__._,_.___

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

The summer can be a fun time for field trips.  There are many different places around Oregon that families can travel to, that are both fun and educational.  

Over the 4th of July weekend (4th, 5th, 6th),  the northwest civil war councel will be having a reenactment at the willamette mission park in Brooks, Oregon (which is just outside of Salem).  This will be our first time being able to be completely involved in it.  Being able to take a step back in time is a wonderful way for children to have a hands on history lesson.

Here are a few more ideas,  of  fun educational outings.

In Buena Vista, Oregon, there is a Wings of Wonder Butterfly Farm.  You can go in and see all sorts of butterflies!

In Central Oregon, you can take a tour of the fossil beds, or go and see the old lava flows.

Over on the coast, there is a marine center called theHatfield Marine Science Center.  You can see marine life, and learn about it, while being happy inside knowing that it is free!

As I think of more, or run into any more great summer field trip ideas, I'll be sure to come and post them.

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

Date: Saturday, June 5th
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Place: Southwest Hills Baptist Church
          9100 SW 135th, Beaverton, Oregon
 
There's no admission fee for customers.

If anyone is interested in selling their books, there are still a few tables available.  It costs only $5 to rent a table.  Please contact Judy Fast at  (to respect privacy, contact me...Ali if you would like to contact Judy. )  for details. 

Just a reminder, the book sale is this Saturday at Southwest Hills Baptist Church  9100 SW 135th.(Please do not call the church; email me with any questions).  You may begin setting up your table(s) anytime after 8:30.  All tables will be in the Fellowship Hall this year.  Just look for the open doors and balloons.  There will be 2 truck dollies for your use.  There are still a few tables available, so if any of your friends would like to participate, tell them to let me know as soon as possible.  A few guidelines for you to remember   1.  You are responsible for setting up your table and manning it during the sale, 2.  Please bring enough cash to make change for the customers.  3.  Please limit your area to your table and the floor under your table.  Remember some people will have strollers, and we need to keep the aisles clear.  4.  If you want something to eat or drink, please limit your food and beverage to your own table.  Do not walk around with it.  That way if you spill, it will only be on your own books and not on someone elses.  5.  After the sale please clean up your area by removing your books, folding your table and moving it to the window area.  Check your area for any trash.
There will be a free table; however, this table is NOT to be used as a dumping ground for books that you can not sell.  Books left on this table after the sale just get thrown away, and it would be better for you to donate them to an organization than to let them get tossed.
The sale will begin at 10:00 and go until 12:30.  Please let your friends know about the sale and invite them to come.

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

June 7th, 2008
 
LIGHT's 19th Annual
Christian Home Education Faire   
 

The Christian Home Education Faire (CHEF) is a great place to see many homeschool products, books, software and methods of educating. There will be both new & used curriculum available to purchase, as well as, vendor workshops and keynote speakers to attend.
New and prospective homeschoolers are welcome! Bring your family, ask questions and be encouraged!
 
DOORPRIZES!
This year LIGHT is again excited to hold a raffle for all faire attendees! The tickets will be drawn throughout the day. A final big drawing will follow the last keynote. A grand prize will be given away, as well as other items contributed by the faire vendors and area retailers. Winners must be present to win.  

 
We will have a snack counter open hosted by our local homeschool boy scouts and cub scouts. Beverages, goodies and sandwiches will be available.
You may bring your own lunch, if you desire.
 
We are at a new location this year! Santa Clara Church of Christ is a large and beautiful facility located near the Beltline and River Road area. We are looking forward to enjoying the grounds and wonderful ammenties there. 
 

