September - October 2025

Morning Routine’s and Don’t Forget Your Water Bottle

I wish I had a dollar for every time I reminded my kids to not forget their water bottle, I know you all can relate. If it isn’t the water bottle reminder, it will probably be the great coat debate! As a homeschool parent, we are our children’s greatest example of what a healthy morning routine looks like. As followers of Christ, what exactly does that look like?

While the answer will vary from each household, the core should look the same. To quote one of my favorite songs, “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus…” When our relationship with our Creator is the center of all, morning routines seem to just go a bit smoother. This also proves the best relational example to our children how to live a life that honors Him.

So, as you begin settling into your new school year routines, I challenge you to be intentional with your relationship with Christ. Lead by example. Homeschool is such a blessing, in so very many ways. Foremost, we get to disciple our children every day! “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Psalm 127:3-4”

This fall, when the school day has seemed frustrating and you're going to be late to the afterschool activity, instead of all the frustration that comes along with that, try turning that all over to prayer. “Cast your cares on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter5:7” This verse! He cares. This means even all the little things, taking up rent in your anxious mind. Give it to Him in prayer! He cares. When our hearts lean into prayer, it models for our children a healthy way to deal with the worry and allows us to pause and take note of the need that our child may have in that moment as well.

I pray that as you and your children embark on the fresh new school year, that you will find pleasure and delight in each day. The days are long, but the years are short. Mother and Fatherhood is kingdom work. What we do each day may seem monotonous, but just know it is NOT! We are planting seeds for our future and in the leaders of tomorrow. Let God work and move in and through you this school year!

-Jennifer Barnwell, Academy Assistant

UPCOMING HCCA EVENTS

Sept 30 Early enrollment deadline (price increases)

Sept 30 End of first quarter

Oct 1 Registration for HCHE Graduation begins

Oct 10 Deadline to enter first quarter report

ACADEMY CONTACTS

Julie Blank, Academy Director AcademyDirector@hche.org

Danielle Swiontek, Academy Manager AcademyManager@hche.org

Jennifer Barnwell, Academy Assistant academyassistant@hche.org

Phone:  (719)278-9135 x4

All HCCA families receive three hours of consultation for free! To schedule a consultation, please email Julie at AcademyDirector@hche.org

QUARTERLY REPORTS HCCA’s first quarter ends September 30th. You have until October 10th to input your student’s first quarter information, after this date a late fee will be charged to your account. The information you put in the quarterly report section is very important. Your quarterly reports are evidence that your student is progressing through the curriculum and through the school year. This is why HCCA requires a detailed report each quarter. We hold our families and ourselves to a higher level of accountability. It is important that parents input all required information each quarter.

CURRICULUM PLANS Did you know that your curriculum plan is very important? Your plan serves as a compass, giving you a steady, organized plan for the school year. By following the curriculum plan, students make progress from quarter to quarter. This is why HCCA requires a detailed curriculum plan each year. This is extremely important in high school, no matter what your child’s plans are in the future. If you have questions about your plan or curriculum in general, please contact us.

Important Reminder We are unable to process your application until all of the application steps have been completed and all of the registration records have been received. After review of your application, a confirmation letter of the student’s acceptance will be emailed.

Do you have questions about your registration?

Make sure you have completed these steps:

  • Become a member of HCHE

  • Completed Student Information and signed Parental Agreement

  • Entered a source of instruction/curriculum plan for each student Please make sure you are specific on the source of instruction. Be as detailed as possible. (i.e. “online instruction” is not enough. List the website, publisher, course title, instructor, ISBN for a book source) List specific school of instruction and subject/course, if taking classes elsewhere (i.e. Charter School/college).

  • Uploaded standardized test reports (for any testing not done at HCCA) or evaluation reports. These are required in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, 11.

  • Paid the enrollment fee. For 2025 ONLY, due to ledger complications in the new database, you will be enrolled without payment - but payment must be made by September 25

  • Clicked the “Submit Curriculum” button in your student dashboard.

Do you have questions about upcoming quarterly reports?

  • Log into the member website.

  • Click on > by your student’s name.

  • Select Curriculum Plan to enter your attendance, work completed, and hours (if applicable). Please be specific! Enter URL for website classes and hours completed. (i.e. Saxon Math 5/4 completed Ch. 1-3; or Literature books read: Charlotte’s Web, Little Pear, and Owls in the Family; or PE – club soccer practice). Any curriculum changes can be noted in the notes box under specific course. Click on the box next to the month in Quarter 1 and enter the number of days completed in each month.

  • Click the Quarterly Report Submit button (this lets us know you have completed the quarterly report).

Fall is just around the corner! It’s the perfect time to spice up your homeschool days!

Elementary school tips: Go on a leaf hunt, collect leaves, and make some leaf art window clings (https://kidscraftroom.com/fall-art-window-painting-for-kids/). Use this time of year to do a unit study on autumn and the autumnal equinox. Visit a pumpkin patch and use the pumpkin meat to make a pie, soup, or bread.

Middle school tips: Go on a nature hike, collect some leaves, and make a leaf bowl (https://www.madewithhappy.com/diy-leaf-bowl/). Use this time to study artists who created fall themed works, such as Albert Bierstadt or Nicolas Poussin. Visit a pumpkin patch and use the pumpkin meat to make a pie, soup, or bread.

High school tips: Go on a nature hike, collect some leaves and nuts, and write a descriptive paragraph, an allegory, or poem about what was collected. Visit a pumpkin patch and use the pumpkin meat to make a pie, soup, or bread - or even an entire meal!