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Letters from THSC Association

Junior High in Spring Ignores Attempts to Withdraw Child

York Junior High in Spring ignored several attempts by an Association member parent to withdraw her child from the school in order to homeschool him. Meanwhile, the student was being counted absent. The parent contacted THSC and was advised to fax her original letter of withdrawal and to send a new letter via certified mail. Tim Lambert wrote the assistant principal and advised him of the state law concerning withdrawal of students for home schooling. Lambert urged him to disenroll the student retroactively to the date of the first notification of withdrawal.

CPS Worker Requests Confirmation of Home Schooling from THSC

A Henderson county Child Protective Services (CPS) worker contacted THSC, requesting confirmation that two children were being homeschooled “with your organization.” Tim Lambert responded by informing the worker that CPS has no authority to investigate families with regard to compulsory attendance laws.

Plano Housing Authority Requires Verification of Home School Student

When the Plano Housing Authority needed verification of a home schooled student’s status as a full-time student, Tim Lambert responded. He cited the state statute that affirms home schools as private schools and assured Housing Authority representatives that the family were members of THSC and were in full compliance with state laws.

Bryan Social Security Office Denies Benefits to Home Schooling Senior

When the Bryan Social Security Administration (SSA) office denied continuation of her son’s benefits because “he is 18 years old, not disabled, and not a full-time …student,” an Association member contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote the SSA representative and reminded her of the state’s regulations concerning home schoolers. The SSA also requested copies of documents that are not required by the state of Texas; Lambert acquainted the representative with the portion of the statute that makes that clear.

THSC Verifies Full-time Status for Home Schooled Senior

An Association member received notification from the office of the attorney general that her daughter’s child support could end when she turns eighteen in November. The parent contacted THSC Association, and Tim Lambert wrote to the representative of the attorney general’s office, informing her of the state law regarding child support for full-time students in private schools.

Ector County ISD Requires Unnecessary Forms

An Ector County ISD school official attempted to require an Association member to complete district forms in order to withdraw her child for home schooling. This attempt was made after the parents had sent a certified letter--to which district officials did not respond until almost a month after it was received. After more fruitless communication with school officials, the parents contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote to a school representative and informed her of what the Texas Education Association actually requires of parents removing their children from public school for the purpose of home schooling.

McKinney ISD Requires Unnecessary Measures to Withdraw Student

An Association member parent contacted THSC after a McKinney ISD school representative requested that she make a second trip to the school to complete additional paperwork. Tim Lambert wrote to the school’s principal and reacquainted her with the Texas Education Agency’s instructions on how to withdraw a student for home schooling.

Shallowater Requires Appearance at School to Withdraw Student

After a THSC member family withdrew their son from Shallowater Middle School in August and district officials signed for the certified letter, the principal sent the family two e-mails insisting that a parent must come to the school to withdraw the child. The family called THSC, and Tim Lambert sent the district a letter explaining how the state of Texas expects public school to handle the withdrawal of children for home schooling.

Textbook Publisher Refuses to Allow Home Schooler to Purchase Curriculum

A representative of Wiley Higher Education Publishers recently informed a home schooling parent that she could not purchase materials from their company because she had no teaching certificate and was not on staff at a high school or college. The parent contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the company’s representative, explaining how the state of Texas perceives home schoolers.

Central ISD Requires Unnecessary Forms, Gives Faulty Information

When an Association member tried to withdraw her daughter from Central Junior High in Pollok, school representatives attempted to have her come to the school to sign forms, one of which was a “Statement of Intent to Homeschool.” That form contained faulty information concerning home schooled students’ admission to college. The mother sent a letter of assurance, per the TEA’s guidelines, and was then visited by the school’s truant officer. He demanded that she fill out the papers immediately. She contacted THSC; Tim Lambert faxed the principal of the school and explained how the state expects home schoolers to be treated by public schools.

Houston Social Security Administration Office Delays Benefits

Houston SSA representatives delayed continuing SSI benefits to a home school family because they questioned the daughter’s status as a full-time student. The family contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote the Social Security representatives. He quoted the state law that outlines the requirements for students to be considered full-time students, explained that the student meets these requirements, and requested that the representatives accept his letter as verification of her student status as they consider the family’s application for benefits.

Teamsters Question Home Schooler’s Insurance Status

After their insurance company questioned whether or not their son was eligible for coverage, a member family contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the company, assuring its representative that the son is a full-time student according to the laws of the state of Texas and, as such, is eligible to be covered by the family’s insurance policy.

Tyler Social Security Administration Denies Benefits

When an Association member family’s son was denied Social Security benefits because he “…was eighteen years old, not disabled, and not a full-time elementary or secondary level school student,” the parents contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote to the Social Security Administration and informed its employees of the Texas law defining a full-time student. He urged the SSA representative to accept his letter of assurance and reconsider granting the son’s application for benefits.

Georgetown Social Security Administration Denies Benefits

A Georgetown Association member contacted THSC after Social Security Administration workers denied benefits to her home schooled son because, according to them, he is too old, not disabled, and not a full-time student. Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the SSA workers, advising them of the regulations that allow the student to continue receiving benefits.

San Antonio CPS Workers Threaten Custodial Parent

After a couple was awarded custody of the man’s son, they took him to a visit with his biological mother at the San Antonio CPS office. While they were there, a CPS worker told them they must immediately enroll the child in public school or lose custody of the child. When they appealed to the officer’s supervisor, she supported the officer.

The family contacted THSC Association, and Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the San Antonio CPS office, informing them of their lack of jurisdiction in compulsory attendance laws. He enclosed the memo from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services that states that position and urged the two officials to leave the family alone or face legal action.

Lubbock Social Security Administration Official Denies Student Benefits

When an Association member family’s daughter was denied Social Security benefits in part because she “…was not a full-time elementary or secondary level school student,” the parents contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote to the Social Security administration and informed its employees of the Texas law defining a full-time student. He urged the SSA representative to accept his letter of assurance and reconsider granting the daughter’s application for benefits.

Hereford ISD Tallies Absences After Student is Withdrawn

After a member parent withdrew her child from Hereford ISD, the district kept the student on its rolls and counted the child as absent. The mother followed Texas Education Agency recommendations, sending a letter of assurance by certified mail. She also contacted THSC Association. Tim Lambert wrote to a district representative, reminding her of the state’s law concerning the withdrawal of a student in order to homeschool him. He urged the district to follow the state’s requirements or face legal liability.

