ENOCH of NJ

April 2008 e-Newsletter

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CONVENTION NEWS

 

Convention Date: Friday, May 30 and Saturday May 31.

 

The dates are set for this year’s convention: Friday and Saturday, May 30-31, 2008.  Note: This is NOT Memorial Day Weekend.  The Raritan Center in Edison NJ will once again serve as the convention venue.

 

Help Get the Word Out!

 

Have you seen ENOCH’s Convention advertised in your local library?  How about at your church?  If the answer to these questions is “no”, you can remedy the situation!    Use this link (www.enochnj.org/pdf/promoflyer.pdf) to print a couple of flyers announcing ENOCH’s 18th Annual Convention and post them in your library, church or wherever else you think interested parents will see them.

 

Thanks for helping to get the word out!  Your flyer might just change the course of someone’s life!

 

Adjustments to Convention Registration

 

Those on the mailing list should have already received the registration brochures in the mail.  Registration information, online registration and registration forms for mailing can also be found at www.enochnj.org under the Annual Convention link. 

 

Here's one change to the procedure:  whether you register online or through the mail, we will NOT be mailing name tags this year.   In an effort to reduce costs, we will issue the name tags at the door to all paid registrants.  Special lines will be set up to speed the process for pre-registrants. 

 

Another change is this:  Confirmation will be via email, so be sure to include your email address when you register whether online or by snail mail.  Those without email will have to check your bank for a canceled check.

 

Volunteers Needed at the Convention

 

We need men, women, and young adults on both Friday (1:30 to 9:30 pm) and Saturday (8:30 am to 6:30 pm). Most positions require only 2 1/2 hours of your time but you are welcome give more!. ENOCH would like to thank its volunteers with either Early Bird shopping at the Used Curriculum Sale (Friday 8pm-8:45pm ONLY) or with ENOCH Bucks which can be used toward the purchase of workshop tapes, meals at the convention facility, as well as with most vendors, and at the Used Curriculum sale. 

 

If you choose to volunteer, simply answer YES to volunteer when you register, either by mail or online. At the end of your online registration there will be a link for you to follow to our new automated online volunteer program. We strongly encourage you to register now! When you register early, you are able to take advantage of the early-bird registration rates and it will increase the likelihood of you getting the volunteer position and shift you want.

 

If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Kathi Baillie at either volunteers@enochnj.org or at 856-482-2963.  She is happy to help you find the best place for you to serve.


Thanks in advance for considering serving in this way,
 

Convention Workshop CD SPECIAL! 

 

Buy one workshop CD at the convention only, get one FREE. 

 

When you register as an adult, for the convention, you will receive a coupon for a free workshop CD.  When you purchase one CD, you will receive a workshop CD of your choice -- free.  There is a catch. This coupon must be claimed while the convention is in session.

 

Restrictions:

How to Get the Most Out of Your Home School Convention – Part 5

 

In her 5th article, Board member Sue August continues her suggestions on how to get the most out of this year’s ENOCH Convention. In Part 5, she‘s “gotta have.”  Read the importance of the convention brochure below in an article she’s titled, The Convention Brochure – Gotta Have It!

 

Call me old fashioned, but I love getting my Convention Brochure in the mail.  I know I can find the same information on ENOCH’s website, but there is something very satisfying about having a paper copy.  By having a brochure of my own, I can pick it up and put it down as often as I like.  I don’t feel like I need to read it all in one sitting.  I can circle things or mark in the margins.  I can bring it with me to co-op and show other people things I think they might be interested in. 

 

If you haven’t read through your copy yet, let me give you a quick preview.  Page 2 is a quick overview of why ENOCH exists and how you can help make the convention a success.  The next couple of pages are bios of the Featured Speakers.  Page 4 holds a surprise.  There is an announcement about a Buy One Get One Free offer on Workshop Recordings.  This is new!  I’ll definitely use my coupon!  I always buy a handful of Workshop Recordings for my own benefit and also to have on hand to lend to my fellow homeschoolers.

 

Next, beginning on Page 5, is the meat of the brochure for me.  There is a description of every workshop being offered.  These are the pages where I will spend the most time.  As I read each description, I’ll mark the ones I’m interested in.  I’ll make additional notes to tell my friends about workshops that might address issues we’ve talked about together recently.  The variety of workshops is extensive.  There are 37 to choose from!  There seems to be something for everyone.  You’ll have to look for yourself, but I see workshops for :

and workshops about:

There’s even a workshop for those who are homeschooling just one child!

 

Moving on reluctantly, I turn to Page 10.  For those with children ages 4-14, there is a description of Visual Manna’s Children’s Program.  Ask anyone whose children participated last year, Visual Manna excels at what they do!  There are 5 different art workshops to choose from.  Have your children attend 1, several or all 5!  The topics are listed in the brochure.

 

The remainder of the brochure explains the Used Curriculum Sale, Convention Registration, the Convention Schedule, Area Lodging and Directions to the Convention Center.

