Mission Statement Knowledge, Education & You Homeschool Association is also known as

KEY Homeschool Association. We seek to promote home education by providing information and

vital resources to all area homeschoolers. We have the right to homeschool according to Louisiana law.

KEY Homeschool Association Inc. welcomes all families into our Association who are willing to follow our

guidelines. We are a non-denominational, non-profit service association and our actions

speak as our faith. We do not discriminate, however we encourage traditional family morals

in front of all members of this association. All families are welcome! We encourage all members to be respectful of each other's differences.

Incorporated on June 13, 2007

KEY Homeschool Association Inc.We're a support group (not a school).

You teach your own children.We can help you file with the state, find information and curriculum that will suit your family's homeschool needs.We also offer field trips (some are free and others have a

small fee)KEY offers other programs and activities throughout the

school year.2007-2008

This was such a rewarding year for everyone in KEY. It was a “KEY to Success”

Now 2008-2009, We are all “Keyed Up” or another great year.

Disclaimer:We are in no way affiliated with any

other homeschool group. There is however, more than one Homeschool organization on the westbank. We encourage all homeschoolers to explore each organization to decide which would be most fitting for their family. We also encourage membership to more than one organization, as this optimizes the homeschooling experience!

KEY Meetings are held atHarvey Vol. Fire

Department639 Maple Ave.

Harvey, La6:00 pm -8:00 pm

2008-2009 Board Members

KELLY LEPINE 368-4936               PRESIDENT JOSIE VALDIVIA 251-0524    VICE PRESIDENT CHARLENE MARTIN 656-7605    TREASURER ALLEN MARTIN 656-7605            SECRETARY

KIM LEWIS 261-0315 MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR DEBRA O.        RESEARCHER

KELLY LEPINE 368-4936               PRESIDENT JOSIE VALDIVIA 251-0524    VICE PRESIDENT CHARLENE MARTIN 656-7605    TREASURER ALLEN MARTIN 656-7605            SECRETARY

KIM LEWIS 261-0315 MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR DEBRA O.        RESEARCHER

2007-2008 Board Members

2009-2010 Board Members KELLY LEPINE 368-4936               PRESIDENT

JOSIE VALDIVIA 251-0524    VICE PRESIDENT CHARLENE MARTIN 656-7605    TREASURER ALLEN MARTIN 656-7605            SECRETARY

BETH B.MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR DEBRA O.        RESEARCHER

PROGRAMS

4-H & CLOVER BUDS (ALL AGES) 501 C 3 ASSOCIATION AFFILIATE PROGRAM AVON FUNDRAISER BOX-TOPS

BOWLINGBOY-SCOUT TROOP CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS CONGRESSIONAL AWARD PROGRAM (AGES 14-23) COOKING CONTEST (ALL AGES) CURRICULUM SALE FIELD DAY (ALL AGES)

FIELD TRIPSGRADUATION CEREMONY HOME SCHOOL LEGAL DEFENSE MEMBER

You must be a member of KEY for all EXCEPT :Boy Scouts, 4-H and Teen Dance.

These are opened to all homeschoolers in the area.

KIDS CARE CLUB (AGES 13 AND UNDER) LITERARY BOOK (ALL AGES) MAGAZINE FUNDRAISER MEETINGS (ALL AGES) MUSE (POETRY)P.E. (ALL AGES) PROMOTION CEREMONY RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS (ALL AGES) READING PROGRAM (ALL AGES) STANFORD ACHIEVEMENT TESTING (K-12) SHARE OUR STRENGHT’S (ALL AGES) STUDENT COUNCIL (ALL AGES) TEEN NIGHT (TWICE A MONTH)  (AGES 12 AND UP) THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM TYSOL A + LABELS YEARBOOK & SCRAPBOOK CLUB (12 AND UP) WEB-SITE FOR KEY AND MUCH MORE IN THE WORKS!!!!!!!!

