Join in an (optional, but fun) Ornament Exchange. :o)

Share your best gift ideas.

Fellowship with your homeschooling sisters!

As always, you do not have to be a member of Master's Touch to attend our monthly meetings. Feel free to bring a friend who is interested in homeschooling or looking for a group to join. (Note that anyone planning to participate in the Spring Enrichment Classes must be a member by December 1st!)

Starting early (6:00 p.m.)

Ending on time (8:50 p.m., lights out at 9:00 p.m.)

Please, do sign up on the website calendar so we know how many seats to set up, what dish you will bring, and if you will take part in the ornament exchange (wrap one and tag it with your name: "from:Suzie Q.") You do not have to do these things to come to the meeting though, we'll just be glad to see you either way :)

Come catch up with friends and make some new ones! Looking forward to seeing YOU there!

REMINDER:

PI-1206 forms must be returned to WI DPI by Oct 15!

What are the requirements for homeschooling in Wisconsin? The main requirements are: Provide at least 875 hours of instruction each school year. Provide sequential progressive curriculum for the required subjects of Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science and Health. Submit form PI-1206 to the Department of Education informing the state of your intentions to homeschool to meet the required compulsory attendance law by October 15. More information regarding the homeschool laws and requirements can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

What are the requirements for homeschooling in Wisconsin? The main requirements are:

• Provide at least 875 hours of instruction each school year.
• Provide sequential progressive curriculum for the required subjects of Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science and Health.
• Submit form PI-1206 to the Department of Education informing the state of your intentions to homeschool to meet the required compulsory attendance law by October 15.

More information regarding the homeschool laws and requirements can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Camp Joy Home-School and Parenting Conference

This retreat is especially designed for parents as a tool in rearing their young people for the Lord. It is a great fall retreat at the beginning of the school season to focus on the right direction of the family. It is a time of setting goals and implementing new ideas into your family and school routines. This is also a fun family time. There are special games and activities designed just for your family. (Whitewater, WI)

October 23rd - 25th, 2008

http://www.campjoy.org/homeschoolConference.php

May 2-3, 2008
Gruenhagen Conference Center
Oshkosh, Wisconsin

http://www.homeschooling-wpa.org/conference/

New contact info for Waukesha Area Homeschoolers group:

 www.wahsweb.kariesweb.robertcity.com 

DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, THE FALL EVENT PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE HOPE TO CONDUCT THIS EVENT NEXT YEAR- WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED. IF YOU HAVE SIGNED UP TO ATTEND, OR TO BE A VENDOR, YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A PACKET REGARDING THIS SITUATION. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT-- WE HOPE TO SEE ALL OF YOU IN THE SPRING!!

DATES OF UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 31 - JUNE 2, 2007-- CHEA's annual spring conference. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A CHANGE FROM OUR REGULAR WEEKEND!!  

SPECIAL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Ken Ham, Marv Munyon.

And, for the young people-- Buddy Davis!!

More great workshops, full vendor hall, annual statewide Used Book Sale, much more!!

MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR, AND START MAKING PLANS TO ATTEND NOW!!

The deadline for filing the Department of Instruction form PI-1206 is this Sunday, October 15th.

This form is necessary to be filed in the state of WI to be in legal compliance with the state statutes regarding "Home-Based Private Educational Programs."

If you have never filled this out or did not receive your copy this year you can obtain them by calling the DPI at 1-88-245-2732 Ext 1. Additional information can be found on their website: www.dpi.wi.gov

Watson’s Wild West Museum in Elkhorn, Wisconsin will be putting on performance for the homeschoolers on Wed September 27^th @9:00a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The daylong fieldtrip will include a guided tour of the museum,  a special presentation of Annie Oakley and Frank Butler.  There will be an educational portrayal of Lewis & Clark guides, Toussaint Charbonneau & Sacagawea!  Students are invited to examine hands-on artifacts and visit with the actors!
Admission includes all of the above mentioned plus the kids can pan for gold, ride on real western saddles and dress up in their western attire!!!  What fun!

Students up to age 10 - $5.75 students 11 and up & $7.00.** if we have 50 students, adults are free!

What to bring = a camera, sack lunch, and your western attire!!!!

