After months of preparation and anticipation, the state home school conference was held in The Woodlands August 17-19, and attendees were encouraged and prepared as they were getting ready to start a new school year!

We had such a great time that we wanted to share it with those of you on our E-Newsletter list. We have prepared for your enjoyment a pictorial review that tells the story in a way that words just cannot express. Take a peek ; you might get to see someone you know!

As always happens, we came home with some items that don’t belong to us. Check out Lost and Found to see if we have that special missing item that belongs to your family.

Missed the convention? Interested in rehearing some great workshops? Go to the website of Rhino Technologies to order a tape or CD to keep. Not sure which ones you’d like to order? See the descriptions of the workshops.

Then don’t forget to mark your calendar for next year’s date. We’ll see you again at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott on August 16-18, 2007!

An article by Erin Pustay, which was posted on IndeOnline.com, follows the experiences of Ohio home school families, each with individual educational methods. Excerpts of the article follow:

“Taught at home

“Curiosity is the road to success. Learning is the journey along the way.

“That’s the philosophy of Nancy Jackson, a Jackson Township woman who has taken on the role of tour guide as her children explore the world around them academically, socially and morally.”

In an article posted Tuesday, August 15, 2006, on EastBayRI.com, the author gives a short history of home schooling in the U.S. The article tells of the support and concerns that always arise in conversations about home education. Excerpts follow:

“Educate yourself on pros, cons of home schooling

"EAST BAY - What does Thomas Edison, one of the country's greatest and most prolific inventors, have in common with 1.1 million U.S. children today? Edison was home schooled, the process by which children are educated at home rather than at a public or private school. While all states have compulsory education laws which demand children attend school for a set minimum number of hours and days per year, the reasons why parents would choose to home school their child are as varied as Edison's inventions."

Tim Lambert will be speaking at West Houston Home Educators’ monthly support group meeting. He will discuss "Fulfilling the Good Citizenship Requirement" and a Christian’s responsibility to be involved. He will tell about THSC’s upcoming Capitol Days and why it is important to attend.

Date: September 12,2006
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Peace Community Church, Houston
5151 Addicks-Satsuma Rd.

For more information, contact Michelle McKissick at (281) 345-8745.

Learn about the September holiday coming soon. What is this day of recognition all about, and how did it originate? The U.S. Department of Labor website will enlighten you and your children about this American day-off and its purpose.

Over the next few weeks, THSC’s Tim Lambert will be traveling around the state to address various home school support groups on “What Every Texas Home Schooler Needs to Know About the Law.” When home schoolers know what is and is not required of them, they can help preserve their rights to direct the education of their children.

Details on times and places follow:

PALESTINE
Date: August 29th
Time: 6:30 p.m. meal
Place: Bethesda Missions

The dinner is open to anyone who would like to come. Please RSVP. For directions or more information, call Alicia Hutton at (903) 723-0902.

GARLAND
Date: September 5th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Saturn Road Church of Christ
3030 Saturn Rd.

For more information, contact Jamie Smith, (972) 471-0163.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, in partnership with Target stores and in cooperation with affiliate State Centers for the Book, invites readers in grades 4 through 12 to enter Letters About Literature, a national reading-writing contest.

The deadline for 2007 competition entry is December 8, 2006.

Tim and Lyndsay Lambert team up in this helpful DVD in which they talk about what you need to know and do to be prepared to homeschool in Texas. They address the law in Texas as well as the practical aspects of getting started.

If you need a little encouragement as you begin a new season in your life or if you need to have your confidence bolstered in this new school year, check into this helpful resource.

The price is $18 Remember that THSC Association members take 10% off this and other resources available through us. Check out the complete listing of benefits.