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Home Educators
“The LORD is compassionate and
gracious, slow to anger, abounding in
love... For as high as the heavens are
above the earth, so great is his love for
those who fear him.”
Psalm 103:8, 11
LAST NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR
CHEC 2010 CHRISTIAN FAMILY CONFERENCE:
Foundations of our Fathers
―And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the founda-
tions of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the
breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.‖
Thursday, June 17th through
Saturday, June 19th
Denver Merchandise Mart
Cost: $79 if you register ahead of time.
Mailed registrations must be postmarked by
June 12th. Cost is $99 at the door. Spouse
is free!
Speakers to include: Dr. Voddie Baucham Jr., Kevin Swanson, Mike
Chapa, Hal & Melanie Young, Shirley Solis, Michael P. Donnelly,
Esq., Mike Winther, Woody Robertson, Chuck Black, Shelley
Noonan, and James D. Nickel.
Special tracks on Thursday for Biblical Family, Marriage, Nuts and
Bolts, and Homeschooling For Excellence. Vendor hall opens Thurs-
day night and throughout Friday and Saturday. For more information,
go to www.chec.org/chec/events/state-conference/index.php.
This is the last newsletter of the school year! We
hope you’ve enjoyed the news you’ve read! For
those who renew their Support Group Member-
ship, newsletters will resume in August. We will
also be increasing our membership fee $5 this
coming school year.
Your membership is good from July 1st—June 30th each year, but you
may still receive some emails from us this summer beyond July 1st
until we switch the membership list over. The membership form is
available on page 11.
Cost for renewals before June 30th will be $25.
Cost after July 1st will be $30.
MAY 2010
THANK YOU
A Special Thanks...
...to our retiring HC Admin. Assistant, Lisa
Mendoza & Skating Party Coordinator,
Janel Wall. These two ladies have served
in many capacities over the years for many
years. We are incredibly grateful
for your service, your hearts for our families,
and the many hours you have given to this
ministry. Also, Lizzy Magas, our High
School Immerse Teen Group Leader, will be
retiring after this year as well. Lizzy, we're
grateful for your leadership and wish you the
best as you finish up high school next year!
Thank you so much, ladies!
We love you and have been so blessed
by you!
CHEC FAMILY CONFERENCE
General News Pg. 1-5
Jr. & Sr. High News Pg. 7
Independent School News Pg. 8
H.C. Enrichment News Pg. 9
Father to Father Pg. 10
Calendar Pg. 11
Inside this issue:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished
the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
Page 2 of May News
(Continued from previous column)
Prayer Team:
Ami Blackshear, Angeli Krohn, Barb Anderson, Barbara
Higbee, Betsy Waters, Carmen Thigpen, Debbie Gray,
Donna Miller , Jenny Delgado, JoEllen Bouwkamp, June
Gordon, Laura Bimm, Lisa Taskerud, Lynn Bloss, Mary
Schoenecker, Michele Flower, Sue Gleason, Theresa
Markel, Tina Nance
May the Lord richly bless you through your willingness
to serve others and touch lives and in other ways you
can’t imagine.
High Country Support Group is a
volunteer ministry and relies upon
the shared contributions of
individual volunteers to serve and
encourage families as they endeavor
to homeschool their children. All of
our volunteers are people just like
you – homeschool moms and
dads! One of the great benefits of serving on our
leadership team is the friendships you make and build
and the support system you become a part of.
Please pray about joining the Support Group Team. We
have many positions available for the coming school year
and would love to fill as many of them as possible this
spring. We are taking applications and will begin
interviewing right away, so please contact us soon.
We are currently seeking volunteer applicants to serve in
these areas:
Special Events Team: Leaders on this team help coordi-
nate and organize group events, special speakers, and
seminars.
Field Trip Team: Team members work with the Field
Trip Coordinator to plan, organize, and lead trips for our
group.
Library Assistant: This position assists our librarian
with resources that are available during the Enrichment
Program.
If you are interested, please email Pam Newberg
at [email protected] or call 495-9151. You can
download an application from our website at
www.hche.org (go to Support Group, then scroll down to
downloadable forms).
We would like to thank and acknowledge our wonderful
team of support group volunteers. You are so vital to
who we are and what we are about. You are precious
servants who make things happen and minister to the rest
of our families through these various areas:
Barb Anderson: Single Moms Coordinator
Violet Bowers: Database Assistant
Julie Brickley: To & Thru HighSchool Life Line Leader
Allison Brown: Early Years Life Line Leader
Renee Carlson: Graduation Coordinator, Jr/Sr Banquet
Kelly Casburn: Special Challenges Life Line Leader
Tim Caudle: Student ID’s
Sally Clarkson: Life Line Leader, Tues. Morning Mom’s
Group Leader
Martha Cole: SG Treasurer
Michele Collins: Prayer Team Coordinator
Jerrine Hicks: Life Line Assistant Leader
Stacey Lasley: SG Table Coordinator, Events Team
Lizzy Magas: Immerse Teen Group Leader
Jan Massey: Newsletter Mailing Team Coordinator
Kristen & Joy Massey: Newsletter Distribution Team
Barbara Mathern: Resource Librarian
Rowena McKinney: Resources Team Leader, Advertis-
ing Coordinator, Wed. Mom’s Group Leader
Lisa Mendoza: HCHE Admin. Assistant
Zach Newberg: Website Programmer
Michelle Patterson: Special Events Coordinator-fall
Stacy Rea: Life Line Leader
Tami Robinson: Database Administrator
Karen Squires: Graduation Co-Coordinator, Jr/Sr Ban-
quet, Book Orders, Ski Trips
Janel Wall: Skating Party Coordinator
Connilee Walter: Website Director
Deb Weakly: Life Line Leader, Tues. Morning Mom’s
Group Leader
Chandra West: Field Trip Coordinator
Other Small Group Leaders in Mom's Groups at
Enrichment: Linda Bragg, Allison Brown, Renee
Carlson, Barbara Mathern, Rowena McKinney, Valerie
Wheeler, Elsa Bruno, Brandee Knowles, Melissa Morris,
Holly Murphy, Lynnsey Peterson, and Stacy Rea.
