Guest Post: Ten Rules for Homeschool Convention Etiquette By Linda Brodsky

Ten Rules for Homeschool Convention Etiquette

By Linda Brodsky

I believe every situation calls for some etiquette, and homeschool conventions are no exception. Often, vendors represent small, family-run businesses, and sales at conventions provide their largest source of revenue. When customers follow these ten simple rules, everyone benefits. The next time you enjoy a homeschool convention, I encourage you to practice these ten demonstrations of courtesy. As you do so, you can be sure that you will bless and encourage the vendors and your fellow attendees.

1. Make sure checks or credit cards are good, or pay in cash. Most vendors are able to authorize credit cards at their booths. However, if your credit card does not go through, valuable time will be lost in rectifying the situation, so make sure your accounts are in good shape before you go to a convention. If a check bounces, fees are charged and both the vendor and the customer have to deal with the account balance problems. Many vendors prefer cash, which sometimes helps vendors pay for immediate needs associated with convention expenses, such as such as food, gas, hotel expenses, etc.

2. Handle all products carefully and respectfully. The vendor’s inventory is expensive and should be handled gently. If items are damaged, vendors may not be able to sell them. One way to appropriately inspect books would be to open them up gently, not spreading them completely open, thereby keeping their spines intact and preserving the “new” feel of the book. Of course, it is always best to peruse sample copies when they are available.

After reviewing a product, put it back in the same location where you found it. If you don’t know where it goes, hand it back to the vendor, or ask where to put it back in its proper place.

3. Don’t shop before the vendor hall officially opens. Many vendors are scrambling to “set up shop” right up until the moment the convention sales officially begin. Honor the starting and ending times posted for sales, and don’t rush the vendors. They are eager to serve you, but they need to get organized first.

4. Diligently supervise your children at all times. Take advantage of the wonderful children’s programs that convention coordinators have provided for your children. The convention sponsors may also offer babysitting services, or the hotel may provide those services. You can also share “babysitting duty” with another mom: one of you watches all the children while the other mom shops; then you trade off. If you prefer to keep your children with you, be sure to keep them within reach—literally—at all times, for their protection and for the protection of the vendors’ products as well.

5. Shop, don’t study. Vendors understand that you would like to browse through a book before buying it, but to stand in front of the booth and read through the entire book is rude. Not only will the booth be less accessible to other potential customers while you are there reading, but it’s likely that the book will look “used” after you have read it from cover to cover, and no one else will want to purchase it. If you are thoroughly “sold” on a product, buy it and use it at home.

6. Keep the traffic moving, as much as it is in your power to do so. Don’t congregate with friends (new or old) directly in front of a booth, especially with your shopping carts or strollers in tow. Vendors are dependent on person-to-person sales, so be polite and congregate elsewhere; avoid creating traffic jams that can rob vendors of business.

7. Remember that the vendor needs to talk to as many potential customers as possible. Vendors love to talk with you, especially when homeschooling is the topic, but remember that the time they have available to interact—hopefully with everyone at the convention—is limited. Be friendly, ask your questions, and step aside so that the next guy can ask his questions.

8. Expect to pay for good customer service. Vendors who don’t deal with high-volume inventories are often more willing to discuss their products and personally answer your questions. If a vendor “sells” you on his product, buy it from him—not from the high-volume-sales vendor on the next row, who was too busy to answer your questions. Pay for what you get, and don’t take unfair advantage of helpful people—instead, support their businesses with your purchases.

9. Support the speakers. Most speakers at homeschool conventions receive no compensation for their contributions to the event. In fact, many speakers are required to pay a fee in order to conduct a workshop, demonstration, or class at a convention. Take advantage of the information and encouragement the speakers can offer, and if you like what you hear and see, seek out their booths and consider trying the products that impress you the most.

10. Please honor the established closing time at the convention sales. When the vendor hall is closing, make your purchases and leave on time, like the way you “kindly make your way to the circulation desk” (sound familiar?) when the public library announces it “will close in fifteen minutes.” You can be sure that most vendors are very tired after a long day’s work and are eager to get off their feet too. Make your final purchases . . . and come back tomorrow, bright and early.

