May 2023

High Country Member News

Open Staff Positions are Academy Manager, Class Manager, Guest Services Coordinator Tuesday, IT Support, Administrative Assistant, Registration Volunteer Coordinator, Dance Coordinator, Accounting Clerk, Teacher Tot Coordinator, Single Mom’s Facilitator, Teacher Tot Lead Teachers, and Team Leaders.

High Country Members Webpage Password: HCMember22

  • We need volunteers to help with the 2023 Junior/Senior Formal and Graduation ceremony again this year. We couldn’t do it without these special people!

    We need volunteers of all ages and talents to create a wonderful time of celebration and memory for our students. Serving can be done during these events or at home prior to these events. This is an excellent opportunity for families to serve together, so please check the list below and click here to sign up to help!

    REGISTER HERE

    If you have any questions about the Graduation, please email GraduationCoordinator@hche.org or theFormal, please email us at DanceCoordinator@hche.org.

Links to register for Field Trips & Events are in the descriptions below and on the HC Member’s Webpage.

  • Show up & Support through the App only ALL DAY

  • Play is fully booked

  • Who: High Country Students
    What: High Country Spring Market and Craft Fair
    When: Tuesday and Wednesday 18th & 19th during enrichment class hours. We respectfully request you pause selling during performances.
    Set up will be 8:30 to 9, the Market from 9 to 2 (as desired), and clean-up from 2 to 3
    Where: New Life Church
    Cost: FREE
    Registration Deadline: Monday, April 10th, 2023

    REGISTER HERE

  • No form needed at New Life & Free! Will have Kona Ice on location for purchase.


Questions about Field Trips?
Email Katy at fieldtrips@hche.org.

Links for registering for Serving Opportunities are in the descriptions below and on the HC Member’s Webpage.

  • We need volunteers to help with the 2023 Junior/Senior Formal and Graduation ceremony again this year. We couldn’t do it without these special people!

    We need volunteers of all ages and talents to create a wonderful time of celebration and memory for our students. Serving can be done during these events or at home prior to these events. This is an excellent opportunity for families to serve together, so please check the list below and click here to sign up to help!

    REGISTER HERE

    If you have any questions about the Graduation, please email GraduationCoordinator@hche.org or the
    Formal, please email us at DanceCoordinator@hche.org.

Questions about Serving Opportunities?
Email servingprojects@hche.org.

ENRICHMENT NEWS

  • Beginning Fall of 2023, High Country Home Educators will be partnering with Colorado Christian University's CCU Academy to provide Dual Credit class options to our families. Through our dual credit program, high school students can jumpstart their college degrees without leaving their high school/homeschool campuses. Colorado Christian University is a four-year liberal arts university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; therefore, our credits transfer to many colleges and universities. CCU Academy desires to support students by offering college credit options taught from a Christian worldview—in keeping with CCU’s mission to provide Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.  
    Come learn about our Dual Credit high school offerings at High Country on Tuesday or Wednesday, May 2nd or 3rd at 12:00pm in the Student Chapel! 

  • Vital Partner Positions are still open. Please pray about serving an hour or two. We know that not everyone is in the season to serve and please do not feel pressured to. We respect all seasons of life. With that being said we could use more hands on deck so if you are feeling called please see Guest Services.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Home schooling in high school - you can do it! Do you have questions - or maybe some concerns about home schooling in high school? Please join us as we explore what home schooling in high school looks like. Whether you are a seasoned home school family, or new to homeschooling this seminar is for you. If you have middle school students, or high school students, this seminar is also for you. High school is the perfect time to explore and grow your student's God-given passions and purpose. We have two dates to choose from, both seminars will be held in the Student Chapel at New Life Church: Tuesday, April 25, from 12:00-1:00 or Wednesday, April 26, from 2:00-3:00.

HCCA (High Country Christian Academy) is incorporated as a private school, and students enrolled are not under the home school law but under the private school law. Enrolling in an independent school is one of the three legal options for homeschooling in Colorado. HCCA maintains student records in a school location, providing accountability for the home educating family. Parents submit a curriculum plan of their choosing and fill out four quarterly reports each year. In return, HCCA provides report cards, high school transcripts, and awards diplomas upon completion of our graduation requirements. Curriculum consultation is also available to HCCA families.

GRADUATION INFO The HCHE graduation ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Potential HCCA graduate parent(s) are required to meet with the HCCA Director for a graduation consultation. Fill out the Intent to Graduate form then email Julie at academydirector@hche.org to make an appointment.

