PAACH (Peoria Area Association of Christian Homeschoolers) News

Worshiping God As a Family This Holiday Season

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family is doing well as we celebrate our Savior’s birth. 2025 has brought a lot of changes for my family. We have lost a loved one, change in jobs, and changes in relationships. With all these changes, I know that one thing is constant and that is God’s love for us. These changes that he puts before us help us to grow and trust in him more. They help us to be thankful for opportunities and trails that we are led through. As PAACH has placed the family focus on worshiping together, we are able to include how thankful we are in all he gives. The Christmas season is the perfect time to start or ramp up your worship with the one and true living God. I want to outline a few ways that my family uses.

Family Devotional

First, we start the season with a devotional. This can line up with the Advent calendar and be a countdown to our Savior’s birth. Our favorite is the use of the Jesse Tree. Daily we pull out the ornament for the day that represents the story and bible passage. Our children take turns placing their ornament on the tree. In our devotion, we read the devotion and take turns reading the bible to create involvement. We discuss the story and answer some basic questions that helps relate the Bible stories to God.

Singing As a Family

Second, we sing songs of praise. Our devotional does include lists of songs. I will have to admit that we have been hot and cold doing this over the years. Last year, we would look the songs up on You Tube and sang along with the words. On average we sang about two to three songs a night.

Family Prayer

Finally, we would end in prayer. We would pray from the devotional and add the things that were in our heart. We started a prayer wall last year that again has lost sight in the business of life but are going to revive and plan to continue over the year. My oldest convicted me during our last visit with him. He had a prayer wall for all his college friends and family that he would pray over. I see that he continued it while at school while as a leader at home I let life snuff it out.

With the New Year, we tend to wipe our slates clean as a society. As Christians, we know the only thing that truly wipes us clean is the blood of Christ. Take this season and help it reignite his flame in your heart and in your family worship, and to carry that on past the new year.

The PAACH board desires for you lean on God and His Word, and to know that you have a community of homeschool believers that are here to help and support you throughout your journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do. You are chosen to be a part of his family and to worship him.

Carlos Gonzalez
PAACH Vice President

2026 Homeschool Convention: Made to Worship

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMT

We have been busy planning another great PAACH Convention for next year in April! Check out details on our website. Our theme this year is, "Made to Worship!" focusing on family worship of our Creator and Savior!

Keynote Speakers

We have a great line-up of keynote speakers including:

Todd Wilson, whose humor and gut-honest realness have made him a favorite speaker at homeschool conventions across the country
Kevin Swanson, whose passion is to strengthen and encourage families all over the world
Kirk Smith, Executive Director of ICHE

Friday morning Kevin Swanson will discuss Family Worship, Family Economy, and Family Life for homeschooling families. Then, Saturday morning, Todd Wilson will describe the FOUR Homeschool Temperaments. Finally, Kirk Smith will challenge us all as we depart with A Leap of Faith session on Saturday afternoon.

Vendors

Come check out BJU Press, Teaching Textbooks, Math with Mrs. Brown, and other great curriculum providers! We are adding more each month as we approach convention. Please let us know if you have a curriculum provider you would like to see there by emailing us at peoriapaach@gmail.com.

Kids Classes

Some exciting kids’ classes include:

Terri Gambetti – Painting the Masters, Leonardo DaVinci’s Mona Lisa
Carla Estell – Paper Art Class
Forest Park Nature Center – Reptile Discovery

Teen Classes

Paul Larson’s teen’s classes include:

Geological Evidence for a Global Flood and a Young Earth
Did Jesus Claim to be God?
Are the Four Gospels Reliable?
Do we have the Right Books in the New Testament?
Memorizing Whole Books of the Bible

For Parents

Encouragement for the homeschool mom or dad include:
The Success Factors that Matter Most
Exploring Homeschool Methods
Teaching Your Child the Bible
Homeschooling Through High School
Nurturing a Healthy Mind and Happy Home
10 Things You Need to Teach Your Daughter Before She Graduates
Maximizing the Power of Mentorship
Homeschooling the College-Bound Teen
And many more!

We can’t wait to gather together on April 10-11th for our next amazing homeschool convention and fellowship with other homeschooling families who are going through the same joys and struggles that come with home educating your children.

Early registration opens January 12th. See you there!

Stephanie Irwin
Convention Committee Chair

January PAACH Events

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:00:00 GMT

New to Homeschooling Night

January 8, 2026 at Bethany Baptist Church

7422 N Heinz Ln, Edwards, IL 61528

New and first year homeschoolers are encouraged to attend this FREE event to learn more about homeschooling. More details and registration are coming soon.

2026 Homeschool Convention

Early Registration Opens January 12, 2026

Info & Registration

Career Fair

January 31, 2026 at Resurrection Presbyterian Church

905 S Maxwell Rd, Peoria, IL 61607

Is your teen curious about which careers don’t require a college degree? If so, your teen should attend the PAACH Career Fair to explore careers in entrepreneurship, trades, and more.

ICHE Ladies Mid-Winter Renewal

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:00:00 GMT

January 24, 2026 at All Peoples Fellowship

130 Shawnee Drive Carol Stream , IL 60188

Brook Wayne will be sharing a heartfelt and uplifting message that promises to encourage and inspire you. Come and experience a time of meaningful worship, where we can lift our hearts together in praise. Enjoy a delicious meal as we gather for food, laughter, and fellowship.

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at All People's Fellowship Church in Carol Stream on January 24. Registration is $45.00 for the primary registrant; other household members may attend with the primary registrant for an additional $15.00. Lunch will be provided. Household members include daughters, grandmothers, etc., who reside with the primary registrant. Daughters 12 years and up are welcome to attend.

Discussing the Bible As a Family

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family is finding your rhythm as you march into new school year. PAACH is continuing to focus on encouraging families to worship together daily in your homes. Last month, Vice President Carlos Gonzalez shared some thoughts and ideas about the importance of reading the Bible together. This month, I want to give you some encouragement towards discussing the Bible together and suggest some tools to help in your daily family worship.

First, there are many benefits that come from discussing what you have read. For example, it gives everyone a chance to interact with God’s Word. I try to give each child the opportunity to share an observation about the verse or passage, usually starting with the youngest capable child (starting around age 5 or 6). If they know they get to share, they are more likely to pay attention and thoughtfully engage with scripture. This also helps you to know what they are thinking and to guide the conversation. You may also have opportunity to brainstorm ideas on how to practically apply what you are studying to real life. On Sundays, we discuss our takeaway from the sermon or lesson while we eat lunch. Discussing scripture also grows and keeps unity within your family.

Second, there are several tools that may help your family grow in understanding and sound doctrine. A commentary is an effective way to gain insight into a passage and keep you from misinterpreting or inferring foreign ideas or meanings into scripture. A tool like this can help to teach your family to grow in discernment and how to “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). A catechism is another great tool that will help you to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). The question-and-answer format is helpful to lay a foundation for sound doctrine, to stir up critical thinking, and to build confidence in what you believe. In my home, catechism has started many good discussions and built us up in our faith. Because of the foundations laid through catechism, I have watched my older kids recognize bad teachings and even seek to challenge them appropriately. Another useful tool is a devotional, which may help your family to tackle a specific topic. My family has at times taken a break from catechism and switched to a devotional depending on what our family was experiencing at the time. A wise leader will be sensitive to the needs of his family and flexible to use different tools according to the season or circumstance.

Thirdly, there are many good times to engage in discussion of God’s Word. Discussing the Bible is not limited to the confines of family worship. The brief discussion during your family worship can plant seeds that will then need watering and eventually come to fruition at later times. God tells his people to “talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way…” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). As your children get older, the Holy Spirit often gives you other opportunities throughout the day to continue a discussion from that morning. Often, mealtimes offer opportunities to continue a discussion after everyone has had time to think through a topic or idea. Your child may have had a moment that day to apply that lesson to a situation outside your home. The Holy Spirit may be working on a specific bent or challenge in your child’s heart that causes them to bring it up again. As Paul encourages, it is important to always be ready and open to discussing God’s Word and be willing to “correct, encourage, and rebuke, with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim 4:2).

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards a relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Mom's Corner

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Creativity is God’s Idea & It’s for Everyone

Have you ever heard someone say—or you have said it yourself— “I don’t have a creative bone in my body”? Or have you recognized that you or someone in your family seems to have a bit more of a creative gift than you seem to have? Or have you realized that you or someone in your family has a creative bent, but are unsure of what to do about it? And furthermore, have you noticed how God has and is working creatively in your life and in those around you?

