Contents

1. Give My Regards to Broadway—And Please Forget About Us
2. Homeschooling Thru High School: New Brochure—Keeping on Track
3. Taking it to the Top
4. Home School Heartbeat: A Lesson in Civics—An Interview with Dr. Stephen King

1. New Jersey: Give My Regards to Broadway—And Please Forget About Us

Moving provoked additional stress for one homeschooling family when a public school official threatened legal action if they refused to reveal their new, out-of-state address. HSLDA pointed out that the family’s new address was none of his concern. Read more >>

2. Homeschooling Thru High School: New Brochure—Keeping on Track

HSLDA’s latest high school brochure, Keeping on Track: A Timeline for High School, is now available to download and order in bulk. This great resource helps you track all the necessary courses, tests, and activities for your teen through the high school years. To order, please call HSLDA at (540) 338-5600 or email info@hslda.org. You may also access the brochure on the Homeschooling Thru High School website. Read more >>

3. Taking it to the Top

Homeschooling gives 15-year-old violinist Mia Laity the flexibility to pursue her dream of becoming a professional soloist. Her ambitions got a big boost recently when she was featured on the national radio program From the Top. Read more >>

4. Home School Heartbeat: A Lesson in Civics—An Interview with Dr. Stephen King

What is civics, and how can you teach it in your homeschool? On this week’s Home School Heartbeat, Dr. Stephen King discusses the origins of natural and civil rights, the responsibility of citizens to be involved in their governments, and how you can take advantage of this year’s elections to teach your children about participating in the political process. Read more >>

Contents

1. Court Rebuffs Grandparents’ Request for Visitation Rights
2. Board to Publish Correction Following Census Error
3. Happy Graduation Despite Social Worker Threat
4. 2008 Poetry Contest Winners Announced
5. Photo Contest Deadline Approaching
6. Your Child’s Art Could Make a Winning Memory
7. New Subway Contest Open to Homeschoolers
8. Home School Heartbeat: Wish Your Children Loved to Read?

1. Maine: Court Rebuffs Grandparents’ Request for Visitation Rights

Home School Legal Defense Association successfully defended a member family’s right to raise their children free from unwanted visitation by the children’s grandparents. Read more >>

2. Virginia: Board to Publish Correction Following Census Error

When a member family told HSLDA that a letter from local public school officials said they “must” participate in the triennial census, we intervened. The school board chairman acknowledged the letter was in error and said a correction would be published. Read more >>

3. Michigan: Happy Graduation Despite Social Worker Threat

HSLDA recently received a graduation announcement from a family we assisted several years ago. The message was a reminder of how we protect homeschoolers from the potentially destructive intervention of the powerful social services system. Read more >>

4. 2008 Poetry Contest Winners Announced

The results of the 2008 Poetry Contest are in! This year we added a third category and asked students to respond to a new challenge—writing a poem based on one of three famous American paintings. The judges were delighted with the entries they received—more than 250 poems were submitted in all three categories. The creativity and discipline shown by students was truly inspiring. View winning entries >>

5. Photo Contest Deadline Approaching

Students participating in the 2008 HSLDA Photo Contest must have their entries postmarked no later than August 1. For contest guidelines and entry form >>

6. Your Child’s Art Could Make a Winning Memory

As part of HSLDA’s 25th Anniversary celebration, we’re asking students to depict their favorite place to homeschool. These depictions can be in the form of a drawing, photo, or 75-second video. Submit entries by email to celebrate25@hslda.org no later than September 30. HSLDA will award a gift certificate to three students (one per age group as designated on our 25th Anniversary contest webpage). Read more >>

7. New Subway Contest Open to Homeschoolers

National sandwich restaurant chain Subway is sponsoring a new online story contest aimed at all students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Prizes include athletic equipment, scholastic gift basket and gift cards. Read more >>

