Prayers for Baltodog and Family, Please

11/21/04 | Baltodog

[baltodog]

Tomorrow, 11/21/04 is a big day for us...

Because of repetative problems, we are withdrawing our boys from Wichita Public Schools to home-school.

All the proper forms are in place, and there is nothing to do now but walk and get thier stuff.

We have been told that the district will fight us over the legalities of this decision and we are nervous, but prepared to fight.

I respectfully request a few quick prayers for strength, encouragement, and to generally put our minds at ease to know we are doing the right thing.

[baltodog]

Thanks in advance, I will let you know how things turn out.

[JennysCool]

Prayers up! Is it really that tough to homeschool in Wichita?

Move to Nevada! :-)

[CindyDawg]

Praying for you. I remember how scared I was when I pulled my son out of public school. It was like what do I do now. Some parents can set there own agenda but there are lots of places where you can purchase curriculum too. I went with Abeka but there are many excellent ones. Did you know that there is a homeschool thread on FR? Relax and enjoy teaching your children. You will do fine.

[BADROTOFINGER]

Prayers to you and your family. Care to elaborate on your problems with the school system where you are?...JFK

[jocon307]

"From my grandfather's father, [I learned] to dispense with attendance at public schools, and to enjoy good teachers at home, and to recognize that on such things money should be eagerly spent."

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (Roman Emperor from March 7, A.D. 161 to March 17, A.D. 180), Meditations Book I, verse 4

He was emperor from my birthday to St. Patrick's Day, how bad can he be?

Good luck! Make sure to make use of any "real life" resources in your area.

(tip o'the hat to google for the quick quote!)

[little jeremiah]

Dear God, please help Baltodog and his family have the strength, courage and whatever it takes to homeschool his children. May Your mercy shine on him and his family.

[baltodog]

My middle child has consistently tested much higher than his peers. Until this year, he was straight A's, across the board. This year, he is making all F's.

Oh, yeah, and they lost him on a bus last Tuesday. Dropped him off at a school about 4 miles away. He's eleven...It took about 2 1/2 hours to locate him. He was a little upset as the school he was dropped off at was CLOSED.

My other boy is making straight A's, but just does not fit in with his classmates. He's nine, and the other kids in his class make fun of his weight, even when my wife volunteers in his class. These kids do not have souls. He has no friends. He laughs it off, but I can tell that his heart is being broken. In another day and age, I may have told him to suck it up and tough it out, but these days, it does not work. (You cannot shut your classmates up the way you used to be able to.)

My kids have a social structure here at home with the neighborhood kids who all go to different schools. They will be actively involved with other home-schooled kids, also.

The bus thing was the final straw...

[politicket]

Congratulations on your decision!

You need to become a member of the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association). Their website is www.hslda.org.

You can take all of your homeschool legal concerns to them and they will help to advise you (and step into the fray if needed). It's the best money that you will spend and it doesn't cost very much.

[politicket]

Here is the specific page on the HSLDA web site detailing the homeschool laws for Kansas: Kansas Homeschool Laws.

[BADROTOFINGER]

Sounds to me like you are making the right move. Nip the problem in the bud, and make sure your kids are on the right track or stay on it, whichever applies. Fight like hell if they interfere with your business...JFK

[Pastnowfuturealpha]

Will pray for you and your family -

I hope you have read up on everything and know your rights - sometimes they count on people not knowing - like you got the education in the public schools - :)

Good luck - !

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

It might be helpful to print out the homeschool laws of Kansas from that site. Look them over, and be familiar with them enough to discuss them. If they get nasty, just mention how you would hate to have the media involved in the situation of them 'losing' your son in the event you decided to pursue legal action.

[Cedar]

Great decision for your family. Homeschooling is the best way to go.

Prayers will go up for your situation with the officials.

[grellis]

You are doing what is best for your children. God bless you in your efforts and keep you strong in the challenges you are now faced with.

Ladies, could you give some advice on what to expect, not just with regard to homeschooling but also in dealing with the educational administration?

[borntobeagle]

I certainly have my thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

I am not positive of the homeschooling regulations in KS, but I would highly recommend that you get in contact with HSLDA as soon as you possibly can.

HSLDA is a legal Defense association that provides coverage of legal matters if you are in need of legal services.

The cost to join is about $10.00 per month, but it is well worth it in the event you need lawyers on your side. I personally consider it "homeschooling insurance".

Not only do they provide personal legal assistance, but fight homeschool regulation and legislation nationwide. So, even if you do not need their services, you can know that your money is well spent nationally to protect all homeschoolers.

Their website is www.HSLDA.com

If you have any question on homeschooling or curriculum, feel free to FReepmail me at anytime. I am more than happy to help anyone who is going through the difficult change of adapting to a complete overhaul in educating their children. I did the same 2 years ago, and I know it isn't easy.

Becoming as well educated as possible on your county and state laws is one of the greatest steps toward confident homeschooling.

And whatever you do in the meantime, do not let anyone come into your home to "inspect". Do not let Truancy, the Director of Pupil Personnel, or any Social workers violate your 4th Amendment rights.

Best wishes for you and your family.

[borntobeagle]

Thanks for the ping!

[Tijeras_Slim]

You're doing the right thing.

[borntobeagle]

Christian Home Educators Confederation of Kansas
P.O. Box 3968
Wichita, KS 67201-0081
(316) 945-0810
info@kansashomeschool.org
http://www.kansashomeschool.org/

This group may have some contacts to smaller groups or co-ops that you can get linked up with.

[Smokin' Joe]

Prayers up!

[netmilsmom]

Thanks for the ping, Lady

Dear Baltodog, homeschooling is the best!!! We started a year ago and my daughters are now almost two years ahead of their Public School peers.

You will love it and there will be challenges. The good FAR outweighs the bad. In the long run, I think that you will look around one day and say, "Why did I ever send my most precious possessions away?"

Get a good support group. Go to http://www.hslda.com.
Find out all your homeschool laws and find a support group. Both will help.

But please remember that there are good days and bad days. Plan on getting into a routine and cutting back for summers and holidays but keeping in the groove. This helped us so much.

I will be praying for you!

(hey, now you can take that field trip to the Cleveland Natural History Museum to see the real Balto! The kids will love it!)