I feel like my eyes have been opened in recent years to the answers to these questions and more as I’ve sought to study God’s character quality of creativity, the fact that creativity is part of being made in God’s image, and noticed how God works creatively in each of our lives for our good and for His glory.

There are many Bible verses, books and articles that have encouraged me as I’ve pursued this study and as I’ve taught art to homeschool students. Here are a few highlights:

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“If you are God, your work is to create out of nothing. If you are not God, but like God—that is, if you are human—your work is to take what God has made and shape it and use it to make Him look great." John Piper, from Don't Waste Your Life

“No work of art is more important than the Christian’s own life, and every Christian is called upon to be an artist in this sense. He may have no gift of writing, no gift of composing or singing, but each man has the gift of creativity in terms of the way he lives his life.” Francis Schaeffer, from Art and the Bible

I hope you can join me at the PAACH Mother-Daughter Tea Party on November 15th as I seek to remind us all of the amazingly creative God we serve, how He desires us to reflect His creativity, and how He is continually working creatively in our lives.

Sharon Pittenger

Reading the Bible As a Family

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Hello PAACH homeschooling families. I pray that your family has taken time to worship together at home. PAACH has been focusing on encouraging families to worship together. The past two monthsour PAACH President, James Cox, and I have outlined four elements for daily worship: (1) Read the Bible, (2) Discuss God’s Word, (3) Pray together, & (4) Sing together. This month I am going to focus on the reading the Bible.

Reading the Bible

Before reading, be sure to open with prayer. Fathers, pray for God to open his word and soften your family’s hearts. God talks about the power of prayer in James. In James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

When reading, it is easy to get caught up in reading from someone else about biblical principles, but the most important thing to do is to read the Bible itself. The Bible is from God while other books about the Bible are written by man. These are good companions to have to go along with Bible reading, but do not replace what God can teach you through his scriptures.

While reading, consider what it is that God’s word wants you and His family to know. God may have something to teach you or someone in your family. He can show you more about Him, His salvation, and His love. God will also teach us how to love, how to pray, how to repent, how to obey, and more. An important “how to” is in Ephesians 6:1-4, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

In Genesis 18:19, God says, “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him.” God commands us to read His Word and teach our children a good sense of morality. More importantly, it gives us an opportunity to share the Gospel message to give them a chance to believe and teach their children. Just by reading the Word out loud, we are planting seeds.

Let’s continue to urge one another to worship. I am going to repeat myself from the July newsletter. Now is the time to hear the call to worship to plant the seeds of His family tree with those He has entrusted you to care for. Fathers, continue to listen to the call to lead in family worship. Mothers, cherish the opportunity to teach your children about God. God wants you to treasure the time with your family that He has given you, and to share his good news with your loved ones. “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

The PAACH board desires for you to lean on God and His Word, and to know that you have a community of homeschool believers that are here to help and support you in your journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do. You are chosen to be a part of His family.

Carlos Gonzalez
PAACH Vice President

Mom's Corner

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Last month, I enthusiastically shared with you my joy in homeschooling and serving my family's needs. This month, I am writing in great despair as I am overwhelmed with challenges. Sister, if you are suffering and in need of a prayer or more, please let us know how we can pray for and or serve you. Additionally, you can seek comfort with other like-minded moms at our annual Mother-Daughter Tea Party in November.

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed," 1 Peter 4:12-13.

As a Christian, I know I will experience life's sufferings and trials during my short stay on this tragically fallen world. But I also know, I have a true and faithful God who is carrying me through this. I look to Him as my strength and refuge as I seek solace in Him.

"But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love," Psalm 59:16-17.

Praise God in all of your circumstances and pour your heart, your anxieties, your fears, your worries, and your tears to Him. Knowing that He hears our cries brings strength and peace, even in the midst of our trials and tribulations. "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint," Isaiah 40:31.

And Sister, please don't neglect yourself. Take short breaks throughout the day or take a morning off once a week (or more, if needed) to yourself. Enjoy a brisk walk or immerse yourself in a hobby. Also, ask your husband, older children, grandparents, or your community for help (PAACH is here to help, too!). Sabbath is a wonderful experience for full restoration.

Lastly Sister, please recognize that you are loved and cherished. Also, you are doing an awesome job! If you feel like you are failing- please stop those negative thoughts! Please take a break and seek alone time with Him. Take care of yourself, beloved. I'm rooting for you, and I will be praying for you.

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come," Proverbs 31:25.

Yvonne Wendt
PAACH Board Newsletter Editor

Volunteers Needed for PAACH Homeschool Convention

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

The PAACH Convention Committee is seeking volunteers for the following positions: Marketing Coordinator, Vendor Co-Coordinator and Registration Co-Coordinator. Each position has specific responsibilities listed below and are required to attend monthly meetings held on the first Saturday of each month. Contact the Convention Committee Chair Stephanie Irwin at sirwin2006@gmail.com with questions.

Marketing Coordinator

Sending out weekly email blasts advertising different aspects of convention when registrations start. Distributing posters and ads to local homeschool groups, co-ops, and choirs starting in January. Contacting local radio stations (WBNH, WCIC, WPEO) for convention advertising spots. Filling out information on the family calendars of local radio stations. Implementing any other new advertising ideas.

Vendor Co-Coordinator

Communicating with returning and potential vendors for PAACH Convention. Creating and securing the map layout of the convention facility. Being present for set up on convention day and facilitating a smooth vendor set up. Following up with vendors post-convention for feedback, sending out IRS forms, and sharing next year’s dates.

Registration Co-Coordinator

Setting up online registration page in Wild Apricot including additional registrations needed for New to Homeschool Night, MP3 Orders, Kids Classes, and other related items sold each year. Monitoring registration, fixing registration problems and fielding questions from Jan - Mar. Providing sign-up information for meals, classes, and volunteers to the proper Committee Reps. Preparing Convention Name Tags, Registration Table Signage, and Paper Registrations/Sales Forms as needed. Attending Convention to set-up, managing registration area, and equipping registration volunteers.

NEW! Convention MP3 Store

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Recordings from past conventions (years 2021-2025) are now available for purchase on our website. We are working on adding more years, so check back periodically. Search for your favorite speakers or get a full set!

Purchase mp3s

Family Worship - Part 2

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family is finding your rhythm as you march into new school year. PAACH is beginning a new focus towards encouraging families to worship together daily in your homes. Last month vice president Carlos Gonzalez outlined four elements for daily family worship: (1) Read the Bible, (2) Discuss God’s Word, (3) Pray together, & (4) Sing together. This month I want to give some thoughts about implementing daily family worship. Some of you may already practice these things with your children, and if so, I hope you are encouraged to continue these practices. If this idea is foreign to you, I hope to ignite and strengthen a resolve to a practice that may transform you family and deepen your relationships with God and one another.

Read

God’s Word is the life blood of our faith. Scripture offers us wisdom, strength, joy, comfort, healing, and more available at any time. This is the place where a believer can find everything needed to live a life of service that continually honors God in daily living. (2 Peter 1:3) Your children will best learn this by seeing you live it out and making opportunity for them to experience the Holy Spirit’s interaction throughout their day.

Discuss

A great way to interact with scripture is through catechism. John Paton shared a childhood memory: The Shorter Catechism was gone through regularly, each answering the question asked, till the whole had been explained, and its foundation in Scripture shown by the proof-texts adduced. It laid the solid rock-foundations of our religious life. I did not have any similar experience in my childhood, but I have seen this same fruitfulness bare out in my children’s lives. For the last 15 years we have used the book “Training Hearts Teaching Minds” which is a devotional based on the Shorter Catechism. Catechism gives the added benefit guiding a thorough discussion and helping to apply scripture and doctrine to every living.

Pray

Leading your children to God’s throne daily is both a responsibility and a privilege. Thomas Doolittle challenges families to pray together daily for many reasons, of which I will share a few. He says you should pray together daily because: you receive every day family-mercies from the hand of God, there are sins committed every day in your family and you are all every day liable to temptations, you have many daily family-wants which none can supply but God. The truth is that we are all sheep who are prone to wander and we need God to draw us back to Him daily. Sharing our hearts with God daily strengthens our connection to Him and allows us time to get know His voice more. (John 10:27- 8).