Most convention vendors love what they do or they wouldn’t be there. Many regard the hours they spend interacting with, and explaining their products/services to, potential customers as ministry. I encourage you to practice these ten rules of etiquette to enhance not only your shopping experience but the vendors’ experiences too!

See you at the conventions!

Linda Brodsky and her husband Mark have owned Brodsky Ministries for more than ten years. They sell curricula, T-shirts, U.S.-made toys, natural health products, and more. Their children can be found at homeschool conventions painting faces and making balloon sculptures. They have five children on earth, three in heaven, and are praying for more. Visit their website at www.brodskyministries.com.

Copyright 2012, used with permission. All rights reserved by author. Originally appeared in the February 2012 issue of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, the trade magazine for homeschool families. Read the magazine free at www.TOSMagazine.com or read it on the go and download the free TOS apps to read the magazine on your Kindle Fire or Apple or Android devices.

Incredible ~ The Fingerprint of God ~ Very Educational

This video takes a whole 4 minutes but will give you a new outlook on creation and the creator.  I don't know who the people are that made it but it points out some interesting facts.

Basketball Math PDF

Basketball Math eBook

Math Madness ~ Basketball Math Online Game

Math Academy ~ Play Ball ~ eBook for teachers

Fantasy Basketball Math Worksheets ~ Really cool, PDF

REALLY Cool for summer work:  Basketball Math March Madness ~ PDF ~ Math plus internet research questions on history.  Answer in complete sentences.

Photography and Science

Art Institutes Bachelor of Science Degree Program Objectives (to give you an idea of classes for college)


Photography ~ A New Art or Yet Another Scientific Achievement ~ (PDF) Focuses on the history of photography and photography as art

Integrated Science and Photography ~ (PDF) 9th Grade Curriculum

Portrait Photography ~ From the Victorians to the Present Day ~ (PDF) Curriculum


Let’s Make a Better Picture: 
Teaching Photography as Science and Art to First Graders (PDF)

Art and Science of Photography (PDF)

Rendering the Print (PDF)

Homeschoolers in the Military

Homeschoolers in the Military

By Dr. Heather W. Allen

For years the question that concerned many parents was, Can a student who was homeschooled through high school gain admittance into the college of his or her choice? For other parents, the question looming was, Can a student who was homeschooled through high school have a successful career in the military?

This article is focused on the latter and will discuss some of the options the military has to offer, and it also will present data that were collected recently from homeschoolers (or their parents on their behalf) who are currently serving in the military. It is not the purpose of this article to provide an exhaustive historical treatment of homeschoolers in the military but rather to present a look at what’s out there and what to consider.

If your child feels led to embark on a military career, he or she can choose from several options: (1) enlist in one of the military branches, (2) apply for admission to one of the military academies, or (3) attend college and apply to a branch of the military after graduation.

Enlistment

Military recruits have typically been placed in one of three groups: Tier 1 recruits have graduated from accredited high schools, Tier 2 recruits have dropped out of high school but have earned their General Equivalency Diploma (GED), and Tier 3 recruits comprise those who are high school dropouts without a GED. For years, since homeschooled students did not fit quite right into any of those groups, they were often considered high school dropouts, either with or without a GED. Recruits who were not classified as Tier 1 were required to score higher on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), and those individuals were not eligible for all the benefits available to Tier 1 recruits. Given this clearly unfair policy, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) lobbied Congress to create an equitable enlistment. In 1998, with the help of the late Senator Paul Coverdell, this inequity was addressed and a five-year pilot program was started.

Each branch of the military would reserve 1,250 slots for homeschoolers. Homeschooled enlistees would be considered Tier 1 recruits, and their progress tracked. In 2007, the Department of Defense modified its enlistment policy such that homeschoolers who received an AFQT score of 50 or above would enlist as Tier 1. Those scoring below a 50 would enlist as Tier 2.

As a brief aside, what exactly is the AFQT? Basically, all recruits must take a test called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB includes nine subtests, four of which comprise the recruit’s AFQT score.