Pflugerville ISD Requires Home Schooler to Take TAKS Test

After an Association member withdrew his daughter from Pflugerville ISD, he was required to appear in court over truancy issues. During that hearing the father, due to a language barrier, appeared to say he would place his daughter back in school. The judge then ordered the daughter to appear at the school to take the TAKS test. A representative for the father contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote to the school official and reminded him that the student had been withdrawn and was no longer under the district’s jurisdiction.

Angelo State University Discriminates Against Home School Graduate

Although an Association member’s daughter turned in all paperwork in a timely manner, Angelo State University (ASU) delayed admitting her until the deadline for financial aid had passed. The university also limited her credit hours per semester so that graduation would take much longer than normal. The mother contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote ASU, advising the director of admissions of the state’s policy toward home schooled graduates seeking admission to college. He urged the director to comply with the state’s rules.

Texarkana, Arkansas, ISD Demands Proof of Schooling

After an Association member parent withdrew her son from school and moved to Texas, an Arkansas school system official refused to honor the withdrawal until she received “proof” of the child’s enrollment in another school. The parent contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote the official and informed her of the Texas law regarding home schoolers.

Ranger ISD Requires Unnecessary Withdrawal Forms

A Ranger ISD elementary school official required an Association member parent to come to the school to sign withdrawal forms or risk her child being counted truant. The parent contacted THSC and was advised to respond with a letter of assurance. Tim Lambert then wrote the school principal, advising him to immediately remove the child from the school’s rolls.

Corpus Christi DHHS Questions Home Schooling Status
An Association member contacted THSC after the Texas Department of Health and Human Services required proof of her children’s test scores before she could re-qualify for benefits. Tim Lambert introduced the government employee to the Texas laws pertaining to home schoolers who are applying for benefits. He urged the department representative to treat the applicant as the law required and consider her request for continuation of benefits.

THSC Provides Verification of Home Schooling for Robstown Family

In addition to letters that explain the state law as it pertains to home schooling, the Texas Home School Coalition Association also provides letters of verification when someone questions whether or not a family is really homeschooling. In this letter to a justice of the peace, Tim Lambert confirms the validity of a Robstown family’s schooling.

College President Questions Statute re College Admission

A Texas state senator contacted THSC Association after a Texas college president expressed concerns regarding public high schools’ policy for seniors unable to pass the TAKS graduation test. In some cases, the public schools have referred the seniors to private schools so that they can graduate. The college president argued that students who have not passed the TAKS cannot be counted as high school graduates and that the private schools are “circumventing the TAKS” requirement. Tim Lambert points out in his letter that unaccredited private schools are not held to the TAKS requirement and that there is no correlation between student performance and school accreditation.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Response

After being contacted by a home schooling co-op, Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) asking them to clarify the rules regarding whether or not home school co-ops have to be certified for childcare.

In this response, the deputy commissioner of TDFPS explains that the co-op in question is exempt as an educational group because it meets the specific requirements in the statute, but each situation will be reviewed separately.

THSC intends to use this letter and policy to give guidance to support groups and co-ops which find themselves confronted by CPS in such circumstances.

Fort Worth Branch of TDHHS Denies Services

In a continuation of a previously settled situation, the Ft. Worth branch of the Texas Department of Health and Human Service (TDHHS) persists in denying benefits to an Association member. The department has told the mother that she has not adequately proven that she is homeschooling. Over a year ago, Tim Lambert wrote a  letter to the department, pointing out the section in the Texas Works Handbook that instructs state departments to accept a parent's statement that a child is homeschooled. Again he urged the department to accept the parent's assurance and reconsider her case so that THSC would have no cause to take action.

Results: After receiving the letter, the Ft. Worth TDHHS office reinstated the Association member's benefits for the second time.

Denison ISD Files Charges Against Parent

When Denison High School officials filed charges of “Parents contributing to non-attendance” against an Association member, he contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote the district, pointing out its mishandling of the case by refusing to disenroll the student until two weeks after receipt of a certified letter withdrawing the student. Lambert urged the district to withdraw the charges and change its policies to avoid legal action by THSC.

South Plains College Dual Credit Problem Resolved

After several letters and phone calls between THSC and South Plains College and a meeting between Tim Lambert and several officials of SPC, the school has agreed to work toward setting up dual credit classes for home school students at the discounted rates that public and other private school students receive. There are conditions home schoolers must meet, but they are comparable to the conditions required of other high school students.

THSC Works to Clarify Co-op Childcare Status

After Child Protective Services required several home school co-ops to be licensed for childcare, Tim Lambert wrote to a representative of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). He brought the situation to her attention and asked her for a ruling from DFPS that would clarify the status of these co-ops as private educational facilities, as described in Texas statutes.

Lewisville ISD Requires Unnecessary Forms

When a member family from Lewisville withdrew their son in order to homeschool him, an official from Shadow Ridge Middle School called and told them they needed to go to the school and complete withdrawal forms. The family contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote to the school official to inform her of the state’s requirements for withdrawing a child to homeschool him.

South Plains College Has Double Standard for Dual Credit

When concerned parents notified the Texas Home School Coalition Association that South Plains College was denying dual credit reduced tuition to home schooled students, Tim Lambert wrote to the president of the junior college. The president responded by explaining why South Plains has that policy. Lambert answered by quoting the state law that requires the same criteria be applied to home schooled students as is applied to public and private school students. The situation is ongoing.

University of Houston Applies Different Standards to Home Schoolers

After being informed of a possible double standard being applied to home schooled high school graduates, Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the admissions department of the University of Houston, advising that the state of Texas requires state institutions to admit home schoolers based on the same standards used for public school graduates.

Floydada ISD Requests Unnecessary Forms

After a parent withdrew her child via written notice in order to homeschool him, school officials told her she needed to complete school withdrawal forms. She asked for the request in writing and sent a letter of assurance to the school. She also contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote to Floydada ISD and informed its officials of the state’s requirements for withdrawing a child to homeschool him.

Texarkana DPS Officer Gives Faulty Information

When a home schooling mother attempted to obtain a photo ID for her daughter, an officer in the Texarkana Department of Public Safety office told her that home schoolers could not use the Verification of Enrollment form as a type of identification. He later relented, but insisted that she would need to list her curriculum on the form when she came back to get her child’s driver license. The family contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote a letter detailing the actual policies of the Texas Department of Public Safety when dealing with home schooled students.

