Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from October through May at 9:30 a.m. at Wakeman's Grove Church of the Brethren in Edinburg, unless otherwise noted. We'd love to have you join us early for coffee and chatting at 9! Bring brown bag lunches for yourself and your family.
In September and June, we host picnics--including more grilled hotdogs than you can count!--at local parks to begin and end our year.
Monthly meetings consist of an announcement/devotional time, classes, lunch, club time, and clean up. We finish the day about 2 p.m.
Class Time
Classes are taught by moms and dads on a theme chosen at the annual planning meeting. Past themes have included continents, historical eras, art, settling of the regions of the US, and survival skills. Students are divided by grade, however you as a parent determine that. A nursery is provided for babies and toddlers.
Club Time
Club time follows lunch and allows kids less structured social time. Students choose which club they attend. Club options over the years have included art, American Girl, indoor/outdoor games, tea party, Legos, and woodworking--just to name a few. This year we've got metalsmithing and the science of cooking clubs too! Club options vary year to year.
Extra Events
X-Fair--This event is an educational project fair that we host in the spring. Our kids display or show what they have been working on in school all year. Kids may choose to compete for cash prizes, or just display their projects for others to admire. Projects in the past have included oral presentations, project boards, food, live animals, and live demonstrations.
Field Trips--Our field trip coordinator plans monthly field trips both near and far, both free/cheap and ones that cost a little more. Annual trips include visits to wonderful Virginia landmarks such as Monticello, Washington DC, and even an extended, multi-day trip to Colonial Williamsburg. We also host regular service projects at places such as the Volunteer Farm and at the V.A. hospital in Martinsburg.
Graduation--A graduation ceremony, complete with banquet and dance, is coordinated each year by HIS families for graduating homeschooled students in the Shenandoah County area--whether they are members of HIS or not.
Moms' Night Out--Each month moms get together for a get-to-know-you time, devotions, snacks, and fellowship. These meetings take place each Monday following the HIS meeting, at the Denny's in Mount Jackson.
Share Your Gift--This talent-stuffed evening is held in April and is an opportunity for our students to share their talents with the group. Singing, playing instruments, joke telling, recitation of scripture or speeches, illusion, gymnastics, and storytelling are examples of gifts that our students have shared in the past.
General Information
The success of our group is dependent upon the support and help of all our families. All members are required to help out in some way at every meeting. Teachers, club leaders, and coordinators are committed to year-long jobs to make our meeting time run smoothly. As a member of our group, you will be called upon to help out as needed.
Each family is asked to contribute $25 to HIS for the year. Dues cover the cost of the kickoff/year-end picnics, lunch paper products, class and club time supplies and an annual gift to our host church.
In case of inclement weather, HIS does not meet if public schools are closed. If public schools are on a one or two-hour delay, we meet at the regularly scheduled time.
