Q. Oh, no! What should I do if I forgot to send in my Notice of Intent by the August 15th deadline? A. If you’ve homeschooled previously and the deadline slipped up on you this year, I suggest you call…
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Good Driver Discount Fairness Issue Resolved
Numerous homeschool families that applied for the Good Student Driver Discount for their qualif ied teens were denied the discount by their auto insurance company. HEAV received several phone calls concerning the financial difficulty this was creating for the families…
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Around the State – August 15, 2017
2.1 Common Scents: A Garden Distilling Demonstration – Richmond – August 18 2.2 “Winter in August!” Summer Concert – Richmond – August 20 2.3 Victory Homeschool Basketball Open Gyms – Fredericksburg – August 21 & 28 2.1 Common Scents:…
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National Honey Bee Day
National Honey Bee Day is August 19 this year. To help Virginia homeschoolers learn a bit more about bees and beekeeping, we are focusing our Homeschool Corner resources on a few introductory websites to start your studies. 1.1 Article: “Are…
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Your Homeschool Kids Are Missing Out
by Lynna Sutherland As homeschool parents, we sometimes face criticism from others about the educational choices we’ve made for our kids. It’s easy to get into a defensive posture and have responses ready to ward off that criticism. But it’s…
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Around the State – August 8, 2017
2.1 Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Healthy Parks, Healthy People Events – Appomattox – Various Activities Throughout August 2.2 CHESS (Centreville Homeschool Enrichment Support Services) Classes – Manassas – Registration Deadline Is August 16 2.3 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party…
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Notice Of Intent for Virginia Homeschoolers: A Q&A Roundup!
In Virginia, homeschoolers are required to submit their Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction (NOI) by August 15 for the upcoming school year. Every year, we get many questions—from new homeschoolers and veterans alike—about specific situations and how to…
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2017 Solar Eclipse
The first solar eclipse to traverse across the entire continent in 99 years will take place Monday, August 21, 2017. While Virginia will not see a total eclipse, most of the state will see at least an 80% partial eclipse….
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Approval of NOI
Q. I received a call saying they were waiting for the superintendent’s “approval” of my Notice of Intent. I thought I didn’t need to get “approval.” A. You are correct. Parents file a notice that shows their intent to homeschool and how…
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A Spirit of Fear
By Kyndra Steinmann How often, I wonder, do I say “no” to something because I am afraid? “No” to the children’s desire to do something. “No” to good opportunities, to friendships, to grace? Lately, I’ve been thinking about this a…
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Around the State – August 1, 2017
2.1 American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification – Waynesboro – Registration Deadline Is August 3 2.2 National Lighthouse Day Weekend – Virginia Beach – August 4-7 2.3 Chesterfield Library Children’s Activities – Chesterfield County – Ongoing 2.1 American Red Cross…
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Hometown Heroes
Emergency services personnel work tirelessly to keep us safe, often working nights, weekends, and holidays when most of us are home relaxing. This week’s Homeschool Classroom brings these heroes to our attention so that we can learn more about what…
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Around the State – July 25, 2017
2.1 Foster Parent Orientation – Chester – August 1 2.2 Henricus Homeschool Day – Chester – Register by September 4 2.1 Foster Parent Orientation – Chester – August 1 Hope Tree Foster Care Office Chester, Virginia Tuesday, August 1,…
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Homeschool Planning
July is a great time to reevaluate and plan for the upcoming homeschool year. We have collected a few resources to get you started. 1.1 Article: “I Don’t Know if I Can Do This” 1.2 Homeschool Planning 1.3…
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A Private Online School vs. Correspondence Course
Q. I’m planning to enroll my child in an online private school related to a university. Do I need to file a Notice of Intent form? A. You may not need to file a Virginia Notice of intent (NOI), but…
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Loving and Letting Go
by Kyndra Steinmann Has it ever occurred to you that you could love your children too much? That you could do too much for them and make life too pleasant and easy? That sometimes the best way to love is…
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Around the State – July 18, 2017
2.1 Seussical the Musical – Midlothian – July 21 & 22 2.2 Joshua’s Hands Quilting Events – Purcellville – Multiple Dates 2.3 Chesterfield County Museum Programs – Chesterfield – Various Dates 2.4 Chesterfield Library Children’s Activities – Chesterfield County –…
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Summer Fun
July is summer fun month. Whether you homeschool year-round or break for the summer months, your children are sure to have uttered the infamous words, “I am bored.” These resources may help to, not only entertain, but also educate your…
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Transcript vs. Diploma on NOI
Q. Is there any disadvantage to providing a transcript rather than a copy of a diploma when submitting my Notice of Intent? A. Both a diploma and transcript are acceptable and are of equal value. If you cannot find your…
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Three Takeaways from Adam Andrews
by Lynna Sutherland At the HEAV Convention in June, I had the privilege of sitting in on a workshop session by Adam Andrews of the Center for Lit. His talk was entitled “The Socratic Method for Dummies.” It was not…
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Join the Convention Listening Club!
I don’t know about you, but for me, the 2017 Virginia Homeschool Convention went by far too fast, and I’m simply delighted to get to start HEAV’s first-ever “Convention Listening Club” both here on the blog and within our very…
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Cookouts & Culinary Skills
1.1 Article: “How the Comparison Trap Almost Ruined my Homeschool” 1.2 Cooking Skills for the Family 1.3 Flavors, Baking, and Life Skills 1.4 Sous Chefs 1.5 Culinary Artists As homeschoolers, we ensure our students learn every academic subject as…
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Around the State – June 28, 2017
2.1 Odyssey of Faith Book Signing – Portsmouth – July 1 2.2 Colonel Shipp’s Leadership Institute – New Market – Registration Deadline Is July 7 – New Market 2.3 Jacob Bushong’s Birthday – New Market – August 19 2.4 Origin…
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Composite Score and List of Subjects
Q. I have been told that I should teach and submit only what is required by the law and that is language arts and math. I can teach other subjects, but I don’t have to list them. Is this correct? A….
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Work Ethic: A Fruit of the First Ten Years
The 2017 Virginia Homeschool Convention was so full of encouragement, experiences, information, and tools to equip us for the most important work we do as parents and homeschoolers. It was three days of speakers, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers pouring into…
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Religious Exemptions with Letters
Q. If I want to homeschool under religious exemption, should I have others write additional letters? A. Sending or not sending additional letters for religious exemption is a decision each family must make for themselves. I’m not an attorney and…
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Young Entrepreneurs at the HEAV Convention
by Lynna Sutherland There are so many wonderful things to see and explore in the Exhibit Hall each year at the HEAV Convention. This year, I especially enjoyed getting to visit the booths of a few of the Young Entrepreneurs…
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Around the State – June 21, 2017
2.1 Homeschool Music Program Open House – Henrico – June 23 2.2 U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band Music Under the Stars Concert Series – Fort Eustis – Thursdays 2.3 Independence Day Celebrations – Multiple Locations – Various Dates…
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Camping and Entomology
What meets you at the intersection of a campsite and fun? Insects! This week’s homeschool classroom resources include information on camping and entomology. 1.1 Article: “Counting Our Blessings: 101 Reasons to be Thankful for Homeschooling” It’s never the…
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