Volume 1 Issue 6 - CAK Home school program

CAK
Homeschool
Newsletter . . . . . .
Volume 1 Issue 6
April 2015
Director’s Corner
Director’s Corner
Because we just finished spring testing, the idea of standardized testing and why CAK Homeschool requires it came up a lot in
conversations. I also know that homeschoolers often choose umbrella schools based on whether there is a testing requirement.
So, let’s share some thoughts about testing.
First, as I mentioned at the opening meeting, I am not a successful test taker. I have a very hard time remembering details (which
hasn’t helped with age). I am organized and hardworking though, so that always made up for it. I was a straight “A” student at
my Christian high school, and I was given the top English student award during my senior year. However, I took the AP English
test and didn’t do very well at all! My SAT scores were anything but impressive, and yet, I attained mostly A’s in college (as an
English major and art minor). When I graduated with a teaching certificate, the last hurdle was taking the “CBEST” the CA
teaching standardized test. I had to take it twice because of failing the math section, even though I was going to be an English
teacher! Oh, you should have heard me complain! Hah!
Every homeschooling mom wants the privilege of seeing their students score high on a test so that we can receive the objective
confirmation that all the work we’ve poured into their brains wasn’t a waste of time, right? Hah! I would personally love it- no
lie! We as homeschooling moms want our children to be successful in all areas of their lives. Why else would we be
homeschooling in the first place? However, I have learned that my children and I are not defined by these tests, and I hope you
feel that way too!
So, let’s address why CAK Homeschool requires testing.
Short answer: The Stanford Achievement Test is a TOOL, one of many tools or resources you have as a parent to evaluate your
child. We provide this tool for you.
1. The test gives you a window into your child’s progress and your child’s strengths and weaknesses. The standardized test is a
benchmark resource. It is a nationally normed test. That means that a sampling of students of varying backgrounds and abilities
from all across the United States were given this exact same test during the same time of the year. These students are the “norm
group.” Your children’s scores are compared with this norm group, and as a result, you can see where your child stands in
comparison. You can use the comparison along with what you know about your child and make future decisions based on the
information. For example, when my son didn’t do so well on the vocab section of the PSAT during his freshman year, we chose
to emphasize vocabulary development in his future lessons.
2. CAK Homeschool uses the tool to track your child’s progress. This enables us to support you and work with you. As an example,
let’s say that a 4th grader does poorly on the reading portion of the test. The mother is aware that her daughter struggles in
reading, but it is more evident through the objective test results. At this point, we may suggest that the mother get the child
evaluated by a professional. If the child struggles with weak eye tracking, for example, then the mother can help the daughter
and better understand why she struggles in reading.
. . . Continued on page 2
3. The standardized test can help you make curriculum decisions. As I said above, when I found out my son needed vocab
help, we chose a vocabulary curriculum, and he also took basic Latin the following year.
4. The standardized test gives you an idea of how your child handles formal testing. My daughter experiences testing anxiety, and we have had to work out ways in which to ease her anxiety. I also have had to assure her that I wasn’t going to
judge her based on her score reports (what a great lesson in unconditional love, right?)
5. The standardized test also authenticates to the watching public that home schooling is viable. Yes, you’re going to hear
naysayers who think that you’re wasting your days away letting your children play Minecraft all day in their jammies (and
yes, we all DO have those days sometimes- hah!). But, we’re all working hard to help our children learn. The tests are just
another way to prove to the public that our children are just as capable, if not more capable, than the norm.
6. We all need accountability. Sometimes, if things like tests aren’t required, we get busy, and then we forget, and then it
just doesn’t get done, right?
So, all this is good and well, but I bet you’re all concerned that Shelly or I will judge you and your homeschooling teaching
capabilities based on your student’s scores, right? Why else would we “require” the test in the first place, right?
So let’s note some ideas:
1. Standardized tests do not define your child. Academics do not define your child either! There are so many other dynamics to raising children such as, what about their spiritual life? What about their emotional intelligence? Can your child socialize well with others? The standardized test is an inaccurate reflection of the whole child and all that a child needs to learn
in life.
