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ENOCH of New Jersey e-Newsletter

MARCH 2012

From the President’s Desk

Desk
Dear Friends,

This is a BIG month for ENOCH! We have been extremely busy here with planning the convention and legislative updates. So I thought I would give you an update.

Legislative Update
First, I would like to thank everyone who called the members of both the Assembly and Senate Education Committees in regards to raising the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18, (A1441 and S647).   Both of the bills have been sent to their corresponding Appropriations Committees.  The assembly bill has been amended to clarify “that its provisions are not to be construed as to require a student who is home-schooled to continue receiving instruction beyond the age of 16.”  The New Jersey Homeschool Task Force will continue to watch these bills.  
Senate Bill S791 - Requiring medical exams, submission of student portfolio and letter of decision to homeschool sent to the school district in which a homeschool student resides, has been referred to the Senate Education Committee.  This year there is no companion bill in the Assembly.
 
Assembly Bill A1375 - Mandatory homeschool notice, this bill has been referred to the Assembly Education Committee.  There is no Senate companion bill.  Again the Task Force is continuing to monitor both of these bills.

There is no action required on any of these bills at this time.

Convention Update
Our Board and Department Coordinators have been working diligently to make this convention the best ever.

March 1st our convention page went live and you can now register online. You can visit us at http://www.enochnjorg/index.php/2012convention/2012registration_details to find all the information about the convention and register.

Last year, you spoke and we listened. First, this year we are offering special pricing for the Children’s Program. If you register for more than two sessions, you receive a discount. If you register for all seven session, you receive the biggest discount. Second, our Children’s Program will be run this year by the Knight Lights. This group has headed the Harvey Cedars Homeschool Week for the last few years and many are already looking forward to them. Third, we added an additional session. So now, there are seven sessions instead of six. And finally, the Children’s Program is online for registration. After you receive your registration confirmation, you will see a link for the Children’s Program online registration. Click it and it will take you to the registration process for the children’s program.
 
The first 700 who attend the convention, will receive a free CD gift with over $250 worth of free curriculum, stories and coupons.

The Teen Track this year will be headed by Mission Imperative, Mike Snavely. You can register your teen in the online registration in addition to their registration for the convention.

Patrick Henry College Prep Academy
PHC Prep Academy has nine online Advanced Placement courses from which to choose, and many students find the dynamics of a group class encouraging. PHC Prep Academy is not only for teens who will be attending Patrick Henry College, but for any high school student interested in online AP classes with a Christian worldview. And for every student taking a PHC Prep Academy course who uses our group number during registration, ENOCH earns $25! (If the family has an HSLDA membership, they save $50–100 per course and your group earns $25.) If you want more information, visit the website here: http://www.phcprep.org/. If you need our Group Number, just contact our office at office@enochnj.org  for the information needed.

As you can see it is all coming together. Our speakers are excited about coming. If you have attended our convention in the past you should have received a postcard with the website information for the convention. If you have did not receive a postcard, just visit our website at www.enochnj.org and click Annual Convention. You will find everything there.

You can follow us on Facebook. Just search for “ENOCH” and join our group. We endeavor to pass along homeschooling issues and news on homeschooling here to keep you informed.

Thank you again for your support and prayers.

In His Service,

Rich Millward
President

Encouraging Words For Homeschoolers Across The Nation

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Part Three of a Three-Part Series by Nancy Manos

The great thing about incorporating hands-on learning activities on a regular basis is that it stimulates creativity in your children ... and in you, too!  

I won’t lie. It does take extra time and energy to prepare hands-on activities for your children. You might be asking yourself, “Is it worth it?” I believe the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Your efforts will undoubtedly yield a child who grasps information and concepts better, and who discovers that learning can indeed be fun! 

Proverbs 15:2 (The Living Bible) says,
“A wise teacher makes learning a joy.”

Make a little card with this verse and hang it on your refrigerator or your bathroom mirror – somewhere you’ll see it everyday. It’s a great reminder of what’s possible! 

“If we succeed in giving the love of learning,
the learning itself is sure to follow.” 
John Lubbock.

Here are some additional ideas to help you inspire your students to experience the joy of discovery.

ART ACTIVITIES

SKETCH/DRAW - Have your child draw a picture that represents something you’re studying. Go outside and explore. Give him or her a sketchbook or nature journal to sketch things they see.   Have your child do some additional research and write facts along with their sketches.

PAINT - Use watercolors and acrylics; do bubble painting and straw painting. Give your children different items to paint with – leaves, branches, feathers, cotton balls, and so on.

SCULPT - Make a model out of clay such as Sculpey® (i.e. parts of a flower, stages of a butterfly’s life cycle). 

MAKE MODELS - Build a ziggurat out of Styrofoam; assemble paper models of an Egyptian temple, the New York skyline, etc. (Dover Publications has a wide variety of Cut & Assemble books.)

MAKE A DIORAMA - Use a shoebox to create a 3-dimentional representation (i.e. the savannah, dinosaurs, ocean life).

MAKE A COLLAGE - Cut out pictures, shapes, and words, then assemble them in a collage on posterboard, canvas board, or wood. Adhere with a decoupage medium or white glue.

LAPBOOKS, MINI BOOKS, NOTEBOOKS, AND SCRAPBOOKS - Do a Google search to learn how to create lapbooks or do notebooking in conjunction with something you’re studying.   Have your children make a scrapbook with photos and journaling for a family vacation or something you’re learning about.  For example, if you grow butterflies or frogs as a science experiment, students can document the process with photos and notes about what they observe.

MAPS - Color and label maps. Make a salt-dough map. These are excellent enrichment activities when studying geography and history.

MAKE A POSTER OR DISPLAY - Allow your child to design a poster or 3-panel display to illustrate something they’ve learned. One year we did a U.S. geography co-op with two other families.   Each of the students created a display that showcased information about the region they were assigned. The parents and grandparents viewed the displays and asked the children questions. The kids had fun sharing what they had learned.