HSLDA Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the

constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Through annual memberships, HSLDA is tens of thousands of families united in service together, providing a strong voice when and where needed. Members of KEY are eligible for a 17% membership discount from HSLDA at the reduced price of $95.00 per year, you may also pay monthly. It is a good idea to join Homeschool Legal Defense.  If you are interested in HSLDA Please get with Kelly for our discount number. It is a good idea to join Homeschool Legal Defense. Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Through annual memberships, HSLDA is tens of thousands of families united in service together, providing a strong voice when and where needed. HSLDA advocates on the legal front on behalf of our members in matters which include conflicts with state or local officials over homeschooling. Each year, thousands of member families receive legal consultation by letter and phone, hundreds more are represented through negotiations with local officials, and dozens are represented in court proceedings. HSLDA also takes the offensive, filing actions to protect members against government intrusion and to establish legal precedent. On occasion, HSLDA will handle precedent-setting cases for nonmembers, as well. HSLDA advocates on Capitol Hill by tracking federal legislation that affects homeschooling and parental rights. HSLDA works to defeat or amend harmful bills, but also works proactively, introducing legislation to protect and preserve family freedoms. HSLDA advocates in state legislatures, at the invitation of state homeschool organizations, by assisting individual states in drafting language to improve their homeschool legal environment and to fight harmful legislation. HSLDA advocates in the media by presenting articulate and knowledgeable spokesmen to the press on the subject of homeschooling. HSLDA staff members are regularly called upon for radio, television, and print interviews, and their writings are frequently published in newspapers and magazines across the country. HSLDA’s own bimonthly magazine, The Home School Court Report, provides news and commentary on a host of current issues affecting homeschoolers. And its two-minute daily radio broadcast, Home School Heartbeat, can be heard on nearly 500 radio stations. HSLDA advocates for the movement by commissioning and presenting quality research on the progress of homeschooling. Whether it’s in print, from the podium, or on the air, HSLDA provides insightful vision and leadership for the cause of homeschooling. Home School Legal Defense Association . . . tens of thousands of American families working through more than 50 dedicated staff members to preserve each other’s right to homeschool . . . together, “Advocates for Family & Freedom.”

HOMESCHOOL BOY SCOUTSBoy Scouts of America Homeschool Troop

(You do not need to be a member of KEY to join Boy Scouts)(Mandie is in charge of this club) For homeschoolers interested in Boy Scouts The Southeast Louisiana Council is forming a Boy Scout Troop for homeschooling families on the Westbank. Scouts or boys interested in scouting who will be at least ten years old or older during the 2008 – 2009 school year qualify. Scouting encourages… - leadership skills - teamwork - outdoor activities - patriotism and civic duties All scouting activities encourage family involvement. If interested please contact Mandie Ezelle through email or phone. Mandie has been both a homeschool mom and scout leader for five years. - mre@ezelle.com - 504.491.5985

Louisiana Homeschool Options

LOUISIANA Compulsory Attendance Ages: From the child’s “7th birthday until his 18th birthday.” West’s Louisiana Revised Statutes Annotated § 17:221(A). Required Days of Instruction: 180 days. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236. Required Subjects: A “curriculum of a quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level,” La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236, including the Declaration of Independence (elementary) and the Federalist Papers (high school). La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:268. Home Schoolers have two options: Option 1: Home School Statute. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236. “[A] child who participates in a home study program approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education” is exempt from the compulsory attendance law. To qualify, homeschool parents must comply with the following: 1. Parents must apply to the Board of Education for approval of the home study program within fifteen days after commencement. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(A). 2. “The initial application…or renewal application, shall be approved if the parent certifies that the home study program will offer a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools.” La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(B). The initial application must include a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate This, however, is not required for the renewal. 3. A renewal application must be submitted by Oct. 1 of the school year or twelve months after initial approval, whichever is later. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(A). 4. A renewal application “shall be approved” if the parents submit “satisfactory evidence that the program has in fact offered a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level.” Parents must submit “with the renewal application a packet of materials which includes such documents as”: (a) a complete outline of each subject taught, (b) a list of books and materials, (c) copies of the student’s work, (d) copies of standardized tests, (e) statements of third parties who have observed the child’s progress. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(C)(1)(emph. added). 5. The phrase “shall be approved” removes the board’s arbitrary discretion in the approval process. 6. Homeschool students who enroll in a home study program no later than the end of 10 th grade may be eligible for a Louisiana Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award. Home study students could be eligible for the following awards based on a minimum ACT score of: TOPS Tech – 19; TOPS Opportunity – 22; TOPS Performance – 24; TOPS Honors – 28.