2. The Stanford Achievement Test is only one way of measuring of your child’s ability—and it is not a perfect measure at
that. Test scores can vary depending upon the child’s emotional and/or physical state during the day of testing.
3. Standardized tests do not reflect academic potential. These tests often only reflect whether your child is a good test taker or not. Many studies show that the GPA or day-to-day learning habits through work-ethic are a better reflection of academic potential in college over the standardized tests.
We naturally want our children to do well on the standardized test. I know this is true because I get lots of parents
calling months in advance asking how they can prepare their children for the SAT. The other indication is that I
hear from moms that are nervous or worried over the test results. Others are worried that they taught their child a
unit on zoology and the science test asked a bunch of questions about magnets. This is what I tell the parents who
are worried about the tests and the results: Don’t place so much importance on it. Focus on the learning that you
are accomplishing day-to-day with your child. Perhaps this is why homeschoolers choose to go with an umbrella
school that doesn’t require testing in the first place…the parents are placing way too much importance on the test
itself. This requirement is just one tool at your disposal to use in homeschooling the whole child.
Blessings,
Jennifer Vals
CAK Homeschool
Vals
Anderson Family:
Ashley Anderson: sign language
Contact Information: 865 240 9076
Caudill Family:
Chett Caudill: Caudill Renovation and Drywall, remodeling, renovation and drywall
Contact Information: 417-693-3207
Susanna Caudill: Classical Conversations, Christian, classical homeschool community
Contact Information: [email protected]
Finley Family:
Heather Finley: Long time user of Tapestry of Grace
Contact Information: [email protected]
Friedman Family:
Tara Friedman: Psalm 150:4 Dance Studio, Psalm 150:4 Ballet Studio is a dance studio for the Lord Jesus. Our studio strives to
create an atmosphere of love and encouragement through the art of dance.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Harrell Family:
Julie Harrell: The Polka-Dotted Chair, Window Treatments, Furniture Upholstery, Pillows/Cushions
Contact information: 865-250-7792, Facebook- The Polka-Dotted Chair
Hawkins Family:
Anna Hawkins: Norwex, Norwex produces microfiber cleaning cloths with embedded micro silver that every homeschool family,
and little ones can use them too!
Contact information: [email protected] 423-802-6197 annahawkins.norwex.biz
Jaggers Family:
Deron and Kim Jaggers: Jaggers Construction Inc., Custom Home Builders
Contact Information: Deron and Kim Jaggers (865) 603-9034 www.jaggersconstruction.org
Kim Jaggers: Christian Speaker,
Contact Information: www.morethanchocolate.org (865) 603-9034
Jarrett Family:
Candace Jarrett: Blount memorial, Pelvic floor physical therapist
Contact Information: 908-5044
Justus Family:
Helping to motivate people to overcome toxic thoughts, emotional baggage and limiting beliefs while gaining momentum in all
areas of their life.
Randy Justus: Randy Justus Certified Life/Wellness Coach, We strive to impact world health and free people from physical and
financial pain
Contact information: www.RandyJustus.com (865) 789-5640 cell [email protected]
Deb Justus: Clayton Autos, A Better Buy-Here, Pay-Here Vehicle for Less
Contact Information: www.claytonautos.com (865) 219-6675
Randy and Deb: Helping to motivate people to overcome toxic thoughts, emotional baggage and limiting beliefs while gaining
momentum in all areas of their life.
Kirk Family:
Michelle Kirk: Pink Diamond Defense, Women's, Female teen's, and children's self defense classes.