San Angelo CPS Worker Oversteps Authority

A San Angelo Child Protective Services (CPS) worker stepped outside her authority and threatened a home schooling mom, saying that a judge had informed the worker that the mother must have an accredited curriculum and register with a local school district. Tim Lambert wrote the CPS representative and reminded him that CPS has no authority over home schoolers regarding compulsory attendance laws or curricula, and that further contact or threats could result in legal action.

Midlothian Considers Daytime Curfew

After several Association member families contacted THSC concerning a proposed daytime curfew in Midlothian, Tim Lambert wrote the city’s police chief. In his letter, he asserted that due to recent legislative changes, daytime curfews are unnecessary in order to deter truancy and are detrimental to home schoolers.

Katy ISD Harasses Family

After withdrawing their child from Katy ISD in November, an Association member family continued to receive automated phone calls and a warning letter alleging that their child was absent. The family contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote the district’s attendance office, explaining the state’s rules for withdrawing a child to homeschool him. He urged the district to cease its harassment of the family.

Missouri City Police Officer Intrudes on Home Schoolers

In last week’s e-newsletter, THSC published a letter written to the Rosenberg Child Protective Services office. This week’s letter is related to the same issue and is addressed to the police officer who illegally entered the Association member family’s home and who was very aggressive. Tim Lambert wrote the letter, informing the officer that he had advised the family to seek legal counsel in response to his actions.

Rosenberg CPS Oversteps Authority

Child Protective Services (CPS) went beyond the bounds of the law when officials at the Rosenberg office called police to investigate an Association member family. After having a policeman visit the home, a CPS representative followed up a few days later, gaining entry to the home and quizzing the mother about her curriculum and home schooling methods. The family contacted THSC Association, and Tim Lambert strongly warned CPS that home schooling is not part of a CPS investigation.

Please note: THSC Association highly recommends that you NOT let CPS workers into your home unless they have a warrant! (See more information about dealing with CPS representatives.)

Ector County ISD Attempts to Oversee Home School

As an Ector county family was signing the school’s withdrawal forms, school officials told the mother that they could come to her home and inspect her home school at any time. She was signing the district’s forms because they told her that her child would not be legally withdrawn until she did. She consulted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote a letter reminding Ector County officials of TEA’s rules concerning home schoolers.

Texas Virtual Academy Oversteps Authority

An Association member withdrew her son from Texas Virtual Academy last year and was contacted by someone from the school. That person asked where her son was attending school; the mother replied that he was being homeschooled. In August of this year another caller from the school phoned the family, tried to speak to the son, and questioned the mother about her curricula. The mother requested that the questions be submitted in writing. In October the school sent a letter requiring the mother to fill out a form. The mother responded with a letter of assurance and contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote the school and informed them of the state’s requirements for schools when dealing with home schooled students.

La Quinta Inn Harasses Ike Victims

Employees at the La Quinta Inn in Cedar Hill threatened to turn in a home schooling family, who were fleeing Hurricane Ike, if the children were not enrolled in public school.  (How’s that? – LL)The mother, an Association member, contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote to a manager at the hotel. He explained the state’s requirements for parents who homeschool and informed the manager of a home schooler’s exemption from public school attendance laws. He warned the manager and her staff to stop harassing the family.

Andrews ISD Requires Unnecessary Forms

An Andrews ISD assistant principal required an Association member to fill out “appropriate forms” after she had withdrawn her son by certified letter. The mother responded with a letter of assurance to which the assistant principal responded by threatening her with prosecution. Tim Lambert wrote the principal of Andrews ISD and cited the TEA regulations regarding the withdrawal of students to homeschool. He also enclosed the latest letter from the Texas commissioner of education.

Spring Branch ISD Requests “Exemption Questionnaire”

After an Association member family in Houston withdrew its child from school in July, they received a letter from the Spring Branch ISD police. The investigating officer enclosed an “Exemption Questionnaire,” which he required the family to complete and return to the district. Tim Lambert wrote to the Spring Branch ISD police department and informed them of the Texas Education Agency’s requirements for withdrawing a child from public school to homeschool him. He urged the district to accept the letter of assurance the family had sent and to remove the child from the district’s rolls.

CPS Tries to Send Foster Children Back to Public School

After a CPS supervisor gave an Austin THSC Association member family permission to homeschool its foster children, an educational specialist from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services demanded that the children be placed in public school. Tim Lambert wrote to the TDFPS representative explaining the reasons that homeschooling the children would be in their best interests.

Lubbock ISD Threatens Family with Legal Action

After an Association member family withdrew its child from Monterey High School in Lubbock, an attendance officer from the school contacted them. Although the student had been withdrawn back in May, the officer threatened a fine and/or legal action if he wasn’t reenrolled immediately. The family sent a certified letter to the school and contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the attendance officer at Monterey High School, pointing out that the student had been withdrawn and the family had cooperated according to the guidelines set out by the Texas Education Agency.

Tulia ISD Makes Unnecessary Demands

After a member family withdrew its child in order to homeschool, a secretary at Highland Elementary in Tulia called the mother and requested that she and her child come to the school, fill out paperwork, and show administrators their curriculum. The following day the mother sent a letter of assurance to the school and notified THSC. Tim Lambert wrote the principal, reminding him of the state requirements for withdrawing a child to homeschool.

CPS Denies Foster Family Right to Homeschool

A San Antonio foster family was denied the opportunity to homeschool its foster children whom they were in the process of adopting, although no objection was raised in the most recent judicial review. The family contacted THSC Association, and Tim Lambert wrote the Department of Family and Protective Services, citing several studies and Texas law, which both sanction home schooling.

New Boston ISD Requires Unnecessary Forms

The registrar of New Boston High School attempted to require an Association member to fill out an “official homeschool enrollment form.” The form stated in part, “…I also understand that it is my responsibility to provide the school with documentation that my child/children has enrolled and is participating in an educational program. Upon completion of a course and the program I will provide the school with the necessary documentation to verify their success in the program.”

The parent contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote to the school district, explaining that the parent’s letter of assurance was all that the state of Texas requires of home schoolers. He also pointed out that as home schools are private schools in Texas, the parents are not required to provide proof of anything to public school officials.

Austin ISD Requires Unnecessary Information

After a high school official in the Austin ISD required the start date for her child’s home school before he would take the student off the school’s rolls, an Association member asked THSC for help. Tim Lambert wrote the district, explaining the state’s requirements for withdrawing a student to homeschool.

