http://homeschoolersofmaine.org/ en-usMon, 20 May 2013 12:54:36 -0400http://homeschoolersofmaine.org/http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15328http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15328   Plan to join us on October 8th and 9th at the Adams National Historic Park in Quincy, MA for HOME's New England Heritage Days 2013! From the sweet little farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill to the gentleman’s country estate at Peace field, Adams National Historical Park is the story of “heroes, statesman, philosophers … and learned women” whose ideas and actions helped to transform thirteen disparate colonies into one united nation. We will get to know John and Abigail Adams, and their role in founding a just and free nation. Learn of their determination and personal sacrifice as they helped our nation during the War for Independence. Print your registration form HERE. Cost: $8 per person (includes all tours and the Pen and Parchment Program) Directions to the Park: Traveling south on U.S. Interstate 93 or Route 128:  Parking: Validated parking is available in the parking garage behind the Adams National Historic Park Visitor Center (located inside Presidential Place). Turn left on Saville Avenue just before the building.  Overnight Accommodations: Best Western Adams Inn discount rate is $119, per night (use HOME's group code CGHSCM when making your reservation). Free parking and deluxe continental breakfast is included. Reservation deadline to guarantee discount rate is September 8, 2013.  Our Schedule of Events is as follows: October 8 1:00pm - Arrival  Meet at the Adams National Historic Park Visitor Center (located inside Presidential Place) to pick up Junior Ranger Activity Books! 2:00pm - 3:00pm Tour of the Old Parish Church (located next to the Visitor Center) - Also called the Church of the Presidents, this church is an important part of the Adams story. Find out why! October 9 9:45am – Noon    Pen and Parchment: From Pen’s Hill to Pennsylvania (for students of all ages!) Program at the Carriage House, 135 Adams Street Travel through time and space to discover the meaning of independence! This program will focus on the great achievement of the Declaration of Independence, and the monumental role that John Adams played in its passage. In Addition, this program will examine the great achievement of Abigail Adams in setting forth her own vision for the new nation, and her use of writing to communicate these ideas. Students will participate in two memorable historic events, and discover how Colonial families endured and triumphed! From the Adams farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill, Abigail Adams will encourage students to recount the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the role of women on the “domestic homefront.” Abigail will help students to construct a journal to record their first-hand accounts of her “domestic patriotism,” and remind the delegates at the Continental Congress to “remember the ladies.” Then students will assume the roles of the delegates of the Continental Congress and “travel” to Philadelphia. With direction from John Adams, a delegate for Massachusetts, students will debate the important issues of the day, vote to adopt the Declaration of Independence, and sign the momentous document! * Background and pre-visit information, plus an accompanying HOME Unit Study will be provided to each family that registers. Also, program participants will receive “park money” for free admission to Old House and Presidential Birthplace tours! Lunch (Bring a sack lunch.) Noon – 5:00pm Tours of the Old House and Presidential Birthplaces         Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:36:11 -0400http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15321http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15321 June 21, 2013 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Fort Knox in Prospect! Pack a lunch and join homeschoolers from around the state for guided tours of the Fort! Cost is $3.00 per car/van load. Two consecutive tours will be offered. Space is limited.  Pre-registration is required. For more information on Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory, visit http://fortknox.maineguide.com/. While you are there, you may want to include a visit to the observatory on your own! For directions, please visit their website. Click HERE to register.  Mail your registration and payment to HOME, P.O. Box 159, Camden, ME 04843 no later than Friday, June 14.  If you have questions or need more information, please contact Raylene Hunt at raye4home@gmail.com or 207.763.2943.   Sat, 02 Mar 2013 13:46:21 -0500http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15198http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15198If you have just begun homeschooling, are new to Maine or are researching the option for your family, please join us for an information packed workshop on Friday, June 7, 2013 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm during HOME's Outdoor Adventure Weekend! This workshop (only) is open to the public FREE of charge! Please sign up by calling the HOME Office at (207) 763-2880. All other Outdoor Adventure Weekend activities and events are available to attendees with a paid registration. Veteran homeschoolers are welcome, too! Come with a friend. Come with a spouse! We will cover the following topics: •Maine’s homeschooling law •Record keeping •Curriculum planning •Helpful resources •Portfolios and evaluations •Support groups •Special needs •And much more! Here's a comment from one of our past attendees: I attended the "Getting Started" workshop along with my mom and daughter, and wanted to say thank you for everything you are doing to support and encourage homeschooling in Maine. God must be very pleased with your efforts on His behalf. The workshop couldn't have been any more affirming for me, and really brought my mom in on the big picture in a way I never could have done myself. Donations to HOME’s ministry are welcomed and appreciated. Contact the HOME Office for more information at: (207) 763-2880 homeschl@midcoast.comSun, 23 Dec 2012 18:43:03 -0500http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=11777http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=11777During the year, HOME receives many donations of curriculum and homeschool resources. Because of the generosity of others, homeschool families on a tight budget are blessed. We are grateful for ongoing curriculum donations to HOME, and delighted to be of service to homeschool families in this way. However, due to the amount to materials and resources donated and a limited amount of storage space, HOME must periodically reduce its on-hand supply. This happens several times a year during HOME's Annual Convention, Annual Used Curriculum Sale and Expo and Outdoor Adventure Weekend.  