                     PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO ON THE FAIRE!
                                              www.LIGHThomeschooling.org
 

FAIRE HOURS:  Saturday, June 7, 8:30AM to 3:00PM
LOCATION: 175 Santa Clara Ave. Eugene, OR
ADMISSION: $5 per family
 
 
 

DIRECTIONS TO CHEF:
To arrive at our new location, Santa Clara Church Of Christ, from I-5 north or south:  Take the off ramp to Beltline Hwy westbound, into Eugene.  There is road construction going on here so be sure to check for changes in signs. After traveling about 4.5 miles, take the River Road exit and turn right. Proceed north two blocks and turn left. Santa Clara Church Of Christ is approximately one block length ahead.

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

Homeschool Kids

Games - Art Room - Double Gym

Music Studio - Computer Lab

Meet Fun Homeschool Families - Make Connections

Open House…Come check it out!

Friday, June 6th

10:30am to 1:30 pm

Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis

1112 NW Circle Blvd

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

PCHE Used Curriculum Sale is Thursday, June 12, 6-8 p.m. at Faith Evangelical Free Church. 
Sellers: Have prepared books to the church between 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, June 12.  if you are unable to drop books off at this time, you may arrange to drop them off early with Vicki Pope or another area contact.  To prepared your materials, each item needs the following information clearly marked ona 3X5 card and firmly attached to items for sale: Name of Seller (address labels work great), subject matter, title, publisher, grade level & price.  Please price items in $.50 increments.  Rubberband items together that are to be sold as a set and indicate the number of items in a set on the card.  Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your materials so that a check can be mailed to you during the week after the sale. 
Buyers:  If you are a PCHE newsletter subscriber, checks will be gladly taken.  Otherwise, please be prepared to pay in cash.  Some exceptions may apply....contact Vicki Pope for more information.
Volunteers:  Many hands make light work!  Volunteers are needed to help with the set up, operation, and clean up involved with this book sale.  Please call or email Vicki right away to fill a position.  Helpers are allowed early-shopper privileges!  All purchases by early shoppers will be made before the doors are open to the general shoppers to alleviate any confusion during the actual sale.
Vicki Pope can be contacted via phone @ (please ask me...Ali for phone number)  as well as email at (you can ask me...Ali... for this too!  I want to be careful about who gets a hold of email addresses and phone numbers.)

PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO AS MANY HOMESCHOOL FRIENDS YOU CAN THINK OF.  WE WANT LOTS OF SELLERS & BUYERS.  This sale did not make it into the OCEAN Newsletter so I am trying to make up for that by spreading the news electronically!

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

Alyssa over at One Nation Under God blog is currently involved in a fund raising walk a thon to raise money for the Pregnancy Resource Centers in the greater Portland area.

Please visit her blog, and see what she has to say about it.  Maybe even leave a pledge! 

What a wonderful thing for her to be a part of.  Life of babies born and unborn need to be protected.  Way to go Alyssa!

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

Oregon--Announcing Home Education Week!

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

The Oregon State Legislature does not have a regular legislative
session in 2008. However, HSLDA and OCEANetwork have not taken a break
from monitoring the legislature to ensure that the right to homeschool
and parental rights in general are secure for a future generation of
homeschool families.

In appreciation for the hard work and outstanding success of home
education families in Oregon, Governor Theodore Kulongosky issued a
proclamation last week to observe May 4-10, 2008 as Home Education
Week.

This proclamation would not have been possible without the hard work
of OCEANetwork.

Home Education Week is a wonderful recognition of homeschooling
families in Oregon as well as home education throughout the United
States. During this season, OCEANetwork invites all homeschool
families to observe Home Education Week. You could use this as an
excellent opportunity to educate the general public more about home
education.

HSLDA would like to take this occasion to congratulate Oregon
homeschoolers for all your efforts in teaching your children at home.
Over the years, Oregon families have struggled together to fight the
good fight in the legislatures and in their local communities. They
have pressed forward in good times and bad with a vision for providing
a quality education and instilling a strong moral character in their
children.

Your hard work has been recognized, and your voice has been heard!
Congratulations Oregon, and keep up the tremendous work and testimony.