SG Table Hostesses: Barb Anderson, Jo Kahre, Stacey Lasley, Kathy Marx,
Barbara Mathern, Rowena McKinney, Stacy Rea, Jill
Sanchez, Karen Squires, Janel Wall
(Continued on next page)
THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Page 3 of May News
HSLDA’s Generation Joshua is bringing iGovern
Camp to Eagle Lake August 15-21!
Amidst the towering trees, bills are drafted and debated,
national and international policies are formulated, and a
presidential election hangs in the balance. Campers are
responsible to govern the nation wisely, make decisions,
and live with the rewards—or consequences. It is not all
work, though. There is horseback riding, archery,
kayaking, sports, and a quarter-mile long zip line above
the ten acre lake to be enjoyed between sessions.
To this end, we invite
you to send your child
to the Generation
Joshua Summer
Leadership Camp at
Eagle Lake Camp
near Woodland Park,
CO. A week long adventure program, designed for ages
14 – 19 is a realistic, political environment combining
education and enjoyment!
Speakers such as Dr. David Noebel, founder of Summit
Ministries, and Tom Minnery, Focus on the Family’s
Public Policy Vice President, will encourage you to live a
life of service to God, family, and country, while
maintaining integrity and virtue. To register or for more
information on the Home School Legal Defense
Association’s iGovern Summer Leadership camp visit:
www.GenerationJoshua.org.
Deb Weakly & Stacy Rea North Colorado Springs
We will not be meeting in May, but we look forward to
seeing you next semester! If you have any questions
about this group or for more info please email
Sally Clarkson Monument Area
We will not meet in May. We will get
together during the summer for The Mom
Walk Bible study and our annual couples'
potluck. To receive emails about our summer
plans, please email [email protected]
to join the email list.
Life Line Group Added
Do you have unique challenges with a child in addition to
being a homeschool mom? High Country is looking into
starting a new Life Line group for moms with children
who have unique challenges. This includes a broad
category, anything from cerebral palsy to sensory
processing disorder and everything in between. If you
are looking to find a place that offers encouragement,
practical suggestions and fellowship, please call Kelly
Casburn at [email protected] or 433-5054 (phone
preferred).
GENERATION JOSHUA LIFE LINE GROUPS
Page 4 of May News
HOME Used Book Sale
Monday, May 24th from 6:30-8:30 pm
Rocky Mountain Calvary
No Admission Fee
The HOME (Helping Our Members
Educate) group will be hosting a used
book sale on Monday, May 24th from
6:30 to 8:30 pm at Rocky Mountain
Calvary (NE corner of Austin Bluffs
Pkwy and Academy Blvd). Join us and
invite your friends! No admission fee.
Please note: strollers or rolling carts will not be
allowed in the selling area. Registration for sellers is
now open, but space is limited! For more information
contact Carolyn Martin at [email protected].
Get ready for life changing lecture
sessions, outstanding food, free
time, and more at the CHEC
Father Son Retreat Friday, August
13th through Monday, August
16th!
This retreat is headquartered at the beauti-
ful Crooked Creek Ranch Resort in the
majestic Colorado Rockies. Registration
includes all retreat sessions, a retreat
notebook, dormitory style lodging
(including bedding and towels), and meals
starting with supper on Friday through
lunch on Monday, as well as many of the amenities of
Crooked Creek Ranch Retreat and Conference Center.
Space is limited, so don’t delay! Register at
www.chec.org.
Former Senator and Parliamentarian
Mary Anne Tebedo would like to
start a teen parliamentary procedure
group. She will use various
interesting techniques such as
Model UN, a fun role-playing game
that helps teach Parliamentary Procedure and
Roberts Rules of Order.
Senator Tebedo taught Parliamentary Procedure for high
schools in Denver and wants to give us the opportunity
too! Come see what it is all about: Thursday, May 27th
at 6:00 pm. Please RSVP by calling 635-9237 or
emailing [email protected].
High Country is hosting Christian
Home Educators of Colorado’s
(CHEC) Introduction to
Homeschooling Seminar. CHEC
will present their seminar for new
homeschoolers and those consider-
ing homeschooling at New Life
Church on Saturday, August 14th.
Brian and Pam Newberg will be the presenters.
