Maine

May 2, 2016 By Trisha White

*Test or not to test.

Should I test my child each year?

This question has come up many times over the past 15 years. It is really an individual thing. It is not mandated for homeschooler in Maine but some use a standardized test for their form of annual assessment.

We had our children take a standardized test once during our entire time of homeschooling. When it got towards the end of their schooling we had them take a standardized test just to see if they were, at the very least, at the standard. We always shot for more than the standard, which was not very hard.

A test can serve a purpose at times.

We did not specifically teach for the test but there were some tests taken through out the years of schooling to be sure that the student understood the material, math especially had a test or two. However, everything else was mostly monitored by verbalizing with our children on what they were learning. We did not use tons of textbooks but let life be our academics. The essence of homeschooling is to be able to choose your methods, style, and materials as well as provide the best environment for your child, that can be different for everyone.

If you do choose to give your child a standardized test you can find them at Seton or Christian Liberty Press Testing Services. These CAT tests do not need to be administered by a certified teacher, they can be done at home with the parents or at a testing location. The cover reading, language, and math. (We found our students did better if they were testing with other students, the times were monitored and they were not easily distracted by things at home. ) There is also another option offered by Bob Jones University that has to be administered by a certified teacher. Both options are great, it really depends on your needs and costs.

Guilford Christian Academy is offering testing at their location in Dover-Foxcroft on June 6th from 10-1 pm.

If you have a student that you would like to participate in this testing session please contact us so we can put them on the list. We have limited space and it will be first come first served. We can put you on a waiting list if people cancel.

The cost for the administered test and the mailings back and forth is $50 per student. Payment must be received on or before May 30th.

Photo Credit – Rachel D.

July 10, 2015 By Trisha White

*To the Defeated Homeschool Mama.

For the 14 years that I have been encouraging and strengthening homeschoolers in Maine, one topic always seems to come up many times in a year.

Thoughts “where you assess yourself at the end of the year, and you feel pretty small and as though you just can’t quite do and be enough. Where your shortcomings in regards to schooling your kids at home are leaving you feeling defeated.” (actual quote homeschooling mom)

My reply is “From what I can see you are doing an awesome job. I have done the same thing and now that my children are all moving on into the adult world, they have strength and confidence that I never had! Do they make all the perfect choices? NO, unfortunately, but they are level headed, use common sense, have great jobs and are complimented often about their work ethics and I now know that I have done a pretty good job, Jim and I both, even with all our short comings. God is good all the time, even when we beat our self up, he is lifting us up. Please know that your children are going to get much more out of being home educated than you may see in your lifetime. It is a hard and demanding, draining, emotional, rewarding, and tiring job but it is such a blessing to be able to be with your children everyday all day and to walk with them through the tough times, teaching them how to react to situations, not only by talking to them about things but by how we handle things. I commend you for the great job you are doing.”

As the conversation went on the Mom comes to the reality that – “I think a lot of home schooling parents let their guard down and quit because it’s the easier option than struggling with the guilt of their own imperfections, or even worse, from listening to the societal lie that we just aren’t doing right by our children.” “…especially as our children get older and are on the cusp of their schooling years coming to an end. It’s terrible. Sometimes I lay awake with insomnia at night wondering if I’m doing right by them!”

Why are we so hard on our selves?

Our middle child is at boot camp right now, we couldn’t be more proud of him. He had a rough two years and has come back to what he knows is right. We just got a letter from him, (he was never a writer so we are always excited to get one) he thanked Jim for teaching him to never give up. That is what it is about. Too many just give up because it is too hard or we have to go with out or …. you can always come up with a reason to not do something.

So when the day is done and the homeschooling is completed you will have done the best for your children. We may not do it perfectly but no one is perfect. They will have fond memories of their mom or dad being there for them everyday of their childhood. It may take them a while to appreciate the sacrifice that you have given for them, but, it will come.