 

CONTACT US

General Questions:
HCHEOffice@hche.org
(719) 278-9135 Ext. 5

Enrichment Classes:
AdminAssistant@hche.org
(719) 278-9135 Ext. 1-2

Field Trips:
fieldtrips@hche.org

Academy:
AcademyDirector@hche.org
(719)278-9135 Ext.4

HIGH COUNTRY ONLINE

HC Members Web Page: This page is your one-stop-shop for registration links, events calendar, HSLDA discount code and more! This page is password protected for members only: HCMember22

HC Members Facebook Page: Our HC Member’s Facebook page is a great place to ask questions, buy and sell curriculum and other homeschool items, as well as share exciting opportunities in our community. Click here and request to join!

 

ADVERTISING

There are so many ways to get involved at High Country! Find life-long friends, encouragement for your journey or use your gifts and talents for furthering the ministry of High Country.

  • Mom’s Groups are a great way to connect with other homeschooling moms, grow spiritually and receive and give encouragement! Groups meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am during Enrichment Classes and have a mix of small and large group times. Childcare is provided for a small fee through Preschool age. Choose the day that fits your schedule best or attend both.

    Want to register? Visit Guest Services during Enrichment Classes to sign up now!

    Questions about Moms Groups? Tuesdays, email momsgrouptues@hche.org.
    Wednesdays, email momsgroupwed@hche.org.

  • Need encouragement for your homeschool journey? Connect with a Mentor Mom, an experienced High Country homeschool mom who is finished or nearly finished with her family’s homeschool journey.

    Questions about Mentor Moms? Email Sandy at mentormomsfacilitator@hche.org.

  • It takes an army of dedicated moms and dads to make High Country run smoothly! Going beyond volunteering allows you to connect with other families, have payment opportunities, and more.

    Click here to view all open positions.

    Questions about Open Positions? Email Wendy at humanresources@hche.org.

  • High Country is a Praying Ministry!

    We have Adult Prayer Group daily during Enrichment Classes at 11:00am. During this time the team has worship and prays over High Country and its families.

    Email Sacha to get involved at prayercoordinator@hche.org

    Youth Prayer is a time for teens to Worship and Pray with the discipleship of the Youth Prayer Coordinators. Times this semester are Tuesdays and Wednesday at 2:00 with Sacha Warrum.

  • Who: Registered Immerse Teens Only (no younger siblings)
    When: Friday, April 14th, 1:45-4pm
    Where: Lost Island Adventure Park lostislandminigolf.com
    Cost: $15 Per Person for Ninja Course & Pizza Party
    Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 12th - DON'T LET THIS ACTIVITY SLIP BY!
    Arrival Note: Please check in with Shawnee or Melissa upon arrival. We will collect $ so please bring cash if possible.

    REGISTER HERE

  • Who: Registered Immerse Teens Only (no siblings)
    When: Friday, April 28th, 2-4pm
    Where: The Tent @ New Life Church
    Cost: Bring a Game and a Snack to Share
    Registration Deadline: Wednesday, 26th so "You Snooze, You Lose!"
    Arrival Note: Please check in with Shawnee or Melissa upon arrival.REGISTER HERE

Do you have a teenage homeschooler who is looking for a place to connect with other homeschooled teens, make friends, hang out, and have some fun? The Immerse Teen Group is the place for them! Immerse provides a great way for our High Country Teens to get plugged in with other homeschoolers in a Christ-centered environment. Adult chaperones are present at each meeting. Students must be at least 13 years old and a registered member of High Country Home Educators for the current school year to be eligible. In addition, parents must complete the Teen Group Registration form for students to begin participating in events.

Questions about Immerse Teens?
Email immerseteens@hche.org.

LOCAL & STATE RESOURCES

Join the Homeschool community for A Day at the Capital

Thursday, April 13, 2023

CO State Capitol, Downtown Denver

Have questions about the why? how? what? and where? of homeschooling, this seminar can help.

Legislative Action Items from Carolyn Martin:

Action Items:

    • Check out the 2023 CO Bill List! Bills to watch this week! Take note of changes in committee hearing dates and locations! 

      • SB23-188 Protections for Accessing Reproductive Health Care (Gonzales, Jaquez Lewis, Froelich, Titone). Expansive bill on access to abortions and “gender-affirming” care. Passed the Senate on a 22-13 vote. House Judiciary committee: Tuesday, March 28th upon adjournment of the House floor in the Old State Library.

