Homeschool Nations - Michigan - Homeschool Blogger

Special Bulletin - What In the World Is Going On In California?

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:50:00 -0500

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Home Where They Belong

March 10, 2008

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!

Homeschooling in CA controversy

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:02:00 -0500

Received this from the NY homeschool blogger, Lacey, who forwarded it from the Homeschool association of California.

Jen

A forward from Homeschool Association of CA:

Hype about the case and plea to remain calm
Posted by: "Debbie Schwarzer" drschwarzer@ comcast.net

Fri Mar 7, 2008 9:00 am (PST)

I have been astonished about the hype about this case. So many have
been making sensational claims that parents will be criminally
prosecuted, etc. Please rest assured about a number of things. First,
the law, other than this court's interpretation, hasn't changed.
Parents involved in a truancy prosecution might face criminal
charges, but only after a rather lengthy series of hearings and court
orders, and only if the parents failed to comply with the orders. It
would be a criminal contempt charge, which isn't nothing but doesn't
land you in Pelican Bay. We have never known conscientious parents
ever to be prosecuted under truancy laws to the point of contempt
charges. It's highly unlikely. The media also appear to be saying
that no one can teach their children without a credential. I am not
certain that the holding is that broad, and I also doubt it would
survive legal challenge. The holding really applied to private ISPs
(there are persistent mistatements, that began with fact statements
in the case, that the family was enrolled in a charter. Obviously a
school with the name "Christian" in it wouldn't be a public charter.
It was a private ISP). It could be read by someone reading broadly as
applying to any situation where the child is not continuously in the
presence of a credentialed teacher.

The court started on a very slippery path of appearing to think that
some situations were OK and others weren't, effectively trying to
enact an entire code of regulations for governing this situation from
the bench. He hasn't been given the constitutional authority, of
course, to do this. How do we get rid of this case? There are a
number of paths. One is seeking actual review by the Supreme Court.
HSC and at least several of the other major groups' legal teams
aren't in favor of that. Even if you could get the court to accept
your petition (they only take 3-5% of cases), the chances that it
will be decided the way you want aren't real good. It's a very
dangerous road to take, because if the Supreme Court were to affirm
the appellate court ruling on either of the main points
constitutional or statutory), there aren't many options left. The
constitutional argument, of course, could be appealed to the US
Supreme Court, but the statutory case about the proper interpretation
of the California Education Code could not. California Supreme Court
is the last stop on that road. If that happens, then you have two bad
choices that I'll discuss below.

There is another much easier choice, and it's the one we want, as
well as the one being trumpeted in the HSLDA petition. You ask the
California Supreme Court to depublish the opinion, or, in other
words, have them say that while this might have been the right
result in this particular case involving this particular set of
facts, the court finds that the reach of the opinion is overbroad and
should not become law for the entire state. That is the choice we
all (meaning HSC and, I believe, the other groups)want.
You get this by filing a letter with the Supreme Court in compliance
with the applicable rules of court. While anyone can file one by
stating their interest, we DO NOT think it is an appropriate use of
grassroots activism. We DO NOT want every HSC member or HSLDA
member or grandmother or irate citizen dashing off their letters to
the Supreme Court. There are sober, measured, legal arguments to make
about why depublication is appropriate, and those arguments are
made after researching the applicable standards, etc. The Supreme
Court will not be swayed positively by public outcry. In fact, it
could backfire, and backfire badly.

If the Supreme Court affirms on the statutory points, then the two
bad choices are to either seek legislation or to do nothing and hope
that a further case is brought that can involve a better set of facts
and better explanation of the issues (and reaching a better result).
Both are very dangerous. Legislation isn't the answer because of the
extraordinary strength of the teachers' union. It is unlikely we will
see any legislation ultimately pass that gives us the freedom
we have today. And the second choice is dangerous. I know lots of
families that would make terrific test case defendants -- they're
conscientious, they actually get their kids educated, they follow the
laws. But we don't get to pick who the family is. As a friend of mine
said, we couldn't have gotten a worse set of facts for this case if
we had a contest. We are trying to get one or more of the fanciest law
firms in the state to help us on taking the fangs out of this case.
We know what we're doing. Please let us do our jobs.
I would be personally, professionally, and, as a representative of
HSC, globally grateful if everyone on this list would calm down and
ask others to calm down.

Specifically, I would ask people:
a. Not to write to the Supreme Court or any court.
b. Not to talk to their legislators or make any public statements
about a need for legislation.
c. Tell their neighbors, friends, lists, groups both of the above and
to educate them about the choices available and about how panic isn't
necessary, marches on Sacramento aren't necessary, etc.

