Webmistress:

Karen Chinnery

Newcomer’s

Packet

Contact Information:

P.O. Box 7193

Newark, DE 19714-7193

Phone: (302) 456-3545

Website: tristatehomeschoolnetwork.org

Revised 07/20/08

TRI-STATE HOME SCHOOL NETWORK, INC.

NEWCOMER’S PACKET

Tri-State Home School Network, Inc. is a support group whose purpose is to further the cause of homeschooling, especially from the viewpoint of Christian families.  This packet has been put together to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding homeschooling, and to introduce you to information, resources and services that we hope will assist you in getting your home school started.  As you contemplate taking on this responsibility of your child’s formal education, we hope that we can help you gain insight into the day-to-day workings of homeschooling.  Welcome to the exciting adventure of homeschooling!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tri-State Home School Network: What Is It?                             

Membership in Tri-State

Home School Lingo                                                                   

Homeschooling and the Law                                                         

Umbrella Programs in Maryland                                                          42

Correspondence Schools Contact information                                      44

Helps for Starting to Home School                                                

Enclosures:         Tri-State Membership Form

                        Tri-State Mentor Form

                        HSLDA Brochure & Application

TRI-STATE HOME SCHOOL NETWORK, INC

Tri-State Home School Network, Inc. is an organization that was formed in December, 1986 to promote homeschooling and to provide support to the families that home school.  Tri-State was founded by Christians on Christian principles but is not exclusively Christian in membership.  Anyone who is currently homeschooling may join Tri-State regardless of faith, as long as the family agrees to abide by Christian guiding principles.  (Board members must be Christian and agree with the Statement of Faith included in the by-laws.)  All decisions within Tri-State or made by Tri-State leadership are made in accordance with Christian principles.  When forming Tri-State, the Tri-State leaders adopted the statements of faith found in The Teaching Home magazine under “We Believe.”  Tri-State’s statement of faith is included below.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We Believe

• God has existed from all eternity in three persons:  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  Jesus Christ was God come in human flesh being fully God and fully man, except without sin.
• All men are in violation of God's righteous requirements and His holy character, both by nature and act, and are therefore under His wrath and just condemnation.
• The central purpose of the coming of Jesus Christ was to pay the penalty for man's sin through His substitutionary death on the cross, the successful accomplishment of which was attested to by His subsequent visible, bodily resurrection.
• The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God and constitutes His completed and final revelation to man. 
• The Bible, in its original autograph, is without error in whole and in part, including theological concepts as well as geographical and historical details.
• Salvation is offered as a gift, free to the sinner.  This gift must be responded to in individual faith, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, but in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ alone.

BENEFITS OF TRI-STATE MEMBERSHIP

Tri-State does not fulfill any legal obligations for the homeschooling family and does not serve in any legal capacity as a school or intermediary to the state.  Rather, Tri-State is a support group that offers encouragement, training, and extra-curricular activities for homeschooling families.  Tri-State is specifically geared to minister to Christian homeschoolers.  Tri-State’s activities are listed on the next page.  Following the list of activities, brief explanations of each activity are given in alphabetical order.

An activity in Tri-State exists if, and only if, someone volunteers to lead it.  Consequently, available activities change from year to year.  The list on the next page summarizes the typical activities of Tri-State in a typical year.   If no one volunteers to head up an activity, that activity will cease to exist.  Likewise, this list is not exhaustive.  Members are encouraged to think up and coordinate new activities.  The volunteer who leads or coordinates the activity is called a PICOS (a Person In Charge Of Something).  Activities are advertised in the monthly newsletter.

Activities At-A-Glance

Ongoing / Monthly Activities

·         Bowling

·         Choir:

o        Elementary, Concert, Chorale, Joy Unspeakable

·         Cinematography

·         Ice-Skating

·         MEK, TEK

·         Rhetoric League

·         Roller Skating:                                                  

o        Morning Skate, Afternoon Skate  

·         Science Olympiad:

o        Elementary, Junior and Senior High Teams

Annual Tri-State Activities and Events

·         Around the World Geography Fair

·         Field Day

·         Math Olympiad

·         National Mythology Exam

·         National Geography Bee

·         Science and Social Studies Fair

·         Spelling Bee

Non -Tri-State Activities, Competitions and Events

·         ACSI Competitions

·         Blue Rocks Reading Incentive

·         Book-It

Tri-State Services and Programs

·         Discounted HSLDA membership

·         Family Nights

·         Mentor Program

·         Mom’s Meetings

·         Monthly Newsletter

·         Newcomer’s Meetings

·         Tri-State Library, located at Delaware City’s Library (834-4184)

** See following pages for a more detailed listing of events.

Important Notice: Tri-State parents/guardians are responsible for their children’s behavior and for all items their children bring to Tri-State events and activities.  Tri-State will not be held responsible for the behavior of a Tri-State member’s child or for the misuse or loss of any personal belongings of a Tri-State family at a Tri-State event or activity.
DIRECTORY OF TRI-STATE ACTIVITIES

Please note: The following activities exist if, and only if, someone volunteers to lead them.

ALL-SKATE:  Two All-Skates are available on a monthly basis, at a location in Newark, Delaware.  There is a small fee for all skating events although parents skate free.  These all-skates are for the whole family and are one of our most attended activities.           

MORNING SKATE:  This all-skate is designed especially for those families with young children who need a nap in the afternoon.

OLDER KIDS SKATE:  This skate also takes place in Newark, DE, and is for children in the 10 and up age group so they can skate without worrying about the younger kids.  There are chaperones available so that Moms with younger children can drop off the older kids and not have to stay.  Permission slips with a medical release will be required in order for unaccompanied children to be allowed to skate.  Because this skate is geared especially to our teenagers, we play Christian rock and contemporary music at the older-kids skate.  For those who are uncomfortable with this type of music, the all-skates remain open to all Tri-Staters.

AROUND THE WORLD DAY:  This is a Tri-State Event where families or co-ops study a country and present it at a fair with posters, food, music, costumes, and articles from that country.  It is a very fun and creative day.  Tri-Staters who do not make a display are invited to come to the fair and take a trip “around the world.”  Everyone gets a passport to fill out for his or her portfolio.  This is a very popular event and is typically held in February.

BAND:              The Home School and Community Band is available for children (ages 8 and up) and their parents.  There is a participation fee.  Instrument rental is available through a local music store.  The band performs at least 2 concerts per year. 

BOWLING:        Home school bowling is available for all ages.  There is a small fee for each game.  Bumper lanes are also available for specific ages of children.  Meets monthly.

CHESS CLUB:    Gives your kids a chance to improve their chess skills.  Meets monthly.

ELEMENTARY AND CONCERT CHOIRS AND SENIOR CHORALE:  Meets weekly in the evenings at a local church.  The Elementary Choir is for 3rd-5th grade. Concert Choir is for 6th to 8th grade. Senior Chorale is for 9th-12th grade. There is a participation fee.  The chorus performs 2 concerts a year-  one around Christmas and one in the spring.

COMPETITIONS:            Tri-State has become involved in a number of academic competitions.  These include the Math Olympiads (grades 4-6),  National Geography Bee (grades 4-8), St. Jude’s Math-a-Thon (all ages), National Spelling Bee (grades 4-8),  Science Olympiad (grades 4-12), and the ACSI Arts Competition.  Every year our teams bring home medals, certificates, and awards from these events.

Rhetoric:         For high school students to learn the techniques and principles of logic and debate.  Meets monthly.

DIRECTORY:     Each year Tri-State Home School Network attempts to put out a directory with the names, addresses, phone numbers, and children’s names and ages for the use of the membership.  This directory is intended to be used to reach other members only and is not for solicitation purposes.  We are, however, allowing businesses to advertise in our directory for a fee.  If you wish to or know someone who wishes to advertise his or her business, please contact Tri-State’s ad manager.  If you do not wish to be included in the directory, please indicate this on your registration form.

DRAMA CLUB:  There is one drama group for elementary through middle school and another for high school students.  Information is in the newsletter.  Each stages performances throughout the year.

FAMILY MEETINGS:       Throughout the year we hold some meetings that are geared for the entire family.  Some of these meetings feature a speaker; others may be a social/educational event.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.  There may be a fee involved depending upon the event.

FIELD DAY:                  In the fall or spring each year, the dads organize a field day for five-year-old kindergartners through grade 9.  There are various track and field events. A certificate and ribbon are awarded to each child who participates.

FIELD TRIPS:                There are usually field trips advertised in the newsletter for Tri-State members.  Some field trips accommodate everyone, and some are geared to specific age groups.  Much effort goes into the planning of the field trips, and we ask that everyone be prompt, courteous, and respectful to others.  Only official Tri-State field trips may use the Tri-State name.  Please remember that everyone on these field trips is a representative of homeschooling in general and Tri-State in particular, and we ask that you make every attempt to leave a good impression.

HERITAGE ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR:  This is an opportunity for your family to display crafts it has been learning such as carving, woodworking, needlework, beadwork, or whatever creative endeavors your family enjoys!

LIBRARY:  Teaching your children at home can seem quite overwhelming, especially if you are just beginning.  Tri-State’s library currently has curriculum, reference, and resource books that are useful for homeschoolers of all experience levels.  Some titles are: How to Home School: A Practical Approach by Gayle Graham, The Big Book of Home Learning by Mary Pride, and the Christian Home Educator’s Curriculum Manual:  Elementary Grades by Cathy Duffy.  Also available are E.D. Hirsch, Jr.’s What Your (1st-4th) Grader Needs to Know and The Yellow Pages Guide to Educational Field Trips by Gregg Harris.  (These are both EXCELLENT reference books.)   

The Tri-State library is on loan to the New Castle County library system and is being housed at the Delaware City Public Library.  Every Tri-State member, whether a New Castle County resident or not, has free borrowing privileges.  For complete details on how to access the library, look in the handbook at the section on library policy.

MOMS MEETINGS:  Our Moms Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the months. See the newsletter for dates and times. These are for homeschooling moms and nursing infants.  These meetings are the mainstay of Tri-State as moms share with one another, enjoy fellowship and refreshments, and especially strive to encourage each other in our homeschooling endeavors.

MEK:    Mu Sigma Kappa consists of those students who are in 7^th or 8^th grades.  MEK holds 2 meetings a month during the school year; one is a “business” meeting at a church, and the other is a field trip.  During the “business” meetings they play games, have snacks, work on the Talent Night presentation (in the fall) and the yearbook (in the winter).  Some fun field trips have included canoeing, skiing, Blue Rocks game, Frisbee Golf, swimming, and an Alka-Seltzer Shoot-Out.  MEK’s purpose is to provide an identity group for homeschoolers during their adolescent years and to help them make friends with other homeschoolers. 

MENTOR PROGRAM: Tri-State's mentor program is designed to offer support and encouragement for the first or second year homeschooler.  Each person who requests a mentor will be matched with an experienced homeschooling parent.  The mentor will encourage the new homeschooler and will be available to answer questions when needed.  The mentor will also make an attempt to meet the new homeschooler at a Tri-State function and introduce the new member to others in the group.  This program was started in order to give a “personal” flavor to a large group and to decrease the attrition rate of new homeschoolers who often feel overwhelmed and isolated.

NEWCOMERS MEETINGS:  Currently Tri-State provides three Newcomer’s meetings a year to prepare those considering homeschooling or simply to remind all of us of things to make our homeschooling and life easier.  These meetings take place in June, August, and January. 

NEWSLETTER:  Tri-State’s newsletter is distributed monthly August through May.  The newsletter is the main form of communication and contains the calendar of events for Tri-State.

PHYSICAL FITNESS INCENTIVES:  Tri-State participates in both the President’s Challenge and the President’s Physical Fitness programs.

PLAYS:  Tri-State has been participating in the Children’s Series at the Playhouse Theatre in the Hotel DuPont, Wilmington, DE, and other local theaters.  There are usually four to five plays offered each year at a reduced cost for school participation.  Plays center on well-known literature, persons, or events and are very well presented.

READING INCENTIVE PROGRAMS:  Tri-State is involved in both The Book-It program from Pizza Hut and the Blue Rocks reading incentive program.

SCHOOL PICTURES:  A photographer (a Tri-State member) has agreed to photograph our children in the fall.  Look for more details in the newsletter.

SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES FAIR:  This is a non-competitive event where your children can display projects, unit studies, or subject areas they have studied over the year.  It usually takes place in mid to late January.  Past entries have included:  the history of coins and money, the history of Pennsylvania, Vikings, Horses, water pressure, how sound waves travel, and flags.   This event is great to visit and get wonderful ideas for future studies. It may get your own creative juices flowing (which is very helpful in January)!

STANDARDIZED TESTING:  Tri-state members who are not served by another school may be permitted to join Old Capitol Trail Academy for standardized testing.  There is a fee to cover the cost of the testing service.

TALENT NIGHT:  This is our November event where our children get a chance to learn poise and self-confidence in front of a group as they perform a song, skit, recital piece, and poem--whatever. 

TEK: Theta Sigma Kappa is our group for teens who are in 9^th through 12^th grades.  TEK will meet once per month for “business” and will also have a monthly field trip.  In TEK, the students are encouraged to take on more responsibility for running the group (under the supervision of responsible parents, of course!).

WORKSHOPS:  A number of workshops are made available through the year for Tri-State members, some for a small fee.  Workshops may include a kindergarten workshop and/or two Scope and Sequence workshops.  The kindergarten workshop offers a practical, developmentally sound approach to teaching kindergarten.  The Elementary Scope and Sequence gives guidance in planning an academically sound elementary education.  The High School Scope and Sequence offers guidelines for completing requirements for a high school diploma as well as preparation for college.

VOLUNTEERS:  Without Tri-State’s many volunteers we would be unable to provide these programs.  First year members should guard against over-committing themselves but are encouraged to volunteer for some of the less stressful positions.  We have found that those who volunteer make friends more quickly and feel comfortable in the organization much more quickly than those who do not become involved.  Many of the volunteer opportunities also provide an opportunity for the volunteer’s children to become involved with other homeschooling children.  Listed below are the positions that we feel are most appropriate for first-year homeschoolers.  Most of the following are short-term, project-based positions that allow some socializing with other homeschoolers:

Newsletter distribution: Spend an afternoon assembling, stapling and labeling newsletters in preparation for mailing.

