Here's the Latest Newletter From Our State Homeschool Association:

SCHEA

(Including convention details)

Attention: Homeschool Leaders Please pass along the following information to your group. If your group has an announcement of educational events, activities, or performances which homeschool families would be interested in knowing about this summer, please email SCHEA by May 25 so the information can be sent out on the e-chain for June and July. We want to hear from ALL regions of South Carolina. Thank you. E-chain contact: supportgroups@schomeeducatorsassociation.org

Convention Highlight: Teen Conference - Worldview Focus

Parents have you wished your homeschooled teens could attend a worldview conference, but just couldn't afford it or fit it in with your teenager's busy summer schedules? If you answered "Yes" to one or both of those questions, this June in Sumter, you CAN make it happen! This year's Teen Conference at the Annual State Home School Convention June 20-21 at University of SC, Sumter campus under the direction of Rick Velilla has the theme: My Worldview: Find It, Get It, Keep It This 2-day, seven-session teen conference features nationally known speakers who inspire teens to put their Christian faith into action. Sessions #1 & #2: Christian Worldview Thinking: First Step - Clear Away the Obstacles presented by Joe Wirtz of Cultural Commission Session #3: The Power of the Media in an Entertainment Society presented by Paul Downer of Discipleship Network of America, Tennessee Session #4: I Wonder What Jesus Thinks presented by Rick Velilla Session #5: Break-Out Workshops - Special 3-hour workshops on Speaking or Writing (teens choose one to attend) Applying Christian Worldview through Writing (Subtitled: What Would Jesus Write about Current Issues?) presented by Lisa Baghdady Or Applying Christian Worldview through Speaking (Subtitled: What Would Jesus Speak about Current Issues?) presented by Noelle Gebel and Suzanne Safley Session #6: Where Do I Fit? presented by Eric Burgess of National Black Home Educators Association, Louisiana Session #7: Dream Big presented by Todd Wilson of Family Man Ministries, Indiana ...and the cost? $15 per teen (in addition to family convention admission fee) This covers all teen workshops for the two days, snacks, materials and handouts. Workshop descriptions and more details are available on SCHEA's website. There will also be a College Fair on Friday from 10 AM-12 Noon preceding the Teen Conference. This will be a fun, educational and biblically engaging conference for your homeschooled teenagers!

Convention Volunteers Needed

SCHEA could use YOUR help at the convention! Convention volunteers are an integral part of the success and effective ministry of the state homeschool convention. Your participation will make a difference in the lives of all who attend, and hopefully, will be a blessing to you in the process. Please consider volunteering during the convention. It's easy! Simply fill out and mail in the Convention Pre-registration Form checking the box for volunteers. You will be contacted to choose an available job and timeslot. As a "thank you," volunteers receive free admission if they are SCHEA members OR discounted admission if non-SCHEA members. Four (4) hours of volunteer work is required for the discount. Volunteer Q’s & A’s Q: What do I have to know to volunteer? A: No prior experience is necessary for most volunteer positions. Below are the volunteer jobs that need to be filled. Workshop Monitors Workshop Hospitality Helpers Volunteer/Information Table Monitors Vendor Hospitality Helpers Donated Curriculum Helpers (experienced homeschoolers) Booth Watchers Vendor Hall Door Monitors Book Signing Assistant Vendor Food Runners Keynote Escorts (may be more than 4 hours required) Nursing Mothers’ Lounge Monitor Teen Conference Snack Servers Teen Conference Workshop Helpers Registration Table Helpers (hand-picked in advance) Other positions as needed Q: Who may volunteer? A: Any registered adult attendee of the convention may volunteer. Q: My young adult or teen wants to volunteer. Do I have to pay to register him/her? A: Yes. All volunteers must be registered to attend the convention. Young adults and teens are welcomed to volunteer, but they must be registered for the convention with a parent, and their volunteer time does not satisfy the requirement for free/discounted convention admission. Their participation is service/ministry only. Set-up and breakdown helpers are an example of this much needed service/ministry. We will be happy to sign any forms for community service hours. Q: When should I offer to volunteer? A: It's never too early OR too late! The convention coordinator would GREATLY appreciate knowing as early as possible for scheduling purposes, and you have more choices available if you volunteer sooner rather than later. However, if you register at the door and desire to volunteer for the discount, we will probably be able to accommodate you, but your choices for jobs will be limited based on need. Q: How many volunteers do you really need? A: Usually we need 70-80 volunteers at the convention! About 40 people work the required 4 hours for the free/discounted admission; others are teens/young adults or parents who are offering ministry/service hours before, during and after the convention. Still others help provide food or set-up for special events during the convention and work directly under those special event coordinators. Q: Can I get a discount on my registration by volunteering at the convention? A: Yes! Registered, adult attendees who are SCHEA members receive FREE convention admission for 4 hours volunteer work. Registered, adult attendees who are not SCHEA members receive $15 discount off convention admission for 4 hours volunteer work. Q: Do I have to miss a workshop session to volunteer? A: Maybe. Probably. We need volunteers during each workshop session to help the speakers and monitor the vendor hall when it is open, in addition to many other jobs. More than likely that will mean that you will miss one or two workshop sessions. However, the earlier you pre-register for the convention and indicate your desire to volunteer, the more choices you have for available timeslots. Also, most workshop sessions will be available for purchase on CD.    Q: Can I volunteer for more than four hours (or less than four hours)? A: Absolutely! We ask for at least four hours of service in order to receive free/discounted convention admission, but you may volunteer as much time as you like. We appreciate all of our volunteers! NOTE: Please remember that the SCHEA Board of Directors are ALL volunteers, not just during the actual convention, but all year long! They log in thousands of volunteer hours each year to benefit homeschooling families in South Carolina.