MAKE A GRAPH - This is a great way to consolidate and share information. Students can conduct a survey and then make a graph with the results (i.e. ask friends and family their favorite flavor of ice cream, favorite place to buy groceries, least favorite vegetable, etc.)  Or they can do research such as how many people put their grocery cart in the cart corral or how many people shake hands vs. hug when greeting someone at church.

THEATRICAL ACTIVITIES

ACT OUT A STORY - After reading a story, have your kids retell the story or act it out for you.

PUT ON A PUPPET SHOW - This is a fun way to retell a story or to create a new story. Puppets can be as simple as a drawing cut out and attached to a popsicle stick, or as involved as making sock puppets or even more elaborate puppets.

CREATE A WEATHER REPORT OR NEWS REPORT - Children can pretend to be news anchors and deliver a live report or videotape their report. When studying a particular region, state, or country, students can present a weather report describing the weather in that area. For a study of a period of history, a news report could be given as if the student were living in that time period sharing news that illustrates their understanding of that time in history.

READERS THEATRE - A Readers Theatre is a choreographed reading. Students read from a script, and reading parts are divided among the readers. No memorization, costumes, blocking, or special lighting is needed. Students read the text with expressive voices and gestures making comprehension of the text meaningful and fun for the student and the audience.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

COOK/BAKE/EAT - Use the senses of taste and smell to experience food from a particular region, state, country, or period in history.  Incorporates following directions, units of measure/math, and chemistry if students cook the food themselves.

MUSIC - Listening to music from a particular area or period of history enhances the learning experience.

WRITE LETTERS - Improve penmanship and communication skills through correspondence with friends and family. The act of writing letters and thank you notes also increases a child’s awareness of and care for others.

CREATIVE WRITING - Instead of writing a report, have your kids do a creative writing activity such as writing a newspaper article or journal entry from the perspective of a person from a period in history, of an animal or object, or of a character in a book. Add illustrations by hand or with computer clip art. 

MORE CREATIVE WRITING - Write a family newsletter. Create a dinner menu.  Write step-by-step instructions for how to perform a common activity such as tying one’s shoes or making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

GEOGRAPHY POSTCARDS - This is something we’ve done with friends who travel internationally, and our girls have found it to be a lot of fun. Ask a friend or family member who lives in another part of the country or is traveling to somewhere interesting to send your child a postcard from that state or country. Have them include on the postcard several geography or history questions about that place. Children love to receive mail, and they won’t mind doing research to answer these questions!   We had our girls write a letter back to our friends and answer the questions they sent about France and the Netherlands.

VIDEOS AND AUDIO BOOKS - Using a variety of media can make a study multi-sensory and more interesting. Rent or borrow videos and audio books for a low-cost alternative to purchasing them. It’s okay to just use segments of a video, too. Audio books are especially nice for road trips or lots of time in the car.

RESOURCES

There are countless resources available to help inspire you with hands-on learning ideas.   Here are a few to get you started.  In addition, you can do an Internet search for “lesson plans” plus whatever topic you’re searching for.  

Ignite the Fire by Terri Camp
Creative Family Times by Hadidian and Wilson (preschool activities)
Preschool at Home:  What Do I Do with My Child Before Kindergarten by Debbie Feely
Spelling Power Activity Cards by Beverly Adams-Gordon
Lyrical Life Science
Math for Fun Projects by Andrew King
Science for Fun Experiments by Gary Gibson
MathART Projects and Activities by Carolyn Ford Brunetto
Kids Learn America by Gordon and Snow
Activity Guides (i.e. Classical Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in Ancient Greece and Rome; Westward Ho! An Activity Guide to the Wild West)

Nancy Manos has been serving on the board of directors of Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) with her husband, James, since 2004. Nancy and James have two daughters whom they homeschooled through high school. The Manos’ home education journey was a rich, rewarding, sometimes challenging experience, and Nancy is passionate about encouraging others in the homeschool adventure.

*If you missed part one and/or two, check out the January and February Newsletters on ENOCH's website

A WORD FROM OUR GUEST SPEAKERS ....

DON'T MISS THEM AT OUR ANNUAL ENOCH HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION COMING MAY 2012!

mjsmith

THE CYCLE OF FREEDOM By J. Michael Smith

Alex Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh at the time of America’s birth, wrote a warning to America in 1787. He observed that the average age of the world’s greatest civilizations was about 200 years, during which they inevitably progressed through the following sequence:  from bondage to faith, from faith to courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, and from dependence back to bondage.
 
Tyler’s sequence can also apply to cultural movements—specifically revival-type movements. I believe the homeschooling movement is a revival that started in the late ’70s when the courts began to expel God from public schools by outlawing Bible reading and prayer. There is no dispute that homeschoolers have a wide variety of motivations for their educational choice. But for a large segment of the homeschool movement, the primary reason for teaching children at home is to impart a biblically based education to them.  These early homeschoolers recognized that public education was not neutral toward their faith, but was actually anti-Christian. Placing their children in government schools would be the equivalent of exposing them to spiritual bondage. These pioneers chose home education instead.  It took great courage for families to step out from government schools and take over the responsibility for their children’s education—especially in light of the fact that homeschooling without a teacher’s certificate was illegal in most states. When Home School Legal Defense Association was founded in 1983, our goal was to make homeschooling legal in all 50 states. With God’s blessing and assistance, that is exactly what has happened.  However, the legalization of homeschooling only came about because courageous families risked jail and the loss of their children to stand on their rights. Obviously, the battle to teach our children at home is not over: HSLDA continues to deal with threats to families’ homeschool freedoms on a daily basis. But from today’s historical vantage point, we can see a definite progression from courage to liberty in the homeschooling movement.
 