            Picnics:  Make arrangements for a picnic in your area.

            Refreshments: Contribute refreshments for a workshop or Mom’s meeting.

            Skating:  Sign people in and collect money at skating.

            Talent Night:  Set-up or clean-up.

MEMBERSHIP IN TRI-STATE

HOW TO JOIN

Membership in Tri-State is for one year, from August to August.  Dues are currently $20.00 if you opt for an electronic newsletter, and $30.00 if you choose to have the newsletter mailed to your home.  To receive the newsletter electronically, you must join www.yahoogroups.com, then join Tri-StateHomeschoolNetwork groups (exactly as it is spelled). Our Yahoo! Groups PICOS will confirm your membership. The newsletter will then be available under the “Files” section.

To join Tri-State, a family must be currently homeschooling at least one of their children for that school year, or if joining during the summer, planning to home school one of their children for the upcoming school year.  Activities are for the homeschooling child(ren) only, unless the activity specifically includes the whole family (such as Family Night).

To join, a family should fill out a membership form (included with this packet), include the appropriate membership fee, and mail the form and fee to: Tri-State Home School Network, Inc., P.O. Box 7193, Newark, DE 19714-7193.  There will be no further notification that membership forms have been received, except that receipt of the monthly Tri-State newsletter (usually by the end of the first week of the month) has verified your membership.  We do not issue membership cards. In order to receive the next month’s Tri-State newsletter after you have joined, your membership forms must be received by Tri-State by the 15th of the previous month.  If your membership form arrives after the 15th, you may not receive next month’s newsletter until the month after that.  If a newsletter was not received but should have been, notify Tri-State’s secretary by calling 302-456-3545 (voice box #3) or email her at secretary@tristatehomeschoolnetwork.org.  If there are any other problems or concerns about your membership, missing newsletters, change of address, or other incorrect data, please contact Tri-State’s secretary as well.  Membership privileges will begin as soon as the membership form and dues are received.

DELIVERY OF THE NEWSLETTER

The goal of the Newsletter Editor and Newsletter Distributor is to have the Tri-State newsletter in member homes by the first of the month and certainly no later than the end of the first week of the month.  Because newsletters are sometimes mailed using bulk rate, the post office cannot guarantee when the newsletters will be delivered.  However, the post office can be fairly prompt with their delivery.  If your newsletter arrives after the first week of the month, promptly notify the Tri-State secretary at 302-456-3545 (voice box #3) or you may email her at, and we will try to track down the problem and remedy it.

If you change your mailing address or your email address, you must notify the Tri-State secretary before the 15^th of the month in order to receive the next month’s newsletter.  Because the newsletter is sometimes mailed bulk rate, the post office will not forward the newsletter to the new address and will not notify Tri-State that your newsletter was undeliverable.  It is very important the Tri-State secretary receives any address changes promptly so that you can continue to receive your Tri-State newsletter in a timely manner. If by chance you have not received your mailed newsletter because you have moved, please contact the Tri-State secretary.

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

The opinions expressed in the Tri-State Home School Network Newsletter are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the Tri-State Organization.  We do our best to edit or eliminate questionable material.

The newsletter is published ten months each year, August through May.  The deadline for each newsletter is the 15th of the preceding month. Please note that photos submitted to the editor (and at the editor’s discretion) will appear in our e-newsletter, which is posted on the Tri-State Home School Network Yahoo Group and only accessible to Tri-State members. Members may email submissions to: thethseditor@yahoo.com no later than the 15th of the preceding month. All classified notices or questions about advertising in the Tri-State Home School Network Newsletter are to be directed to the Advertising Manager at: tristateadmgr@ yahoo.com — email submissions only — no phone calls please. Also, please do not send any classified notices to the editor.

DISCOUNT MEMBERSHIP IN HSLDA AVAILABLE

Membership in the Tri-State Home School Network allows you to join the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) at a discounted price.  Some umbrella schools also offer the same discounted HSLDA membership. Tri-State’s HSLDA group number is listed in the monthly newsletter in the “Board Members and Information” section.

MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANCE

Every year, through the generosity of our members, Tri-State is able to assist with the membership fee for some families who are experiencing financial difficulty.  The assistance does not come out of the general membership dues but out of the money donated to our membership assistance fund.  When families renew their membership, some donate to the membership assistance fund.  When the money in the fund is used up for the year, no more membership assistance is given out.  The membership assistance fund is for membership in Tri-State only.  We cannot provide assistance for individual activities or children’s participation in any events.  The membership assistance fund has a few rules:

1. The family must have been a member previously.
2. There is a limited amount of membership assistance.
3. Membership assistance must be requested in writing.  The treasurer needs this documentation.
4. Partial membership assistance is possible.
5. Any person receiving membership assistance will be asked to volunteer for at least one activity that year; they will only receive newsletters electronically.
6. A particular family cannot receive membership assistance for more than 2 years in a row.

HOW TO OBTAIN A NEWCOMER’S PACKET

If you know someone who is just starting out or thinking about homeschooling, please let this person know how he or she can get a Tri-State Newcomer’s Packet.  The packet is available for $12.00 (to cover photocopying and postage costs).  Send request and check or money order payable to TSHSN, Inc. to this address:

Tri-State Home School Network

P.O. Box 7193

Newark, DE  19714-7193

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR TRI-STATE

Located in the monthly Tri-State Home School Network Newsletter under “Board Members and Information” is the most current contact information for the officers of Tri-State.

Tri-State Home School Network

P.O. Box 7193

Newark, DE  19714-7193

Phone: 302-456-3545

Website:  www.tristatehomeschoolnetwork.org

BY-LAWS

OF

TRI-STATE HOME SCHOOL NETWORK, INC.

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE AND MISSION

Section 1.  Purpose.   Tri-State Home School Network, Inc., a Delaware non-stock corporation (the “Corporation),  is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and/or educational purposes as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the “Code”), and the Corporation may do and engage in any and all lawful activities that may be incidental or reasonably necessary to any of these purposes, and it shall have and may exercise all other powers and authority now or hereafter conferred upon non-stock corporations in the State of Delaware, including, but not limited to, the following:

                        a.         to distribute funds and make contributions to other organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, literary or scientific purposes, within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of Code;

                        b.         to take by bequest, devise, gift, grant, purchase, lease or otherwise and to hold, manage and use for the purposes herein set forth, any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, or any undivided interest therein; and to convey, sell or otherwise dispose of such property and to invest, reinvest and manage the same, including, but not limited to, the right to vote any stocks so held, in such manner as in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the Corporation will best promote its purposes;

                        c.         to engage in any other charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational activity with the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; and

                        d.         to do and perform all acts and things which are legitimate and are reasonably calculated to promote the interests and carry out the purposes of the Corporation.

                        Notwithstanding any other provision of these By-laws, the Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on: (i) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; or (ii) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c) of the Code.

Section 2.  Mission.  The Corporation was formed on August 12, 1993 to promote home schooling and to provide support to the families that home school.  Field trips, monthly meetings, moms' meetings and publishing a newsletter are some of the support services provided. The Corporation was founded by Christians on Christian principles but is not exclusively Christian in membership.

The Corporation believes that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God and constitutes His completed and final revelation to man. The Bible, in its original autograph, is without error in whole and in part, including theological concepts as well as geographical and historical details.

God has existed from all eternity in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ was God come in human flesh being fully God and fully man, except without sin. All men are in violation of God's righteous requirements, and His holy character both by nature and act, and are therefore under His wrath and just condemnation. The central purpose of the coming of Jesus Christ was to pay the penalty for man's sin through His substitutionary death on the cross, the successful accomplishment of which was attested to by His subsequent visible, bodily resurrection. Salvation is offered as a gift, free to the sinner. This gift must be responded to in individual faith, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, but in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ alone.

ARTICLE II

OFFICES

Section 1.  Principal Office.  The location of the principal office of the Corporation shall be in Delaware, or such other place as the Corporation’s Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

Section 2.  Other Offices.  The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Corporation’s Board of Directors may from time to time determine.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation is hereinafter referred to as the "Board" and its members as "Directors".

ARTICLE III

MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.  Place of Meeting.  All meetings of the Directors for any purpose, including the annual meeting of Directors for the election of Officers, may be held at such time and place, within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.

Section 2.  Annual Meeting.  The annual meeting of directors shall be held in the month of March, on such day and at such time as the Board shall designate, at which the Directors shall elect the officers and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

Section 3.  Notice of Annual Meeting.  Notice of the annual meeting shall be given by mailing, not more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days prior thereto, a written notice stating the time and place thereof, directed to each Director at his address.  

Section 4.  Special Meetings.  Special Meetings of the Directors, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), may be called by the Board, the majority of the Directors or the President.  Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.

Section 5.  Notice of Special Meeting.  Written, telegraphic or electronic notice of a special meeting of Directors, state the time, place and object thereof, shall be given to each Director, not more than ten (10) nor less than two (2) days before the date fixed for the meeting.

Section 6.  Waiver of Notice.  Notice of any meeting, if required, need not be given to any Director who signs a waiver of notice before or after the meeting.  The attendance of any director at any meeting without the director protesting prior to the conclusion of such meeting the lack of notice thereto shall constitute a waiver of notice by such director.

Section 7.  Business Transacted at a Special Meeting.  Business transacted at any special meeting of Directors shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice. 

Section 8.  Quorum.  A quorum for the transaction of any business at all meetings of the Board shall consist of not less than a majority of the current Directors.  Unless otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, action by a majority of those present at any duly organized meeting shall constitute lawful action by the Board.  If a quorum is lacking, a majority of the Directors present may adjourn any such meeting from time to time until a quorum is acquired.  Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board by means of conference telephone or similar equipment through which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other.  Participation at a meeting in this manner shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.  No action of the Board shall be valid unless taken at a meeting which a quorum is present, except that an action which may be taken at a meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if, prior or subsequent to such action, a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all Directors entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof.

Section 9.  Action without a Meeting.  Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board or by a committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if, prior to such action, all of the Board or committee consent in writing to a resolution authorizing the action.  Such written consents may be executed in counterparts, and shall be filed with the minutes of the Corporation.

Section 10.  Voting Rights.  Each Director shall be entitled to one (1) vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.  Number and Election of Directors.  The number of Directors which shall constitute the whole Board shall be not less than three (3) nor more than fifteen (15) Directors.  The Board, upon adoption of this Section, shall consist of five (5) Directors, and thereafter the number of Directors as shall constitute the whole Board may be increased or decreased by resolution of the Board, but shall in no case be less than three (3) Directors.  Directors must be in concurrence with Corporation's Statement of Faith and must be a member in good standing of a local Christian church.

Section 2.  Term.  The term of office of each Director shall be staggered so that each year approximately one-third of the Directors are appointed.  Each Director shall hold office for three years or until his successor is appointed and qualifies.

Section 3.  Vacancies.  If the office of any director becomes vacant for any reason, such vacancy shall be filled by a majority vote of the Directors remaining in office.

ARTICLE V

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

            Section 1.  Standing Committees.  Upon adoption of this section there shall be no standing committee(s) of the board, but the Board may, from time to time, establish such committee(s) as required.  The resolution appointing such committees shall designate its purpose, authority, and functions.  Each committee shall limit its activities to the accomplishment of the purpose for which it is appointed and, unless otherwise specified, shall have no power to act except to recommend action to the Board.

            Section 2.  Membership.  Unless otherwise provided, a majority vote of the Board shall appoint the members of all committees, and the President shall appoint the chairs thereof.  Each member of a committee shall hold office until the term for which he was appointed expires and until his successor is appointed and qualified, unless he shall sooner resign or be removed.

            Section 3.  Resignation, Removal, Vacancies.  Any member of any committee may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President or the Secretary of the Corporation.  A member of a committee who is a Director, shall automatically cease to serve in such position if he shall cease to be a Director unless the Board approves his continued appointment.  Any member of a committee may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the Board of Directors without assigning any cause.  Any vacancy occurring in the membership of any committee and any membership to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of committee members shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board.

            Section 4.  Meeting.  All committees shall meet at places, dates, and hours selected by each committee and special meetings may be called by the Board, the President or the chair of the committee when necessary.  The chair of each committee shall preside at meetings thereof, unless otherwise provided, each committee shall appoint a secretary.  Minutes of all committee meetings shall be accurately kept by the secretary of the committee so appointed or designated as such by the chair of the committee and shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Corporation.  In the absence of the chair, a temporary chair shall be appointed.

            Section 5.  Notice.  Written notice of committee meetings stating the place, date, and hour shall be given to members, under the direction of the committee secretary.  Such notice shall be mailed at least five (5) days prior to any meeting.  In the alternative, notice may be given by telephone at least three (3) days prior to any meeting.  Notice may be waived by a committee meeting in writing or by attendance at the meeting without protesting the lack of notice.

            Section 6.  Quorum.  At a committee meeting, a quorum for the transaction of any business shall be a majority of the members of the committee.  Action by a majority of those present shall constitute lawful action of a committee.  Committee members may participate in a meeting of the committee by means of a telephone conference or similar equipment through which all persons can hear each other and participation at a meeting in this manner constitutes presence in person at the meeting.

ARTICLE VI

OFFICERS

Section 1.  Officers.  The Corporation’s officers shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and, if desired, one or more Vice Presidents.    The officers shall be elected by the Board at its regular meeting following the annual meeting of Directors or at any other meeting of the Board.  Officers shall be parents who are educating their own children and shall be members in good standing of the Corporation for at least two (2) years.  Each candidate for election to the Corporation must affirm before the Board his or her concurrence with the Corporation's Statement of Faith, must be a member in good standing of a local Christian church and must profess by credible testimony his or her faith in Jesus Christ.

Section 2.  Election Term; Removal.    The officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of Directors by the majority vote of the Directors, except as provided in Section 10 of the Article.  The officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualify.  The Board may remove any officer at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors at any meeting of the Board at which there is a quorum, without the necessity of specifying any cause therefore and without any prior notice of such action to the person removed.