 

If you didn’t receive a brochure or you want to get a copy to give to a friend, you can print a copy at www.enochnj.org, or request one to be mailed from office@enochnj.org

 

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ENOCH SPONSORED EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

NJ Poetry Out Loud State Finals

 

The New Jersey State Poetry Out Loud Finals took place on Thursday, March 27, 2008 from 10:00am-12:00pm at the New Jersey Network (NJN) Studios in Trenton.  North Jersey Homeschooler Jacob Roberts competed and his recitations were exciting and vibrant.  He came away as the runner-up, the first homeschooler in New Jersey to place this high.  (Allison Strong, of Union Hill High School in Union City took home the prize of State Finalist.)  Jacob will receive $100 for himself and $200, to go towards the purchase of poetry books for the library of his choice

 

Jacob recited three poems at the Regional and State level competitions.  They were “To Althea, from Prison” by Richard Lovelace, then “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson and “Hush” by David St. John.  Each of these poems is included in the anthology of acceptable poems for the competition.  This anthology is available online through the Poetry Out Loud website at www.poetryoutloud.org. 

 

Now, for those of you who want to see what you missed, you can!  On demand!! The event was webcast live through JerseyArts.com and remains online for streaming video.  Jacob, along with the winner, is pictured.  

 

JerseyArts.com will feature the State Finals in their entirety throughout April. Download to your iPod will soon be available and also continue through April.

 

In addition, NJN will air the State Finals in their entirety on NJN Digital (NJNDT4) from March 31-April 13.  Check local cable listings for broadcast details at 7:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. , 11:00 pm

 

Next year will be the 4th annual competition of Poetry Out Loud.  The hosting organizations said they would love to see many more homeschoolers participate.  Perhaps next year, your 9th through 12th grader would consider this challenge.

 

ENOCH’S Audio Lending Library -- New Recommendation

 

Susan Kemmerer has become a favorite at the ENOCH Convention.  As a homeschooling mom of 9 children, her words of encouragement are shared as one mom in the trenches to another.  “What About Me?” is one of my favorite workshops!  She makes the point that most homeschooling moms find themselves serving everyone in their families but themselves. Susan Kemmerer helps moms to put things into perspective and embrace the high calling of motherhood and homeschooling. 

 

To borrow this recording, use this link http://www.enochnj.org/pagegen.cgi?opcode=lending and request recording #2007023, or go to www.enochnj.org and click on Audio Lending Library to browse the selections.

 

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 OTHER EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

Borders Educator Savings Days, April 2-8.


The following was received at the ENOCH Office from Karen Landers, Interim Senior Marketing Manager for Borders.

 

Dear Homeschooler,

 

Happy Spring!

 

Wow – just a week until the start of Borders Educator Savings Days, April 2 – 8!

 

During the week you’ll save 25% off the list price of books, CDs, DVDs and more*

 

We hope to see you for all the savings and festivities.

Join us at a SPECIAL RECEPTION at Borders’ stores**

 

Friday, April 4 from 4:00-8:00 PM

Food – Fun – Prizes!

 

*Certain exclusions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer, including but not limited to “3 for 2,” “Buy 3, Get 4th Free,” “Buy 4 Get 5th Free,” of “Buy 1, Get 1 Half Price” offers.  Excludes previous and online purchases, gift cards, periodicals, comics, non-stock special orders, coupon books, eBooks, digital downloads, Rosetta Stone ® software, shipping, and all electronics, including the Sony ® Reader and the Zune TM. Also excludes all Dean and DeLuca ® and Starbucks ® café items and products.  May not be combined with coupons, sale pricing, or corporate, classroom or other group discounts.

 

** Receptions not held at Borders Express or Waldenbooks.

 

Please share this link: http://www.bordersmedia.com/educators with fellow homeschoolers, friends and family.  Borders Educator Savings event applies to ALL educators, current and retired, and ALL grade levels.

 

All my best,

Karen

 

Spring into Shakespeare with the 4-H Burlington County Players


This Spring the 4-H Burlington County Players will present an adaptation of Shakespeare's famous comedy, "As You Like It," with a hillbilly twist!  What could be more fun than watching thirty teens square dance, strum on their banjos, and deliver a hoe-down version of the Bard's zany, mixed-up, classic comedy?  Our adaptation is designed to entertain all ages. The whole family is encouraged to come.


Dates and times:

Location: 

The auditorium at the Burlington County Institute of Technology , Westampton Campus,  695 Woodlane Road, Westampton, NJ 08060

 

Admission at the door: $5 per person with a $25 cap per family (immediate family). For group discounts and/or advance sales you may request further details via e-mail at: mrsthib@gmail.com

 

**Proceeds to benefit the Urban Promise Education and 4-H Youth Development programs

 

Princeton Area Home School Choir Registration for New Families, 2008-2009

 

Children and youth, ages 5-18, are invited to join the Princeton Area Homeschool Choir for the 2008-2009 season.  Six separate divisions rehearse on Mondays, from October through April, in Pennington, N.J.  Registration brochures were mailed at the end of March.  To be placed on the mailing list, please forward your name and address to: homeschoolchoir@aol.com.   Please note that contact information submitted prior to October 2007 is no longer on file with PAHC and must be resent.  Furher information about the choir may be found at www.pahc.org.