Pop Warner Football Denies Home Schooler

An official for the Pop Warner youth football league challenged the legality of home schooling and refused to allow a home school student to participate. The parents, members of THSC, called on the Association for help. Tim Lambert wrote to the official, citing the Texas Supreme Court’s 1994 ruling to uphold the 1987 Leeper decision and enclosing the most recent letter from the Texas commissioner of education as proof that it is legal to homeschool in Texas. He warned the official of possible legal action if the decision is not reversed.

Corsicana ISD Requires Unnecessary Forms

After an Association member family withdrew its child from Corsicana ISD via certified letter, school officials told the parents that they would need to fill out additional forms. The mother wrote the school a letter of assurance after which she received a “parental intent to home school” form from the school. The parents then contacted Tim Lambert, who wrote the district a letter explaining the state’s regulations regarding the withdrawal of students in order to homeschool.

San Antonio Social Security Official Denies Benefits to Home Schooler

An official with the Social Security (SS) office in San Antonio denied benefits to a home schooler after the mother filled out the required form. A call to the SS office confirmed that the mother had done all that was required, but the benefits were then denied because she needed to provide “evidence” that she was meeting state requirements for home schooling. When she asked what documentation she needed to provide, the staff responded that it did not know. After leaving two messages and receiving no return calls, the mother contacted THSC. Tim Lambert wrote to the office and pointed out the guidelines from their own policies pertaining to students receiving social security benefits.

Linden CPS Removes Child Illegally

The Linden CPS office removed a child from her home earlier this month based “mainly” on allegations that the parents were not adequately homeschooling her.

Ector County ISD Requires Unnecessary Notification

After a school official at Ector County ISD informed an Association member that she would need to send the school notification of her intent to homeschool each year, the member contacted Tim Lambert. Mr. Lambert wrote a letter to the district representative explaining that the requirement is not in compliance with the state of Texas’ policy concerning home schooling and urged the district to come into compliance with the state’s actual policy.

Tarrant County College Requires Notarized Transcript

After several Association members expressed concern over Tarrant County College’s (TCC) policy which requires notarized transcripts from home schoolers, Tim Lambert wrote the Director of Admissions and Records a letter. In it he noted that while the college’s Web site requires an “official transcript,” once parents and students present the transcript, they are told it must be notarized. He stated that the policy seemed arbitrary and designed to make enrollment by home schoolers difficult. He suggested alternative methods to ensure that transcripts are secure and official.

Magnolia ISD Parents Request THSC-Created Diplomas

After the THSC Association office received several requests from Magnolia ISD parents requesting diplomas for their students with “Magnolia High School” as the school name on each certificate, Tim Lambert wrote the registrar. He explained that, while the Association does provide printed diplomas for home school families, it is not able to provide the same service for public school students. He suggested the students, who apparently did not pass the TAKS test enabling them to graduate, pursue a GED.

Borger DPS Implements Own Policies

A member asked THSC Association to intervene after an officer with the Borger Department of Public Safety required her to provide information about her curriculum. The officer was also unprofessional in her treatment of the parent and her daughter. Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the department reminding the officer of the state of Texas’ policy toward home schoolers who are applying for driver licenses.

Pasadena ISD Attempts to Inspect Curriculum

Pasadena ISD refused to continue services to an Association member’s special needs child unless the mother allowed the district to “approve” her curriculum. The district cited a recent change by the Texas Education Association (TEA) for its ruling. The member contacted THSC Association, and Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the district clarifying the state’s policy regarding home schools.

Killeen CPS Worker Oversteps Authority

A CPS worker visited a member family’s home, investigating allegations that included the family homeschooling “incorrectly.” The mother contacted THSC, and Tim Lambert wrote the CPS representative, informing her that compulsory attendance issues are not within the authority of CPS.

Shoreacres Police Officers Overstep Authority

When police officers invade a home, search it, and interrogate the children in order to investigate a flawed report, the mother, a THSC Association member, got in touch with Tim Lambert. He chastised the officers and warned them that further action could result in legal action.

Citizen Questions State Legislator’s Comments Concerning FLDS Case

A Lubbock citizen takes a state official to task for his comments about the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) case. One of the writer’s main concerns is the senator’s suggestion that the FLDS members should bear the cost of the legal procedures carried out against them.

White Oak ISD Superintendent Answers THSC Concerns

After Tim Lambert responded to a member’s concerns about White Oak ISD by writing a letter to the district, the White Oak superintendent answered with a letter of his own. In it he denied that anyone in the school system threatened the home schooling mom in question, and he accused Mr. Lambert of issuing threats.  

Two Districts Harass Home Schooler

In an unusual situation, two school districts apparently joined forces against a member family. The mother had first withdrawn her daughter from White Oak ISD but then decided to homeschool before enrolling her in the Gladewater school district. Learning of this decision, the truant officer in the Gladewater district visited the members’ home, entered without the mother’s consent, and demanded that the mother re-inform both schools that she was homeschooling, claiming that neither district had received any correspondence on the matter. The mother re-sent the original letter of assurance, which she had given to White Oak in August 2007, to both school districts on April 4.

On April 7 the mother spoke to the White Oak ISD’s counselor’s secretary, who informed her that she must come to the school and sign withdrawal forms or she “could and probably would most likely go to jail.” The secretary also insisted that the mother must bring in her curriculum to be approved. After this incident, the mother contacted THSC Association. Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the counselor’s secretary, informing her that everything she had told the parent was wrong and illegal. He warned her that if she continued to bother the family, she and the district could be legally liable. He also wrote to the Gladewater truant officer.

Alto ISD Official and Cohorts Harass Home Schooler

A member parent asked for help from THSC Association after being visited by the town police chief, a local teacher, and, the next day, the manager of her apartment complex. An official with the school also refused to sign the withdrawal forms that she filled out at his request.

Houston ISD Official Requires Unnecessary Forms

Parents of a member family in Houston ISD withdrew their child from school and sent the prescribed letter of assurance by certified mail. School officials signed for the letter, but the mother received a phone call several days later saying that she must come to the school in order for her child to be withdrawn. Tim Lambert wrote the school and reminded the officials of Texas’ requirements for withdrawing students from public schools for the purpose of home schooling.

South San Antonio ISD Official Requires Illegal Forms

A South San Antonio ISD official refused to withdraw a student from school, even after receiving the letter of withdrawal and assurance as required by the state. The next day a visiting teacher from the school called to say she was on her way to the family’s home to make sure the father was the person who had sent the withdrawal form and to “speak with him concerning his home schooling.” Tim Lambert wrote a letter advising the district of the state’s requirements regarding withdrawing a student to homeschool and warned its representative to withdraw the child and cease the district’s harassment of the family.

