continent wide bird-monitoring projects,” said Cornell Lab of Ornithology director John Fitzpatrick. “With more than a decade of data now in hand, the GBBC has documented striking changes in late-winter bird distributions.”
Participants submit thousands of digital images for the GBBC photo contest each year. Last year’s winners have been chosen and are now posted on the web site. Participants are also invited to upload their bird videos to YouTube tagged “GBBC.” Some of them will also be featured on the GBBC web site. All participants will be entered in a drawing to win dozens of birding items, including stuffed birds, clocks, books, feeders, and more.
Businesses, schools, nature clubs, Scout troops, and other community organizations interested in the GBBC can contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473 (outside the U.S., call (607) 254-2473), or Audubon at (215) 355-9588, Ext 16.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is made possible, in part, by support from Wild Birds Unlimited.
Deadline for 2009 Senior High Graduate Recognition Ceremony
2009 Senior High
Graduate Recognition Ceremony Registration is now open
Calling all senior high homeschool students graduating in the spring of 2009. We have a beautiful event planned to celebrate this milestone in your life!
2009 SENIOR HIGH CEREMONY
Friday, May 29, 2009
7:00-9:00 PM
Phoenix Convention Center
South Building Ballroom
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
January 20, 2009 Please note, no late registrations can be accepted.
May the year ahead bring
health and happiness;
hearts that love each other;
strength and perseverance;
people helping one another;
a renaissance of values such
as family, faith, and freedom;
the spirit of God within us
as a living temple for Him;
children safe from any injury;
forgiveness of the past;
no more terror, war or poverty;
and peace on earth at last.
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“GD JUL”
“BUN ANN”
“FELIZ NATAL”
“BAS FESTAS”
“JYEUX NEL”
“FELIZ NAVIDAD”
“VESELE VANCE”
“MERRY CHRISTMAS”
“YA'AT'EEH KESHMISH”
“VRLIJK KERSTFEEST”
“KALA CHRISTUGENA”
“NLLAIG SHNA DUIT”
“CHÚC MUNG GIÁNG SINH”
“GD JUL G GDT NYTÅR”
“FRHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN”
“BN NADAL I FELIÇ ANY NU”
“GD JUL CH GTT NYTT ÅR”
“JYEUX NËL ET BNNE ANNÉE”
“HÄID JULE JA HEAD UUT AASTAT”
“GLEDILEG JL G FARSELT NÝTT ÁR”
“BAS FESTAS E UM FELIZ AN NV”
“BUN NATALE E FELICE ANN NUV”
“FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PRSPER AÑ NUEV”
“SELAMAT HARI NATAL DAN TAHUN BARU”
“MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR”
“GABN ZRINTSUAK ETA URTE BERRI N”
“NADLIG LLAWEN A BLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDA”
“HYVÄÄ JULUA JA NNELLISTA UUTTA VUTTA”
“WESLYCH SWIAT I SZCZESLIWEG NWEG RKU”
“MELE KALIKIMAKA ME KA HAU'LI MAKAHIKI HU”
“S RZHDESTVM KHRYSTVYM I S NVYM GDM”
“PRETTIGE KERSTDAGEN EN EEN GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR”
“FRHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN UND EIN GLÜCKLICHES NEUES JAHR”
“MERI KIRIHIMETE ME NGA MIHI TE TAU HU KIA KUTU KATA”
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“Lord of the earth and seas and skies, Thou Source Supreme of all supplies, accept our praise for mercies given, for mercies shewn on Earth from Heaven.”~A Thanksgiving Hymn to Almighty God for His Blessing on the Harvest
The above Thanksgiving page has some fun facts, history, poems, prayers, and the Thanksgiving Proclamation by William Bradford in a PDF format that you can print out. Looks great on parchment paper if you have any!
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is having an amazing sale on subscriptions during their annual Black Friday Sale November 26 – 30. For those 5 days only, they are actually lowering their new one-year U.S.subscription price to $7.95! That's the price you would usually pay for just one issue at a bookstore!
This is their lowest price ever on the magazine and they want all of you to take advantage of this offer and share the info with your friends.
In fact, at $7.95, we encourage shoppers to buy a few extra as Christmas gifts!
Perfect for:
-homeschool friends
-support group leaders
-church or public library
-friends who are just considering homeschooling
-grandparents / in-laws
Please don't miss out. Your one-year subscription will pay for itself time and time again as you receive practical tips and Biblical encouragement to keep going strong in your commitment to homeschooling and to the Lord. Since it's a quarterly magazine, they even have a monthly subscriber's only E-Newsletter called Teacher's Toolbox that will give you seasonal teaching ideas and a free E-Book download! It's like joining a unit study of the month club! The free E-Books alone are valued at almost $250/year. It's really perfect for people who are homeschooling on a shoestring or just wanting to add in some little extras to your teaching.
Plus during the Black Friday Sale, they have all kind of bonus gifts when you spend $50, $75, $100, or $150. Some are electronic downloads that you can download immediately, while other are physical products mailed from various vendors directly to your home.
