Having trouble viewing this email? Click here.

Home School Students Are "Citizen Lobbyists"

You don't need a law degree to advocate for a bill in the Texas Legislature. About 150 home school students and families gathered at the February Capitol Day for a firsthand glimpse into the political process and a field trip they'll never forget. Read more about these "citizen lobbyists."

Spend the day learning how a bill becomes law and about current legislation that could impact you and your family. Share your beliefs and experience the process by lobbying the home school position to legislators and their staffs. Don't miss these opportunities to make government real and to have an impact on things that matter! Find out more about Capitol Days.

Space is limited, so sign up today or before March 20 to reserve your spot at the April 3 Capitol Day.

SB 573 – Bill to Allow Private Schools to Compete in UIL – Senate Hearing Update

Bill Should Pass Out of Committee Soon

Things got heated today in the Senate Education Committee hearing on SB 573, the bill to allow private schools to compete in UIL activities. I gave testimony, arguing that UIL should get back to the vision of its founders, a vision that originally opened participation to all Texas students. In 1915 participation was restricted to "white public school students." Minorities started Prairie View Interscholastic League, under the auspices of Prairie View A&M, in the 1920s and were not allowed to compete in UIL until the late 1960s.

We pointed out that UIL had allowed two affluent private schools to compete in UIL 10 years ago with no problems. However, public school officials and a representative of the Texas High School Coaches Association argued that private schools would have an unfair advantage, since they are able to "recruit" students beyond a geographic boundary.

Read the rest of Tim's blog.

Home Schooler Completes 100 College Credits before High School Graduation

~ Susan Snyder, Inquirer

Home schooling, community college aided high-achieving Moorestown family.

Ryan Snell, 18, racked up almost enough college credits for two associate's degrees before earning his high school diploma.

Home schooled by his parents, the Moorestown teen simultaneously took 30-some classes at Burlington County College for more than 100 credits.

He has applied to Wharton and a handful of other prestigious schools.

While his accomplishments are impressive, they are not unusual in the Snell family.

Both of Ryan's older brothers, Jake and Tom, took dozens of classes at the county college while being homeschooled. And then they went on to the Ivy League, entering through the regular admission process as freshmen.

Read the rest of this article.

11-year-old Dallas Boy Gives City Council Lesson in Civility

~ Eleanor Sadler

The Dallas City Council got an earful Wednesday from an unlikely source: a boy who didn’t feel he had their undivided attention.

Eleven-year-old David Williams' first question for the council involved his concerns about school safety and whether teachers should be allowed to carry weapons.

"What is an alternative for teachers to keep their students safe in the DISD district without having to bring dangerous weapons to school?" he asked.

Read the rest of this article.

Events Around Texas

April 3, May 2 - THSC Capitol Days
April 8 - Houston Children's Museum
March 20 - Bob Bullock Museum
April 20 - Texas State Home School Track and Field Championships
April 29-May 3 - WaterWorks Education Center

THSC Resources and Member Benefits

THSC REVIEW Magazine

Check out the electronic version of the THSC REVIEW Magazine.
Sign up for our free print edition of the THSC REVIEW.

This magazine has encouraging articles written by those who have been there/done that to help you in this great adventure of home schooling!

THSC Member Benefits

When you join THSC Association or renew your membership, you immediately receive member benefits and discount opportunities.

This week's featured member benefit is:

Creation Illustrated

$8 off $19.95 subscription price of this Bible-based, no-evolution magazine.

We Have a Winner!

The winner of the THSC Review Potter's Wheel Contest in the February 2013 magazine is Jessica Greenwood of Round Rock. She won a Handbook for Texas Home Schoolers. The Potter's Wheel was hidden on page 6 in the lower corner of the globe by the child.

Watch for the Potter's Wheel in the next THSC Review magazine, be the first to locate it, and you could win a prize. We appreciate all the readers of the magazine!

How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices,
They shout joyfully together;
For they will see with their own eyes
When the Lord restores Zion.
Break forth, shout joyfully together,
You waste places of Jerusalem;
For the Lord has comforted His people,
He has redeemed Jerusalem.

Isaiah 52:7-9

About THSC

Our Website

More about Us

Donate to THSC

Member Benefits

Our Store

Congratulating
Home Schoolers

Volunteer Opportunities

Get Connected Regionally

The articles in this newsletter reflect the freedom of home educators in Texas to choose from a wide variety of home school philosophies and teaching methods. Opinions and attitudes expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Texas Home School Coalition. THSC does not endorse or advocate any one method or philosophy or any views expressed when clicking away from this newsletter. The board encourages each home educator to seek God's will in determining what is best for him, his school, and his students.

Publication of advertisements does not signify endorsement of items or services offered.