The 14th Annual Oregon
Christian Home Education Conference
June 20 & 21, 2008
Oregon Convention Center
Portland, Oregon

Visit OCEANetwork at www.oceanetwork.org, and register!

A pupil is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40).

Psalm 127:3 states, “Behold, children are a gift from the Lord.” Children are a gift God has given us for a short season. As we gladly accept His gift of children, we also need to study the “owner's manual” He has written for raising them – the Word of God.

No specific verse in the Bible says, “Thou shalt homeschool.”However, many passages of Scripture require parents to disciple their children in the Lord. “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). “Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life” (Deuteronomy 33:46 & 47). Parents can’t afford to ignore God’s instruction manual when raising their children.

But how do we disciple our children? How do we train them to be godly adults? Dr. Voddie Baucham, keynote speaker for the 14th annual Oregon Christian Home Education Conference, thinks Luke 6:40 contains an important warning as we consider how to disciple the next generation: “A pupil is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” How do we apply this verse to what we choose to teach, who we have teach our children and the importance of education?

The keynote message by Dr. Baucham, The Centrality of the Home in the Evangelism and Discipleship of the Next Generation, will equip conference attendees with an understanding of what the Bible has to say about discipling the next generation. Sessions by Dr. Baucham and others will teach families how to disciple their children in the Lord through home education.

Find a complete list of speakers, their topics and the schedule by using the navigation box on the right.

New date! New location! New schedule!

. . . the same vision and equipping.

This year the OCEANetwork board is combining the NW Curriculum Exhibition and the annual Oregon Christian Home Education Conference (usually held in August) into one grand event June 20 & 21 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

We’re keeping the same inspiration and equipping you have come to expect from the conference each year and adding to it the great exhibit hall and the Used Curriculum Exchange from the NW Curriculum Exhibition.  In addition, we’re holding the first State-wide Oregon Homeschool Graduate Recognition. And it will all be at the beautiful and spacious Oregon Convention Center.

Who is OCEANetwork?

OCEANetwork is a statewide, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, encourage, protect and advance private Christian home education in Oregon. The eight families on the board of OCEANetwork volunteer their time to answer first-time questions, assist support group leaders, publish newsletters, lobby to defend home education freedom and organize an annual conference. OCEANetwork has been meeting the needs and protecting the rights of Oregon home educators since 1986.

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

The Academy for Character Education (a charter school
supporting families teaching using the Classical Education model) is
sponsoring Jessie Wise on Saturday, May 17th, at the Church of Christ
in Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Jessie Wise & her daughter Susan Wise Bauer authored The Well Trained
Mind, A Guide to Classical Education at Home.

Mrs. Wise will be speaking on 3 separate subjects (teaching Language
Arts, Classical Education K-12, & Teaching Reading).

The cost is minimal --$5/person if you register ahead of time.

For more information please go to http://www.ACEClassicalEd.org

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

May 3rd

Portland

	The Rebelution: Parent & Teen Conference
	The Rebelution conference challenges teens to "rebel against low expectations" and "do hard things" for the glory of God. The award-winning writers and speakers, Alex and Brett Harris, and their father, homeschool pioneer, Gregg Harris. http://www.TheRebelution.com

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

Zoo Ambassadors- (AGES 10 and Up!) 

Zoo Ambassadors
Get involved and help the Oregon Zoo make a difference!

We have a fun volunteer opportunity this spring, a program we call Zoo Ambassadors! Zoo Ambassadors will be helping at the summer Dinosaur exhibit for one 4-hr shift per week from May through Labor Day 2008.

This opportunity can be a family volunteer experience.
This opportunity is short term, May - September.
This opportunity is one 4-hr shift a week.
This opportunity is a much-needed help for the Zoo.
This opportunity is fun.
This opportunity provides a chance to make a difference.
This opportunity has an age minimum of 10 years old with parent, 15 years old without parent.
Apply online!

Come to an orientation session and check it out!
Information orientation (choose only one):

Saturday
March 29
10 - 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday
April 15
6 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday
April 18
10 - 11:30 a.m.