Please RSVP to Kathy Martin by Monday September 25^th @ 262-767-1525.

WATSON’S WILD WEST MUSEUM IS LOCATED AT W 4865 Potter Road, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Or check out their website watsonswildwestmuseum.com

(The following information was obtained from various sources on the internet. I do not endorse or support any of the groups and cannot verify any of the information given. They are simply provided as a reference point for homeschool families to find support in their area. )

CHEFS – Dodge County (Christian Home Educators Family Support Group): Steve & June Schaeffer 920-485-2061

Christian Home Educators of Sheboygan (CHES): Liz De Vries lizdv@charter.net

Creative Homeschoolers – Chippewa Falls: creativehomeschoolers@yahoo.com http://www.angelfire.com/wizard/creativehs/ 715-720-1381

DACHS (Dodgeville Area Christian Home Schoolers): Steve & Shannon Badger 608-987-4060

Dodge County: dodgecountyhomeeducators@yahoo.com

Eau Claire area: David & Susan LeMay 715-832-9951

E-Team (Encouragement Team for homeschooling through High School); Cumberland area: Nancy Keeler 715-822-3730

East Central WI Unschooling Families: http://www.focol.org/homeschl/ Cindy Duckert duckert@focol.org 920-722-4046

Families For Christian Home Education (Eau Claire area): Jane Poynter 5Poynts4Him@prodigy.net

Fond du Lac Area Christian Homeschoolers: Randy Poss 920-923-5242

Fort Atkinson area: Lori Leary 920-563-9670

Growing Relationships and Christian Education (G.R.A.C.E.)http://www.geocities.com/gracechristianhomeschool

Hearts at Home (Wauwatosa):Tammy Wall jimtamw@msn.com OR skojis@wi.rr.com
2318 S 52nd St, West Allis, WI 53219 Phone: (414) 329-9973

 "Hebrews 10:24-25 HS Group" Tomah area: Becky Miller jrmiller@mwt.net

Hizchozen Ministry: http://groups.msn.com/HizChozenMinistry

HOME (Madison Chapter) Phone: (608) 238-3302
5745 Bittersweet Place, Madison, WI 53705

Homeschool Adventures; Waterloo; Cambridge; Fort Atkinson; Jefferson areas: Kris Paape 920-478-2045 ~or~ Sharon Metzgar 920-478-9518

Homeschool Haven (Oak Creek AOG): www.homeschoolhaven.org

Home Scholars of Sheboygan Countydmz@mail.tcbi.com
W5607 Hwy. W, Adell, WI 53001  Phone: (920) 528-7057

Hope Homeschoolers (Walworth County): Bonnie Rabic ianbon@mindspring.com

Kenosha Area: Kevin & Missy Lonergan missylonergan@juno.com

La Crosse area: Lisa Ritter 608-788-2544

Lake Country Home Educators: Dan Curtin 414-567-0762

Lakeside Home Educator's Honor Society: http://www.lakesidehomeeducators.org/

Light of the World Home Educators: Al & Kerrie Jordan, 715-287-3158

L.I.G.H.T.S. -Learning in Groups of Home Taught Students (Baraboo): Paige Bandy 608-355-0897

MACHE - Milwaukee Area Christian Home Educators: www.mache-online.org

PO Box 1355 Menomonee Falls, WI 53052 Phone: (414) 299-0985

MACHS - Manitowoc Area Christian Homeschoolers: Lisa Barlow funnyfarm@lsol.net

Madison - Families Involved in Schooling at Home (FISH): Mary Marvel (608) 274-1856 ~or~ Debbie Palmer 608-845-1785

MAHL - Milwaukee Area Home Learners: http://mahl.8m.net

Marshfield Area Home Educators: Holly Feig bjfig@characterlink.net

Masters Touch Homeschool Group (Oak Creek & surrounding area): 6612 S Howell Ave., Oak Creek WI 53154 414-571-5040 www.homeschool-life.com/wi/masterstouch

Master Studios First Presbyterian Church, 810 N. East Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186
Email: masterstudios@powercom.net
http://www.geocities.com/mastersstudios/