Home study

1. A homeschool can operate as a private school in lieu of the above, if it meets the following requirements: a. has an “adequate physical plant” (i.e., a home); b. has “instructional staff members” (i.e., parents); c. operates 180 days; d. receives no Federal or State funds, “either directly or indirectly;” e. “shall meet such requirements as prescribed by the school or the church;” and f. meets the definition of school: “an institution for the teaching of children.” The Department of Education unofficially recognizes that homeschools fit this definition and accepts annual reports from home-based private schools.

2. Such home-based private schools which receive no local, state, or federal funds must “report to the state Department of Education their total attendance as of the 30th day of their school term...” La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:232(c).

3. Students who are withdrawn from public school during the school year, or who attended public school the year before enrolling in a private school, must provide a written notification of enrollment to the public school he attended within 10 days of enrollment. This notification must include:

a. Student’s legal name; b. Date of birth; c. Gender; and d. Race.

In addition, the notification may include a request for the student’s transcript. La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:221.3. Teacher Qualifications: None. Standardized Tests: Parents have three options which only apply if the homeschool is operating under the home study law (Option 1 above). La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:236.1(D). A renewal application “shall be approved” if (in lieu of submitting the materials mentioned above): 1. child receives passing score on the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) test; 2. or the child scored at or above his grade level on a California Achievement Test or other standardized test approved by the board or has “progressed at a rate equal to one grade level for each year in [the] home study program;” 3. or a teacher certified to teach at the child’s grade level writes a statement that the child “is being taught in accordance with a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to public schools” or “at least equal to that offered by public schools to a child of similar disabilities.”

Home-based Private Schools

KEY PROGRAMS 2008-2009

TEEN NIGHT (AGES 12-18)(Josie is in charge of this Club)

This club is for teens 12-18. Each child pays $5.00 (this price may change, advance notice will be given), this will buy pizza or hot dogs, drinks, paper supplies etc…  As your Teen Night hosts, Josie and Joe asks that new Teen Night Parents join them for a social hour

during Teen Night (the first time your teen attends).  This is intended as an icebreaker to help your teen get adjusted to the Teen Night environment and for you to see the "happenings" during Teen Night and do a meet and greet with the other parents.

STUDENT COUNCIL They will help the board of KEY during regular meetings and during fundraisers. 

We need student council to help hand-out welcome bags and point new members in the right direction at the meeting.

KEY Student Council Purpose KEY student council is organized exclusively for charitable purposes of providing service

and support for home education families including but not limited to the following ways: 

The purpose of Student Council is to promote the voice of the student body.  We would like our children to feel comfortable presenting their ideas.

We want them to learn to work as a group to accomplish their goals. They need to learn to comprise with each other, and to make plans for themselves (with

adult guidance).We want the student council to have a fun experience while doing the jobs of the student

council.

TEEN DANCE (SCHEDULED) TIME: 5-9 pm

PLACE: 900 Monroe Street Gretna LA, ( Elks Lodge, Gretna) Must purchase tickets in advance, 50 TICKETS AVAILABLE

(money will be used for purchasing supplies and decorations for this event any money left over will be used for next year’s dance)

This dance is for homeschool children ages 12-18, must show proof. (Letter from the state to participate)

We are inviting other homeschooler in the area to participate. For more information: keyhomeschoolassociation@yahoo.com

This will be a lock in, no in an out. Illegal substance, weapons and alcohol are prohibited

“MUSE” (LITERARY AND VISUAL ARTS BOOK VOLUME 2)

(Charlene is in charge of this project) This book will consist of Essay's, poetry, art work, comic strips, photo's etc...

