Homeschool Day at the Capitol

Larry D. Kump

Eric L. Householder

Rupert Phillips Jr.

Orphy Klempa

Ronnie D. Jones

Greg Tucker

John Pino

Ron Miller

Greg Tucker

John Pino

Ron Miller

Orphy Klempa

Ronnie D. Jones

Eric L. Householder

Eric Nelson

Rupert Phillips Jr.

Robert Beach

Brian Savilla

Ron Miller

Marty Gearheart

Joe Ellington

Gary G. Howell

Robert Beach

Amanda Pasdon

Anthony P. Barill

Ron Miller

Larry D. Kump

Greg Tucker

John Pino

Harold "Pete" Sigler

Orphy Klempa

Erikka Storch

Ryan Ferns

David C. Nohe

Denise L. Campbell

Brian Savilla

Rupert Phillips Jr.

Rick Snuffer

John David O'neal

Denise L. Campbell

David C. Nohe

Ron Miller

Rick Snuffer

John David O'neal

Greg Tucker

David C. Nohe

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke

On February 22, 2012, homeschoolers across West Virginia will be traveling to our state capitol to show their support for homeschooling. Homeschool Day at the Capitol (HSDC) offers us an important opportunity to educate our legislators on the value of homeschooling as a viable alternative to public education. Many of our Senators and Delegates have never met a homeschool family, and they may not know much about homeschooling. They may be given information about homeschooling from many sources, such as the Department of Education and teachers’ unions, which may not present homeschooling in a favorable light.

Schedule of Events:

(Subject to Change - Check registration table for current schedule on the day of the event)

9:00 a.m. Registration and Set-up (Upper Rotunda)

9:45 a.m. Group Meeting (Lower Rotunda)

10:00 a.m. Visit Representatives

11:00 a.m. Attend Legislative Session

12:15 p.m. Group Picture (Lower Rotunda)

12:30 p.m. Home School Rally/Performances (Lower Rotunda)

1:30-2:30

Capitol and Governor’s Mansion Tours

3:00 p.m. Displays can be removed from Rotunda

Preparing Ahead:

When you meet with your representatives, it is a good idea to plan in advance a few positive things to say about homeschooling. It is likely that you will know more than your legislator about how

homeschooling works. He/she

may ask some of the typical

questions about homeschooling.

Be prepared to respectfully answer

these questions with facts and

experience. Your representative

may not agree with the educational

choice you have made for your

children – but remember the goal is

to make a positive impression,

not necessarily to change their opinion. Politeness and respect for him and his opinions will help encourage him to listen to you and your opinions.

It is also a good idea to prepare your children for the meeting. Remind them to be extra polite, to make eye contact, speak clearly, and shake hands firmly. Often, legislators will ask kids questions about how he or she likes homeschooling, or what he likes about homeschooling. You may want to practice possible scenarios at home to help your children know what to expect.

Dress Code:

Dress appropriately for the occasion with business or church attire. Wearing your Sunday best will, again, make a good impression on your representatives who are accustomed to this type of dress from their colleagues and those who conduct business at the Legislature. Quiet, respectful attitudes are the order of the day! This applies throughout the entire Capitol building and grounds. (You never know who you will be passing in the hallway or meeting in the restrooms.) Good behavior and polite manners will stand out to anyone you encounter.

Legislative Session:

Families are encouraged to attend the legislative session during the day's event. Contact your senator or delegate by phone or letter a few days in advance to let them know you will be at the Capitol. Many times representatives like to announce their constituents from the chamber floor. Be sure to invite them to attend the rally in the Lower Rotunda and to view the displays located in the Upper Rotunda.

Displays:

Displays are a very important part of HSDC. They provide a visual presentation of the excellence demonstrated by homeschooling families in WV. Individual families and home school support groups are encouraged to bring a display showcasing academic and artistic accomplishments throughout the year. Life skills, art work, science, and history projects are all welcome. Table space is limited to 3' x 2'. Tablecloths will be provided. Table placement will be made the day of the event. We request that families use quality display boards for their presentation background.

Rally:

The annual rally will again be in the Lower Rotunda at 12:30. We will hear brief statements from many of our representatives. There will also be performances by homeschool students. Performance categories include instrumental, sign, voice and dramatic presentations. (A five-minute time limit is set for all performance entries.) All entries must be God-honoring.

Tours:

While you’re at the Capitol you may want to use the 2012 HSDC as an educational field trip for your children. You can attend a legislative session, tour the capitol or Governor’s mansion, and visit the State Museum at the Cultural Center. Participants must pre-register for the tours. You will find a registration form at the bottom of this email, in the winter issue of the banner, or on the CHEWV website. The tour for the capitol will meet at the information desk in the rotunda lower level. The tour for the mansion is to meet at the front door of the mansion. Once you begin the mansion tour there is no “getting off the ride” - you must complete the tour! No food, drinks or gum are permitted during the tours, and cell phones need to be turned off

Paging:

Students in the 6th-12th grade may also be able to participate in the legislative page program. This will need to be arranged well in advance of your visit. Pages serve members in the House and Senate during the regular session. The program provides students with an opportunity to experience working in the state government and interacting with representatives from throughout the state. You can get more information on the page program here.

Prayer:

One final thought - though certainly not the least important - while we are visiting our great state’s capitol let us take the time to pray for our state and its governing authorities. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (KJV) “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Lunch:

Families are encouraged to bring a sack lunch due to the schedule of the day. The cafeteria downstairs will be available also. There are a few fast food restaurants available in the area.

Parking:

Metered parking is available at the Capitol. If the parking lot becomes full, families have the option of parking at Laidley Field a few blocks away.

From I-64 Exit 99 Greenbrier St. exit. Follow signs. Capitol parking is on the left

The following table is a list of all incoming freshman Senators and Delegates. You can also click the following links to search for information regarding your representatives.

Senate District Map

House District Map

Search By Zipcode

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2012 Home School Day at the Capitol

Wednesday, February 22, 2012