2019
www.californiahomeschool.net
May 2019
Learning Through Play
In This Issue
3 Graduation - A CHN Tradition 8 CHN Fiber Arts 10 Behind the Scenes: CHN Family Expo Vendor Hall 11 Vendor's Corner 13 CHN Family Expo's Art Room 16 Raffle Fun 18 CHN's Family Village - A Labor of Love 22 My Experience on the Teen Planning Committee 26 CHN Fall Camp Out 31 Local Contacts 33 Meet the Board
Attend Graduation. You will love it. Guaranteed. When my daughter was four, we attended our very first CHN Family Expo. We had only recently made the decision to Home School and, as many of you will relate, were feeling rather overwhelmed with the prospect at taking on such a Herculean task. Although we had many friends that homeschooled, until Expo, we couldn’t quite wrap our brains around how we were going to manage educating our daughter all the way through High School, if that was even possible. Although the majority of our time at Expo was spent playing in the Family Village, we were fortunate enough to be joined by many other parents, some of whom had been homeschooling older children for years, who were willing to recommend, suggest, and generally support us in our decision to homeschool. Not everyone recommended the same things, of course, because Homeschoolers by nature are rather individual, but one refrain was echoed by all the parents there, go to Graduation. Graduation? For homeschoolers? I couldn’t imagine anything more useless, boring or mundane. We were choosing to leave traditional schooling for a reason, and the idea that other families who had made a similar choice would be so excited about something that seemed to be a mainstay of public school education, and a boring one at that, seemed completely at odds. When we would respond with confusion at their suggestion, every single family was adamant that the CHN Family Expo Graduation was like no other graduation we had ever attended and we would love it, guaranteed. Up to that point, my husband and I had participated in four graduations between us, two for High School and two for college. When we received our Masters degrees, we had decided to skip the graduation ceremony because, frankly, we couldn’t imagine sitting through another long, drawn out event that took an entire day when our diplomas would arrive in the mail several weeks later whether we participated or not. We had much better things to do on a Saturday afternoon and we haven’t regretted missing the ceremony even once. By the end of Expo, we were exhausted. We debated back and forth about whether we should stay for Graduation or just head home. We had already checked out of our hotel room and the car was loaded. But, even though our daughter was just as tired as we were, she wasn’t quite ready to let the fun end, so we decided to stay, at least until it got boring which we were confident it would. The room was packed with people, already hot, and we were surprised to see many young, barefoot children running in and out of the aisles as they tried to wait for the graduation to begin. I remember thinking how incongruous that seemed with the seriousness of the occasion, but how normal it seemed for a homeschool function, how fitting. When the room became still and the lights dimmed, a video began to play at the front of the room. A video with pictures of the graduates was shown as they processed to the front of the room to take their place on the small stage. Pictures representing the span of their homeschooling life; playing, laughing, participating in sports, playing instruments, doing science experiments, and so many wonderful examples of how they had spent their time homeschooling. There were pictures of siblings, parents and other family members, as well as friends and, although I knew this video was only a snap shot, it was inspiring to see. As I recall, the speaker only spoke a few short minutes and then the first family was called to the stage. Yes, the entire family. We were shocked. The parents, diploma in hand, stood at the mike and began to tell us about their graduate. Their story was filled with the challenges they faced, how they overcame those challenges, and the fun they had had along the way. Then, the graduate took the mike. This was perhaps the most shocking of all. There could be no greater recommendation for homeschooling than having a 17 or 18 year old stand before a room of mostly strangers to thank their parents or guardians for taking the risk and deciding to homeschool. There was such heartfelt gratitude and love expressed that at that moment, we knew we could do it, too. At that moment, we knew this was probably the most important aspect of the graduation ceremony, showing families that homeschooling is possible for them, as well. Many other graduates spoke about their experiences too, and I cried along with the audience whether I knew the graduate or not. It was truly one of the most celebratory, happy crying experiences I have ever done. Years later, and after attending nearly every CHN Family Expo Graduation since that first one, my husband and I decided to take over coordinating the Graduation ceremony as the previous coordinators were stepping down. We had spent years loving the ceremony so it seemed like a perfect fit for us. These last few years working with the families have been a labor of love. Each family has had a unique perspective and an individual experience of homeschooling and it has been our distinct pleasure to, in some small way, help them share it. Whether we know the families personally or not, we are always moved by their stories and love watching them celebrate this milestone. If you have never attended the CHN Family Expo Graduation, I will give you the advice the homeschooling families gave us that very first year. Attend graduation. You will love it. Guaranteed.