Other Events & Activities

Homeschool Families Converge on State House Grounds Homeschool Day at the Capitol (April 10) was a fun and exciting day for the more than 800 homeschoolers in attendance! Meeting our legislators, touring the historic State House, picnicking on the beautiful grounds while listening to the harmonious sounds of the AAA and Midlands Home School Bands, embarking on a detailed scavenger hunt, as well as interacting with other homeschoolers from all over South Carolina, all made for a memorable day. And oh, those creatively designed business cards! The day’s highlights included informative legislative workshops; Senator John Courson of Richland County presenting David Graham, President of SCHEA, the signed concurrent resolution (S. 1223) declaring April 2008 as Home School Recognition Month; and Governor Mark Sanford delivering an encouraging speech to homeschool families. Thank you to ALL who helped to make this day possible! Midlands Home School Band Columbia, SC The Midlands Home School Band is now accepting registrations for 2008-2009 school year. Early registration continues through May 31st. If you are considering adding band instruction to your curriculum next year, please visit http://www.midlandsband.org for more information. Music to the Glory of God! CSEHY Summer School of Music Musical Excellence…Christian Commitment Established over 40 years ago by Hungarian violinist Wilmos Csehy. Located on the campus of Philadelphia Biblical University, just north of Philadelphia, PA. Sessions are two weeks long (three sessions every summer) Two private lessons per week on major instrument Weekly concert, Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. Full orchestra, symphonic band, all camper choir, hand bells (all included in every concert) Composition major offered during first session Every camper performs in choir and one other ensemble Daily theory classes Two (yes 2) hours of required practice per day for high school One and a half hours required practice per day for junior high All professional instructors One Student Recital each session One Faculty Recital each session Attend one Philadelphia Philharmonic Concert Daily Chapel with outstanding chapel speakers Daily Sing and Share Ministry team opportunities Evening devotions in the dorms One college-aged counselor for every six to eight campers Skit Night Field Day Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, basketball Check it out: www.csehy.com Local contact Cynde Morgan (clmorgan54@gmail.com) Todd Wilson, author of “Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe” Tuesday, May 20th Riverstone Church, Marietta, GA (off Barrett Parkway) For more information contact Heather Turner sitgo777@aol.com. *NOTE: Todd Wilson is one of the featured speakers this year at the SC Homeschool Convention, June 20-21 at USC Sumter. Classical Conversations New program starting in Lexington Informational meeting: Monday, May 12th at 7:30 pm Riverbend CommunityChurch, Lexington, SC Classical Conversations is growing to serve more Midlands families. A new program for 4 years old through 6th grade will begin this fall in Lexington, meeting on Fridays at Riverbend Community Church. Classical Conversations provides a classical framework for families with children in multiple grade levels, community and friendship for students (and moms!), science and art projects, and Institute for Excellence in Writing with intensive grammar for grades 4-6. Please join us for the informational meeting. For more information contact Judy Neff @ 803-629-5371 orcc_lexington@bellsouth.net. Middle and High School Classes Offered with Classical Conversations at Ballentine Location Informational Meeting: Tuesday, May 20th at 6:30 pm Faith Presbyterian Church 1811 Dutch Fork Rd., Irmo, SC Challenge A—Cyndi McCallister cyndikarlmac@hotmail.com Challenge B—Mandy Joyeclassicalmjoye@aol.com Challenge IV—Marjie Pulliamhereami@bellsouth.net Classical Conversations Programs are offered in many areas of South Carolina. Please visit their website www.classicalconversations.com and click on “CC Communities” to find a location meeting near you and to learn more about their program. Spring Homeschool Day- Backcountry Carolina! May 21st, 2008 (10am-4pm) Historic Latta Plantation 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC (just outside Charlotte) Visit Latta for a living history day set aside for homeschoolers of all ages! Enjoy a Backcountry Carolina Spring as you explore the plantation, tour the circa 1800 Latta home, and more! Interpreters will demonstrate natural dyeing, spinning, weaving, open- hearth cooking, woodworking, firestarting, blacksmithing, rail splitting, shingle making, gunsmithing, and more! Children can also make crafts cornhusk dolls and paper butterflies to keep! Admission is $5 per person, ages 4 and under are free. For more information visit www.lattaplantation.org or contact Kristin Toler at ktoler@lattaplantation.org or 704-875-2312. Coastal Home Educators Conference A Ministry of CBCCA Homeschool Support Group “Teach Them Diligently” May 30-31, 2008 Beaufort, SC Featured Speaker - Christian author, Lou Priolo For more information visit http://www.cbcofbeaufort.org/page.aspx?id=303309. The Business of Farming Do your students know where their food comes from?  There are more than 350 different commodities grown in California, including rice, dairy, avocados, meat, strawberries, grapes and lots and lots of almonds.  In a state that provides approximately 15 percent of the United States agriculture, statistics are an important tool that agricultural economists use in California to keep up with its supply and demand. Watch the movie:http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/trends_agriculture/index.php. Colonial Williamsburg Home Educator Visits September 6-19, 2008 February 21-March 8, 2009 http://www.history.org/history/teaching/groupTours/index.cfm NOTE: This message is being sent to the most recent address we have for this group. If this is an invalid email address, you received this message in error, or you have problems reading this email or accessing any enclosed links, please immediately reply to supportgroups@SCHomeEducatorsAssociation.org.  Please pass on this information by any format to all homeschoolers within your membership and any home educating families you know who may not be receiving informative communications from SCHEA. DISCLAIMER: This message is sent in good faith and is intended only for those who are homeschooling or are in support of homeschooling. SCHEA cannot attest to the authenticity of copies posted, forwarded, or sent by any party other than SCHEA. Content included in SCHEA Email News & Updates or any other electronic messages from SCHEA does not necessarily constitute official endorsement of products, services, events, or links listed in the communication. Content is for information purposes only. SCHEA reserves the right to determine the content of our email communications. NOW is a GREAT time to join SCHEA! Check out how on our website, or give us a call.

ITS TIME FOR FREEBIE FRIDAY

It's time for another new free E-Book from the Schoolhouse Store! This month we are bringing you a great E-Book From Barker Creek. This E-Book: Happy Handwriting - Theme Tablet will give your children fun, illustrated paper to use when practicing their writing skills.  You can download it for free HERE.