Based on Tyler’s model, the next step along the way is abundance. Several signs portend a large increase in the number of children being homeschooled in the U.S.  First, due to the moral decay of our citizens, violence and moral failure continue to grow in government schools. Second, despite the government’s expenditure of larger and larger amounts of money on public education, the academic performance of public school students continues to decline. On the other hand, thousands of homeschool graduates now entering higher education and the job market have made more people aware of homeschooling’s effectiveness. The public’s general attitude toward homeschooling has changed dramatically over the past 10 years.
 
Recently, the national media reported another factor which could explode the number of children being homeschooled. A proposed resolution for the Southern Baptist Convention’s 2004 meeting encourages all officers and members of the convention and its associated churches (a combined total of 18 million members) to remove their children from government schools, seeing to it that they receive a thoroughly Christian education through homeschooling or Christian private schools. The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest religious group of its kind to consider advocating that its members remove their children from public school.
 
We could be on the verge of a tremendous influx of children into the Christian homeschool movement. This influx will bring challenges. That’s because the next phase after abundance is complacency, according to Tyler.  Complacency is just part of human nature. We already see it cropping up in the homeschool movement, especially among individuals who didn’t go through the “courage” and “liberty” phases of the battle to homeschool. Unfortunately, it is difficult to appreciate things for which we have not worked hard.  Those who went through the battles of the early- to mid-’80 sometimes express concern about the lack of commitment they think they see among newer homeschoolers.  I agree that this is a valid concern, but instead of complaining, those of us who have been around awhile need to educate these new homeschoolers so they will understand the sacrifices made and the battles won for their freedom.  This is where state and local support groups have a great responsibility. In their newsletters and conferences, they need to tell the stories of homeschooling’s history, reminding their members of courageous families who fought to home educate When we are reminded of what it takes to remain free, we become more vigilant in protecting our liberties.
 
Unfortunately, there is already some apathy in this modern revival of home education—apathy that leads to dependence. Dependence upon what? The public schools. Vouchers and charter schools are a move toward dependence. When parents who previously privately educated their children through homeschooling accept financial incentives to move under the jurisdiction of public education, they become dependent on the government.
 
What is the problem with this? According to Professor Tyler, the next step from dependence is back into bondage. It’s like the proverbial frog in the pan of water. Initially, he could easily leap to freedom, but if the water temperature is incrementally increased, the frog will eventually be boiled alive without even realizing it.
 
Professor Tyler has it right—his sequence follows human nature. We want to take the easy way out. We don’t want problems. But God has predestined us as Christians to be conformed to the image of his dear Son. And it is generally only through difficult situations that we grow, because then we recognize our total dependence upon God.
 
What is our responsibility as homeschoolers who know the truth? It is to remind others and ourselves that the blessing of growth in the homeschool community can lead to complacency, apathy, dependence, and ultimately, bondage. Is it your desire to see a multi-generational homeschool movement? That will only happen if we warn homeschoolers against the natural tendencies that lead back to bondage.

mikesnavely

A Science Issue…or a Spiritual One? - By Mike Snavely

Properly interpreted evidence, in and of itself, doesn't often convince people to change their beliefs. It is a spiritual issue.

I am often asked why it is that people continue to believe in evolution, in spite of so much evidence against the theory I believe such people fall into one of the following categories:
  1. They either don't know the evidence, or know very little of it, because nobody ever told them, or...
  2. They might or might not know the evidence, but either way, they don't care because it's not an issue they're interested in, or...
  3. They might know the evidence, but they choose specifically to ignore it. Why? Because evolution gives them a license to live exactly the way they want. Besides, they wouldn't want to be associated with "right-wing" Bible-believers anyway, or...
  4. They know the evidence, but they actively work to refute it, oppose it, and suppress it.
All of the above constitute spiritual blindness. The person who "doesn't know" is blind, the person who "doesn't care" is blind, the person who "doesn't want to know" is blind, and the person who "attacks" is blind, too.

Ignorance. Apathy. Agnosticism. Opposition.

We believe most people fall into one, or both, of the first two categories. When we are with non-believers, we concentrate on those in category #1 as a ministry. All we can do with the people in the other categories is to pray for them, to attempt to teach them when we have the opportunity, and to reason with them when they disagree.

"But, what if people are faced with undeniable evidence of the validity of the Bible?" some people ask. "What if the ark were discovered for all to see, or what if a live dinosaur were found? What if definite human footprints were found with definite dinosaur footprints in the same rock? Surely they would believe then."

If evidence like that were all we needed to be convinced of the truth of the Bible, then perhaps belief would indeed follow more often. However, it seems rare

I'm reminded of the account from the scriptures of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man, who had so much, died but went to the place of torment. From there, he pleaded with Abraham for two things. First, he asked for water. When this was denied and an explanation given, the rich man asked that Lazarus be sent back to his family so that they could be warned not to make the same mistakes that he had made. Abraham replied that his family had Moses and the prophets, and that they should heed what they said. The rich man insisted that it would work on his family--for sure! If a dead man came back from the grave with the warning, SURELY they would listen. That would be "undeniable evidence." Abraham's response was that if they did not listen to Moses and the prophets, they wouldn't be convinced even if someone came back from the dead.

Abraham was right. And the same holds true today with the evidence for the biblical creation model and the concept of evolution. The evidence is there already. Nature itself is evidence of creation (Romans 1:20). That mankind is sinful is evidenced over and over every day through the stuff that makes our news reports. There is a huge amount of evidence for a global flood (strata, fossils, etc.). The absence of "link" fossils is evidence itself that we didn't evolve from some lower form.