 

4th Annual National Environmental Education Week – New Jersey Opportunities

 

Trenton (NJ) - In celebration of the fourth annual National Environmental Education Week, Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (BOOST) is excited to invite public, private, and home school educators, parents, and students as well as corporate and business leaders to become actively engaged by being a partner, sponsor, or host of an activity or set of activities during EE Week, which runs from April 13 through 19, 2008. For more information, please call (206) 202-2883, email gsssetcentral@yahoo.com, and visit www.gss-set.blogspot.com. 

 

Anyone Want a Speech and Debate Club for 2008-2009 (North Jersey)?

 

The following is presented by retiring Board member and Convention Coordinator, Carla Abrams. Knowing her for 20 years, she has been a tireless advocate of developing verbal communication skills among homeschoolers. Her article has been kept in the “first person” to maintain the enthusiasm of the writer.  If what Carla writes piques your interest, give her a shout. -- Editor

Recently, I served as a community judge for the National Christian Forensics and Communication Association regional competition.   I was once again impressed by the composure of the home school students in their speeches and during the debates. 

The National Christian Forensics and Communication Association offers competition in speech and debate.  The NCFCA believes that formal speech and debate can provide a means for homeschooled students to learn and exercise analytical and oratorical skills, addressing life issues from a Biblical world view in a manner that glorifies God.

In NCFCA competition, there are several categories of speech and two categories of debate. Several of these categories might be familiar to many of our high school students, as similar categories were offered in past AACS (www.aacs.org) competitions when the North Jersey Home Schoolers Association was allowed to participate. 
 

Categories of Speech

Categories of Debate

You can find out more about each of the categories on their website - www.ncfca.org.
 

I would like to see the homeschoolers of northern NJ have the advantage of developing these skills.  As such, I am wondering if there are parents who might be interested in organizing, coaching and directing a year-long club.  If this is something you would like to see offered to our homeschoolers, please contact me within the next two months.  If this is to happen, we would need to have a planning meeting sometime in the end of June.   There is an orientation workshop that we would attend.  Also, at this year's ENOCH Convention, a workshop will be given by the leaders of a club in central New Jersey.  Anyone interested should plan on attending this workshop.

I hope to hear from a few hearty folks.  Contact me at 973-853-4391 or JCAbrams@warwick.net

Carla Abrams
 

Generation Joshua Teen Camp, June 29-July 5 at Patrick Henry College in VA

 

Sponsored by HSLDA.  Click www.generationjoshua.org/dnn/Default.aspx?tabid=87  for all the details.

 

Visit Pennsbury Manor, the Home of William Penn

 

Starting this spring, Pennsbury Manor, the reconstructed historic home of William Penn, will offer programs designed specifically for home school families.   Please contact Mary Ellyn Kunz at Mkunz@state.pa.us  if you have any questions or concerns. Visit www.pennsburymanor.org

 

Further contact information:

Melissa Stavey, Museum Assistant
Pennsbury Manor
215-946-0400
400 Pennsbury Rd.
Morrisville, PA  19067
 

Support Group Opportunity – The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Goes Digital

 

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine announces the new digital edition of its quarterly print publication.

 

They are looking for support groups willing to cross promote their new digital edition in their print or online newsletters with the announcement of their new digital magazine and introductory pricing special.  In exchange, they will give you a FREE one-year subscription to The Old Schoolhouse Digital Magazine.

 

Advantages of going digital…

Support group libraries can take advantage of the magazine’s expansive sharing capabilities.  A family can borrow for digital magazine from the support group library simply by logging in from a home computer and printing articles, clicking links, etc.

 

Interested LSG leaders can contact Melissa Witte at mwitte@thehomeschoolmagazine.com.

 

FYI...

 

From time to time various individuals and vendors present specific study materials or classes that may be of interest. Any listing does not constitute approval or endorsement by the Board or the editor of that which is set forth here. 

 

www.acereader.com – award winning reading speed and comprehension software for pc and mac.

cdmplanning.hypermart.net – vegetable planting slide chart by a home school dad.

www.botelbridgestoliteracy.org – math and reading literacy resources.

www.geni.com – free, well-reviewed, online genealogy program.

 

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HOME SCHOOL ATHLETICS

 

Home School Bowling League in Boonton

 

It is a 10 week home school bowling league starting on April 10nth at 1:00pm at Boonton Lanes in Boonton, NJ.  The cost is only $7.00 /child and they bowl two games.  Personal pan pizza, shoes, and a drink are included. Every bowler gets a trophy at the end.