Schertz-Cibolo Official Demands Unnecessary Forms

A Schertz-Cibolo ISD official called an Association member parent to tell him that his letter of withdrawal and assurance was not enough and he needed to come to the school in person to complete withdrawal forms and present his curriculum for inspection. Tim Lambert responded with the state requirements and warned the district to back off.

Assistant Principal Requires Curricula for Review

The assistant principal at a River Road ISD elementary school in Amarillo called a member parent, stating that he had received her letter after she had resent it with the correct school name on it. In the course of the conversation he also stated that, while her child had been withdrawn as of February 1, the district always required the parents to present their curricula to be inspected by the school. The parent consulted THSC, which responded to the request by pointing out that according to the state, home schools are not under the regulation of public schools. The staff enclosed the letter from the commissioner of education, which specifically states, “It is not necessary for parents to … present curriculum for review.”

Frustrated Attendance Clerk Phones Parent

After the attendance clerk from her child’s school phoned and insisted she come to the school to sign withdrawal forms, a member asked for help from THSC Association. Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the clerk, clarifying the state’s requirements and enclosing the letter from the Texas Commissioner of Education.

Validity of Home School Graduate’s Diploma Questioned

Tim Lambert contacted the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) after someone questioned the validity of a home schooled graduate’s diploma.  The young woman was about to graduate from a cosmetology program when the allegation was being made that she was not a high school graduate and therefore had not been eligible to be enrolled in the program.  In the letter to the TDLR, Mr. Lambert cited examples from the Texas Education Code, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards, which all support the validity of diplomas from home schools as evidence of high school graduation.  THSC later received a phone call from the recipient of the letter at the TDLR, who confirmed that he had received the letter, the issue had been resolved, and the home school graduate would be allowed to graduate from the cosmetology program. 

Potter County JP Requires Curriculum for Approval

After a parent from River Road ISD appeared in her court and said she intended to homeschool her kindergarten child, a Potter County justice of the peace required the parent to present her curriculum to the school for approval. The parent contacted THSC Association, and Tim Lambert wrote a letter reminding the JP about Texas law concerning home schoolers.

Social Security Administration Representative Denies Benefits to Home Schooled Teen

A San Marcos Association member contacted THSC because a bureaucrat at the Social Security Administration denied her student Social Security benefits on the basis that he was eighteen and not a full-time student. This determination was based on the official’s decision that the student was not in a “course of good citizenship.” Tim Lambert responded by citing chapter and verse of the rules governing the issuance of Social Security benefits to students, as well as giving the description of the courses the student was taking which specifically mentioned a citizenship component.

Official at San Antonio ISD Unlawfully Requires Forms

When a San Antonio member withdrew her son from his elementary school to homeschool him, a school official called and demanded that the mother come to the school to sign withdrawal forms. Tim Lambert wrote a letter and reminded the district representative of the law in Texas.

Palestine CPS Worker Steps Outside Her Authority

A caseworker from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) in Palestine tried to force a member grandparent to allow her to interview a student. The caseworker was investigating an allegation that the student was “not reading well.” Tim Lambert wrote a letter reminding the TDFPS officials that Child Protective Services (CPS) workers have no authority to investigate or enforce compulsory attendance laws or assess educational levels of children.

Kennedale ISD Ignores State Regulations

An official of Kennedale ISD tried to make a parent fill out school forms even after the parent had sent notice of withdrawal via certified mail. Tim Lambert warned the district representative to accept the notice and leave the family alone.

Brownfield ISD Attempts Illegal Withdrawal Procedures

When a Brownfield couple withdrew their son to homeschool him, school officials threatened to file charges of truancy against them if they did not come to the school, sign withdrawal forms, and complete an application to homeschool. Tim Lambert urged the officials to reconsider and follow the rules mandated by the state.

Lamar CISD Requires Illegal Certification

Lamar CISD attempted to require parents withdrawing their children to homeschool to notify a specific official of their intention. After meeting this requirement, the parents would receive a certificate exempting their child from compulsory attendance in school. Tim Lambert reminded the district of the state’s actual requirements for home schooling parents and urged the district to bring its policies into compliance.

Klein ISD Requires Annual Assurance

An official at Kuehnle Elementary School in Klein requested a second written assurance that a member parent was homeschooling her child in accordance with the mandates of Leeper vs. Arlington. Tim Lambert reminded the official that no annual assurance is required.

Houston ISD Official Requires Unnecessary Procedures

The registrar at a Houston high school attempted to make a parent fill out unnecessary forms at the school in order to withdraw her child to homeschool him. Tim Lambert cited the actual state requirements and urged the official to remove the student from the rolls immediately.

Hondo ISD Officials Harass Home Schooler

Two representatives of Hondo ISD appeared at a home schooler’s door, inquiring about her son’s absence from school. After the mother sent the required letter of assurance, the officials continued to insist that she come to the school and present her curriculum for inspection. Tim Lambert spoke to the school officials and then followed up with this letter, warning them to abide by the law and leave the family alone.

Westwood College Online Seeks Information

Westwood College Online called the THSC office requesting information on how the state of Texas treats home school graduates who are seeking college admission. Tim Lambert responded with the required information and assurances that home school graduates are as qualified to excel in a college setting as are public school graduates.

Cypress Fairbanks ISD Neglects to Retrieve Mail

After requesting information from a member family regarding the withdrawal of their child, officials at Cypress Fairbanks ISD did not pick up the certified letter sent by the family. The letter remained at the post office despite two notices of its availability. Tim Lambert requested that the district make note of the family’s attempt to comply with the district’s requirement.

Woodville ISD Official Requires Unnecessary Forms

A school official at Woodville High School attempted to force a member family to come to the school to sign withdrawal forms before she would remove their child from the school rolls. Tim Lambert reminded the district official of the state law in this letter.

Judson ISD Requires Illegal Forms

Another school district, Judson ISD, attempted to force a parent to complete forms that are not required by the state of Texas in order to withdraw his child to homeschool. Tim Lambert notified the school of the actual state requirements.

Rude Attendance Officer Demands Illegal Forms

An unmannerly attendance officer from Stephenville ISD attempted to require unnecessary forms from several home schooling families in that district. Tim Lambert advised the officer to re-examine the letter from the commissioner of education.

Social Security Representative Refuses Benefits to Home Schooler

After demanding and receiving a list of subjects and hours of school attendance, a Social Security Administration bureaucrat still refused to extend benefits to a home schooled teen. In a letter to the government representative, Tim Lambert quoted the official documents which justify the student’s claims and urged her to reconsider her position.