Sing

Singing songs to God as a family honors God simply because He is worthy of all we have and more. Scripture tells us to love God with our hearts and minds, and singing doctrinally sound songs of worship engages both. I have also found it beneficial to sing songs with the same theme as whatever you are studying in scripture. We have often sung songs by the Gettys, Sovereign Grace, City Alight, etc. that have solid doctrine within them. Music opens pathways to the soul that cannot be opened any other way. It can allow solid doctrine deeper into the heart and mind, and can usher you into the very throne room of God even when your flesh is fighting against you. Worship is a way to force your flesh into submission to God and strengthen your resolve to serve Him.

James Cox
PAACH President

Mom's Corner

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT

One of things I love about homeschooling is the flexibility it provides for my family with scheduling the school year. Previously, I have tried following the local school year calendar and year-round homeschooling. This year, we are doing year-round schooling since this schedule will allow us to continue to homeschool throughout the year with intermittent breaks and to take breaks during my husband's work travel. I find this schedule to be more family focused and it gives us more time to spend with each other and with Him. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" Ephesians 5:15-16.

This schedule works best for us since it accommodates my children’s extracurricular activities, including our church’s Wednesday nights and Bible studies. Also, the schedule aligns with my husband’s travel commitments and family travel plans. Currently, my husband has returned from his two-week work trip to Texas. We are planning to go as a family to visit Texas and New Mexico on his future work trip. My family and I are watching the TV series, "The Chosen" so we are genuinely excited to see the setting of this show, which is filmed in Texas. While in Texas, my husband went on a hike and sent us photos of his hike. I will tell you this, our God is amazing! The photos are stunning, and no man can replicate this. I have shared with you three photos below. I truly can't wait what God has stored for us in our upcoming trip. "How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small" Psalm 104:24-25.

Additionally, the schedule will allow my husband and I to meet this ambitious goal of visiting all 50 states with our children. I love traveling and experiencing various parts of the country and world. I grew up as a military brat, so I travelled to various places and met different people. Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to travel more since we are in control of our schedule. This is a great benefit for our children because they will experience different people, with different lifestyles and perspectives, from various parts of the country. Not only do they get to read about the climate of New Mexico or about the underground railroad from their textbooks, but they will have a chance to see it and experience in person, so their learning will go beyond from what’s in their textbooks. This school year, my children had the opportunity to explore caves and the panoramic views of the rolling hills and deep, wide lakes in Branson, Missouri. Also, they had the opportunity to experience interactive science fun at Putnam Museum in Iowa. In addition, we are planning to visit Cahokia Mounds (currently, my children are reading about Native Americans, so this trip will enrich their learning) and the beaches in East Coast soon.

One the other hand, I believe following the school year calendar has its advantages also. I find this schedule useful since it follows most co-ops and bible studies/school calendar year, it aligns with most school year curriculum teachings, makes planning the school year straightforward, and it allows you and your children to have a generous summer break.

Overall, the most important thing is to find what works best for your family, and most importantly what honors God. It is important as that Christians that we live in a way that honors and glorifies Him. Homeschooling allows us to focus on Him as a family more than if our children went to public school. Homeschooling slows us down and allows us to consume His word daily in the mornings through our Bible readings, through our teachings (many curriculums have successfully implemented His Word and Biblical teachings in their coursework), weekly church and or outside community Bible classes, and nighttime family Bible readings. As a result of this habit, my children love reading the Bible and they take it wherever we go. They have encouraged one of their cousins to read the Bible and brought a Bible for her. Most importantly, we as parents can serve as role models to our children as we continue our walk with Him. What a blessing it is to be able to slow down and to spend time with Him daily! “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” Proverbs 16:3.

As always, we at PAACH, are here to serve you and your family, so please reach out to us and let us know how we can serve your needs. I pray God will guide you and your family on the right path. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" Psalms 119:105.

Yvonne Wendt
PAACH Board Newsletter Editor

Truth & Life Bible Conference

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT

September 19-21, 2025

Riverside Bible Camp - 3001 Riverside Road, Story City, Iowa 50248

We welcome you to join us for our 4th annual Bible Conference! This event has been a rich time of encouragement and fellowship for families of various denominations and backgrounds. We all urgently need this support as evil around us increases.

Throughout the weekend there will be eight messages by speakers from across the country who have made the Bible and family their life passion.

GOALS for this Weekend

Find refreshment for my life
Inspire love and obedience to God
Consider my family’s future
Form friendships in a godly environment
Take home hope & security for my family

ABOUT: Truth & Life Ministries serves as a vendor for Rod and Staff Publishers, taking Bible-based curriculum and storybooks to conventions around the country. This ministry is sponsored by various conservative Mennonite churches in the Midwest.

We identify with the practices of the Anabaptists, a group which began 500 years ago during the Reformation and has continued to this day. The Bible, not popular opinion, is the final authority and guide for life. We daily seek to follow Jesus’ example and obey all the New Testament teachings. We desire to magnify Jesus Christ, and encourage others to do the same.

Throughout the weekend there will be eight messages by speakers from across the country who have made the Bible and family their life passion. There will be several children’s classes for ages 4-12 on Saturday. Volunteers will be available to care for the children as needed on Saturday afternoon. We encourage that children be with their parents during the other conference sessions.

Join in or listen to the traditional 4 part singing that is a highlight of this weekend.

Lodging and meals are provided. Riverside has sizable accommodations (duplexes and cabins) for families and youth to stay in. Cost is $150 per adult, and children are free for the full event. In the spirit of Christian charity, financial assistance is available. Please do not stay at home just because you cannot afford the full amount.

View the Program

To Register

Please send the following information:

Name, Address, Phone, Email
Number attending: adults and children. Please include a list of children’s names and ages.
How much of the event will you attend?
Will you be a day visitor or will you need sleeping accomodations?
Any special requests? Special diet needs? Lodging requests?

Family Worship - Part 1

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Hello to all PAACH homeschooling families. I pray that your family had a blessed summer and were able to encourage one another in God’s Word. As you begin to start a new school year, it is important to remember that above all the curriculum, pencils, pens, notebooks, or other school materials is to remember to get in God’s Word. Life is filled with many things that can make someone busy, but I implore you to make God number one. The dads on the PAACH Board have been working together on a Bible study that encourages one another to lead our families in worship. There are four elements from our lessons that I would love to share.

The first and most important lesson is to READ the Bible to your family. God reveals Himself to us through His Scriptures. In Genesis 18:19, God says, “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him.” God commands us to read His Word and teach our children a good sense of morality. More importantly, it gives us an opportunity to share the Gospel message to give them a chance to believe and teach their children. Just by reading the Word out loud, we are planting seeds.

Second, it is important for us to DISCUSS the readings as a family. In Deuteronomy 6:6- 7, God tells us, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” As parents, God gives us the opportunity to help nurture and develop his seeds through fun and sometimes circular Bible-centered discussions.

Pray, pray, PRAY… is our third element. God teaches us in James 5:16 that “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Our children need to know that we are not afraid to talk with God and pray over them. At my home, we pray for our family, friends, and each other. There are many opportunities throughout the day such as meals, beginning of a school day, bedtime, and especially Family worship time. Prayer will help them to develop their own relationship with God and let the seeds blossom.

Finally, take the time to SING as a family. “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! (Psalm 47:6) While there have been many blessings that have come from singing as a family, to be honest, it is not necessarily always easy to do. I enjoy letting my kids pick songs and take turns to help lead us to sing. This is when you get to see those seeds blossom.

God has given you a heritage. Now is the time to hear the call to worship to plant the seeds of His family tree with those he has entrusted you to care for. Fathers listen to the call to lead in family worship. Mothers cherish the opportunity to teach your children about God. God wants you to treasure the time with your family that He has given you. Every day with those we love is truly a gift from God. Make sure to often speak the Gospel to those you love. Each day with a loved one may be our last as God has our days numbered. “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

Carlos Gonzalez
PAACH Vice President

Mom's Corner

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

How do you respond to change? When life changes and gives you new experiences do you respond well? As a mom, I have experienced a lot of changes. I went from college to marriage. We added kids to our life, and with each new child brings a new experience, with changes to your home. We have changed churches a couple times over our 25-year marriage. Extended family has moved in and out of our lives. There have been job changes. Kids have grown up and moved out. Some of our kids have gotten married and added kids of their own. Currently we are dealing with aging parents and health issues. Each time there has been a significant change in my life I have noticed there is a learning curve, and I do not necessarily respond well.