 

If anyone is interested they can call Boonton Lanes at (973)335-0123.

 

Growing Cheers for the Home-Schooled Team

 

Read the recent article in the New York Times on National Christian Home School Basketball Championships in Oklahoma.  Free registration on the New York Times website may be required.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/sports/16homeschool.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

 

Home School Basketball Coach Seeking a Team

 

Toms River basketball coach is interested in coaching homeschoolers. Please contact Lucie Morris at luciehoops@aol.com or 732-736-8884.

 

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LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

 

The Illusion of Permanent Freedoms

 

Board member and ENOCH Legislative Liaison Mark August lends some perspective to the recent intrusion on homeschooling liberties in the state of California.  Here’s his take.

 

As citizens of the USA in the 21st century, we enjoy a lot of freedoms.  Many of these did not come without a struggle, but it was not our struggle, but that of our forefathers.  It is hard to imagine a life where we would not have freedom of expression, to worship as we feel led, or vote for our public officials.  Because I have always enjoyed these freedoms, the idea that I might not always enjoy them seems ridiculous, or at the least, a little paranoid.  These freedoms, along with many other parts of my life, I take for granted.  It’s just the way life is for me.  As homeschoolers in the USA in the 21st century, we also enjoy a lot of freedoms.  These freedoms were not gained 200 years ago, but more like 20.  The battles were fought by those who entered the homeschool movement long before I did.  I have to be honest that emotionally, whenever someone talks about how these freedoms could be easily lost, I just cannot feel very threatened.  But reality does not always match up with my emotions.  Recent events have shown that being attentive to threats to our homeschooling freedoms is not a paranoid conspiracy theorist’s pastime, but one that is probably necessary for every homeschooler.  Our freedoms may feel permanent, but all it might take is the written opinion of one man in the right position for our freedoms to be lost.

 

If some of you have been insulated from the internet lately, you might not have been made aware of a recent California court of appeals case which seriously threatens home school freedoms.  I will provide some internet links after the article for those of you needing to read up on the details; I will only give a brief summary.  As in all summaries, the devil is in the details and without reading more you will not have the whole picture, just a sketch. 

 

On February 28, 2008, the California Court of Appeals issued a statement in a case related to a child abuse claim that essentially ruled that it was illegal to homeschool in California unless the schooling was conducted by an accredited teacher. It further stated that parents do not have a constitutional right to home educate.   This ruling, if left unchallenged, would effectively prohibit homeschooling in California.  How this might affect other States has been the subject of a great deal of speculation.   As you can imagine, the major home school groups in California took notice, as well as HSLDA, and even the Focus on the Family organization.  All of these are attempting to challenge the judge’s ruling without further endangering the freedom to home school in California. 

 

This issue has gotten national attention in the press.  I, for one, have been approached at my work by coworkers who heard or read about it in the news.  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken a stand opposing this ruling, as has the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell.  He made the following public statement on February 28: “I have reviewed this case, and I want to assure parents that chose to home school that California Department of Education policy will not change in any way as a result of this ruling. Parents still have the right to home school in our state.”

 

Right now, things are calm but undecided.  Thankfully, we in the USA also enjoy a court system that moves at a relatively slow pace.  According to a March 7, 2008 Legislative newsflash from Roy Hansen of the Private and Home Educators of California, further action on this case cannot take place until March 29th.  We should all be prayerfully waiting to see what develops next in this case.

 

To conclude, here are a few things we in New Jersey can learn from events happening on the other coast.  First, our homeschool freedoms are only as permanent as the next threat against them.  Calls to stay informed, diligent and possibly connected to lawmakers are not the paranoid ravings of conspiracy theorists, but sound advice from wise counselors.   Second, while I did not relate any details of the fight in California, you should know it is being fought by various groups united in the fight for freedom.  We need also to keep friendly lines of communication open within and without the home school community in New Jersey.  Thirdly, the family directly involved in this court case was not an HSLDA member family.  Homeschoolers should join HSLDA even if they do not see a threat – if HSDLA had been involved sooner, the judge in the case would have heard well prepared, articulate and legally sound arguments before he penned his decision.

 

Finally, it is helpful to remember the sovereignty of God: He did not miss something in California which is now spinning out of control.  Even in this trial, He will accomplish good for His children in California. Marvin Olasky wrote in the March 28, 2008 issue of World Magazine about the presidential campaign, “For example, we fight for a particular presidential candidate, and should do so if we are to honor those who fought and sometimes died to maintain our republic.  Yet we should recognize that it’s not the end of the world if our favorite loses: In God’s providence the person we oppose might turn out in unexpected ways to preserve the world.”  This biblically based argument can also apply to our home school freedoms, any fight we might have regarding them, and the final result of those fights.