Saturday
April 26
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Orientations are located in Volunteer Headquarters. Find a yellow sign on the perimeter of the Zoo - Gate C. Walk down the ramp and ring the doorbell on your right. Please RSVP for the date of your choice and leave your name, phone number, address, and email contact information.
Email: ZooAmbassadors@ oregonzoo. orgPhone: 503-226-1561 x5397
MORE INFORMATION: www.oregonzoo. org

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

June 7th, 2008
 
LIGHT's 19th Annual
Christian Home Education Faire   
 

The Christian Home Education Faire (CHEF) is a great place to see many homeschool products, books, software and methods of educating. There will be both new & used curriculum available to purchase, as well as, vendor workshops and keynote speakers to attend.
New and prospective homeschoolers are welcome! Bring your family, ask questions and be encouraged!
DOORPRIZES!
This year LIGHT is again excited to hold a raffle for all faire attendees! The tickets will be drawn throughout the day. A final big drawing will follow the last keynote. A grand prize will be given away, as well as other items contributed by the faire vendors and area retailers. Winners must be present to win.  

 
We will have a snack counter open hosted by our local homeschool boy scouts and cub scouts. Beverages, goodies and sandwiches will be available.
You may bring your own lunch, if you desire.
 
We are at a new location this year! Santa Clara Church of Christ is a large and beautiful facility located near the Beltline and River Road area. We are looking forward to enjoying the grounds and wonderful ammenties there. 
 

                     PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO ON THE FAIRE!
                                              www.LIGHThomeschooling.org
 

FAIRE HOURS:  Saturday, June 7, 8:30AM to 3:00PM
LOCATION: 175 Santa Clara Ave. Eugene, OR
ADMISSION: $5 per family
 
 
 

DIRECTIONS TO CHEF:
To arrive at our new location, Santa Clara Church Of Christ, from I-5 north or south:  Take the off ramp to Beltline Hwy westbound, into Eugene.  There is road construction going on here so be sure to check for changes in signs. After traveling about 4.5 miles, take the River Road exit and turn right. Proceed north two blocks and turn left. Santa Clara Church Of Christ is approximately one block length ahead.

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

*Homeschool Conference Registration Postmark Deadline Extended until
March 19th*

**By popular demand we have extended the registration deadline for the
Homeschool Conference "The World is My Classroom" until March 19th. *To
register after postmark date, send e-mail to ohen.registrar@ yahoo.com
ohen.registrar@ yahoo.com> for more information. *

*Registration forms are available online at www.*ohen*.org/ conference
<http://www.ohen. org/conference>. The Oregon Home Education Network's
10th Homeschool Conference will be held *Friday, March 28 and Saturday,
March 29 at 5150 SW Watson Avenue, Beaverton.**

Hundreds of homeschoolers from the Northwest will gather to share ideas
and be inspired by speakers, panels and vendors, and participate in
hands-on activities for parents and children.

Highlights of the 2008 conference include four nationally known
homeschooling experts including keynote speaker* Mary Griffith*, author
of many classic homeschooling texts including her latest, _Viral
Learning: Reflections on Homeschooling Life_. Other leading speakers
include *Ellen Currey-Wilson* author of _The Big Turnoff: Confessions of
a TV Addicted Mom Trying to Raise a TV- Free Kid_, *Scott Noelle* author
of _The Daily Groove_, an online newsletter written for /leading edge/
parents and *LauraMaery Gold* author of many books including _Homeschool
Your Child for Free_.

This year's conference is the biggest and best ever with a vast array
of discussion panels, workshops, and vendors for the entire spectrum of
homeschoolers; from those who are just curious about homeschooling to
seasoned homeschooling veterans. Here are a few of the many adult
workshops: Homeschooling for the Absolute Beginner, Why Some Children
Struggle with Writing, Homeschooling Teen panel, The Path from
Homeschooling to College, and Homeschool for Free.