Next, I have a wonderful treat for little girls ages 5 to 10.  Mary and Laura Magazine is offering two issues of their new online magazine for free.  This magazine is lovely!  Created by a homeschool family who values time together, you won't find anything worldly here!  You will find projects for your daughters to do together, recipes and crafts, all with a Little House on the Prairie theme.  You can learn more about the magazine and find a link to the free downloads HERE. 

Now, I have a something for those of you who are in leadership positions in the homeschool community.  We just learned that a great Bible-based nature publication for homeschoolers, Creation Illustrated, has offered a number of their back issues at NO COST to homeschool support groups.  Simply send an email to ishjl@netscape.net and request the number of back issues you would like to distribute to your support group members (leaders only should ask, please).  They will send them ASAP -- just in time for summertime reading with character-building lessons for students of all ages.  Many readers call Creation Illustrated, "The Christian answer to National Geographic!"  Every issue's a keepsake.  Check it out at www.creationillustrated.com

Lastly, we have a question for you. We have an idea about possibly adding a Handmade by Homeschoolers section to the Schoolhouse Store.  This would be a place where homeschool families could sell things they make by hand.  How many of you would be interested in selling your hand made products through the Schoolhouse Store?  If you think this is something you are interested in please send an email to Gena at Publisher@Thehomeschoolmagazine.com.  Let her know what you might be interested in selling too.

It's Time for Freebie Friday's

Mother's Day is a week from Sunday. Since most of us are Teacher and Mom, here are some freebie's for your students to make YOU for Mother's Day!

Here is a great card your kids can make.  This card will be a lovely keepsake.  There are pull out cards where the kids can write a list of the things Mom does for them.  Then, there are three other pull outs (That spell out M-O-M) for your kids to write things they appreciate about you. (If you happen to have 3 kids like I do, then each child can write you a special message.)

Here are some free Mother's Day Coupons for you to print and your kids to fill in. These not only make a great gift for Mom, but they get some handwriting practice in, too!

This website has a lot of great Mother's Day crafts.  There are a bunch of fun ideas like Oatmeal Soap on a Rope, Candy Roses or Handprint Magnets. Spend some time looking at this site, and you are sure to find something great to make with your kids!  (These would make great gifts for Grandma, too!)

Lastly, check out the side bar to get a free book from Gospel for Asia.  This book will bring you a radical life changing message! Don't miss out on this exciting free offer!

I'll see you next week right here at - Freebie Fridays!

Contest Central
For the month of April

U.S. Presidents March CD

We have a fun contest for you this month! If you ever wanted your children to learn the names of the presidents we have the product for you!

U.S. Presidents March CD

From our reviewer:

The three songs in The U.S. Presidents March CD help children memorize U.S. Presidents, First Ladies, and the story of the writing of the U.S. Constitution. "The U.S. Presidents March" contains the full names of all U.S. Presidents in chronological order to the tune of John Phillip Sousa's "Washington Post March". A separate split track and instrumental track are also included. "The First Ladies March" (to the same tune) contains the full names of the First Ladies in chronological order, with a separate split track. The third selection is "The Ballad of the U.S. Constitution", which tells the story of how the U.S. Constitution came to be. Events included in the ballad are the signing of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the creation of the Bill of Rights. The Ballad has an additional instrumental track.

It delights me to recommend a product created by a fellow homeschooling family. The Coopers have graduated two sons from their homeschool. Drawing from their many years of homeschooling experience, they create and provide products they believe will serve fellow homeschoolers well. I enjoy supporting a family company that offers high-quality products, especially when the family has successfully traveled the path I am just beginning.

Read the complete review online and enter for a chance to win the U.S. Presidents March CD!

TO ENTER:
Email Deb with your name and mailing address and the subject, "U.S. Presidents March" for a chance to win*.

Hedgie's Treasure Trove for April 27th

Homeschooled Authors Invite

Homeschool Students to Enter

Writing Contest

Here's the contest information:

Enter the Family Fun Story Contest to Win an Autographed Copy of
"Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled"

Rachel Starr Thomson and Carolyn Currey, the authors of "Tales of the
Heartily Homeschooled," love family stories! They'd love to hear your
stories as well. If you are between the ages of 8 and 18 and you have
a funny, dramatic, or touching true story you'd like to share, write
it up and send it in!