8. Home School Heartbeat: Wish Your Children Loved to Read?

Every homeschooling parent knows that reading is important. What you may not know is how to cultivate a love of reading and incorporate reading into your everyday routine. Author Richard Grant shares how to pick books for yourself and your children, how to set aside a daily reading time, and why telling bedtime stories can produce lasting rewards. Read more >>

Contents

1. Obama Campaign Abandons Use of ‘Joshua Generation Project’ Slogan
2. Washington Times Op-ed—Homeschooling Pioneers Deserve Thanks
3. Creation Museum Offers Exclusive Discount
4. False Anonymous Tip Drags Family through Needless Investigation
5. Principal Demands Homeschooler Fill out Form
6. Home School Foundation: Christmas Card Contest
7. Home School Heartbeat: Interview with Dr. John Warwick Montgomery

1. Obama Campaign Abandons Use of ‘Joshua Generation Project’ Slogan

The Obama campaign has acknowledged that Home School Legal Defense Association has rights to the “Generation Joshua” trademark and agreed not to reach out to young people of faith using a confusingly similar name. Read more >>

2. Washington Times Op-ed—Homeschooling Pioneers Deserve Thanks

As America celebrates its 232nd year of freedom as a nation, a revolution within our nation continues to grow. The homeschool movement, which is a rebirth of the primary form of education in early America, continues to advance despite overwhelming odds. Read more >>

3. Creation Museum Offers Exclusive Discount

HSLDA proudly announces a new member benefit unavailable elsewhere. The Creation Museum is now offering general admission discounts to HSLDA members who visit their state-of-the-art exhibit in northern Kentucky. We urge homeschooling families who are planning an educational trip this summer to consider taking advantage of this unprecedented offer—especially those looking to strengthen their children’s biblical worldview. Look for details on our PerX member discount program webpages. Meanwhile, to receive the discount, simply show your HSLDA member card when you visit the Creation Museum and you will save $5 on the price of general admission for each member of your family.

Read more about HSLDA PerX >>
Read more about the Creation Museum >>

4. Texas: False Anonymous Tip Drags Family through Needless Investigation

When a social worker tried to investigate a military family on the basis of false accusations, HSLDA helped the family stand firm. Read more >>

5. Michigan: Principal Demands Homeschooler Fill out Form

When a member family started homeschooling their daughter, HSLDA helped them when they faced unlawful demands from a public school official. Read more >>

6. Home School Foundation: Christmas Card Contest

Every Christmas the Home School Foundation sends cards to those who have received assistance from the Foundation. This year HSF is hosting a special contest which gives homeschoolers (both students and teachers!) an opportunity to design the artwork for the Christmas greeting card. Entrants must choose from one of the following categories. You are limited to one entry per person; deadline is August 1.

Category 1: Christmas Memories
Category 2: Seasonal Beauty of God’s Creation
Category 3: Christ’s Birth—The First Christmas

7. Home School Heartbeat: Interview with Dr. John Warwick Montgomery

How do Christians approach human rights? And where do these rights come from? On this week’s Home School Heartbeat, noted apologist and lawyer Dr. John Warwick Montgomery explains why it’s so easy to get human rights wrong and the importance of getting them right—for you, for your children, and for the future of religious liberty. Read more >>

Dr. Joe Wilson will be teaching Organic Chemistry this fall.  This is a 36 week class designed for students who have successfully complete high school level Chemistry. Dr. Wilson is a professor emeritus at the University of Kentucky.  You can find a biography for him at www.macphersonacademy.com

Here is a list of other classes that will be offered.  We are now accepting Fall applications.