Even when faced with blatant evidence that they have made a mistake, evolutionists often don't change. Take the case of the coelacanth. Evolutionists interpreted fossils of this fish to be a link from fish to land animals, and the fossils were supposedly over 100 million years old. So, when they caught a live coelacanth, imagine their surprise! But, did it change them? Did they admit that they were wrong? No! They just adjusted their theory, and called the coelacanth "living fossils."

More recently, apparent dinosaur tissue has been discovered with at least partially readable DNA. This in itself should turn their millions-of-years scenarios upside down. But instead of admitting that dinosaurs lived recently enough that still-soft tissue remains, they simply express astonishment that DNA could last for 65 million years!
Properly interpreted evidence, in and of itself, doesn't often convince people to change their beliefs. It is a spiritual issue. Teaching people what's wrong with evolution and giving them evidence is a good start, and it can help to lay a foundation from which a person's faith may launch. But, as fascinating as it would be, we don't need to find a live dinosaur or find the ark to prove our point. Like Abraham said--They have Moses and the prophets, and if they won't listen to them, then they won't be convinced even if someone were to come back from the dead. Likewise, we already have the scriptures, and if they won't listen to that, then they won't believe even if we do find the ark!

Mike Snavely, former homeschool father of three grown children, is the founder of Mission: Imperative! He speaks nationally and internationally on issues of creation science. His home-based curriculum and DVD set are available on his website, www.natureofcreation.org.

ENOCH is on facebook and twitter!

Facebooktwitter          

 We are on Twitter and Facebook! BECOME A FAN TODAY  of  ENOCH of New Jersey on facebook and twitter!  Find out all the  homeschool happenings in NJ as welll as links, announcements, stories, etc. that are posted to help you and get connected to the homeschool community through social media. Tell every homeschooler you know!


HSLDA

Why Join HSLDA?

Protects your right to homeschool and defends your family. A lawyer is on call 24/7.
Provides fast help by phone or email: Get direct answers to your specific questions about home education. Veteran homeschooling parents are available to answer your questions and help you find resources for teaching your children:

• Early years (PreK–8th grade)
• High school (including preparing for college or career paths)
• Struggling learners (special needs/gifted and talented)

Preserves homeschool freedom for all families by promoting homeschooling nationwide, as well as by working with state homeschooling groups to pass homeschool-friendly legislation and stop unfavorable bills at the state and federal levels. 

Partners you with the cause: Although homeschooling is recognized in every state, HSLDA receives phone calls each day from families whose right to homeschool is being challenged or discriminated against by school officials, social workers, employers, colleges, armed services recruitment officers, and government bureaucrats. The customizable nature of homeschooling defies the educational elite’s ideal of mandatory, uniform indoctrination—making parental choice in education a target for elimination.  By joining HSLDA, you are supporting families who are fighting for their right to homeschool today and standing together to preserve homeschooling freedom for tomorrow.  

You can receive ENOCH's Discount Number to save on your HSLDA Membership by contacting ENOCH via the Office Email, office@enochnj.org.
For more information visit the HSLDA website:  www.hslda.org 

OTHER EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 

New Home School Co-op in Northwest Jersey

A new home school co-op is coming to the Northwest Jersey area!

The Learning Connection Home School support group would like to announce their academic/enrichment co-op that will be starting in Hackettstown for the fall of 2012.  This one day a week co-op will be held on Thursdays starting at 10:30 AM

The support group was started in 2010 and has been in prayer over starting a co-op for the home school community.  The Learning Connection is a Christ-centered home school support group ministering to families in Northwest Jersey.  We are here to encourage you on this journey of homeschooling through many facets.  Some of the variety of family activities that you can take part in are as follows but not limited to.
The mission of the TLC co-op is to support and assist parents in the training of their children by providing classes to supplement and enrich their education in a class environment.

Because this is a cooperative effort, there will be a pooling of our resources and skills. Everyone must contribute so that this co-op can be a success, whether it is to teach, assist, hall monitor, nursery, etc. One parent must be present every hour that their children are attending classes. This is a non-profit ministry cooperative by families to families.

Prices of classes are determined by the costs of supplies alone. Teachers will be giving of their time.  Please Note:   Although we offer pre-school classes, all TLC co-op families must have at least one school age child participating in the classes who must be at least five years old by October 30th.

You can visit our website at www.mytlcnj.com for more information and see if this group is for your family. Please stay tuned for more information to come.

For questions, please contact the group at www.mytlcnj.com.

books

Used Curriculum Sale: Tailgate Style!

Join us for the Sovereign Grace

Used Curriculum Sale: Tailgate Style!

What: Used homeschool materials, including books, DVDs, VCR tapes, academic games, anything related to education.  Sell what you don’t need anymore, shop for next year, or both!

When: Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 9am-1pm

*Rain date: Saturday, May 5, 2012

Where: Sovereign Grace Church parking lot, 111 Greentree Rd. Marlton, NJ

*seller set-up from 8am-8:45am in the church parking lot. You are welcome to use the trunk/back of your vehicle and/or your own table.

Sellers: Contact Ellen MacMichael (el@macmichael.com) to sign up

* Please, no yard sale items, but those used for educational purposes!

brianray 

Research Methods and Writing Course

A high school-level course (for roughly ages 15 to adult) Winter/Spring 2012

Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) is the instructor.

Dr. Ray is offering this Research Methods and Writing course to help you:
Students participate and learn from Dr. Ray via his live weekly lectures (about 10 weeks, one hour each), review of student questions or comments via text chat during the lectures, and answers to questions posted by students on an Internet forum so all students can see and learn from Dr. Ray’s answers. Lecture recordings will also be available to students 24/7 online.

Dr. Ray has taught students at all levels – elementary school, junior high school, high school, and undergraduate and graduate university – over the course of many years. He has taught private school, public school, and homeschool students. Dr. Ray is an energetic and engaging teacher and has received much praise for his teaching and speaking abilities. He serves as the president of the National Home Education Research Institute and is internationally known for his homeschool research, service as an expert witness in court cases and before legislatures, and speaking at educational conferences, including those for home educators Dr. Ray and his wife have eight children and live on a small farm in western Oregon.