I wish this were the type of situation where we could put the fury,
passion and energy of the members of this list to good use. Trust me,
if we end up having to go the legislative route, we will have that
situation at some points. But this isn't that type of situation, and
too many folks stirring things up hurts instead of helps.

Thanks for listening.
Debbie Schwarzer
HSC Legal Team Co-chair

CA Governor Vows to Protect Homeschooling
You can read the entire article at:

http://www.sfgate. com/cgi-bin/ article.cgi?
f=/c/a/2008/ 03/08/MNCHVG0SD. DTL&type= politics

Friday, March 7, 2008 (SF Chronicle)
Schwarzenegger denounces 'outrageous' homeschooling ruling
Jill Tucker, Chronicle Staff Writer

(03-07) 12:20 PST SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger promised
today to ensure that parents have the right to homeschool their
children, after a state appeals court ruling severely restricted the
practice in California. "Every California child deserves a quality
education and parents should have the right to decide what's best for
their children," the governor said in a statement. "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."

An estimated 166,000 children are homeschooled across the state.
The ruling by the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles
said all children ages 6 to 18 must attend public or private school
full-time until graduation from high school or be tutored at home by
a credentialed teacher. There is no specific allowance in state law
for homeschooling, the court said. Many homeschooling parents
register as a private school with the state, a status that does not
require credentialed teachers. Then they enroll their own children in
their school. The court ruling, issued Feb. 28, appears to restrict
such practices, setting a precedent that could lead to parents being
prosecution for truancy.

Clyde's Vegetable Gardening Planner

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:09:00 -0500

I thought this was a great idea and wanted to share it with you. It's something I could really use!!!

I will have to order one and let you know how I like it.

Jen

Clyde Majerus <cmajerus@webound.com> wrote: Hello,

Our Homeschooling family is selling a great vegetable planting slide
chart developed by my Dad.
The chart tells you when to plant, harvest and much more. Works all over
North America.
Price: $3.50, Postage paid.
See website : http://cdmplanning.hypermart.net

Thanks,

Esther Majerus,
16 years old, I'm working for my Dad. :-)

for

Clyde's Garden Planner
_*The*_ Vegetable Gardening Slide Chart
23496 Andrew Rd.
Grovespring, MO 65662
(417) 589-3117

Brave Writer Workshop in Grand Rapids - March 7-8

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 14:30:00 -0600

Brave Writer is coming to Grand Rapids MI. Join Julie for a two-day workshop in March!

Are you one of those moms who just likes hearing it in person better than reading it on a computer screen? Do you need a mid-winter shot in the arm to revitalize your homeschool? Would it be nice to get away for a weekend where you hang out with other women, talking, growing learning something for yourself?

If so, then come to Grand Rapids , MI and hang out with me and other Brave Moms.

The "Nurturing Brave Writers" interactive workshop will be held on March 7th and 8th, 2008. I'll walk you through the writing process, give you tips and tricks for helping your reluctant writers, explore how to create a natural writing and langauge arts environment in your home and go over all those inspiring Brave Writer Lifestyle practices like art and nature study, teatimes, poetry readings, Shakespeare, copywork and dictation, journaling, reading aloud and more.

We'll have ample time to address your specific family situations and I'll help you make a plan you can take back home once you are rested and re-energized.

The details of where and when can be found here, on the Brave Writer website. The tuition is $39.99 for early-bird registration and $49.99 at the door. We need a minimum of 40 registrants in advance to make this happen.

The workshop is coming right up! Seven weeks away! So act quickly if you want to attend. And forward this email to your friends, homeschool groups, bloggers in the MI area. I don't get out to speak very often so this is a big deal. :)

Hope to see you there!

Julie

P.S. Registration is now open for the "Nurturing Brave Writers" two-day workshop in Grand Rapids , MI (March 7-8, 2008). Sign up right away.

Brave Writer Website | Arrow Back Issues | Slingshot Back Issues

Brave Writer LLC
7723 Tylers Place Blvd. Suite 165
West Chester OH 45069

(513) 307-1405

Free Pretzel Day at Auntie Anne's - Sat. Feb. 2

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 14:28:00 -0600

Auntie Anne's® celebrates its 20th Birthday with Free Pretzel Day -- February 2nd!

Auntie Anne's is turning 20! To kick-off its 20th birthday celebration, Auntie Anne's is hosting a Free Pretzel Day on February 2nd at stores nationwide! Stop by your local Auntie Anne's on February 2nd between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to try one complimentary Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel -- no strings attached. That's right; enjoy a free delicious, mouth-watering, freshly baked Auntie Anne's Pretzel.

http://www.auntieannes.com/

Free day at the Waterpark & end up in a commercial!

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:26:00 -0600

Update:

ATTENTION HOME SCHOOLERS AND FRIENDS...