There is also a plethora of fun learning opportunities for kids
including: *Reptile Man, Drama Games, Mad Science, Pioneer Living,
Comedy Sportz, an Entrepreneurial Fair, and more.* Children will have
fun all day!

The event kicks off on Friday, 6:00 p.m. March 28 with an opportunity
to meet State Legislators, have fun at a FREE family dance, visit the
Fabulous Entrepreneurial Fair, attend FREE 45-minute Vendor workshops
featuring: Tami Orr, Village Home, Scott Noelle, Japanese Abacus, Mad
Science, Destination Imagination and more. Dozens of Vendors will be
set up throughout the weekend. On Saturday, March 29 there are dozens of
sessions for adults and children. For more information visit
www.OHEN.org <http://www.OHEN. org/>.

OHEN is an inclusive, statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to
supporting all of Oregon's homeschooling families.

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

Sylvan Dell Publishing is now accepting submissions for our
 2nd annual Picture Book Writing Competition for Homeschooled 
Students!

Homeschooled students working at a high school level are invited to 
share their creativity and writing skills in the world of 
children's literature. The winning author will receive a $200 
prize, and the manuscript will be seriously considered for 
publication.
 Sylvan Dell is accepting competition manuscripts between March 1 
and March 31, 2008, by electronic submission only. Manuscripts 
should subtly convey an educational theme through a warm, engaging 
story. Sylvan Dell&rsquo;s current catalog focuses on teaching 
science and math through literature.




 Students wishing to submit manuscripts should follow the submission 
guidelines posted on the Sylvan Dell Web site, 
www.sylvandellpubli shing.com/ HomeschoolingCom p.htm . Sylvan Dell 
will only consider admissions that adhere to all contest submission 
guidelines explained on our Web site. A brief summary of the 
guidelines is below:

 Eligibility: Homeschooled students working at a high school 
level.

 Manuscripts should be written for one of the following age 
ranges: 3 to 7, 4 to 8, 5 to 9, or 6 to 10. Authors should be 
mindful of age-appropriate words.

 Manuscripts should not exceed 1,500 words. Picture books are 
typically less than 1,000 words, so novels and short stories will 
not be considered.
 As this is a writing competition, illustrations will not be 
accepted.

 Electronic submission only. Manuscripts must be attached to an 
e-mail message as a Word document. Submission e-mails should be 
sent only to MaggieStuart@ SylvanDellPublis hing.com between March 1 
and March 31, 2008, with &ldquo;Homeschool Writing Contest 
Submission&rdquo; and the manuscript title in the subject line. 
Students must include their name, date of birth and contact 
information in the e-mail.
 At Sylvan Dell, we are dedicated to promoting math and science 
through literature with our educational picture books. Submitted 
manuscripts should complement this vision by including animals, 
nature, the environment, science or math.
 The winning manuscript will be announced via a post to Sylvan Dell 
Publishing&rsquo; s Web site, www.SylvanDellPubli shing.com, in late 
April 2008. The winners will also be notified via e-mail. Questions 
about the competition should be directed to Homeschool Market 
Liaison Maggie Stuart by e-mailing 
MaggieStuart@ SylvanDellPublis hing.com.
 We encourage you to share this opportunity with friends and family 
members in the homeschooling community. Please see our Web site for 
frequently asked questions and submission guidelines: 
www.sylvandellpubli shing.com/ HomeschoolingCom p.htm. While you're 
there, please feel free to explore our Web site and discover Sylvan 
Dell's publications, "For Creative Minds" supplements and free 
teaching activities.
 We hope that you will seize this excellent opportunity for 
homeschooled students to explore a different avenue of writing and 
research, and we look forward to reading the manuscripts!
 Best wishes,
 The Sylvan Dell team

 *Writers' Tip* Who is the ultimate audience of your work? 
Defining your audience is an important step in the writing 
process. If you are writing a manuscript for a children's book, 
for example, you would want to consider the interests of young 
children. Let's say you have decided to write about a nature 
concept. What interested you when you were a child and you 
discovered something new? Perhaps you have younger siblings or 
cousins. Observe them as they play outside. What fascinates them 
about nature? Do they ask you any questions? What, if anything, do 
they understand about a situation in nature they encounter? Use 
this information to discover the best approach to convey your 
subject in your children's book manuscript.