When I became a stay-at-home mom twenty-five years ago, it took me several years before I was confident in my calling and knew my self-worth in Christ. Life is busy and we get distracted. Satan likes to use distraction to keep us stuck where we are. Life will always be full of changes. That is how we grow in Christ. I have learned that as I struggle when those changes happen it is important to rely on Christ. In Ecclesiastes 1:9 It states, “What has been done is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” I may not know what tomorrow holds but God does. He has plans for our lives, plans for welfare and not evil, to give us a future and a hope according to Jeremiah 29:11. We can be confident as we walk out our life when changes happen. Changes do not need to cause us to worry or be fearful. Because we know that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control, according to 2 Timothy.

So, here I am getting ready to go through another change in my life. I graduated numbers three and four of my kids. There is a large age gap between my older four and my younger two. This year as we start our homeschool year I will be only homeschooling my nine-year-old, while hopefully keeping her two-year-old brother captivated, so we can accomplish what we need. I have not been in this situation, only homeschooling a young one, for quite a few years. I could panic and worry about the two I graduated if they are prepared enough, or I could get depressed and think about missed opportunities or memories when my older kids were little, or I could embrace this season of life and enjoy every precious moment with my 4th grader. After all, this is my moment now. This is where God has me in this life pouring into my two littles and teaching them. I can be confident that I do not know what tomorrow brings but God knows, and He will give me everything I need for that moment. As changes enter your life I want to encourage you to embrace the change and trust God. Not all changes are enjoyable, but we can confidently know that God is walking each step with us along the way.

Arkasia Cox
PAACH Board Legislative Liaison

CIBAD Opportunities

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Central Illinois Born Again Defenders' motto is to “think biblically, speak winsomely, and act graciously.” How do we do that? Through speech and debate and learning to glorify God in all we do. This year we have several opportunities: All camp and classes are at New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw, IL.

Debate Camp

Aug 4-7, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students will learn the fundamentals of debate including how to research evidence, make reasoned arguments, and write an affirmative case. Most importantly, students will get the chance to debate! This class will be taught by former top debaters. Ages: 12-18. Cost: $75

Mystery Storytelling Workshop

Aug 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Follow the clues to good storytelling! Students will enjoy using the mystery genre to explore the ideas of plot, setting, and characterization. In the summer workshop-the game is afoot! Ages 8-18. Cost $15.

Speech

Speech, apologetics, and debate classes start with a parent meeting at 1 pm on August 26 at New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw, IL. All classes meet on Tuesday afternoons beginning on 9/2/25.

APOLOGETICS is for ages 12-18 and meets at 12 until 12:50. Being prepared to give an answer for the hope of Jesus Christ is the heart of apologetics. Students will learn to speak with confidence, clarity, and conviction as they begin the lifelong adventure of learning who God is and grow closer to Him. We use the biblical questions put out by NCFCA as our guide on what topics to cover.

All speech classes meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

BEGINNING SPEECH 1 (BPS 1) is for ages 7-9. We cover beginning speech by playing games, songs, and giving speeches that are very short. We have FUN in this class so the students can learn that public speaking is a way of life.

BEGINNING SPEECH 2 (BPS 2) is for ages 9-12. In this class students are introduced to the 3 main types of speech. They will give 3 speeches in a fun, engaging environment.

NOVICE SPEECH is for ages 12-18. This class prepares students to give the 3 main types of speech and qualifies for a high school speech elective. The students will have opportunities to develop and refine their skills. For those advanced students who have taken the class before we will be offering some advanced training during class.

DEBATE class is for ages 12-18 students who have taken debate camp or received permission from the instructor. This class meets from 2:45 to 4:45. The students will study the resolution for the year, develop affirmative and negative cases, and perform research. We will also practice debate.

All classes end on November 18, 2025, with an all-day celebration. For more information contact

Cindy at cibaddefenders@gmail.com or Lonnie at rlulrich90@gmail.com

Thoughts on Love

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Hello to all PAACH homeschooling families. I enjoyed getting to meet many of you at the PAACH convention and getting to take the time to talk with many of you about your homeschool journey.

Following Valentine’s Day, Easter, and with the end of the school year passing, I have been thinking a lot about love, and how much we as people desire to receive and give love. There are all types of love that we experience on an everyday basis. We love our spouse, kids, parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and even our pets. We especially love God who gave us all the above to love. He put these relationships in our path to show his love.

Our love for God is not the same as our spouse, and the love of our spouse is not the same as the love for our kids and other family members. “We love because he (God) first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. There is no greater love than God’s as he gave us his son to save us for our sins and gave this as a gift for eternal life. It is like getting that love letter and gift on Valentine’s Day, but it is way better than flowers or a box of chocolates. He gifted us a way to eternal life and to be with him forever with the Bible as our love letter, and we get to celebrate this at Easter. The Bible articulates how much he loves us repeatedly.

God even explains to us what love is. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own ways’ it is not irritable or resentful’ it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1Cor 13:4-7) This reminds me of what love is and what I should teach my children the true meaning of love. Love is not just an emotion that grows in sin or lust but that it reflects God. It also should not be wasted on worldly things but should be for God and the people that he gave you to share it with.

Everyone expresses love in different forms. God shows it in the Bible as well. The Bible has many examples of affection. There is being physical (God’s arms open wide), serving others (Jesus washing feet), gift giving (Gospel), and many more. We should be reflections of this love to our spouse and children. The beauty of homeschooling is that we get to teach our children this. We can teach them and show them how to model the patient, kind, humble, polite, tolerant, joyful, and truthful love described in 1 Corinthians.

As your school comes to end, the PAACH board desires for you lean on God and His Word, and to know that you have a community of homeschool believers that are here to help and support you during the summer months. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do. You are chosen to be a part of his family.

Carlos Gonzalez
PAACH Vice President

PAACH Member Discounts

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:00:00 GMT

We've added some new PAACH member discounts!

Flip Flop Spanish
Schoolhouseteachers.com
Book Nook (Peoria and Washington locations)
HSLDA
CLT (Classic Learning Test)
The Animation Course
7 Sisters Homeschool (NEW)
ArgoPrep (NEW)

See Details

Congratulations 2025 Homeschool Graduates!

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Malachi Andrew Cox

Malachi, son of James and Arkasia Cox, graduated from high school in May. He has been busy continuing to work at Casey's in Lacon making pizzas. He has recently been accepted to ICC where he plans to study HVAC. This summer he has started a mentorship program with a family friend. He also plans to work with his dad a few days a week getting hands on experience in the HVAC business. He plans to once again participate in Generation Joshua Civics Camp Statecraft in July. In his spare time he loves reading. His favorite authors are Andrew Peterson, Keith Robinson, and Bryan Davis. The last two authors he found attending homeschool conferences.

Timothy James Cox (TJ)

Timothy, son of James and Arkasia Cox graduated from high school in May. He has been busy continuing to work at Dollar General in Lacon. He will be going on a two week archeological dig with his mentor to the Biblical site Shiloh in Israel in June. He has currently taken up the hobby of RC cars and has invested in his first one. He will be saving this summer towards his gap year. He will be leaving in September for YWAM in Louisville where he will be entering a discipleship training program. At the end of the program, next spring, he will be taking an overseas missions trip.

Bladen Eugene Tisdale

Bladen, son of Steven and Rhonda Tisdale, has completed his senior year and graduated high school. He will be continuing his education in the fall at Illinois State University. He tentatively plans to study accounting. He is currently working full-time at Wal-Mart as a remodeler (sets up store displays.) He has participated in figure skating since the age of 3, earning a Bronze Graduating Senior certificate from USFS. In his free time, he enjoys art projects, playing creation games such as Minecraft, Terraria, as well as Deep Rock Galactic, and spending time with his 4 cats and 3 siblings.

Legislative News Update

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Victory in Springfield! The house adjourned late on May 31st. What does this mean for homeschoolers? HB2827 is officially dead. Take the summer and celebrate the victory in this battle. It is because of all the hard work homeschoolers have put in this spring semester. Calling our reps and senators, attending ICHE cherry pie day, attending the committee hearings, and meeting in person with our legislators helped stop this dangerous bill. Sit back with a glass of lemonade and enjoy the temporary reprieve. However this has showed us we can not take our homeschool freedoms for granted. Keep your eyes to Springfield in the future and be ready to make a stand when appropriate. We suspect the sponsors will be bringing back this bill in some form next year's legislative session.

Arkasia Cox
PAACH Legislative Liaison

BJU Press Homeschool Curriculum Displays

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Check out these upcoming FREE events to preview BJU Press curriculum. For questions or more information, please contact Jessica Gonzalez at (309) 431-1747 or jgonzalezhwp@gmail.com.