Students will receive careful and detailed review, critique, feedback, and grading from Dr. Ray on three written assignments. Students will also take one exam to show their understanding of basic research methods terms and concepts. Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of completion for this one-semester, research methods and writing, high school course.

Students who complete this course and are interested in completing the research project they design might be able to continue in a mentored project with Dr. Ray to execute their study.

Tuition is $795 and is due in full upon registration. Class size is limited – so students receive plenty of personal attention and feedback from Dr. Ray – so first come, first served. Late enrollments may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

The registration form explains details such as the beginning lecture date, possible payment arrangements, the tuition refund policy, forms of payment, the textbook to be used and its cost, and more.
Please call Dr. Ray’s office at 503-364-1490 or email Abbie at mail@nheri.org for a registration form or if you have any questions. Remember, space is limited.

publicspeaking

Public Speaking Event arrives in NJ this March!

"Flood the Five" comes from the statistic that only 5% of Americans are ready and willing to command the public platform. The Institute for Cultural Communicators is committed to coaching Christian speakers to flood that 5%. This conference will provide Christian students of all ages with opportunities to develop skills through activities and training in three distinct areas: thinking, speaking and connecting with audiences.

Sponsored by the local ICC Chapter, SayWhat?, this conference is for students ages 6 - 18 from home, private, and public school settings.  Training for parents and coaches is complementary with a student registration.

Conference Date and Time: March 16th and 17th
Millington Baptist Church, Basking Ridge, NJ

FTF Conference                                                         Age              Early Bird Price/Student (Ends 2/28)                Standard Price/Student
 
Two-Day Applied                                                      11+                         $75                                                              $90
Communications Training Conference

One – Day Beginning Public Speaking                      6-10                      $25                                                               $25
 
Parents/Coaches                                                                                                     Free with a paying student.
 
*After the first 40 students, registrants will be wait-listed pending space and available Student Leaders.

For more information contact: Eunice Au, eunice@iccinc.org, 732-937-8960

Homeschool Apologetics Class Spring

This semester is just 6 BI-WEEKLY classes on Sunday night.
Different this semester: Parents/adults will have a class too. Will watch the DVD together in sanctuary then students & parents will have discussion
time in 2 separate rooms. See details below or contact us for more information. Please feel free to pass this information on to those who might
be interested.

There will be an open class for all Adults, College and High School  Students on Sunday evenings on a bi-weekly basis, comparing many religions against Christianity at Washington Valley Chapel, 57 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ 07960.  This class is absolutely free!

The commitment is just six weeks on Sunday evenings from 7-9 PM, and the evenings will look something like this:
The class will begin on Sunday evening, February 19th…and continue bi-weekly until April 29th.  So the actual dates of the class will be 2/19; 3/4; 3/18;
4/1 (Palm Sunday); 4/15; and 4/29.

VALUE:  This material will arm us to have meaningful conversations with people of allfaiths…asking poignant questions…giving pause to those who are
accustomed to being on the offensive through proselytizing.

The Christianity, Cults & Religions DVD-based study helps Christians know what they believe and why. By comparing Christianity with groups such as Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, people have a better grasp about what the Bible says about who Jesus is and the message of the Gospel. This six-session study simply explains the history, background, and beliefs of the most common world religions and cultic groups: Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses and other groups.

Paul Carden, one of the most respected specialists in this field, has spent 30 years researching, writing and broadcasting on the topics of cults and new religions. He is the general editor of the best-selling cults comparison chart, Christianity, Cults & Religions. Carden presents an easy-to-understand
comparison of the founder, date, location, history, beliefs, of each group. Carden also explains how to talk with people of other faiths in a way that will open them to the Gospel not turn them off.

Participants will gain a solid Scriptural foundation for their own faith so that they can answer the questions of other groups - who is Jesus? What do we believe about God? What happens after death? How do the other religions view salvation?

This is a class you don't want to miss!  Best of all, the commitment is a short-term one…just six Sunday evenings.

Email John Kalis your questions at wvchapel@afo.net

gonesoldiers

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Offers Homeschool Families a Passport to the Civil War

In February, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum began its five-part program for homeschool families for children ages 7 and older on the Civil War.  Once a month, February to June, the museum has hands-on programs planned that support the museum’s current exhibit “Gone for a Soldier”:  Jerseymen in the Civil War.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 1-3 pm
Homeschool Workshop: The Civil War Begins: Rural South and Industrial North.  What role did industry have in the North’s victory and the South’s defeat? Activities help students to see what characteristics became strengths for the North and the South and what characteristics became their weaknesses. Recommended for children 7 years old and older. $6 per student, preregistration required. 

Families are welcome to sign up for one or all five programs which will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month until June.  Pre-registration is required and the cost is $6 per student.  Families can pre-register by email to cwinslow@maccullochhall.org  or by leaving a message at (973) 538-2404, extension 10. 

Additional program themes include comparing life in the North and the South, experiences of the Union soldier, the 1860’s Northern homefront,  and forts and sieges in the Civil War.   Homeschool families receive a stamp in their Civil War passport for each program they attend.   