I have homeschooled since 2000 and along with certification to teach Secondary Social Studies I have experience with teaching dyslexic and learning challenged children. I am hoping to start teaching some co-op classes in Spring 2016 and possibly
sooner. Here is my new Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/LearningwithMichelleKirk?skip_nax_wizard=true&ref_type=bookmark
Contact information: pinkdiamonddefense.com (865)898-4573
David Kirk: Trail Life USA, Trail Life USA is a Christian adventure, character, and leadership program for young men. The K-12
program centers on outdoor experiences that build a young man’s skills and allow him to grow on a personal level and as a
role model and leader for his peers. Living the Trail Life is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible.
Contact Information: [email protected] 865-769-9378.
Naren-Rueff Family
Cassandra Naren- Rueff: I have a passion for cooking. I cater and teach cooking classes. I also teach for dietary restricted classes such as gluten free, dairy free, etc.
I also have a background in early childhood education.
Michael Rueff: Has a background in Special Ed behavior and life skills (under mental health and therapy). Works with children
in home and in schools.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Parris Family:
Jennifer Parris: Long time user of My Father’s World
Contact information: [email protected]
Powers Family:
Shelly Powers: Tutors students one-on-one in the areas of English grammar and writing, or the languages of Spanish and Latin.
I love to talk to new homeschoolers and give them hope for the future of their families through this method of family discipleship.
Contact: [email protected] Home phone-- 675-9977
Steve Powers and son Cody Powers: Appdriven Marketing, writing smart phone apps for your business.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Clayton Powers: In Imago Photography at inimagophotography.com, Creative portraits of families, children, the senior, special
events, engagements, and weddings to show the sacredness and beauty of human life through photography.
Contact Information: [email protected] (865) 604-2583
Smith, C Family:
Courtney Smith: Cosmetologist – Hairstylist
Contact information: 865-803-5557
Thomas Family:
Jessie Thomas: Homeschooling conventions- I've been to several homeschool conventions so I know how to maneuver them.
Vals Family:
Eric Vals: Bean Boy Roasters, Fresh roasted coffee beans- whole or ground.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Sawyer Vals: Guitar Lessons, experienced guitar teacher will give lessons to students for $10 per half an hour.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Ethan Vals: Piano Lessons, experienced piano teacher will give lessons to students ages 7 and older for $10 per half an hour.
[email protected]
4
White Family:
Janette White: Wagon Wheel LLC dba Kidz Menuz LLC, design and printing business
Contact information: 865-805-0719
Janette White: genealogy and scrapbooking, “If anyone needs pointers to work on a family tree for a school project, I'd be glad
to help.”
Contact Information: [email protected]
Wayne White: Math and Computer Science tutoring and help
Contact information: Phone: 865-219-9779 Email: [email protected]
Wood Family
Bethany Wood: Sail Away Academy, IEP for gifted or special needs, co-op, tutoring, private school
Contact Information: 865-376-7005
Elizabeth Wood recommends: Awana Youth Grades 6-12
Contact Information: Diann Byrd 947-7654
C
If you would like to add your special interest or business to our list, please fill out the survey link or send an email to
[email protected]
f
o
s
las
2015
Friday
08 May 2015
7:00pm
Grace Lutheran Church
9076 Middlebrook Pike
Knoxville, Tn 37923
Participants are:
Hannah Allender
Emma Campbell
Owen Finley
Joshua Kirk
Seth White
Abbey Lutts
Jessie Kimball
Courtney Miller
Rebekah Ochs
Joshua Hendrix
Jonathan Thomas
Kathryn Rack
Hannah Rader
Melody McMahan
CAK
Homeschool
Graduation
CONGRATULATIONS!
5
3
r Profile
o
i
n
s
e
S Class of
2015
Jonathan Thomas
the poor.” The reason that I love this is because it is an
image of justice. In the midst of people who are crushed,
they will rise up and right the injustice. And in the midst
of it all, God is giving us the chance to be justice on
earth. Now that is an awesome calling.
4. What is some place that you would really like to visit?
I would love to visit New Zealand. When I would get
there, I would go climb a mountain, then paraglide off into
Hobbit town. From there, I would set off walking towards
the mountains and see if I could spot (or catch) a herd of
wild horses. After all that, I would backpack across the
plains and mountains, just enjoying the beauty of it all.