This seminar is a comprehensive introduction of the how,
what, why, and where of homeschooling needs. The day
is packed with valuable information about what you
should know before beginning, socialization concerns,
curriculum choices, support groups, record keeping, and
the Colorado law. The seminar includes Power Point
presentations, many handouts with curriculum resources,
a selection of curriculum samples for your perusal, and
some of CHEC's selection of books and resources for
purchase.
The cost is $30 per couple for this all day session from
9:00 am - 3:00 pm. For more information and to register,
please call the CHEC office at 720-842-4852 or visit
their website at www.chec.org (Go to Events).
HOME USED BOOK SALE INTRO TO HOMESCHOOLING
CHEC FATHER SON RETREAT
PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
Page 5 of May News
CHEC's Springtime Family Book Fair
Saturday, May 22, 2010 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Arvada United Methodist Church (formerly
Jeffco Used Book Fair) 6750 Carr Street Arvada, CO
80004 Google Map.
As in previous years, the Book
Fair provides homeschoolers
access to a wide variety of used
and new curriculum, books, and
teaching resources-many at
bargain prices. It will also be a
good opportunity for fellowship,
meeting other home educators,
and finding answers regarding
curriculum and home education in general.
For Sellers Table space is limited - please register early using
the table reservation form. Tables will be assigned by
name and only two adults per reserved table will be
allowed to enter the Book Fair during the set up time on
Saturday from 7:00 to 9:00 am. If you have additional
adults selling at your table, they will be charged a $5
entrance fee.
Set Up Times: Friday, May 21, 5-8 PM
Saturday, May 22, 7-9 AM.
The CHEC & Noah’s Ark Family
Adventure Trip
CHEC & Noah’s Ark have part-
nered together to bring you a
family adventure trip that your
family will never forget! There
will be Colorado whitewater
rafting, hiking, rock climbing,
& much more! Come explore
with your family some of the most beautiful land that
God has created on August 5th-8th 2010! For more
information, go to:
http://www.noahsark.com/site/p/hs.html.
Jake Kalua qualified to compete in the
Lincoln/Douglas Debate rounds at the
NCFCA Regional Invitational Speech
& Debate Tournament in
Seattle, Washington on April 13-17.
Region III is comprised of qualifying tournaments held in
CO, UT, MT, ID, WA, OR, and CA. The competitors are
ages 13 to 18 yrs (Jake is 14). Congratulations, Jake!
CHEC BOOK FAIR CHEC FAMILY TRIP
KUDOS TO OUR KIDS
Page 6 of April News
Don’t forget about our website this summer!!
Here are a few features to be sure and check out:
Archived Newsletters We have past years’ newsletters
archived online and we continue to put
up current ones. So if you need to
refer to something (an article or an ad),
you can pull it up online.
2006-2009 Denver CHEC Conference Workshops These workshops are available to listen to online from
our website. We hope you will enjoy listening to the
workshops on your computer if you have internet
access. You may also download them through the
broadcasting company for a small charge if you would
like.
Online Curriculum Exchange As a member of High Country, you can list your used
curriculum on our Curriculum Listing. Also use it to
look for items you are needing or looking for too. We
will be updating these listings this summer!
Great summer reading if you haven’t read these
articles! You can find these articles on our website at
www.hche.org under Support Group.
Homeschooling Turns Twenty Article This is a great article about the history of homeschooling
in Colorado and the hard-fought battle that was won for
us to be able to homeschool in our state. A must-read for
every Colorado homeschool family! We can’t take our
freedom to homeschool for granted!
Current Threats to Homeschooling Article Another important article to hear the thoughts of those
who fight for our freedom to homeschool and any trends
they are seeing as our government and school systems
want to regain control and the finances of homeschool
families. Please take a few moments to read this article
and thanks for taking the time to be informed!
WEBSITE FEATURES HOMESCHOOLING ARTICLES
Host Families Needed for Chinese Students, Ages 13-16
Language Immersion Program
3 Weeks from July 13-August 3
These are the leaders of tomorrow’s China-
your effort will change the face of a nation!
Students will attend ESL Classes at New Life Church
or Boulder Street Church during the day and then
spend evenings and weekends with Host Family.
Families encouraged to attend afternoon activities and
weekly field trip.
Optional: your family can experience the Chinese cul-
ture through foods, crafts, and games using a unique
family curriculum. Then, your Chinese student will
arrive and you’ll know how to interact and make the
most of the 3 weeks together as you watch God work
through you to touch a Chinese young person’s life.
For your Introductory Packet…
Email [email protected] or call
Lori Vafiades 719.573.2850
http://www.coloradoexchangestudent.com/ -
local program
http://www.nwise.org - national program
LAMPLIGHTER BOOKS
To the Volunteers of the Junior & Senior Banquet:
Words cannot express my appreciation for all you did to
make this event successful. Honestly, we could not have
pulled it off without you! It always amazes me how
many hands and how much time it takes to do something
like this. It seems pretty simple when you look at it from
the outside, but WOW, it is a lot of work! I'm sure you
feel as I do though, that it is truly a "labor of love" for our
High Country kids and they deserve it. I hope you will
return next year and that you will encourage your friends
to get involved. Nothing beats the reward of seeing so
many happy faces during the night.