Section 3.  President.  The President shall, subject to the control of the Board, supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the Corporation.  All other officers shall be subject to the authority and supervision of the President.  The President may enter into and execute in the name of the Corporation contracts or other instruments not in the regular course of business which are authorized, either generally or specifically, by the Board.  The President shall sign and execute in the name of the Corporation duly authorized deeds, leases, mortgages, bonds, obligations, contracts and other instruments. The President shall present a written report of the conditions and affairs of the Corporation at the annual meeting of Directors.

Section 4.  Vice Presidents.  The Board may appoint one or more Vice Presidents, each of whom shall perform such duties and possess such powers as shall be assigned him or her by the Board.

Section 5.  Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds of the Corporation, shall keep or cause to be kept regular books of account for the Corporation and shall perform such other duties and possess such other powers as are incident to the office of treasurer of as shall be assigned to the Treasurer by the Board or the President.  The Assistant Treasurer, or if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Treasurers, in the order determined by the Board shall, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer set forth herein and as the Board or the President from time to time may prescribe.

Section 6.  Secretary and Assistant Secretary.  The Secretary shall cause notices of all meetings to be served as prescribed in these By-laws or by statute, shall keep or cause to be kept the minutes of all meetings of the Board and shall have charge of the corporate records and seal of the Corporation.  The Secretary shall perform such other duties and possess such other powers as are incident to the office of the secretary or as are assigned by the Board or the President.  The Assistant Secretary, or if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Secretaries, in the order determined by the Board, shall, in the absence or disability of the Secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary set forth herein and as the Board or the President from time to time may prescribe.

Section 7.  Subordinate Officers and Agents.  The Board may elect or appoint such other officers and agents as the Board shall deem necessary or desirable, who shall hold their offices for such term and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board.

Section 8.  Dual Positions.  One person may hold two or more offices except that one person may not hold both the offices of President and Secretary.

Section 9.  Resignation.  Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President or the Secretary of the Corporation, and unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall be effective immediately and shall not be dependent on acceptance by the Corporation.

Section 10.  Vacancies and Absences.  Any office which becomes vacant may be filled by the Board at any regular or special meeting of the Board.  When the incumbent of an office is unable to perform the duties thereof or when there is no incumbent of an office, the duties of the office shall, unless otherwise provided by the Board, be performed by the next office in the following sequence:  President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

ARTICLE VII

MEMBERS

            Section 1.  Membership.  There shall be only one (1) class of membership.  Membership in the corporation shall be available to home schooling parents or guardians who are currently educating their own children. A current membership form along with the yearly membership fee must be submitted in accordance with the membership dues statement or policy as amended from time to time. All powers, obligations and rights of members provided by law shall reside in the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VIII

EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS

Section 1.  Commercial Paper and Contracts.  All checks and notes, drafts and other commercial paper of the Corporation shall be signed by the President or Treasurer of the Corporation or by such other person or persons as the Board may from time to time designate.

Section 2.  Other Instruments.  All contracts, deeds, mortgages and other instruments shall be executed by the President, any Vice President or any such other person or persons as the Board may from time to time designate, and, if necessary, by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary.

ARTICLE IX

FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be in the calendar year.

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENT

Section 1.  Bylaws.  These By-laws or any part thereof, may be altered, amended or repealed, or new by-laws may be adopted by the Board at any regular meeting of the Board or at any special meeting of the Board.

Section 2.  Certificate of Incorporation.  The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation may be altered, amended, restated or repealed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board present at a meeting called for the purpose of considering and voting upon the proposed amendment.  Upon adoption, a certificate of amendment shall be filed with the Secretary of State as provided by law.

ARTICLE XI

INDEMNIFICATION

To the extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall indemnify its past or present Directors and officers, and their heirs, executors, and administrators, against any and all expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in connection with the defense or settlement of any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding in which they, or any of them, are made a party, by reason of their being or having been a Director or officer of the Corporation, except in relation to matters as to which any such Director or officer shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding to be liable for willful misconduct in the performance of his duty and to such matter as shall be settled by agreement predicated on the existence of such liability.  The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement or conviction upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person engaged in willful misconduct.  The right of the Director or officer to indemnification by the Corporation shall be in addition, and not exclusive of, all other rights to indemnification to which he otherwise may be entitled to.

The Board, by resolution, may indemnify, under comparable terms and limitations, employees and agents of the Corporation with respect to activities within the scope of their services as member of committees, officials, or agents of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XII

DUALITY OF INTEREST TRANSACTIONS

 

Any contract or other transaction which may in unique circumstances be entered into between this Corporation and one or more Directors or officers, or between this Corporation and any other corporation, firm, association or other entity in which one or more of the Directors or officers are directors, Directors, or officers or have a significant financial or influential interest, may be declared void or voidable by the Board unless all of the following conditions are met:

a.                   The relevant and material facts as to such Director’s or officer’s interest in such contract or transaction and as to any common directorship, officership, or financial or influential interest were disclosed in good faith in advance by such Director or officer to the Board, and such facts are reflected in the minutes of the Board meeting; and

b.                  The relevant and material facts, if any, known to such interested Director or officer with respect to such contract or transaction which might reasonably be construed to be adverse to the Corporation’s interest were disclosed in good faith in advance by such Director or officer to the Board, and such facts are reflected in the minutes of the Board meeting; and

c.                   Such interested Director or officer has, as determined by the judgment of the Board: (1) made the disclosures and fully responded to questions concerning the matters referenced in (a) and (b) above; (2) fully met the burden of proof at the time such contract or transaction is authorized that the contract or transaction is fair and reasonable to this Corporation; and (3) not otherwise significantly influenced the action of the Board with respect to the contract or transaction; and all such determinations by the Board are reflected in the minutes of the Board meeting; and

d.                  The Board authorized such contract or transaction by a vote of at least a majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum was present, and such interested Director or officer was not present at such time as the vote was taken nor counted in determining the presence of a quorum or in determining the majority vote.

            The Board may adopt duality of interest policies for the Corporation including, without limitation, requirements and procedures with respect to:  (1) regular annual statements and periodic supplements thereto by Directors, officers, committee members, and key employees disclosing any existing and potential dualities of interest; (2) limitations on permitted external positions and interests; and (3) corrective action with respect to transgressions of such policies.

ARTICLE XIII

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS UPON DISSOLUTION

            Section 1.        Upon dissolution of the Corporation, the assets of the Corporation shall be distributed as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.

Section 2.        On distribution or final liquida­tion, the Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the lawful debts and liabilities of the Corporation, distribute all of the assets of the Corporation to one or more of the following categories of recipients as the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine:  (a) a nonprofit organization or organizations which may have been created to succeed the Corporation, as long as such organization or each of such organizations shall qualify as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; and/or (b) a nonprofit organization or organizations having similar aims and objectives as the Corporation which may be selected as an appropriate recipient of such assets, as long as such organi­zation or each such organization shall qualify as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; and/or (c) any person or entity to whom or which a distribution is treated as a distribution for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Code; and/or (d) the federal government, or to a state or local government, but only if such assets will be used for a public purpose.

ARTICLE XIV

MISCELLANEOUS IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

            Section 1.  Term of Incumbency.  When any definite term or period of incumbency is specified in these Bylaws for any membership, office, position or employment, it shall be construed to continue in the incumbent therein until a successor is elected or appointed and qualifies, unless sooner removed, or the membership, office, position or employment is sooner discontinued.

TRI-STATE POLICIES

* Tri-State Policies are currently being revised*

Matthew 18

Tri-State Home School Network Accountability Code

A set of steps have been established by the Tri-State Home School Network Board, to assist Tri-State members in resolving issues in a Godly manner. This accountability code extends to all Tri-State events, clubs, and Yahoo! Groups.

“If your brother sins against you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17

Accountability Goal:

Quick and timely reconciliation for all involved while utilizing God’s biblical principles.

Step 1:

If someone has offended you, seek counsel through prayer and speak to that person in private. Speak the truth IN LOVE. This matter should be kept private and between the involved parties.

Step 2:

If the issue is not resolved, take one or two other people with you so that others are involved in the process and the truth is seen by all sides. Continue to seek counsel through prayer. Continue keeping the matter private.

Step 3:

If the issue continues to be unresolved, go to the appropriate PICOS leadership with your concern, and it will be examined.

Step 4:

If this issue continues to be unresolved, the PICOS or Tri-State member will contact the Board for further mediation or action. The Board will make the final decision, and a decision will be made based on biblical principles.

It is good to remember when applying the rules that govern Matthew 18, that with any conflict there is some measure of fault on both sides and that, as expressed in Philippians 4:2, it is important to “live in harmony in the Lord.”

FIELD TRIPS

1. Tri-State may sponsor field trips during the school year. Different age groups will be targeted on some trips with some trips being open to all ages. Members will be specifically told what age group the field trips are appropriate for and are asked to only bring children in this age group. Members are encouraged to trade baby sitting or chaperoning/car pooling duties so all may participate. Members with only preschool children are asked not to participate in field trips unless specifically designated for them.

2. Unless otherwise stated, each child will be required to wear a name tag to each field trip.

3. On field trips, Tri-State represents itself as a homeschooling support group and homeschoolers in general to the public. Therefore, it is imperative that our children behave appropriately and are gracious to the field trip guides. All adults on the trip are asked to help encourage appropriate behavior by discussing beforehand with their children what is expected, by speaking to children who are misbehaving during a trip, and by leaving the group when your child is having difficulty behaving. If you are unable to attend the field trip but your child is going, please ask one of the chaperones to be responsible for your child and explain this arrangement to your child.

Tri-State will not be held responsible for your child’s actions at any Tri-State sponsored event. It is your responsibility to know what your child is doing at all times. We are not responsible for any damage done to anything your child has brought to the event, such as electronic games or toys.

FIELD TRIP RULES:

1. Only Tri-State members are allowed on Tri-State field trips.
2. Field trips must be paid for in advance.  If money is not received by the deadline, your name will be removed from the list.
3. Money is non-refundable.  If you cannot make it to the field trip, you may find a replacement and notify the field trip coordinator of who is taking your place.  The field trip coordinator must be notified if you are not attending the field trip so that the group is not kept waiting.  Whenever possible, 24 hours notice will help the field trip coordinator with her planning.
4. Proper behavior must be followed on all field trips.  Parents must monitor their children’s behavior and remove them from the group if they are disturbing others around them.  Parents and children must treat the field trip coordinator with respect or they will not be allowed on any more field trips for that school year.
5. Please arrive at the field trip 15 minutes before time for the field trip to begin.  It is inconsiderate of others to keep the group waiting.
6. Only official Tri-State field trips may use Tri-State’s name.  If you wish to lead a field trip, it must be cleared with the vice president and opened to all Tri-State members.
7. A permission slip/waiver form must be turned in for each field trip.  There is also a medical release form for students taking part in activities such as MEK, TEK, Chorus, & Band.

SKATING RULES:

1.   No fast skating allowed.

2.   No gum chewing.

3.   No smoking anywhere in the building.

4.   No food or drink brought into the building.

5.  Keep all food and drinks bought at the snack bar in the snack area.  The back room is for meetings or information dissemination only.  No food or drinks allowed.

6.  No hats or loose headgear to be worn on skating area.

7.  Put skates back properly:  Tuck laces inside skates and put skates back on shelf.

8.  Tri-State or their representatives are not responsible for your child; your child must be supervised at all times.

9.  Everyone is to skate in the same direction.

10. Keep the rink clean.

11. Do not sit on the counter in front of the skates or sit/lean on the wall around the rink.

12. Put your skates on over near the lockers so others can access the skates rental area.

13. Nobody is to be walking or carrying children on the skating area.

14. Authorized people only in the sound booth!

15. If a skater is moving at a pace faster than those around him or her, he/she is traveling too fast and must slow down.

16.  Do not place coats, etc., in aisles or in front of doors as this is a safety hazard.

17.  Tri-State is not responsible for any games, toys, or other objects brought to the skating rink.

*Note: Music is pre-prepared. No other music may be brought in or played.

BOWLING RULES:

Home School Kids & Parents Only!

1. Bowling is a monthly event.
2. Advanced Reservations are required.
3. You must call to reserve a spot! Those who show up without reserving a spot take a chance of not getting to bowl due to lack of space.
4. If you arrive late, you may have to wait to bowl.
5. You may arrange your own group of 6 friends to bowl together; otherwise kids will be grouped as lanes provide. Wait at the door until all of your group arrives.
6. The cost may be slightly more for bumper bowling than it is for regular bowling.  The fee is per game. Shoes are included.  Pay for the whole lane when finished.
7. Management requires we be finished by a set time.
8. For safety, parents need to make sure that the child bowling is the only one on the lane.
9. Please do not allow your children to play with the balls between turns so fingers do not get hurt. The balls should be left at the ball return so there will be enough balls for each child's turn.  Only two rolls per frame.
10. Please return shoes to desk and ball to rack when finished.
11. Only 10 pound balls (or lighter) are to be used to bumper bowl.
12. Food and drink are allowed only in designated areas.

RULES ABOUT CHILDREN AT MEETINGS:

Children are the entire reason for family meetings, field trips, band, picnics, field day, skating, bowling, MEK, competitions, etc. However, there are two places where we cannot facilitate children: One is at nighttime moms meetings and the other is at workshops.  Nighttime moms meetings and workshops are our "in-service" time. It is important for any "professional" to keep abreast of the "profession" and to expand their knowledge of the field.  It is important to have these opportunities.   Children at these meetings pose a problem for the following reasons:

1. Noise - Each of us has maternal tune-out when it comes to our own children, but not necessarily when it comes to other children.

2. Insurance - Tri-State must rely on the benevolence of local churches for meeting places. These churches must have insurance, but it does not cover us. It makes those churches very nervous when they drop in at a building to find unsupervised children (or children in the same room with their parents but the parents are not noticing that the children are climbing all over the chairs, etc.). By allowing this, we are breaking good faith with these churches and endangering our ability to use the buildings.

3. Hygiene - Children and babies using the nursery uninvited have been found in the cribs. If the child has a cold or rash, the unchanged sheet may transmit that to a susceptible baby.  Tri-State understands that circumstances happen. If an unavoidable circumstance arises, a child may attend with their parent if, and only if, that child is willing and able to sit quietly with their parent, listening or doing a quiet activity such as reading a book or drawing quietly.  Rather than jeopardize the privileges that Tri-State currently enjoys with these churches, we will be forced to ask disruptive and/or unattended (not sitting with parent) children to leave moms meetings and workshops with their parents.