 

For more information, visit the following websites:

 

HSLDA - www.hslda.org/hs/state/ca/200803120.asp

Roy Hanson’s Newsflash - www.cheaofca.org/courtcase.jsp

CHEA’s Main Page - www.cheaofca.org/index.jsp

 

Addendum from Mark August--On March 25, the California Court of Appeal granted a motion for rehearing in the case. As a result the prior decision is no longer binding, either for the actual parties in the case or other homeschoolers in California. Here is a link to HSLDA's website outlining this exciting result:  www.hslda.org/hs/state/CA/200803261.asp. 

 

Note: The following article is the text of the HSLDA update from their website noted above in Mark’s article – Editor

 

Court of Appeal Grants Petition for Re-hearing

 

On March 25, the California Court of Appeal granted a motion for rehearing in the 'In re Rachel L.' case--the controversial decision  which purported to ban all homeschooling in that state unless the parents held a teaching license qualifying them to teach in public schools. 

 

The automatic effect of granting this motion is that the prior opinion is vacated and is no longer binding on any one, including the parties in the case. 

 

The Court of Appeal has solicited a number of public school establishment organizations to submit amicus briefs including the California Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and three California teacher unions.  The court also granted permission to Sunland Christian School to file an amicus brief.  The order also indicates that it will consider amicus applications from other groups.

 

Home School Legal Defense Association will seek permission to file such an amicus brief and will coordinate efforts with a number of organizations interesting in filing briefs to support the right of parents to homeschool their children in California.

 

"This is a great first step," said Michael Farris, chairman of HSLDA.  "We are very glad that this case will be reheard and that this opinion has been vacated, but there is no guarantee as to what the ultimate outcome will be.  This case remains our top priority," he added.

 

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FREE ENCOURAGEMENT

 

Connection

 

Veteran homeschooler and ENOCH Board Secretary Minerva Millward offers her reminded of the importance of “being connected” with fellow home school travelers for inspiration, support, and encouragement.

 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

 

A few years back I was struggling with homeschooling. It was the usual tired, bored and frustration syndrome. Have you ever gone through that? I remember sitting with some of my friends from our support group and discussing it. They were very good for me at the time and I felt I needed to let things out.

 

As homeschoolers, we tend to try to put up a good front. No one wants to admit they’re having a bad time of it. But I needed to admit my shortcomings so that I could receive the encouragement and advice needed. No, it did not change the situation but it changed my attitude. My Father in heaven knew I needed friends around me to help me along.

 

Recently, while in prayer for a fellow homeschooling parent, I thought, “How many are out there who struggle the same way? “ We need others within the home school community to stay connected.  I found my help through my local support group and in my friends from all over New Jersey who are not local but are a part of my life through homeschooling.

 

Whenever I meet a new family to homeschooling, I encourage them to join a local support group as well as, join HSLDA for their own protection. I also advise them to attend the annual convention. In this way, they not only meet with homeschoolers locally, but across the state. And they have the blessing of attending the workshops for fresh encouragement.

 

You’ve heard the familiar saying, “No man is an island.” Well, no home school family can survive alone either. You may be struggling through a situation and you’re not sure what to do. You don’t want to look like a failure. Well, you’re not! None of us are perfect.  We all have bad days and struggle through our home school lives. But there is always help for us. First, we have a wonderful Savior – Jesus. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us and He is always waiting to help us when we call. But, there are times when we want a “human” to talk to.  If you have a connection to your local support group, pick up the phone and call a friend to share and pray with. If you don’t belong to a local support group, find one. You can visit www.enochnj.org and click Support Groups on the side bar. Then find one within your area. I also want to encourage you to attend the convention and search out other homeschoolers who struggle just like you.  Make an effort to attend the workshops and listen with your heart. When you go seeking, you will find! God is faithful.

 

Get connected! Find encouragement for yourself and then be a blessing to someone else.

 

Washington Post Article by the Author of a Forthcoming Homeschooling Book

 

The following was found in the March 23, 2008 issue of the Washington Post.  The author is New Jersey homeschooler Gregory J. Millman who, with his wife, Martine, have co-authored the forthcoming “Homeschooling: A Family’s Journey,” in August by Tarcher. 

 

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/21/AR2008032101451.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

 

The book may be pre-ordered at Amazon.com.

 

www.amazon.com/Homeschooling-Familys-Journey-Martine-Millman/dp/158542661X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206561664&sr=8-4

 

Homeschool Conferences: To Attend or Not to Attend, That is the Question

 
By Marilyn Rockett
 
Marilyn Rockett is a veteran homeschool mom of four grown sons and Mimi to six home-taught grandchildren. The Rocketts home taught for fifteen years before they ran out of sons to teach. Her new book, Homeschooling at the Speed of Life, provides encouragement and organizational helps. Marilyn has contributed articles to many publications, is a regular columnist for Homeschooling Today magazine, gives Minding Your Time Seminars, and speaks at homeschool and Christian women's events. She is a presenter for Passing the Baton Seminars that teach adults how to effectively mentor. Visit her website at www.MarilynRockett.com or contact her at marilyn@MarilynRockett.com.
 