5. What is one of the most adventurous things you’ve ever
done?
There was that one time I decided to chase a
bear… I was biking with my teacher and we saw a brown
bear lumbering ahead of us. I looked at him and asked,
“Do you have a knife on you?” He then pulled out a two
inch pocket knife. We both looked at it, and then without
a word, started chasing after the bear. By this time, the
bear ran off so I came back with my life and a cool story.
6. What advice can you give to younger students? Don’t
be afraid to live on the edge. If you are not living freely,
you are not living at all. Albert Camus once said, ““The
“1. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so
climbing mountains, swimming in waterfalls, watching absolutely free that your very existence is an act of
sunrises, or drinking tea or coffee and reading poetry. Add rebellion.” If you put all of your passion into everything
a little honey and milk, Norah Jones, some generously you do, amazing opportunities will open up.
7. What question do you wish someone would ask you?
buttered bread and it is a perfect morning.
Tell
us and then answer it!
“What do you hate the
2. What is your favorite book?
I have many, but one
most?” I hate people thinking that I am superman, capable
of my favorites is the “The Little Prince” by Antoine De
of taking on the world. I will admit, God has gifted me
Saint-Exupery. It is about a little prince who lives alone in many different areas, but I am still just a child of God.
on a planet with two active volcanoes and an extinct What I hate is when people attribute my success to me,
volcano, all the size of his knee. He lives a normal life, not the God who gave it.
watching the sunsets and enjoying life until a rose starts 8. If you could be any age what age would you choose
to grow on his planet. In a series of events, he eventually and why?
travels from planet to planet, learning about adults and I would not grow any younger or older. Life is good.
spreading his wisdom. It is one of those books that will
captivate you the first time, but then comes back with
deeper truths every time you come back to it.
3. What is a particularly meaningful Bible verse to you
and why?
One of my favorite passages of scripture is
Isaiah 26:1-6, “We have a strong city, God makes salvation
its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous
nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith… He humbles
those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he
levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust, Feet
trample it down- the feet of the oppressed,the footsteps of
6
r Profile
o
i
n
s
e
S Class of
2015
Hannah Allender
1. What is something you are really good at?
I am really good at designing things.
2. What are your future plans?
In the fall I am planning on attending The University
of Tennessee's Architecture and Design Program.
3. Who do you admire as a leader?
My Mom is a leader I admire.
4. What is your favorite academic subject and why?
My favorite academic subject is History because I
enjoy learning about the past.
5. What is a particularly meaningful Bible verse to
you and why?
Proverbs 31:25 because it helps remind me and give
me peace that God is in control
6. What is some place that you would really like to
visit?
I would really like to revisit Italy.
7. What is one of the most adventurous things you’ve
ever done?
One of the most adventurous things I've ever done
was go whitewater rafting in a jungle of Costa Rica.
8. What is one thing you wish you had more time for
in your life?
I wish I had more time to spend with my friends.
9. If you could have any one super-power, which one
would you choose and why?
I would choose to have the super power of invisibility
just because I think it would be pretty awesome super
power to have.
7
r Profile
o
i
n
s
e
S Class of
2015
Bekah Ochs
1. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy reading, photography, and camping with my
family.
2. What is your favorite book?
That is a very tough question because I have many
favorites. However, “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers
and “Mark Of The Lion” Series are probably top of my
list.
3. What are your future plans?
As of right now, I am planning to attend a Bible college
and major in Cross-Cultural Communications Media. While
we were in Ghana, I did all the newsletters, blogs,
photography, and videos. I fell in love with being the
connecting bridge between America and Ghana. I would
like to partner with ministries and missionaries to help with
their communications between missionaries and America.
After coming back from Ghana I realized how big of a
need there was for that. I am still searching and praying
to figure out what that looks like. I know, and am excited,
that it will involve over-seas.
4. What is a particularly meaningful Bible verse to you
and why?
