Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Convention Planning...

The 2010 convention planning is in FULL swing for SHEM. It has been an exciting time watching all the preparations being made for another GREAT convention. One AMAZING speaker has already been contracted. We can't tell you who yet. But you will be excited and encouraged. Several others are in the works as well. This year promises to be one of the BEST yet!

SHEM is also looking forward to some helpful changes as well. We can't wait to unveil them for you as April draws near.

Curious? Keep checking back on the blog and the website to see how SHEM is growing and changing and preparing for the 2010 Convention in Springfield, MO.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

New Homeschooler Information Meeting...

What is the New Homeschooler Information Meeting?

The monthly New Homeschooler Information Meeting is at The Library Center in Springfield, MO on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30-8:30 P.M. The New Homeschooler Information Meeting is for parents considering homeschooling or those who have already decided to homeschool.

Topics covered: how to get started, most frequently asked questions, state law requirements, and common homeschool approaches.

It is against library policy for children to be left unattended in the library. If you need to bring your children, please keep them with you. There is no charge and no childcare.

Location: 4563 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield, Mo

For more detailed information and links...

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

SHEM Used Curriculum Sale at Remington's


Come join us for the SHEM Used Curriculum Sale.




WHEN: Thursday, August 6th, 6:30-9 P.M.




WHERE: Remington's in Springfield, MO, 1655 W. Republic Rd.




WHY: Because "I want really great deals on curriculum!"




Need more information???




Click HERE

Monday, July 6, 2009

Because You Asked...4

Question 4: Why aren't all homeschooling topics covered at the convention?

Answer: SHEM aims to give you a well-rounded convention covering many topics each year. Most speakers have an expertise in certain subjects/areas of interests. For instance, the 2009 convention offered the new Teen Tract as there are many homeschoolers that are arriving at that point in their lives where they need the extra information on how to prepare for college and careers. We also look to find speakers who are encouraging and work to excite the family for the upcoming year. Since there are a variety of homeschoolers and a vast array of curriculum, we attempt to offer the greatest balance of each. Finally, we make certain that we have speakers for the legal advice/council needed for the beginning homeschooler.

Suggestion: Be sure to fill out your convention survey each year. These are looked over with great attention and give SHEM an idea of what topics/speakers to search out for the new year.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Because You Asked...3

Question 3: What about those parking fees? The convention is affordable, but adding in the parking really stretches my budget.

Answer: Springfield, MO has a rapidly growing downtown area. In fact, it has grown at such a rate that it is not capable of housing all of the cars that are running through downtown during convention season. The ballgames at the Hammons Ball Park adds to the chaos. John Q. Hammons is working on building another parking garage next to the hotel and convention center. That will help ease some of the congestion. However, there will still be parking fees. We are trying to work on a convention pass, but we are not sure that will pan out.

Note - Ampco System Parking runs the garage adjacent to the Expo Center and is not affiliated with John Q. Hammons or the Expo Center.

Suggestion: If you have affiliations or suggestions for parking ideas, add them to the comment section following this article. Also - set aside an envelope labeled parking and start adding your extra quarters and dimes. By the time the 2010 convention rolls around, you should have that fee PAID OFF!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Because You Asked...2

Question 2: Food prices at the Expo Center often seem high. Are there any other choices available?

Answer: Food prices are set by the Expo Center. And SHEM is unable to bring food into the Expo Center to sell. However, we are currently working on making connections with some of the AMAZING local downtown eateries to provide coupons and/or discounts for those who can show proof of attendance to the SHEM Homeschool Convention. Our hope is that you will be able to find a delicious and cost effective alternative within walking distance of the Expo Center.

If you have a suggestion of YOUR favorite downtown hot spot, leave us a comment and we will check it out!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Prayers for Jessica Hulcy Author of KONOS...

KONOS co-author Jessica Hulcy in severe car accident

Monday May 18, 2009

Jessica Hulcy, co-author of the KONOS homeschool curriculum, was in a major car accident today. She is listed in critical but stable condition. Reports are her lungs are collapsed, she has internal bleeding, and there is some brain trauma. Please pray for Jessica and her family.

If you are interested in keeping up with the Hulcy's, you can sign up for the Caring Bridge updates listed in the previous post. I had a chance to talk with Jordan, Jessica's son, at the convention this year. (For an extended period of time as Jordan is QUITE a talker.) This family truly loves one another. And Jordan had just spoken of how the children would like to see their mom finally relax after all of these years.