Upcoming Events:
Pizza Hut Book It! Program enrollment:The 2013 enrollment deadline is September 1st., however, Pizza Hut will continue to accept enrollment requests on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
DHSA has an exciting year lined up!
Plan ahead for this year’s events! (Watch for newsletter/e-mail/facebook updates for locations and times.)
September 7 - Opening Social @ Tully Park 5:00 (see announcement below for details!) Sept. 13/14 - Family Campout (see announcement below for details!)
Sept. 26 – Mothers’ Meeting (Kuna) (see below for details!)
October 12 – Mothers’ Meeting (Nampa)
Oct. 30th - Halloween Party
October ? – Family Dance
November 8 - Man Feast (Kuna)
Nov. 15 - Science Fair
December 7 – Mothers’ Meeting (Eagle)
January 9th – Mothers’ Meeting (Nampa)
Jan. 15 - Winter Party
February 15th - Couples Dinner/Dance
March 7th - History Fair
March 8th – Mothers’ Meeting (Caldwell)
April 17 – Mothers’ Meeting (Middleton)
April 25th - Literary Fair (Marshmallow Peep Show)
April ??? - Family Dance
May 17 Election Meeting/Mothers’ Meeting (Kuna)
June 11th - Closing Social at Camels Back Park (Boise)
DHSA Opening Social
Saturday, September 7, 5:00 PM at Tully Park
2500 N Linder Rd Meridian, ID 83646
We’ll provide hot dogs, drinks, paper goods, and an excuse to let loose! Pack the family and a picnic blanket and join the fun!
We anticipate a large gathering and ask for your help in providing a large side dish to share (if your last names starts with A – M) or a large dessert to share (if your last name starts with N – Z.)
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DHSA/TEACH Family Camp Out
Sept. 13 and 14 at Bruneau Dunes State Park
Some sites have water and electricity, some are basic camp sites. My family is camping in the Broken Wheel Campground, site 12 and we'd love to fill that area with homeschooling families.
The observatory is open that night for a $3 charge per person. Friday night we will have a potluck dinner for anyone who wants to participate at 6 (please bring enough to feed your family and bring your own drinks and paper products).
That night we will have a campfire if you want to bring things for s'mores or other treats for your family or you can do your own campfire. (I'm expecting we'll end up with several and different ages/groups will end up together visiting).
Saturday morning breakfast is on your own. My site has electricity and I plan to bring the griddle and make pancakes. We can play on the dunes Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday morning. We will plan a hike for Saturday morning, probably 2-3 miles roundtrip. Bring lots of water as well and you can bring cardboard or sleds to slide down the dunes.
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Mothers’ Meeting: Teaching with Technology
Thursday, Sept. 26, 7:00 PM
12028 W. Dynamite Ln. in Kuna
How do you use technology to enhance your family’s learning experience? Come for ideas! Share your favorite methods, websites, social media, and/or devices and tell us how you harness the power of technology!
(Crazy good refreshments provided, as usual!)
Community Events/Classes:
Homeschool Club at 2 pm at the Silverstone Meridian Library
Thursdays starting September 5th, for kids grades 2-6
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Art in the Park
Friday, September 6th, at Julia Davis Park from 10-5.
Not homeschool specific, but a fun community activity!
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Homeschool Program at the Ada Community Victory Library
Mondays at 1:30 pm starting September 9th, for kids grade 5 and up.
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First Annual Get-together for all homeschoolers and unschoolers in the Treasure Valley Friday, September 27th, at 1pm at the Eagle Sports Complex
Everyone is invited to come with their families and meet and greet. Bring bikes, scooters, roller blades, skateboards, basketballs, frisbees, blankets and chairs to sit on, food to share if you would like and we'll just visit and hang out.
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The Caldwell Public Library Homeschool Book Club
Available to all readers K-12, will meet for the first time on Tuesday, October 8, in the library's Community Room. Books can be picked up in early September. Please call Fiona (459-3242 x12) to join the group, so we can reserve enough books for each age group.
