OTHER OPPORTUNITES
Activities not organized or sponsored by HHSW but which may be of interest to the home school community.
CLUBS FOUNDED BY HALLSTROM PARENTS NOW MEETING OFF CAMPUS
Gavel Club
This club meets twice a month on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 6:30 at the Cherry Valley Library. Students in grades 3–12 and their parents are welcome to join. $25 fee per semester. Contact Will Webber at webber7@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Young Writers Guild
This is a club for young writers who are seriously considering getting their works published. We will get together frequently, outside of Hallstrom, to: 1.) discuss and offer ideas about our writing, 2.) foster professionalism and high writing standards, 3.) interact with published authors and learn from their experiences, 4.) have fun and learn the aspects of running a club, and 5.) encourage one another to stay disciplined with writing. For students in grades 3–12, no fees charged. See Mrs. Jena Webber or Holly Larsen for more info or email questions to organizingmommy@sbcglobal.net.
LOCAL SUPPORT RESOURCES
CHER (Christian Home Educators of Rockford)
This is a local support group for parents which has an extensive home school resource library. They sponsor the Used Book Sale in early May, and arrange dates for home school roller skating and ice skating.
G.R.A.C.E (Greater Rochelle Area Christian Educators)
This is a home school coop similar to HHSW which meets at Crossroads Church just north of Rochelle on Highway 251. Contact Julie Griffith at 815-824-2109.
HEART
DEKALB area support group. Call 815-899-6070.
HEARTLAND HOME SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
Meets at Crystal Lake Evangelical Free Church Fridays. Call Karen Forst at 815-337-1508.
HERITAGE HOME SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
Meets in Elgin at the Evangelical Free Church. Contact Cheryl Janik at 847-464-5331.
CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS
Classical Conversations is a national tutoring service to homeschooling families who desire to provide their children with a Classical education. Classes meet on Fridays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. throughout the school year for grades PreK4 through 12th grade. For more information, please contact Amy MacAdam at 815-885-4679 or schoolhouserockford@mchsi.com.
ANNUNCIATION
Annunciation is a Catholic co-op that meets at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Rockton on Fridays. For more information contact Celeste Dal Pra at 815-547-7311 or www.annunciationcoop.bravehost.com.
STATE & NATIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS
CHEC (Christian Home Educator’s Coalition)
This is a state-wide political lobby group. They host Legislator’s Day in the spring and monitor bills that could affect home schooling freedoms and rights in Illinois. Website: www.chec.us
ICHE (Illinois Christian Home Educators)
This organization sponsors a large convention each spring in Naperville for homeschoolers that includes many good seminars and vendors. A state-wide educational group for home education. Website: www.iche.org
HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)
We now have a discounted group membership rate. Contact Sue Guevara at 815-397-8423 if you are interested in joining this very effective organization. Website: www.hslda.org
CCA YOUTH
Concerned Citizens of America plans activities to help teens become aware of and involved with local and national political issues and campaigns. Coordinated by Sherri Cultra.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
TEACHER DISCOUNTS
Available for home schooling parents at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Joanne Fabrics, Kinko’s, Office Max, Waldenbooks and Wonderland Books. Office Depot gives 5% credit back to HHSW. Please mention Hallstrom Home School (#70211023) as the school to receive credit when purchasing materials for school use.
PRIVATE TUTORING AND MUSIC LESSONS
Listed in the Tutoring Resource Notebook at the Information Table. Many tutors are available, too many to list in this handbook.
ROCKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Home school resources are available. Contact Kathi Kresol in the Children’s Department.
COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for grades K to 8 at North East Christian Church. Contact Laurie Johnson at 815-229-7661. Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students: The Community School, Rockford, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
SACRED HEART CLASSICAL CENTER
Offers classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Michael Brunner at 815-543-1193 or RCMJB1@aol.com for more information. Website: www.shcc-rockford.com
