February 2004 Letter

About CHEACT

Beliefs and Biblical Basis
What we believe and why we believe it

Benefits
How CHEACT supports you

Volunteer
There are plenty of opportunities to jump in and make things happen for home schoolers in central Texas

SUMMER IS AROUND THE CORNER

February 2004

Summer may seem like an age away right now, but our conference committee and Board are busy putting together one of the best conferences in CHEACT history. Here is a preview of what you will find.

Most of you will recognize the names, Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn. They are the creators of the Trivium Pursuit website, authors of Teaching the Trivium - Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style, popular conference exhibitors & seminar speakers and parents of Nathanial & Hans Bluedorn, who themselves are authors of The Fallacy Detective. Specific seminar topics are still being finalized, but they will be educating, challenging and encouraging us to home school in a manner that glorifies God.

It may come as a surprise to you that while the Bluedorns will be exhibiting at several conferences around the country this year, the CHEACT Home School Conference and Book Fair will be the ONLY speaking engagement for them. They also plan to take the entire book fair season off next year. So… if you want to hear the Bluedorns speak, this will be the only place in the country to do so for the next two years. Right in here in Austin, Texas!

This summer we will carry on the tradition of our Saturday morning Home School Father's Breakfast at the conference. Harvey Bluedorn will be giving a special early morning session just for Dads. The Bluedorns have five grown children that are all making an impact in their ministry. Harvey will be drawing from his experience as a successful home school father during this session.

Children and strollers will be welcome this year. We want to break down the barriers, and find a way for each of you to come. This is an opportunity for us to witness to the non-Christian home schoolers that will be attending our conference, as well as the city employees that run the Palmer auditorium.

Those of you watching the situation unfold between the CPS and a local home school family in Georgetown will want to make sure that we are electing judges and law enforcement officials that are knowledgeable about home schooling and are pro-family. CHEACT is considering ways to provide you with conference resources that will address effective activities for the home school community of central Texas during an election year, as well as good practices to follow if a government official (CPS agent, Sheriff or School official) knocks on your door.

Finally, a word about home schooling resources in general. As home schooling becomes more mainstream, it is becoming increasingly important to be vigilant and research the objectives, foundations and authors of the resources that you choose. The CHEACT Board is exercising due diligence in making sure the various resources available to you at our conferences meet the objective criteria set forth in our statement faith. We take our charge to safeguard, promote and encourage home schooling that glorifies God seriously. We recommend that you research the curriculum on line BEFORE you come to the conference. Look at the authors and other things they have written. Read about the teaching methodology they employ and its roots. Look at the Board of Directors of the company that publishes each book and research each Board member to see what other organizations they are involved in. There may be some wolves among the sheep… or you just might find another reason to be enthralled with the curriculum you have chosen!

Now, as you turn your attention back to the semester at hand, rest assured that CHEACT is lining up a summer conference that will help challenge, encourage and equip you as you make plans and purchases for next year.

Yours truly,
Brett

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