Math:

5th    6^th   Pre-Algebra               General Math     Algebra I            Geometry            Algebra II   

Trigonometry     Pre-Calculus         Calculus      Statistics     Consumer Math and Economics

Social Studies:

5th     6^th     7^th     Civics   World History and Geography   American History

American Government    British History   Film

Science:

5th    General Science   Physical Science   Earth Science   Biology   AP Biology    

Microbiology   Chemistry I        Organic Chemistry    Physics   Critical Reading

English:

5th Language Arts    6^th Language Arts   7^th English and Literature            8^th English

and Literature      9^th Eng and Lit   10^th Eng and Lit   11^th/12^th English and Lit

Shakespeare (The Man, His World and His Writing)

Foreign Language:

 Pre-Latin   Latin I    Latin II    Spanish I    Spanish II  

Arts: 

Music Appreciation     Art Studio              Drama     Ballroom Dancing

Contents

1. Social Worker Threatens Truancy Charges
2. Homeschooler Among Top Award Winners in Financial Literacy Challenge
3. Patrick Henry College Writing Mentor Program
4. Equal Access Bills Fail
5. Superintendent Demands New Homeschooler Attend ‘Compliance Meeting’
6. Photo Contest Now Accepting Entries
7. Home School Heartbeat: Read, Write, and Play Music

1. North Carolina: Social Worker Threatens Truancy Charges

Home School Legal Defense Association assisted a family threatened with truancy charges after withdrawing their daughter from public school and enrolling her in a homeschool. Read more >>

2. Homeschooler Among Top Award Winners in Financial Literacy Challenge

Eighteen-year-old Texas homeschooler Nicholas Bruno was one of 35 students who earned a perfect score on this year’s National Financial Literacy Challenge. His efforts earned him recognition at a Washington, D.C., awards ceremony and a college scholarship. Read more >>

3. Patrick Henry College Writing Mentor Program

Is your student interested in creative writing or perhaps looking for help with writing college application essays? Does your student need one-on-one assistance in improving his writing skills? Some of Patrick Henry College’s brightest undergraduates and graduates would love to help. PHC mentors are available to help your student develop better writing skills through exercises and constructive editing. PHC mentors communicate via email, phone, or mail. Their services cost $10 per hour.

To learn more, or to receive an application >>
Or email mentorshipcoordinator@phc.edu.

4. Alabama: Equal Access Bills Fail

The Alabama legislature declined to approve three bills this year intended to permit students being instructed at home to participate in extracurricular activities at public school. Read more >>

5. Illinois: Superintendent Demands New Homeschooler Attend ‘Compliance Meeting’

HSLDA helped a homeschool family avoid unreasonable demands after the regional public school superintendent insisted on a meeting. Read more >>

6. Photo Contest Now Accepting Entries

HSLDA’s homeschool Photo Contest is accepting entries through August 1. Students must submit a photo with one of the following fruits of the spirit as their theme:

Category 1 (students age 7-11): Gentleness
Category 2 (students age 12-15): Faithfulness
Category 3 (students age 16-19): Self-control

7. Home School Heartbeat: Read, Write, and Play Music

You know it’s important for your children to appreciate music, whether they play an instrument or not! But what if music just isn’t your forte? On this week’s Home School Heartbeat, Dr. Ian Hodge shares tips for approaching music in your homeschool. Learn what kinds of instruments are best for a new beginner, the best ways to teach musical appreciation, how to make music fun, and most importantly—where to start! Read more >>

Contents

1. HSLDA Condemns German Court for Jailing Homeschool Parents
2. Homepage Redesign Unveiled
3. Capitol Hill Testimony a Success!
4. Homeschool Family Threatened with Truancy Charges
5. Legislative Roller Coaster
6. Favorable Diploma Bill Dies
7. Driver’s License Bills Fail
8. Home School Heartbeat: Unearthing Lessons in History

1. HSLDA Condemns German Court for Jailing Homeschool Parents

On Wednesday, June 18, a district court in the German state of Hesse sentenced Jurgen and Rosemary Dudek each to three months in prison simply because they homeschool their seven children. Read more >>

2. Homepage Redesign Unveiled

Come visit our new homepage! We hope it makes things easier to find on the HSLDA website. If you like the news summary that was on our old homepage, click the “More” button below the news window, or the “Homeschooling News” headline above. Let us know what you think! (Note: If the text in the menu bar is white, please refresh the page while holding down the CTRL key.) Visit the new homepage >>