November 19th is the 145th anniversary of one of the greatest, shortest, and most quoted speeches in American history: “The Gettysburg Address” given by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The Library of Congress page on The Gettysburg Address contains several of Lincoln's drafts of the speech.
Video with recitation by actor Jeff Daniels:
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the prop- osition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is helping a family with an unusual, first-of-its-kind application: political asylum in the United States from Germany’s oppressive homeschooling laws. The Uwe and Hannelore Romeike family fled their native Bissingen, Germany, to escape persecution under a Nazi-era law requiring all children to attend public school to avoid “the emergence of parallel societies based on separate philosophical convictions” that could be taught by parents at home.
What Can Homeschoolers Expect under an Obama Administration?
Letter From HSLDA:
What Can We Expect under
an Obama Administration?
Dear HSLDA Members and Friends of Homeschooling:
Since the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president, HSLDA has received more than a few calls from both members and nonmembers. Some are quite concerned about the future of homeschooling under an Obama presidency.
First of all, let us always remember that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). He also instructs us to be wise, plan, and be prepared in everything we do.
Despite HSLDA’s efforts prior to the election to get an official statement from the Obama campaign regarding their position on homeschooling, we received no response.
So where does that leave us?
We do know that the Democratic Party has an official position of supporting public education. The National Education Association (NEA), which is the national teachers union, is a major supporter of the Democratic Party. We know that the NEA’s position is that every child should be either taught by a certified teacher or supervised by one. Additionally, their position is that the curriculum used by all homeschoolers should be approved by the state, and children should only be able to continue to be homeschooled based upon systematic evaluation by the state.
It is important to remember that under the United States Constitution, the federal government has no authority over private and home education. This is not to say that they will not attempt to exercise authority in these areas. And whenever private educators accept grants and benefits, there are conditions to receiving those benefits, including being subject to regulation.
Just because the federal government has no constitutional authority over home education, however, doesn’t mean that federal bureaucrats or legislators might not attempt to impose some form of regulation over private and home education. We saw this back in 1994, when the reauthorization of the Secondary and Elementary Act (H.R. 6) contained an amendment which would have conditioned funding to the states for public education to require that all teachers be certified in every subject area they teach. The homeschool community rose up; over a million phone calls were made to the U.S. Congress, and the amendment was defeated. During that process, Representative Dick Armey from Texas introduced an amendment which stated that the federal government and Congress have no authority over private and home education. This protective language was passed by the House of Representatives.
With your help and the help of homeschoolers all across America, we will vigorously resist any effort on the part of the federal government to regulate home education. Obviously, this will take resources—which come from our membership—and we would encourage our current members to continue standing with us, and encourage others to join us.
An immediate concern to watch is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Although we do not know what Barack Obama’s specific position on the treaty is, we know that future Vice President Joe Biden has publicly indicated that this UN Convention should be ratified by the United States.
It does appear that we will soon have the challenge of keeping the UN Convention from being ratified by the U.S. Senate, ratification requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.
Should the UN Convention be ratified, it would impose the United Nation’s view of children’s rights on America. Under the U.S. Constitution, treaties become the Supreme Law of the land, taking precedent over state laws and state supreme court decisions.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is not in the best interest of parents or children, as it would undermine the parental authority that our laws currently recognize. For further information on the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child visit ParentalRights.org.
To summarize, homeschoolers should not live in fear, but we do need to be wise, and we will need to be vigilant to protect parental rights and homeschooling freedoms in the future. We stand prepared, with your help, to do that as we’ve done for 25 years.
CiRCE Co-Sponsors National
High School Essay Contest:
George Washington and the Formation of the American Character
PLEASE NOTE: Deadline to register is November 28, 2008
Alongside the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) and the George Washington Society, CiRCE is proud to invite all high school students to participate in an exciting opportunity to explore the life and person of George Washington - and earn a scholarship!
1st Place Scholarship is $1,000
2nd Place Scholarship is $500
3rd Place Scholarship is $250
Students participating in this essay contest are asked to consider at least two central elements of Washington’s public or private life that found expression in American identity. Essayists are encouraged to consider how those characteristics have been weakened or strengthened over the past two centuries and what this suggests about the American character.
For more information please go to the ISI website.
"I believe, or at least I hope, that there is public virtue enough left among us, to deny ourselves everything but the bare necessaries of life, to accomplish our end."
Dr. Lance Hurley will portray George Washington in character and costume. He will discuss all Christian aspects of America, beginning with Columbus and the Mayflower Compact. He will discuss the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention. He will share his experiences during the Revolutionary War and during his presidency, as he relied on God to guide him and the other founding fathers. There will be an emphasis on his Thanksgiving Day proclamations as well as those of other presidents including President George Bush.
WHEN: Sunday, November 23rd at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hope Chapel is located one block north of Bell Road on the southeast corner of 62nd Avenue.
COST: The event is open to the public, it is free and a love offering will be taken.