Ah, Spring! Open the windows, send the kids outside to play, and plan an outdoor field trip; the zoo is nice this time of year. It seems too soon to think about next year's school supplies and curriculum. After all, you  are still racing to finish the things you wanted to accomplish this year.
 
Nevertheless, conference season has arrived in many parts of the country.  You tucked away the invitations to remind you to register, or you buried them in the pile of papers on your desk. 
 
If you are newer to homeschooling, you doubtless are eager to go. You cannot wait to finally see and touch the products you drooled over online or in the winter catalogs. You will hear, in person, the speaker you are  convinced can teach you how to get the wash done and the math taught at the same time. You have vowed to do better next year! You and your husband can even enjoy a mini-vacation, if you are able to arrange  childcare. In fact, you probably submitted your registration fee when the first invitation arrived.
 
What about attendance for those who are seasoned homeschoolers? Over the years, you have gone to what seems like a zillion of these events -- been there, done that, and you've earned the tee shirt! Why should you waste your time and money attending again? You have heard the speakers, attended the workshops, have already chosen your school material for next year, and you don't consider the conference a vacation if you must drag your reluctant husband along. Online ordering is so much easier.
 
Attend or Not
 
Why should any home educator -- beginner or veteran -- attend a conference? May we chat together over a cup of tea? You may have overlooked some particular rewards of being part of your local or state 
event.
 
Over the past twenty years, I have participated in every size conference imaginable as an attendee, a speaker, a vendor, and a conference planner.  In the "old days," we were fortunate when we could attend any conference anywhere that offered a handful of workshops. We met in churches, private schools, or any location in which we could find enough space to house a reasonable number of vendor tables and a few rooms for speakers. 
 
Now, of course, there are countless material choices, numerous knowledgeable speakers, and in most cases, beautiful, spacious facilities. Home education conferences have arrived! So why do I hear that attendance is down in many states? Do we no longer need traditional homeschool conferences?
 
I propose that we do need them, perhaps currently more than previously, especially when we examine the important reasons for attending a conference. Yes, it is a wonderful place to see the particular curriculum you have only read about in a catalog. It is an ideal place to discover materials you might otherwise overlook if you did not attend. Yet, the foundational reasons to attend for all homeschoolers are not necessarily utilitarian reasons involving curriculum choices.
 
Continuing Education
 
Have you read an article or a book or listened to a recording and wished you could ask the author or speaker a question to advance your understanding or clarify a point made in the material? You have that opportunity when you attend live workshops. Personal contact with veteran homeschool speakers and those who have expertise in specific areas opens the opportunity for new insights. Many home educators testify to an "aha"moment at a conference that revolutionized their teaching or child training.
 
The enthusiasm of the onsite speakers is infectious. Interaction with them can provide the boost you need to handle a particular challenge or give you encouragement to persevere. Most conference planners choose speakers carefully, giving you the best options for information and support. Call it continuing education for teachers; it affords the opportunity for you to listen, learn, and receive while you rest from giving continually to your family.
 
Renewing Perspective
 
Though you are responsible solely for your children's education and training, you home educate as a member of a wider community of families who are pursuing similar opportunities for their children. The fellowship shared with others at a conference encourages and lifts you to new heights. As you stroll through the vendor halls, attend workshops, and chat with fellow homeschoolers, you see anew why you started home educating in the first place. A conference introduces you to new friends whom the Lord brings into your life, and you connect again with those precious friends you and your family only have the opportunity to see infrequently. Other homeschoolers' lives and stories encourage you as you relate to their challenges and triumphs. The Lord refreshes your spirit and renews your heart for another season. The reminder that you are not alone but part of a large community that shares this adventure with you holds you steady through rough times.
 
If the conference uses teen volunteers, includes a graduation ceremony, or offers opportunities for older students or graduates to speak, you will be encouraged to see the fruit of home education in these exemplary youth. You look to the day, if your children are now young, when you will see that fruit in your parenting and educating efforts, and you are optimistic as you continue toward that goal for your own children.
 
One mother shared with me that she takes special notes at conferences. More than just recording the thoughts and ideas of the speakers, she writes in her notes' margins the things that God may reveal to her about a particular student or curriculum choice. At times, she writes a question: "Would this be a good match for Andrew?" "Is this Susan's need?" Other times it is a prayer: "Lord, help me do this with Melanie." Additionally, she might record an idea: "Encourage Jeremy about his diligence." This mom knows she is more open to the Lord's leading and has a different perspective when she is concentrating and learning in a convention atmosphere away from the distractions and duties at home.
 
Giving Back
 
Although you receive multiple advantages when attending a conference, it isn't just about receiving. Whether you are new to home education or a veteran of many years, you have something to share with fellow attendees as well. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up"(NKJV). God will give you the opportunity to lift up a fellow parent through your actions and words. You may not even be aware you have helped someone along their path, but the Lord knows and uses your offerings in the hearts of others attending the conference.
 
