Restrictive Homeschool Legislation to be introduced Thursday (NJ)

A bill that would force New Jersey homeschool children to submit to the same statewide assessment tests required of public school students, and force their parents to give the local school board proof the student had received an annual medical examination, is set to be introduced in the New Jersey legislature this Thursday.

The bill would also give the State Board of Education power to impose regulations on homeschool families. Homeschooled students would be forced to take the assessment tests in a public school. (For full text of bill, go to http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1257)

Your help is needed immediately to convince the sponsors of the bill, AB 4033, that it should NOT be introduced.

1. Immediately call all the sponsors of the bill (contact information is below).

2. Explain to them that the bill should NOT be introduced. Your message can be as simple as, "Please withdraw as sponsor of AB 4033 and do all you can to prevent it from being introduced as planned this Thursday. The bill violates federal law and could cause the loss of federal money."

1. HR 1, signed by President Bush exactly one year ago, prohibits states from requiring that homeschoolers take the state assessment designed for public school students. New Jersey would lose federal funds if AB 4033 is enacted, since it violates this requirement.

2. State assessment tests are designed to test material taught in the public school curriculum. Homeschool children do not use the public school curriculum. It would be unfair to test them on material not covered in their individual homeschool programs.

3. The statute does not say what score is needed to "pass." The Board of Education however, may have power under the bill to determine the passing score. A passing score imposed by a bureaucracy would not take into account the individual learning characteristics and abilities of each unique child.

5. This bill is being introduced at the very end of the legislative session, and it is highly unlikely it would pass before the session ends in a few days. Often bills introduced at the end of a session are to "test the waters" for filing the bill in the next session. We need to send a "tidal wave" message that this bill should not be introduced-now or ever.

A RALLY TO SAVE HOMESCHOOLING IN NEW JERSEY!

Date: Monday, May 24th, 2004

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., RAIN OR SHINE!

Place: Front steps of the State House, Trenton

Sponsors: ENOCH, Unschoolers Network, Catholic Homeschoolers of New Jersey, Tricounty Home Educators, New Jersey Homeschool Association

We need you and your family in Trenton on Monday!

This is your best chance this year to send the message that no changes are needed to the laws that have allowed tens of thousands of New Jersey children to learn and grow in the safest, most nurturing environment possible — in their own homes, with their own families!

Please put aside any plans you may already have for the day and make sure you’re counted!

We are asking legislators and the press to come out and see what a mighty force homeschoolers are in New Jersey.

If they come and see 200 of us, they will think they can turn away from our plight without a second glance.

If they come and see 2,000 of us, they will know we cannot be ignored!

Your presence on Monday can make or break this effort!

Some of our lawmakers have a very narrow view of homeschooling, fundamentally misunderstanding WHO does it, HOW they do it, and WHY they do it.

It is imperative that we demonstrate the DIVERSITY and DEPTH of the homeschooling movement!

Bring a sign (handheld only -- no sticks), banner, homemade T-shirt, etc., with a slogan that will identify you as a homeschooler. Try to keep it short, and try to use some form of the word “homeschool” or a reference to A1918. Remember, we are not against public education, but for homeschooling.

Some suggestions:

“Homeschooling Works”
“Homeschooling -- 40 Years Of Success”
“Remove A1918, Not Parental Rights!”
“A1918 Is Unnecessary, Unfair, Unfunded!”
“A1918 Discriminates!”
“Homeschoolers Have Civil Rights Too!”
“A1918 Violates Federal Law [Small Print] 20 USC Section 7886(B)”
“Medical Privacy for Homeschoolers Too”
“Homeschooling Saves Taxpayers $130,000 Per Child”
“N.J. Home Education Is Perfect!”
“New Jersey and Home Education -- Perfect Together”
“Home Education Freedom Now”
“Vote for Home Education Freedom”
“Free for N.J. Taxpayers -- Home Education”
“Education Excellence -- N.J. Home Education”
“Oppose A1918”
“Home Education -- The Garden State’s Best!”
“We Grow Great Kids -- N.J. Home Educators”

(Especially for children)
“I (heart) Homeschooling”
“I give homeschooling an A+”
“Homeschooling makes great citizens”

TRANSPORTATION DETAILS:

CHARTER BUSES

Please note that according to our rally permit, charter buses CANNOT discharge passengers directly at the State House complex. We believe that if the drop-off/pick-up point is a few blocks from the complex we will be working within the permit limitations.