Ft. Worth Social Services Denies Assistance

A representative of the Ft. Worth branch of the Texas Department of State Health Services denied continuing services to a home schooling mother and child unless the mother sent a letter listing her curricula. When the mother complied, the official still refused to continue her assistance.

Letter to Carrollton-Farmer's Branch ISD

An official of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD tried to force parents to fill out forms not required by the state in order to homeschool their child. As the child did not even attend school in that district, the request was doubly troublesome. Tim Lambert advised the district to review the state’s regulations and begin following them.

Letter to College Station ISD

Officials at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station tried to require a form that is not mandated by the state of Texas in order to withdraw a child from its rolls. Tim Lambert admonished the district to stick to the state’s regulations and accept the letter of assurance that the mother had written.

Letter to Amarillo ISD

An official at an elementary school in Amarillo tried to have a parent fill out an unnecessary form in order to withdraw her child. Tim Lambert reintroduced the school’s representative to state requirements and urged her to comply with them.

Letter to Paris DPS

The Department of Public Safety office in Paris refused to accept the Verification of Enrollment form from a member family. Instead, it tried to substitute its own form and force the family to provide proof of home schooling. The family asked for help from THSC. Tim Lambert wrote the Paris office and informed its personnel of the state of Texas’ regulations.

Texas CPS Denies Foster Child Right to Home School

On June 13 Tim Lambert wrote a letter supporting a Kerrville family’s request for a waiver to homeschool their foster child.  Despite numerous expert recommendations to the contrary, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has denied the family’s request. Mr. Lambert cites those experts and state law in urging the department to reverse its decision.

Wichita Falls ISD Requires Unnecessary Forms

Home schooling families from Wichita Falls reported that the school district was attempting to require them to complete registration forms for the district or for THSC in order to home school. Tim Lambert spells out the law for the district and urges it to rethink its position.

McKinney ISD Requires Illegal Documentation

An official from Reuben Johnson Elementary School, McKinney ISD, tried to require that a new home schooler fill out unnecessary documents in order to withdraw her child. Tim Lambert pointed out the state’s requirements and indicated that the mother had already fulfilled them.

Special Order Concerning Victoria Daytime Curfew

In January of this year Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the Victoria police chief, after an officer stopped two home schooled students taking a walk around the block, a school-sanctioned activity. The Victoria police department later issued a special order regarding the city’s daytime curfew as it pertained to home schooled students.

Letter from Concerned Citizens and THSC Association's Response

Tim Lambert received a letter from two concerned citizens and responded with a letter about home schooling in Texas.

Response from DPFS

Last week’s letter by Tim Lambert was addressed to Lubbock CPS because officials from that office had illegally entered the home of a Slaton family. This week’s letter is addressed to the Slaton police chief from the Consumer Affairs Office of the DPFS and concerns the officer who assisted in that unlawful entry.

THSC Letter to Slaton Police Chief

Last week’s letter by Tim Lambert was addressed to Lubbock CPS because officials from that office had illegally entered the home of a Slaton family. This week’s letter is addressed to the Slaton police chief and concerns the officer who assisted in that  unlawful entry.

THSC Letter to Lubbock CPS

Lubbock CPS caseworkers, aided by a Slaton police officer, unlawfully entered the home of a home schooling family in Slaton. Tim Lambert reminds CPS of the law and warns the main investigator that legal action may follow.

THSC Letter to Baytown Sun

A column in the July 30 Baytown Sun reported faulty information regarding home schooling regulations in Texas. Tim Lambert promptly corrected the mistake and urged the columnist to rectify his error.

Texas DPS Responds to Complaint Against Katy DPS

Read about a reponse from the Texas DPS, discussing the resolution of THSC’s complaint against Katy DPS.

THSC Association Letter to Canton CPS

A CPS officer in Canton continued to harass a local family despite receiving expert assurances that the children were safe. Tim Lambert urges the CPS worker to close the case and leave the family alone.

THSC Association Letter to United ISD, Laredo

An official of United ISD in Laredo required unnecessary documentation before allowing the enrollment of a child, who had been homeschooled, in Gutierrez Elementary. Tim Lambert provided the documentation and a warning that the school needed to obey state regulations regarding home schooled students.

DPS Responds to THSC Letter

On June 8, Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the Katy office of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) (could put link to Katy letter here), in which he said that he was urging the state office to investigate Katy’s practices in dealing with parents who are homeschooling. Over the course of several years, the Katy office has established a pattern of hindering local home schoolers as they try to obtain driver licenses, permits and identification cards.
On June 20, THSC received a response from the state DPS office, which assured us that the matter will be investigated.

THSC Association Letter to Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines refused to consider hiring a recent graduate because he was home schooled. Tim Lambert apprised the airline of the state rules regarding hiring home schoolers and urged the company to reconsider its decision.

THSC Association Letter to Kerrville ISD

Tim Lambert assures the Kerrville CPS Department that home schooling is a state-recognized, viable and beneficial option for the foster child of a member family.

THSC Association Letter to Levelland ISD

An attendance officer and a principal from Levelland ISD tried to deny a parent the right to homeschool her children, despite clear directives from the state of Texas. Tim Lambert strongly warned the principal to adhere to state regulations or face legal liability.

THSC Association Letter to Victoria CPS

A Child Protective Services’ employee overstepped the state-mandated boundaries for her position when she attempted to require home schoolers to provide references, among other things. Tim Lambert reminded her of those limits and encouraged her to stay within them.

THSC Association Letter to Katy DPS

An officer with the Department of Public Safety in Katy continues to ignore state policies concerning forms for home schoolers. In this letter, Tim Lambert advises her on the proper forms and strongly warns her to adhere to the official policies of the state of Texas.

THSC Association Letter to Southwest Texas Junior College

Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde has changed its dual credit policy to exclude home schoolers from reduced fees, while continuing to allow public school students to pay less. Tim Lambert reminded them of the state’s policy toward home schoolers and urged them to come into compliance with it.

THSC Association Letter to Magnolia ISD

Magnolia ISD required unnecessary paperwork from a member parent before withdrawing her child from its rolls. Tim Lambert informed the district’s representative of the correct procedure and advised the district to withdraw both its request and the member’s child.

THSC Association Letter to the Attorney General

Tim Lambert writes a letter of assurance to a Child Support Officer, supporting a member parent’s request for continued child support.

THSC Association Letter to Tarleton State University

Tim Lambert warned Tarleton State University officials that the school’s admission policies toward home schoolers do not comply with the Texas Education Code. He urged them to revise the policies to avoid future problems.