One of my many favorite verses is 1 John 2:6, which
says, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus
did.” It’s a great verse to memorize and use to check my
actions with. But it’s also a hard verse to know. It keeps
me accountable as to what I say and do, and if those
things are honoring to God.
5. What is some place that you would really like to visit?
State-side, I would really like to visit Yosemite. I
think places like that are beautiful, and it’s so amazing to
see the things God created to glorify His name. Outside
of the country, there are many places I want to visit. More
African countries, Europe, Middle East, Asia…I would be
happy getting to visit any place new.
6. What is one thing you wish you had more time for in
your life?
Although I enjoy being a student, I wish I had
more time to travel. I love getting to experience different
cultures and see new countries. Hopefully in the years to
come I’ll get the opportunity to visit different places.
7. What is one of the most adventurous things you’ve ever
done?
I am not a fan of heights and I especially hate
swinging bridges. But while we were in Ghana, we visited
Kakum National Forest. They have a Canopy Bridge, where
you can walk overtop the trees on a skimpy swinging
bridge. My two least favorite things. Although I choose
the short route around the walk, I was able to make it
without having a heart-attack or pushing anyone to let me
off faster. To some it may not seem very adventurous, but
to me I thought it was!
8. If you were to write a novel what would it be about?
I think it would be awesome to write a book from
the perspective of an American living in a rural village of
Ghana. What they eat, what they do, the hardships of living
in a third world country where money is pretty
non-existent…I’d show the lifestyles of Ghanaians, but write
it in a way that compares it to the American way of living
so people are able to understand the differences.
8
FAITH ?
What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith means being
sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something
is real, even if we do not see it." (NCV) The rest of
Hebrews 11 is filled with people who did amazing things
in faith, believing that their God was going to do what He
promised. Abraham left his home and was willing to
sacrifice his son, Isaac, out of faith. The Israelites had faith
when they crossed the Red Sea and marched around the
walls of Jericho for seven days. Just these few examples
give us insight about how to apply that kind of faith to our
lives.
Another great Scripture on how to live our lives with
faith is Hebrews 12:1-2. It says, "We are surrounded by a
great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means.
So let us run the race before us and never give up. We
should remove from our lives anything that would get in
the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look
only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes
it perfect. He suffered death on the cross, but He accepted
the shame as if it was nothing because of the joy that God
put before Him. Now, He is sitting at the right side of God's
throne."
In my own life, having faith has always been something
that has not been difficult, but I struggle in the “followthrough.” For me, it is so easy to have faith in God, but
when it comes to taking a step out of my comfort zone, I
find myself hesitating. So, for me, faith isn’t just believing
God is who he says he is, but faith is also stepping out in
complete confidence that God will do what He promises.
As Christians, when we walk through hard places in our
lives, those hard places should not take away our faith in
God, but instead, reveal what kind of faith we developed
in our walk with Him. Whether it is a small lifestyle change
or a monumental decision, believing and doing what God
says the definition for having faith.
Savannah Price is a senior student who plans on getting her masters in
English, a minor in Secondary Education, and a minor in business. She has
plans to someday run and teach at an orphanage in a third world country.
What is Rally Day?
Rally Day is a day on Capitol Hill for Tennessee
homeschooling families to bring the good report of
home education to our elected officials while we
gather in the historic War Memorial Auditorium and
together celebrate home education.
You and your family don't want to miss former
homeschoolers, Steve and Marijean Green, our featured guests during the Rally Day program in the
historic War Memorial Auditorium on Capitol Hill.
The Rally Day program begins at 8:45 AM and concludes at 11:00 AM!!
For more information and to register, go to website:
www.tnhea.org
C
What is
THEA's 30th Anniversary
Capitol Hill Rally & Reception Day
Tuesday, April, 14, 2015!
of
s
s
la
2015
Congratulations!!!
9
CAK Homeschool Families: Take a Closer Look
1. Tell us about your family- how long have you
been homeschooling and how many students do
you have?
