Homeschool Conferences

Alaska offers parents many choices for education.  I am thankful for options.  This past year, as in previous years, we do a combination of both public school, homeschool, co-op, online, and on-site classes.  I guess I use them all.

However, one of my favorite time of the year is attending the Homeschool Convention that IDEA offers.  I choose Mat-Su Central, but they offer the conference to all.  To make the most of the convention:

1) I tend to take lots of notes.  If there is a session I miss that I would like to hear, I have either found the lecture and ask for the notes, or just interview them.

One of the interviews, I wrote about on my blog about LIGHTENING THE JOURNEY.  I needed that information this past year.

2)  I like to touch before buy.  Because we live in Alaska, it is nice to feel the product and look at some samples.  But, often I really value other homeschool moms opinion first.  You don't need to buy anything there.  I take my list of ideas then, I can have a better idea of some of the options.

3)  If your with Mat-Su Central, you can hold your wanted item with a credit card for most vendors.  They don't get paid by IDEA until July, and will then gladly put the purchase on the credit card then. Anything purchased here, can be reimbursed in 2015-2016 school funds if purchased at the conference and if the item lines up with your Individual Learning Plans.

This blog has some good ideas to help the focus and not be OVERWHELMED.


I hope this helps.

Countless competitions, celebrations, and ceremonies

This term has been great. It was full of countless celebrations, competitions, and ceremonies.  I was shocked myself in looking at all the happenings that went on in 9 weeks.  We also had 5 days dedicated to standardize testing. 

Something that we did new this term was Louise Farm School from 9:30 to 2:30 one day a week.  It was such a hit for a multiple reasons.  First, it gives a change of scenery for the week.  Second, Max learned wilderness survival skills, while Bronwyn's class focused on wolves.  Third, they spend 3 out of the 5 hours outdoors regardless of the weather (rain, snow, etc).  So, Bronwyn learned to have fun in the cooler temperatures.   She spent even the early morning hours just exploring her world.  I believe the lesson of loving her environment is PRICELESS.  Fourth, Bronwyn wrote that she loved it.  She wrote, "I am not too old, or not too young, I am right where I belong."  I realized that being the youngest makes her think she is always behind.  

 Hannah raised money for Compassion International (disaster relief) and Max/Bronwyn raised money for Samaritan Purse (goats for families).  They raise $260 which is 100% for the charities.  (They kept the tips for themselves).  I love Lemonade Day!

Max & Bronwyn both won a free school trip up the Butte plus the Reindeer Farm in Palmer because of their PE get moving award.  They loved their time however Max came up with a priceless statement, "There is a fine line between Elementary Schools and Soap Operas".  (they did get to ride the big yellow bus, but was concern that they didn't have seat belts)

But, I know feel such a sigh of relief that this term and year is OVER.  

However, we have a full summer.  But, God is so good.  We will walk with Him wherever He leads.  The activities we have this summer include:  Vacation Bible School (Hannah is drama)- I am the mission teacher,
Mountain Bike Mondays called SPROCKIDS where James and I are coaches,
Max is doing little league for the first time,
Valley Performing Arts 2 weeks drama camp (three kids),
 Victory Bible Camp (1 week all kids) =THANKS TO THE GRANDPARENTS,
Sunday Adventures *James leads hikes up the mountains with worship,
Kayak trip 3 night,
Seldovia weekend James preaches,
Church campout,
and so much more.

If you didn't know MY PARENTS are here so, we have lots of extra love around!