3. Capitol Hill Testimony a Success!

On June 11, Will Estrada, HSLDA’s Director of Federal Relations, testified before the House Committee on Education and Labor in opposition to portions of H.R. 2343, the Education Begins at Home Act. Read more >>

4. Illinois: Homeschool Family Threatened with Truancy Charges

HSLDA encountered a familiar problem when a truant officer made unlawful demands of a member family. As in the past, we were able to protect our members. Read more >>

5. Connecticut: Legislative Roller Coaster

Strenuous opposition from homeschoolers helped prevent passage of a controversial bill regarding statutory notification procedures for all home educators. Read more >>

6. Tennessee: Favorable Diploma Bill Dies

An amended bill which would have required the State of Tennessee to recognize high school diplomas issued by homeschools and church-related schools failed to pass this year. Read more >>

7. Alaska: Driver’s License Bills Fail

The 2007-2008 session of the Alaska legislature ended without passage of two driver’s license bills which would have affected students receiving home education. Read more >>

8. Home School Heartbeat: Unearthing Lessons in History

Homeschooling parents and archaeologists Regan and Amy Barr have lived a life of adventure—unearthing bones, digging up discoveries, and teaching Latin and Greek! On this week’s Home School Heartbeat, the Barrs explain why integrating archaeology and a few not-so-dead languages into your homeschool can help you wipe the dust off of history and capture your

Contents

1. Washington Times Op-ed—More Problems for Homeschoolers in Germany
2. D.C.: Media Focuses on Homeschool Regulations Controversy
3. Germany: Family Faces Trial, Possible Jail Time for Homeschooling
4. Photo Contest Approaching
5. Home School Heartbeat: Driver’s Education at Home

1. Washington Times Op-ed—More Problems for Homeschoolers in Germany

One of our Home School Legal Defense Association staff attorneys just returned from a two-week assessment of the homeschooling climate in Germany. Sadly, homeschool families there continue to be aggressively pursued by school authorities and youth welfare officials. Read more >>

2. D.C.: Media Focuses on Homeschool Regulations Controversy

As homeschoolers and District of Columbia officials continue to debate the District’s proposed homeschooling regulations, more media outlets are paying attention. Read more >>

3. Germany: Family Faces Trial, Possible Jail Time for Homeschooling

The Dudek family in Archfeld, Germany will be tried on June 18 for homeschooling their children. The Dudeks have quietly and successfully educated their children at home in obedience to God but in the face of Germany’s restrictive laws regarding homeschooling. Read more >>

4. Photo Contest Approaching

HSLDA’s homeschool Photo Contest is approaching, so start dusting your lenses and thinking about your entries. Submission dates are July 1 through August 1.

Students must submit a photo with one of the following fruits of the spirit as their theme:

For contest rules, entry fees and entry forms >>

5. Home School Heartbeat: Driver’s Education at Home

Is your teen aching to take on the open road? If so, it’s time to explore driver’s education programs. As this week’s driver’s education experts will explain, state driver’s education isn’t the only option. Due to advances in legislation and curriculum, you can teach your teen to drive, protecting his safety, his future, and your pocketbook. Read more >>

Contents

1. Mineral Area College Drops GED Demand
2. Homeschooling Thru High School—PSAT Registration
3. Your Homeschool Memories Wanted
4. New Vendor Joins GPA Smartstore
5. Home School Heartbeat: Preparing High School Transcripts
6. Generation Joshua: Summer Camp Registration Closes Soon

1. Missouri: Mineral Area College Drops GED Demand

Home School Legal Defense Association members Sherry and Norman Kissinger enrolled their son in nearby Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri, but were told he would not be eligible for financial aid unless he had a GED. Read more >>

