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A Note from Kay, THSC Leader Liaison
My official title during spring break is chief cook, bottle washer, and surrogate mama to 50 or so teenagers on our annual youth ski retreat in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. This year we mended broken bones, fought off a nasty flu virus, and dealt with an inoperable air conditioner in one of our rental vans. Do I consider myself a "youth leader"? Nope! That job is reserved for our youth pastor, Jamie, and his lovely wife Tammy, who, by the way, drove the van with no air conditioner . . . or is it?
So then what makes one a leader? Is it an official title? A host of responsibilities? The desire to help others? How about a salary?
Leaders earn their title by simply leading. A home school group leader can be anyone who shares a desire to better the group by mentoring, leading field trips, hosting activities, organizing fundraising or a group of volunteers, or even those who monitor the ever-changing world of social media in addition to team leaders and board members.
This year we are expanding the services we provide for support group leaders to include a Leader's Lounge and mini-workshop time at the Hearth & Home Ministries Annual Book Fair in Arlington. Be sure to encourage all your leaders to stop by the HEART table or the THSC table to find out how to get plugged in.
Leading is a blessing to be enjoyed by all, whether you are manning the lending table, working at a used book sale, coordinating a back-to-school event, leading a field trip, or simply cooking in the kitchen. May all your spring activities be a reflection of purposeful leadership.
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Home School Connector
at the Hearth & Home Book
Fair in Arlington
Join THSC and HEART of Texas as we pamper and refresh home school support group leaders with a time of encouragement, recognition, information sharing, and a mini-conference designed just for you! Check in with the HEART of Texas booth or the THSC booth at the conference to register.
The mini-conference for leaders will be at 2:30 p.m., followed by a Leaders Lounge at 3:45 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
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 Other Sites of
Interest
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Get Connected
in Your Area Christian Home Education Association of Central Texas (CHEACT) Austin, Central Texas Region
Family Educators Alliance of South Texas (FEAST)
San Antonio, South Central Texas Region
Home Educators Alliance for Resources and Training (HEART)
Greater Dallas/Fort Worth Region
Southeast Texas Home School Association (SETHSA)
Houston Region
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The Benefits of Training
Becky Ryan
I don't believe that anybody is a born leader. I do believe that some people are gifted and talented to be better leaders than others. And I'm quite certain that successful leaders have had no small amount of training. They have learned from good (and bad) leaders and from their own mistakes. They have attended leadership training, and they have probably read a book or two, or fifty, about leadership. To be effective, leaders need training. Why should home school group leaders be any different? As a home school leader, I have read countless home schooling books and leadership articles. They were all helpful, but it was the Texas Home School Coalition's Leadership Training Conference that taught me, inspired me, and encouraged and motivated me to be a better leader.
Read more.
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Social Waters
April's Question: Does anyone host back-to-school events in the summer rather than in the fall? What are the benefits, and what are the drawbacks?
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March's Question:
Looking toward graduation for the seniors in our group, does anyone have a suggestion for a special graduation ceremony? What about diplomas?
Graduation time is an exciting part of your student's senior year and should be enjoyed to the fullest. Video presentations, caps and gowns, and the presentation of a high school diploma are all part of what makes that day special. The challenge some parents face is their search for diplomas. Although diplomas can be printed at most print shops to meet any specifications you may have, THSC conveniently offers diplomas in the THSC store for a nominal charge. Many support groups have organized graduation ceremonies for their members. Although it is a triumphant day for home school parents, the key to a memorable ceremony is to allow the seniors to be a big part of the planning.
Email your reply to the question for February to leaders@thsc.org. If you have a question you would like to see featured in an upcoming Leader Letter, submit it to leaders@thsc.org. Together we will navigate the "social waters"! |
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Home School Leader
Appreciation Week
April 9-15
Show your leaders how much you appreciate them by honoring them with a Certificate of Appreciation from THSC. April 9 through 15 is Home School Leader Appreciation Week in Texas. The week will end with an award Gala and Fundraiser at the Renaissance Hotel in Houston on April 14, where THSC will name our 2012 Leader of the Year. March 30 is the deadline for entries, so nominate your fellow leader by completing the convenient online registration form now.
Want to join us at the Gala? THSC will be giving away three pairs of tickets to the first three couples to reply with the subject line "I want to go to the GALA!"
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Wise Words
"The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already."
John Buchan, Scottish novelist
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staff@thsc.org | www.thsc.org | 806-744-4441
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Your membership and donations enable us to continue monitoring legislation, helping us guard and promote home schooling freedoms.
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