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. It is located at 45 Macculloch Ave. in the heart of Morristown’s National Historic District. The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit our website www.maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook for more information. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.

fernbrooklogo

Fernbrook Farms Education Center

Fernbrook Farms Education Center Homeschool Semester Programs are an opportunity for students to spend two hours a week on our 230 acre working farm with plenty of natural forests, meadows and streams, learning about food, agriculture, the environment, and even history.  Our dedicated staff works with small groups of students to provide hands-on learning experiences.  Our Bridge Semester is a short period of classes between our Eight Week Semesters and is a great way to try out the classes to see if you’re interested in pursuing participation in the future semesters. We are located in Chesterfield Township, NJ, Burlington County just three miles from Bordentown and Route 206 & Route 130.  The three classes will be held on March 8th, 15th, and 22nd, and if you would like to register you can visit our website www.FernbrookEducation.org or email Education@FernbrookFarms.com.  If you have any questions please call (609)298-4028 or email us.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area Morris County Park Commission

We hope to see you over the winter at one of the programs listed below, pre-registration is necessary.  Be sure to check our website calendar too at – www.morrisparks.net.
 
Wednesday, March 21
Family Walk: As the Earth Turns! 
All Ages!
Welcome spring through exploration of the seasons and weather.  A brief classroom discussion  is followed by a woodland walk. Perfect for home-school families!
Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.               
Location: Pyramid Mtn.
Cost: $2 per person age 3 and older
 
See http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/getinvolved/volunteer/#2 for volunteer and citizen science projects with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ.
 
For more information you may contact:
Douglas Vorolieff
Senior Teacher Naturalist
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Morris County Park Commission
973-334-3130
dvorolieff@morrisparks.net  
www.morrisparks.net  

NCFCA

The National Christian Forensics & Communications Association

Something exciting is happening in Oakland, New Jersey!

We need judges!

The National Christian Forensics & Communications Association
is hosting the
2012 New Jersey Regional Qualifying Tournament
on March 14-16
at the The Presbyterian Church of New Jersey
222 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ

Home schooled high school competitors from the Northeast (six states) will gather in Oakland for three days of competitive debate and speech – debating, performing humorous and dramatic interpretations, delivering compelling persuasive speeches, and much more!

We know it can be intimidating to be asked to judge, but it really is a rewarding and exhilarating experience for all those who have tried. The students are amazing and have been preparing for this competition since September.  We cannot provide such an important, enriching experience for our competitors without you.

In exchange for your three hour commitment, you will be instructed by our judging orientation staff, exceptionally well-fed (FREE meals are offered to all our judges), and thoroughly entertained by our outstanding competitors!  

Anyone who has ever watched a movie, television show, play, or listened to a presidential debate, knows intrinsically how to evaluate a speaker.

To sign up and learn more please visit:

www.ncfcajudges.com click on Region 10 on the map, choose New Jersey Qualifier tournament and choose the time(s) you are available to judge.

Any questions, please contact our Judge Coordinator, Lisa Illuzzi at ilovebooks267@gmail.com or 201-317-6250.

masterworks

The MasterWorks Festival

Who: The MasterWorks Festival
What: A 4 week Christian performing arts festival for students 14-26
When: June 17-July 15
Cost: $3070
Contact Information: email- mwfadministrator@christianperformingart.org.  Website: www.masterworksfestival.org

About:   MasterWorks is an intensive four-week festival for advanced and passionate students of music, dance, and theater. Each year 250 students from around the globe participate in this unique festival that combines artistic excellence and biblically sound teaching. Students and a faculty of 90 live and work on the campus of Grace College, in the quaint and picturesque community of Winona Lake, Indiana.
At MasterWorks, a wide variety of Christian backgrounds unite to glorify God in their art and grow deeply in their faith. Spiritual highlights include topical Bible studies for performers, faculty devotionals, and Sunday worship services. Prayer is an integral part of rehearsals, classes, and performances.

missnelson

The Walnut Street Theatre

When we PLAY, learning happens!  The Walnut Street Theatre would like you and your kids to join us in our delightful new production of Miss Nelson is Missing. 

As a child, my imagination took me to exciting new places outside this world!  I encountered both new people and strange creatures - some nice, some wild, some helpful and some extraordinary.  We all share these unforgettable childhood journeys that were inspired by the books we read at home and in school.  Miss Nelson is Missing will send your students on an adventure they'll never forget as they go on a journey to find Miss Nelson and the pages of this book come to life LIVE on stage!

Miss Nelson is Missing

School Matinees at 10:30am on

Wednesday, March 28 · Friday, March 30 · Thursday, April 12 · Friday, April 13

Read the book, and then see the show!  Based on the children's book Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard,   Full of music, laughter and excitement, this show takes reading to the next level with a live performance just under an hour making it suitable for grades K-5th.

There are countless ways to integrate Miss Nelson is Missing into your curriculum:

The Walnut is proud to offer magical AND affordable theatre for kids and their grown-up friends!  Treat your students to some great lessons in fun by visiting the Walnut!  Special group rates, for as little as $10.50 per ticket, make this the perfect spring event! It's a great way to gather your group for a fun and educational adventure!  Call Jan to can get the best seats for your students (215) 574-3550 x504!

For more information about the Walnut Street Theatre visit their website!

PASSION PLAY, “HE IS ALIVE!”  AT FOUNTAIN OF LIFE CENTER

The Fountain of Life Center, 2035 Columbus Rd., Florence Twp., will present live performances on stage of its annual Easter Passion Play, “He Is Alive!” starting Saturday, March 24th.   “He Is Alive!” is the story of the most compelling drama in the Bible.  Come share in the joy of celebration as Christ enters Jerusalem!  See the betrayal by Judas!  Witness the crucifixion at Golgotha!   Experience the glory and wonder of His resurrection in a visually stunning finale! Over 200 volunteers participate to make this a spectacular event not to be missed!

