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F.A.Q.
Is it too late for us to join?
No, it is not too late for you to join. If the deadline on the registration form has passed, then it is simply too late for your family to be included in the blue book, HFHE's membership directory. You will still get a copy of it, and your info will be sent to the group later in the year by way of an email directory update.
Do you prorate registration fees? No.
I don't have an email account, can someone mail me newsletters?
No, our group has decided to send out newsletters and email citations electronically because of the time and postage it saves. If you don't have internet access in your home, you might set up and access an email account from your local library. The newsletter usually comes out about the 25th of each month.
Tell me about your group.
More information about the charter of the group can be found at the “Membership” link, but basically it's a support group for Roman Catholic homeschooling families. Membership includes participation in the events and field trips, the newsletter and email tree for reminders, prayer requests, and homeschool related news, and a member directory. Over the past few years, our size has grown to over 80 families.
Do I have to be Catholic to join?
No, we have an open membership policy to all home schooling families, but the guiding principle of all our functions and activities lies in our faithfulness to the teachings, Traditions and Doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and Her Magisterium.
What kind of activities do you do?
Each year is a little different, but usually the following activities are offered:
Couples’ Meetings - The board will host two couples’ meetings each year, fall and spring. The purpose of these meetings is to encourage one another, share ideas, pray with and for one another, discuss issues important to the group, cast votes when necessary, disseminate information pertinent to home education and to get volunteers to facilitate the activities and social events during the year.
Back to School Mass/Picnic – This is a chance for our families to come together to begin the new school year. Come and meet old friends and welcome new ones!
Field Trips – Monthly field trips set up by volunteer coordinators. It can be any fun or educational get away that children of all ages would enjoy. Each coordinator chooses the event and submits details for the newsletter.
“Holy Helpers” Works of Mercy Service Projects - Coordinated periodically throughout the year to teach our children how to serve, while at the same time educating them on the needs of others and how their hands are those of Jesus. The projects can include anything from working with outside organizations that help the poor, abused or homeless, to serving the needs of our own group. Each coordinator chooses the project and submits details for the newsletter.
Literature Group – A reading program where children from pre-K to high school discuss great works of literature. Craft activities are also included for the younger grades. Hosted monthly by volunteer moms.
Mom’s Night Out – A relaxing evening for the moms in the group to meet socially. Usually held monthly. The date and time is set by the volunteer hostess.
Dad’s Night Out - A way for the dads in the group to meet socially and discuss issues that pertain to their roles as the head of their home, head of their home school, and support for this endeavor. Usually held monthly. The date and time is set by the volunteer host.
Couple's Night Out – This is a new activity for 2010-2011 for HFHE couples to socialize. When scheduled, this will take the place of the Dad's and Mom's night out for that month.
Ice Skating – This is a chance to come together at the Hockeyplex Ice Arena with HFHE members and other area homeschoolers to enjoy ice skating at a very reasonable rate, currently $2 per child per session.
Bowling – This is held at Lafayette Lanes and is a fun time for all HFHE members to enjoy bowling at a reasonable group discount.
Poetry Recitation Contest – An opportunity for children of all grades to experience public speaking by reciting poetry, Bible verse or famous prose of their choice to an audience of their peers and parents.
All Saints Party – Held on or around October 31st/November 1st as an alternative to “Trick-or-Treat”. Games and activities are held and a meal can be provided. Children dress like saints or bible characters.
Epiphany Party - Held on or around the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. Activities, games, finger foods, and drinks are provided as well as a performance of sorts as a reminder of the Epiphany.
Geography Fair – An educational fair designed for children of all grade levels to research a country of their choice and present their work to the group.
Science Fair – This is an educational fair for our children of all grades to demonstrate the wonders of God's creation. Beware of the volcanoes!
Living Way of the Cross – A reenactment of Jesus’ passion and death performed by students of HFHE.
Family Campout – A weekend event usually held at Mary Hill Renewal Center for HFHE families to spend time together in prayer, recreation, and relaxation. The focus is also to reward our teachers and students for their hard work throughout the school year, so dads take charge of the cooking and cleaning!
Mother/Daughter Event - A tea, brunch or activity held for the mothers and daughters of our group to spend time together peacefully. Grandmothers are encouraged to attend.
Father/Son Event - An event or weekend activity held for the fathers and sons of HFHE to be together enjoying leisure time with each other. Grandfathers and fathers with no sons are welcomed to attend.
Senior Graduation – A graduation ceremony for HFHE members who have been in HFHE at least one full year and are willing to help coordinate this event.
Year End Mass/Fun Day - A special end-of-the-year activity to bring the group together in celebration of another successful year of home schooling.
I saw an activity listed for last year, but it hasn't been scheduled for this year. Why is that?
Our group's activities all happen because members volunteer their time to make them happen. At the beginning of the school year, a signup sheet is distributed. Any event for which a coordinator is not found will be omitted for the year.
I'm new in the group. Should I volunteer? If you can devote a little time to helping out, then yes. Don't be intimidated because you don't know what to do. There is always someone who can advise you, and you'll have helpers. If on the other hand, your plate is full, so to speak, then that's okay too. Help out when you can.
I'm new to homeschooling. Is there someone more experienced who I can talk with about getting started?
Yes, some of the more experienced moms have offered to make themselves available for this . You can find their contact info here.
We're homeschooling our 3 year old, do you have any activities for that age group?
Although there are always younger children attending activities with their families, the only activity sponsored by the group that is geared toward that age is the PreK group in literature group, which meets monthly.
Is my son or daughter old enough for the teen group?
Once your son or daughter is 13 years old, he or she is invited to join in teen group activities. Contact the teen group coordinators, Tim & Kim Pontiff, and ask to have your child added to that email mailing list. You and your child will have to sign a Consent form and bring that with you to your first event.
I sent my registration in, but I'm not getting my newsletters. What should I do?
If you have received your registration confirmation email from the registrar, then you should first make sure that you have added wshanebb@aol.com to your address book, and then check your spam box and bulk email box. Depending on your internet provider (especially centurytel/centurylink), you may need to access your account online and check there, as well. If this does not resolve the issue, or if you did not receive a confirmation email initially, you should email the registrar at your earliest convenience. She'll get back with you as soon as she can (she's a homeschooling mom, too!). We don't want you and your family to miss any of the fun.