    • Stand up for Parental Rights! In 2019, a law was passed that gave children twelve years old and older the ability to receive mental health services without parental consent. Since then we have seen public schools encouraging children to keep secrets from their parents regarding gender issues. HB23-1003 takes this even further by allowing children to override a parent’s decision regarding universal mental health screenings. It is time to say "enough!" These policies that place a wedge between child and parent are damaging to all families. See suggested action items below. Pray and ask the Lord how you should get involved. 

      • HB23-1003 School Mental Health Assessment (Michaelson Jenet, Cutter). Establishes a mental health assessment program to be administered by the public schools to students in 6th through 12th grade. Children twelve years of age and older can participate even if parents choose to opt their child out of the program and parents do not have to be notified of any results. Senate Health & Human Services committee: Thursday, April 6th at 1:30 PM in room SCR357.

      • Email/Call the Senators on the Senate Health & Human Services committee. Ask them to vote NO.

      • Testify against this bill (follow the link above to read the bill). Sign up to testify in person or remotely.

      • Attend the rally sponsored by CPAN (Colorado Parent Advocacy Network) on Thursday, April 6th from 10 AM to 1 PM. For more information and to sign up for the rally, go here. Bring your friends. Spread the word.

    • Sign up for CHEC Homeschool Day at the Capitol! Happening on Thursday, April 13th! Rick Green is our keynote speaker this year and will be speaking several times throughout the day. Plan to come for the day!

    • Come pray at the Capitol with me! Weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 am in room SCR354 (on the third floor).

 
 
 
 
 

How Swimming Can Help Your Child Be a Happy Homeschooler

Homeschooling is a choice that more and more parents are choosing for their families. Along with the many decisions of choosing a curriculum, socializing your child, keeping them engaged, and ensuring they are on track, parents are searching for exciting ways to keep their homeschoolers active. The Colorado Rockies has such unpredictable Springtime weather it can be a challenge to find activities for children. The National Institute of Health recommends that a child should have at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day.

            There is almost an endless list of beautiful places in Southern Colorado. Including, Cheyenne Mountain State Part, Garden of The Gods, Manitou, Cave of the Winds, Academy Riding Stables, Monument Glamping in Monument, CO, and many other trails and nature centers. On days of cool weather, gusty winds, sloppy wet rain, and muddy trails, we have to get creative on ways to stay active. All of these fabulous places are on our bucket list, and we would love to visit each one of them. However, most of these things take money to do and participate in. Of course, we wanted to invest in our family activities, but we wanted to invest in something with the most value.

            One of my favorite free activities is music. Put on a few of your families’ favorite songs and dance together. As a family, we love to do a flashlight dance where everyone gets a flashlight or glow stick, and we turn off all the lights and dance! But what happens when that is no longer exciting? We have to look for other indoor activities. We have done soccer shots, which we love, but that is a far drive from us. We like to roller skate when they have sessions open to the public. Sports seasons come to an end, but we wanted something that had many health benefits along with adding a valuable skill.

            We found the valuable skill of indoor swimming. This activity is open year-round and allows children to gain lifesaving water safety skills. With our homeschool routine, there were plenty of daytime lessons. Little Fins Swim School is our favorite indoor swim school. Classes are one and one and this allows for each child to receive undivided attention from the instructor. I am thankful for schools that offer group lessons because some exposure is better than no exposure however, there is nothing like private swim lessons. Swimming not only helps them to be safe, but it can also grow into a lifelong passion or a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Swimming not only gives the skills to stay safe, but it can also increase mood, strengthen the body, and helps with cognitive development. According to the Article on www.healtline.com www.healtline.com titled, * Benefits of Infant Swim Time, “Bilateral cross-patterning movements, which use both sides of the body to carry out an action, help your baby’s brain grow.” (Caitlin Boyle on February 5, 2019).

My mother experienced a scary incident as a child when she almost drowned in an irrigation ditch, so she was adamant to have all my siblings and me in swim lessons. We all took group swim lessons at our local pool. The next summer, I was sure I knew how to swim but when I jumped off my innertube instead of swimming I sank. My dad had to run into the water to save me. It was at that moment that I discovered firsthand that there is a huge difference between knowing how to swim and knowing how to save yourself. It was because of private swim lessons that I learned how to save myself. My children also know how or are currently learning how to self-recover in the water as well.

            The question we as parents must ask ourselves is, are the things that we involve our children in, the sports and the activities, helping them gain a skill that can save their life?” Our children are precious and deserve to learn that priceless skill of swimming. Drowning is preventable and it is our job to give our children the opportunity to become water safe and never become a tragic statistic.

 Deana Ratliffe  March 31, 2023