By: Tina Janzen
Graduation - A CHN Tradition
Continued...
By: Diana Karna
Wow! The fiber arts room was fantastic and full of life. What a pleasure and an honor to be the Fiber Arts Room Coordinator at Expo 2019. The challenge seemed daunting at first but Sandy, the previous room coordinator, was generous and gracious in sharing her encouragement, expertise, and her supplies! Following in her footsteps, I was able to come up with a full schedule of fiber arts projects and classes. It was so amazing to get to know the different personalities who are drawn to the fiber arts room: there were the fiber arts veterans, the ones who already have a familiarity with all things fiber arts and instantly make themselves at home in the room. Then there were the people who were a little skeptical about their ability or about trying something new, but saw a project that caught their eye, and with a little coaxing, were well on their way. There was the obvious enthusiasm of the younger crowd and then there were the teens, less obvious in outward enthusiasm but with an earnestness and eloquence that makes them a wonderful group to be around. The room was filled with all ages and abilities. I had a lot of help in the fiber arts room and I was inspired by many talented artists. Nine-year-old Sylvia taught loom knitting and crochet; Ronny discovered some leftover raffia and taught impromptu crown weaving. He also reminded himself how to knit. Deb showed me how I could crochet plastic bags to make recycled tote bags, and Cherie introduced me to the skill of finger loop knitting. I absolutely must give a special shout out to Geoff Karna – he took it upon himself to be the resident loom knitting expert and I watched him spend many evenings before the convention perfecting his technique. To me, the fiber arts room was a microcosm within the convention and in homeschooling in general. It’s comprised of all sorts of people and when they come together, it’s magical. I look forward to next year!
What entails creating the vendor hall for Expo? Well…I’ve been the Vendor Hall Coordinator for 6 years now and there are logistic components to the job. It all starts with reviewing the applications. Vendors apply for a booth or I’ll send an invite to be a vendor. Next, I’ll send out the approval letter with a link for payment. People tend to be procrastinators with their money so, I often send out reminders that their space is not guaranteed until I receive payment. Experienced vendors know the hall will sell out and are on it! Once payment is received, the vendor is sent the vendor hall information letter containing all pertinent information the vendor needs. I arrange for all special requests (location, electricity, extra table, etc.). We host a donut and coffee reception in the hall as a thank you the first morning. The very last thing I do is the vendor hall floor plan where I actually assign vendors their booth location. The vendor hall is such an important component to Expo, not only providing our attendees a way to view products and services but, for vendor to connect to our community. Also, it contributes greatly to the cost of the venue enabling us to keep registration prices down. The hall generates on average $6,000 annually. So the next time you attend Expo please visit the Vendor Hall and show them some love!