M.A.T.C.H.- Menomonie area: Pat Johnson 715-235-8835

Menomonie Area Homeschoolers: Co-op group that meets on Thursdays at the Family Learning Center in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Luisa Gerasimo (VP Family Learning Center) bsf2@wwt.net

Milwaukee Home Educators: e-mail: ssschell@hotmail.com

Milwaukee Moms: www.milwaukeemoms.com

MONARCH-Monroe Area Christian Homeschoolers: Deb Hurlbert clarnoclan@wekz.net

Mt. Horeb - PALS (Play, Activity, Learning, & Serving) Beth Albert (608) 832-6394 ~or~ Sandy Delwiche (608)437-3064

North Woods Home Educators - Vilas County/Oneida County rwells@newnorth.net
Phone: (715) 542-3305

Oshkosh Christian Home Educators Association: Art Sullivan artmeg@northnet.net

Ozaukee County Homeschoolers: http://www.epiranhabiz.com/homeschool/ Tomi Fay Forbes 262-377-5984 tomifay@yahoo.com

PEACHES (Portage/Endeavor Area Christian Home Educators Society): Alexis Rebman 608-356-5471

PEGG - Parents Educating God's Gifts (Oak Creek & surrounding area): E-mail: menako7@sbcglobal.net

P.R.I.C.E. (Parents Rightly Integrating Christian Ethics) Home Educators; Phillips: Linda Anderson 715-339-2391

PSALM 23 Homeschoolers- Muskego: Bonnie Miller bonniemiller@mailtag.com

Racine Area Home Schoolers (RAHS): Beth Franklin 262-321-3933

Red Wing Area Home Educators: Jonathan & Sherry Johnson jrjohnsn@win.bright.net

Reedsburg area- FAITH: Meg Perron perron@jvlnet.com Tristin Rothwell  rothwellhshop@verizon.net 

River Falls area: support group that meets at Hoffman Park (year round) Julie littleredhenschool@yahoo.com

R.O.L.E. - Rivers of Life Educators (Oxford): Valorie Cadwell 608-586-4451

Sauk City - Sauk Prairie Homeschool Coop: Meeting Friday mornings at Sauk Prairie Evangelical Free Church 1375 Lincoln Avenue Jan Drachenberg (608) 753-2040

S.E. WI Homeschoolers: http://www.sewihomeschoolers.com/

Spring Green - Spring Green Homeschool Coop: Meeting the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month for fellowship and field trips! Debra Miller (608) 588-9072

T.E.A.C.H.- Madison area: Linda Johnson dljatj@characterlink.net

Towns of Frederic, Siren, Webster, Grantsburg, Luck, Milltown, Centuria, St. Croix Falls, Balsam Lake, Cumberland and Spooner: Wendy Jensen daystarlighting@centurytel.net

Tri State Home School Network 3574 Hwy 81N, Platteville, WI 53818

Phone: (608) 348-3510

Unschooling Families 1908 N. Clark Street, Appleton, WI 54911

 Phone: (414) 735-9832

VHS - Valley Home Schoolers (Appleton Neenah, Oshkosh, Green Bay ): Barb Gloede gloedeb@wwdb.org OR info@vhsgroup.org 1-877-295-5583   www.valleyhomeschoolers.org OR http://www.vhsgroup.org
312 W. Pershing St, Appleton, WI 54911

WAH - Waukesha Area Homeschoolers: lkolb@wi.rr.com http://www.geocities.com/waukeshahomeschoolers

Wausau Area Home Educators: Bonnie Seybold dseybold@dwave.net 715-843-6801

WCCHE - Waukesha County Christian Home Educators: E-mail: dmarheine@aol.com

West Bend Area Home Educators 1220 N 9th Ave West Bend, WI 53090
Phone: (262) 334-2159  E-mail: STMPINLDY@AOL.COM

W. H. A. M. Wheeler Homeschool Activity Morning: Kelly J. Hayes 715-658-1940

Wisconsin Latter Day Family Home Educators P.O. Box 080853, Racine, WI 53408-0851 Phone: (414) 637-4518 Email: bzmom@geocities.com

