I am in great need of help
Jessi
This is a scary thing that is going on over here at my house...My son is
almost 11 years old...
One day in January, he did not want to go with me to get some goat's milk
and run one other errand...usually would take me no more than an
hour...well it took a bit longer due to snow. Some person decided to call
the police for my son being left home alone.
So now Social Services is involved and are really questioning me on the
fact that I am homeschooling/unschooling my son...so much in fact, that
they are trying to get the school district that my son used to be in, to
take him back without charging me tuition (we are out of district and the
school where we are is horrible!). They are saying that my son is not
socialized enough and that he is suffering by not being in school.
My son has blossomed this year with being home. We do not fight anymore,
he is no longer depressed (he was suicidal in first grade because of a
teacher)and he smiles so much more.
The school in the better district promised my son so many services/help and
not one thing was ever done beyond the promises. He does not want to go
back at all and I do not want him to. He has learned so much more being
home and has not had any of his old problems since he is home.
I really thought it was ok for a 10 year old to be home alone as my
neighbor does it all the time and I know of people who have left an 8 year
old home alone (that is too young in my book) and my son is very responsible.
He does get out and do things with his friends on the weekends, he takes
classes at a museum near here with other kids, he swims, he gets out all
the time so he does get socialized during the week...
Any help would be great...Being scared right now is an
understatement!!!! I will answer any of your questions that you may have
to help me with this problem.
Thanks
Jessi
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.
~ Roger Lewin ~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
almost 11 years old...
One day in January, he did not want to go with me to get some goat's milk
and run one other errand...usually would take me no more than an
hour...well it took a bit longer due to snow. Some person decided to call
the police for my son being left home alone.
So now Social Services is involved and are really questioning me on the
fact that I am homeschooling/unschooling my son...so much in fact, that
they are trying to get the school district that my son used to be in, to
take him back without charging me tuition (we are out of district and the
school where we are is horrible!). They are saying that my son is not
socialized enough and that he is suffering by not being in school.
My son has blossomed this year with being home. We do not fight anymore,
he is no longer depressed (he was suicidal in first grade because of a
teacher)and he smiles so much more.
The school in the better district promised my son so many services/help and
not one thing was ever done beyond the promises. He does not want to go
back at all and I do not want him to. He has learned so much more being
home and has not had any of his old problems since he is home.
I really thought it was ok for a 10 year old to be home alone as my
neighbor does it all the time and I know of people who have left an 8 year
old home alone (that is too young in my book) and my son is very responsible.
He does get out and do things with his friends on the weekends, he takes
classes at a museum near here with other kids, he swims, he gets out all
the time so he does get socialized during the week...
Any help would be great...Being scared right now is an
understatement!!!! I will answer any of your questions that you may have
to help me with this problem.
Thanks
Jessi
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.
~ Roger Lewin ~
<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**<<**
Cindy
Jessi wrote:
from state to state! Do you have a good state organization to turn
to? If you are in CA, I'd highly recommend contacting HSC but I don't
know about other states. I would recommend that you understand your
rights under the law. CHN (http://www.californiahomeschool.net/ )
used to have a know your rights section and a lot of that was applicable
to all US citizens, not just CA ones.
Here in CA one of our "nanny state" legislators wrote a law making it
a crime to leave your child alone - it took effect Jan. 1 - I don't
recall the age limit on that law.
Good luck!
--
Cindy Ferguson
crma@...
>Where are you, Jessi? So much of this type of thing varies greatly
> This is a scary thing that is going on over here at my house...My son is
> almost 11 years old...
>
from state to state! Do you have a good state organization to turn
to? If you are in CA, I'd highly recommend contacting HSC but I don't
know about other states. I would recommend that you understand your
rights under the law. CHN (http://www.californiahomeschool.net/ )
used to have a know your rights section and a lot of that was applicable
to all US citizens, not just CA ones.
Here in CA one of our "nanny state" legislators wrote a law making it
a crime to leave your child alone - it took effect Jan. 1 - I don't
recall the age limit on that law.
Good luck!
--
Cindy Ferguson
crma@...
terrasoluna
I'd also let them know LOUDLY & CLEARLY that you don't intend to be quiet about this. Many times these issues turn into you being harassed.
My son attended public school to "try" it, and hated it. When I informed them I was returning to homeschooling, they gave me a list of who I'd have to contact, submit curriculum info. etc... I found out under the law I didn't have to do any of this! I didn't even have to notify the school in writing if I didn't want to. When I "assertively" informed them that I knew my rights, gave info. on the such, etc... they quickly shut up & left me alone.