Well, with the clock ticking, HSLDA was afraid the Department of Defense (DOD) policy would revert to pre-1998 days, so they went to bat for homeschoolers once again. The result of their efforts was that the DOD would extend their policy through September 2012, so that most homeschool graduates would be able to continue enlisting as Tier 1 recruits, provided they scored a 50 or better on the AFQT.

It’s critical to prepare for and practice taking the ASVAB test. To better understand the ramifications of the ASVAB and AFQT scores, as well as their importance to a recruit, think of these scores like this: Scores on the AFQT determine a recruit’s eligibility for enlistment in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps. Scores on the ASVAB are used to determine the best job for that recruit in the military. Say you want to join the Air Force and you take the ASVAB. The AFQT score might meet the Air Force requirement and, if positions are available, you are in. Conversely, if your AFQT score is a little lower than the Air Force requirement, but at or above the required score of 50, you might find a recruiter steering you to a different branch of the military. The higher a recruit scores on the AFQT, the greater the chance of enlisting in the military branch of your choice, and if the ASVAB scores are high enough, the greater the job opportunities, as well as signing bonuses, promotions, specialized training, and choices of postings.

Check the Internet for practice tests, and look for centers that offer classes. The ASVAB test should be taken before enlisting and, after it is taken, it can be repeated thirty days later if necessary to improve scores. If an improvement over that second test is still needed, the test can be retaken six months later. ASVAB scores are good for two years from the date of the test. All recruits, regardless of their Tier (i.e., 1, 2, or 3) are required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

Records Required

Because of the efforts of HSLDA, no longer is a GED required as proof that a homeschooled student has completed high school. When being considered for enlistment in the military, a professional-looking high school diploma and a parent-generated transcript are required. Make sure the transcript is an original, typed, professional-looking document that has been notarized to verify that the signatures are those of the individuals who schooled the child.

Military Academies

The military academies provide a rigorous and comprehensive education, including career training. Academy graduates enter military service as commissioned officers with a salary commensurate with the level of commission, and following retirement from service to their country, they will have job opportunities in related fields of interest.

Military academies are extremely selective in their admission policies. It’s important to check with each of the academies for admission requirements and to clearly understand what is required in terms of a commitment to that military branch following graduation.

If a student is interested in an appointment to a military academy, begin to investigate the requirements early during the high school years. Extracurricular activities are important, as is involvement in sports. Applicants also must meet the physical requirements. A congressional recommendation is required for appointment to a military academy.

There are five military academies that an interested student might consider: Air Force Academy, located near Colorado Springs, Colorado; United States Military Academy (West Point), located in West Point, New York; United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland; United States Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Connecticut; and United States Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, Long Island, New York.

Military Service After College

Another option, if a student opts to go to college rather than to attend a military academy, is to consider military service after college. Students should check out the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) that is affiliated with the college of their choice. They can apply for the ROTC program and possibly receive an ROTC scholarship. Scholarships may include up to full tuition and other benefits during college, in exchange for an active duty service obligation following graduation. Typically the service obligation is one year of service for every year of college; however, it is best to thoroughly check out the programs before applying.

The TOS Survey of Homeschoolers in the Military

Often it is difficult, if not virtually impossible, to survey a very select population. We wanted to survey homeschoolers in the military, but there wasn’t a clear path through which we could tap into those individuals. Thus, we opted to post, on three different occasions, a survey on the TOS Facebook and Twitter sites and hope that we might find some homeschoolers who are currently serving in the military, ones who served and have been discharged, and those who tried to serve but were rejected for some reason. In terms of numbers of respondents, our results were not what we had hoped, but they do provide a flavor, if you will, of the issues we thought were important.

Our survey consisted of sixteen questions. Twenty-three individuals responded. Of those who responded, 57% were parents of homeschool graduates who are currently serving in the military, 17% were homeschool graduates currently serving, 13% were parents whose homeschool graduate is interested in serving in the military, 9% were homeschool graduates who have served in the military and have since been discharged, and 4% were parents whose homeschool graduate served in the military and has since been discharged.

Looking at which branch of the military the individual was interested in serving, 43% selected the Air Force, 17% selected the Marine Corps, 13% selected the Coast Guard, 13% selected the Navy, and 13% selected the Army. The Army Reserves was the choice of 9% of the respondents, and the Army National Guard was the choice of 4%.

