FAQs
AHSG
Q: |
Is Arundel Homeschoolers a co-op, tutorial, or an umbrella group? |
A: |
We are a group of homeschool families who support one another with additional activities, events, and encouragement beyond what you may get from a co-op, tutorial, or umbrella group. |
Q: |
Why should I join AHSG? |
A: |
A major benefit of joining is having a group of families with which you journey for a year or more while you are a member. Families inevitably find families with children of similar ages and interests to journey with through our group. It is nice to attend activities with people you see on an ongoing basis. Unlike a co-op or tutorial, the time commitment to AHSG is what you make it. Some families interact with AHSG on a weekly basis; others attend less frequently. Another advantage to joining AHSG is the support. We have a monthly meeting where an experienced homeschooler helps new homeschoolers or homeschoolers at different parts of the journey. We also have discussion forums in our private Facebook group and website where members encourage each other with tips, resources, and wisdom. We sponsor several events such as graduation and a science fair yearly. Finally, our volunteer families and volunteer Board members work within the community to develop learning opportunities. We have worked with Guitar Center to offer music classes for homeschoolers and a skateboard instructor with AA Co Parks and Rec for homeschool classes. We worked with Kids First Swim School in Severna Park to offer homeschool swim times. Often because we are a large group, we are able to secure discounts to activities and events for our families. |
Q: |
How will AHSG function in light of the pandemic and closings? |
A: |
We are a nonprofit organization whose members plan field trips, classes, and activities all over the Maryland and DC area. Occasionally, before the pandemic, our activities took us to Pennsylvania or Delaware, too. Our plan for the pandemic is to adhere to government, facility, and health guidelines when holding in-person events. We plan to still have in-person events, but we know they will be smaller than in the past. |
Q: |
Can I split a membership with another family if we do not attend the same events? |
A: |
No, a membership allows one family access to membership privileges, information, events, and responsibilities. Anyone who violates this expectation will have the membership privileges revoked. |
Q: |
Can my whole family attend any of the AHSG events? What if I have one or more public school students and one or more homeschool students in my family? |
A: |
When you join AHSG, you join as a family. On the event/activity signup page, register the appropriate number of people attending and contact the host with questions to approve any exceptions before the event or activity. If you have any questions at anytime, please contact our events coordinator. |
Q: |
What is required to be a member of AHSG? |
A: |
Families who join AHSG must do the following:
Families who join AHSG are encouraged to:
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Q: |
What kinds of volunteer opportunites does AHSG offer? |
A: |
Our member families volunteer in a variety of ways:
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Q: |
Do I need to sign a Statement of Faith to become a member of AHSG since it is a Christian organization? |
A: |
No, we welcome all homeschoolers. Members of the Board of Directors are asked to sign a Statement of Faith. |
Homeschool
Q: |
How do I homeschool if my child(ren) currently attend a public/private school? |
A: |
Please read the page Homeschool: Getting Started for information about how to get started whether your student is currently enrolled in any school or whether you plan to homeschool from the beginning. |
Q: |
Is it possible to work full time and homeschool? |
A: |
Homeschool families are diverse because some some parents work part time, others work full time, and others are stay at home parents. We encourage you to find encouragement in many groups and websites like ours where you feel comfortable asking questions and find information relevant for your family. Members of AHSG have access to our Facebook members' group and website forum to pose questions and seek advice from other homeschool families. |
Q: |
How can I meet with other families in person to discuss homeschool experiences and resources? |
A: |
Arundel Homeschoolers Support Group have monthly meetings when community guidelines allow in person meetings. Please contact Elizabeth Milley by email at mentor@arundelhomeschoolers.com for more information about these meetings and for information about how you can be or have a mentor. Any of the activities and events member families create are great opportunities to talk and share experiences. We encourage you to get involved by attending these activities and events, by joining our Facebook members' group, and by participating in the website forums by posting and replying to others' posts. |
Q: |
What do I need to know if I am homeschooling for a brief period of time? |
A: |
If you are homeschooling for a short period of time, you may want to check out this information from the Maryland Homeschool Association. |