We are the Parkers. My husband, Scott, and I have
four children: Drew, age 10; Audrey age 7; Jake age
6; and Tyler, age 2. We have been homeschooling
for 6 years.
2. Have any of your kids ever attended any regular
school? If so, why did you decide to homeschool?
Our children have never attended a public school.
3. How did you receive your calling to homeschool?
I felt God leading me to homeschool so that I could
teach my children the things that He wants them to
learn. There are so many reasons I homeschool. I
get to choose the academics, schedule, and vacations. We get to be together all day. And many more.
4. What is your favorite part about homeschooling?
Flexibility (as missionaries we often used the term
flexadaptability).
5. What is your least favorite part about homeschooling?
I’m not sure really. I guess those days when nobody really wants to do school or when one of your kids is struggling to understand something.
6. Are you a part of any support groups, co-ops, or other homeschool related communities?
No. Every year I look to see what groups are out there, but just haven’t found any that seem to say, “Yes, this is the one for
your family.”
7. What advice do you have for new homeschoolers?
Be patient. Be flexible.
8. What are some of your favorite extra- curricular activities that your students participate in?
lessons. Church activities. Upwards Basketball
9. What is a favorite curriculum that you would like to recommend?
I have really enjoyed Abeka’s History grades 4 and 5. I don’t do all the activities presented, but the material is very good.
MathUSee has also been great. I also use Heart of Dakota book list as a reference. My kids have loved the books.
10. Do you have a homeschooling philosophy or approach that you like to follow?
I am very eclectic. I use a little of this and a little of that.
. . Continue on page 11
10
11. How has God sustained you throughout the homeschooling journey?
There have been days when I just wanted to quit, and He reminds me why I do this.
12. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
My husband and I were missionaries in Chile for 3 years. That is where our first child was born and where the idea of
homeschooling my children first appeared. Once we returned to the US, we still had four more years to make our decision.
Ultimately I decided to homeschool. It hasn’t been easy, especially when child number two and number three came along,
one right after the other. We thought we were complete as a family until God opened our hearts and eyes to foster care. I
argued with him for three years (which tends to be a pattern of mine. I also fought with him for 3 years about becoming a
missionary. I know, I know. I ’m working on it.) Finally he won, and we did too. We began to foster a sweet boy who eventually
became a permanent part of our family. I say all of this to say, whatever it is that God is calling you to do, whether it be
homeschooling or anything else, do it. Remember that he always has our best interest at heart because he loves us so much.
It may not be easy, but he will be there with you every step of the way and you will be blessed.
Co-ops
Last month, we listed several local co-ops. We told you
to let us know if you had any others to share, so here’s
another one!
Truth Trekkers exists to support homeschooling
families in both the spiritual and academic training of
their children by providing weekly classes designed to
augment and enrich their home-based education. Classes
meet every Monday from mid-August through May at
First Baptist Church, Fountain City campus. Truth
Trekkers is a ministry of First Baptist and thus reflects
its doctrinal teachings. Please refer to www.fbcpowell.org
for a detailed explanation and statement of beliefs.
Summer Manners Camp brought to you by, The
Etiquette Factory. Sign up TODAY for this
exclusive program offered by renown
international etiquette coach & motivational
speaker, Monica Irvine.
Log onto:
www.TheEtiquetteFactory.com/foryoursuccess
Quote of the Day:
Don’t forget to join REMIND! Remind is an app that will be
used to communicate crucial reminders about deadlines
with you through texts. It’s very easy and fast to do. Simply
send the text: @cakhome to the number: 81010. If you
don't do this, you may miss the most vital deadlines in our
program!
Would you like to contribute an article to the CAK
Homeschool Newsletter? Go ahead! Just email Jennifer
Vals with your submissions of by the next deadline, April
22nd. [email protected]
Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn.
-Benjamin Franklin
CAK HOMESCHOOL
11
CAK Homeschool Families: Take a Closer Look
1. Tell us about your family- how long have you
been homeschooling and how many students do
you have?