4. Behavior and Personal Items - Important Notice: Tri-State parents/guardians are responsible for their children’s behavior and for all items their children bring to Tri-State events and activities.  Tri-State will not be held responsible for the behavior of a Tri-State member’s child or for the misuse or loss of any personal belongings of a Tri-State family at a Tri-State event or activity.

USED BOOK SALE RULES

Only current members of Tri-State and former members of Tri-State who are no longer homeschooling can sell used books and used homeschooling materials at the used book sale.  All items for sale should be related to homeschooling; the used book sale is not a “garage sale” or a “flea market” or a venue for businesses or fund-raisers.  Anyone can purchase at the used book sale; buyers do not have to be Tri-State members. 

RULES REGARDING ANIMALS:

1. According to Delaware Law, service animals and dogs in training (this does not include puppy raisers) are permitted to attend Tri-State functions.  While we cannot legally require it, a call to the event coordinator, as a warning to those with severe allergies, would be courteous and appreciated. 
2. Only the above stated animals will be permitted at Tri-State functions.

USING TRI-STATE’S LIBRARY

Through a mutual agreement, Tri-State is leasing its library collection to the Delaware City Public Library for free. Tri-State's library is being housed at the Delaware City Public Library.  Because the Delaware City Public Library is part of the New Castle County library system, our books can be reserved from any county library by any Tri-State member and can be picked up at any county library of the member’s choice.

Tri-State's collection will be cataloged and tracked by the public library and will be listed in the library catalog.  The items in our collection can be accessed just like any other book or resource in the New Castle County library system.  You can go to the Delaware City library to borrow a book, or you can reserve a book in our collection from any county library and designate from which library you will pick it up.  Likewise, you can find and reserve items in our collection from your home via the online catalog system (www.lib.de.us and look under New Castle County in the Libraries menu).  If at all possible, we are asking each member to actually visit the Delaware City Library in person at least once or twice in a year.  This additional increase in library attendance and usage would result in the Delaware City library’s receiving more funding from the county to buy new books.  (It is also a nice way to show our thanks for taking over the administration of our library.)

Our collection will be housed in the Educational Resource Center in the Delaware City Public Library.  Some of the collection will be integrated into the normal stacks at the Delaware City Public Library at the discretion of the Delaware City Public Library. Except for specialty items (rules of use detailed in the sub-section “Specialty Items”), all of Tri-State's collection will be available for checkout to any patron of the New Castle County Library system.  Likewise, the collection will be available for checkout to any member of Tri-State, even if the Tri-State member does not live in New Castle County, Delaware.

TRI-STATE MEMBERS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE OF NEW CASTLE COUNTY

The Delaware City Public Library will waive the yearly library usage fee for Tri-State members who are not residents of New Castle County but who can show proof of Tri-State membership.  To obtain a free New Castle County library card, the non-resident Tri-State member must bring a Tri-State newsletter with his/her name on the mailing label and some other form of non-Tri-State identification to the Delaware City Public Library.  Tri-State members who apply for a library card at any other New Castle County public library will be assessed the non-resident fee.  The library card lasts for one year, confers all the benefits of county library membership, and is good at any New Castle County Public Library.  It may be renewed by phone before the expiration date listed on the back of the library card.  (Phone calls must be made to the Delaware City Public Library.)

SPECIALTY ITEMS IN TRI-STATE'S COLLECTION

A few items in Tri-State's collection will be reserved for use by Tri-State members only, even though the items are housed at the Delaware City Public Library.  These specialty items are expensive and fragile and will be specially designated for use by Tri-State members only.  (For example, a field microscope is a specialty item.)  Tri-State and the Delaware City Public Library will jointly decide which items will be reserved for this special collection.  These specialty items will be held behind the counter, at the reference desk, or at some other spot that is not accessible to the public.  To check out a specialty item, a Tri-State member must go to the Delaware City Public Library and show a Tri-State newsletter with his or her name on the mailing label.  No specialty items will be transferred to another New Castle County Public Library by any means for check-out.  The item must be returned to the Delaware City Public Library and be checked for damage by a librarian before the specialty item is considered returned.  If the item is damaged, the Tri-State member will be held accountable for the damages, and the library will notify the Tri-State Library Liaison of the problem.  Tri-State will provide the Delaware City Public Library with a checklist or guidelines for how to check for damage.  If an item in the specialty collection is damaged, and if this damage was not caused by a specific user or by the library, then Tri-State may choose to pay to repair the item, to retire the item, to pay to replace the item, or to live with the damage; this decision will be at Tri-State's discretion and cost.

TRI-STATE’S POLICY ON CHEATING

As Tri-State continues to grow, we have seen the need to address the issue of cheating.  Tri-State has become more involved in activities that include competition in and out of our home school circle.  We would like to advise all students in the case of any dishonest act, cheating, etc. that measures will be taken for discipline by the board of Tri-State.  An example of discipline might be that the student would not be allowed to participate in any Tri-State activity that included competition for the next year.  As we continue with God’s blessing in our homeschooling endeavors remember… “The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight.”  Proverbs 11:1

Adopted May, 2001

POLICY REGARDING PARENTS HIRING INSTRUCTORS

Tri-State parents may hire an instructor for specific activities within the Tri-State organization, such as chorus or band.  However, minimally, at least one person needs to serve as a PICOS.  The PICOS agrees to the following stipulations:

1. This activity will not be funded by Tri-State dues money.
2. They will provide an annual financial statement to the Tri-State treasurer.
3. They agree to have their books audited annually.
4. In addition, if the instructor is paid over $400 per year, a tax form needs to be submitted to the Tri-State treasurer.  (The treasurer can help with this.)
5. The hired instructor will not have check signing privileges for the organized activity’s account.

Adopted May, 2002

POLICY ON ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN TRI-STATE COMPETITIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

1. Tri-State participates in several competitions all of which have an implied eligibility requirement for students, specifically, that the child is attending school and making satisfactory progress in their education. 
2. Because students participating on a Tri-State team or group are representing Tri-State and homeschooling, we feel the need to have a similar eligibility requirement for our high school students and families.
3. We ask that parents sign a form agreeing that basic education is taking place and that if there are concerns, the parent will agree to permit a portfolio review by a competent home school high school teacher who will be recommended by one of our umbrella high schools.
4. This will apply to all competitions and activities in which Tri-State is competing with other schools; however, it will not apply to the activity itself.  As an example, in a public or private school a student may participate in chorus and get their high school credit for chorus but be ineligible to participate in state chorale competitions because of low GPA or absenteeism.
5. We have two important reasons for implementing this policy.  First, this action is to protect Tri-State’s reputation.  We do not want to be known as an organization that just uses kids to win awards but does not really educate them.  Colleges that graduate star athletes who still cannot read are criticized, and rightly so.  Many of our high school students are competitive and excel in these competitions, and Tri-Staters frequently bring home awards.  This can add to the resentment many schools already feel toward homeschoolers so we want to be above reproach in this area.  Second, every year the number of home schooled high school students increases.  As an organization, we want to ensure that the best interest of the students is our primary concern.  It is not in the best interest of the students to allow them to participate in competitions that make them feel good about their education when the necessary schooling toward a diploma is not occurring.

Adopted May, 2002

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Any Tri-State member can submit information on classes, instruction and tutoring, as well as babysitting services (50 words or less) for free to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the monthly newsletter.  There is a charge of $3.00 for each additional 50 words or fraction thereof. Information about field trips, craft camps, formation of playgroups or co-ops, and curriculum for sale (or wanted) are just a few examples of submissions included in the newsletter for free.  Other classified advertising is available to Tri-State Members, such as home school-related products or services, for $3.00 per 50 words.  There is no charge for schools to advertise up to a quarter page. For greater space, $10.00 per quarter page will be charged. Non-members may purchase classified advertising for $7.00 per 50 words as long as their product or service encourages the development of homeschooling. For display advertising, see details below.

The Newsletter Editor must receive submissions by the 15^th of the previous month to be included in the next month.  Submissions can be mailed to Tri-State Home School Network, P.O. Box 7193, Newark, DE 19714-7193 or e-mailed to: thethseditor@yahoo.com. E-mail submissions are strongly preferred.  Any submissions received after the 15^th of the month are not guaranteed to be included in the newsletter.  If the editor still has time and room to include the late submission, it can be included at the editor’s discretion.

Please note that photos submitted (at the editor’s discretion) will appear in our electronic newsletter, which is posted on the Tri-State Home School Network Yahoo Group and only accessible to Tri-State members. All submissions must include the name of the Tri-State member who is submitting the information and a phone number or email address.  Submissions should be as concise as possible and checked for spelling or grammatical errors.  Please do not send any classified notices to the Newsletter Editor.

The Advertising Manager must receive ad submissions and payments by the 15^th of the previous month as well. Advertising submissions can be e-mailed to: TriStateadmgr@yahoo.com.  If you are not sure whether your submission is a paid advertisement or free, please contact the Tri-State Ad Manager at the above email address.

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING RATES

Free to members: Classes, instruction and tutoring - 50 words or less, free. $3.00 for each additional 50 words or fraction thereof.  If the submission is for a third party business, the ad can only state the services offered and contact information. Anything more is a business ad and is subject to a fee for listing. This would include detailed ads about fee-based community programs (YMCA, Boys Club, etc.).  Curriculum for Sale - 50 words or less, free. $3.00 for each additional 50 words or fraction thereof.  Babysitting - 50 words or less, free. $3.00 for each additional 50 words or fraction thereof. 

Other classified advertising is available to members at the following rates: Home school related products or services, $3.00 per 50 words. ($3.00 minimum). Schools: No charge for up to a quarter page. Charge for greater space is $10.00 per 1/4 page.

Non-members and other purchased advertising: Non-members may purchase classified advertising for $7.00 per 50 words ($7.00 minimum) as long as their product or service encourages the development of homeschooling.

Display Advertising (i.e., scanned business card or other advertiser-produced copy) - Business card - $12.00, Copy up to ½ page - $27.00, ½ to full page - $55.00.  A fifty-word ad is approximately the size of a business card (2.5” x 1.5”). ½ page is approximately 7.5” x 5”. Full page is approximately 7.5” x 10”. Flyers and advertising literature that meet the approval of the Newsletter Editor and Tri-State Officers may be included in the newsletter mailing at the full page display advertising prices above and as follows:

     Flyers must be delivered to the Newsletter Distributor by the 15th of the month.

     Flyers must be pre-folded (if necessary) to the size of 8.5" x 5.5".

     Flyers must each weigh no more than 0.4 ounce.

     For advertising information or to submit your advertisement to the newsletter, please email the Advertising Manager at: TriStateadmgr@yahoo.com. Please do not send any classified notices to the newsletter editor.

     Please Note: All member non-display ads will be formatted in Franklin Gothic Book, 10 pt. type.* Font size may be changed due to space constraints in the newsletter. Any member requesting special formatting such as different fonts or font sizes will be charged business rates. Names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses will not be taken into account for total word count in all member and nonmember ads.  

*As shown here.

OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS IN THE TRI-STATE AREA

Tri-State is not the only support group for homeschoolers in this area.  The groups listed below may serve your needs also.  This list is for your information and is not an endorsement by Tri-State.

NWHS: North Wilmington Homeschoolers

NWHS sponsors a weekly play group at a park and occasional activities during the year. In the past, these activities have included an art show, science fair, literary magazine, used book sale, and Moms’ meetings. The Home School Praise Chorus had its beginnings in NWHS. It is a fairly low-key group, and these activities are only available as volunteers are available/willing to coordinate them. Their most attended activity is play group where the children play together and the moms enjoy visiting.

Request membership by going to: NorthWilmingtonHomeSchoolers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Unschoolers and Others:

This alternative homeschooling group welcomes all backgrounds and orientations with no exclusions.  It emphasizes wanting the best education for your children. Many but not all members unschool.  Roller skating is offered monthly on the third Friday of the month from 1-2:30 at the Christiana Roller Rink.

email: unschoolersandothers@yahoo.com

BVHERO: Brandywine Valley Home Education Resource Organization

This inclusive homeschooling group is open to all, regardless of educational philosophy or religious beliefs.  Families live in northern Delaware and southeastern PA.

www.geocities.com/bvhero

To join, e-mail bvheroes@hotmail.com

St. John Bosco Catholic Homeschoolers of Delaware Support Group

Meets each month on First Friday, usually in the Smyrna area.

For more information contact: (302) - 832-8393 New Castle County, 302-659-3388 Sussex/Kent 302-659-3388 (Cheryl Thomas)

SHERD: Support for Home Educators and Resources in Dover

www.geocities.com/sherdweb
to join, e-mail sherdweb@yahoo.com
This is an inclusive support group for the Kent County Area; it is a grass-roots, all-volunteer organization created to provide support, guidance to resources, and to host group activities for homeschoolers.

Chester County Homeschoolers

This large organization includes smaller geographically-based support groups in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  It offers events, classes, clubs, sports, field trips, resources, information, and a monthly newsletter. For more information call: Claudia Joye at 610-524-0296, or visit their web site at: www.chestercountyhomeschoolers.com

Delco-Homeschool

This e-mail group is for homeschoolers in Delaware County, PA, to post information about upcoming events, opportunities, and concerns in our area. The group is open to all, regardless of educational philosophy or religious beliefs.  All posts relating to homeschooling are welcome with the understanding that each family will take what they like and leave the rest. This is a diverse group, and therefore some posts will reflect the religious or political beliefs of the posters, which may or may not agree with yours.  If you are offended by or concerned about a particular post, please either ignore it or discuss it directly with the poster or the list owner.
--Find LOCAL HOME SCHOOL RESOURCES on the web at:
  http://www.geocities.com/hardingpj/homeschoolresources.html
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

DE Classical Home Educators    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DEClassicalHomeEducatorsNetwork/

An all-inclusive Classical home educators support group for families classically educating their children in the Wilmington-Elkton-Philadelphia area and extending out to N Delaware, NE Maryland, SW New Jersey, and SE Pennsylvania area.   This group is for those following the classical homeschooling education model, such as described in The Well Trained Mind (Jessie Wise and Susan Bauer) or in Teaching the Trivium (Bluedorn's) or similar method.  This group is open to families who are actively home educating children in grades K - 12.