THSC Association Letter to South Plains College

Tim Lambert explains the state’s admission policy for all high school graduates, including home schoolers, to the Dean of Admissions and Records at South Plains College in Levelland and urges her to bring SPC’s policy into compliance.

THSC Association Letter to Travis Middle School, Irving ISD

A Travis Middle School official refused to withdraw a member parent’s child from the school’s rolls and tried to make her submit unnecessary documentation. Tim Lambert apprised the official of the state’s actual requirements and advised her to withdraw the student immediately.

THSC Association Letter to Big Spring ISD

A Big Spring school official attempted to force a member family to jump through unnecessary hoops in order to homeschool. Tim Lambert reminded the official what the state actually requires and promised to defend the family through legal means, if necessary.

THSC Association Letter to Dunbar High School, Ft.Worth ISD

When a Dunbar High School official attempted to compel member parents to fill out unnecessary forms, the family notified the Texas Home School Coalition Association. Tim Lambert clarified the law regarding withdrawal of students to homeschool, and urged the school official to withdraw her request for unlawful paperwork.

THSC Association Letter to Wink-Loving CISD

Officials at Wink High School attempted to force a member parent to submit forms beyond what the state of Texas requires of parents who are withdrawing their children in order to homeschool them. Tim Lambert informed the district of the actual requirements mandated by the Texas Education Agency and encouraged the official to follow those requirements.

THSC Association Letter to United ISD in Laredo

When Laredo school officials did not remove a member family’s child from their rolls or send the parents a transcript after they withdrew the child from school, Tim Lambert intervened on their behalf. He informed the officials of Texas’ requirements and urged them to bring their rules into compliance with those of the state.

THSC Association Letter to Letter to Victoria Police Department

A Victoria police officer told two home schooled students that they were in violation of the city’s juvenile daytime curfew because they were taking a walk around their block. Tim Lambert explained that, because home schools are private schools in Texas, these students, according to Victoria’s own policy, were not in violation, as they were on a school-sanctioned outing.

THSC Association Letter to Nederland ISD

When officials at Nederland ISD attempted to force THSC Association member parents to come to the school and fill out unnecessary forms, Tim Lambert apprised them of the actual requirements for withdrawing children to homeschool in the state of Texas.

THSC Association Follow-up Letter to Alvarado ISD

An Alvarado official wrote to the member family on whose behalf Tim Lambert had intervened, explaining that the school district was dropping the truancy charges, while rationalizing its actions.  Mr. Lambert responded to the official, clarifying that the district did not have the legal right to file charges without evidence against families who choose to withdraw their children to homeschool, no matter how it attempted to justify its actions

THSC Association Letter to Alvarado ISD

Tim Lambert outlines for another Texas school district the policies regarding withdrawing children from a public school, warning them that pursuing action against a member family based on faulty local policies will result in legal consequences for the district.

THSC Association Letter to Amarillo ISD

Tim Lambert clarified Texas’ policies regarding withdrawal of students from public schools for an Amarillo high school.  A school official had told a family member that she was “required by the State of Texas to request a court date” because they had not “properly withdrawn” their son by completing the school’s withdrawal forms.

THSC Association to Dr. Kallepalli

A Lubbock doctor insisted on seeing report cards for children he was treating. Tim Lambert made clear to him that he was outside the boundaries of health care.

THSC Association Letter to Navasota ISD

Navasota ISD officials attempted to force Association members to fulfill unnecessary requirements in order to withdraw their child from school. Tim Lambert enlightened school officials on Texas’ policies regarding home schoolers.

THSC Association Second Letter to Barnes & Noble

When another THSC Association member contacted our office about a problem regarding teacher discounts that she encountered with a different Barnes & Noble store–this one in Corpus Christi–Tim Lambert wrote a letter to that store and sent a copy to corporate management.

THSC Association Letter to Barnes & Noble

THSC Association has been pleased to provide Teacher IDs for its members, which many have used to get discounts with various companies.  Recently home educators have experienced problems at a Barnes & Noble store when trying to receive the teacher discounts offered by the national chain. Tim Lambert addressed this situation in a letter to B&N management.

Residency Issue Clarified

The deputy commissioner of the Higher Education Coordinating Board sent a memo to the Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (TACRAO) regarding residency for home school graduates.  This memo was a result of contact from THSC Association after a home school graduate was denied college admission as a Texas resident.  The bottom line is that home school graduates will now be treated the same as other Texas high school graduates for a determination of residency status for college tuition purposes.

Residency Issues for Home School Grads

When THSC Association was contacted after a Texas home school graduate was denied college admission as a Texas resident, Tim Lambert began a series of communications with state agencies.

THSC Association Letter Harlingen ISD

A letter from THSC Association, written to Harlingen ISD, was the result of erroneous information a school official gave to member parents who were attempting to withdraw their child for home schooling.

Response From Waco DPS to THSC Association

After repeated communications with Bryan DPS (See E-Newsletters from 10-24-06 and 12-19-06.), THSC Association received a letter from the DPS office which oversees Bryan assuring that the situation had been addressed and the employees informed on the proper procedure for parent-taught driver education and home school students.

THSC Association Second Letter to Bryan DPS

After addressing problems a home school family had experienced and hearing of problems other home educators faced in similar situations, THSC Association President Tim Lambert wrote a second letter to Bryan DPS.

THSC Association Second Letter to Comal ISD

When a second member family encountered withdrawal problems with Comal ISD, THSC Association President Tim Lambert wrote another letter to the district.

THSC Association Follow-up Letter to Canyon ISD

Following a series of conversations and letters, THSC Association President Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the Canyon ISD superintendent, acknowledging clarification of an alleged contact by two women representing the school district.

THSC Association Follow-up Letter to Vidor ISD

THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote a second letter to Vidor ISD as a response to their letter taking issue with a previous letter that he had written concerning their dealings with a member home school family.

THSC Association Letter to El Paso ISD

As a result of lack of cooperation on the part of El Paso ISD when parents attempted to withdraw their child to homeschool, THSC Association President Tim Lambert wrote this letter.

THSC Association Letter to Comal ISD

When member parents followed the accepted TEA procedure for withdrawal of their child for home schooling, the school insisted that they must complete the school’s forms or charges would be pursued.  THSC Association President Tim Lambert responded with this letter.

THSC Association Letter to North East ISD, San Antonio

THSC Association President Tim Lambert wrote a letter on behalf of a member family, in response to problems with the school district. After the family followed the process recommended by the TEA for withdrawal of a student, the school insisted that the family had to do more.