To the Volunteers who will help with Graduation:
Thank you in advance for all of the hard work you will
put in to make Graduation Day happen. I appreciate all
of you who have stepped forward to help make this day
amazing and special for these 37 high school graduates. I
am blessed by your willingness to serve the grads and
their families. This day really could not happen without
all of the work you volunteers are doing.
Thanks again to EVERYONE and may God richly bless
you for your service to our High Country families. I
know HE will!
~Renee Carlson
Page 7 of May News
~The 2010 Senior Class of High Country
Home Educators ~
Phiet Abello, Hannah Archer, Julie Baron,
Rebecca Baughman, Taylor Bierschenk,
Matthew Callicott, Michael Cole, Lura Douglass,
Aria Fischer, Joshua Flower, Elise Forte, Nathan Jett,
Devin Kahre, Rachel Kooistra, Ashley Kruse,
Gabriel Lorrig, Victoria Lucero, Kia Luxem,
Rebecca Manzanares, Joy Massey, Kristen Massey,
Faith McNulty, Sean O’Neill, Markus Reuter,
Alexandria Roberts, Caleb Rolsma, Hannah Smith,
Courtney Stephens, Hannah Tackett, Destiny Timmons,
Taylor Wall, Eleah Warchol, Madison Wasinger,
Ashley Weigner, Nicholas Wheeler, Ian Williams,
and Stephanie Wolfe
Have you heard of Lamplighter
books? And now there are new
dramatized audios as well-which are
incredible!! These are my absolute
favorite books to read to the kids! They
are great for family reading or summer
reading times. We’re planning on
listening to the new audios on our long
trip in the car!
Lamplighter stories are much more than good and whole-
some reading. They share character traits that will help
our children live a life of faith. We’ve collected many of
these great books and audios over the years! Check out
the books, audios, and email newsletters at
www.lamplighterpublishing.com
Have fun reading!! ~Pam
You are cordially invited... ...to attend High Country’s 2010
Graduation Ceremony. The
commencement exercises will be
held at New Life Church on
Saturday, May 8th at 10:00 am.
Please join us as we celebrate and
honor 37 families’ home school
journey. This event is sure to cast
vision and inspire you even if you
don’t know any of the students.
THANK YOU GRAD VOLUNTEERS! OPEN INVITATION
“Encouraging kids to believe in themselves.”
We are dedicated to teaching gymnastics and tumbling &
tumbling for cheer to boys and girls ages 2 and up!
Along with gymnastic skill development, training benefits
include :
Flexibility, Strength, Balance, Endurance &
Self-Confidence
**SUMMER SPECIAL**
Summer session for the same price as our regular 6 week
session. Please call for more information. Deadline for this offer is May 15th. Can not be combined with any other discount.
Other programs offered include Summer Camps, Clinics
and Parents Night Out !
*Summer kick off /Open House May 15th 11:00-3:00*
10610 Maltese Point . Peyton, CO . 80831
(719) 638-6434
www.mypeakgym.com
HIGH COUNTRY SENIOR GRADUATION – May 8 - 10:00 am at New Life Church. Please
join us as 37 seniors of High Country Home Educators receive their high school diplomas.
2010-11 REGISTRATION HANDBOOK – Last week of May - will be emailed to currently
enrolled families and will also be available on our web site, www.hche.org.
HCCA 2009-10 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR ENDS – June 30 - Final date to submit Fourth
Quarter Reports to the academy office.
HCCA OFFICE CLOSED – June 1 – July 5 – staff summer break.
Dear HCCA Families,
This will be my last newsletter article and I will keep it brief. My last day as administrator will be May 31st. We are
still waiting for our house to sell, but I wanted to give a date of when I would be stepping down. Jenny Vanaman will
begin her new duties on June 1st -- good timing as the academy office will be closed for the month of June as usual and
this will allow her time to get her new office set up. Please welcome her to her position. I am confident you will love
working with her. I have asked her to write an introduction so you will know a little about her before the new school
year. Megan and I will be at the last day of Enrichment Classes, Wednesday, May 5th, during the morning. We hope
to see as many of you as possible.
Many blessings! ~Ellen
Dear HCCA Families,
I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jenny Vanaman. I have lived in Colorado my en-
tire life. I have a wonderful husband and 5 beautiful children. My husband and I are high school sweethearts and have
been married for 19 years. We graduated high school together and went on to college at Colorado State University,
graduating with Business Administration degrees. We have lived in every major metropolitan area on the front range,
finally settling in beautiful Colorado Springs. We would love to stay here for the rest of our lives, if God allows it.
When we were younger, and thought we were in control, we wanted 4 boys (like we had any control over that). God
knew much better than I what we would need, and he gave us two little girls first. I say that God knows better for
there is no way I could have been able to handle my three very active boys without the help of my girls. My oldest
daughter, Jade, is nearing 17, is in college at PPCC, and works 18 hours a week. She will graduate from HCCA in
May of 2011. My 14 year old, Haley, is so very valuable to me with all of the help she gives me. She will enter her
first year of high school next year. My oldest son, Gage, is 9 ½ and such a gentleman. He is going into 4th grade. My
6 year old, Brason, is the one we have had to wait on for the bulk of his school as he wasn’t ready until recently. And
last, our 3 year old Aidan. It really takes all of us to keep an eye on him and keep him safe. (He climbs bookshelves
and jumps from them). One addition we have had to our home for about 2 years is that we sponsor a college student
from Illinois. She has hopes of making the Olympic Judo team in the 2012 or 2016 Olympics. She was a home school
student and fits in like she is one of our own. (She drives me just as crazy as my own). My daughters also have done
Judo in recent years and have competed nationally, including the Junior Olympics.