June 17, 2025 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Courtyard by Marriott in Champaign, IL
July 8, 2025 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hampton Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie in Peoria, IL

2025 ICHE Family Camp

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

ICHE Family Camp will be held on August 21-24 at King's Camp in Chana, IL. Register online

2025-26 Peoria Cooperative Academy Info

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Peoria Cooperative Academy invites you to join them for 2025-26!

Science Class Enrollment

All classes meet on Fridays at Calvary Baptist Church in Peoria. For more information, please contact Tracy Castro at pcasciences@gmail.com.

General Science: 7th & 8th grade - meets 8:50 to 9:50 a.m. - Class fee $170
Biology: 9th grade & up - meets 8:50 to 10:20 a.m. - Class fee $225

Choir Enrollment

Choir rehearsals begin September 5th and meet 3 Fridays per month in Peoria. For more information, please contact Becky Lawles at pcachoirs@gmail.com.

Joyful Messengers: 1st - 4th grades
Cantate Choir: 5th - 8th grades
Chorale: 9th - 12th grades

PAACH President James Cox Discusses HB2827 with Peoria Standard

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

“The state should not be in control of raising children. Children do not belong to the state; they belong to parents,” Cox said. "It is our responsibility to raise them to be responsible, free citizens, not subjects of the state."

Read Article

Theology of the Family

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family has had a productive school year so far. I also hope your family is doing well as you seek to honor Christ in your home every day. Due to recent events along with the misinformation and growing discussion around homeschooling in Illinois, I feel it is worth revisiting the article from last October. Please read and think through who God is calling you to be in your home AND in the homeschool community.

I have been dwelling a lot on my theology of the family, especially God’s design for and sovereignty over the family. Much of this has come from reviewing struggles in my family and church over the past decade or more. I have noticed that it seems like too many Christians just do not have a good understanding of God’s design for the family or how involved God is in every aspect of the family. I want to make a few observational statements that I hope will challenge you to trust God more, not only in your family, but in the other families in your church.

Let me start with this: God has specifically chosen every detail of your family. He has given you the exact children He wants you to raise at the exact right time. Whether through natural birth or adoption, every child that God gives you has been “formed and knit together” with you in mind to parent and disciple him or her. (Ps 139:13-16) This same passage also says that God has written and planned out every one of their days. Another passage confirms that every person’s “steps are ordered of God.” (Ps 37:23) Paul tells us that God knows every one of us from before the beginning of the world. (Eph 1:4) Here is my challenge: 1) Do you lead your family in a way that shows you believe this? 2) Do your interactions with other families reflect this belief?

Your family: Scripture is clear that you are responsible to disciple your own children to know the Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) Scripture is also clear that you cannot save your children, but only point them towards God. Rather, it is God who saves them through the work of the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of those he has chosen and leads them to Jesus’ work on the cross. As a parent, you have the opportunity and privilege to walk alongside them on their journey. You get to cheer them on when they succeed and pick them up when they fail. The relationship you build with them as they grow up does influence how much they will trust you to continue to guide and walk alongside them as an adult. It does not guarantee that they will walk a straight path or even a path that leads to salvation. What you can do is pray for them, teach the Bible, point them towards God, and love them with grace and mercy no matter what.

Other families: I have had the opportunity to come alongside someone else’s child to walk them back into the arms of his parents after he had walked away and made a mess of his relationships. I have also experienced other well-intentioned believers being too quick to believe the lies of a child walking in rebellion and to give very bad, unbiblical advice to that child. These poor advisers, instead of obeying scripture, end up both sinning themselves as well as steering that child deeper into sin. So, how should you respond when a child of a Christian family comes to you complaining about their mom’s or dad’s parenting? If your first thought is to agree with them or point them anywhere other than back to their parents, think again. You really ought to dig a little deeper to find out the child’s motives. Often a child is looking to be justified in their disobedience and far too often they find it. If you think there could be something to the child’s complaint, then scripture is clear that we are to bring accountability directly to a person in private first. The intent of going to that parent yourself may be to help them see a blind spot or even find repentance for a bad choice. It should never be to play “gotcha” or assume guilt and crucify that person. This requires courage, humility, often a bit of tact, and likely preparation in prayer. Our goal in the lives of other Christian families should be to bring scripture to their situation that will edify, encourage, or even bring correction. (2 Tim 3:16) It is biblical for experienced parents to help teach and train new or less experienced parents. (Titus 2) Remember, God has given that child specifically to those parents…on purpose. He does not make mistakes putting a child with parents who are “too strict.” It could be that child needs precisely the kind of parenting they are getting.

I hope these thoughts will challenge you to think through what you believe and grow in your family as you walk out your relationship with Jesus Christ. Please remember to be quick to listen and slow to speak. (James 1:19) Be slow to make assumptions or quick judgements based on hearsay. You want God to use you to encourage and build up the family. He may even use you to restore a family. Be careful not to get caught up and sow into the destruction of a family.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Tell Your Representatives to Oppose HB 2827

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A legislative update from Springfield. HB 2827 passed the educational policy committee with some rigorous debate. It will move on to the House Floor for a vote with a possible amendment added. This week (March 31- April 4th) representatives will be in their district office and not in session on the floor. This is a perfect opportunity to schedule a meeting with your rep and ask them to oppose HB 2827. You can include personal stories of how this bill will potentially impact your family. We do not know when this bill will come to the floor for a vote. It could be as soon as April 7th. In the meantime also contact your senators and ask them to oppose HB 2827 if it reaches the senate. If your rep/senator already opposes thank them for their support for the homeschooling community.

Arkasia Cox
PAACH Legislative Liaison

See Arkasia Cox Speak at the Peoria County Republican Women Luncheon on April 9th

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT

As the notorious HB 2827 advances in Springfield, PAACH Legislative Liaison Arkasia Cox will address key issues Illinois homeschooling families face and her opposition to HB 2827 at the Peoria County Republican Women Luncheon. The PCRW Luncheon is scheduled for April 9th at Barrack’s Cater Inn, 1224 Pioneer Pkwy, Peoria from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A delicious meal featuring BBQ beef brisket, slider rolls, diced potatoes, coleslaw, salad, dessert, coffee, and iced tea, will be served at noon. The meal costs $15 for PCRW members and $20 for non PCRW members.

RSVP online by April 6th and tell them you are with PAACH

If you have any questions, please text Anita Meeker at (309) 253-2098.

Note: Accommodation for special dietary needs may be requested if notified by RSVP due date.

2025 Homeschool Convention Update

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT

PAACH homeschool convention " A Chosen Heritage" is right around the corner. Online registration is closed but we will still be taking walk-in registrations. There are classes for everyone and once again we will be having ala cart options for lunch. Come see how the sovereign hand of God works in our lives and the lives of our children. Mp3s this year will look a little different. We will be recording 9 sessions (3 general sessions, and 6 workshops in sanctuary). Due to the rising costs of everything we have had to change how to do recordings. This year they will be available on our website approx. 2 weeks after convention for the cost of $15. We will be sending out an email blast with the link. Don't forget our family night this year on Friday. We will have family pizza and movie night. The movie we will be showing is Family Camp. Stay for the evening for a short cost for dinner and enjoy the show!

Convention Committee Volunteers Needed

PAACH is currently looking to add a couple of volunteers to our Convention Committee. The Convention Committee is vital to ensure a smooth, encouraging, and impactful convention. Without our volunteer team, our convention would not be what it is today. Would you like to minister and reach local homeschoolers? Do you want to join in on the fun behind the scenes? We would love to add you to our fantastic team. Please reach out to Arkasia Cox at CFOMediadirector@gmail.com for more information and current needs. As an appreciation for your time volunteering, convention committee members receive a free PAACH membership and free convention registration. Some of our needs are pressing and it would be helpful to shadow team members during this convention. Please reach out soon as we are in the process of finalizing this year's convention.

Child Abuse, Illinois DCFS, H.B. 2827, Home Educators & Rep. Terra Costa Howard

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT

Written by Will Estrada

Almost 2,000 children died in the United States from abuse and neglect in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children and Families.

Illinois and Maryland – with 83 child fatalities in 2023 each – were both number five in the nation for child fatalities.

What are we doing wrong that in the United States in the twenty-first century we cannot stem such a horrific statistic, which belies the immense suffering of the most vulnerable among us?

It is a good question, and a question that could save the life of a child.

But the greatest tragedy is, in Illinois at least, nothing is being done. And Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services – DCFS – has failed to protect our children.