At the HOME Inventory Reduction Sales that take place during these events, homeschoolers can take advantage of low, low prices and support HOME at the same time! Dates, times and locations for upcoming Inventory Reduction Sales are listed below:  HOME Annual Convention - At the Samoset Resort in Rockport beginning on March 20 at 4:00pm, and throughout the Convention until 3:00pm on March 22, 2014. HOME Annual Used Curriculum Sale and Expo - Spring of 2014 (date to be determined) at the Augusta Armory from 9:30am until 1:00pm. Outdoor Adventure Weekend - At the Summit Conference Center at Sunday River in Bethel beginning on June 7, 2013 at 4:00pm through June 8 at 3:00pm.  Come early to all events for the best bargains! * If you would like to make a curriculum donation to HOME, please contact the HOME Office at 207-763-2880 or homeschl@midcoast.com       Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:37:32 -0500http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=11574http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=11574 Do you have a young adult who will be finishing their high school education in the year 2013? If so, HOME would like to invite you to participate in a statewide graduation ceremony at Sunday River Resort in Bethel. The event will be held in conjuntion with Outdoor Adventure Weekend. Join us to mark this momentous occasion in the life of your child. Come early to learn, play and celebrate together as a family in the great outdoors! Past ceremonies have always provided a great sense of accomplishment for each participating family. They are also an encouragement for other homeschoolers to continue on through high school! If your family would like to participate, please respond by May 15 at the very latest. Click HERE to print your registration form! Graduation apparel and diplomas can be ordered through the HSLDA Store. Contact Mark or Melanie Chandler at revmchandler@gmail.com   Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:14:01 -0500http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15273http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15273 Barry Stebbing is the creator of How Great Thou ART Publications. He has currently instructed over 60,000 homeschoolers in classes throughout North America. The class is 2 ½ hours each day, and is for students 5 thru adult (5 year olds must attend with an adult). The class includes: beginning painting, beginning drawing, art history, and color theory and techniques with colored markers. All materials will be included except colored pencils and markers, which can be purchased upon arrival (Prismacolor pencils, set of 12 - $8.00, set of 8 water soluble markers - $5.00). Click here to register for the Three Day Art Class with Barry Stebbing!   Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:04:08 -0500http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15189http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=15189 Join Homeschoolers of Maine for their first annual Outdoor Adventure Weekend, June 6 - 8, 2013 at Grand Summit Conference Center, at Sunday River Resort in Bethel, Maine.   For specific information on speakers and activities planned, please visit HOME's website and check out our Outdoor Adventure Weekend page! Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:19:51 -0500http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=11828http://homeschoolersofmaine.org//public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=11828 Join us in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House, 115 State House Station in Augusta from 8:30am - Noon on May 7th! May 5th - May 11th, 2013 is Maine Home Education Week! Celebrate this week by joining homeschooling families from around the state for a day of learning and fun at the Capitol! Activities will include a morning rally with special speakers, afternoon tours of the Capitol, a treasure hunt, Maine State Museum classes, and other hands-on activities. The theme for our rally is Uniting Internationally to Protect Homeschool Freedoms. HSLDA Director of International Relations, Mike Donnelly, will give the keynote address during the rally. Mike also serves HSLDA as staff attorney for member affairs in the states of Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. As director of international affairs he coordinates HSLDA’s support of homeschooling freedom all over the world. Mike is also an adjunct professor of government at Patrick Henry College where he teaches constitutional law. He received a juris doctorate from the Boston University School of Law with honors as a Paul J. Liacos Scholar. He is a member of the bars of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the United States Supreme Court. Mike’s previous experience includes combat service during the first Persian Gulf War as a United States Army cavalry officer, private legal practice and the founding of a nationally ranked internet marketing firm. Mike is an internationally published writer and frequent conference speaker on the subject of homeschooling, educational freedom, parental and human rights. He and his wife homeschool their seven children. Please invite your Senator and Representative to join us for these informational presentations, and refreshments! For contact information for your legislator, click here. May 7, 2013 Schedule of Events Registration: 8:30am in the Hall of Flags in the Capitol Building. During the registration process, pre-registrations for classes at the Maine State Museum and Capitol Tours will be confirmed. Students will be provided with a name tag which must be worn to museum classes. Also, please take a moment to sign our guest book to let us know how many families are attending this event. If your child completed the Maine Junior Legislator program (see more information