As I am preparing Guilford Christian Academy for another year of helping families to home educate I reflect on all the lives we have been part of. The fond memories I have of graduations, field trips, events, and just great conversations are all coming back to me. I love each and everyone of these families and I am so thankful for the Lord leading me to do this job he has for me.

Are you interested in homeschooling and would like to know the way to get started, the options you have, the resources that are available? Give me a call, stop into the office or send me an email. I would love to talk with you. If you are too far away we can always Skype as well, for a face to face discussion.

Happy Homeschooling!

Visit my blog on the Bangor Daily News at The Homeschool Hub.

*Photo credit Rachael Darrah and Kimberly Whitton

November 3, 2014 By Trisha White

November Newsletter

New Office Space

I wanted to update you with a November Newsletter on some things that have been happening with Guilford Christian Academy. I tried to send it in an email and it did not work out well so I am putting it here for you all to have access to.

I have leased a new office space in Dover-Foxcroft that I will use to meet with homeschoolers and to plan classes and workshops for you.

I have several in place at this time and will list them in the Workshop/Class section of this newsletter.

I have been working hard to get the office space ready but could still use some help and items. I am looking to the homeschool community for help with this. I will provide you with a list of needs and if you can help great! If not that is okay too. It is my desire to make this a homeschoolers hub. Come in and say hello, bring the kiddos or don’t, need help with something come on in, I will be here most days from about 9 am to 3 pm. It is best to call as sometimes things come up and I have to step out but I will try to let you know on the FB page if you are on FB.

Workshops and Classes

There are many things coming down the road but this is a list of what we have scheduled for the month of November so far, there may be more and you should check the calendar for updates.

Starting Tuesday November 4^th we will hold a beginners knitting class, this class will go for 6 weeks, the week of Thanksgiving will not have a class and we will be done by Christmas. The students will be able to choose between two projects that they can make and use as gifts.

There is a limit on how many students we can take so please let me know if you have a student that would like to take this class.

Details can be found here: http://guilfordchristianacademy.com/events/event/knitting-classes/

Wednesday November 5^th will start the beginners sewing class, similar to the knitting class with a smaller limit. Please bring your sewing machine. We will have a couple available if you do not have one but it is best to bring the one you will be using. Details are here: http://guilfordchristianacademy.com/events/event/sewing/ ‎

November 10^th – Turkey Table Centerpiece Craft and Story http://guilfordchristianacademy.com/events/event/thanksgiving-t…ey-craft-story/

Friday November 14^th – Journal Project http://guilfordchristianacademy.com/events/event/journal-project/

Beginner Sign Language Starting November 13 at 1 pm http://guilfordchristianacademy.com/events/event/beginners-sign-language/

November 21^st Game Day http://guilfordchristianacademy.com/events/event/game-day/ ‎

January 6^th Tony Sohns will be coming for a one time class following the holidays. We look forward to having him monthly classes in the spring. http://guilfordchristianacademy.com/events/event/tony-sohns-bug-guy/ ‎

Needs

The workshop area is in need of folding chairs for the students to sit on. I have three tables at this time but could use another one or two 6’ folding tables. If someone knew of a business that is getting rid of a copier/printer I would be interested in taking a look at it to see if it is something that I could use. Of course finances are always appreciated and if you would like to donate please visit www.gofundme.com/gcamaine and share the link with others that would like to support the homeschool community. If you have something that you would like to share with the children please contact me. I would like to get someone to come in and do some sort of music program with the kids. I am also looking for someone to do an art session or two.

It would be real nice to have a small refrigerator and microwave so that I can bring in things from home and keep them cold or heat them up, if you know of a dorm fridge kicking around pass the word.

This space is for you to use, if you have something you would like to schedule we can make arrangements for the use of the room for a very small fee.

Thank you!

I would like to thank everyone for their support in finances, prayers and time! You all are a blessing to me, more than you know and I look forward to what this year will bring.