A damning investigative report from Chicago-Sun Times last week showed that “[t]he state agency responsible for keeping Illinois’ most vulnerable children safe has failed to produce legally required public reports after examining what went wrong in hundreds of cases of child deaths and thousands of serious injuries[.]” This covers a staggering number of “[m]ore than 1,200 deaths and more than 3,000 other cases of serious injury … since July 2018[.]”

This is not DCFS’ only failure. In a horrific sex abuse investigation into Martha’s Integrated Care Center on Chicago’s South Side, recent reporting has shown that “the state agency whose job it was to place and protect these abandoned children instead dropped them off at a program it repeatedly failed to monitor.”

Another recent news story showed that a DCFS attorney was fired after employment fraud on the government dime. Another news story shows that DCFS is out of compliance with a 30 year old consent decree which was issued in order to protect vulnerable children in foster care. Another investigative report concluded that DCFS is “a state agency in crisis.”

A state audit of DCFS, released on September 7, 2023, found page after page of “noncompliance,” “weakness,” “significant deficiency,” and “material noncompliance,” with state law and state policy.

And a horrifying report in January of 2023 found that 171 Illinois children died in the past few years from abuse and neglect – who were known to DCFS.

Our legislators are AWOL when they should be holding DCFS accountable for its horrific failures. Illinois State Representative Terra Costa Howard, who serves as vice chairperson of the House Adoption & Child Welfare Committee, has failed to call for any hearings or legislative oversight of DCFS in recent years. She recently released a press statement “thanking” the beleaguered DCFS Director, Mark Smith, when he announced his resignation in the wake of the cascading reports about the failures of the agency he had been charged to lead.

Indeed, Vice Chairperson Costa Howard is apparently so unconcerned about these horrific failures by DCFS that she decided to introduce legislation – H.B. 2827 – to make Illinois’ public education system supervise homeschool families. Her decision to place the protection of homeschool children as an additional responsibility for the public education system is curious, and is a tacit acknowledgement that DCFS is not up to the job.

Instead of doing what it takes to strengthen and reform DCFS to protect Illinois children from death and bring Illinois out of the top five states in the nation with child deaths due to abuse and neglect, Vice Chairperson Costa Howard wants every homeschool family in the state to file a “Homeschool Declaration Form” with their local public school upon pain of criminal penalties if they don’t. It is unclear how this paper form will protect homeschool children from abuse and neglect. It is also unclear how new regulations on homeschoolers will protect the vast majority of children in Illinois, particularly when peer reviewed studies show that homeschool children are not at higher risk of abuse and neglect than their public and private school peers, and when federal data indicate that the vast majority of children who die from abuse and neglect are below the age of compulsory attendance (ACF, Exhibit 4-B).

The supporters of H.B. 2827 testified in a committee hearing on March 19 that according to their research, 7 Illinois homeschool children died from abuse and neglect since CRHE began tracking such numbers. This is a heart-breaking statistic, if true (CRHE’s data is suspect; for example, they list Elizabeth Smart, a public school student who was kidnapped in 2002 from her family’s Utah home by a monster, as a victim of homeschool abuse). CRHE also did not indicate in the hearing how far back these 7 deaths go – they could go back decades. But even if CRHE’s number is accurate, it does not take a data scientist to quickly realize that these 7 deaths – while tragic – show that, statistically speaking, homeschool children in Illinois are far safer from abuse and neglect fatalities than any other cohort of Illinois children.

Every harm to a child is a tragedy. The New Testament records Jesus’ hatred of any harm to a child in Matthew 18:2-6 when Jesus said “. . . whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Those who harm a child are evil.

Illinois, let’s get focused on reforming and strengthening DCFS to protect children. Illinois legislators, stand up and take action to reform DCFS to protect children. And Vice Chairperson Terra Costa Howard, if you are unwilling or unable fix DCFS to protect Illinois children, it’s time for you to retire from politics.

Will Estrada
HSLDA Senior Counsel

Will is senior counsel and contact attorney for HSLDA members in the states of CA, WY, IL, AL, GA, SC, MD, PA, and NH. He works to make homeschooling possible for thousands of member families and hundreds of thousands of homeschool students by advocating in state legislatures for homeschool freedom, working to ensure that homeschool graduates are treated equally, and that the laws protecting the rights of homeschool families are followed by government officials. Will is a homeschool graduate from Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Rachel (a homeschool graduate from Virginia), have two sons, Dominic and Merrick, and live in Northern Virginia.

The Art of Motivation The 4 Forms of Relevancy

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Written by Andrew Pudewa

I have studied the science and art of motivation for many years, first as a violin teacher, then as a writing teacher, and finally as a parent. Although I am far from perfect in my understanding and practice, I have found some basic principles which have helped me and many other parents understand their children better, empowering us to more effectively motivate our kids at times when resistance and unwillingness may seem overwhelming. Parents can easily think—and often say—that their child is “lazy.” I challenge that idea. A genuinely lazy child is a rare thing; children left on their own are tremendously industrious creatures. It might be possible to create a lazy child with years of continuous television and videogames, but in general, children are not lazy. In his excellent book, The Myth of Laziness, Dr. Mel Levine analyzes several cases of people considered lazy and explores the internal and external factors that directly affect productive output. It is a book that can benefit every teacher and parent. However, in our home education efforts, we often find times when our children do not want to do what we want them to do, and we misunderstand this as laziness. Specifically, in the context of education, we find that children often rebel against learning or practicing the things we want them to learn or practice. I believe that when a child says something like, “I hate...” or “I can’t...” or when they behave in such a way as to make it very hard to get them to do things, there are one or more underlying causes. If we can identify these causes, we can restructure our interactions and expectations in such a way that we gain their willingness and ultimately their enthusiasm—though it may take serious effort on our part.

One of the Seven Keys of Great Teaching as explained in Oliver Van DeMille’s book, A Thomas Jefferson Education, is: “Inspire, not Require.” DeMille also points out that doing this can be a tough job. To require performance (“Do this or suffer punishment of some sort”) is easy, but to inspire a student to want to work and learn necessitates much more effort on the part of the parent or teacher. However, DeMille also points out—quite accurately—that no real learning happens unless the learner chooses to learn. No one can make anyone else learn anything. Yes, maybe someone can threaten us into studying and retaining information long enough to pass a test of some sort, but there is no lasting effect. Any of us who slogged through a mindnumbingly boring high school biology class (and maybe even got an A!) but don’t know any biology today (and probably didn’t three months after the school year was over) can attest to the fact that it is possible to pretend to learn and even get a passing grade while, in actuality, learning almost nothing in the process. Therefore, in my study of motivation, I have isolated a factor that most often determines when and whether real learning will occur, and I use the word relevancy to identify it. If something is relevant to you, if it is significant, meaningful, useful, interesting, helpful, then it is easy to study and learn. If something is not relevant to you, if it is not significant, not meaningful, not useful or interesting, then it is very hard to study and learn. I see this as being so true in my own life, and it is true for almost every child I have ever met. I have also discovered four basic kinds of relevancy, and because some are more powerful than others, a parent or teacher who understands them can utilize the information quite beneficially. The four forms of relevancy are intrinsic, inspired, contrived, and enforced; they are generally effective in that order.

Intrinsic Relevancy

Intrinsic relevancy is when something is interesting because it is. Intrinsic interests are likely formed by a combination of personality and environment, and we all have specific interests—some of which may have surfaced at a young age, most of which tend to become stronger as we grow into adulthood. Clearly, children have certain interests common to all and useful for survival. For example, almost all children are interested in knowing about animals that are dangerous or poisonous, and almost all boys have an interest in weaponry. Then, most children start to show more defined and specific interests as they move into the age of reason. Often their interests differ from ours, and we wonder where that fascination came from. However, as teachers and parents, we can and should capitalize on these intrinsic interests. As homeschoolers, we have a great deal of freedom in our choices of curriculum and content—much to the benefit of our children if we are willing to maximize in the curriculum things which are most relevant to them. The number of things we could learn is unlimited, and we will never learn everything about everything—we will never cover all the bases. No teacher in any school anywhere is “covering all the bases,” so don’t even try. That’s the bad news and the good news. Since the number of possible things to learn is unlimited, and we can’t do it all, we can make choices—and whenever possible, choose things that are naturally interesting to our children. They will be much more motivated and have much better retention, as can be seen by how most boys will learn about medieval weaponry far more easily than they will learn about edible plants of North America. If you have a choice, go for what has intrinsic relevancy, and more real learning will happen in the time available.