2. Homeschooling Thru High School—PSAT Registration

Homeschoolers who would like to take the PSAT must register directly through a local public or private school. Although the PSAT is given in October, contacting the school now will enable them to order a test for your teen. More details regarding the PSAT are available in the high school section of HSLDA's website. Read more >>

3. Your Homeschool Memories Wanted

With a new month comes another chance to win. As part of our series of 25th anniversary contests, we’re asking folks to recall in 50 words or fewer their favorite or funniest homeschool memory ever. The winner will be awarded $50. Email your entry to celebrate25@hslda.org by June 30. Read more >>

4. New Vendor Joins GPA Smartstore

Bob Jones University Press, one of the largest Christian publishers, has joined GPA Smartstore, a partner in our PerX member discount program. This adds more than 1,000 new titles that HSLDA members may choose from when they shop at the online curriculum retailer. Read more >>

5. Home School Heartbeat: Preparing High School Transcripts

Untangle the confusion of creating transcripts. This week, Inge Cannon of Education PLUS joins Home School Legal Defense Association President Mike Smith to answer your questions. What should I include on my child’s transcript? How long should it be? My child’s not going to college—does he even need a transcript? From helping your junior high student gain high school credit to tailoring the transcript to your particular homeschool program, these Home School Heartbeat programs will clarify the documentation process. Read more >>

6. Generation Joshua: Summer Camp Registration Closes Soon

Is your teen keen on politics? Then enroll him in GenJ's summer camp, which culminates in a mock presidential election that includes caucus work, voter registration, fundraising, commercials, and campaigning. This exciting, hands-on experience is designed to help youth discover how they can impact our nation—lessons that take on added relevance as the real presidential campaign unfolds. Registration closes June 15.

Invited speakers include Alex and Brett Harris, Rick Green, Congressman Frank Wolf, Michael Farris and Mike Smith. To read more and to register >>

1. Parade Magazine Online Poll
2. Zoning Enforcers Threaten Big Family
3. Save on Next Year’s Curriculum at Growing Online Market
4. Homeschool Robotics Team Wins World Championship
5. Home School Heartbeat: Homeschooling More than One Child

1. Parade Magazine Online Poll

We are making you aware of this poll which asks the question “Should parents need teaching credentials to home-school their kids?” Our answer is no. HSLDA hopes that Parade Magazine will follow up with a fair and balanced article on homeschooling and consider our claim that hundreds of thousands of parents all across the country are successfully raising their children to be academically and socially well-prepared for life. Read more >>

2. Missouri: Zoning Enforcers Threaten Big Family

We suspected a hollow threat when officials told longtime HSLDA members they wouldn’t immediately penalize them for having too large a family in their home. After we spoke to them, officials quickly realized there was no law concerning family size for our members to violate. Read more >>

3. Save on Next Year’s Curriculum at Growing Online Market

HSLDA’s online Curriculum Market keeps growing, which means more opportunities to save on used books and teaching materials as you plan for the fall. More than 9,000 users have signed up for our auction-style online market, where anyone can post items to sell—but only members can register to buy. The site is free and easy to use. Read more >>

4. Homeschool Robotics Team Wins World Championship

A team of seven homeschooled high schoolers swept the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, taking home a Winning Alliance Team trophy and the Amaze Award (awarded by the judges to a team whose uniqueness sets it apart from all other award categories). Read more >>

6. Home School Heartbeat: Homeschooling More than One Child

When you’re just beginning the homeschool process with several children in tow, it can be pretty tough figuring out what works for each child both academically and socially. Are you trying to balance the needs of various ages, juggle regular housework, and discover all of the tools that work for your homeschool? As Mike Smith and this week’s guest will explain, there are many practical ways parents can begin the homeschooling endeavor without unnecessary headache. Read more >>

Kentucky--Announcing the 18th Annual
Christian Home Educators of Kentucky Conference

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

The 18th Annual Christian Home Educators of Kentucky Conference is
coming to your area July 11-12, 2008. This event will be held at the
Valley View Church, 8911 Old Third Street Road, Louisville, Kentucky
40272. 