We would like all the children of KEY to work on the above starting in August 2008 till February 2009. We will then hold Literary Book Club

meetings to assemble our first literary book. Literary book will be distributed (one per family who contributes)

Additional books will be sold for $8.00 each. GUIDELINES FOR MUSE

(LITERARY AND VISUAL ARTS BOOK VOLUME 1) 2 to 4 pictures of any paintings or drawings you may have done. 2 to 4 pictures taken with a camera- sunsets, pet’s, nature etc.

Poems Short stories

Reflections- What homeschooling means to me, rainy days, what is love etc. Short stories and reflections should be no more than 300 or 400 words.

Literary & Visual Arts, KEY Idol and Talent Show

Muse KEY Literary & Visual ArtsLiterary event will be held March 2010

KEY IDOL 2010Children of KEY can showcase their talent or compete in

the talent show. Sing, dance, etc.

KEY TO READING PROGRAM SIGN UP SHEET WILL BE AVAILABLE AT EACH

MEETING. KEY Homeschool Association Inc. Reading Program for

2009-2010 (Deadline to turn in Reading Logs is April 1, 2010)  

Reading Program for children to Pre-K: Reading program for grades 1-5th Grade:

Reading program 6th-12th Grade: Guidelines for all programs: Bronze 8- 17 books; Silver

18- 25 books: Gold 26 books and up. Please list the name of book and total pages on reading

logs.

STANFORD ACHIEVEMENT TESTING Stanford Achievement Testing

(Mandie will be in-charge of testing)

             MUST BE A MEMBER OF KEY HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION INC.                      BY OCTOBER 31st TO TEST WITH US KEY Homeschool Association Inc. will test in March 2009. The cost to TEST is $$$$per CHILD. The Stanford Achievement Test Series, The Stanford 10 (SAT 10) multiple-choice assessment will help educators find out what students know and are able to do. This technically excellent instrument provides the valid and reliable tool needed for objective measurement of achievement.

Areas tested: Listening (K5-gr. 8) Spelling (gr. 1-12) Word analysis (K5-gr. 2) Mathematics (K5-gr. 12) Reading skills/comprehension (K5-gr. 12) Vocabulary (gr. 2-12) Study skills (gr. 4-12) Social science/Science (K5-gr. 12) Language mechanics and usage (gr. 1-12) Stanford results provide: Scaled, percentile, grade equivalent scores, achievement percentiles graphed, content cluster skills evaluations, skills performance rating.

YEARBOOK CLUB: This class is for ages 12 to 18. (Kelly is in charge of this club) Yearbook class is once a month, 8 children per class. Please

sign up early, if we have more than 8 children they will have to take turns every month.

The children will work on KEY’s 2008-2009 yearbook. The yearbook cost will be $20.00 for the DVD and $25.00 for the paper yearbook or $40.00 for both. The money left over, after all materials are purchased for this year, will be used to purchase extra supplies for next years, yearbook club. The

front covers can be personalized with your child(ren) name on front.

Deadline to pay for yearbooks is April 30, 2008.

FUNDRAISERS Home Team School Rewards logos from Fast Fixin' and Fast Classics packages

How much are logos worth? Home Team logos are worth 30 cents each. Logos can be redeemed for cash only. Are there any participation deadlines or expiration dates on Home Team logos? No. Home Team Rewards is an ongoing program. Home Team Rewards logos             

Box Tops 4 Education            Clip Box Tops–earn cash for our school! Earn cash for our school every time you shop for groceries. Clip Box Tops from hundreds of your favorite products.* Each Box Top is worth 10¢ to our school—and that adds up fast! Visit boxtops4education.com for more great ideas to earn cash for our school! never expire and can be kept from year to year.

