Newsletters

Lighthouse Newsletter - The Beacon
The newsletter is an invaluable tool for Lighthouse members. It provides information about field trips, meetings and much more. It is distributed at the teachers’ meetings, and mailed that same day to those who do not attend the meeting. Newsletters are also available on-line in the files section of the Lighthouse e-group discussion list.

Kids’ Newsletter - The Beacon Beam
Created for and by Lighthouse students, this newsletter is a great incentive for our children to write. All member students are invited to submit items for publication such as book reports, field trip reports, original stories, poems, jokes or artwork. Also, any special student achievements can be shared with the group through the newsletter. The Beacon Beam is also available in the files section of the Lighthouse e-group discussion list.


Field Trips & Activities

Field trips are the main focus of Lighthouse Homeschoolers. These trips are planned, organized, and financially handled by volunteer members of the group. We enjoy many benefits that a large group can garner, two of which are group discounts and access to businesses/organizations which would not normally open its doors to individual families.

Throughout the course of the year, Lighthouse offers activities that vary from year-to-year. Some of the potential activities are bowling, skating, craft day, field day, and a Valentine's Day party.

Lighthouse also holds several special events during the year. These include a Thanksgiving Celebration, a Spring Fun Day and a Recognition Night.


Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts

In 2002 Lighthouse chartered its own Cub Scout Pack. The pack is open to homeschooled boys only. Boys in the first through fifth grades (as if they were in public school) are eligible to participate. Our pack is extremely family oriented. It's a great way to help the boys to learn leadership skills, to bond with their dads and for the dads to form relationships with other homeschooling fathers. If dad isn't able to attend the meetings, don't worry we have a lot of great moms who participate also.

In 2005 Lighthouse also chartered its own Boy Scout Troop. We are very excited about this new addition and look forward to continued growth in both the Pack and the Troop.


Lighthouse Plus

For those who are age 10 and above as of September 1 of the current membership year, Lighthouse Plus offers opportunities to meet the social and specific educational needs encountered by those entering middle school or high school.


Member Discussion Forum

This is a great opportunity to share with other Lighthouse members about field trips, curricula, receive legislative updates and support each other with prayer requests and praise notes. Oftentimes the forum is used to communicate changes in field trip information or other time-sensitive information.


Lighthouse T-shirts

What better way to show our pride than Lighthouse Homeschoolers T-shirts? It also helps to identify our group when out in public and makes it much easier to keep track of the children on a field trip. Shirts are available in adult and children's sizes. You may order at the August or September Teachers Meeting. If you have any questions, please see the T-shirt coordinator.


Science Fair

Lighthouse sponsors a yearly science fair for interested students. This event is usually held in the spring. Information on requirements will be available from the science fair coordinator at Teachers Meetings prior to the date of the event. This event is contingent upon member involvement.


Lending Library

Lighthouse maintains a collection of homeschool materials including books, tapes and videos. These items are available for checkout by Lighthouse members. A current list of lending library holdings will be made available to all Lighthouse members. Members may access the list in the files section of the Lighthouse e-group discussion list.


Small Groups

Small groups are comprised of Lighthouse members and as such will follow the same basic principles of Lighthouse. We are a Christian based but not Christian exclusive group and the same standard of conduct applies.

These groups meet for the purpose of building relationships and providing homeschooling mothers with inspiration and support. These meetings are for moms only (and nursing babies). An adult visitor may attend one small group meeting per year. As a courtesy, the small group leader should be contacted to make sure there is room. The frequency of meetings is determined by the needs/desires of each particular group. Small groups may meet according to location or interests.


Community Service Projects

The community service coordinator presents various service opportunities throughout the year for member participation. Opportunities may include visitations to nursing homes and centers for handicapped citizens, meal delivery for VISTE and Operation Shoebox, which sends Christmas packages to children in other countries.


Yearbook

Lighthouse will produce a yearbook, contingent on member participation. A great way to chronicle your child's homeschool experience, the professionally published hardback yearbooks will be a lifelong treasure.