Wisconsin home education Yahoo groups:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Harvest_Homeschool_Helps/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FamilyConnectionWI/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wis-Homeschoolers-Activity-Club/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wisconsinhomeeducation/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wisconsinhomeschool/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WisHomeschool/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Harvest_Homeschool_Helps/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FamilyConnectionWI/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wis-Homeschoolers-Activity-Club/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wisconsinhomeeducation/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wisconsinhomeschool/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WisHomeschool/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DodgeCountyHomeEducators/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NorthernWImoms/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homeschoolers_Helping_Homeschoolers/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WisconsinHomeschoolBookSwap/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CHOOSE_WI/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/manypathshomeschool/

Check out the new web site:

www.homeschool-life.com/wi/ccow

Looking for ways to reward kids for accomplishments? How about free Chuck E. Cheese tokens?

Download and print out this colorful "homework first" calendar and when your child completes it, bring it to Chuck E. Cheese for a free 10 Free Token Reward.

Get free tokens for good grades. Show your most recent report card and get free tokens.

MAY 18 - 20, 2006--  WI CHEA: Our annual spring conference-- Special Keynote Speakers Reb and Beverly Bradley, Marv Munyon, plus many wonderful workshop speakers. Annual statewide Used Book Sale, full vendor halls, discounted lodging right on site, much more!!

http://www.wisconsinchea.com/

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Wisconsin/77111/

Check out this new Yahoo group for Wisconsin homeschoolers:

WI_Christian_Homeschoolers@yahoogroups.com

Would you like to help with this Blog?

I am looking for homeschoolers in other areas of the state to help make this page complete.

Please check out my links under "Regional groups & resources"  -- everything there is from southeastern Wisconsin -- if you have similar links, group or resources that I can post for your area of the state, please let me know!

All you would have to do is email the info. to me, I will take care of posting everything, email me at: michjas4@wi.rr.com

Thank you!

Wisconsin Home Education Related YAHOO Groups:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FamilyConnectionWI/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wis-Homeschoolers-Activity-Club/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wisconsinhomeeducation/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wisconsinhomeschool/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WisHomeschool/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DodgeCountyHomeEducators/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NorthernWImoms/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homeschoolers_Helping_Homeschoolers/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WisconsinHomeschoolBookSwap/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CHOOSE_WI/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/manypathshomeschool/

APPLICABLE STATUTES

Section 118.145. Admission to high school.

(1) The school board of a district operating high school grades shall determine the minimum standards for admission to high school.

(4) The school board of a school district operating high school grades shall allow a pupil enrolled in a private school or a pupil enrolled in a home-based educational program (commonly referred to as home-schooling), who has met the standards for admission to high school under sub. (1), to take up to 2 courses during each school semester if the pupil resides in the school district in which the public school is located and if the school board determines that there is sufficient space in the classroom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PART-TIME ATTENDANCE OPTIONS, CONTACT:

Merry Larsen, Consultant, School Management Services Team, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841, (608) 266-2146, or call toll free 1-888-245-2732, then 4, then 2.

More Information & FAQ:

http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/bascinf.html

However you approach homeschooling, we have it covered. Whether you purchase your curriculum, create your own, or unschool, Wisconsin Parents Associaiton offers over 75 quality workshops in all subject areas, for new and experienced homeschoolers and from toddlers to teens.

Save $20 by being a WPA member and registering by April 16.

75 Workshops: Basic subjects • Choosing curriculum • Ways of learning • Support for parents • High school and after • Legal issues

New This Year: CONNECTIONS • Activity Centers • Project Showcase Area • My Favorite Stuff • Games, Games, Games • Network Area • Idea Sharing Board • Play Space

Special Features: Used book sale • 1,000 homeschoolers • Graduation • Snacks and folk dance • Friday night • Coupons

A Great Value: Build confidence • Discover answers • Share stories • Find inspiration • Expand your horizons

Special Activities for YOU: Graduation Ceremony • Snacks and conversation • Used book sale • Folk dancing

Join WPA Today: Support our homeschooling community • Protect our homeschooling laws • Celebrate our homeschooling freedoms

http://www.homeschooling-wpa.org/

DATES OF UPCOMING  WISCONSIN CONFERENCES

MAY 18 - 20, 2006--  Our annual spring conference-- Special Keynote Speakers Reb and Beverly Bradley, Marv Munyon, plus many wonderful workshop speakers. Annual statewide Used Book Sale, full vendor halls, discounted lodging right on site, much more!!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2006--  CHEA's First Ever FAMILY DAY!!  Includes: for the toddlers-- activities TBA; for grades 1-8--- a day of activity and learning with the folks from OLD WORLD WISCONSIN; for the high school aged young people--- college and career/job fair; and finally, for the parents--- shopping and quality time with your children!!