Happy Homeschooling.

Trisha

October 10, 2014 By Trisha White

Workshop / Classroom and Office Space

Here it is, the future office of Guilford Christian Academy.

The map above shows where the H&R Block business used to be. This is the location of GCA soon. Not in the H&R Block office but in that building.

As you walk in the front door, you can see it on the right of this picture, there is a little foyer area. You can enter the workshop / classroom from that foyer as well. You can also see the closet where the curriculum and science equipment will be stored. It is a nice big storage closet.The door against the wall is going to go on the doorway to the foyer for private sessions with new and veteran homeschoolers.

The next picture shows the office space and while it has been freshly painted I will need to paint it something a little brighter because there is no windows in it. The door you see is to the next office which is vacant at the moment. I will be removing the paint from the glass on the door to allow the light to come in from that adjoining office. Once the office next door gets filled we will rethink that but for now I really would like the light. What color do you think it should be? Please comment below with your suggestions.

In this picture you are looking into the office from the workshop /classroom area. There is a door from the workshop area to the office and then another one from the classroom to the entrance. So, the workshop / classroom area can be completely closed off from the office and the foyer for sound purposes. The layout is perfect for our needs.

And lastly this is the workshop and classroom area, the room has a nice big window over the sidewalk of down town Dover-Foxcroft. We will have a blind installed and a curtain. The heat and AC unit will be installed over the next month while we get it ready and moved in. We will leave the color as is in this room. The door on the right is the one into the office space.

We will also have a display window right down on the sidewalk outside the mall for everyone to see what we are up to.

What would you like to see for a workshop or class? Comment below. Do you need a space to hold an activity or class? We can offer the space for you to use for a small fee. We plan to get a copier/printer and a laptop for students and parents to use if they need one, come in and get online do your copying and visit.

This is going to be a hub for homeschoolers in Central Maine, we have needed this for so long and we look forward to all the visitors and activities. So, if you see the lights on even as we are getting it set up, stop in and say hello. We are upstairs in the mall by the Rt 7 and Rt 15 lights. The fourth window from the left. You can access the office by entering the door on the right of the building on the sidewalk. #66, go up the stairs and we are suite 5 on the left.

First order of business is a coffee pot! We will be looking for a small refrigerator and a microwave if anyone has one that they would be willing to donate. Printer and copier are on the list as well.

Guilford Christian Academy members will have discounts on workshops and classes whenever possible.

Happy Homeschooling!

P.S. Share our GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/GCAMaine

October 3, 2014 By Trisha White

An Office For Spreading Our Wings!

Spreading Our Wings!

It has come to the time when we need to spread our wings a bit and start to consider an office space.

With this office space we would like to offer workshops, tutoring (using local folks in the community), classes, and a place to store curriculum and science equipment that we would rent out or loan.

Over the past several years our numbers have grown exponentially. We are now reporting to over 50 Superintendents and working with them to provide the best homeschooling opportunity. It takes over a month to get the enrollments completed and another month to tie up the loose ends and stragglers that come on board that first month of September. We love what we do and need space to do it more efficiently and expediently.

In order to do this we need help. We keep our fees down and do not do this for a profit. We do this because we want everyone to have the opportunity to homeschool here in Maine. We want to allow you to have the best homeschooling experience possible. With our Central Maine Expo growing as well it just makes sense to have a place to spread out and organize ourselves. An office where new homeschoolers can come to meet with us and get to talk about their needs and concerns.

So, here we are 12 years down the road and very excited about the next stage in our service to you, the homeschoolers of Maine. We look forward to working with those in our community that can also lend a hand in this great work. Homeschooling is growing by leaps and bounds and we do not see it slowing down. Some families just homeschool for a year to get through a hard time and some homeschool for the long haul. Having completed the task with our three children we now have time to really put some things together and aid those that need it. We have had so many blessings and look forward to many more with your assistance and contribution, whether it be funds, prayers or time.