COMMON ACRONYMS

CHAP (pronounced “chap”): Christian Home School Association of Pennsylvania

CHAP puts on a very large home school convention/curriculum fair every spring (usually on the Friday and Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend in May) in Harrisburg, PA. www.chapboard.org

CHEN (pronounced “chen”): Christian Educators Network of Maryland is a large support group for those homeschooling in Maryland.  Visit their website at www.chenmd.org.

DHEA (called by its letters):  Delaware Home Education Association.  DHEA is a volunteer group from the home school community that keeps abreast of legal and legislative developments that affect homeschooling.  DHEA notifies the homeschooling community of legislation that would adversely affect our freedom to home school in Delaware and rallies homeschoolers to voice their opinions to their legislators.  DHEA also is working to draft legislation that more clearly defines the status of homeschooling in Delaware.  This organization is not as visible as Tri-State, but we owe a lot of our homeschooling freedom in Delaware to the diligence and faithfulness of the moms and dads who serve in DHEA.   The board of DHEA consists of home school administrators from around the state.  They meet several times a year to keep current with one another on new developments in the home school community.  Individual family schools are encouraged to join DHEA as associate members.  In the past, DHEA also put on a curriculum fair every other year with workshops, seminars, and vendors.  Currently, DHEA is not running any state-wide curriculum fairs. 

Web address: http://www.dheaonline.org

DOE (called by its letters):   Department of Education

DPI (called by its letters):   Department of Public Instruction

ENOCH (pronounced “ee-knock”): Education Network of Christian Homeschoolers of New Jersey is a large support group/clearinghouse for those educating in New Jersey.  Visit their website: www.enochnj.org

HSLDA (called by its letters): The Home School Legal Defense serves as a guardian of home school rights across the nation.  When you join “HSLDA,” they will represent you legally if your home school is challenged.  For more information about this organization, see the brochure in the back of this packet.  Some umbrella schools require first year members to join HSLDA.  It is an excellent idea.  Excerpts from HSLDA on the legal status of homeschooling in nearby states are included in this packet.  Visit www.HSLDA.org or phone (540) 338-5600.

OCTAI (pronounced “ock-tie”): This stands for “Old Capitol Trail Academy, Inc.,” which everyone calls OCTAI. It is one of several umbrella schools in the area. 

ORCHID (pronounced like the flower): Out Reach to Christian Homeschoolers In Delaware  ORCHID is an organization which holds a home school convention/curriculum fair geared specifically toward Christian homeschoolers.  Visit www.orchidde.com.

PICOS  (pronounced “pee-koes”): What are PICOS?  This phrase was coined by Vicki Tillman and stands for “Person In Charge Of Something” (in Tri-State).  You will hear this name occasionally when we refer to people who are heading up and coordinating events or activities in Tri-State. 

COMMON TERMS

Charlotte Mason Method: This is an educational philosophy based on a British educator, Charlotte Mason.  In this method of education, well-written, stimulating, “living” books are used as the basis for teaching literature, history and science, rather than textbooks.  Rather than requiring book reports and answering comprehension questions in workbooks, children tell in their own words (or narrate) what they have just read or listened to.  Emphasis is placed on observing nature and appreciating art and music .  Karen Andreola is a current, popular homeschooling author and proponent of this method.

Classical Education: This educational philosophy divides a child’s educational journey into the following three stages:  a fact-gathering memorization stage, a learning to reason logically stage, and a learning to evaluate materials and “argue” a point effectively stage.  Living books are used throughout the journey; older students read primary sources and classics, especially from the time of ancient Greece and Rome.  Latin is learned.  Jessie Wise and Susan Bauer are authors of a popular guide (The Well-Trained Mind) to this method.

Co-op: A co-op is one of many ways to share the load of educating your child.  A co-op is the study of one or more subjects by two or more families who have decided to work together to teach the subject(s) to the children in their families.   The teaching load is divided in whatever way is beneficial to the families involved (“I'll teach art; you teach science” or “I'll take the first unit on ancient Egypt, you take the unit on ancient Greece,” etc.)  The frequency of meetings varies from weekly to monthly, depending on the needs of the co-op.   Some co-ops do not concentrate on academic subjects.  Instead, they meet for field trips or gym or drama or show-and-tell, etc. A particular co-op of families may stay together for years, last only one academic year, or meet only enough weeks to study a particular topic (such as the physics of Newton's laws).

Living Books:  Living books refer to well-written books, both fiction and non-fiction.  This type of book captivates the interest of the reader, drawing the reader in to the subject matter.

Principle Approach: This educational philosophy seeks to explicitly reveal God’s hand and purpose in American history.  It delineates a set of Scriptural principles and examines how America did or did not follow the principles.  This approach is also known as a providential approach.

Unit Studies:  Unit studies are one of many ways to educate your child.  Unit studies typically incorporate many subjects into the study of a particular topic or theme.  Topics and themes are usually chosen from history or science.  Pre-packaged, pre-planned unit studies are available for sale or the teaching parent/family can develop their own lesson plans.  Most unit studies use "real," "living" books rather than textbooks as the main source of information for the students.  For instance, a unit study on oceans may incorporate science (density of salt vs. fresh water; marine life; or the study of waves, currents and tides), geography (location of oceans and seas;  countries affected by tidal waves; types of landforms; or effects of erosion), history (discoveries; ocean travel and exploration; battles at sea and for the control of the seas; or use of the sea for the development of commerce), language arts (poetry or other literature with the sea as the theme; vocabulary; compositions), art (both works by others and by the student), music (pieces inspired by or mimicking the ocean),the Bible, etc.  Unit studies can be as comprehensive as desired by the teaching parent.  Another advantage of unit studies is that multiple ages of children can be taught the same topic simultaneously.  Core resources would be completed or read to/by the whole group.  Additional reading or projects would be adapted to the different ages, abilities, and talents of the children.

Umbrella Schools:  An umbrella school is a school made up of families who home school.   An umbrella school registers with the state as a multi-family private school.  It acts as the legal contact with the state for the families in its school. The umbrella school keeps a permanent file for each child and is responsible for reporting to the state on your behalf.  Each umbrella school has its own membership requirements.

Unschooling:  Unschooling is a method of educating one’s children with as little structure as the teaching parents are comfortable.  Typically, the parents provide a broad spectrum of stimulating experiences and information.  Topics are pursued to the depth of the child’s interest.  There is a relaxed trust that the child will eventually “get” all the education that is needed without slavishly adhering to a schedule that is pre-planned by someone else.  John Holt is a proponent of this educational philosophy.  Dorothy and Raymond Moore also promote a relaxed approach like this in a child’s early years.

HOMESCHOOLING AND THE LAW

It is legal to home school in all fifty states, but each state has its own set of laws which govern homeschooling. YOU MUST LEARN THE LAWS WHICH GOVERN HOMESCHOOLING IN YOUR OWN STATE.  Do not rely on someone else’s word.  Read the law for yourself; check HSLDA’s interpretation of the law; check the interpretation provided by the political arm of your state’s home school organization (DHEA for Delaware, CHAP for Pennsylvania, ENOCH for New Jersey, CHEN for Maryland).  Be alert for changes in the laws governing homeschooling in your state.  The law might well have changed after this manual was printed; you might not be reading the most current version of the law in this manual, so CHECK THE LAWS IN YOUR STATE!  Express your views and opinions to your legislators.  Our freedom to home school exists only as long as we are willing to stand up for them in our state legislatures.

Delaware

Check the HSLDA Legal Analysis at:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=DE

DOE forms:

www.doe.state.de.us/Nonpublicwebpages/npindex.htm and click on FORMS.  Alternatively, you may request the forms via an email to Vicki Fields at vfjelsted@doe.k12.de.us or call her at 302-739-4583 and ask to be mailed a home school packet.

Maryland

Check the HSLDA Legal Analysis at:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=MD

Pennsylvania

Check the HSLDA Legal Analysis at:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=PA

Keys to Homeschooling in the Keystone State can be downloaded from CHAP via their website (www.chapboard.org ) or from a vendor such as Debra Bell (www.debrabell.com ).  Another support group called the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers also publishes a book called Guide to Pennsylvania Home School Law; it can be purchased at their website:  www.pahomeschoolers.com .

New Jersey

Check the HSLDA Legal Analysis at:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=NJ

DELAWARE AREA UMBRELLA SCHOOLS

Before enrolling in an umbrella school, check with the umbrella school that it is registered with the state as a multi-family home school.  (It is possible that an umbrella school could be registered as a private school.  Your child can attend a private school.)  Inclusion in this manual does not necessarily mean that the umbrella school has complied with the new state regulations.

New Castle Area--Above Canal

Academy Adonai         408 Victoria Avenue, Wilmington, DE  19804,    302-998-3889

CONTACT PERSON:          Kathryn Stout, Director      

                                       Web address:  www.designastudy.com

MISSION STATEMENT:  Academy Adonai has been established in order to provide specific educational recommendations to aid in the educational progress of any child.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  A commitment to attend four individual meetings with the consultant and to carry out recommendations.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  Four individual consultations per year with educator Kathryn Stout.  Because Kathryn has a master's degree in special education, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, any homeschooling family with a special needs child may consult with her to fulfill the requirements of the Home School Legal Defense Association.

Aquinas Academy        2370 Red lion Rd., Bear, DE 19701

CONTACT PERSON:       John J. Moore, Principal                         302-838-9601

MISSION STATEMENT:  Aquinas Academy is a small, co-educational day school and home school program that is operated by Catholic laymen dedicated to promoting academic excellence and the tradition of a Catholic education.  Aquinas Academy offers personalized instruction, regarding each child as of infinite value in the sight of God in the Salesian tradition.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES: for grades K – 6.  Individualized curriculum for each student.  Instructional support: grading, testing, course syllabi, daily lesson plans, maintaining school records, and transcripts.  Opportunity for homeschoolers to participate in social activities, plays, clubs, art and music classes, recreational activities, and field trips.  Satisfying  state attendance requirements as an “enrolled” student in a private school.  Book/Supply Fee per child.

Christian Heritage Home School       1035 Summit View Drive, Newark, DE  19713

CONTACT PERSON:         Laurie A. Staz-Schelich                                 302-738-8918

Email: jlschelich@juno.com

MISSION STATEMENT:   Christian Heritage Home School is an umbrella school offering direction to homeschooled children in grades K-8^th.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES: Assists parents in creation of portfolios, registration with the Department of Education, opportunities for field trips, and support in all areas pertaining to homeschooling.

Cross Roads Christian Academy                     1667 Iron Hill Road Newark, DE 19702

CONTACT PERSON:  Dorothy Chambers, Administrator             443-309-0660    

MISSION STATEMENT:  Assist parents in successfully educating their children.  We are an independent and interdenominational private school registered in Delaware and Maryland.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  Parents sign contract and agree to show to school that their children are making progress in education.                                                                                

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  Private school umbrella, central record keeping, curriculum development, standardized testing, record keeping forms, co-op groups and assistance, field trips and newsletter, family fellowship meetings.  First year families HSLDA membership required.                                                                             

COMMENTS: We are designed to help families with children in kindergarten through high school.  We will help the latter with transcript development and assistance with college forms and financial aid.

Mt. Sophia Academy   P.O. Box 9925, Newark, DE  19714-5025

CONTACT PERSON:       Marilyn Groop, Principal,       302-292-2007

email: mtsophiahs@yahoo.com   web address: www.mountsophiaacademy.org

MISSION STATEMENT:  The intent of Mt. Sophia Academy’s diploma program is to set a standard and require accountability so that our diploma will mean something to the world outside homeschooling.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  Willingness to adhere to Mt. Sophia's accountability standards, attend consultations, keep portfolio and credit hour logs, assign grades, annual testing for high school students, periodic testing for sibling program.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  initial, mid-year, and final consultations, transcripts, diploma, graduation ceremony, honor society, school ring.  Sibling program allows all students in family to be covered under the same school.

COMMENTS:  Mt. Sophia was designed as a diploma program to assist parents with high school (grades 9-12) to complete an academic education that will have meaning in the outside world of work or higher education.  Allowances are made for children with special needs.  Two diploma tracks are offered; one is for college-prep students and one is for non-college-prep students with special needs who need a developmental diploma.  Mt. Sophia also offers high school level classes which high school students can take, regardless of school affiliation.

New Bear Christian Academy    304 Silver Run Trail, Bear, DE 19701

CONTACT PERSON:  Kim Ogorek, Director         302-325-3753 

 email:  newbear99@juno.com

MISSION STATEMENT:  Homeschooling is not a picnic but a great adventure.  I will be there 200% for your family adventure.

STATEMENT OF FAITH:  Psalm 23:1  I always thought this was about death.  It is also about everyday living.  This psalm reminds us of homeschooling also in that the Lord has gone before us.  If it is His will for us to go this path, He will assure us this is the correct path. 

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  Academic planning, includes Special Ed planning, social gatherings, field trips, quarterly newsletter, art and science classes, DPI reporting, and record keeping.

Old Capitol Trail Academy, Inc.                      

P.O. Box 7709, Newark, DE  19714-7709               302-998-4559                www.octai.com

MISSION STATEMENT:  To provide DE home educators with a legal covering in Delaware; to maintain records for an accountability system for DE homeschoolers; and to promote homeschooling by our example.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:   Enrollment Period:   Families can enroll for the fall semester from June until Aug. 31st, or for the spring semester in December and January.   Applications cannot be processed in mid-semester.  To get an Application Packet, mail $5 to "Application Packet" (address above).  The $5.00 is deductible from the enrollment fees. 

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  See membership agreement in Application Packet.

One-Day-a-Week Schools

City Gates Academy   

Meets at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church, Mt. Lebanon Rd., Wilmington, DE

CONTACT PERSON:  Mara sharp, Director                     302-229-9626      

email: CGA_de@yahoo.com

MISSION STATEMENT:     The school will function as an umbrella school for Delaware residents taking four or more core classes through the school.  We pray that our school will provide a much needed support to homeschooling families.  Our goal is to follow God’s leading in this venture and to be open to change and to grow as He leads.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:   The school offers classes for homeschooling students for grades 5 - 12.  Weekly classroom instruction will provide the framework for parent-assisted days at home.  Parents are responsible to tailor the curriculum to meet the requirements for graduation and/or college admissions. 