Inspired Relevancy

The second form of relevancy, inspired relevancy, can also be very effective. Although a child may not have a natural interest in something, he or she will easily become interested if someone they love or respect has a sincere enthusiasm about it. Excitement can be contagious. Most of us liked the subjects in school that were taught by the enthusiastic, knowledgeable, excited teachers, and we disliked the subjects taught by mechanical, dull, uninspired teachers. Children will often become interested because of peer associations, and very often children want to learn about the things their parents enjoy learning. To maximize inspired relevancy, we as parents and teachers want to provide opportunities for children to see others excited about what they’re learning, to be joyful and enthusiastic in our teaching, and if we cannot, find other parents or teachers who are excited. Perhaps we can even set up a little class for our kids and some of their friends. An adult who loves chemistry (and shows it) will be far more effective in teaching and motivating students to study than someone who teaches it reluctantly or hesitantly. Although some children are more easily inspired than others, all children can be inspired with this form of relevancy, which is powerful and important as we design and implement educational opportunities for our children.

But, let’s face it: some things are just not going to be intrinsically relevant, nor will it be possible to make them interesting to everyone. While there are exceptions, most children find things like memorizing multiplication facts, drilling spelling words, or completing grammar workbooks to be rather meaningless in their lives. The intrinsic relevancy is just not there, nor is it likely to be inspired, so we must apply the third form of relevancy, contrived relevancy, and make learning into a game. Sometimes it’s a very small shift. For example, “Find and underline all the prepositional phrases in this paragraph” sounds like a tedious and useless chore. However, to say “There are seventeen prepositional phrases in this paragraph. Here's a list of prepositions. Find them all, and you win!” is a whole different activity. I’m a boy, and I really couldn’t care less about prepositions, but I love to win, and if you set it up so that I can win, I’m much more likely to play your game—and possibly learn something about prepositional phrases in the process, especially since I’m happier to be doing it and therefore more receptive.

Contrived Relevancy

However, any game or economic system you may create as an external or contrived motivator must have two elements: it must be possible to win, and it must have both potential gain and potential loss. If children believe (or come to believe through multiple failures) that they cannot win, they will not play, and you will be forced to resort to the last and least effective form of relevancy. Therefore, children must know that it is possible for them to win, and this usually happens because of previous successes. Secondly, there must be not only a reward for winning, but also a penalty for losing. If we try to motivate only by offering a reward for effort, children may decide that the prizes just are not worth the work, in which case you will be tempted to offer a bigger carrot, thereby creating a new game—one which you don’t want to play—called “How High Can I Bid Mom and Dad Up By Continuing to Refuse Their Offers.” If your game has only negative consequences, your children may think along these lines: “Well, I’ll suffer if I do this, and I’ll suffer if I don’t, so who cares. Life right now is all about misery, so I’ll just go eat worms and die.” So whether you use computer game minutes, chocolate, points, marbles, or dollars, there must be a potential reward for working and winning, and a potential penalty or fine for refusing to do so and losing. Contrived relevancy—usually in the form of a game—can be effective in motivating children to do hard things that they are not otherwise inspired to do.

Enforced Relevancy

The last and least effective form is, of course, enforced relevancy. Unfortunately, however, this is the method we are most likely to use as this method was often used on us. The lecture often goes like this: “You must study and get a good grade on this test, or you will not get a good grade in the class, which will bring down your GPA on your transcript, and then you won’t get into a good college, and you’ll never get a good job, and you’ll suffer misery and poverty your whole life—so study! Now!” As I noted above, this type of motivation can give the appearance of learning, but no real lasting learning is likely to occur. What has been retained long enough for the test will be lost almost immediately unless some other form of relevancy appears. It is also inefficient. I know some boys who can take ninety minutes and shed many tears before finally deciding to finish copying their short paragraph because the threat of “no dinner until you finish” (or some similar punishment) causes them to finally do it—but with a rebellious attitude and certainly a lasting dislike of the activity. However, most of those boys, given a time limit, and a potential gain if they can accomplish it before time is up, would be willing to forgo the eighty minutes of procrastination, antics, excuses, and tears. Then the aftertaste of the task is one of lowered pain and greater success; willingness to do it again will grow. Therefore, we as parents and teachers should always try to avoid using the last and least effective motivator—enforced relevancy.

In summary, relevancy is paramount. If something is relevant, it can be more easily learned; if it is not, everything is harder for both the adult and the student. Whenever possible, capitalize on intrinsic interests, be inspiring (or find people who are), contrive a game that can be won, and shun “gun to the head” enforcement. In other words, “Inspire, not Require.” Strive for this, and everyone will be happier, accomplishing so much more.

The above article is available for your personal use or for distribution. Permission given to duplicate complete and unaltered.

Originally posted on 01/01/2007

Andrew Pudewa
IEW Founder & Director

Andrew is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing and a father of seven. Traveling and speaking around the world, he addresses issues related to teaching, writing, thinking, spelling, and music with clarity, insight, practical experience, and humor. His seminars for parents, students, and teachers have helped transform many a reluctant writer and have equipped educators with powerful tools to dramatically improve students’ skills.

Membership Update

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:00:00 GMT

In March a few of us PAACH Dads met for coffee at Leaves ‘n Beans in Morton. We had really good discussions centered around our common chord of being Christian homeschooling dads. Moving forward PAACH will host a Dads Coffee once a quarter. We will be rotating the venue and adjusting the time in hopes to increase the number of participants. Please look out for the next Dads Coffee which should be some time in June.

McClean Wendt
PAACH Membership Liaison

Homeschooling Family Wanted for Our Family Spotlight

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:00:00 GMT

Would you like to be featured in our upcoming spotlight? We are searching for families eager to share their homeschooling experiences with others. By sharing your story, you may encourage a family to continue or start homeschooling, and you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself as a homeschooling parent. Sign up today to be showcased at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

ASM Central Illinois Scholarships

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:00:00 GMT

The intent of the ASM scholarship application form is to recognize and financially assist talented and dedicated students interested in a career in Metallurgy and/or Materials. It was established to encourage qualified students to take an active role in promoting the field of materials through active participation in ASM. Completion of this form confirms your eligibility for the Julia Bjerke, Richard Van Pelt, Gerald Hoefft, and other possible ASM scholarships.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30th, 2025.

Apply online

Hosanna Homeschool Choir Spring Concert

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for Hosanna Homeschool Choir’s spring concert, “Simple Gifts,” a musical exploration of America’s rich folk tradition. The concert will be on Friday, April 25 at Bethany Baptist Church in Edwards, IL. The performance begins at 7 p.m. with preconcert selections beginning at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this wonderful collection of music the students have been working on this semester!

Hosanna students will be giving an encore performance as part of the "Arts in Education" program on Thursday, May 1 from noon to 1 p.m. This year, the musical presentation will be at the Riverfront Museum at Washington Square. HHC is excited to be a part of this opportunity!

We want to congratulate those of our students who participated in the High School Solo and Ensemble Event earlier this month in East Moline. We extend a special note of congratulations to Lilly Hoover on her high distinction as “Best of the Day” for Strings! Well done, Lilly!

PCA Spring Concert & Spring Musical

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Peoria Cooperative Academy's top vocal jazz ensemble "Out of the Blue" presents I Got Rhythm, an evening of vocal jazz music. 2 performances April 24 and 25, 2025 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Bible Church in Peoria, IL.

Peoria Cooperative Academy also presents Acts: A City Rising, with 3 performances at Calvary Baptist Bible Church in Peoria, IL:

May 15 at 7 p.m.
May 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Enjoy FREE admission to both events - donations accepted.

Classic Learning Test (CLT) Discount for PAACH Members

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Are you interested in a standardized test for your homeschooler that is recognized by over 250 colleges and offers cost savings? PAACH members will receive a discount with CLT or Classic Learning Test by using our PAACH member discount code.

Designed with homeschool families in mind, the Classic Learning Test (CLT) offers assessments that fit students of all educational backgrounds. CLT's college entrance, college preparatory, and end-of-year exams for 3rd-12th graders test foundational skills in reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics, equipping students to reach their academic goals. Homeschool families love CLT exams because they offer:

Online, at-home testing
Flexible testing times
Traditional content instead of Common Core
In-depth analytics reports
Opportunities for unique awards and thousands in scholarships
Group testing at discounted rates

Teen Pact

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

At TeenPact, our goal is to help students understand the political process, value their liberty, and engage the culture through hands-on learning and practical teaching. Our students were at the Capitol to experience first hand the Committee Meeting for HB 2827 and a second class will be at the Capitol the week of April 7-11. Consider incorporating TeenPact into your homeschool year spring. The 4-day class is given 1/3 High School Credit.