We encourage you to attend and take advantage of our special offers
below. Our staff would love to meet you. We count it a privilege to
serve you, and appreciate your partnership with us to defend
homeschool freedoms.

This year, we have two special offers for members:

> If you join or renew your membership at the conference for one year,
you'll receive a $10 coupon that you can use toward your membership
(at the conference only) or for purchasing our materials.  Or...

> Renew or join for two years and receive either a $25 coupon that you
can use toward your membership (at the conference only) or the Drive
Thru History America DVD and student workbook, retailed at $50.00,
FREE.  Please visit http://www.hslda.org/join/offers.asp for more
information.  (This offer does not include the $10 gift certificate.)

If you are not yet an HSLDA member or know someone else who might be
interested in joining, these same offers are available for families
who join at the conference. 

Additionally, if you bring someone to our table who joins at the
conference, we'll give you another $10 coupon for your
recommendation--which you can also apply toward membership (at the
conference only) or HSLDA products.

Please note that these offers are only valid at the conference.  For
more information about the 18th Annual Christian Home Educators of
Kentucky Conference, please contact CHEK at 270-358-9270, or visit
www.chek.org .  

Contents

1. Open Letter to Subway: Let Homeschoolers Enter Contest
2. Family Receives Truancy Notice
3. Be a Winner: Enter HSLDA’s 25th Anniversary Contest
4. PHC: Commencement Celebrates God, Service, and Love
5. Magazine Offers Free Trial Subscription to Members
6. Home School Heartbeat: The New Face of Judicial Tyranny
7. Register for Generation Joshua’s Summer Camp!

1. Open Letter to Subway: Let Homeschoolers Enter Contest

We are disappointed that Subway has chosen to overlook the homeschool community in its latest contest. This letter expresses our concerns to the leadership of the restaurant chain. Read more >>

2. Indiana: Family Receives Truancy Notice

A family in northern Indiana was contacted by a truancy officer who inquired about their homeschool program and demanded that the family meet with her. HSLDA learned that the situation was the result of the local public school failing to follow proper procedures. Read more >>

3. Be a Winner: Enter HSLDA’s 25th Anniversary Contest

“We felt alone, singled out, and abused by our local school system. HSLDA gave us the ability to go through with our hardest decision.” So reads the first winning entry of HSLDA’s contest series held as part of our year-long 25th Anniversary celebration. A new contest begins June 1.
More winning entries >>
How to enter June’s contest >>

4. PHC: Commencement Celebrates God, Service, and Love

Sixty-three graduates from 25 states received their diplomas on a day in which eloquent speeches and grand ideals stirred a capacity crowd of parents, family and friends. Commencement speaker Mike Huckabee’s keynote address proved a fitting highlight. Read more >>

5. Magazine Offers Free Trial Subscription to Members

For a limited time, through HSLDA’s partnership with WORLD Magazine, you can receive WORLD for two months free without cost or obligation! This special offer is available to new subscribers who are HSLDA members. Remember, WORLD is the only biweekly news magazine in America that reports from a Christian perspective. Read more >>

6. Home School Heartbeat: The New Face of Judicial Tyranny

This week, Michael Farris talks about the increasing power of American federal courts and the tendency of judges to interpret unratified treaties and international law as binding on the United States. If unchecked, this practice will lead to a loss of constitutional rights. Find out how we can combat this growing problem. Read more >>

7. Register for Generation Joshua’s Summer Camp!

This year’s GenJ camp will teach teens how to write legislation, hold hearings, develop party platforms, run voter registration drives, and almost everything else associated with the political process. The fun, fast-paced camp culminates in a mock presidential election. Speakers include Alex and Brett Harris (authors of Do Hard Things), Rick Green (founder of Patriot Academy), and HSLDA President Mike Smith. Scholarships are available. To learn more and to register >>

Contents

1. Washington Times Op-ed—Acceptance Grows but Myths Persist
2. Homeschoolers Win Access to Highway Patrol
3. Trouble Getting a State-Issued ID
4. School Rejects Home Instruction Plan
5. Register Now for Michael Farris’ Constitutional Law Online Summer Camp
6. Deadline Approaching for Poetry Contest Entries
7. Home School Heartbeat: Making the Grade—Why does Grading Matter?