We have been on the homeschool journey for about
16 years, and all four Dovenbarger kids are now at
home. David Jr. is 16, Laurelyn is 15, Dianna is 11,
and Danny is 6.
2. Have any of your kids ever attended any regular
school? If so, why did you decide to homeschool?
David and Laurelyn both attended Farragut Primary
for two years when we moved to Tennessee.
Dianna, who is cognitively delayed, has gone
through the special needs program from preschool
through third grade. This is her first year at home.
3. How did you receive your calling to homeschool?
Our homeschooling journey began in Phoenix,
Arizona sixteen years ago. As a young mom I watched the families in our church going before me and made mental notes of
what I desired my family to look like in the years ahead. I saw the difference of homeschool kids verses public/private school.
There was one family in particular which really stood out to me. The whole family desired to know Christ and live for him. They
did school at home, which gave them extra time to serve in the church and the community around them. Watching this family
and desiring the same pattern for my kids was the beginning of our homeschool journey.
4. What is your favorite part about homeschooling?
My favorite part of homeschooling is experiencing the fruit from all the years of hard work. I’m proud of who my kids have
become. They love the Lord and desire to live for Him. Instead of the socially-awkward young adults promised by so many,
my kids excel in the “real-world”. Academically and socially, God has really blessed our decision to put Him first, and to live
for Him.
5. What is your least favorite part about homeschooling?
I really do not have a least favorite part of homeschooling. I thought for years that bringing home my special-needs daughter
would be torture at best. This too, however, has become a blessing. It took a few months of us both grinding our teeth in
anguish…but now we are both in a positive routine. She is excelling (learning to read!), her medication is now down to half,
and actually…I wish I started her years ago.
6. Are you a part of any support groups, co-ops, or other homeschool related communities?
My younger two go to a neighborhood co-op hosted by Bobbi Carbaugh. My older two are finishing classes at Masters Monday.
Co-ops have always been a blessing. (Thank you Shelly Powers for Latin!!!!)
7. What advice do you have for new homeschoolers?
My advice for newbies is to stick with it. You will have hard days, but the good days are so good! The days are long sitting at
the sticky school table, but the years go by so fast!
. . . Continued on page 13
12
9
8. What are some of your favorite extra- curricular activities that your students participate in?
My kids love volunteering at STAR- starting at age 9 (I think) they are trained to clean the barn and work with therapy horses
as well as the special-needs community. This gives our kids a head start in the work environment and kindles a love for the
special needs community.
9. What is a favorite curriculum that you would like to recommend?
My favorite curriculum is My Father’s World. It is both strong academically as well as missions oriented. My kids have a deep
understanding of the world around them, as well as the God who orchestrates it all.
10. Do you have a homeschooling philosophy or approach that you like to follow?
My philosophy is pretty basic. Our role as parents isn’t to have them puff up with knowledge to impress the world around
them. Our goal should be raising kids to bless their husbands/wives and family to come. They need to be ready for eternity,
and use this life to glorify God. I want my kids to bless the world around them by being the best husband/wife and parent they
can be, and to pass their faith to generations to come.
11. How has God sustained you throughout the homeschooling journey?
God has sustained me with incredible friends. I’m so thankful for each one who has encouraged me to keep going. Right now
my special needs mommas are a huge blessing as they keep me level headed and encourage me with each step.
12 Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If God calls you to homeschool, He will get you through it! Rely daily on Him, spend time in His word, know that your effort is
not in vain…but most of all ENJOY it! Take time to laugh and enjoy having your kids at home. Cultivate your relationships with
each child. The more relaxed and fun your home environment is, the more learning your children will accomplish.
Check your email or the website, cakhomeschool.com for PDF instructions on how to use Applecore, our new data
system that you will use to input grades, courses, and registration. There will also be Applecore training sessions
available if you need one-on-one help during the week of April 20th. Watch for more information!