Fourteen live performances of “He Is Alive!” will be held on the following dates:

MAR  24           2:00 PM    &    7:00 PM
MAR 30              7:30 pm
MAR 31              2:00 PM    &    7:00 PM
APR  1                2:00 PM    &    7:00 PM
APR  4                7:30 PM
APR  5                7:30 PM
APR  6                2:30 PM     &   7:30 PM
APR  7                2:00 PM     &   7:00 PM
APR  8                6:00 PM

For more information about tickets and captivating photos of this magnificent play depicting the final week of Jesus’ life on earth visit the Fountain of Life Center website: www.flcnj.org. 

dinosaurs

Field Station: Dinosaurs

Take your students on the adventure of a lifetime - an outdoor expedition into the age of dinosaurs featuring over 30 life-sized, state-of-the-art animatronic dinosaurs. Set in the Meadowlands against the backdrop of a prehistoric rock formation, Field Station: Dinosaurs is the Northeast's most unique destination for learning.
  
Coming May 14th

Field Station: Dinosaurs is a world-class family attraction that combines cutting-edge science with the creative minds of great artists and teachers to create a one-of-kind experience that's thrilling, educational and fun. Thanks to the brilliant engineering of the world's leading roboticists and the imagination of our artists, we will have over thirty life-sized, realistic dinosaurs come to life. It will be an extraordinary and fun learning opportunity for your students
Tickets for Teachers/Chaperones

Students must be accompanied by a minimum of one adult for every ten students.
With every 20 student tickets purchased, groups may have one complimentary teacher / chaperone ticket. Additional chaperone tickets may be purchased at the same group rate extended to students.

Payment Policies

The Field Station accepts school district purchase orders (for reservations), Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and business checks. Cash is accepted in person only. Reservations require a 50% deposit paid within two weeks of your order date to secure your reservation. Payment in full must be received four weeks prior to your Field Station visit. Save time by paying in advance. Additional tickets may be purchased for your group on the day of your visit and may be paid for at the Box Office.

Cancellations and Refunds

Payments for field trips canceled before your scheduled trip will be forfeited or may be credited toward a trip scheduled within one calendar year of the original order.
Tickets are non-refundable. Please call the Group Sales hotline at 973.748.4317 at least 72 hours before your trip to notify us of a change in plans. Date changes are based on availability.
Field Station: Dinosaurs does not guarantee admission to school groups without a reservation. Schools may be turned away if field trip dates are changed without prior approval.

Schedule your workshop when you reserve your tickets:
Visit us online and sign up for our newsletter www.fieldstationdinosaurs.com
Be sure to like us on Facebook for regular paleontological updates http://www.facebook.com/FieldStationDinosaurs
If there is any further information you need from us, please email me or give me a call at 973.748.4561.
Thank you again!

Here’s a video of one of our dinosaurs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vegJMqXqTEk&feature=youtu.be

Be the first to explore this amazing new exhibition. Call our Group Sales Hotline at 973.748.4317 or email groups@fieldstationdinosaurs.com
for more information or to make your reservation today.

tennis

TENNIS LESSONS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Are you having a difficult time providing gym for your children? Seeing my sister home-school her nine kids and my good friend (a Pastor at my church) home-schools as well, I'm aware of the needs you have!
For the past eighteen years I've been a USPTR Tennis Teaching Professional. Currently I direct tennis at the Hopewell Valley Golf Club and also coach the varsity teams at the Pennington School. With my access to these facilities and experience in this great game, I would like to offer both group and private lessons to you and your home-school network.
My style is simple - lessons are fast paced, constant movement, modern techniques and most of all FUN!!! The kids will have a chance to learn a great sport while achieving a strong level of fitness and discipline - ALWAYS from a positive perspective.
I will provide the equipment: racquets and tennis balls as well as a place to conduct our lesson.

Please, contact Jason Dratman at jrockjersey@yahoo.com so we can customize an effective and affordable training program for your children that would introduce them to a lifetime sport! Tennis can also be something your whole family can enjoy together! I look forward to hearing from you. If you are not interested in tennis lessons but know of someone who is, please forward my information to them


fencing

Online Fencing Classes

Our Fencing program goes all over the United States. We teach through the internet and we can one student in a particular state up to 50 in groups. We specialize in beginning fencers. Most of our classes involve kids and we have the opportunity to reach out to a larger audience with the web. Your program just needs a computer with an optional camera set up (we can work with voice only also just as long as your students can see your coach). When we set up your class our coach will contact your students to size up your participants with jackets masks gloves and weapons. Our coach is in charge of mailing the fitted equipment to your facility for class use. You also have the choice of purchasing your own equipment.

We are a staff of coaches and members of the United States Fencing Association (the people that run Olympic Fencing). Our main coach was trained for the Olympics by Cuban and Russian coaches; we are trained in the Russian style of Fencing. We just ask that if we are teaching kids under the age of 18 that there be adults present while the coach is instructing.
.
Our class participants are in contact with our online coaches for support for proper use of the equipment and with a computer and camera we interact with our students (voice only is also acceptable). We teach online using the VZO, Skype, and the Moodle teaching software. We usually teach 6 lessons a hour long, once a week for six weeks. At $10 a lesson for each participant that equals out to $60 per participant. If you are using the option of free equipment for at least six participants we ask you to send out a deposit which we will return to you at the end of the session.

When you set up dates and times for your class the students / or Coach will contact the Instructor to arrange the weapons, assist with the sizing of equipment, and assist with mailing.
The class is done live for your program area. Students do need a computer. The coach can correct, and teach live within the space of an hour class time. We usually have a time period for questions and answers at the end of the teaching program. After six classes our program is over and they can just return the equipment for the class. We mail out certificates of completion when done. If you do a competition in your class, we can mail out the winner a real sword/trophy at no additional cost (depending on your numbers).

Our coaches are flexible and we can design our online program according to the times you request for your program. Contact Gerald *(information listed below) for availability of times.