1. Washington Times Op-ed—Acceptance Grows but Myths Persist

How we see ourselves and how others perceive us can be very different. That’s one of the lessons from a recent survey by Ellison Research that looked at public attitudes toward various education options. Read more >>

2. Missouri: Homeschoolers Win Access to Highway Patrol as Legislature Closes

The advocacy of homeschoolers helped pave the way for graduates who want to enter the Highway Patrol, and thwarted legislation that would have restricted the freedom of home educators. Read more >>

3. Michigan: Trouble Getting a State-Issued ID

Several members reported major problems obtaining state-issued identification cards for their children due to new laws. HSLDA learned the new requirements allow for a wider range of documentation than some officials were accepting. Read more >>

4. New York: School Rejects Home Instruction Plan

Homeschooling on Long Island, a member family was surprised to have their IHIP rejected by their local school district because of their physical education program. The district insisted that the family had to document the number of minutes per day they would be providing physical education to their children before they would “approve” their IHIP. Read more >>

5. Register Now for Michael Farris’ Constitutional Law Online Summer Camp

If you have a son or daughter who wants to complete a full semester of high school-level constitutional law (normally counted as a government course) in just three weeks, Michael Farris’ online summer camp may be an ideal fit. Dr. Farris will cover the same material as in his regular full-semester constitutional law course for high schoolers. However, the summer course offers more interaction with Dr. Farris and fellow students. To Read more and register >>

6. Deadline Approaching for Poetry Contest Entries

Through June 1, HSLDA is accepting entries for its 2008 student poetry contest. Students must follow specific forms and adhere to specific themes according to their age. This year, contest themes focus on a trio of great American paintings. Read more >>

7. Home School Heartbeat: Making the Grade—Why does Grading Matter?

When it comes to evaluating schoolwork in the homeschool setting, some parents wonder if their expectations are too high while others worry theirs are too low. With this kind of confusion, why even grade? On this week’s series, Mike Smith and his guest Lesha Myers talk about the value of grading and how to make it work for your homeschool. Read more >>

Contents

1. Legislature Closes with Freedom Intact
2. Huckabee to Deliver Commencement Address
3. Homeschooling Thru High School: Summer Skill Courses
4. ParentalRights.org: Religion is Child Abuse?
5. Home School Heartbeat: The Heart of Homeschooling

1. Iowa: Legislature Closes with Freedom Intact

Attempts by legislators to restrict homeschool freedom in Iowa were thwarted this year thanks to the vigilance of individuals and the efforts of one state homeschool organization in particular. Read more >>

2. PHC: Huckabee to Deliver Commencement Address

Former Arkansas governor and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will deliver the keynote commencement address at Patrick Henry College, Saturday, May 17, 2008. Read more >>

3. Homeschooling Thru High School: Summer Skill Courses

To keep boredom at bay, consider using the summer months to give your teen opportunities to develop practical and life skills. On HSLDA’s Homeschooling Thru High School website, there are ideas and resources for your use. Read more >>

4. ParentalRights.org: Religion is Child Abuse?

In guaranteeing “freedom of thought” for children, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child could be used to promote a disturbing idea held by prominent atheists—that religious teaching amounts to “child abuse.” Read more >>

5. Home School Heartbeat: The Heart of Homeschooling

For homeschooling parents, a tight budget or the death of a spouse might spell the end of their homeschool. That’s why HSLDA launched the Home School Foundation to assist eligible families with curriculum costs, special needs services, and general financial aid. This week, Mike Smith describes how homeschoolers are helping one another through HSF. Read more >>