If the graduate applied to a specific branch of the military, was he or she accepted? Of those who responded, 87% were accepted and 9% were not.

Of those responding, 90% entered the military as enlisted personnel and 10% as officers. And, when asked what job they were assigned when they finished their training, responses included these: Security Forces, Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist, Logistics, Signal Corp, Hospital Corpsman, Operations Specialist, Data Analysis, Mechanic, Special Forces—Engineer, Aviation Operations, Light Armored Vehicle Crewman, Infantry Rifleman, and Combat Engineer.

When you went into the recruitment office, did the recruiting officer or military personnel seem favorable to homeschooling? Respondents indicated that 61% were favorable to homeschooling, 9% were negative, and 30% were indifferent.

As far as documentation required was concerned, 86% of respondents stated that their homeschool diploma was sufficient for entry into the military, while 14% said it was not. Seventy-eight percent of respondents were required to show a transcript, while 22% were not required to do so. As for whether a respondent’s home education provided opportunities or options to choose from for job choice or placement, 50% said it did and 50% said it didn’t.

Did extracurricular activities or special talents provide opportunities for job choice or placement? For 55% of respondents these did, but they did not for 45% of respondents.

Was a placement test required? Ninety-one percent of respondents said yes, while 7% said no. And as far as the test results were concerned, 90% said they scored above average and 15% reported their score as average. No respondent indicated that he or she had scored below average on a military placement test.

The last question asked, was “If you or your child were in the military, what was your overall experience and would you recommend it to others?” Some of the comments offered were well worth sharing, because they provide helpful insights and recommendations:

          Entering the military was the exact right choice for both of our sons. It is not something that is right for every person though. Our sons both wanted to be part of something that was worthwhile and larger than themselves, they both appreciated the discipline and structure that the military would provide them, they were not concerned about being away from home, they love our country and had hearts for service, and neither of them was interested in going to college right out of high school. The military gives young men, in particular, an opportunity to get experience, to grow up, to immediately be productive, and to learn what sacrifice and service truly are. That is not the right choice for everyone and not something I would recommend to someone just interested in the college benefits. But when someone has a heart to serve in this way it can be of tremendous benefit to them, and I would absolutely recommend the military to that person.

          I have been in the military for over a year and it has been the best choice I could have made, for me. I have           grown and matured in a way I would not have been able to outside of the military. I’m 21 and have a house of my own, and I’m living overseas and seeing the world! But of course, there are downsides to all of this and it can sometimes wear you down. That’s part of it. Everything has a downside. And I would recommend joining the military to anyone who is single, eager to see the world, and looking to serve his/her country.

          My daughter has been in the Army since 2009. She has enjoyed most of her time and still has 2 years left. At the moment she is in Iraq as a 2^nd Lieutenant in charge of a platoon. She has a job where she is learning leadership and new skills most of the time. Not crazy about the running but understands the need. At no time has she been penalized because of homeschooling.

          My son is just beginning his military career. He plans to get his education and work his career for a good   long time in the military. My husband is a Vietnam vet and both grandfathers are veterans. We believe everyone should be open to the possibility of serving God and their country in some capacity in the military. We were amazed at the wide variety of career options and training opportunities available.

          I was enlisted for 6 years, my husband has been in 30 years and counting, both enlisted and officer. The biggest advice we have told our son is to secure the job you want before enlisting so you know exactly what you will be doing. Pray. The Lord will lead and open/close doors.

          Yes! The military has a lot to offer. It can pay for college and teach a skill useful in the civilian world. It       can also instill confidence. It is, however, not for everyone and should be considered prayerfully.

Summary

Many options are available to homeschoolers in the military, and it would be prudent to anyone interested to begin researching those options to determine if the military might be the career path choice. Pray for wisdom and guidance. Pray to determine if God is leading you in the direction of the military. Pray about the choices before you. And pray for those currently serving in our military, especially for those in harm’s way.