Join us at the Spring Fling on April 18th (rain date April 19th) where CAK Homeschool participants
are invited to the large pavilion at McFee Park at 4:00pm for a potluck and fun!
Don’t forget to RSVP by April 10th!
Bring:
One main dish (to serve at least six), one side dish, and one liter or gallon drink.
Games- sports balls and equipment, bubbles, chalk, hula-hoops, jump ropes, bikes…
Optional Catapult Contest! K-12 students are welcome to participate in a marshmallow catapult
launching contest. Please bring your own large marshmallows. At home, students can create a
marshmallow catapult of their own design, then bring the catapult to Spring Fling, and we’ll get to
see your design! We will have a contest for the farthest, highest, and most accurate.
Hope to see you there!
13
Cactus Gulch Gazette
Saturday April 26, 1884
CAK Homeschool Murder Mystery Party for the Senior Class. Here's a sampling of all the fun!
Tonight sees celebrations begin
for the 20th anniversary of the
founding of Cactus Gulch town.
Our town has grown from its
beginnings of a few brave
pioneering prospectors arriving in 1864, to the thriving
community of 600 souls that it
is today. With likelihood of the
railroad arriving soon, connecting us directly to San
Francisco, Cactus Gulch looks
all set to continue its growth
and prosperity!
All townsfolk of this place and
visitors are welcome to join in
the celebrations tonight, beginning at The Silver Dollar
followed by an all you can eat
hog roast and apple pie feast.
As reported in the Gazette last
Saturday, Calhoun was involved in a Friday night game
with the notorious gambler
Slick Faraday. Stakes increased as the night went on, and
eventually Fat Ball Range was
“won” by Slick. There were
witnesses to the game and
there have been as yet
unproven accusations of cheating.
“Needless to say, this scandal
affects the whole town badly,
especially as the outcome is so
essential to the rail negotiations. I will therefore be
making a ruling on the land
ownership tonight at 9:30pm.”
said Judge Paulson, who has
been investigating the case
with Sheriff Blane. The town
eagerly awaits the outcome.
Cactus Gulch Gazette
Saturday April 26, 1884
We are delighted to report
that the new telegraph should
be arriving on the stage coach
this evening. It will be a relief
to be back in contact witht the
outside world, after the old
machine broke down a week
ago.
The final hurdle to negotiations is the area of land to the
south west of town, know as Fat
Bull Range and owned by Zeke
Calhoun, successful prospector,
landowner and founder citizen
of Cactus Gulch. These negotiations are complicated by
the fact that Mr. Calhoun may
in fact no longer be owner of
this land!
Traveling preacher Eliah
Entwhistle is in town and plans
to give a sermon followed by
baptisms, tomorrow morning at
10am at Clearwater Creek.
Rev’d Entwhistle declared, “I
am shocked by the lawlessness
and godlessness of this town.
Wickedness is everywhere. “I
will be at the Silver Dollar this
evening, trying to save souls.”
Anyone wishing to be cleansed
and saved should be at the
creek tomorrow morning.
Runs like a Deer used her
knowledge of herbs and berries to soothe and heal our
physical hardships will attend
the celebrations tonight as she
has lived in this place for the
last twenty years.
It seems certain that the rail
will soon be arriving here in
Cactus Gulch - but the big
question on everyone's lips now
is
rail company it will be
bringing our life line to the
coast? Both Mid West Rail and
South West Rail have sent negotiators to meet our town
council and local landowners.
Should the judgement go
against Mr. Calhoun, he will
still be easily the richest man
in town from his earlier
prospecting - and rumour also
has it that he has recently
found yet another rich silver
lode, on unclaimed land to the
north east of Cactus Gulch. To
this reporter’s knowledge, the
location is still known only to
Zeke. Whoever else knows it
when the next round of land
claim staking takes place could
be in the position of making
themselves very rich indeed.
Cactus Gulch Gazette
Saturday April 26, 1884
Cactus Gulch Gazette
Saturday April 26, 1884