A Note from Kay,
THSC Leader Liaison
I'm a planner. Some call it a gift. My husband calls it death to spontaneity.
When my good friend Ruth hops in the car on a Friday afternoon to tour a new art museum an hour away, I cringe at the thought of leaving town on a moment's notice. How do people do that? Just pick up and go? We must grab snacks, make sure the car is full of gas, and pack a change of clothes just in case we are caught in a torrential rain storm. (Don't laugh. It can happen in Abilene.) Not to mention, have we figured out where we are going, what we will be seeing, how long we will stay, what time do they close, and who might want to come along?
Like I said, I'm a planner. I might try to fit five of those trips into one week and take an extra six or seven kids along with us for the ride, but one thing is certain: It will be planned.
When leaders look toward kicking off a new school year, it's easy to plan, plan, plan, and plan. Field trips, picnics, group classes, football games, and more are on the drawing table. One thing we sometimes forget to do when we plan is to listen to the needs of our group.
Ask the questions, "What did we do right last year?" and "What can we do differently this year to make things run smoother?" Listen to your families as they share their needs. Visit with neighboring support groups about their successes and struggles.
This month's featured article speaks to the communicator in all of us. Also featured this month is information on our State Leadership Conference in Denton. Allen Tappe will bring us valuable lessons on the importance of "purposed" actions. This is a weekend you will not want to miss.
As you plan your fall, with all its glorious colors, smells, and occasional cool breeze, remember to listen not only to the rustling of the leaves but also for the sounds of bustling children on those carefully planned outings.
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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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All Home School Leaders Are Cordially Invited
Join leaders from across the state October 12 - 14 at beautiful Camp Copass in Denton for a time of inspiration and purpose! Your support group will benefit from the valuable information you receive and the fabulous ideas you bring home!
Keynote Speaker - Allen Tappe
- Author of The Power of Purposed Performance
- President and owner of The Tappe Group
- Member of the National Speaker's Association
More on Allen Tappe.
State Leadership Conference attendees will . . .
- Hear practical, inspiring workshops.
- Join fellow leaders in roundtable discussions.
- Gain valuable leadership skills.
- Learn to lead with purpose!
Registration begins soon!
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Social Waters
September's Question: Although I appreciate all the fresh ideas from our new board members, how do I let them know that we have already tried many of those things and they didn't work, while still acknowledging how much I appreciate their effort and input?
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August's Question:
I would like to offer some kind of sports program for our kids this fall. How do I go about putting something like that together?
Answer: Sports, just like kids, come in all shapes and sizes. The most important thing to consider is your end goal. If you are looking for a physical education class, a simple P.E. curriculum and a couple of friends will fit the bill. If organized sports with a competition component are what you are searching for, then quality planning and execution will be required. Competitive sports require coaching, facilities, and equipment . . . not to mention teams to compete against. Follow the steps below to begin your planning:
- Hold an interest meeting.
- Determine your level of competition.
- Find interested parents to coach, or hire a private coach.
- Spread the word via email, social media, and word of mouth.
- Establish a statement of purpose, define your leadership, and recruit players.
For more information and examples, see the teams listed below.
Texas Wind Athletics
FEAST - Patriots Athletics
Email your reply to the question for September 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"! |
Leadership: If You Want a Team of Leaders You Must Become One First
Steve Lauri
John Maxwell, a top author on leadership, wrote, "The number one motivational principle in the world is: People do what people see." So, if you want a team of leaders, you must first become one yourself.
Many people believe that leaders are not made-they are born. While it's true that some people seem to be born with leadership traits, it's more common for leadership skills and abilities to be developed. Research Abraham Lincoln's career, and you'll find a great example of that.
But where do you start? Great leaders are generally great communicators. This doesn't necessarily mean that they are great orators, though. To be a good communicator, you must first be a good listener.
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Wise Words
"The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
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Mark Your
Calendars and Join THSC at These Upcoming Events!
State Leadership Conference 
Denton
October 12-14
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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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