PARKING

There is a large overflow parking area on Perry Street where a bus comes by to pick up and drop off at the State House. It is about a 10- to 15-minute walk otherwise, but the bus goes right there.

Public parking is available in the Capitol Complex parking garage. It is accessed by turning right onto Barrack Street from West State Street and turning left at the first light onto Lafayette Street. Proceed to the next light and turn right onto South Warren Street. Make the first right and make another right at the stop sign. Bear left at the light and make a right at the light toward the back of the State House. Proceed to the guard booth and have picture ID ready to gain access to the parking garage.

Metered, on-street parking is available along West State Street. Pay lots are located at the corner of South Warren and Lafayette Streets, and at North Warren and Hanover Streets. Handicap parking is available in the parking garage and on West State Street in front of the State House and Annex and across the street from the State House.

You can get a map of street map of Trenton from www.mapquest.com.

Clover Park & Lock
431 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 392-9582
http://www.trentongarage.com

Hamilton Train Station Parking
800 Sloan Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08619
(609) 584-7703
http://www.trentongarage.com

Park America Inc
Bank, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 396-4440

Park America Inc
State Street Square, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 393-9822

Penn Central Parking Inc
81 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 392-5835

Station Plaza Park & Ride
60 Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 584-7703
(609) 599-2802 (fax)
http://www.trentongarage.com

Station Plaza Park & Ride LP
458 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 599-3100
http://www.trentongarage.com

Trenton Parking Garage
1 West Lafayette Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 394-9324

VIP Park & Lock
60 Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 599-9614

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Here are the directions to the State House from the NJ Legislative webpage:

From the East: Take 195 west to Route 29 north (toward Lambertville). Exit right at Memorial Drive. Follow signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.

From the South: Take Route 206 north or 295 north, and follow directions to 195 west. Follow directions above for traveling from the east.

From the West: Enter Trenton via Delaware River toll bridge (Route 1 north). Exit at Route 29. Take Route 29 north (toward Lambertville). Exit right at Memorial Drive. Follow signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.

From the North: Take Route 1 south to the last New Jersey exit (“Capitol Complex”). Turn right onto Warren Street and go to the light where you will make a left onto Market Street. Pass through the next light at William Trent Place and bear right following signs for the Capitol Complex.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

You can take the River Line (www.riverline.com) between Camden and Trenton, and direct rail service to Trenton is provided by both N.J. Transit (1-800-582-5946; www.njtransit.com) and Amtrak (1-800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com). N.J. Transit also provides bus service to and within the Trenton area.

FROM THE TRAIN STATION

Walking: South Clinton Avenue runs along the left side of the train station. Proceed up the avenue (to your right when facing the road) one block and make a left onto East State Street. (You’ll soon pass the Department of Environmental Protection on your left.) At one point, the street becomes a pedestrian mall. After the mall, the street becomes West State Street. The State House is two blocks up on the left. The walk takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Cabs: Cabs are available at the rear of the station.

Buses: Buses stop in front of the train station at the corner of South Clinton Avenue. Most service West State Street and the State House.

New Jersey--Statewide Rally May 24 To Oppose A1918

Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg is continuing to push hard for new restrictions on New Jersey homeschoolers. It is time for citizens to rally to show their opposition. This is a call to action to every New Jersey homeschool family!

ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Please come to a rally on Monday, May 24, at the statehouse front steps in Trenton from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2. Although there are cafeteria and restroom facilities inside the statehouse building, they will not be available to us since they cannot accommodate the large number of homeschool families that we expect. Port-a-potties will be available, but you should make your own arrangements for meals.

3. Signs on sticks are not permitted. Signs that are held by hand are permitted. Buttons and stickers, of course, are permitted.

4. Parking will be challenging and public transportation is limited. Consider filling every seatbelt in your car or van with a homeschooler, having the driver drop the passengers off near the statehouse, then allowing the driver to drive around for two or three hours and pick the passengers up at a pre-arranged time and place. Another public event will be occurring about the same time as ours, but at a different location in downtown Trenton. This will put
additional strain on parking, highlighting the need for advance planning and working together with other families.

5. Since you and your group may be in the full sun during the rally, consider bringing hats, water bottles, etc. Also consider bringing an umbrella if there is any chance of rain.

6. This rally is pursuant to a permit the capitol security office has issued. Be courteous to all security and law enforcement personnel you may encounter, and promptly follow any lawful orders they issue.