More details to follow!!

MAY 31 - JUNE 2, 2007-- CHEA's annual spring conference.  SPECIAL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Ken Ham, Marv Munyon. And, for the young people-- Buddy Davis!! More great workshops, full vendor hall, annual statewide Used Book Sale, much more!!

WHY ATTEND A HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE?

This is a great question. After all, we know that it takes a lot of effort on your part to attend our conference. It takes money, time set aside to come away from your daily activities, travel time, etc.

BUT-- the benefits will bless you tremendously!!

1. Remember, the statistics show that getting away from your daily routine puts back enthusiasm, energy, and a sense of peace and stability into your life. And, what greater area of need is there than that of our parenting and educating skills??

2. Your whole family will meet other like-minded families. Your children and teens will see that there are many other families out there who are home educating, and the fellowship will enhance your life!

3. Our speakers are top-notch! They will encourage, stimulate, encourage, educate, encourage, entertain, encourage, and bless you! And, did I mention that they will ENCOURAGE you???

4. The vendor halls are full of well-trained, seasoned, experienced, qualified and educated representatives who can help you with the all-important choice of which curriculum to use, which materials to purchase, and you will get hands-on experience on all of the materials presented in the vendor halls. You may browse and buy to your heart's content. See the materials, read through the contents, talk with the respresentatives, ASK QUESTIONS, and this time will help you to make educated choices of what to use for each of your children, to help them learn to the best of their ability.

5. Many folks have said that the savings they gain (and the money they earn by selling their own used materials) at the Used Book Sale has more than paid for the entire weekend at conference, including lodging, food, and registration!! No guarantees on that, but we know that you will experience great savings on great items- and this is the one place where you can view thousands of items-- ALL AT ONCE-- ALL IN ONE PLACE!!

CAN I REALLY AFFORD TO COME TO CONFERENCE??

DEFINITELY, YES!! The question is-- can you afford NOT to come??  With such great benefits for all ages, you won't EVER want to miss a conference!!

TELL ME HOW!!

Here are some tips we've learned over the years-- we know that many of you are on tight budgets (we here certainly can relate to that!!), but you'd be surprised how much you can save with just a small amount of planning!!

1.  Get a jar and place it in a prominent place-- have your husband and children remember to place change in it on a daily basis. MOMS-- here's a tip for you. When you use those coupons at the grocery store, count up how much you've saved, and put that amount in the jar each week!! Send dad to work with a thermos of coffee or juice, rather than buying beverages at work- or buy in bulk at places like Sam's Club- then have dad throw in the change he would have used for that beverage each day at work. Each week, be sure to throw in your single dollar bills too. 

2.  Give up a few trips to the local fast food restaurants. Save that money instead.

3.  Instead of going out to activities like bowling, batting cages, miniature golfing, skating, etc; take walks, go to parks, do fun things with your family that cost nothing-- and then save the money for the conference.

4. Realize that what you are saving for is not just a weekend listening to speakers, but for a weekend with your spouse and/or your family, to get away, rest, learn, fellowship, and enjoy each other's company. Yes, the conference is fast-paced, but come a day early, or stay a day later, and make it a special time away from home.

NOTE FROM WISCONSIN CHEA:

We could go on and on, but we will end simply by encouraging you to come to conference-- and PLEASE-- continue to come to conference, each and every year. This shows us that you support our ministry and support the work that we are doing for the homeschoolers in Wisconsin.

REMEMBER-- our conference is our ONE fund raiser each year. The money we take in at conference must not only pay for the costs of conference, but must allow us to run the ministry all year long-- and we do have bills just like anyone else-- facility, storage, transportation, telephone, internet, postage, printing, and on and on it goes!!

www.wisconsinchea.com