By: Pam Dowling
Behind the Scenes: CHN Family Expo Vendor Hall
The CHN Family Expo: Vendor's Corner
The CHN Expo was a great experience for me. Why might you ask? It was my very first vendor exhibit! And I left feeling great! First, I am a homeschool dad of two older daughters. Second, I have found time to do my second favorite daytime activity, write books. I love anything from family-friendly fantasy, to high adventure sci-fi and yes, some harrowing mature zombie apocalypse stories. However, all my writings are about family, courage, good versus evil kind of positive themes. Being an indie author, it is a great experience. But of course, it requires many hats or helmets as you can see. Marketing and salesmanship are a big part of, well, making a living. I decided to try this 'vendor' thing. CHN was the perfect place for me to start and hone my sales craft. The environment is very personable and quaint. I really appreciated the space, the access, the environment. All of that is created by the leadership of this organization. I mean, one of the board members was twirling toy flyers down the aisle. And kids were playing along! Others immediately conscripted me to do their group pic bidding! Hah hah! Okay, this is my kind of expo. Seeing that I am selling a family oriented book series and that families were passing by was a great experience. The kids, at first intimidated by my full suit of knightly German gothic armour, forced me to come out of my proverbial shell. And got them to realize, someone in awesome armour, can be just as fun and silly and imaginative as my booth displays showed. Getting them to pose with me with the extra latex swords, maces & battleaxe or holding my Alfred book series, joyously smiling for family pics, was what this was all about. I hope these are pics, that become fond memories down the road for the kids and family. "I got a pic with the writer! Yeah, he's inside the armour!" If you are looking to vendor here, be sure to offer the kids something fun to check out, quick, easy, simple. Some selfie or pic worthy visual or 'carnival' game with a fun reward, everybody wins kind of thing, and you'll have some happy customers. It's a nice manageable expo that I look forward to doing again. It felt more like a camp, since the kids were running around doing other events as well. It's inclusive to all beliefs and doesn't push one view over another. If you are looking to sell educational, family friendly work, this is the venue, expo, conference for you.
By: Ron Smorynski Storytellingron.com
Hosted By: Spramani Elaun
CHN Family Expo's Art Room
By: Cindy Jaime
Raffle Fun!
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed sitting behind the CHN Family Expo raffle table for the last 4 years, it’s that homeschoolers like to have fun. I’ve watched the laughing, talking, and playing games that goes on with the children, teens, AND adults. So what better way to support CHN than with a raffle FUNdraiser?? I have had the pleasure of gathering and giving away so many prizes, I feel a bit like Santa Claus. I am always blown away at the support we get from businesses from all around California. This year we had over 85 fun and educational prizes to give away including tickets to museums, theaters, and family-friendly comedy clubs; things like whale watching, ice skating, laser tag, and flight simulation all donated to homeschoolers! Our raffle winners this year will have fun learning at places like the U.S.S. Midway Museum, The Huntington Library, Medieval Times, Urban Workshop, and the Channel Islands. Did you participate in this year’s raffle? If so, thank you for supporting CHN. Hopefully you won a fun and fabulous prize. I can’t wait to see you next year for more raffle fun! For more information on the raffle or to donate to next year’s raffle, send an email to raffle@californiahomeschool.net
This Event is FREE
Open to all homeschoolers 3 and older Those under 3 are always free You do not need to pre-register Tell them you are homeschoolers for entry Proof not required Parking is $15 Homeschool activities are available starting at 9:30am on a first come-first serve basis. Museum hours are 9:30am - 5pm Full details can be found at http://www.tarpits.org/for-teachers/homeschool-days
Wednesday, June 5th - Astounding Adaptations
Everything on our planet shares one thing in common - we have adapted to our environment. This Homeschool Day gives you the opportunity to explore the diversity of life in Pleistocene Los Angeles and discover how our scientists use fossil evidence to learn how Ice Age animals survived. If you've ever wondered how a saber-toothed cat used its impressive canines to hunt, or why a Harlan's ground sloth had pebble-sized bones growing in its skin, don't miss out on this day!
HOMESCHOOL DAY!
CHN's Family Village - A Labor of Love
Board member Trina Rueber took over organizing the Family Village two years ago and it has been nothing short of amazing! She, along with her entire family, work long and hard imagining, designing, creating and putting together this essential Expo room. And this year - they did it with a new baby in the family! The medieval fantasy theme this year was a perfect complement to Expo and the children loved it! There were so many activities for them to participate in. Things like crown making, stained glass, balloon sword fights and even making a coat of arms. And there were so many games! It was wonderful to see the kids so engaged at the Family Dance. They loved dancing with ribbons and playing with the balloon swords. The castle backdrop enhanced the mood so very much. There were also old favorites for kids to play with whenever they liked. There were Duplo's, the famous puppet theater and, of course, Keva Planks that all saw plenty of playtime too. The medieval decor was incredibly detailed and well thought out. I loved the fact that the movie for Movie Night was projected onto the fabric hanging from the castle parapets. It was perfect. All in all, organizing the Family Village involved the entire Rueber family. You could tell that they poured their heart and soul into the project and that it wasn't a chore, it was a labor of love. Our biggest thanks to the Rueber family this year's Family Village.
