Monday, November 10, 2014

DHSA November 2014 Newsletter

 

Give Thanks

Upcoming Events:

Field Trip: The Idaho State Capitol Building

Friday, November 14th at 12:45 PM

Capture

There will be a one hour guided tour for 3rd grade and up, and a self guided tour for 2nd grade and younger. This field trip is free.  The tour for both groups will start at 12:45 with a film about the Capitol, followed by the tours. For questions or to RSVP, please contact Kimberly Wing at sosiouxmeto@msn.com.

 

Teen Activity:

Friday, November 14th, 7 to 10 PM at Pineda Family Worldwide HQ (our home!)12028 W. Dynamite Ln. in Kuna.

Board games

Bring your favorite board games and ice cream toppings. We’ll play games (of course), have a Wii-Dance Party, and ice cream sundaes!

 

Moms’ Night Out

There will be no official Mothers’ Meeting this month, but watch our FB page and e-mail for info on an informal night out—coming soon!

 

Classes, Conferences, Etc:

For those who are interested in the TJEd philosophy, and don’t mind traveling to Ogden, Utah, this might be for you:

Winter Homeschool Conference

 

From the Editor:

It’s a difficult thing, trying to figure out what to write that will be of use or inspiration to each reader. I wish I could sit down with each of you and find out what your hopes and dreams are, what your biggest challenges and greatest triumphs are.  I guess, in a way--through DHSA--I can!

The Deseret Homeschool Association strives to provide relevant, personal, and uplifting information and activities to our members.  We are all in this homeschooling thing together, even though our family dynamics and educational philosophies and methods vary.  Just know that this organization is for YOU, run by dedicated women who are in the homeschooling trenches, just like you.  We love you and welcome your feedback and thank you for your participation in every aspect of this organization from attending  parties and field trips to serving on the administrative board.  We are here to offer real friendship, camaraderie, and support in your homeschool journey. 

In a world full of fast paced schedules, long days and nights, we hope you’ll take time out to be be lifted up by and help lift up your friends in DHSA. Your experiences, be they triumphs or tragedies, are so valuable. From newbie to more seasoned homeschoolers, DHSA offers a place to share your journey, your ups and downs, and foster lasting friendships for you and your children.

Y’all are awesome!

Blessings,

Marissa Pineda

PS: This is me with my newest nephew. Isn’t he cute?

Marissa

 

Why I Homeschool by Beth Blair

Beth Blair

Growing up, I went to public school. First, pre-pre kindergarten to learn basic skills and ways to do things given my physical challenges. Then, special education until they realized my IQ and ability to learn was not significantly affected. Finally, mainstreamed, graduating in the top half of my graduating class of over 1000 kids, and on to college where I made the dean's list more than once.

I had a relatively decent experience in public school, making friends that persist to this day. I was pretty sure that I would send my kids to public school.

On the other end of the spectrum, my husband was home schooled for most of his educational career. When we decided to get married he was determined that we would home school our kids.

Homeschool parent

Since children have not come into our home in the usual way, the decision of public or home schooling has largely been out of our hands. In fact, until getting a placement of a sibling group that had been homeschooled, both my husband and I were content to leave our son as a public school student.

As we awaited court orders for the siblings, I felt uncomfortable just letting the kids sit around the house playing video games. So, after talking to my husband (who was working out of town at the time) we decided to help the kids learn at home. I contacted a friend who I know that successfully home schooled her 5 children (successful being defined as getting a well rounded education from various sources and activities), she helped me get started and provided resources, as well as connect me to other moms and home schooling families.

The sibling group was reunited with their family, but the experience and working with a toddler and kindergarten age in the sibling group that followed solidified my desire to give any child that came into my home a better educational experience than what most public schools have to offer.

I have seen the village

When my son forced our hand and my husband took a lesser paying job closer to home, our son had a decision to make. He could pay the registration fees and return to his high school for his senior year, get his GED or do a virtual academy.  By his lack of action and follow through, he chose the virtual academy.  It gave him some flexibility to do other things that he enjoyed (some of them were good things) plus we got a chance to know each other better.

Though technically, I don't home school right now. I help a couple of families in my ward / neighborhood with their home schooling efforts. I do this because I believe that the education a child gets at home with more direct involvement of the parents and trusted friends is by far the best way to equip them to face the growing uncertainty of the world today. 

Every day

On a more personal level, I have made friendships that accept me for who I am, challenge me to grow outside my comfort zone, encourage me to reach my goals and never let me give in to the negative voices. I home school because I am a better wife and mother now than I was before. 

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