I have been involved with High Country in some way or another since the fall of 2001. Originally, we drove from
Pueblo to attend classes and New Life Church, which is our home church. At that point, I had been homeschooling
my oldest for 3 years (since she was 4). (I think most first born children are guinea pigs). I have relaxed over the
years and now know that it is okay to start at age 7. And if they are not reading by 9, that is okay too, because by the
time they are ready to graduate, they will be just fine. The first year we were with High Country, I joined all three
branches, the Enrichment Classes, the Support Group, and the Academy, and have been members of all three branches
ever since (9 years). Each has been such a blessing to me. I have been supported in my homeschooling and know that
High Country’s support has been why I have continued to home school. I have been in different leadership roles
within High Country also. I started by cleaning tables at lunch, went to what now is called guest services, vital part-
nered in the childcare, and have taught classes. I then went on to be the Tri-fold administrative assistant.
After three years of resting from leadership roles, my husband and I became High Country Academy board and HCHE
corporate board members. We have been in that role for a year, and I now am so blessed to have the privilege to serve
families in my new role as the Administrator of High Country Christian Academy. I look forward to helping, process-
ing with, listening to, and praying with and for you. I thank God and I thank you for this opportunity to serve you.
~Jenny Vanaman
Page 8 of May News
High Country Christian Academy (Independent School) News
My goodness, it is May! Enrichment Classes are wrapping up and many of us are also
on the home stretch of our homeschooling. The semester’s end is within sight, yet we
find ourselves often distracted by the warmer weather, chirping birds, and yearning for the water-
side frolicking that summer brings. Hmmm, the goal of ―finishing well‖ is nearly obliterated by the
diversions we all know as ―spring fever.‖ Then God gently reminds us…
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything
that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
~Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…
~ We are surrounded by an amazing cloud of witnesses that serve at HCEC each
week. Each volunteer, teacher, staff member, and family are great blessings to
this ministry! They spur us on to pray, smile, persevere, and encourage one
another with all that we have, each one reflecting the love of Christ with their
actions. They are a witness to God’s faithfulness.
…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles
~ Ah, this is where the rubber meets the road. We must intentionally throw off
those things that would distract us from our purpose. It is so easy to get tripped up by the ―good‖ things that we can
lose sight of the ―best‖ things. His plans. His blessings. What has He called us to? Are we still giving that calling
our first and best attentions, or have we been tripped up by the distractions of the world in which we live? Becoming
distracted is effortless, but focus requires deliberate purpose.
…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.~ This takes discipline
and determination. We must have an urgency to keep at it, or we can be easily
distracted by things along the way. (Enter the warmer weather with chirping birds, and
water-side frolicking!)
God is faithful to mark out
the path for us. He doesn’t
send us blindly into the
race alone. He is always
with us and shows us just
what we need to know,
when we need to know it.
If you are like me, you
may notice that He usually
gives you just enough of a
view down the path to
keep us looking, seeking, and running. Ever get the idea
that God loves a good game of chase?!
Yes, Lord. I want to run the race and finish well! It hon-
ors those who have gone before us, encourages those who
run beside us, causes us to grow in new ways, and brings
You glory!
May God bless you as you pull out all the stops to finish
the race well this year, and may He reward you with the
sweet refreshing of rest this summer. Warm weather,
chirping birds, water-side frolicking, and all!
~Kelly Morgan
Page 9 of May News
High Country Enrichment Classes
From the desk of Kelly Morgan
MAY
4-5 Final Week of Spring Classes
AUGUST 3 Registration 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
(Fall Leadership)
4 Registration 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
(HCSG Members & Fall Families)
5 Registration 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
(HCSG Members & Fall Families)
11 Coach & Staff Meeting – 6:30 – 8:00 pm
17 Leadership Training 6:00 – 9:00 pm
(The Theatre)
19 Student Orientation 10:00 am – Noon
24 First Day of Tuesday Fall Classes
25 First Day of Wednesday Fall Classes
SEPTEMBER 7-8 No Classes – Labor Day
NOVEMBER
16-17 Last Week of Fall Classes
Page 10 of May News
Gifts from God
My dad’s story began on March 4, 1931 in Onawa, Iowa and ended 79 years later on April 20, 2010 in Room 1110 at
Penrose Main Hospital in downtown Colorado Springs. His journey on earth is complete, but his influence and legacy
will live on through his investment in the lives of others. My dad lived a long full life and he finished well. He loved
God and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ so I know he is now home in heaven.
There are so many things I could share about my dad’s life that have impacted me, but nothing was more impactful
than the last few weeks of his life. As my dad’s life was drawing to a close, my wife Pam prayed that God would give
our family some gifts along the way.