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www.CollegeSeekers.Education College Seekers is a 501(c)3 organization
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Designated by the CU Board of Regents as the growth campus of the public/ research University of Colorado System, UCCS is located one hour south of the capital city of Denver, with inspirational views of Pikes Peak. With 12,400 students, UCCS is a proud participant of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program and offers 46 bachelor’s degrees, 22 masters, and five doctoral degrees. Some unique and high need programs include—Sport Management, Bachelor of Innovation, and Health Sciences. Northern Arizona University NAU is located in beautiful Flagstaff, AZ, a small mountain town of 71,000 residents surrounded by the largest ponderosa pine forest in the US. At 7,000ft elevation, we experience all four seasons. NAU is a public, research institution with 22,000 undergraduate students. The average class size is 31 and they offer 100 majors ranging from Education to Business, Fine Arts to Engineering, and Social Sciences to Health Sciences. NAU has an Honors College and accelerated programs and is NCAA Division 1 with 15 athletic teams. University of Richmond Recently ranked #23 by U.S. News and World Report among the Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the Country, Richmond has a highly ranked Business School, the first undergraduate School for Leadership Studies and a strong interdisciplinary focus in the humanities and social sciences. With over half of Richmond’s students pursuing double majors, there is a strong commitment to providing students with hands-on experiences long before graduation. Hillsdale A Christian, classical liberal arts college located in Michigan, more than 75% of Hillsdale’s 1,460 students come from out-of-state, and more than 94% of students receive financial aid. Hillsdale boasts an average class size of 13, a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and is recognized as a member of Colleges That Change Lives. All students complete Hillsdale’s classical liberal arts Core Curriculum alongside their major, and alumni have a 98% placement into full-time employment or graduate studies within six months of graduation. Reed College Founded in 1908 in southeast Portland, Oregon, Reed College is a coeducational, independent liberal arts and sciences college. Referred to as one of the most intellectual colleges in the country, Reed is known for its high standards of scholarly practice, creative thinking, and engaged citizenship. Reed students pursue the bachelor of arts degrees in 40 majors and programs. The curriculum includes a yearlong humanities course, broad distribution requirements, and a senior thesis. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small conference-style classes allow faculty members to truly mentor students and engage with them in individual discussions
Homeschool College Panel - Live!
June 5th 10:30am
I was on the Teen Planning Committee at this past California Homeschool Network Family Conferences, and since I am a reasonably new teen, it was a journey. From running Bingo to DJing at the dance, I learned a lot about responsibility and teamwork. I acquired quite a few new friends and had a great time. I'm looking forward to helping again, and I would recommend it to anyone who might want to help as well. Having my sister four years older than me, she has experienced quite a bit more in the homeschooling realm. Watching her participate year after year at CHN in the TPC and volunteering countless hours inspired me to do the same when I became of age. Committing to such an extended team journey was a lot more manageable because I knew that my sister had done it in the past, and it had been successful. After being told stories from her about past CHNs, it had motivated me to jump right in. To plan such a big event, we as a group needed somewhere to communicate. After a lot of thought, we decided to use online discussion board. Because of where everybody lived, it was inconvenient for us to meet every week. Most of our group was familiar with the program. Thus a server on Discord was set up. In the past, there had been fighting and disagreements, and so we needed an adult to moderate the server. Thankfully in previous years, our wonderful Sharon had run the Teen Planning Committee and did so this last CHN as well. She was there for assistance, guidance, and of course, planning. We were then able to talk whenever needed on Discord, share thoughts and ideas, and ultimately bring everything together. After having a place we could all go and discuss ideas and solutions, we started taking action in the project of preparation. While making a schedule, we came up with two different types of