 Who were the 2007 winners?
 1st Place: Anthony Conroy, Jumping Bugs; 2nd Place: Michaela 
Gneco, Our Walk in the Forest; 3rd Place: Daniel Morin, Albert's 
Elements
 Honorable Mentions: Katilin Popejoy, An Enemy Becomes My Friend; 
Haluk Akay,The Ganges River Dolphins; Melissa Washburn, Melvin the 
Monarch; Jordan Nickerson, My Day at the Superstore; Abigail 
Shaffer, The Life of Leroy Leaf

 Science and Math Through Literature
 Sylvan Dell Publishing
 www.SylvanDellPubli shing.com
 843-971-6722



 Sylvan Dell Publishing
 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite 3
 Mount Pleasant SC 29464
U.S.A.

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

SPECIAL BULLETIN "The fundamental theory of liberty upon which all governments in this Union repose excludes any general power of the state to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the state; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations." (Pierce vs. Society of Sisters, 1922) What In the World Is Going On In California? By Karen Braun By now, most homeschoolers across the country have heard about the California appellate court ruling handed down on February 28 ordering the children of Phillip and Mary Long to attend public school or a legally qualified private school. The judge's ruling surprised everyone and sparked a firestorm of concern among homeschoolers nationwide, many wondering if homeschooling had become illegal in California. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine staff has been following the developments since World Net Daily first broke the story a week ago. In this Homeschool Minute, we would like to provide a brief summary of the events and offer links to various perspectives to help homeschoolers understand this ruling, how it impacts homeschoolers in California, and what homeschoolers across the nation can do to help. To gain a better understanding of this case, it is necessary to note that prior to this ruling, the Long family had been involved with the juvenile court system regarding the care of their children. Such proceedings are confidential, and in most cases, a court-appointed attorney is provided to represent the interests of the minor children. The attorney representing two of the children was not satisfied with a ruling made by Superior Court Judge Stephen Marpet, who found the children's education to be "meager" but determined that Phillip and Mary Long have a constitutional right to school their children in their own home. The attorney for the children brought an appeal before the Second Court of Appeals of California. The California Second Appellate Court in Los Angeles found that the Longs had not demonstrated that any of the exemptions to California's compulsory attendance applied to their children. The court reversed the finding of the Superior Court and ordered the children to attend public or a "legally qualified" private school. The court remanded the case back to the lower court for a hearing to determine if the family was in compliance with the law. The family plans on appealing this ruling decision to the California Supreme Court. Read the complete court opinion here. The ruling spurred reactions from attorneys representing various homeschool groups and interested parties across the country. The Homeschool Minute provides these links for informational purposes related to this case and does not necessarily endorse these sites. Sunland Christian School. The Long children were enrolled in this school. Pacific Justice Institute (PJI). These attorneys are representing Sunland Christian School and advising the family. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). HSLDA presents several appeal options to reverse this ruling or diminish its impact upon California homeschoolers. There is a petition available for those interested in supporting the HSLDA's move to depublish the ruling. National Home Education Legal Defense (NHELD). Attorney Deborah Stevenson offers a detailed and informative analysis of this case. Several homeschool groups in California issued statements concerning this ruling: Homeschool Association of California California Homeschool Network Christian Home Educators of California Private and Home Educators of California California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement in support of homeschooling: "Every California child deserves a quality education and parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children. Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children's education. This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts and if the courts don't protect parents' rights then, as elected officials, we will." By the end of a long news week, the court decision reached the broader Christian community through a radio broadcast by Focus on the Family. Dr. Dobson discussed the California court case with several prominent guests.