My dad was a diabetic and had numerous surgeries in his life. During his last 6 weeks of his life he had an
additional 6 surgeries, including an above the knee amputation attempting to restore the blood flow to his legs and
feet. The last six weeks included numerous doctor visits, trips to and overnight stays in the hospital.
My dad’s stays included visits to the ER, ICU, and stays on the several floors at Penrose. My dad
experienced a tremendous amount of pain and some other annoying health issues, so was not always
the best patient, but during this time he remained thankful for the care he received and regularly
complimented and thanked the doctors and nurses. In the midst of this, he was still hopeful and there
was a tenderness and sensitivity that was apparent.
On Thursday, April 15th, my dad took a turn for the worse. His leg amputation had failed, gangrene
and sepsis was setting in, and his mind was failing. He was moved to ICU and we were told he
would likely not make it through the night. I told my dad that my brothers would be here soon. I also
reminded my dad that his 56th wedding anniversary was on Saturday, April 17th and our son Josiah’s birthday was on
Monday, April 19th.
On the morning of April 16th, God’s most special gifts to us began. My dad woke up and had a resurgence of energy
and was lucid. We celebrated my parents 56th wedding anniversary in the hospital with my dad (and some help from
Pam & Tami) giving my mom one red rose and a card. Knowing that our son Zach is getting married in July, we
asked my dad to share marriage advice with us. His advice was precious. At this point he could not feed himself, so
each of our family took turns feeding him – it was precious to see our kids feeding their grandpa. On Sunday night,
my dad asked for our entire family to gather in his hospital room. He went one by one and said something significant
to each of us, said he was proud of us and that he loved us. We received his blessing and then he said he was ready for
heaven, he was ready ―to go up‖. So our family surrounded his bed and prayed to release him to God and to his home
in heaven. We celebrated Josiah’s 16th birthday on Monday and my Dad went to heaven at 12:15am on April 20th.
During his last few days, different nurses from the floors he previously stayed at stopped to visit my mom and him.
The day before he died, the cashier from the hospital café brought my mom flowers and a card. We will always
remember these acts of compassion and care. I was blessed when several of my dad’s friends and clients expressed
how much they treasured their relationship with my dad. During those six weeks and since my dad’s passing, our
friends prayed and served our family with meals, phone calls, emails, and text messages. The love we have been
shown by the body of Christ has helped us beyond what words can express.
Some reflections from this time: 1. God is faithful and His love is amazing even in and especially in hard times; 2. The
love and encouragement from the body of Christ is overwhelming; 3. Invest in relationships; 4. ―Little‖ things done in
love for another are the big things of life; 5. Regularly communicate love to your wife and kids; 6. We all leave a
legacy so be wise and intentional in how we live; and 7. In order to finish well, it helps to live well.
Father to Father by Brian Newberg
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another! Proverbs 27:17
Please mark the areas in which you would be willing to serve.
We do not expect families who are brand new to our group or in their first year of homeschooling to serve. There is not a membership requirement to serve.
Newsletter-publishing □; gathering news □; distribution team □
Field trip Team-•Elem. Age FTs □; •Jr/Sr.High Age FT’s □;
•Special Interest FT’s □ (arts, science& nature, civics& community, etc.)
Special Events help- Sr. Graduation □; Hostess team □; •
•Prayer team □; Other workshops or special events □
Administrative help- data entry □; phone calling □; other misc. □
Member support-•helping beginners □; •helping high school □;
special needs □; single moms □; general calls □; curriculum help □
Enrichment Classes-Teaching □; Vital Partners □; Admin. help □
Other: ___________________________________________
FIELD TRIP AGREEMENT I the undersigned, representing my family, have completely read and understand these policies and procedures and do hereby agree to uphold them. I understand that not adhering to these may result in loss of field trip privileges. Only one parent needs to sign.
Signature_____________________________________________________________Date: _____________________
If you plan on going on any High Country Support Group Fieldtrips, this portion must be signed beforehand. Policies are on back of form.
Support Group Fees are $25 per family. Cost for renewals postmarked on or before June 30th is $25. Cost for renewals after June 30th is $30. Membership is effective July 1-June 30. Please make checks payable to: High Country Support Group.
Mail this form and check to P.O. Box 62284, Colo. Springs, CO 80962-2284.
CURRICULUM-most used Check the ones you use
_____A Beka
_____Alpha-Omega
_____Apologia Science
_____Beautiful Feet
_____Bob Jones
_____Christian Liberty Acad
_____Critical Thinking
_____Easy Grammar
_____Greenleaf Press
_____Horizons Math
_____How to Read…100 Easy Les.
_____Learning Lang Arts /Lit.
_____Making Math Meaningful
______Math-U-See
_____Modern Curr. Press
_____Own curriculum
_____Rod & Staff
_____Saxon Math
_____Scott Foresman Math
_____Sing, Spell, Read & Write
_____Sonlight
_____Switched on Schoolhouse
_____Unit Studies
_____Veritas Press
Other:____________________
For Office Use Only Date rec’d ___/___/___
SG Fee Paid $________ Packet $___; CC $_____ Check Total $________ SG Check # __________ EC Check # __________ Entered in DB_________ Newsletter____________
Updated 4/15/10 (SG)
HIGH COUNTRY HOME EDUCATORS SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERSHIP FORM AND DIRECTORY UPDATE
Date:___/___/___ Single parent? □
Parents’ Names:______________________________________ (Last Name) (Husband) (Wife)
Address:______________________________________________
_______________________________________Zip___________
Phone:_____________ E-mail address:_______________________
Home Church:___________________ This is my _____ year homeschooling.