activities, passive activities, and active activities. A passive activity is something that we can just put out and leave out for the teens to do as they please. While on the other hand, an active activity is like an event or workshop that one or more of us could host. Most of the ideas were good and got put into the schedule, but they didn't all make the cut. Like in years past the TPC had always run a late night dodgeball, and so, of course, that was put into the schedule; Along with other fun events such as bingo, balloon making, how to play poker, open mic, speed greeting, Star Wars Trivia, and many more. After several weeks of conversation and debate, we had a reliable system and schedule. Each person in our group of twelve took at least two to three different active activities to run or help run. The convention was getting closer, and we almost had everything sorted out. While it was CHN, it was also a teen event. Like most teen events, of course, we had a dance. Now in past years, we hired a DJ but this year that was not the case. Because of other things we wanted to use our budget on, we the TPC decided to DJ ourselves. Most of us had not done this before, and some of us didn't want to do it at all. Each person had to pick five songs that they wanted to play and organize them in an order that flowed. After picking our songs if we weren't familiar with the program, we could either download it or wait till the first day of CHN and figure it out then, on the computer that we would be DJing on. The dance's theme was Viva Las Vegas, so we had a lot of decorating to do. After weeks of budgeting and matching prices for LV decor, we had enough. Although, we still didn't have centerpieces for the tables. Following many talks, we all decided to each pick a different hotel in Las Vegas to make a resembling centerpiece. Even though it wasn't a hotel, I went with the Cancun Resort. It was a two-week long project that included lots of thought and careful execution. During the dance, we had to pay attention to the songs playing, and when we had to stop dancing to go up and play our set of songs. Of course, since this was all our first times DJing some of us messed up a little. Overall we did pretty well, and everyone looked like they had a good time. After everything that happened at CHN and in the TPC, I would positively do it again. Of course, I have faithfully tried to get to as many CHNs as possible; but being on the TPC and attending CHN was something else, to describe it at the least. Even though I was one of the people who didn't want to DJ, I can proudly say that it was one of my favorite parts. Getting to watch the teens happily dance to the songs I picked, even just watching them enjoy themselves was fun. Getting to know people better and making brand new friends were all actions form the opportunities I got granted as a part of a great team. I appreciated it very much and would gladly do it again.
My Experience on the Teen Planning Committee
By: Cassidy Jones
Group Camping at Carpinteria State Park on Thursday, October 17 until Tuesday, October 22nd (5 nights). Members Only Camp Out: $45 per person (under 3 is free). Price includes all 5 nights. There is an additional parking fee of $10 per vehicle, per night.
It's time to order your Teacher and student ID cards for the new school year. Available with or without the CHN Logo. ID's can be found in the CHN Store located here: http://www.californiahomeschool.net/chn-store/
2019-2020 Teacher & Student ID Cards
Carpinteria State Park October 17 - 22, 2019
CHN Fall Camp Out
For more info and to register, please visit us online at http://www.californiahomeschool.net/events/fall-winter-campout/
The fossil record tells us about the environments and events from long ago and help us make decisions about the future. At the Natural History Museum, our Dinosaur Institute houses fossils that have been acquired over nearly a century - and our paleontologists are still making new discoveries every day! Learn what NHM paleontologists uncovered during recent exciting excavations through our newest temporary exhibit, Antarctic Dinosaurs, run into dinosaurs at our Encounters show, and talk with Museum educators about our extensive fossil collections.
Thursday, June 13th - FOSSIL FANATICS
Open to all homeschoolers 3 and older Those under 3 are always free You do not need to pre-register Tell them you are homeschoolers for entry Proof not required Parking is $12, cash only Homeschool activities are available starting at 9:30am on a first come-first serve basis. Museum hours are 9:30am - 5pm Full details can be found at https://nhm.org/site/for-teachers/homeschool-days
Download Just The Facts
Join CHN or renew your membership today for only $30 per family per year.
Thinking About Homeschooling Because of SB277?