DUE TO AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE, WE ARE CLOSING OFF THE FREE ADMISSIONS FOR FEBRUARY 5TH AS OF TODAY, TUESDAY JANUARY 29TH.....

THANKS TO YOUR AMAZING NETWORKING "SKILLS" WE HAVE CLOSE TO 300 GUESTS SIGNED UP!

PLEASE INFORM THOSE IN YOUR NETWORK, AND TELL EVERYONE WE APPRECIATE THEIR SUPPORT...

AND REMEMBER THAT WE HOST HOME SCHOOLER DAYS ON THE 2ND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH

(except in May will be on May 19th)

Attention Home Schoolers, and others who have school aged children
that can come to the waterpark during the daytime hours of 10am-3pm...

On Tuesday February 5th, we are in need of LOTS of school age kids to
be in the waterpark from 10am-3pm or so, as we are shooting a new TV commercial.. ...
so, as a bonus, your kids could end up on TV!

We are inviting YOU and your children to come to the Waterpark for FREE...
as long as you arrive by 11am, and sign a model release form.....thats
the only requirement!

Please let me know by responding to this email, so we can be sure we
are going to have enough kids in the waterpark that day. We appreciate your past patronage, and
hope you will join us on this fun day!

Thanks,

Bill Knopp, CHME
bknopp@splashuniver se.com
Director of Sales
Holiday Inn Express & Splash Universe
100 Whitetail Dr
Dundee, MI 48131
Direct Line: 734-828-5008

Mozambique Experience from Ashley

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:11:00 -0600

Subject:	Its crazy here
Date:	Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:26:43 -0500

Okay so brief rundown of me in Mozambique.

We are staying right in the downtown area. You walk through an alley and at the end you see our doorman, who I absolutly adore, and then you climb about 6 flights of stairs and get to where I live. There is a balcony so close to the other buildings you could climb over. There is a kitchen a living room and 7 rooms. My room is little and I share it with the other girls but Nina Alexa and I are in the loft area where its an oven day and night. We bought a fan and try to stay cool while we sleep but it doesnt always help.

For dinner I use the downstairs kitchen where we try to cook and Im getting used to the rats running in and out. I even controlled myself as a rat ran right across the top of my bare feet. The smell of fish permeates everything. We eat a lot of rice and pasta which is becoming normal for us all.

Its always over 100 degrees here I really believe that. I find myself sweating at all times of the day no matter what Im doing. I can hear the rats running around on the roof at night their nails slidding across the metal roof and their little noises they make as they scurry through the walls. I wake up in the middle of the night screaming "I CAN HEAR THEM". So this just shows that I havent gotten used to them that much yet. The window in our room is always open and so in the morning, due to my lack of a mosqito net, I am covered from head to toe in bites.

Yesterday I laid in my bed with sweat dripping down my face and listened to the call of prayer they make everyday and just knew that this is where Im supposed to be. Despite the rats, my bites, the heat, the smells, the food, I know God has me here and I know he is using me here. I honestly am really happy that I get the chance to be here and get the chance to do what I do.

We have been evangelizing in a village for the last week and we have started a bible study that we hold twice a week plus a new church we are planting there in the village. This is what I have always wanted to do, not only lead people to Christ but to help them grow and make them disciples as well. I know Im a dork but Its really amazing and Im really excited about it!

I am really enjoying it here. There is so much that I can help with and do which is encouraging to me. Im getting ready to preach or I would like to call it "share" with a group of elders this saturday. Im really excited because the culture here doesnt allow for women to be in front of people like this. I immediatly knew I needed to do this and am so excited to share in front of these men about missions and why we are called, why I have come and why they should encourage others to go! Keep me in your prayers as I have little time to prepare but I know the Lord is going to use me and Im excited to tell you how it went!

The boys at the orphanage are getting used to us being there as we hold our bible studies there and they are all so much fun. Im falling in love with them all and enjoy teasing them and having fun. We will continue to work with them for the next 2 weeks that we are here.

2 more weeks! I know its crazy but keep me in your prayers as always also if you want to see my pictures try this link (below) and you can see where I was at in Swaziland as well as here in Mozambique.

One last note is please keep our team leader Khaya in your prayers as well as one of our team members Bernard. We are dealing with a serious issue with Bernard and Khaya has to make a decision on if he should go home. This puts a lot of stress on me as a team leader but so much more on Khaya. So all your prayers are so much appreciated!

I send all my love,
Ashley

Swaziland Photos
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38516&l=d0081&id=747601279

Mozambique Photos
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38518&l=1d25e&id=747601279

Design-Build Project - a contest

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:32:00 -0600

An excerpt from e-mails I received.  This is open to everyone - homeschool,
public and private schools alike.