I would like to receive my monthly newsletter: by Email □ as Hardcopy □
Please do not list us in the directory □. Family Directories will be distributed by email in October. We do not sell or give out our SG listing.
Please list all your school age and younger children
and circle the appropriate field to the right Homeschooled?
Child’s first name:(last if different) Birth Date: Grade level:_ _Please circle
_______________________;___/___/___;__________ yes no
_______________________;___/___/___;__________ yes no
_______________________;___/___/___;__________ yes no
_______________________;___/___/___;__________ yes no
_______________________;___/___/___;__________ yes no
_______________________;___/___/___;__________ yes no
_______________________;___/___/___;__________ yes no
_______________________;___/___/___;__________ yes no
Your Membership Also Includes:
● A group discount on your Home School Legal Defense Association membership
● A discount on HC Enrichment Classes
● Monthly newsletter (August-May) & email updates
Please call 278-9135 x4 to request the HSLDA discount number or for any questions.
FIELD TRIP AGREEMENT Purpose The purpose of the High Country Field Trip Ministry is to enhance the home education of the members of High Country Support Group by seeking to enrich the training process through utilization of our community resources. We believe it is our responsibility as parents to train our children in the ways of the Lord.
Who We Serve Field trips are open to High Country Support Group members. In some cases, non-members: 1) May attend if there are any remaining openings after members have been given first priority, 2) may be required to pay non-member rates, 3) must attend with a High Country member.
Registration Requirements All field trip registrations begin by going to our website at www.hche.org and to the Support Group section, then “Field Trips.” Current field trips are listed here with the ability to register by Email. Follow the directions online. The Field Trip Coordinator will contact you by Email (or in some cases, by phone) to solidify your reservation, explain payment, and relate any specific instructions regarding the trip. After registering for a trip, please check your Email frequently as most communication and notifications will be sent to you at the Email address you provide.
Specific Requirements Some field trips have certain criteria required by the site to include age/grade limits, adult-to-child ratios or academic prerequisites, etc. Therefore, we ask members to comply with these specific requirements as a means to honor the host site. In some instances, concessions can be made. Please contact the Field Trip Coordinator in advance to find out if your special request is an option.
Field Trip Payments and Refunds All field trip payments must be mailed to the specified address or be delivered in person to the Field Trip Coordinator unless directed differently. All payments must be received by the specified deadline to ensure reservation. All field trips are considered non-refundable unless otherwise noted. In situations of family emergencies or sickness, a monetary refund may be possible, but is not guaranteed. This will be contingent on whether or not the spot can be filled from a waitlist. Please contact the Field Trip Coordinator as soon as you are sure you will not be able to make a field trip at [email protected]. This will give the coordinator a chance to try to fill the spot from a waitlist. We cannot honor any refunds from a trip that does not have a waitlist to draw from. The final decision will be made at the discretion of the Field Trip Coordinator.
Cancellations and Waiting Lists If a family or any of its members is unable to attend, it is expected that they will notify the Field Trip Coordinator as soon as possible. If a trip has a waiting list, prompt cancellation will allow another family to participate.
Reservation Deadlines Deadlines are in place to assist the site in preparing for our group. Reservations are considered “closed” on the deadline date. If the trip is full or closed, you may be placed on a waiting list in the event another family should cancel.
Inclement Weather If a field trip is cancelled due to hazardous weather conditions, you will be notified as soon as possible by Email and phone.
Basic Points of Courtesy As we strive to live our lives in a manner pleasing to God and reflect our commitment to Him, we ought to take the time to follow a few simple matters of courtesy when attending a field trip such as appropriate attire, adequate supervision of children, timeliness, etc. Please remember that we are representing our families, churches, the homeschool commu-nity, and most importantly the Lord Himself.
Refusals The Field Trip Coordinator reserves the right to refuse anyone the privilege of attending a field trip if they have not followed the field trip policies listed above or are disruptive to the group or site. Unless otherwise noted in the field trip description, parents will be expected to attend field trips with their children or have a designated adult responsible for their children during the field trip.
Questions and Concern
All questions may be directed to the Field Trip Coordinator at [email protected]
Updated 4/15/10
HC ON THE WEB:
High Country Website: www.hche.org
New Life Groups: www.newlifegroups.com
Prayer: [email protected]
STAY CONNECTED
Keep your contact information up-to-date!
This is so easy to do!! If any of your contact information has changed,
please just go to our website and use the ―Change My Info‖ button. You
can update your information easily by filling out a simple form.
HSLDA offers a 15 % discount to our members. Please call 278-9135 x 4 for our group number and an application.