New to homeschooling? Start by downloading our step-by-step guide to starting your homeschool!
We encourage every homeschooler in California to become part of our united effort to keep homeschooling legal in California so that everyone can choose the option that is best for their family.
CHN continues to monitor legislation to ensure that homeschooling remains a legal option in California. Monitored bills include: AB2756, AB2926, SB972, HR610 & HR899. For updates on these bills visit: https://www.californiahomeschool.net/legislation/
Thinking about homeschooling because of SB277? SB 277 eliminated the vaccine exemption for children who attend public and private schools. An independent study homeschooling exemption was written for children who are not receiving classroom-based instruction. The independent study exemption gives parents three educational options to consider if their child is not fully immunized as required by the new law and their child did not have a personal beliefs exemption filed prior to January 1, 2016 (see code for grade span limitations). Those options are to: File a Private School Affidavit (PSA) and teach your own child at home. Enroll in a PSP and teach your own child at home. Enroll in a public ISP or Charter that does not require classroom-based instruction and teach your child at home. In California , children six and over must be enrolled in a legal school. If you wish to homeschool with a vaccine exemption, your legal options remain the ones above, with your child being taught at home with the family, not a group of unrelated children.
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JUST THE FACTS
Legislation
COUNTY Placer Plumas Riverside Riverside Riverside (Palm Springs) San Bernardino (High Desert) San Bernardino (Yucaipa) San Bernardino & High Desert Santa Cruz Shasta
CHN Local Contacts
COUNTY Alameda Contra Costa Imperial Indio Los Angeles (Culver/Westchester) Los Angeles (Culver/Inglewood) Los Angeles (San Gabriel Valley) Los Angeles (Long Beach) Orange Orange (North)
NAME Ariana Flamik Brenda Lory Maria Egbert Lynette Ridgel Michelle Huelle Erika Schron Heather Martinson Lynette Ridgel Heddi Craft Trina Reuber
CHN Local Contacts are homeschooling families who serve as ambassadors to their local communities for California Homeschool Network. We will be happy to answer your questions about homeschooling, refer you to local support groups or private/public ISPs, and keep you abreast of the local legal climate in your county. We also organize homeschool information events and are available to provide you with information on local resources. If your county is not listed below, or if you are unable to reach your local contact, call the Homeschool Hotline toll free at *1(800)327-5339 for answers to your homeschooling questions.
CONTACT INFO 510-326-8718 Email Email 760-693-7951 Email Email 310-902-7034 Email 323-369-7669 Email Email Email 714-649-0657 Email Email
CONTACT INFO Email 530-283-9069 Email Email Email 760-501-5952 Email Email 909-446-5962 Email Email 831-458-1711 Email Email
NAME Michai Freeman Michelle Tryner Stephanie Laurean Lynette Ridgel Tina Janzen Adrienne Quinn Washington Vicki Giansante Siri Hirth Laurel Ward Teresa Fitzpatrick
Homeschool Advocacy Want to learn more about Legislation, how to become more involved, or contacting your representatives? Check out our newest publication: Grassroots Homeschool Advocacy
CHN Local Contacts (Continued)
CONTACT INFO Email Email Email Email 858-576-1239 Email Email Email
Counties not listed are in need of a representative. Please consider volunteering as at CHN Local Contact. For information about how to volunteer as a local contact in your area, contact CHN or call the homeschool hotline at 800-327-5339.
NAME Trina Rueber Rhonda Hamilton Christy Brunker Maria Egbert Becca Orlowski Erika Schron Pam Ragland
COUNTY Tehama Tulare Ventura Unique Situations (Bilingual: Spanish) Unique Situations (Gifted) Unique Situations (Learning Challenges) Unique Situations (Special Needs)
Martin Forte, along with his wife Carolyn, owns and operate EIE Academy and Excellence In Education Resource Center in Monrovia, California. Martin and his wife successfully homeschooled their two daughters for 14 years. Both girls are college graduates and married with children. Martin has been a homeschool spokesman and advocate for more that 20 years, appearing on numerous radio and television programs and speaking at homeschool conventions as well as on of the co-founders of the California Homeschool Network. He is also a certified Learning Style Coach with his wife Carolyn.