From All of Us at TOS We hope this information has helped you gain a greater understanding of the facts surrounding this case and its impact on homeschooling in California. The Homeschool Minute encourages you to pray for the family and those involved in this situation. Several of the websites present ideas about what you can do to help. We encourage you to prayerfully consider those ideas, to do all that you can to help retain the freedom to homeschool in our country, and to pass this message along to others. We will be following this case and will provide further updates as information becomes available. Join us again on Wednesday with our normally scheduled topic. And now as much as ever, be sure to enjoy every minute!

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

HOMESCHOOL SAFARI

Tuesday March 11 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Oregon Zoo invites homeschool students and their families to an educational "safari" to learn about wildlife together.

First, stop by the Kalahari Room to experience multiple discovery stations featuring live animals such as snakes and birds of prey from the Northwest. Learn about animal adaptations and habitats. Afterwards, safari-goers receive an activity flier and go on a self-guided exploration of the zoo's Great Northwest exhibit, a journey that takes them from the crest of the Cascades to the Pacific Coast. Learn about a variety of animals, including mountain goats, black bears, bobcats, beaver, river otter, cougars, bald eagles, wolves, elk, sea otters, sea lions and even rockfish.

Admission is $7 per person and includes a $2 food coupon that can be used anywhere inside the zoo. Space is limited so order your tickets early.

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

 Home School Day
   February 26, 2008 (park is open sunrise to sunset)

   Tidepool Explorations
   Cobble Beach Tidepools
   8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
   Join a park ranger to discover the "sea-crets" of Yaquina Head's
   tidepools.

   Jr. Ranger Program
   Yaquina Head Interpretive Center
   10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
   Explore the Interpretive Center, solve the puzzles, and earn your Jr.
   Ranger Badge.

   Lighthouse Keepers
   Yaquina Head Lighthouse
   Noon to 4:00 PM
   Do you have what it takes to have been a lighthouse keeper in the 19th
   century? (Kids must be 42" tall to climb the lighthouse stairs)

The day is set up for groups to arrive whenever it is convenient for them
and may choose which activities they would like to participate in. If you
are interested please let me know how many would be in your "group" and
your contact information and I will put you on the list. If you have any
other questions please feel free to email or call. Thanks and have a great
day!


Robyn Anderson
Acting Environmental Education Coordinator
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
PO Box 936, 750 Lighthouse Dr.
Newport, OR 97365
(541) 574-3122
robyn_anderson@ blm.gov

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)

A Heart For Home:
A Homeschool Moms’ Retreat
 
 
Does your heart long for home?
Do you need to recapture the desire to serve there?
Do you seek new ways to refresh your home life and new skills to spur on those who live under your shelter?
 
Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies shares from experience as a mother, grandmother and teacher of women, tips to create a “Family Table” and change the attitudes that hinder our focus on home.
Join fellow homeschooling moms for tea, lunch and encouragement. This day will highlight ways to make your home the heart of your family life. Discussion groups will follow sessions.
 
Saturday, March 8th 10am-2:30pm
New Song Christian Fellowship
35425 Camp Creek Rd
(just off Marcola Rd) Springfield
Featuring DVD presentations by
Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies
Catered tea luncheon by Fusion Cuisine
(Owned by local homeschool graduates)
 
Registration: Seating is limited and will be based on a first come first served basis.
 
Cost: $15 LIGHT members, $25 non-LIGHT members.
Please register by February 16th
Checks can be made out to LIGHT POB 42138, Eugene, OR 97404
                                         
see our website at:
LIGHThomeschooling.org
 
 
 
FOR A PRINTABLE FLYER:  http://tinyurl.com/29mllx
 

(For more information regarding things listed on the Oregon blog, please email me, and I can give further information. Thanks!)