below), please bring the checklist in the front of the lesson booklet with your children’s names and the signature of a parent to the registration table. Junior Legislators will be invited to come up front to lead the audience in saying the “Pledge of Allegiance” before receiving their “Junior Legislator” buttons. Rally:  9:00am - 11:00am in the Hall of Flags. Opening Remarks, Reading of Proclamation and Invocation: Ed Green, HOME Founder and President Presentation of Colors: Maine Alert Cadet Color Guard Singing of the National Anthem: Caroline O'Brian Legislative Address: Representative Ellie Espling, New Gloucester - House District 105 Pledge of Allegiance: Junior Legislators Presentation of Awards to Junior Legislators: Keynote Address: International Homeschooling—Why Should American Homeschoolers Care what Happens over There? by Mike Donnelly Homeschooling is a growing global movement, but homeschooling parents overseas face the mounting pressure and challenges similar to those American homeschoolers experienced 30 years ago. German homeschoolers are threatened with fines, jail and worse. Is the German homeschool experience the edge of night for America? Should American homeschoolers be concerned about the plight of homeschoolers in other countries? Michael Donnelly has traveled the world supporting homeschooling freedom. He will tell you why American homeschoolers should care what happens "over there" and what can be done to help. Closing Remarks: Pastor Chris Wilcoxson Meet Your Legislators: 11:00am - Noon If you have invited your legislator to this event, this may be the time that they are most available to stop in at the Hall of Flags. Be sure to let them know tha you will be there, and are anxious to meet them!  Afternoon Activities: 11:30am - 3:30pm Register for the tours and classes below at the HOME Convention at the Samoset Resort in March, or contact Raylene at raye4home@gmail.com for more information and specific times. Maine State Capitol Tours (Prior registration required.) Museum Classes - Wool Carding, Sailmaking and the Story of the St. Mary, Mammals Large and Small, or The Formation of Rocks and Minerals  (Prior registration required.) Capitol Prayer Walks/Tours with TeenPact Volunteers (Prior registration required.) Children's Meeting with Governor LePage (Limited to 30 children. Prior registration required.) A number of information/activity sheets will be available at the registration table throughout the rally, as well. They can be done on your own, and include: A State Capitol Treasure Hunt Maine State House Fossil Hunt Senate Chamber Art Collection (interesting facts) Exploring Statues In and Around the Museum Self-guided tour questions for the Maine State Museum ** Please Take Note: Capitol Tours for those who pre-registered will be leaving from the Capitol Visitor’s Center/Information Desk after the rally at designated times. Tours will leave on time. Please arrive ten minutes before your assigned departure. In addition, TeenPact graduates will lead small groups for a prayer walk and basic tour of the Capitol. This tour will include stopping in different parts of the Capitol to pray for various people who work in that area. There will be a sign up sheet at the registration table on a first come, first served basis. These groups will meet and leave from the Capitol Visitor’s Center after the rally. If you are not familiar with TeenPact, information will be available about their Christian leadership programs at the registration table. Other Important Information Junior Legislator Program: Students who complete Junior Legislator Kit activities will receive a Junior Legislator badge and recognition during the Capitol Day Rally. Activities are flexible and can be adapted to all ages. The goal is to have fun while learning more about our State Government. Contact HOME at homeschl@midcoast.com for more information and to order a Junior Legislator Kit. For maps and directions to the State House, click here. The visitor entrance to the State House is on the west side of the building. Parking at the State House: Free parking is available in the parking garage on the corner of State Street and Sewall Street or where spaces are marked "General Parking." Unauthorized cars will be towed if parked in handicapped parking spaces or any other restricted parking space. One and two hour visitor parking is available on the west side of the Cross Office Building. Parking: There is some off-road parking available around the Capitol, but be sure to note the length of time on the parking meter! There are some spaces available at the Maine State Museum in their parking lot which is right next to the Capitol. New Security Procedures: Please be aware that new security procedures are now in place for all visitors to the State House. Please see New Entry Screening of All Visitors to the State House for details, and plan accordingly. Dress: During our time at the Capitol complex, we will be representing the homeschooling community, but most importantly, we will be representing our God. Kindly dress neatly and modestly for this event. Lunches: Food is available at a cafeteria in the Cross Building next to the Capitol. Sandwiches, a hot bar, and salad bar are offered at a reasonable price. Families may also bring a sack lunches. Hopefully, the weather will be beautiful and you can join other families enjoying the outdoors. There are some picnic tables available around the Capitol Complex. If the weather is inclement, feel free to eat lunches in the atrium of the museum. Lost and Found: In the event that you loose an item during your day at the Capitol, there will be a lost and found box labeled in the Hall of Flags. If you find an item that does not appear to have an owner, please thoughtfully bring the item and place it in the box. Miscellaneous: Please make sure to sign our “Thank You Maine Legislators” card, which will be available during the registration process. HOME Table: Please be sure to stop by the Homeschoolers of Maine table for homeschool resources and answers to questions. Also, if your family did not get a chance to purchase a copy of the Junior Legislator Kit, but you would still like to complete the program, the lessons will be available at the HOME table for a donation of $5.00. For more information: Call HOME at (207) 763-2880. Sun, 27 Feb 2011 09:40:58 -0500