Check them out on the web at www.hslda.org.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2 3 4 Graduation Rehearsal
5 6 7 8 Graduation Ceremony (page 7)
9 10 11 12 13 14 151515
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 CHEC Family Book Fair (page 5)
23 30
24 31
25 26 27 28 29
May 2010
Looking Ahead June 17-19—CHEC Conference (page 4) August 3-5—HCEC Registration (page 9) August 14—CHEC Intro to Homeschooling (pg1) August 19—HCEC Student Orientation (page 9) August 24-25—HCEC First day of classes (page 9)
Final Week of Classes
High Country Home Educators operates as a tri-fold ministry. The following divisions operate to meet specific needs that homeschoolers may have. All divisions are optional services, and need to be joined separately.
Contributions We will print your contribution to the newsletter if
we have space available. Send any articles of interest to [email protected].
Some months we may have extra room, but please don’t be offended if we decide not to print
or have space limitations.
High Country Enrichment Classes
Supplemental classes for homeschoolers held at New Life Church
Kelly Morgan Administrator Carol Beal, Human Resources
278-9135 [email protected]
High Country Christian Academy
An independent school for record keeping and/or achievement test score record keeping
Ellen Paugh, Administrator Megan Paugh, Administrative Assistant
597-HCCA (4222) [email protected]
High Country Support Group Fellowship opportunities, newsletter, family
directory, field trips, etc. Pam Newberg, Administrator
Lisa Mendoza, Administrative Assistant 278-9135 ext. 4
[email protected] [email protected]
ADVERTISING POLICY High Country Home Educators reserves the right to refuse any advertising that, in its opinion, conflicts with the philosophy or beliefs of HCHE, or would appear to cause such conflict. The appear-ance of an ad does not constitute endorsement by HCHE or its boards. We do not endorse or guarantee any of the products or services offered in ads appearing in this newsletter. We will be able to accept advertising as space allows, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Business card size ads: $20 for members / $25 for non-members. Double business card size ad: $30 for members/ $40 for non-members. The deadline for ads, along with the fee, is the 16th of the month before. Please e-mail your ad to [email protected] or send a copy-ready ad and your check to HCSG, 4014 Pronghorn Meadows Circle, CS/CO, 80922. Make checks payable to HCSG.
High Country Home Educators Corporate Board:
Jim & Martha Cole Larry & Kelly Morgan Brian & Pam Newberg Dwayne & Ellen Paugh
Matt & Judy Purcell Brandon & Jenny Vanaman
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Believing that children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and that it is both our privilege and responsibility to train our children in the ways of God, we at High Country Home Educators, are committed to assist one another with these responsibilities.
Our purpose is to strengthen our families by reflecting Biblical standards in our homes and marriages, as established in Ephesians 5:21-33.
We endeavor to raise up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) through godly instruction in these four primary areas: spiritual training, character development, academics, and practical life skills.
High Country Home Educators P.O. Box 62284 Colorado Springs CO 80962 www.hche.org
High Country Home Educators operates as a tri-fold ministry. The following divisions operate to meet specific needs that homeschoolers may have. All divisions are optional services, and need to be joined separately.
Contributions We will print your contribution to the newsletter if
we have space available. Send any articles of interest to [email protected].
Some months we may have extra room, but please don’t be offended if we decide not to print
or have space limitations.
High Country Enrichment Classes
Supplemental classes for homeschoolers held at New Life Church
Kelly Morgan Administrator Carol Beal, Human Resources
278-9135 [email protected]
High Country Christian Academy
An independent school for record keeping and/or achievement test score record keeping
Ellen Paugh, Administrator Megan Paugh, Administrative Assistant
597-HCCA (4222) [email protected]
High Country Support Group Fellowship opportunities, newsletter, family
directory, field trips, etc. Pam Newberg, Administrator
Lisa Mendoza, Administrative Assistant 278-9135 ext. 4
[email protected] [email protected]
ADVERTISING POLICY High Country Home Educators reserves the right to refuse any advertising that, in its opinion, conflicts with the philosophy or beliefs of HCHE, or would appear to cause such conflict. The appear-ance of an ad does not constitute endorsement by HCHE or its boards. We do not endorse or guarantee any of the products or services offered in ads appearing in this newsletter. We will be able to accept advertising as space allows, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Business card size ads: $20 for members / $25 for non-members. Double business card size ad: $30 for members/ $40 for non-members. The deadline for ads, along with the fee, is the 16th of the month before. Please e-mail your ad to [email protected] or send a copy-ready ad and your check to HCSG, 4014 Pronghorn Meadows Circle, CS/CO, 80922. Make checks payable to HCSG.
High Country Home Educators Corporate Board:
Jim & Martha Cole Larry & Kelly Morgan Brian & Pam Newberg Dwayne & Ellen Paugh
Matt & Judy Purcell Brandon & Jenny Vanaman
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Believing that children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and that it is both our privilege and responsibility to train our children in the ways of God, we at High Country Home Educators, are committed to assist one another with these responsibilities.
Our purpose is to strengthen our families by reflecting Biblical standards in our homes and marriages, as established in Ephesians 5:21-33.
We endeavor to raise up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) through godly instruction in these four primary areas: spiritual training, character development, academics, and practical life skills.
High Country Home Educators P.O. Box 62284 Colorado Springs CO 80962 www.hche.org
