“They came here and just took her ... She didn’t get to say goodbye; she didn’t get to see me for months.”
Although this sounds like a kidnapping, it’s not. Chassidie Russell’s daughter was taken by a Texas Family Court Judge. She spent three years living with estranged in-laws even though Russell was never accused of being neglectful or abusive.
Home schooling across the country is booming. Our home school groups are growing too. For example, co-op enrollment in my group jumped about 33% from last semester! This is good news for a country clearly in need of strong leadership from the next generation. This alternate form of education we call home schooling, with discipleship starting inside the home, has proven to be an excellent tool for growing leaders that are willing to stand for what they believe.
Isn’t it fun to see God’s hand in the colors of fall? We have such a unique opportunity as home educating families to embrace this season with the purpose of learning. Whether your children are just beginning their educational journey or they are making plans for post-graduation, make this fall a season they will remember for years to come!
Often the biggest hurdle in starting to home school a special needs student is finding the best curriculum. Flexible, multi-sensory, and adaptable elements to pre-packaged curriculum are best for teaching students with learning difficulties.
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is a quasi governmental body established by the legislature through The University of Texas at Austin. It was organized to provide leadership and guidance to public school debate and athletic teachers and its governing body is made up of public school superintendents.
When founded in 1913, UIL originally allowed participation to all Texas students; however, it changed its policy in 1915 to exclude home school and minority participation.
The problem of unlawful removal of children has become so prevalent in Texas, a Houston judge recently took decisive action against CPS. In our most high profile case, the Tutt family nightmare with CPS that began in 2013 when Judge Garcia, a Dallas judge, issued a removal order without a hearing and no evidence of danger to the children continues.
Not only does September bring the beginning of school and football; in the Orr household, it also kicks off hunting season. This year we were blessed to host family friends for the opening weekend of dove season.
One of the most gruesome fights for parental rights in today’s courts is right in the middle of the family unit: the fight for custody or possession of a child. With home schooling increasing in popularity and THSC’s focus broadening to include fighting for parental rights, THSC has noticed an increase in child custody and possession issues as they relate to home schooling.
THSC-endorsed Judge John Schmude of the 247th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas, issued a ruling that will likely cause Child Protective Services (CPS) in that county—if not statewide—to act more ethically.
Last fall, over 80 leaders crowded into the 2016 South Texas Leader’s Conference held at The Woodlands, Texas to enjoy informative workshops and see Ely Butuyan of LIGHT Katy Co-op selected as the 2016 South Texas Leader of the Year! It was exciting that she had been selected, because having met her, it was easy to see what an impact she has in Katy, Texas.