THSC Association Letter to Bryan DPS

In spite of clear communications from Austin, THSC Association continues to field calls from parents who are encountering problems over driver permits, licenses, and photo IDs. 

THSC Association Letter to Canyon ISD

When a THSC Association member was threatened with a visit from CPS as a result of her agreement to respond only to requests submitted in writing, Tim Lambert wrote this letter to Canyon ISD.

THSC Association Letter to Northwest ISD

THSC Association faxed this letter in response to a Northwest ISD official’s insistence that this member family must make an appearance at the school.

THSC Association Letter to Deer Park ISD

Read the letter that THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote to Deer Park ISD in response to harassment by school officials after parents notified the school in writing of the withdrawal of their child to homeschool.

THSC Association Letter to Vidor ISD

THSC Association responded by fax to correct a school district concerning demands it made of an Association member family, with regard to withdrawal of a child to homeschool.

THSC Association Letter to Alamo Work Source

Although legally within her right to homeschool her minor daughter who is a teen parent and to receive assistance, one member of the THSC Association continued to be denied services by Alamo Work Source. Association president Tim Lambert wrote a letter of response to clarify the situation.

THSC Association Letter to Denton ISD

Tim Lambert wrote to Brenda Bubak of Denton ISD on behalf of a member parent who received incorrect information from the school regarding the withdrawal of her child from McMath Middle School.

THSC Association Letter to Burton CPS

Tim Lambert wrote to CPS on behalf of a member family requesting permission to homeschool two adoptive children already placed in their home and participating in the local home school community.

THSC Association Letter to an Adoption Agency

Tim Lambert wrote to a private adoption agency caseworker on behalf of a member family requesting permission to homeschool an adoptive child already placed in their home.

THSC Association Letter to Pilot Point ISD

THSC Association responds to a Pilot Point ISD letter regarding an earlier letter to Denton County DA about alleged, unfounded charges to CPS against a home school family by PPISD officials.

THSC Association Letter to Denton County DA

THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote a letter to the DA of Denton County in response to school district actions against an Association member family.

THSC Association Letter to Tyler CPS

THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote a letter in response to a contact from a CPS worker when home schooling was made an issue.

THSC Association Letter to Winona ISD

THSC Association sent a letter to Winona ISD in response to mistaken information and a threat.

THSC Association Letter to Ingram ISD

THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote this letter in response to a situation in which a member family was being required to go to the school to “complete the process” of withdrawing their child to homeschool.

THSC Association Letter to Father Yermo High School

THSC Association sent a letter to a parochial school, Father Yermo High School in El Paso, when a member family was told that a transcript from an accredited school would be required for the enrollment of their home schooled child.

THSC Association Letter to Gonzales CPS

THSC Association wrote this letter when a member, veteran home school family was told that they could not homeschool—along with their other children—the two children they are adopting until the process was complete.

THSC Association Letter to Alvin

ISDTHSC Association sent a letter to Alvin ISD in response to a school official’s demand that a member parent make an appearance at the school to “sign papers and show proof of enrollment.”

THSC Association Response to Austin CPS

THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote to Austin CPS office regarding whether parents should be allowed to homeschool a child during the adoption process.

THSC Association Response to Wausau Insurance 2

THSC Association president Tim Lambert continues communications to an insurance company regarding the fact that the state of Texas views home schoolers who have turned 19 years of age as full-time students.

THSC Association Response to Wausau Insurance

THSC Association president Tim Lambert explains to an insurance company that Texas views home schoolers who have turned 19 years of age as full-time students.

THSC Association responded with a letter when a member family was given misinformation, which stated that students could not be withdrawn once enrolled in the public schools to homeschool their child.

THSC Association Letter to Sherman CPS

THSC Association writes letter to Sherman CPS worker reminding her that home schooling is not under DFPS purview.

THSC Association Letter to CA Dept. of Industrial Relations

A member family needed to have school enrollment verified for employment in the state of California.

A Texas Response to the Akron Beacon-Journal

A home schooling parent was accosted by public school officials from a district in which he child was not nor had ever been enrolled.

THSC Association Letter to Wausau Insurance

THSC Association wrote the letter that can be seen at the following link, when a member family had problems with an insurance claim, as their child had reached the age of 19.  Tim Lambert explained that home schoolers in Texas are recognized as secondary school students until graduation from their home schools.

THSC Association Letter to San Antonio College

When a member family had problems with policy for dual credit hours, and the college’s policy was explored, THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote this letter.

San Antonio College Response

THSC Association received a gracious and fair response from Dean Robert Flores of San Antonio College (SAC). Also, Dr. Robert Zeigler (SAC President) in a phone conversation acknowledged some misunderstanding with regard to their policy on dual credit enrollment and said that would be resolved.  Read the letter of acknowledgement from THSC Association president Tim Lambert.

THSC Association Letter to Seguin ISD

THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote a letter in response to a member family’s difficulties with a principal who threatened truancy charges and legal action if the father did not make a personal appearance at the school to sign their papers.

THSC Association Letter to Crowley ISD

When a member family was told that they could not withdraw their child from the school to homeschool and would have to go to the school and complete their forms, THSC Association president Tim Lambert wrote the following letter to the school district.

THSC Inc. Letter to Texas Judges

Thanks to donations given by many of you, THSC was able to develop and mail packets of information about home education to over 600 Texas judges who hear custody disputes. These judges rule in such cases on the basis of what they believe is in the best interest of the child. Now they will have information to help them see the validity of home education!

02-21-06

THSC Association Letter to San Antonio ISD

THSC Association was contacted by a member family after they

were told that they had to appear at the school and complete

district forms before their child could be withdrawn to homeschool.

THSC Association Letter to Fort Worth DFPS

THSC Association wrote in response to a threatening contact with an Association member with regard to her home schooling, pointing out the fact that education is outside of DFPS purview.

DFPS Response to THSC Association

THSC Asociation received a letter from Department of Family and Protective Services in response to the cc of letters that the Association wrote on behalf of member families.  These letters

were regarding CPS inquiries that included educational (home schooling) issues.  The agency concurred with THSC and stated in the letter that the issue would be addressed to those involved.

Freestone County Sheriff

THSC Association President Tim Lambert wrote to clarify for this deputy sheriff that home schooling is legal and that CPS has no purview over education issues.

THSC Association sent a letter to Big Spring ISD in response to the district’s harassment of a member family, even after a judge had ruled that this family had followed proper withdrawal procedures to homeschool their child.