I am so SO tired of supposedly living in a "free" country & having the government insist on raising my child in certain istances such as this & butting in. Whether it's education, vaccination, or our lifestyle, I am constantly hearing of people being treated like evil aliems because we don't do things like the cattle car ditto heads making up the majority.
Makes me so mad I could just...well...anyway, you get the idea. LOL~
W.
Cindy <crma@...> wrote:
Jessi wrote:
from state to state! Do you have a good state organization to turn
to? If you are in CA, I'd highly recommend contacting HSC but I don't
know about other states. I would recommend that you understand your
rights under the law. CHN (http://www.californiahomeschool.net/ )
used to have a know your rights section and a lot of that was applicable
to all US citizens, not just CA ones.
Here in CA one of our "nanny state" legislators wrote a law making it
a crime to leave your child alone - it took effect Jan. 1 - I don't
recall the age limit on that law.
Good luck!
--
Cindy Ferguson
crma@...
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
My son attended public school to "try" it, and hated it. When I informed them I was returning to homeschooling, they gave me a list of who I'd have to contact, submit curriculum info. etc... I found out under the law I didn't have to do any of this! I didn't even have to notify the school in writing if I didn't want to. When I "assertively" informed them that I knew my rights, gave info. on the such, etc... they quickly shut up & left me alone.
I am so SO tired of supposedly living in a "free" country & having the government insist on raising my child in certain istances such as this & butting in. Whether it's education, vaccination, or our lifestyle, I am constantly hearing of people being treated like evil aliems because we don't do things like the cattle car ditto heads making up the majority.
Makes me so mad I could just...well...anyway, you get the idea. LOL~
W.
Cindy <crma@...> wrote:
Jessi wrote:
>Where are you, Jessi? So much of this type of thing varies greatly
> This is a scary thing that is going on over here at my house...My son is
> almost 11 years old...
>
from state to state! Do you have a good state organization to turn
to? If you are in CA, I'd highly recommend contacting HSC but I don't
know about other states. I would recommend that you understand your
rights under the law. CHN (http://www.californiahomeschool.net/ )
used to have a know your rights section and a lot of that was applicable
to all US citizens, not just CA ones.
Here in CA one of our "nanny state" legislators wrote a law making it
a crime to leave your child alone - it took effect Jan. 1 - I don't
recall the age limit on that law.
Good luck!
--
Cindy Ferguson
crma@...
Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
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http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
---------------------------------
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Sports - Coverage of the 2002 Olympic Games
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
the_earth_witch
> Any help would be great...Being scared right now is anmay have
> understatement!!!! I will answer any of your questions that you
> to help me with this problem.Hi. Sorry to hear about this situation. I can imagine it must be
>
> Thanks
>
> Jessi
scary!
This might be a good place to start looking up info on your states
laws...
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/HSRSC/hsrsc_lws.rgs.html
You might also want to find out if there is any law about what age
children can be left home alone. I know some states have them.
Do you have any other hsers in your area you can contact? Most
usually know the laws and can help you find out more about them.
As hard as it may be when faced with these people, try to remain calm
and confident. I hope everything works out all right for you!
Kitrina
Karin
Hi Jessi,
Though I have never been in your predicament I can certainly sense your feelings of being afraid and scared right now. It seems that this scenario is a homeschooler's and especially an unschooler's worst nightmare.
It might help if you mentioned what state you are in, and then possibly someone on this list would know the law in your state or be able to help look it up for you, so you can at least know your rights. It doesn't seem to me that you did anything all-so-bad and that someone has been just itching to find a reason to call the authorities on you.
It would be such a shame if you were forced to send your son to school after he has been improving so much since he has been home. That doesn't sound legal to me at all. Someone is trying to and doing a good job of scaring you. Try not to feel intimidated, although I would probably be feeling the same way if I were if your shoes.
Good luck to you and keep us informed about what happens.
Karin
Jessi wrote:
This is a scary thing that is going on over here at my house...My son is
almost 11 years old...
One day in January, he did not want to go with me to get some goat's milk
and run one other errand...usually would take me no more than an
hour...well it took a bit longer due to snow. Some person decided to call
the police for my son being left home alone.
So now Social Services is involved and are really questioning me on the
fact that I am homeschooling/unschooling my son...so much in fact, that
they are trying to get the school district that my son used to be in, to
take him back without charging me tuition (we are out of district and the
school where we are is horrible!). They are saying that my son is not
socialized enough and that he is suffering by not being in school.