Independent Avon Representative *Highly Advanced Skin Care

*Gifts, Fragrance, Hair care for the Entire Family*Family Entertainment & Educational Products*Personal Service

Contact:Kelly LepineC/O KEY HomeschoolAvon Independent Sales Representative504-368-4936

Magazine Fundraiser: http://www.magfundraising.com/KEY_HOMESCHOOL_ASSOCIATION

TYSON A + Labels            SUBJECT: KEY Homeschool Association Inc. Joins Tyson Foods’ Project A+ Program            CONTACT: Kelly Lepine 368-4936 TURN TYSON PRODUCTS INTO BIG BUCKS FOR KEY Homeschool Association Inc. If you eat Tyson products, you can help KEY Homeschool Association Inc. earn money! Kelly Lepine has announced that the school is taking part in a national fund-raising program sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. The program is called Project A+, and, according to Kelly it works like this: "There’s a Project A+ label, worth 24¢, on various Tyson products that feature the Project A+ logo on the front of the package. Schools earn money from Tyson by collecting and redeeming the labels."Participating schools can earn up to $12,000 per academic year, and there are no restrictions on how the funds are used. "We can use the money for anything we need — field trips, computer equipment, sports gear, library books — anything!" said President Kelly."Our Tyson Project A+ coordinator, Kelly Lepine, has set up a collection site at all KEY activities and events where parents and others in the community can drop off their Tyson Project A+ redemption labels."According to Project A+ coordinator Kelly Lepine "Our goal this year is to collect a total of (500) labels so that we can use this money for the pizza party.

Affiliate Program By clicking on the companies Banner from our site, it

will bring you to that company. When you place an order the group receives a commission for each order placed. Tell your friends and family about the affiliate program for KEY Homeschool Association Inc.

GRADUATION & PROMOTION CEREMONY PROMOTION CEREMONY: (BOOKED) DEADLINE TO SIGN UP APRIL 26, 2009

Sunday, May 24, 2009 Belle Chasse Auditorium 8398 Hwy 23 Belle Chasse, La Time 6pm-10pm

KEY Homeschool Association Inc. will host its Second Annual Promotion & Graduation Ceremony and Banquet.  All children of KEY Homeschool Association Inc. may participate in this event.  You may purchase Caps and Gown for children in Kindergarten, 8th and 12th grade. Our school colors are Blue, Green and Light Blue. A group order will be placed in April 2009. We will have a banquet following the Ceremony.

2007-2008

LASER TAG FIELD TRIP

2008

FIELD TRIP TO WHOLE FOODSWHOLE FOODS 9/22/2008

18 attendedWHOLE FOODS 10/13/2008

23 attended

Skate Country10-10-200839 attended

KIDS CARE &

QUAKER$300.00 Grant

We are getting a $300.00 grant.This is to be used for what they called party pal.Party with a Purpose by having a party to support an organization, agency or group that is of special interest to your club.. ·         To use the opportunity of celebrating for a social cause that interests club members   We will use it to thank the Harvey Vol. Fire Department for all the help they have given KEY.   We will supply refreshments for their open house on October 12, 2008. We have also purchased a few gift to show them our appreciation

Harvey Vol. Fire Department&

KEY Homeschool Association Inc.

Montz Pumpkin Patch

10-24-200841 attended

Ren. Fest 11-2-2008

42 tickets sold

West Jefferson Hospital

11-3-200819 attended

Insectarium 11-5-2008

39 attended

Celebration in the Oaks

KEY to

Success

CHRISTMAS PARTY 200952 ATTENDED

LIGO 1-7-2009 31 ATTENDED

MARDI GRAS FLOAT CONTEST50 ATTENDED

MARDI GRAS WORLD 1-9-0931 ATTENDED

BUG MOBILE 2-6-2009 (58 ATTENDED)

MORE BUG MOBILE

I-MAX/AQUARIUM 2-11-2009 (36 ATTENDED)