Fencing

Fencing is a vigorous sport that requires and develops stamina, quick reactions, speed, accuracy of movement and excellent coordination. More than a game, fencing requires a mental attitude of self discipline
involving total manipulation of mind and body in perfect harmony. It utilizes natural body movement to create simple and effective self-protection techniques with the sword. Attacking, defense, timing
and intense tactics are all integrated into this beginning class. Whether you're fencing for a good work out, or gaining points for the Olympics fencing is fun for anyone. We provide everything needed to
fence (mask, jacket, glove, and weapon). The fencer need only to come dressed comfortably (for freedom of movement) including long sweat pants and running shoes.

Musketeers Fencing Classes available to ages 6-9
Children will learn real fencing skills while having fun in our special Musketeers Fencing Class!

Our new program introduces children to the fundamentals of fencing with the foil weapon. Our children's classes are performed in a non threatening environment. With an emphasis on skill building,
concentration, self discipline and fun. Classes are designed to enhance motor skill, social and perceptual growth by teaching safe, age appropriate foil fencing skills to each child.
Fencing can help children improve concentration and develop self-control through fun and organized activities that are developmentally correct.

For more information on these programs contact:
Gerald E. Benford Sr.
Coach and all around groovy guy..
Online Sword Play!
Teaching the fine art of Sword Play for more than 12 years!
Office Phone: (952) 435-6740 or email:  Gbenford@prodigy.net
You can also visit the websites:  http://www.livefencingcoach.com or http://www.angelfire.com/sports/swdply/

baseball

Homeschool Baseball for Boys Ages 13+

If you are interested in playing boys’ travel baseball with a homeschool team please consider joining the TCHSA Falcons.  We will have practice and home games in Lawrence, NJ and Langhorne, PA.  If interested please email Ed Miller at Ed@ivcfnynj.org.


rollerskates

CHERRY HILL ROLLER SKATING

Come join us for 2 hours of fun, physical activity.  Every third Friday there is roller skating for the home school community.  The rink is open only for us.   The games are turned off, the music is family friendly.  Mom's get to socialize while kids skate with their friends.  Come meet home schoolers from every area........open to all.
 
Where: Cherry Hill Skate Center 664 Deer Road Cherry Hill
What: Private party 2 hours of skating with family friendly music
Who: Any home schooler please invite all put down your home school lists
When: 3rd Fridays (NOT December) from September-April 1-3PM
Cost:  $3 per skater (non skaters do not pay) Max $12 per family (cash please!)
skate rental available for $3 from rink (last year's price) either quads or inline

You may bring your own skates

Please no outside refreshments as the snack bar is open.  Consume your food before coming in

Dates for 2011-2012 School year
September 16
October  21
November  18
January  20
February  17
March  16
April  20

piano

PIANO LESSONS AT HOME

Focusing on the beginning and intermediate piano student.
Private lessons in your home.
Over 25 Years Experience
For further information, please call Toni R. at 973-960-9797
Morris County Area.

greatwolf

GREAT WOLF LODGE Pocono Mountains Resorts 

March Homeschool Days - March 26, 27, 28, 2012
$179.00 for a family suite up to 6 per room.

Get away with the entire family at our colossal indoor waterpark resort featuring 401 spacious accommodations.  Located right in the heart of the beautiful Pocono Mountains, you will refresh your mind and body.  Best of all, you’ll put a smile on everyone’s face!

So clear your calendar, pack the swimsuits, and head to Great Wolf Lodge, where weatherproof vacations and endless fun are our specialty.  Experience a 90,000-sq. ft. indoor entertainment area featuring a spectacular indoor waterpark, exciting arcade, luxurious spa, and fantastic restaurants-all under one roof.  Visit GreatWolf.com for complete details.

OFFER VALID:  March Homeschool Days - March 26, 27, 28, 2012
GROUP NAME:  March Homschool Days *
GROUP CODE:  1203MARC

To make reservations visit GreatWolf.com or call 800-768-9653 for complete details.  When prompted use group code:  1203MARC
*(Note from the editor:  If the code does not work, try "March Homeschool Days" it may be a typo on their flyer)

PUBLICATION DATES

ENOCH of NJ e-Newsletter NEXT DEADLINE

Here are the deadlines for the upcoming ENOCH of NJ e-Newsletters.  The deadlines are firm and coordinated so that we can get you a fresh newsletter by the first of each month. Thanks.

April 2012:  Sunday, March 25th
May 2012:  Wednesday, April 25th
June 2012:  Friday, May 25th

Send all submissions to newsletter@enochnj.org.  This deadline serves the purpose of allowing time for editing and formatting the newsletter in order that time-sensitive information can be posted and mailed in a timely manner.

Final editing begins at the deadline.  Submissions prior to the deadline are always welcome and encouraged.
 
Posting and emailing is normally by the 1st of the month (except for the June issue).
 
Thanks for your help in getting the newsletter delivered promptly.

SUBSCRIBE TO ENOCH'S e-NEWSLETTER

Why and How to Subscribe
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter, you can subscribe now!  If you would like the e-Newsletter delivered directly to your e-mailbox each month, go to Monthly Newsletter link on our website at www.enochnj.org.
 
Encourage your support group members to subscribe to the ENOCH email list!  Include this portion of our newsletter in your monthly hardcopy newsletter.  Get the word out that this newsletter is for them!   We use our subscription list to notify the homeschooling community of changes to our website, of the Convention and our Leadership Conference, alerts, and other important news.
 
All submissions desiring consideration for publication in the e-Newsletter should be sent to newsletter@enochnj.org.  Thanks.
 
ENOCH of NJ
Box 308
Atlantic Highlands NJ 07716
732.291.7800
office@enochnj.org
www.enochnj.org
 
Neither the ENOCH e-Newsletter, nor the Board of Directors for ENOCH New Jersey, endorses nor recommends any of the non-ENOCH programs, events, or opportunities listed. They are selectively provided as a service to those who wish to explore further. To remove your email from this mailing list, click here: http://www.enochnj.org/index.php?ACT=5&id=ZEbMxuzeJH