Living Arts

The living arts coordinator will keep members informed of upcoming theatrical performances in our area. Some events are attended as a group to receive group discount admissions.


Book-It

This is a six-month reading incentive program sponsored by Pizza Hut. Children in kindergarten through grade six can earn monthly pizza rewards by meeting their reading goals. (Free pizzas are for the child only.) The goals are set by the parent and may be changed from month to month. Sign-up takes place at the beginning of the school year and is handled by the Book It! coordinator. For additional information and resources visit their website.

Literature Clubs

The main purpose for these clubs is to inspire all the children to read more, expose them to classic literature and develop their comprehension and discussion skills. It will also help to encourage them to build relationships and value each other's thoughts.

There is a Junior Literature Club geared to Grades 3 and up and a Plus Literature Club for those in Grades 5 and up.

Books and movies selected for use by Lighthouse Literature Club should be screened by all parents personally. We all have different ideas about what material is appropriate for our children. Any issues in a book or movie that a parent deems inappropriate should lead to avoiding this activity altogether or discussing the issue within the family prior to the activity.

The clubs meet once a month to discuss that month's book. Questions regarding the book are distributed at the preceding teacher's meeting so that the club members can come prepared. Member can find more detailed information in the files section of the Lighthouse e-group discussion list.


Florida-Parent Educators Association

Lighthouse strongly encourages membership in the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA). FPEA exists to serve homeschool families. The usual membership fee is $28, but as a Lighthouse member, the cost is just $18. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity. Joining FPEA through Lighthouse is only available from August through May.

Through its monthly newsletter, The Almanac, you will receive great homeschooling information and support. Also available is their free
Guide to Homeschooling in Florida. This is a must have resource for new and veteran homeschoolers alike.

Members are eligible for a discounted registration fee to the FPEA Convention, held in Orlando at the end of May.


Thanksgiving Celebration

This is an opportunity for Lighthouse to come together for a time of thanksgiving and fellowship. We celebrate as a group with a potluck dinner along with crafts and games for the children. Many children enjoy dressing up in traditional historic costumes for the event. Location, date and time will be in the newsletter. Donations are collected to pay for any rental fees. Volunteer members arrange this event


Recognition Night

This is the evening when we acknowledge the hard work and progress of our students. Awards are presented and promotions and accomplishments are recognized. Students are encouraged to set up exhibits that feature schoolwork or a particular project or area of interest. This is a great opportunity to include grandparents and other extended family. Guests are invited to enjoy the program, view the exhibits, and share refreshments. The event is planned by committees made up of members, under the guidance of Lighthouse leadership.

Kindergarten Graduation has been a highlight of Recognition Night in years past. Those moms who have kindergarten graduates may form a committee and make arrangements with the Recognition Night coordinator for it to be included in the program.


The Home Education Foundation

Your "Home Educators' Voice at the Capitol" is represented by Brenda Dickinson, who established the Home Education Foundation (HEF) in 1991 to raise support and direct lobbying for home education legislation. Its goal is to safeguard legislation and evaluate the need for future legislation. HEF provides to the Florida Legislature and the Department of Education a presence and a voice for the position of home educators. Brenda serves us -- homeschoolers! Lighthouse is supportive of her efforts and we encourage you to assist her financially. You may mail a contribution anytime to:

The Home Education Foundation
P.O. Box 12563
Tallahassee, FL 32317
(850) 878-3029


Scholastic Books

Scholastic is the largest publisher and distributor of children’s books in the world. They offer great buys on a wide range of books through the book club order forms. The Scholastic coordinator handles all the orders for Lighthouse. New catalogs are available at most Teachers Meetings. For more information or current offerings, visit their website.


Home School Legal Defense Association

The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) funds the work of homeschool advocates for family and freedom in the court room, on capitol hill, in the state legislature, and in the media. They are available to member homeschoolers who encounter legal difficulties. Even if you do not require their services, your membership helps other homeschoolers in difficult legal circumstances.

Florida Parent Education Association members are entitled to a $15 discount for HSLDA membership.


Return to Member Benefits