Heather and her husband, Steve, live in Edgewood, New Mexico, where they have homeschooled their five children: Edward (17), Joseph (15), Emily (11), Hana (6), and Ezekiel (5), for the last twelve years. When not homeschooling, doing things with her family, or writing for TOS, Heather works as a human factors engineer in her home-based consulting business. For more information about the Allen family, please visit their website at www.hippityhooves.com.

References:

General Information

1. The ASVAB Explained. www.military.com/ASVAB/0,,ASVAB_Explained1.html

2. Benefits: Money for College and More Benefits: Bonuses for Home School Graduates. www.goarmy.com/benefits/additional-incentives/home-school-graduate.html

3. Bohon, Dave (Friday, 13 May, 2011). Military Weighs Change in Home School Recruitment Policy. The New American. thenewamerican.com/culture/education/7462-military-weighs-change-in-home-school-recruitment-policy.

4. Reserve Officer Training Corps. www.rotc.com

5. The Military Homeschooler. www.militaryhomeschoolers.com

Branches of the Military

1. United States Air Force www.airforce.com

2. United States Navy www.navy.mil/swf/index.asp

3. United States Marine Corps www.marines.mil/Pages/Default.aspx

4. United States Army www.army.mil

5. United States Coast Guard www.uscg.mil

Military Academies

1. United States Air Force Academy www.usafa.af.mil

2. United States Coast Guard Academy www.cga.edu

3. United States Merchant Marine Academy www.usmma.edu

4. United States Military Academy (West Point) www.usma.edu/SitePages/Home.aspx

5. United States Naval Academy www.usna.edu/homepage.php

Copyright 2012, used with permission. All rights reserved by author. Originally appeared in the January 2012 issue of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, the trade magazine for homeschool families. Read the magazine free at www.TOSMagazine.com or read it on the go and download the free TOS apps to read the magazine on your Kindle Fire or Apple or Android devices.

Need New Glasses? Giveaway

(MY glasses!)

Giveaway rules at bottom of post

I couldn't be more excited to introduce to you 39DollarGlasses.com!  I was invited to order a pair of glasses for review and I can honestly say it was my privilege.

I want to start off by saying, I like, like, like these glasses!  Everyone that sees them compliments me on how nice they are!

At first I thought it would be difficult purchasing glasses online, but I was open to it since I had previously purchased contacts online.  Turns out that it wasn't difficult at all!

The most complicated part of the process was deciding which pair to go with.  Although I know my style and what I like, there were several really great pairs which made the decision... well... fun!

My process:

1. Pick out ONE pair of glasses
2. Make sure the dimensions/millimeters were right for my face (I based this off of my old glasses)
3. Measure the distance in millimeters between my 2 pupils (I did this with a clear ruler which worked GREAT)
4. Printed the PDF picture of actual size of glasses and put my old ones on top to see the difference
5. All was well so I clicked to order and put in my prescription numbers
6. I chose my type of lenses (Free ~ single vision)
7. Decided to get the anti-reflective coating for an extra $25 (from what I've read, that is a wise decision)
8. Then, I checked out!
9. Got my glasses in the mail very quickly, put them on, perfect fit, receive compliments every time I wear them!

So, you want honesty.  It was allll wonderful except one thing.  At the end, when I clicked on the extra info links (like how to read my prescription) the X button was too far up on the page and I had to click the back button.  This was a technical issue not at all related to their glasses.  They seemed to fix that a bit so it shouldn't be an inconvenience to you!

It was really as simple as that!

You can order yours today with this coupon code:
Coupon Code for 10% off:  HB2012




39DollarGlasses.com offers

• Women's glasses/sunglasses
• Men's glasses/sunglasses
• Children's glasses/sunglasses
• Readers
• Bifocals
• Progressive glasses
• & much more

Would you like to win a pair of FREE glasses (up to a $75 value)?


Giveaway Rules:


Manditory (good for 2 entries):  

• Post a link to any pair of glasses you like (from 39DollarGlasses) in your comment and include your email address
• Like 39DollarGlasses on Facebook (if you have one)

Extra Entries:  

• Follow this blog
• Follow 39DollarGlasses on Twitter: 39DollarGlasses
• Follow me on Twitter:  @JanetsAtHome
• Follow my other blog: www.homeschoolercafe.blogspot.com
• Visit my jewelry store and comment here: www.janetpowers1.etsy.com

That is a total of 7 possible chances to win!