I am very excited to be welcomed to the California Homeschool Network Board of Trustees and I look forward to continuing supporting the homeschool community and personalized education. I am originally from Iowa but Long Beach, CA is now home for my family of three. By day, I am an aspiring urban farmer and homeschool Mom to our science driven 6 year old son. I spend my evenings as a recording artist and singer. I have toured, taught, and performed internationally in 7 countries as well as throughout the U.S., singing at prominent music fests, entertainment venues and private events. Thank you for having me, I look forward to growing with the CHN community!
Board of Trustees
Pam Dowling - When I’m not busy with CHN or dabbling in bookkeeping, I’m teaching beginning sewing to homeschoolers! I find it very rewarding and at times very entertaining. The things kids say! I started my homeschooling journey in 2002 and now my son is a college graduate, has a driver’s license and is employed! They do make it. Homeschooling, like parenting isn’t something you do, it’s something you experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to stay connected to this wonderful community through my serving on the CHN board of Trustees. CHN provides me with speaking opportunities that I never thought would be something I would immensely enjoy. Given that public speaking is people’s number one fear. But, after I spoke for over two hours at the 2014 Expo and had a dad come up to me after and tell me that he didn’t think they could homeschool their child. They were afraid since they lived across the street from the school but, now they knew what their rights were and they knew they could do it! Then he asked if he could hug me. I’m hooked. It’s the most rewarding part of volunteering for me. Helping to produce Expo is also very rewarding. Expo brings so much to homeschooling families, new and experienced. I am very proud to serve on the CHN Board of Trustee and help CHN fulfill its mission statement.
Rhonda Hamilton is mom to four great kids: Scott (27), Stacy (24), Sean (18), and Rebecca (16), all who were/are homeschooled. She has many roles within CHN: Board of Trustee Treasurer, 800 # Hostess, Email Hostess, Expo Registration Coordinator, and the Non-Profits and Career Fair Coordinator, besides helping out when needed for other activities to make Expo awesome. Besides the many activities within CHN, homeschooling the kids, and working, she just received her MBA with a Specialization in Human Resource Management. She spends her spare time, whenever that may be, reading and hanging out with her kids.
Trina Rueber - I live in Northern California with my fun-loving family where between team sports and my endless to do list; there is never a dull day. I'm a homeschool mom of 18+ years for three awesome children, all born almost a decade apart and each with unique interests and talents. I have a wonderful husband who keeps a blind eye to our creative chaos and my "I'll use it someday" clutter, as he navigates through our Bag of Holding of a home. When I'm not teaching you can find me outside working on our hobby farm complete with goats, sheep, and chickens, or in my studio, where I'm a Jacklyn of all trades, doing everything from woodworking and painting to stain glass and ceramics. I love life, learning exploring and am inspired by a great quote from Abraham Lincoln who once said, "Most folks are as happy as they make their minds to be". I'm thankful to work with such an amazing group of people as I embark on the journey alongside the other Trustees and I am so excited to see what this next year brings for the CHN homeschool community!
Submissions & Advertising
CHN Newsletter May 2019
We hope you found our newsletter helpful and that it provided information and activities that are useful to your homeschooling journey. California Homeschool Network is an all-volunteer organization of energetic and dedicated homeschooling families working to preserve educational freedom. CHN monitors and responds to legislation which may pose a threat to homeschooling. We also inform and empower homeschooling families, educate the public and foster community among home educators in the state of California. Thank you, California Homeschool Network
California Homeschool Network was founded in 1994 by a statewide group of homeschooling families. We are an inclusive group, which means we serve families from all religious and ethnic affiliations that practice all homeschooling styles.
To submit articles, curriculum reviews, homeschool information or for questions about content or advertising in upcoming issues of California Homeschool Network's quarterly newsletter, please contact our editor at editor@californiahomeschool.net