Jen



Good morning Jen,

I'm writing to personally invite 5th graders of the Grace Home School
 Coop to participate in a Design-Build Project which will be held at the
 Lakeside Mall on March 1st.

This contest has been in existence since 1998 and up until this year
 was only held in Oakland County at the Summit Place Mall.   The contest has
been so successful, we are now doing a second contest in Macomb County.

For more information and registration forms, please go to our website
 at http://imagineerscontest.org.

I hope your organization will be able to participate in this worthwhile
program.

Sincerely,

Doris Modrak
Shelby Township Area Optimist Club
586.286.6377 (R)
248.822.9560 (B)
248.822.9350 Fax

Jen.....it would be great if your home schoolers are able to
 participate and by all means if you know other 5th graders in public or private
 schools they are eligible to participate as well.

If you don't have full teams, I think there's a way to partner kids
 from different schools so don't see that as an obstacle. 

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Doris Modrak

Skate-a-thon to benefit Bed & Bread Club - February 1, 2008

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:35:00 -0600

Good Morning Homeschoolers and NSFSC Members!

I have been asked by the Royal Oak Hockey Association (ROHA) to invite you to participate in a skate-a-thon to raise funds to provide food and shelter to people who are homeless, hungry and in crisis. All proceeds from the skate-a-thon will be donated directly to The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division's Bed & Bread Club.

2nd Annual ROHA Jr. Bed & Bread Club Skate-a-thon

Friday, February 1, 2008

7:00pm to 9:00pm

John Lindell Ice Arena

1403 Lexington Blvd., Royal Oak, MI 48073

(Lexington Blvd. is located east of Crooks between 13 &14 Mile Roads,

across from Royal Oak High School)

Here's the scoop about participating in the skate-a-thon:

Obtain an instruction sheet, pledge sheet, and collection envelope from Laurie Guidry.
Collect a MINIMUM of one $5 pledge per skater (you're encouraged to collect as many pledges as possible, though!).
Make all checks payable to The Salvation Army. Donations are tax deductible.
Turn in your pledge form and donations the night of the event.
Skate from 7pm-9pm.
Enjoy a complimentary hot dog and beverage.
Raise the most money as an individual skater and win a prize!
Raise the most money as a registered group/association and win a prize!

Please direct questions to Laurie Guidry at 586.558.8692.

VETAVISIT - MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's annual open house - 3/29/08

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:32:00 -0600

VETAVISIT 2008:

Saturday, March 29, 2008

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
____________ _________ _

Vetavisit 2008, the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's annual open house, will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Allow several hours to tour--there is a lot to see and do. Allow even more time if you plan on attending an educational seminar (for students interested in a career in veterinary medicine).

The exhibits and displays are age-appropriate for all ages.

Free admission, no need to register, this is a self-guided tour.

The CVM website is being totally revamped right now: http://cvm.msu. edu

At some point Vetavisit 2008 info will be added to it. For now, you can get an idea of what is offered at Vetavisit by going to our old site:

http://www.vetavisi t.com/

Detailed information, including maps and directions, and parking information are available on the old website.

Maps and directions can also be found on the main MSU website:

http://www.msu. edu/maps/ index.html

FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

The Undergraduate advisors will hold seminars for students who want information on becoming veterinarians or veterinary technicians.

In the past, the educational seminars have been held in the mid-morning to early afternoon in E-100, a large lecture hall located on the northwest corner of the Veterinary Medical Center, near the intersection of Bogue Street and Wilson Road (just west of the Small Animal Clinic on Wilson Road).

When the Vetavisit 2008 schedule is posted on the CVM website, check it to verify the seminar times and location. Also, when you arrive at Vetavisit, a handout listing all of the demos, exhibits, and seminars will be available.

In addition, there will be forums where the public can meet and talk with veterinary students--check the website for times and locations. This is another good opportunity to find out about what it's like to attend veterinary school.

____________ __
SMALL ANIMALS DAY 2008:

Another campus event that animal-loving youngsters would love is "Small Animals Day."

Small Animals Day is put on by the student organizations (clubs) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU (NOT by the College of Veterinary Medicine).

It is an opportunity to get outside on a spring day and visit the MSU farms and pavilion, and see new born animals.

This event will be held Saturday, April 19, 2008, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Admission: $2/person.

Park at the corner of Mt. Hope and Farm Lane on the MSU campus. Dress for the weather. Buses will take you to a few of the MSU farms where you can see the new born animals. Animals will also be at the MSU Pavilion--and a lot of students/animal- related student clubs will be there. It's a fun time.

To verify Small Animals Day info, call them as the date draws near:
517-355-9575.