2013-14 Schedule

Note:  This isn't a regular blog because we only use it for easy access to the annual schedule and ready information about our moms' homeschooling support group.  Therefore, comments might not be noticed for several weeks...so please contact testing@chewv.org if you have questions.  Thanks! 

September 5th:  Getting It All in Order
Rhonda Wotring & Paula Lemley

            “Where do I fit the time to homeschool into my life??”  If this question seems at all pertinent, you won’t want to miss kicking off the year at the September meeting.  Rhonda Wotring will be sharing some thoughts that God has laid on her heart.  Then  Paula Lemley will share how these things are affecting her own family. Join us for a rich discussion about where homeschooling fits into our lives as we start a new school year!

October 3rd:  Your Questions, Everyone's Answers

Panel of Seasoned Moms:  Jan B., Mary Powell, Becky Price, and Lisa Martinez

            October is your big chance!  What burning question or concern do you have?  Questions ranging from math issues to getting dinner on the table are fair game to ask our panel of homeschool moms.  Anytime between now and the end of September, send a homeschool related question to testing@chewv.org (Kim Kincell) for our panel to address at the October meeting. 

November 7th:  Cup o' Tea & A Legislative Update

John and Edie Carey

             We’re very excited to bring you a double dose of encouragement in November as we welcome John and Edie Carey who will be driving more than three hours to be our guests.  John is CHEWV’s legislative liaison and parttime lobbyist in Charleston and will update us on homeschooling and family issues related to our WV liberties.  Edie is a longtime homeschool mom and much loved encourager of young moms.  She has shared many a cup o’tea along with a word of wisdom.  Please join us as we welcome the Careys to MECHE for the first time!

December 5th:  Annual Christmas Tea

        Join us for food, music, and a fun gift exchange.  ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so remember that the intent of the gift exchange is *gasp* to steal! That’s right; we mean to keep you from holding on too tightly to those material possessions! Come be merry as we start the season off with a smile. (Please bring a less than $5.00 gift. Ideas: homeschooling book, homemade bookmark, Starbucks coupon, small candle, homemade apron, or the spices for your favorite casserole. No, your gift does not have to be new and doesn’t have to be store-bought.)  This is the night for relaxing fellowship in the spirit of the Advent Season.     

January 9th*:  Sample This!

Jo Ann Duffield

*Note:  This is the 2nd Thursday to avoid the holiday busyness of New Year's

         As we start back to school after the holidays, our thoughts inevitably turn to testing and assessments.  Although MECHE provides a wonderful test center, portfolio review is also a good option.  We are privileged, then, to welcome JoAnn Duffield (from the Parkersburg area) to come share about the portfolio option and samples of work that we might want to keep.  Even if you test, we think that Jo Ann will be encouraging and provide many ideas (including record keeping) for your school!  With many years of homeschooling experience, JoAnn has graduated two of three children.  She and Dwayne were previous CHEWV board members and continue to minister in their local community of Palestine.

February 6th:  Time to Test!  (Plus a nutritional bonus!)

Joelyn Richards & Nina Rudmann/Kelley Richman

        The first portion of February’s meeting will be for Nina and Joelyn to prepare us for the test center.  Kim will also be on hand to answer any questions about IOWA testing changes.  Afterward we will welcome Kelley Richman back to share further with us about nutrition related to learning.  Kelley is always a gentle speaker and knowledgeable about food, family, and the art of learning.  As the mother of eight children, she has certainly been there, done that!  Besides, we might learn a few tricks that will land us better prepared test-takers!

March 6th:  Fly on the Wall
Panel of younger moms:  Michele Ballard, Cynthia Cox, Lydia Gwaltney, Lorisa Markle & Carole Werner 

             In my early years of homeschooling, I often wished I could be a fly on the wall in other homeschools.  How did other moms do it?  What was their homeschool like?  Was I measuring up??  I wasn’t so sure I was many, many times!  So for March we have asked five of our younger moms to share how they homeschool and what their challenges have been.  “Where are you now and how did you get there?” will be the focus question for Cynthia, Lydia, Carole, Lorisa and Michele.   Join in discussion with these moms who will openly share about their own experiences in the trenches.

April 3rd:  Five Loaves and Two Fish...or One Student and One Mom
Jonathan Board

            Jonathan Board, homeschool and law school graduate, has graciously agreed to come share with us again in April.  Jonathan’s public school teachers predicted that he would never be able to learn well academically, but the Lord had other plans!  As a former dyslexic student, Jonathan will share his amazing testimony of what God can do through a dedicated homeschool mother! 

May 1st:  Looking Forward to It!

Rhonda Wotring

           Time to turn our thoughts toward next year!  What has worked this past year?  What needs tweaked?  Rhonda Wotring will come share with us about curriculum planning and help us explore the different options for the challenges and privileges ahead.  Former homeschool mom, portfolio reviewer, and curriculum advisor, Rhonda’s gentle manner is sure to calm your heart and prepare you for a sweet summer of planning.  The evening will include lots of time to ask questions and discuss with one another.