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Treasure Valley Commonwealth
is gearing up for Fall Semester. First day of classes is Wednesday September 4th. We still have room for a couple more families, we'd love to have you join us. We have opening for all ages.
Email Nancy with any questions you might have.
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DHSA Teen Events: Tentative Schedule
The Teen Coordinators are in the process of creating some fun events! Here’s what’s in the works!
Bonfire and Treat Roast
Friday, September 27th, 7-10pm.
Hey, Teens! Meet us at the Fuhriman’s home in Melba (7200 Beautiful View Circle) for a bonfire, yummy treats, and outdoor games! Please bring a snack to share!
Watch for more information on these upcoming Teen Events!
October 25th at Nancy Georgeson’s in Boise (Halloween theme)
November 15th at Michelle Gonzalez’ in Kuna
December 13th at Korene Harris’ home (white elephant game)
January – TBD
February – TBD
March 14th at Ruth Hansen’s
April 11th at Katrina Laird’s
May 16th at Kleiner Park in Meridian
President’s Message: Bucking the Norm, Embracing the Unique
There is no one right answer, no perfect mold, no one-size-fits-all form of education that is sure to work for every person. So many feel that they must conform to the norm, but just because the majority is doing it still doesn’t make it right or best. Every family is different and unique, so embrace your uniqueness and go for what feels like the best fit for education for your family and each of your children. Give up being “normal” just so you can fit in with the crowd. Yes, you will stand out. Yes, others may think you’ve totally lost it. Yes, some days you will also think you’ve totally lost it! Yes, you can customize a unique education for each child within your responsibility without ruining your kids. Your kiddos are counting on you to be sensitive to their needs and their individuality, and to bravely and courageously buck the norm if need be!
Time and again, I am confronted with inquiries of WHY on EARTH I would wish to keep my kids home for their education instead of sending them on their merry little way to the local school. I have nothing against the schools; I may not love everything they do, but that is NOT the reason I have chosen to have our kiddos home with us. It’s because I choose to embrace each and every moment with them; to focus on their strengths and to help them overcome their weaknesses; to help them see that there is nothing out of their reach, and no one knows them better than I do, so no one can do that better than I can.
Often there is some doubt and hesitation on the part of well-meaning family and friends, but I’ve decided to be happy in spite of that.
I’ve also dealt with the opposing side of this, as we’ve seen that the most fitting situation for a certain child or two might be to give them a shot at a Math class or an elective in the public school . . . Some homeschooling families quiver and shake at these ideas, feeling that they are abandoning their decision to homeschool if they even allow their kids to step foot in a public school setting, or any foreign school setting. It may as well be a conversion to the Dark Side. Instead, I know I’m being open to inspiration for my children as individuals. Their needs change, or our circumstances change, and life changes; I need to be willing to be ready to accept new experiences. Again, there is no one right way to do any of this; there are many ways, and we just do our best to do our best in the circumstances.
I wish to arm you with the courage to invite those difficult conversations and share with others the unique opportunities you are offering your children, when they’re truly interested. I wish for you to kick the idea of “normal” right out the window, and show others that may question you that you have found something that is a better, happier fit for your family (whatever that may look like). I wish freedom for you from all doubt and fear. Revisit WHY you chose to walk down this path in the first place, and you will feel centered again.
Others won’t always understand your choices and decisions, AND THAT’S OKAY. Soothe fears and worries when you feel you can, and even include them, if possible. Maybe throw a huge “Back-to-School Party” and invite those wary and questioning souls to join you. Your excitement and preparedness will speak volumes and may prove to be just the peace and comfort they need.
Don’t make a place in your heart for anger or resentment; this is your time to enlighten others, and, if they won’t be enlightened, to be happy with the plans you’ve made with your family anyway! As you “stay the course” and follow the path you have chosen, others’ hearts may change . . . and if they don’t, you can still enjoy the magic that happens when you do what you know in your heart to be right for that unique family of yours.
Much love,
Stacey Lytle
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