Online options for information, workshops, and curriculum purchases are popular, and they are helpful and convenient in multiple ways. Still, it would be a shame for a generation of homeschooling parents to lose personal touch with the heart and soul of home education by missing the affirmative atmosphere of a convention. You can't replicate that on a computer screen. 
 
To attend or not to attend? I wouldn't miss the refreshment, fun, and fellowship for anything! Won't you join me?
 

Standardized Tests and the Christian Worldview

 

By Cindy Short and Sue Welch, Co-Editors of The Teaching Home. Copyright 2008 by www.TeachingHome.com. Reprinted by permission

 

The ACSI/SAT Custom-Made Test

 

Steve Deckard, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, Institute for Creation Research states, "One aspect of education where evolutionary theory has had a stranglehold is standardized testing. This is especially true for standardized science achievement tests.

 

"These tests have been written from a secular, humanistic, and evolutionary world view. Because of this inherent bias, young people educated in evangelical Christian private or home schools which teach creation science are at a distinct disadvantage.

 

"This situation is changing. Association of Christian Schools International, in cooperation with the developers of the Stanford Achievement Test series, introduced in the fall of 1995 a special Christian School Edition of the Stanford Achievement Test.

 

"The ACSI/SAT Christian School Edition is known as a custom-made test. The non-core questions use a Biblical and traditional-values approach with illustrations, examples, and stories." Also included in the ACSI/SAT is a Bible Assessment subtest. (Read more.)

 

Home-school families may have access to the ACSI/SAT by:

What Achievement Tests Can and Cannot Do

 

Remember that a standardized achievement test cannot measure the sum total of your child's progress. It is only one assessment tool with limited value.

 

What Achievement Tests Can Do

What Achievement Tests Can't Do

Common Standardized Achievement Tests

 

Following are the most commonly used standardized achievement tests. For more information about each test, see the test publisher's website links below.

Check with your state or local home-school organization for local sources of tests and testing services.

 

1.  California Achievement Tests (CAT/5, CAT/6)

Published by CTB/McGrawHill. California Achievement Tests, Fifth Edition (CAT/5) and TerraNova, The Second Edition

2. Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Published by Riverside Publishing.

3. Stanford Achievement Tests (SAT), Tenth Edition. (Not to be confused with the SAT college entrance exam.) SAT 10 and Stanford 10 - Abbreviated Battery were published by Harcourt Assessment, but according to their website, Harcourt Assessment is pending sale to another company.

 Comparison of the Stanford and Iowa Achievement Tests

BJU Press notes that both tests are top-rated, nationally standardized tests that evaluate thinking, and neither is more difficult than the other.

4. Personalized Achievement Summary System (PASS) Tests

The PASS Test was developed specifically for home schoolers. As other achievement tests, it estimates student achievement in the subjects of reading, language, and math.

Parents may administer this untimed test in their own home. A pretest places your child in the correct test level.

5. Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, TerraNova (CTBS). Now called TerraNova CTBS. Published by CTB/McGrawHill.

6. Metropolitan Achievement Tests, Eighth Edition (MAT 8). Previously published by Harcourt Assessment (see note in #3 above).

 

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WHERE SELDOM IS HEARD

 

Tarnished Gold

 

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12, KJV). 

 

It’s very easy for me to irritate my wife.  Not that she’s naturally irritable; rather it’s that I’m pretty good at it, even unwittingly.  For example, I’ve taken to occasionally use the phrase, “No good deed goes unpunished” when I ostensibly try to do something good and wait for a polite thank you or other expression of appreciation.  To illustrate, she likes a clean house.  Clutter doesn’t stand much of a chance, unless I wear her down.  Me – I tend to live in piles.  I know where everything is (well, most of the time), but they are organized according to my convoluted system.  Some would say (never my wife) that that’s nothing more than a euphemism for being a slob.

 

Whenever I break out of my comfort zone and try to please her by initiating an effort to clean up, even in normal chores such as laundry, vacuuming, dusting etc., I never give it quite the detail that she might.  My altruistic self quivers when she asks, “Did you dust here?  Did you vacuum there?”  Hence, “No good deed goes unpunished,” in my self-righteous small mind.

 

Sin makes learning bad things easier.  I’m inclined to trace back this attitude to what I learned at home in my youth.  I was raised in a nominal, liberal Christian home.  The church I went to was grounded in works righteousness and in being a good person.  My parents weren’t Sunday-go-to-meeting types, except for a brief period in high school.  I’m not sure why they suddenly started coming every Sunday, a departure from their former pattern of Christmas and Easter.  The pattern didn’t last long, for reasons that the self-righteousness they saw was as, or more, hypocritical (they evidently thought) than their own self-righteousness.

