Currents in Education: Back to School
York's Home Schooling Club offers connections outside the classroom
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - When the first day of school arrives for local students next month, not all of them will be heading into a standard classroom to continue their education.For a portion of the student population, the choice is not between public and private schools, but to learn at home and in the community itself through home schooling.
Local parent Janalee Moquin, who has chosen the option of home schooling, has founded York's own Home Schooling Club to reach out to other families who are using the home as the classroom.
"The goal of the group is to provide activities for other home schooled children and their families to participate in with no commitment required," Moquin said.
The Home Schooling Club brings children and parents together to explore the opportunities for learning that are located out and about in the York community and beyond, she explained.
"Our group is varied in size, depending upon the week's activities or events, from as small as five to as large as 15," Moquin said.
The Home Schooling Club started by members gathering at the York Public Library, Moquin explained, and has grown from there to include field trips to destinations throughout the area.
"I make a monthly calendar and come up with ideas of things to do and places to visit," Moquin said.
Past Home Schooling Club excursions have included such destinations as the Sanford Airport, York Police Department, York Beach Fire Department, Hannaford and York Hospital.
"This season, I'm going to try to plan to meet once a month at the York Public Library for games, either bringing our own from home or utilizing the computers," Moquin said, adding the goal is to also meet "once a month for an outside activity - playgrounds, beaches, sledding in the winter months."
Moquin is also working to plan two field trips per month to bring group members together.
All home schooled children are welcome to attend with their families, Moquin noted, and parent and student input is encouraged in the group and in the planning process.
The month ahead promises an array of options, including a guided tour of Mount Agamenticus by Conservation Coordinator Robin Stanley on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. until noon. Attendees are encouraged to wear outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes, and to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the summit after the nature hike.
On Sept. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Home Schooling Club will meet at the York Public Library Children's Room for what Moquin described as "game time galore," and those who attend are invited to bring along their favorite games to play.
The next event, set for Sept. 22 from 10:30 a.m. until noon, is "Swing, Spin, Slide and Smile" at the York Beach playground at Short Sands Beach for exercise, fresh air and fun.
The final event of the month is "Wildlife Rocks," a special visit to the Center for Wildlife, scheduled for Sept. 29 from 2 to 3 p.m., for a behind-the-scenes tour of the wildlife rehabilitation facility and a chance to meet some of its furry, scaled and feathered guests and residents.
And, there will be more to come in the months ahead as well.
Moquin said she encourages home schooling families to register early for the events.
For more information on the Home Schooling Club and its activities, call 361-2116.
