This week, the Pearl River County Christian Home Educators’ Association is kicking off the new school year with their annual back-to-school meeting.
According to www.homeschool-life.com, the PRC CHEA was founded in 2010 to provide Christian homeschooling families the opportunities to get together and provide their children the chance to engage in educational activities that enrich their homeschooling efforts.
PRC CHEA co-chair Danielle Stockstill has homeschooled her two children for the past eight years.
“I wanted to keep my children as safe as I could,” Stockstill said. “It’s a scary world and I want to form a close bond with my children and give them a firm foundation in the Bible. I want them to know that they can turn to God in prayer and as long as I keep them with me, I know they’re safe.”
A typical day in the Stockstill home begins with chores and breakfast, she said. Next, the students get started on their work at their own pace throughout the day. They also have a break and may attend a PRC CHEA sponsored field trip, she said.
The organization is comprises about 60 families throughout Pearl River and Hancock County, Stockstill said.
“It’s a fellowship of Christian homeschoolers who meet and let their children socialize,” she said. “We take field trips and host co-op classes, craft days, holiday parties and reading, science and book fairs.”
The group welcomes all homeschoolers and only asks that future members agree to their bylaws and statement of faith, Stockstill said.
“There is a large number of homeschoolers in the county and thousands of curriculums out there,” she said. “Our group is one big support system. I’m very grateful.”
Stockstill said another great aspect to homeschooling children is that students don’t have to complete just grade level work. They can work on things they have problems with and advance in subjects they excel in. That way, they don’t have to go at the same pace of other children of the same age, she said.
The group’s first meeting of the year will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center of United Methodist Church, located at the corner of N. Haugh Ave. and Fourth St., in Picayune.
“We would love for people to come, even those who do not homeschool,” Stockstill said. “They can ask questions about our programs. We will also have a Boy Scout leader and a 4-H agent in attendance. A truancy officer will also be there to collect enrollment forms.”
Learn more about PRC CHEA at www.homeschool-life.com or contact Stockstill at 601-749-7972.