Covenant Community School

P.O. Box 328, Middletown, DE 19709                    302-376-9119

CONTACT PERSON: Kim Maloney, Director of Education                

email: tomkim@peoplepc.com
 
MISSION STATEMENT: CCS's goal is to establish an educational environment whereby Christian values are promoted, while emphasizing essential skills critical to the academic, social, physical, and spiritual growth of the child.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS: Parents must both be Christians, have home-schooled at least one year, and take the parenting class "Growing Kids God's Way."

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES: CCS meets on Tuesdays, and offers a comprehensive program for grades K-6 including all academic subjects as well as art, PE, drama, and music.

Towle Institute                       

P.O. Box 580, Hockessin, DE  19707                   302-993-1408                  www.towleinstitute.com

CONTACT PERSON: Kathy Todd, Principal

MISSION STATEMENT:  Towle Institute exists to equip families with the expertise and resources necessary to provide students with a home-based, Christ-centered education.  Recognizing the spiritual, academic, and social advantages of home education, Towle desires to make readily available to a broad range of interested families an alternative to traditional home education.  The school and faculty provide complementary and supplementary academic assistance through weekly instruction and academic planning, but do not replace parents as primary educators.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  All Junior and Senior High School curriculum, lesson plans, lab equipment, and placement tests; central filing of permanent records, year-end testing and reports, and field trips; as well as a hands-on science and writing curriculum for fourth and fifth grades.  For high school students, Towle provides transcripts, PSAT testing, college counseling, a state-recognized diploma, a senior banquet, and a cap and gown graduation ceremony.  In addition, Towle students regularly participate in the following:  Science Fair, Science Olympiad, National Mythology Exam, Natural History Day Competition, National Geography Bee, and Governor’s School.  Call for a brochure.

Delaware--Below Canal

Family Learning Academies, Inc.

P.O Box 279, Kenton, DE  19955                              302-653-1775 www.familylearningacademy.org

CONTACT PERSON: Donna Carroll, Phone Coordinator 

MISSION STATEMENT:  Member families possess different philosophies and want the best possible education for their children.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  Philosophy statement, curriculum plan, faculty meetings, portfolio keeping, report cards, standardized testing for new students grade 4 & up, and August meeting in Dover, DE.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  We are well-organized with committed and experienced leadership; we have parents willing to plan and implement field trips and special activities; and, we are available to answer your questions.  We also have a large loaning library.  Send $3.00 for packet of information.

King’s Kids Academy, Inc.     

P.O. Box 100, Georgetown, DE  19947

CONTACT PERSONS:      Bruce or Debra Fitzgerald       302-628-3204   

e-mail: berger@siteone.net

MISSION STATEMENT:  K.K.A., Inc. is a private school of Christian home educators devoted to the spiritual, emotional, physical well-being, and academic growth of their children.  The membership is structured to provide information, instruction, and support to each of the families as they strive toward short and long-term goals.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  Application, statement of faith (required that parents be born-again believers), letter of commitment, letter from their pastor, and acceptance from the interview committee.   New members are accepted prior to Sep. 15.  Interested parents can visit special events to see what the school is like.  For grades K – 12.

SERVICES  SCHOOL PROVIDES:  Enrichment programs, field trips, and support.

St. Joseph Academy                          

410 Pauline Drive, Clayton, DE 19938      

Contact: Sue O’Hanlon, (302)659-3854     e-mail: ohanlons@familink.com

MARYLAND UMBRELLA PROGRAMS

Churchville  Christian School   P.O. Box 534, Churchville, MD 21028       

410-734-9174                www.churchvillechristianscool.org            fax: 410-734-9147

CONTACT PERSON: Louise Wallen, Office Manager, or Pastor Philip Wallen

MISSION STATEMENT:   Provide families of all faiths with the opportunity to teach their children at home, while at the same time showing them the love of Christ by required Bible study. Our goal is to help families obtain quality learning for their children and be prepared for a brighter future.

COMMENTS:      Churchville Christian School, located in Harford County, Maryland, has been in operation for more than a decade, helping families throughout the state of Maryland with their homeschooling needs. CCS has grown steadily over the years and has become one of the largest umbrellas in Maryland. Our quality of service and very low enrollment fees continue to attract families to our school.
 
Conowingo-Rising Sun Christian Academy                  

201 Connelly Rd., Rising Sun, MD 21911

www.crcs.org                e-mail:homeschool@crcs.org

CONTACT PERSON:        Julia Mullins, Administrator                            410-658-3318                   

MISSION STATEMENT:  As a home school oversight program under the supervision of “The Church of God of Prophecy,” the school allows parents the freedom to educate their children in the way God has appointed while also fulfilling the Maryland state requirements under our supervisor.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  The minimal supervisory requirements of the Maryland state law are imposed.  Parents are given full control and responsibility for their home school program.  Each family chooses, purchases, and implements the materials to be used in the education of their children.  The school does not require any particular curriculum or plan of study.  The family decides how and when materials are covered.  The school does, however, require that each family keep a portfolio of samples of each student’s work to show “regular and thorough instruction” in the required courses.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES: peer review of portfolios, transcripts, record keeping, group graduation, high school diploma

Cross Roads Christian Academy                     1667 Iron Hill Road Newark, DE 19702

CONTACT PERSON:  Dorothy Chambers, Administrator   443-309-0660  

MISSION STATEMENT:  Assist parents in successfully educating their children.  We are an independent and interdenominational private school registered in Delaware and Maryland.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  Parents sign contract and agree to show to school that their children are making progress in education.                                                                                

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  Private school umbrella, central record keeping, curriculum development, standardized testing, record keeping forms, co-op groups and assistance, field trips and newsletter, family fellowship meetings.  First year families HSLDA membership required.                                                                                         

COMMENTS: We are designed to help families with children in kindergarten through high school.  We will help the latter with transcript development and assistance with college forms and financial aid.

Mt. Sophia Academy   P.O. Box 9925, Newark, DE  19714-5025

CONTACT PERSON:        Marilyn Groop, Principal                       302-292-2007   

email: mtsophiahs@yahoo.com   web address: http://www.mountsophiaacademy.org/

MISSION STATEMENT:  The intent of Mt. Sophia Academy’s diploma program is to set a standard and require accountability so that our diploma will mean something to the world outside homeschooling.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:  Willingness to adhere to Mt. Sophia's accountability standards, attend consultations, keep portfolio and credit hour logs, assign grades, annual testing for high school students, periodic testing for sibling program.

SERVICES SCHOOL PROVIDES:  initial, mid-year, and final consultations, transcripts, diploma, graduation ceremony, honor society, school ring.  Sibling program allows all students in family to be covered under the same school.

COMMENTS:  Mt. Sophia was designed as a diploma program to assist parents with high school (grades 9-12) to complete an academic education that will have meaning in the outside world of work or higher education.  Allowances are made for children with special needs.  Two diploma tracks are offered; one is for college-prep students and one is for non-college-prep students with special needs who need a developmental diploma.  Mt. Sophia also offers high school level classes which high school students can take, regardless of school affiliation.

Correspondence Schools

Some families choose to have their child’s school work provided by and graded by a correspondence school.  Tri-State does not endorse any of the following schools but is providing this list for your information.  Check with your particular state as to how enrollment in a correspondence school meets state requirements.  There are many other correspondence schools available with information obtained through an Internet search.

GETTING STARTED

Step 1:  Read this information packet.  Then read, read, read!  Learn about the different styles and methods of homeschooling.  Think about which way might suit your family’s needs best.  Ask questions of anyone you know who home schools.  Ask if you can visit them while they are homeschooling and be a “fly on the wall” so you can see what homeschooling is like.  Ask to see their curriculum.  Know that everyone thinks their own style is best, but there really is no one right way to home school.  Bathe this whole process in prayer.

Step 2:  Attend a Newcomer’s Meeting if possible.  A Newcomer’s Meeting is held June, August, and January each year and is an orientation to homeschooling.  A panel of experienced homeschoolers present information about homeschooling and are available to answer your questions. 

Step 3:  Be aware of your state laws pertaining to homeschooling.  Summaries of the state laws from PA, MD, NJ, and DE (compiled by HSLDA and used with their permission) are included with this packet. 

Step 4:  Join a support group such as Tri-State. Be aware that other support groups do exist.

Step 5:  Join the support group’s mentor program.  Tri-State’s mentor program is designed to offer support and encouragement for the first or second year homeschooler.  Mentors are experienced homeschoolers who can answer the many questions new homeschoolers often have. The mentor will also make an attempt to meet the new homeschooler at a Tri-State function and introduce the new member to others in the group.  We hope this will decrease the numbers of people who quit homeschooling because of a feeling of isolation or lack of support.   Because our group is so large, it is difficult to meet all the individual needs at a group level.   Mentors can help keep make it more personal.

Step  6:  Before you buy any curriculum,   read several books about home education.  Two books that you might find helpful in choosing curriculum appropriate for you and your child are The New Big Book of Home Learning by Mary Pride (Crossway Books) and The Christian Home Educator’s Curriculum Manual by Cathy Duffy (Home Run Enterprises).  Please check to see if they are available in your local library.  They are also widely available from sellers of home school materials. 

Friends who home educate and your mentor are other sources for information regarding curriculum.  There is an impressive variety of basic materials and resources available.  The same lessons are presented in scores of different ways.  Prices range from low to high.  Every “veteran” homeschooler has her own opinion of what is best or (even more intimidating) what is “the only way to go.”  Therefore, it is important for you to determine your own philosophy of education, the learning style of your child, and your own teaching style.  Every family is different and must consider the specific needs of its family. 

Here are some other things to consider when looking through curricula choices.  Calculate the “true cost” by adding the cost of the guidebook plus any extra language arts and math books which are required.  Many “complete” guides do require these extra materials to present a complete program.  If you are considering a Christian publisher, you may wish to know the doctrinal position of the publisher.  Try to determine the amount of preparation time the lessons will need.  Do the lessons follow a logical scope and sequence  (i.e., will it cover basic concepts in a reasonable order)?  Do other students who have already used this material for several years demonstrate character qualities and academic skills which match your goals?  (See Choosing Curriculum.)

Step 7:  For Delawareans, join a DHEA “school” or become an associate member of DHEA.    Refer to the DHEA brochure included in this packet and the information under “Homeschooling and the Law.”   Because it is simplest and easiest, we recommend joining an umbrella school for at least your first year or two. 

Step 8:  Join the Home School Legal Defense Association.  Information regarding HSLDA and an application form are included in this packet. This is not mandatory for Tri-State membership, but we highly recommend this investment, especially for the new homeschooler.   HSLDA offers legal support if your home school is ever challenged.  HSLDA is also constantly vigilant to keep homeschooling legal and as simple as possible.  HSLDA keeps its members informed regarding legal battles that could endanger our rights to home school.   Membership in Tri-State allows you to join HSLDA at a discounted price.  Some umbrella schools also offer the same discounted HSLDA membership. Tri-State’s HSLDA group number is listed in the masthead of Tri-State’s newsletter.

Step 9:  Set goals for your school year.  There are several books that address scope and sequence for each academic year.  Teaching Children   by Diane Lopez is one you might consider.  World Book has short scope and sequences called “Typical Course of Study”  available by calling 1-800-937-7720.  What Your First Grader (…Second Grader, etc.) Should Know by ED Hirsch (Core Knowledge Series) is available from Doubleday.  There are six books in this series from first through sixth grade; these books describe what the author thinks each grade should learn.   Vicki Tillman and Marilyn Groop (410-398-7116) have also compiled a scope and sequence booklet that is available from them for $5.00.   Tri-State usually offers Scope and Sequence Workshops (taught by Vicki and Marilyn) during the academic year. 

These will help you set goals for your child’s grade level.    While these should serve as a guide, adhering to these goals may help your child do well on achievement tests and evaluations.  We also recommend setting goals for character qualities that you hope to develop in your child.  Keep in mind as you set your goals that they are as important for you the teacher as they are for your student. 

One method of goal setting is to set long term goals (What do I want my child to achieve during their years under my care?), short term goals (What do I want my child to achieve this academic year?), plans (How will we attain this goal?), and assessment.  The assessment should probably be performed at least three times per year so that you have the time for remediation if you feel your goal is not being attained.  Sometimes you will feel a need to change your goals--this is your prerogative.  One of the joys of homeschooling is our ability to teach each child as an individual. 

Step 10:  Plan a basic 180 school day calendar.  What days do you want to set aside for vacation or breaks from school?  When do you want to start and end your school year?  Homeschoolers do not have to start the same day as public school children.  Some families run their school year from July to April.  Others follow the traditional September to June schedule.  Still other families school for 6 weeks then take a week off; they follow that cycle year round.  Other families do school off and on during the summer so that skills are not forgotten and so that there is more flexibility during the traditional school year to take time off.  School can be taught on weekends also.  This flexibility allows you to determine the schedule that fits your family best.  It allows you to take into account work schedules, vacations during the off-season, birth of babies, and breaks for “spring fever.”

Step 11:  Purchase school supplies. Allow at least a month for supplies to arrive if ordering in the summer.  Ask the supplier how long it will take, or check their website for an estimate of delivery time.  During the off-season, allow 2 to 3 weeks delivery time.

Step 12:   Make a master plan by breaking your year-long educational goals into monthly or unit-sized goals. To do this, first take into account your scheduled breaks.  Then calculate how many of your 180 school days you actually have available for teaching by estimating how many days are needed for field trips and catch-up days. (Yes, even professional teachers schedule in catch-up days!)  For example, even though you have 180 school days, you might want to set aside 10 days for field trips and one day a month to play catch-up on incomplete work or to participate in extra-curricular activities.   For instance, if you allow 10 days for field trips and 10 days for catch-up, you are left with 160 days to teach. 