My son has blossomed this year with being home. We do not fight anymore,
he is no longer depressed (he was suicidal in first grade because of a
teacher)and he smiles so much more.
The school in the better district promised my son so many services/help and
not one thing was ever done beyond the promises. He does not want to go
back at all and I do not want him to. He has learned so much more being
home and has not had any of his old problems since he is home.
I really thought it was ok for a 10 year old to be home alone as my
neighbor does it all the time and I know of people who have left an 8 year
old home alone (that is too young in my book) and my son is very responsible.
He does get out and do things with his friends on the weekends, he takes
classes at a museum near here with other kids, he swims, he gets out all
the time so he does get socialized during the week...
Any help would be great...Being scared right now is an
understatement!!!! I will answer any of your questions that you may have
to help me with this problem.
Thanks
Jessi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Though I have never been in your predicament I can certainly sense your feelings of being afraid and scared right now. It seems that this scenario is a homeschooler's and especially an unschooler's worst nightmare.
It might help if you mentioned what state you are in, and then possibly someone on this list would know the law in your state or be able to help look it up for you, so you can at least know your rights. It doesn't seem to me that you did anything all-so-bad and that someone has been just itching to find a reason to call the authorities on you.
It would be such a shame if you were forced to send your son to school after he has been improving so much since he has been home. That doesn't sound legal to me at all. Someone is trying to and doing a good job of scaring you. Try not to feel intimidated, although I would probably be feeling the same way if I were if your shoes.
Good luck to you and keep us informed about what happens.
Karin
Jessi wrote:
This is a scary thing that is going on over here at my house...My son is
almost 11 years old...
One day in January, he did not want to go with me to get some goat's milk
and run one other errand...usually would take me no more than an
hour...well it took a bit longer due to snow. Some person decided to call
the police for my son being left home alone.
So now Social Services is involved and are really questioning me on the
fact that I am homeschooling/unschooling my son...so much in fact, that
they are trying to get the school district that my son used to be in, to
take him back without charging me tuition (we are out of district and the
school where we are is horrible!). They are saying that my son is not
socialized enough and that he is suffering by not being in school.
My son has blossomed this year with being home. We do not fight anymore,
he is no longer depressed (he was suicidal in first grade because of a
teacher)and he smiles so much more.
The school in the better district promised my son so many services/help and
not one thing was ever done beyond the promises. He does not want to go
back at all and I do not want him to. He has learned so much more being
home and has not had any of his old problems since he is home.
I really thought it was ok for a 10 year old to be home alone as my
neighbor does it all the time and I know of people who have left an 8 year
old home alone (that is too young in my book) and my son is very responsible.
He does get out and do things with his friends on the weekends, he takes
classes at a museum near here with other kids, he swims, he gets out all
the time so he does get socialized during the week...
Any help would be great...Being scared right now is an
understatement!!!! I will answer any of your questions that you may have
to help me with this problem.
Thanks
Jessi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Jessi,
In Maryland the law states that children under the age of 8 can not be left
alone. Check your state and see if there is a law similar and what is the
age.
Also, on the HSing front, stand firm and show them whatever the state
requires for homeschoolers. As long as you are complient with the law, they
can't use that against you. Start keeping a paper trail of all their phone
callls and correspondance (and your replies) as well as telephone call
notes - get names of anyone who calls you as well as their title. CPS does
not determine if you are complient or not with the HS regs. the DOE does.
Contacting your state inclusive HS group, preferably the most politically
active one is important also. They can help you decifer (sp?) the law.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
In Maryland the law states that children under the age of 8 can not be left
alone. Check your state and see if there is a law similar and what is the
age.
Also, on the HSing front, stand firm and show them whatever the state
requires for homeschoolers. As long as you are complient with the law, they
can't use that against you. Start keeping a paper trail of all their phone
callls and correspondance (and your replies) as well as telephone call
notes - get names of anyone who calls you as well as their title. CPS does
not determine if you are complient or not with the HS regs. the DOE does.
Contacting your state inclusive HS group, preferably the most politically
active one is important also. They can help you decifer (sp?) the law.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
[email protected]
compliAnt and deciPHer
Phew, I'm tired.
Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
-----Original Message-----
From: ElissaJC@... <ElissaJC@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Friday, February 22, 2002 9:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: I am in great need of help
Phew, I'm tired.