The Fine Print:

Winner will be chosen via Random.org on Saturday, May 12, 2012 and will be notified via email.  If you do not respond to the winning email within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.  Open to United States and Canada.  This is my honest review for which I was given a free pair of glasses.  Thank you for participating!

FREE Printable Flyers

You never know when a homeschooler/at home mom/small business owner/pastor's wife is gonna need a flyer printed up!

I found a printable flyer page that may interest you or your family.  I used the one with the tear off tabs and it is GREAT!

FREE Printable Flyers

Speaking of that, are any of you willing to print my flyer and put it in your local book store, grocery store, or business?  I will send you my Word Document if you are willing!  Let me know.

My new business is going GREAT!  Check out my catalog I made:

Click here to view this photo book larger

Click here to create your own Shutterfly photo book.

Printable Calendars

photo credit

Ok, I admit it.  I still like to use a paper calendar.  I know, I know, I know... we live in the technology age.  We live in the age of the iPhone...but... I still like a paper calendar!

Here are two printable calendars that I found this morning.  I used the Donna Young Calendar as it is a two pager.  I will 3 hole punch it and put it in my binder.  (Do you have an organization binder?)

...love a paper calendar!

Donna Young
Samacon Printable Calendar

New Designs for This Week ~ Mother's Day and Weddings

With Mother's Day and wedding well on their way this season, I thought I'd show you my latest designs. These are new this week and ready for gifting to someone special or even yourself!

All of my designs are based off of Scripture, but several of my new designs are stamped with Proverbs 31.




Proverbs 31 Jewelry
Wedding Jewelry
Christian Jewelry
Bible Verse Jewelry

4 Tips for Transitioning into College after Being Homeschooled ~ Guest Post by Angelita Williams

4 Tips for Transitioning into College after Being Homeschooled

As someone who was homeschooled throughout my grade school and high school years, I can say with a measured amount of certain that going to a traditional college is not easy when you've been learning at home, mostly at your own pace, for most of your life. One thing homeschooled students and parents should not worry about, however, is their academic performance. Statistics have shown that homeschooled students tend to be much better-prepared for the challenges of college-level work than their peers. Still, moving away from home is a challenge. Here are some tips to get you (or your child) through that first semester:

1.      Set up a routine well before you start college.

I think the biggest problem with me, and most of my homeschooled brethren, is implementing a set routine that you can stick to. When you were homeschooled, your schedule was likely much more flexible. In college, your schedule is still mostly up to you, but in order to succeed, you need to set aside time blocks for studying, completing assignments, and having fun as well. Set up a schedule before you start your first semester so you become used to managing your time.

2.      Be aware that you don't have to complete all assigned readings.

One thing that I think all high school students, not just homeschooled ones, don't understand in the beginning is that you don't necessarily have to study really hard in college to succeed, you just have to study smart. Most professors will assign readings that seem impossible to finish by time the next class comes around. Instead of trying to complete the entire reading, focus on parts that you may use later for research papers or essays, and skim the rest.

3.      Don't be alarmed or shocked by binge drinking.

For homeschooled students especially, you may not have had much prior experience with binge drinking, drug use, and other issues that are often at the heart of many college campuses, even the most conservative ones. While it initially came as a shock to me, you will soon learn that being exposed is unavoidable but not giving in is easy if you've developed the maturity necessary in overcoming peer pressure. You'd be surprised by how relatively easy it is to coexist with people who drink. At the same time, it's also important to surround yourself with Christian mentors and peers who follow a lifestyle similar to yours. Having a grounded, Christian adult you can talk to who can offer you support when you're feeling overwhelmed by the sudden influx of different (and sometimes, dangerous) lifestyles will help hold you accountable to the values under which you were raised.

4.      The library is your best friend. Know it well.

For me, the library became like a second home instantly. There aren't many places in a college campus where you will find silence and privacy, especially if you have a roommate. More than just a quite place to go and study, the library is a great, usually central location where you'll discover your intellectual passions. Treat it well and know it inside and out as soon as you start.

By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of online courses.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7 @gmail.com.