 

I was steeped in self-righteousness – I found it at home and at church.  I learned my lessons well.  My parents would constantly refrain to me, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”  “Remember the Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

 

Now, of themselves, these statements can be healthy reminders.  Yet they can also be pillars of manipulative and judgmental conduct.

 

I always had a wrong understanding of the Golden Rule.  I always took it to mean, and I’m paraphrasing here, “Do unto others in the way you want to be treated so that when it’s your turn, they will treat you according to the standard that you desire.”  In its simplest form, if you’re nice to someone, they’ll be nice back.  If you are generous, they’ll be generous to you.  Giving was to be a way of getting. 

 

But it didn’t always work out that way.  Because my self-righteous standards were so high, no one could outwork me in doing “good” or in giving unto others, yet I never received from others according to my standards.  No good deed perpetually went unpunished.  For me, the Golden Rule became a carrot on a stick that was always moving away, a brass ring that I could never quite reach on life’s merry go-round.  Love became a work of righteousness, not an evidence of grace.  Life became a pursuit of equivalence – almost socialist in design.  Good works were to be shared equally, according to the standard of the performer waiting for the equivalent to be done to him or her in return.

 

What was meant to be a blessing in guiding one’s motives became a curse in the tarnishing of the gold found in the rule.  The metal in gold may not tarnish easily, unlike silver or brass, however as a “Golden Rule” and part of God’s Word, it is easy to break.  When the motive of obedience goes beyond the desire for the Lord’s “Well done, good and faithful servant,” there’s a problem.  When that motive devolves into one’s own pride and reward, then one’s motives are corrupt.

 

Giving, like love, ought to be unconditional, just as Christ’s love is for us.  His love does not depend on our merit.  He doesn’t give from the point of view of an over-blown ego so that he gets at least the same in return.  How impossible would that be?  True giving is a gift without the expectation of return.  It’s not like the Christmas season where we exchange gifts of equal value.

 

Parents, when you teach your children to share, is it clear that it is more blessed to give than to receive?  That’s a very difficult lesson to teach, unless you are consistent in modeling it yourselves.  Do your children pout, “That’s not fair,” when they’re asked to give when they are expecting a like return in kindness?  How do you mitigate the selfishness that is endemic to your children even as you lovingly provide for them?  Do you ask them to say thank you because you want them to be polite, as well as grateful?  Or is it more your need to receive because you’ve given?

 

No good deed should care if it’s punished, appreciated, or rewarded.  The goodness of the deed is in the giving freely in response to the grace given us in Christ (Phil 2:5-11).  This is the love of neighbor that Christ speaks of in the context of the Golden Rule.  We all know how to receive.  But do we know how to give?  And do we know how to teach this to our children?

 

Bob Reith, Editor

newsletter@enochnj.org

 

WHERE SELDOM IS HEARD is from the classic western ballad, Home on the Range..."Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day."  The title reflects the editor's sometimes whimsical efforts to prod readers to think about matters which may, at first glance, seem a little off base, but nevertheless say something to, and about, homeschoolers and homeschooling.  Hopefully, your "home on the range" will find some encouraging words through these commentaries.

 

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PUBLICATION DATES

 

ENOCH of NJ e-Newsletter NEXT DEADLINE

 

The deadline for the May, 2008 issue Friday, April 25 at 6 pm.  Send all submissions to newsletter@enochnj.org.  This deadline serves the purpose of allowing time for editing and formatting the newsletter in order that time-sensitive information can be posted and mailed in a timely manner. 

 

Deadlines for the winter and spring issues of the newsletter are as follows:

Final editing begins at the deadline.  Submissions prior to the deadline are always welcome and encouraged.

 

Posting and emailing is normally by the 1st of the month (except for the June issue).

 

Thanks for your help in getting the newsletter delivered promptly. 

 

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SUBSCRIBE TO ENOCH'S e-NEWSLETTER

 

Encourage your members to subscribe to the ENOCH email list!  Include this portion of our newsletter in your monthly hardcopy newsletter.  Get the word out that this newsletter is for them!   We use our subscription list to notify the homeschooling community of changes to our website, of the Convention and our Leadership Conference, alerts, and other important news.

 

If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter, you can subscribe now!  If you would like the e-Newsletter delivered directly to your e-mailbox each month, go to Monthly Newsletter link on our website at www.enochnj.org.

 

All submissions desiring consideration for publication in the e-Newsletter should be sent to newsletter@enochnj.org.  Thanks.

 

Bob Reith, Editor

ENOCH of NJ e-Newsletter

newsletter@enochnj.org

 

 

ENOCH of NJ

Box 308

Atlantic Highlands NJ 07716

732.291.7800

office@enochnj.org

www.enochnj.org

 

 

Neither the ENOCH e-Newsletter, nor the Board of Directors for ENOCH New Jersey, endorses nor recommends any of the programs, events, or opportunities listed. They are selectively provided as a service to those who wish to explore further.