Once you know how many teaching days you have, rough out the time schedule for your units.  If you are using a textbook with 10 chapters, rough out what chapter you will be doing over what weeks. (If the chapters are of equal length, you would allot 16 days per chapter.) If you are doing unit studies for history and/or science, how many units will you be covering?  How long should you allow for each unit?  When will you do each unit?

Be aware that these are your goals.  Goals are flexible and not set in stone.  If your child is struggling with a math concept, take the additional time needed to learn it.  Do not proceed through the book just because your master plan says that you need to move on to the next chapter. If your child is fascinated with a topic, take the time to explore it, even if your schedule says to move on.    YOU are in charge of the plan; the plan is not in charge of  you.  The beauty of homeschooling is that you can tailor the education to your child’s and family’s needs and interests.  Allow yourself that freedom without abusing that freedom.

Step 13: Plan a sample school day (or week or month).

Step 14:  Get started!

CHOOSING CURRICULUM

The choices for curriculum are overwhelming.  What follows is some general information to help you get started in choosing curriculum for your child or children.  There is no one perfect method for teaching.  There is no one perfect curriculum.  No curriculum is perfect for every need.  No curriculum is perfect for every child within a family.  We have attempted to give you some guidelines for finding the curriculum that best meets the needs of your family.  Because you have never homeschooled before, you may not be able to form an opinion about some of the factors.  This is okay.  Pray for God’s wisdom and leading, get as informed as you are able, and then choose.  Your personal interest and your love and concern for your child will solve whatever may be lacking in your final curriculum choice.  As the teacher, you can adapt your curriculum to meet your needs.  If it turns out to be too boring, then jazz it up with interesting books or hands-on projects or field trips.  If it is too difficult, then slow down and incorporate other ways of explaining the material.  If it is too easy, then skip problems or sections.  (If your child is whizzing through the problems perfectly, there is no law that says he has to do all of them!)  If there is too much handwriting, then do some of the work orally.  If your choice of curriculum for a particular subject is truly not working for your family, then perhaps you should stop using that part and buy something to replace it.  It is okay to switch to something else mid-year.  (Just save it to sell at the used book sale in May.  Your trash could be someone else’s treasure!)

Factors to Consider in Choosing a Curriculum

1.      Time that you have to plan your teaching

Do you want detailed, day-by-day prepared lesson plans?  Do you want general guidelines from which you will develop daily lesson plans?  Do you want all the materials supplied, or will you have time to buy things, make teaching aids, or borrow items from a library?

2.      Cost

·         How much can you afford?  Take into account the cost of extracurricular activities, anticipated field trips, manipulatives, and supplies for projects as well as for school books.  A very rough rule of thumb is to allow $250 to $500 per child, or approximately $50 per subject.   Many families spend more and many families spend less than this rough estimate.

·         Many factors affect the amount you spend on homeschooling.  Will you be combining children to teach a certain subject? (Perhaps several children will study the same topic in history.  Then less money needs to be budgeted.)  Will you be relying on the library for books to read?  Are the work texts consumable?  Does the publisher give you the right to make photocopies, or do you need to buy one set for each child?  Do you have time to seek out resources to save money, or can you pay for someone else (the publisher or curriculum provider) to have done the resource-fetching and planning?  Can you purchase what you want through a discount supplier or buy it used? Remember to leave some extra money in your budget to buy materials which you did not realize that you would want or need.

3.      Number and ages of children you will be teaching / preschoolers in home

Children who read well can work more independently than those who are poor readers or non-readers.  Is the book written for the child to gain understanding, or is it just a summary with the expectation that an adult will read a teacher manual and then teach the concept?  Will you be combining children to teach certain subjects? (For instance, each child has his or her own math and spelling program, but everyone will study American history and do nature studies, art, and music together.  The closer in age and ability children are, the easier it is to group students together.)

4.      Philosophy of education

Do you prefer classical education or unschooling?  Do you think living books or original, primary sources or textbooks are the best way to learn?  Should all learning take place through the lens of a Christian publisher, or will you be comfortable with secular publishers?  Do all work texts need to explicitly use Scripture or have a Christian worldview, or will you deal with views that are contrary to your beliefs?  Should children learn independently or be teacher-directed?

5.      Learning styles

 Every child has his preferred method of learning.  The more that you can adapt your teaching and the type of materials you use to the child’s learning style, the easier it will be for the child to learn and the fewer struggles you will encounter.   Generally speaking, most young elementary age children prefer hands-on learning experiences.   Typically by third or fourth grade, one style will predominate.  Usually, your curriculum will be slanted heavily toward one style, with a little of every style thrown in.  When teaching subjects that your child struggles with,  seriously consider using your child’s learning style.   Consider the following things to help you assess your child’s learning style:

·         prefers to work independently or  needs constant supervision/companionship

·         hands-on learner or loves worksheets

·         visual learner – learns best by seeing or reading

·         auditory learner – learns best by hearing (either hears others speak in person or on pre-recorded media, or hears himself

·         needs structure or prefers to explore freely

·         needs to move and do lots of different activities

·         prefers to learn in the company of others (either other kids or with Mom)

·         needs to talk to you or others to process what is being learned or to enjoy the learning process

·         hates to waste time and wants “just the facts, ma’am” and detests projects

·         loves the idea of projects

·         needs quiet background to concentrate and hear, or can concentrate best with quiet background music              

·         picks up on and notices the global picture or theme and tends to ignore details OR absorbs and remembers details but misses the “big picture” or theme

For more information about learning styles, read a book by Cynthia Tobias such as The Way They Learn: How to Discover and Teach to Your Child’s Strengths or Discover Your Child’s Learning Style by Mariaemma Willis and Victoria Hodson or listen to Debra Bell’s tape “Determining Your Child’s Learning Style”(available at DebraBell.com).

6.      Your teaching style

How do you like to convey information?  Often, but not always, your teaching style matches your learning style.  Do you learn best by hands-on, project-oriented, discovery methods, by reading and seeing, or by hearing?  How do you want to be involved with your kids?  Are you longing to explore things with the kids?   Do you love to dive into projects and do not mind messes?  Do you want quiet, peaceful days reading and discussing books, studying and exploring nature or art?  Do you want the kids to do as much as they can on their own, using you as a resource or mentor?

7.      How confident you feel in your ability to teach your child

  It can be a good idea, for some families, to buy a full curriculum of textbooks from a single source for the first year of homeschooling.  This is not always the case, as you may have specific reasons for homeschooling that preclude this (i.e., you know that your child does better with hands-on-activities than a workbook style, or you want to spark your child’s interest in learning by making learning more interesting and captivating).  Perhaps you are insecure in your understanding of math, so you want to follow a curriculum for math, but you are very confident in your ability to teach science, so you choose the topics and a variety of appropriate resources for teaching science.  Knowing your personal strengths and your teaching style, as well as your child’s learning style, will be the most help in choosing a curriculum.

8.      Relationship to Traditional Schooling

Are you planning to put your child into a traditional school setting within the next year or two?  If so, do you need to use the curriculum of that school so that your child can become accustomed to it?  What topics will be covered in that school?  For what do you need to prepare your child?   To avoid boredom, you probably do not want to cover the same topics this year if your child will get the same topics next year in a traditional school setting.  What topics does the school expect your child to already have taken or mastered (this is especially important for math)?  Consult the school to answer these questions.

If you are removing a child from a traditional school setting, what topics were covered in the past year in history and science?  To avoid boredom, you probably do not want to cover those same topics again this year.  Where is your child in math or language arts skills?  Do you need to cover any gaps in understanding?  What level are they really ready for?  (Expectations do vary some from publisher to publisher.)  Consult with their teachers and/or their textbooks to determine what was learned and what areas need to be worked on.    

Curriculum Types

Video Courses                  Correspondence Schools                                                      

Unit Studies                     Unschooling

Computer classes – either CD-Rom or on-line

Complete curriculum from a single publisher (textbooks)   

Picking and choosing between several publishers and/or methods 

What to Look for in a Curriculum

Style of Textbook:          independent work 

            teacher input-- in lesson preparation & actual teaching time. 

Keeping in mind your child’s motivation level and academic prowess:

Is there a lot of white space on the page or are there lots of interesting sidebars and tidbits?

Is it colorful and eye-appealing, too distracting, or too dull?

Are there frequent review exercises?

Is there too much / not enough content?

Does the material contain a lot of rote memory vs. learning of concepts?

Does the material move fast enough, or is it too slow to sustain your child’s interest?

Can your child keep pace with the introduction of new concepts?  Is it too fast or too slow?

Living Books:  These generally require more teachers planning time, but several grades can be taught simultaneously in subjects such as science and social studies (and to some extent language arts) so overall preparation time and teaching may balance out. 

Unit Studies:  While unit studies require more teacher preparation (although there are many ready-to-use units) than a traditional textbook approach, unit studies offer the advantage of being able to teach several students simultaneously and usually include hands-on activities that help reinforce the information that is being learned.  Unit studies work well for science and social studies activities and can include creative writing.  Grammar, spelling, and math are more difficult to teach using the unit study method.  Although some of these concepts can be included, these subjects require precept upon precept teaching that is best covered using textbooks for each grade level.                             

CURRICULUM SOURCES

Local Stores

Tri-State does not necessarily endorse these stores or centers, although their resources are very helpful to teachers and parents alike.  Many of these stores offer teacher discounts.  Be sure to ask!  You may be asked to display a "teacher" card.  These are available through your "umbrella" school.  Because Tri-State is not a school, we do not issue "teacher" cards.  Single family schools can issue themselves their own teacher identification cards.

Double-check that these teacher resource centers are still located at the addresses listed and that they are available to home educators.  Their location, hours, and availability change frequently.

Borders, 101 Geoffrey Dr., Newark, DE, 302-366-8144 or 4221 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE    302-477-0361

Family Christian Stores, 1103 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE, 302-368-7002 or Peoples Plaza, Glasgow, DE   302-834-1013

The Learning Station, 121 East Main Street, Newark, DE  302-737-4117

The Map Store, 3301 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington, DE   302-576-8900

Teacher’s Bookbag, 900 Peoples Plaza, Glasgow, DE 302-836-4000

The Claymont Community Center,  3301 Green Street, Claymont, 302-761-7494.

The Delaware Teacher Center and Family Resource Center, Baltz School, Elsmere, 302-892-3282, has laminating machines, cutters and magazines available. MWTh 5-8PM

Teacher Center, Middletown H.S., Mon.-Thurs., 3-6PM, 378-2757

Delaware Teacher Centers:  These centers offer laminating, camcorders, vcr’s, tape duplication, and curriculum and resources.

Claymont - 792-3858               Newark - 454-2431            Dover - 739-5569

Harrington - 398-4272             Lewes 645-6250               Seaford - 629-5711            Millsboro - 934-7416

These centers offer free classes throughout the year.  For information call Delaware Teacher Center Department of Public Instruction (ask for course listing). 

New Castle and Sussex Counties  (800) 282-8770                         Kent County  736-6723

Delaware Learning Resource Centers:  The state collection consists of over 25,000 books, cassettes, filmstrips, records, videos, manipulatives, and games.  Located in Willard Hall on Main Street in Newark is a lending library filled with manipulatives, textbooks, tapes, videos, filmstrips, science kits, games, puzzles, globes, and books.  Typewriters and paper cutters are available for use there, and laminating is available for a fee per linear foot.  It is open to all parents and teachers in Delaware.  Call for hours.  Checkout time is 2 weeks.

012 Willard Hall              Kent County LRC               Sussex County LRC

U of D                                       Central Middle School       Del Tech Community College Newark, DE 19716              Delaware Ave.                    Southern Campus

451-2084                                   Dover, DE  19901                         Georgetown, DE  19947

831-2335                                   736-5558                                     856-5429

NASA Goddard Research Center---Teacher Center    Greenbelt, MD, 20771

Lots of free teaching materials that have to do with science.

The basement of the Air & Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., houses a great selection of free curriculum for teachers.  Make sure to take along blank video tapes and computer disks on which to have information copied.  This is our tax dollars at work!

*Do not forget your public libraries and museums!  Consider purchasing a family membership to a museum.  Besides allowing repeat visits for free, one family membership often gets you into quite a few different area museums.  Family membership also gives you a discount at the museum store.

Curriculum Companies

Listed below are companies which sell homeschooling curriculum and supplies.  An   asterisk (*) after the company’s phone number indicates that a paper catalog can be requested.

READING LIST

Tri-State does not necessarily endorse the books found on this list. The purpose of this list is to assist the new homeschooler in finding resources that may help, encourage, or bring practical advice to the realm of home education.   Books marked with an *  can be found in the New Castle Public Library System.  Do a search and read them (or at least check them out) before you buy them.  Others can be purchased from the web sites listed above!  If you do not have a background with homeschooling and you are looking for a very first book to read about homeschooling, Tri-State recommends The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell.