Elissa Cleaveland
"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
have
not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
-----Original Message-----
From: ElissaJC@... <ElissaJC@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Friday, February 22, 2002 9:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Re: I am in great need of help
>Jessi,
>In Maryland the law states that children under the age of 8 can not be left
>alone. Check your state and see if there is a law similar and what is the
>age.
>Also, on the HSing front, stand firm and show them whatever the state
>requires for homeschoolers. As long as you are complient with the law, they
>can't use that against you. Start keeping a paper trail of all their phone
>callls and correspondance (and your replies) as well as telephone call
>notes - get names of anyone who calls you as well as their title. CPS does
>not determine if you are complient or not with the HS regs. the DOE does.
>Contacting your state inclusive HS group, preferably the most politically
>active one is important also. They can help you decifer (sp?) the law.
>Good luck and keep us posted!
>Elissa Cleaveland
>"It is nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction
>have
>not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry." A. Einstein
>
>
>
>
>
>Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
>Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
>To unsubscribe, set preferences, or read archives:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Unschooling-dotcom
>
>Another great list sponsored by Home Education Magazine!
>http://www.home-ed-magazine.com
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
Bonni Sollars
Jessi, It sounds like you may want to call a lawyer and just ask what the
law says about leaving a child home alone in your area. Also, my heart
goes out to you and I believe in the power of prayer and will be praying
for you. It sounds like someone in the neighborhood is being vindictive
towards you or something. Someone once called children's services on me
when I was doing nothing just because they were being spiteful because I
refused to do something they were manipulating to get. And the first
thing the children's services person asked me was, "Why do you homeschool
your children? Are they seeing enough other children. Are they learning
enough?" And I had to really look them in the eye without fear and give
them my schpeel that is almost canned by now for all the imbeciles out
there who can't just say, "Oh you homeschool? Cool." In my state the
legal age to leave a child alone is 10, and for younger children there is
a time limit on how many minutes you can leave them alone in the house.
Which is just weird to me because I see little kids all the time on the
street and at parks who are totally unsupervised in a location that is
even more unsafe than the home. And I grew up often out in the country
where I explored all the time in nature unsupervised and look at me, I'm
still alive. And I think whoever called them deserves to be sued for
slandering your name. But most importantly, don't give in to the fear.
Stand strong and don't give up on homeschooling your child if that is
what you believe is best for him. It sounds like his "school" experience
was just a nightmare. Oh, and document everything social services says
to you and does, including your argument for why he should be
homeschooled and why you left him at home so that if it does go too far,
and you go to a judge, you will have evidence to present.
Jessi, I like your name. My dad's name was Jess. It'll make it easy to
remember to pray for you.
Bonni
law says about leaving a child home alone in your area. Also, my heart
goes out to you and I believe in the power of prayer and will be praying
for you. It sounds like someone in the neighborhood is being vindictive
towards you or something. Someone once called children's services on me
when I was doing nothing just because they were being spiteful because I
refused to do something they were manipulating to get. And the first
thing the children's services person asked me was, "Why do you homeschool
your children? Are they seeing enough other children. Are they learning
enough?" And I had to really look them in the eye without fear and give
them my schpeel that is almost canned by now for all the imbeciles out
there who can't just say, "Oh you homeschool? Cool." In my state the
legal age to leave a child alone is 10, and for younger children there is
a time limit on how many minutes you can leave them alone in the house.
Which is just weird to me because I see little kids all the time on the
street and at parks who are totally unsupervised in a location that is
even more unsafe than the home. And I grew up often out in the country
where I explored all the time in nature unsupervised and look at me, I'm
still alive. And I think whoever called them deserves to be sued for
slandering your name. But most importantly, don't give in to the fear.
Stand strong and don't give up on homeschooling your child if that is
what you believe is best for him. It sounds like his "school" experience
was just a nightmare. Oh, and document everything social services says
to you and does, including your argument for why he should be
homeschooled and why you left him at home so that if it does go too far,
and you go to a judge, you will have evidence to present.
Jessi, I like your name. My dad's name was Jess. It'll make it easy to
remember to pray for you.
Bonni
kayb85
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., Jessi <mistycal@b...> wrote:
in your state regarding having a child home alone. Explain to him
your situation and ask him what you need to do to get the socialistic
workers off of your case.
Sheila
> This is a scary thing that is going on over here at my house...Myson is
> almost 11 years old...Perhaps you could contact your legislator? Ask him what the law is
in your state regarding having a child home alone. Explain to him
your situation and ask him what you need to do to get the socialistic
workers off of your case.
Sheila