DEADLINE: NONE
CONTACT: Dr. Lance Hurley, hurleypatriot {at} cox.net
Here is a great resource that HSLDA is offering in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities. The only catch is that you have to represent a homeschool group of at least two families. This artwork is meant to be shared. For the group leader sign-up form, go to:
Register now to receive free art from the National Endowment for the Humanities
Dear HSLDA Members and Friends,
We are excited to share with you a fantastic learning experience for homeschool families.
The National Endowment for the Humanities has recently funded a new project aimed at inspiring Americans about our history through masterpiece quality art.
Entitled “Picturing America,” this program has been offered to homeschool families. In addition, HSLDA will be offering a completely free course and DVD, along with online materials, quizzes, and teacher’s guide, to supplement this art from a Christian perspective. The course will be available in April, 2009.
The NEH will send you 40 huge (24" x 36"), high quality reproductions of these famous paintings in March, 2009, along with a Teachers Resource Book providing a wide range of ideas and background information to help you use the works of art in core subject areas. You may view the content of the art at http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/.
Due to the high cost of these materials, and the fact that there are only 18,000 available, the reproductions will only be sent to groups of 2 or more families. We encourage you to work with local homeschool families and homeschool support groups to find homeschoolers in your area.
Your art collection and teacher resources will be sent to your group directly from NEH. You can register below before Wednesday, November 12th, to receive these materials. Your information will not be shared with any other government agencies.
We hope that you take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn more about our nation’s history, and to encourage learning about high quality art. For more details on the program, read this Fact Sheet. Please contact us at generationjoshua@hslda.org or 540-338-8608 if you have any questions.
"Homeschooling Teen" is an e-zine that is oriented towards homeschooled high schoolers and young adult alumni. Published once a month, each issue is full of fellowship and fun, human interest and humor. Much of the content is written by other subscribers, and there are many opportunities for readers to participate – whether it’s writing book or movie reviews, sending in original short stories and poems, or submitting favorite websites for the links section. Additionally, in each issue we try to have a profile of a different "Homeschooling Teen" subscriber and/or a famous homeschooled teen.
"Homeschooling Teen" Magazine needs submissions from YOU. Just a few things we are looking for:
* Participation in Community Events/Volunteering
* Awards & Achievements
* Teen Entrepreneurs
* Homeschooling Teen Profiles
* Homeschool Friendly Colleges
* Recipes (original)
* Short Stories (original)
* Poems (original)
* Book Reviews
* Movie Reviews
* Favorite Websites
* Cartoons
* Bright Ideas
If you know of a homeschooled teen who loves to write or can contribute to any of the above topics, please e-mail the address shown on the website.
Oh, and you can also sign up for a FREE subscription!
This blog features news, events, articles, field trips, educational opportunities, legislative updates, website links, and other resources for the Arizona homeschool community... from the Arizona State Coordinator for TOS Homeschool Nation. Happy Homeschooling! ~Teri
Our e-Newsletters give you wonderful, informative information about homeschooling, news bits, contests and PRIZES for homeschoolers, articles to encourage you, calls for writers, free unit studies and lesson plans, and just a lot of FUN. Bring the community to your inbox – and no worries, we never sell, trade or give your email or any other information out to anyone.
Come join the homeschool party!
Subscribe to *FREE* newsletters offered by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
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I like to hear from home educators all around the state. If you have any homeschool news, events or other info that you would like to share, please feel free to e-mail me at
ATTENTION LEADERS!
If you would like your homeschool support group to be listed on the Arizona page at Homeschool Nation, please fill out and submit this form
Andros Books Publishing Susanne Bain, a good friend of mine and author of Home Schooling: A Better Education For Your Child, gives FREE homeschool workshops once per month at the Arrowhead Barnes & Noble bookstore in Peoria. Click here for schedule.
The Salt Seller Tami Lopez, another friend of mine, gives FREE homeschool workshops on the 3rd Monday of every month at the Fire Station on Belmont & 27th Ave. in West Phoenix. Click here for more info.
Do you live in Arizona? Do you have a homeschool blog? E-mail me at and I will add your blog to this list. Let's all keep in touch! Thanks!
* * *
See also Len Munsil's blog. Len is a Christian homeschool dad of many years who is running for governor.
HOMESCHOOL PIONEERS WANTED
If you were involved in the Arizona homeschooling movement during the 1980's or earlier and would like to share your story, please e-mail me at We are also looking for information about your homeschooling ancestors, and historical photographs related to homeschooling in Arizona. This is for a book on the history of homeschooling in Arizona.
1.) Most items posted in this blog are compiled from articles and information I've found on the web, or that have been e-mailed to me. I always provide links to the original source when possible. 2.) This information is provided for your personal education or consideration only; it does not necessarily imply that any such products, services, or resources are endorsed or advocated by TOS or myself. Please investigate all businesses prior to using any services. 3.) My own articles that I post here may not be reprinted without permission, but I will be happy to grant permission in most cases - all you have to do is ask! :) 4.) Just so you know, I am not an employee of TOS but rather a homeschool mom who volunteers my time to help educate, inform, and encourage Arizona homeschoolers. 5.) Event locations and times are subject to change without notice.
Please contact event personnel for updates.
on Amazon!