Title                                                                      Author

Philosophies of Education

*The How and Why of Homeschooling                                                      Ray E. Ballmann

*For the Children's Sake [an introduction to Charlotte Mason]                    Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

*Better Late Than Early                                                                          Raymond Moore

*Home Grown Kids                                                                                 Raymond Moore

  Home Style Teaching                                                                            Raymond Moore

*The Successful Home School Family Handbook                                        R. & Dorothy Moore

*Schoolproof                                                                                         Mary Pride

Curriculum Guides

*Christian Home Educator's Curriculum Manual (Elementary and Secondary)           Cathy Duffy

*What Your 1st (2nd, 3rd,....6th) Grader Needs to Know                                        E. D. Hirsch

*Teaching Children: a Curriculum Guide to What Children Need to Know At Each Level

                                                                                                                        Diane Lopez

  What Your Child Need to Know When (...Checklist for Gr.K-8)                               Robin Scarlata

Homeschooling References

*The Home School Manual                                                                      Ted Wade

  Teaching Kindergartners/*Primaries/Juniors (3 separate bks.)                  Ruth Beechick

*Teaching Preschoolers                                                                          Ruth Beechick

*The 3 R's Series           :

            Home Start in Reading                                                                Ruth Beechick

            Easy Start in Arithmetic

            Strong Start in Language

*Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling                                                           Debra Bell

  Honey for a Child's Heart                                                                       Gladys Hunt

*The Big Book of Home Learning (vol. 1 – 4)                                             Mary Pride

*The Complete Home Learning Sourcebook                                             Rebecca Rupp

*Getting Started on Home Learning                                                         Rebecca Rupp

  Books Children Love                                                                              Elizabeth Wilson

General Resources

The Charlotte Mason Companion                                                 Karen Andreola

*You CAN Teach Your Child Successfully                                                  Ruth Beechick

*Hard Times in Paradise                                                                         David & Micki Colfax

*Homeschooling the Teen Years                                                             Cafi Cohen

*Homeschooling for Excellence                                                                David & Micki Colfax

*Homeschooling the Early Years                                                             Linda Dobson

  Successful Homeschooling                                                                     Richard Fugate 

 Motivating Your Kids from Crayons to Career                                            Cheri Fuller

*How to Home School                                                                            Gayle Graham

*Homeschooling the Middle Years                                                           Shari Henry

*Unofficial Guide to Homeschooling in Delaware                                        M. Hogan, & J.Baker

*How Children Fail                                                                                 John Holt

*How Children Learn                                                                              John Holt

*Learning All the Time                                                                            John Holt

  The Relaxed Home School                                                                     Mary Hood 

  Wisdom’s Way of Learning                                                                   Marilyn Howshall

*Homeschooling From Scratch                                                                Mary Potter Kenyon

*The Right Choice: Homeschooling                                                          Chris Klicka

*Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days                                                     Nancy Lande

*A Charlotte Mason Education                                                                 Catherine Levinson

*More Charlotte Mason Education                                                           Catherine Levinson

  A Survivor's Guide to Homeschooling                                                      Shackelford and White

  Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U+La                                            Barbara Shelton

*The Key to Your Child's Heart                                                                Gary Smalley

  Teach Me Lord That I May Teach                                                           B. & D. Smith

  How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team                                                     Charles Stanley

  You and Your Child                                                                               Chuck Swindoll

*Every Child Can Succeed                                                                       Cynthia Tobias

*The Way They Learn                                                                            Cynthia Tobias

  Things We Wish We'd Known...                                                 Diana Waring 

  Beyond Survival: A Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling                       Diana Waring

*The Well-Trained Mind                                                                         J. Wise and S. Bauer

Especially for Fathers

*The Homeschooling Father                                                                    Michael Farris

  What Kids Need Most in a Dad                                                               Tim Hansel

  How to be a Hero to Your Kids                                                               Josh McDowell

Record Keeping/Organization

The Revised Home Education Copy Book                                       Katherine von Duke

Child/Character Training

*The Book of Virtues                                                                              William Bennett

Developing Character                                                                              Caruso, Marks & Peterson

The Child's Book of Character Building                                                      Ron & R. Coriell

*Dare to Discipline                                                                                 James Dobson

Searching For Treasure                                                                         Marty Elwell

A Mother's Heart                                                                                    Jean Fleming

Polished Cornerstones / Plants Grow Up                                                  Pam Forster

What the Bible Says About Child Training                                      Richard Fugate

Patch the Pirate Tapes and CD’s                                                              Ron Hamilton/Majesty Music

Wisdom and the Millers, Storytime with the Millers,                                   Mildred A. Martin

            Missionary Stories with the Millers, Prudence and the

            Millers, School Days with the Millers

Home Built Discipline                                                                               Raymond, Dorothy Moore

Peacemaker/ Young Peacemaker                                                 Ken Sande/ Corlette Sande

What Would Jesus Do?/In His Hands                                                         Charles M. Sheldon         Combined or Separate (for ages 2-4)                                                          classic retold by M. Thomas       

Growing Up God's Way                                                                            John A. Stormer

Household Organization

*Clutter's Last Stand                                                                              Don Aslett                

*Make Your House Do the Housework                                                      Don Aslett

Dinner's in the Freezer                                                                            Jill Bond

¢ents and ¢en$-abilitie$                                                                          Kathy Bradford

*Clutter Control                                                                                     Jeff Campbell

My First 300 Babies                                                                                Gladys Hendrick

*401 Ways to Get Your Kids to Work at Home                                           McCullough and Monson

Magazines for Kids

Your Big Backyard/Ranger Rick    NWF, PO Box 777, Mt. Morris, IL  61054-0777

Chickadee/Owl                                                   800-387-4379 (science)

God's World Papers                                            800-951-2665

Kids Discover                                                     800-284-8276

Ladybug/Spider/Cricket                                       800-827-0227

Nature Friend

Weekly Reader                                                   800-446-3355

National Geographic World

Zoo Books

Highlights, Puzzlemania, Top Secret Adventures

Cobblestone Publishing Company, publishers of COBBLESTONE Magazine - each full-color, 52-page themed issue of COBBLESTONE is packed with lively and compelling articles and sidebars. Historic photographs, original illustrations, primary documents, maps, activities, and contests complement the text and appeal to young readers. To ensure historical accuracy and interesting reading, COBBLESTONE works closely with historians, leading children's writers, and museum personnel. Also publishes BABYBUG, LADYBUG, SPIDER, CRICKET and other kids magazines. Many of these magazines are in the New Castle County Libraries, but you may want a subscription for your child.  Back issues are available.  They also have a limited amount of other resources online.

Magazines for Families

Family Fun                                             800-365-4438                www.familyfun.com

Home Education Magazine                       800-236-3278                www.home-ed-magazine.com

Homeschooling Today                             281-492-6050                www.homeschoolingtoday.com

The Old Schoolhouse                              530-823-0447                www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com

Practical Homeschooling                          800-346-6322                www.home-school.com

The Teaching Home                               503-253-9633                www.teachinghome.com

Growing Without Schooling          no longer published; back issues can be ordered at www.fun-books.com

If you know someone who is dubious about the effectiveness of homeschooling, consider arming yourself with the results of professional, academic research by Dr. Brian Ray.      Dr. Ray has written several books on this topic based upon his research findings, and he referees an academic research journal about home-based education.  Check his website for information and to purchase books: www.nheri.org.

20 Elements of Success in Christian Home Education

Periodically evaluating how your family includes and balances these basic elements will keep you on track for success. 

1. Bible Knowledge Develop your children’s Bible knowledge and Bible study skills by ordering grade level Bible curriculum from a Christian publisher, choosing an upgraded family Bible study guide, or reading through the Bible together, stopping to explore meanings and applications. Memorize Bible passages together by drilling verse cards, reading or reciting aloud, or writing and rewriting them. 

2. Scriptural Perspective Curriculum materials from Christian publishers avoid atheistic slants and portray a biblical view. When you use other materials (e.g., library books and encyclopedias), guide your children’s understanding in light of Scripture. You can do Bible studies based on school topics as well. 

3. World View Knowledge of Bible doctrine and principles provides a vantage point for an accurate, discerning, yet compassionate world view. 

4. Character Training Qualities such as diligence, responsibility, and consideration can be studied in the Bible and other literature, charted to show personal progress, made the theme of a unit study, or developed through chores and projects. 

5. Spiritual Growth Christian homeschoolers seek to promote their children’s spiritual growth, including personal acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and loving dedication to Him.

6. Useful Habits Regular habits that minimize stress, save time, and provide other benefits include grooming and health habits, courteous behavior and speech, concentration on studies, and initiative and thoroughness in chores. 

7. Family Teamwork Each member of the family can make a contribution to the success of the whole. Toddlers can pick up toys, young children can do simple chores, older ones can take on larger responsibilities, teenagers and some preteens can help with teaching, and parents can encourage, support, and help each other. 

8. Organization Organization of time and space contributes to an effective home-school environment. Schedules and lesson plans, however flexible, give direction to daily activities. An orderly household with a planned time and place for everything facilitates education and allows more enrichment activities.

9. Atmosphere A positive atmosphere of mutual love and respect makes teaching and learning more effective. Parents’ understanding attitudes foster parent-child interaction. 

10. Involvement Children learn best from parents who are closely involved with them in work, play, conversation, study, and all of life. 

11. Example It is important for parents to model dedication to God, good character traits, disciplined habits, and enthusiasm for learning. Parents also need to supervise and limit children’s exposure to poor examples in TV programs, books, or the behavior of friends. 

12. Experiences Varied experiences, such as shopping, errands, home repairs, nursing home visits, trips to local museums and work places, and out-of-town excursions build the background knowledge for academic learning. 

13. Understanding Parents who are sensitive to their child can recognize and accommodate his readiness to learn new concepts, his abilities or difficulties in various areas, his personal interests, and his tendencies to learn best by either sight, sound, touch, or movement. 

14. Motivation Parents can use a child’s curiosity, needs, and interests to motivate learning. They can stimulate new interests through reading, conversation, questions, and family activities. The ultimate motivation for both parent and child is to serve our Lord and others. 

15. Discipline The goal of raising self-disciplined children can be reached only after they learn to willingly accept parental discipline. Parents must consistently require children to behave according to established standards. Affirmation should follow obedience and cooperation; negative consequences are appropriate when a child disobeys or rebels. 

16. Thinking Skills Parents need to ensure children are developing the skills of thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Children also need to learn how to study and learn on their own. Besides curriculum materials that contribute to these aims, parents can design questions and projects to stimulate such growth. 

17. Mastery In developing the foundational skills of reading, language, and math, children need to thoroughly master some concepts before others. (This does not apply as much to subjects such as history, literature, and science in which topics can be studied in any order.) Children must review frequently in all subjects to be sure learning is retained. True mastery is demonstrated by generalizing from facts and applying principles. 

18. Connected Knowledge It is valuable to make connections between facts. A master time line or categorized fact file can help you find and call attention to historical events, geographical locations, scientific developments or facts, literature, and art that relate to your present study. These relationships between facts, concepts, and previously acquired knowledge help children to understand and remember what they are taught. 

19. Resources Educational resources that can be used repeatedly include reference books (encyclopedia, dictionaries, thesauruses, Bible concordances, atlases, nature guides, etc.) and higher-level textbooks. Also collect aids such as time lines, maps, globes, pictures, charts, videos, and tapes; manipulatives for math or other subjects; educational games and software; and various tools. 

20. Life Skills Life skills include budgeting; cooking; shopping; driving; repairs; maintaining a house, yard, and car; banking; voting; and finding information by phone, letter, or Internet. (Supervise Internet use closely.) Children receive training and practice in these skills as they work with parents. When able, children may take responsibility for entire areas, thus rehearsing for adult life.   

 Copyright 2001 by The Teaching Home, Box 20219, Portland OR 97294, tth@TeachingHome.com, www.TeachingHome.com. Used with permission.

Checklist for Starting a School Year

by Cindy Short and Sue Welch, editors

□ Prayer. Pray for wisdom, guidance, and strength (Prov. 3:5-6). Make a daily quiet time with God top priority.

□ Communication. Maintain good communication with your spouse at each step in the process. One parent may do most of the research, planning, or teaching, but the other should be informed and involved in decision-making, especially setting goals.

□ Goals. Write out, or review, your long-range goals and philosophy (fundamental convictions) for your children’s education and training. Include Bible verses and plan for both academic subjects and nonacademic areas such as character and life skills. Make changes or additions as you gain insight and experience.

□ Inventory. Take inventory of each child’s knowledge, skills, and character. You may use standardized tests, publishers’ diagnostics, or homemade oral or written tests in addition to your everyday observations.

□ Objectives. Set objectives for each child that will move him toward your long range goals. (Several children can share similar objectives in subjects like history or science. They would usually be at different levels in math and have different needs in character development.) You may find a publisher’s scope and sequence or a list of concepts usually taught at each level helpful for ideas or a guide in choosing materials to fit your objectives. Discuss these objectives with each child privately, and explain how they fit into the big picture of his future.

□ Methods. Consider various teaching methods, curriculum, and other available resources. Basic differences involve the degree of structure or flexibility you wish to use at each stage of your child’s development. If possible, visit a curriculum fair.

□ Budget. Rework your budget, allocating funds for educational materials. You may be able to spend less on “school” clothes or transportation and emphasize learning tools, books, and games for gifts. Less expensive foods that require more preparation cut costs and also provide life skills education.

□ Reference Library. Add to your family’s library of reference books, quality literature, and educational audio-visual and software aids that will help meet your objectives.

 □ Libraries. Learn how to use your local library system and how to reserve books or order them through interlibrary loans. Explore the reference section. Also browse through your church library.

□ Materials. Choose and list the methods and materials that you will use to meet your objectives for each child this year. Then, ideally, order or collect materials early! Textbooks or workbooks can be supplemented with unit studies, games, projects, etc., to cover all objectives. You may select only parts of some books if the other material will be (or was) covered at another time. Decide which of your children could be taught some material together for most efficient use of time and effort. For example, you could read a Christian history text at an intermediate-level to all your children, assigning age-appropriate projects such as oral discussion or a play for young children, extra reading or research for older children.

□ Legal Arrangements. To comply with your state laws as fully as possible, contact your state organization and consider joining Home School Legal Defense Association.

□ Household Organization. Do a thorough cleaning of your house. Get rid of unused items and store little-used ones out of the way. Designate a place for everything, including space for books and school supplies.

□ Family Schedule. Reorganize your family’s schedule and chore assignments to fit your educational activities. Train children to do household tasks and establish regular meal and bed times.

□ Discipline. Deal consistently with behavior or attitude problems.

□ Commitment. Be prepared to handle opposition or lack of immediate success through prayer, adjustment, and perseverance.

□ Head Start. Establish nonacademic (e.g., Bible, life skills) portions of your program several weeks before other studies begin.

□ Teacher Review. Study basics of math, phonics, and spelling to prepare for presenting them to your children. Look through an English handbook that you will use for reference. You can learn or review other material with your children as they study it.

□ Calendar. Plan your year’s calendar, marking school days, test days, vacations, and special events.

□ Preparation. Familiarize yourself with your curriculum, noting unit divisions, and collect any needed supplementary materials.

□ Planning. Decide and list which topics, units, or subjects you will cover during which weeks or months to make an overall year’s plan. For example, you could plan a certain number of pages per day in math and language, a chapter every two weeks in history and science, or a history chapter each week in the first semester and a science chapter each week in the second. Units can also be shifted to coincide with related events or seasons.

□ School Schedule. Use your plan to develop your daily and weekly schedule of studies.

□ Record Keeping. Decide how you will record planned and actual activities.

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