The contest is sponsored by Little Dozen Press. We will be picking one
winner in each of four age groups to receive an autographed copy of
"Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled." The deadline for our contest is
May 1, so get your entries in soon!

Entry Guidelines:

Stories should be between 700 and 2000 words. All entries must be
based on real-life events. Put "Family Fun Story" in the subject line
and paste the story into the body of the email—no attachments, please.
In the top left corner, include your name, age, and email address.
Email your entry to publisher@littledozen.com.

For more information, visit www.LittleDozen.com/thh.html


MORE ABOUT "TALES OF THE HEARTILY HOMESCHOOLED"

What do you get when you throw twenty children, four parents, several
cross-country trips, and a sense of humour between the covers of one
book?

Lots and lots of big family fun that will tickle the funny bones and
warm the hearts of your entire clan.

Rachel Starr Thomson is the oldest of twelve children. Carolyn Currey,
her second cousin, is the oldest of eight. Not only are their families
huge, they also homeschool! Drawing on some of their favourite
memories, Rachel and Carolyn have written a book of essays that will
make you laugh, think, and thank God for family.

"Tales of the Heartily Homeschooled" will be released July 1, 2008.
For more information, including sneak peeks, original cover art, and
author bios, visit www.LittleDozen.com/thh.html

Here's A Drivers Ed Site

It's called  "I Drive Smart" 

http://www.idrivesmart.com/

United States Fun Site

http://www.netstate.com/states/index.html


This site has plenty of information for each state: From almanacs, maketplaces, state links, quizzes, cool schools, state news, state forums, government  information, people, state maps, geography, economies and symbols.

Welcome to Freebie Fridays!

The first great freebie I have for you this week is brought to us from Terri at Knowledge Quest Maps.  She has put together a great Unit Study on South Africa, and it is all free!  The unit study includes reading selections, history and timelines, mapwork, recipes, and crafts. This one looks like a lot of fun!

How about something to build your language skills?  Freerice.com is a great and addictive website that gives 20 grains of rice through the UN World Hunger Program for every right answer you get.  I played this one night for 2 hours with my teen son and his best friend, and it was a blast!  We ended up earning 10,060 grains of rice, 20 grains at a time!  LOL! This is a great website for teens and adults.

Art Contest Open To

Students in Grades K - 12

NOAA's partner, Coastal America through their Coastal Ecosystem
Learning Center (CELC) members are sponsoring an ocean art contest
open to students in grades K-12 and college and university students
The contest is nationwide, and for the Mid-Atlantic Region, The
National Aquarium in DC and the National Aquarium in Baltimore are
accepting entries. (Coastal America Art Contest, c/o Joe Harber,
Director of Education Programs, National Aquarium in Baltimore, 501 E
Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21203-3194). For other areas of the
country, please refer to the CELC near you which can be found at:
www.coastalamerica.gov.

The purpose of the contest is to enhance public awareness of the
importance of the ocean through visual expression and incorporating
one of the principles of ocean literacy.

The winning artwork will be displayed at the Smithsonian's National
Museum of Natural History in time for the opening of The Ocean Hall.
You and your children or local schools or organizations can be a part
of this contest. Find out how at:
http://www.coastalamerica.gov/2008artcontest.html.

Entries are due by May 30, 2008. Please forward this message to
anyone who may be interested in this contest.

Homeschool Blogger

Front Porch Contest

You Can Win $50 Just for Blogging

The HSB Front Porch is having a contest and you can win a $50 gift certificate just for blogging about The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Promo before midnight April 30, 2008. Subscribe now to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and receive 25 BONUS gifts valued at over $550! The Winter Promo sold out, don't miss out on the free gifts this time!

They are also giving away a $150 gift certificate to the Schoolhouse Store. All print subscribers (new or renewing) between April 3 - 30, 2008 will be automatically entered into a drawing. No purchase neccessary to win. To enter without subscribing, please send a postcard with your name, address, telephone number, and email address to:
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Promo Contest
PO BOX 8426
Gray, TN  37615