On May 24, the assembly will be in session. They will know we are there. It is extremely important that our presence be felt in a large way. Bring as many other people as you can--relatives, neighbors, friends-who are willing to speak out for freedom.

Homeschool freedom in New Jersey is at a critical juncture. Your part is important. Please come.

See below for further references:

Clover Park & Lock
431 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 392-9582
http://www.trentongarage.com

Hamilton Train Station Parking
800 Sloan Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08619
(609) 584-7703
http://www.trentongarage.com

Park America Inc
Bank, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 396-4440

Park America Inc
State Street Square, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 393-9822

Penn Central Parking Inc
81 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 392-5835

Station Plaza Park & Ride
60 Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 584-7703
(609) 599-2802 (fax)
http://www.trentongarage.com

Station Plaza Park & Ride LP
458 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 599-3100
http://www.trentongarage.com

Trenton Parking Garage
1 West Lafayette Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 394-9324

VIP Park & Lock
60 Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 599-9614

There are many options for parking in Trenton!

There is a large overflow parking area on Perry Street where a bus comes by to pick up and drop off at the state house. It is about a 10-15 minute walk otherwise, but the bus goes right there.

Public parking is available in the Capitol Complex parking garage. It is accessed by turning right onto Barrack Street from West State Street and turning left at the first light onto Lafayette Street. Proceed to the next light and turn right onto South Warren Street. Make the first right and make another right at the stop sign. Bear left at the light and make a right at the light toward the back of the State House. Proceed to the guard booth and have picture ID ready to gain access to the parking garage.

Metered, on-street parking is available along West State Street. Pay lots are located at the corner of South Warren and Lafayette Streets, and at North Warren and Hanover Streets. Handicap parking is available in the parking garage and on West State Street in front of the State House and Annex and across the street from the State House.

Here are the directions to the State House from the NJ Legislative webpage:

From the East: Take 195 west to Route 29 north (toward Lambertville). Exit right at Memorial Drive. Follow signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.

From the South: Take Route 206 north or 295 north, and follow directions to 195 west. Follow directions above for traveling from the east.

From the West: Enter Trenton via Delaware River toll bridge (Route 1 north). Exit at Route 29. Take Route 29 north (toward Lambertville). Exit right at Memorial Drive. Follow signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.

From the North: Take Route 1 south to the last New Jersey exit ("Capitol Complex"). Turn right onto Warren Street and go to the light where you will make a left onto Market Street. Pass through the next light at William Trent Place and bear right following signs for the Capitol Complex.

3. Public Transportation

Direct rail service to Trenton is provided by both NJ Transit (1-800-582-5946) and Amtrak (1-800-872-7245). NJ Transit also provides bus service to and within the Trenton area.

From the train station:

Walking: South Clinton Avenue runs along the left side of the train station. Proceed up the avenue (to your right when facing the road) one block and make a left onto East State Street. (You'll soon pass the Department of Environmental Protection on your left.) At one point, the street becomes a pedestrian mall. After the mall, the street becomes West State Street. The State House is two blocks up on the left. The walk takes 10-15 minutes.

Cabs: Cabs are available at the rear of the station.

Buses: Buses stop in front of the train station at the corner of South Clinton Avenue. Most service West State Street and the State House. If your group is bringing a charter bus, the passengers should disembark a couple blocks away from the rally site to avoid congestion, etc.

New Jersey--Announcing the 14th Annual Homeschool Convention

Thank you for your loyalty and partnership with Home School Legal Defense Association. Only by working together can we defend homeschool freedom and keep the cost of membership low.

We want to let you know that we will soon be at an event in your area on June 18th & 19th, 2004. The 14th Annual Homeschool Convention will be held at New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison, NJ.

Again this year, we are offering a special incentive for new members. First-time members who join HSLDA at the 14th Annual Homeschool Convention will receive a free book. Invite three of your friends to come to the conference and sign up as new members. If they note on their applications that you referred them, you'll receive a free year of membership when their memberships are approved!

We are also excited to announce our new "Join for Two" and "Renew for Two" promotions to encourage both new and current members to commit to two years of membership. When you choose to join or renew for two
years at a conference, you may take home up to two items from HSLDA's book table with a combined value of up to $20.

For more information about the 14th Annual Homeschool Convention please contact Margaret Reith at Phone: 732-291-7800 Email: office@enochnj.org or visit http://www.enochjn.org

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