THSC is joining the Family Rights Foundation in offering a Continuing Legal Education seminar on Defending the Family Against CPS. We are gratified and excited about the tremendous response! If you are a lawyer and are interested in attending, be sure to register by November 3rd to guarantee a seat at this important and informative event!

Responding to the urgent need for advocacy and the legal defense of families against false Child Protective Services (CPS) allegations, Texas Home School Coalition has launched an effort to build a network of attorneys who are willing to help. THSC is therefore offering FREE registration to lawyers in exchange for an agreement to handle one pro bono CPS case that is referred by THSC or the Family Rights Foundation. This seminar is approved for continuing legal education credit by the State Bar of Texas.

THSC President Tim Lambert; Family Rights Foundation President Chris Branson; and Paul Stuckle, attorney at law, will be the speakers at this important event. The seminar will be held Friday, November 10, 2006, at the Houston Hotel Marriott, 5150 Westheimer in Houston.

If you are not a lawyer but you know a home- school friendly attorney, please pass this information along! We need to have as many lawyers as possible included in this important educational experience!

October 23-November 3, 2006, Texans can participate in early voting. (Click on the graphic to see schedule of 2006 election dates and deadlines.)

Some may wonder why they should vote early. Well, you never know what hindrances might present themselves on Election Day. As home schoolers and parents in general, most of us understand that principle!

You still have Good Citizenship opportunities with your students between now and Election Day. Texas families need to educate their friends and neighbors about the importance of selecting the candidates who will best represent the interests of families. Home schoolers will find teaching moments in many places! Read Tim Lambert’s article, Dual Citizenship: a Christian's Responsibility, an encouragement for involvement in the political arena.

Have a senior this year? Click on the graphic to read a home school graduate’s view of what comes next.

As the new school year is well underway, many home schoolers have begun making plans for their seniors’ 2007 graduations. Do not let the diploma decision fall through the cracks in the midst of the big event planning!

In Texas, as private school officials, parents determine the requirements for high school graduation. When met, the student may receive a diploma. THSC Association makes available this custom diploma on which you may have not only your student's name and graduation date but also your school's name and a life verse, if desired. You can choose from four different wording styles, four fonts and several types of paper. You even have the diploma kit option, with which you get a custom diploma and an attractive black, padded cover for a great presentation.

Prices:
Diploma: $13
Padded cover: $15
Diploma Kit: $22 (BEST DEAL!)

Remember that THSC Association members can take 10% off these and all regular-priced items in the store.

Brandon Hendrickson, a graduate student at Arizona State University, wrote an article based on his experience of seeing home schooling from both sides. His entertaining and insightful commentary on a Kentucky public school situation was posted August 28, 2006, at asuwebdevil.com. Excerpts follow:

“Homeschool system could teach public schools a thing or two

“While it's disturbing that homeschoolers are being equated with dropouts, I'm more concerned with the reasoning of Superintendent Tim Moore, who is behind this clever idea.

”When asked to defend his attack on home educators, he replied, ‘Education is more than learning in books.’ He added, ‘social aspects of school are important as well,’ according to the [Kentucky The Ledger Independent] article.

THSC Association is pleased to highlight its discount for members with PE’AH, part of its ever growing list of benefits. PE'AH (pay-ah) provides money-saving opportunities to home educators and their families to help stretch home schooling dollars further. THSC Association members can get a personalized PE'AH card for just $16.95! (The regular price is $24.95.) Get more home school discounts easily and hassle-free, with confidence!

Join THSC Association now, and begin immediately to enjoy the many benefits and discounts. A payment plan is now available, so you can work this valuable asset into your home school budget!

There are many reasons that parents choose to homeschool their children. Diana Schoberg tells of an unusual one in her article, which was posted on August 26, 2006, at patriotledger.com. Excerpts from the article follow:

“DOG DEBATE OVER - Scituate family to home-school child after schools balk at service dog

“The debate over whether an 8-year-old girl with a rare bone disease can bring her service dog to school has ended. That’s because Hailey Manduca won’t be attending second grade in Scituate schools when classes start next week.

”Her parents, Cheryl and Richard Manduca, have decided to home-school Hailey, her mother said yesterday.”

When a THSC Association member was threatened with a visit from CPS as a result of her agreement to respond only to requests submitted in writing, Tim Lambert wrote a letter to Canyon ISD that can be read at the link below.