It's not too late to register your 8-13 year old students for the One Day class this year which will meet April 11, 2025.

At TeenPact we're changing lives to change the world! Contact Christy Doering with any questions at ChristyDoering@yahoo.com

ICHE Legislative Alert - Take Action Now!

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Written by Kirk Smith

As we have been predicting for several months, Representative Terra Costa Howard (D – Downers Grove) has introduced HB2827. This bill is an egregious action taken against homeschooling families, seeking to overturn 75 years of homeschooling freedoms. It not only affects homeschoolers but also non-public brick and mortar schools. However, the clear motivation is to drastically change the way homeschooling is governed in Illinois, and to remove the parents as the primary gatekeepers of their children’s education.

This is not a registration bill but a comprehensive set of rules, procedures, and qualifications for anyone considering homeschooling. It is written in such a way that it becomes a Pandora’s Box, opening the door for future legislative infringements on our freedoms beyond our present comprehension. For example:

It puts a greater burden on homeschool parents, who are already working hard, and makes Illinois the only state to go backwards in homeschooling freedoms rather than forward.
It mandates a “Homeschool Declaration Form” that demands certain private information and gives the Illinois State Board of Education authorization to add more data collection to the annual form without legislative approval.
It empowers a public-school district to demand—without any reason given—a family produce an “educational portfolio” which would be approved by a local school official.
If homeschool children participate in any public-school activities, they will have to comply with all medical and immunization requirements of the public school, unless you have a religious exemption. This is worded in such a way that it could be a segway to require all homeschooling children to comply as well.
This will have a significant, negative impact on special needs children who have IEPs or other assistance programs

Action Points

Pray for God’s mercy and ask Him to give us favor in the eyes of the legislators.
Be gracious, kind, and professional in your communications (online, on the phone, and in person). Some legislators have used disrespectful interactions with homeschoolers to deepen their anti-homeschool bias.
Have every voting adult in your home call your state representative and state senator at the Capitol and/or district office. Respectfully, but firmly, ask them to oppose HB2827. Hopefully, the line will be busy, so keep on calling. (Your senator may not yet be aware of this bill as it was just filed, but you can inform him.) If possible, a face-to-face meeting is even more impactful.
Share this information with all your homeschooling friends, coop members, private school friends, etc., encouraging them to make phone calls. It does not matter if they are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, non-sectarian. The more diversity the better.
Bring your family to Cherry Pie Day in Springfield on March 6.

Suggested Script

Representative ____________, I respectfully urge you to strongly oppose HB2827, ironically called the Homeschool Act. Homeschooling works as is evidenced by our academic and social success. This proposed bill infringes on our rights and adds undue burdens on homeschool parents who are already working hard to see their children succeed in life. As the old adage says, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Thank you for protecting our rights in the past and continue to do so into the future.

Remember, freedoms are not free. We must stand vanguard over them. This is our time.

Full text of HB2827

God's Design for Your Family

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 15:51:19 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family is doing well as you seek to honor Christ in your home every day. I have been dwelling a lot on my theology of the family, especially God’s design for and sovereignty over the family. Much of this has come from reviewing struggles in my family and church over the past decade or more. I have noticed that it seems like too many Christians just do not have a good understanding of God’s design for the family or how involved God is in every aspect of the family. I want to make a few observational statements that I hope will challenge you to trust God more, not only in your family, but in the other families in your church.

Let Me Start with This

God has specifically chosen every detail of your family. He has given you the exact children He wants you to raise at the exact right time. Whether through natural birth or adoption, every child that God gives you has been “formed and knit together” with you in mind to parent and disciple him or her. (Ps 139:13-16) This same passage also says that God has written and planned out every one of their days. Another passage confirms that every person’s “steps are ordered of God.” (Ps 37:23) Paul tells us that God knows every one of us from before the beginning of the world. (Eph 1:4)

Here is my challenge

Do you lead your family in a way that shows you believe this?
Do your interactions with other families reflect this belief?

Your Family

Scripture is clear that you are responsible to disciple your own children to know the Lord. (Deut 6:4-9) Scripture is also clear that you cannot save your children, but only point them towards God. Rather, it is God who saves them through the work of the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of those he has chosen and leads them to Jesus’ work on the cross. As a parent, you have the opportunity and privilege to walk alongside them on their journey. You get to cheer them on when they succeed and pick them up when they fail. The relationship you build with them as they grow up does influence how much they will trust you to continue to guide and walk alongside them as an adult. It does not guarantee that they will walk a straight path or even a path that leads to salvation. What you can do is pray for them, teach the Bible, point them towards God, and love them with grace and mercy no matter what.

Other Families

I have had the opportunity to come alongside someone else’s child to walk them back into the arms of his parents after he had walked away and made a mess of his relationships. I have also experienced other well-intentioned believers being too quick to believe the lies of a child walking in rebellion and to give very bad, unbiblical advice to that child. These poor advisers, instead of obeying scripture, end up both sinning themselves as well as steering that child deeper into sin. So, how should you respond when a child of a Christian family comes to you complaining about their mom’s or dad’s parenting? If your first thought is to agree with them or point them anywhere other than back to their parents, think again. You really ought to dig a little deeper to find out the child’s motives. Often a child is looking to be justified in their disobedience and far too often they find it. If you think there could be something to the child’s complaint, then scripture is clear that we are to bring accountability directly to a person in private first. The intent of going to that parent yourself may be to help them see a blind spot or even find repentance for a bad choice. It should never be to play “gotcha” or assume guilt and crucify that person. This requires courage, humility, often a bit of tact, and likely preparation in prayer. Our goal in the lives of other Christian families should be to bring scripture to their situation that will edify, encourage, or even bring correction. (2 Tim 3:16) It is biblical for experienced parents to help teach and train new or less experienced parents. (Titus 2) Remember, God has given that child specifically to those parents…on purpose. He does not make mistakes putting a child with parents who are “too strict.” It could be that child needs precisely the kind of parenting they are getting.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Illinois Homeschooling Legislative News

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 14:56:53 GMT

Illinois has long enjoyed a free state when it comes to homeschooling. The homeschool laws have not changed since 1950’s in People v. Levisen when homeschooling was ruled as private schools with parents having the constitutional right to educate their children. Many of you have heard about homeschooling in Illinois in the news recently with the Pro Publica news article and representative Terra Costa Howard’s response.

What does all this mean and how should we respond as homeschoolers?

I want to remind you of the long hard fight our predecessors fought in the name of defending the right to homeschool. We are so thankful and blessed to benefit from their work. Let us not see their work in vain. There has been a buzz among the homeschool community that we need to be gearing up for a fight. With the many new homeschoolers in recent years due to covid and government overreach, many do not realize how far we have come. As you go to your homeschooling activities, I would ask you to share with others where we have been and how much we have been enjoying the right to homeschool freely. Let us be on guard and ready to defend what we believe.

Meet your state representatives

As the Illinois representatives are in recess currently, now is the perfect time to introduce your family to your local representative. Let them get to know you and your family and what homeschooling looks like in your home. Homeschooling does not need more regulation. The few cases that have been cited in the news lately has been a failure at the CPS level not homeschooling. Let the representatives know how regulating homeschooling will put an undue burden on your family. Talk to your homeschool friends, especially those new homeschoolers who may not understand what is at stake.

Illinois is not the only state that has come under fire recently, because of homeschooling

Many states are feeling the pressure. In fact, the Coalition for Responsible Homeschooling, a left leaning lobbyist group, is currently trying to work on a bill to make homeschooling “safe.” Unfortunately, many aspects of this bill will be damaging, hurtful, and bring bureaucratic oversight into our homes. Do your research. Look into the Coalition for Responsible Homeschooling group to see how dangerous their agenda would be. It is sad to see some of the organizers of this lobby group had a poor or harmful education experience. This does not justify a call to regulate homeschooling on the experience of the few. Many families do care about their children and want the best for them. In fact, research has shown the majority of homeschoolers are homeschooling out of love and compassion for their children. Research the details about the bill “Make Homeschool Safe Act.”

After you have done your research, ACT!

Some expect a bill to be introduced in the state very soon. Meet with your representatives. Bring your kids along and turn it into a homeschool lesson. If a representative personally knows homeschooling families and how any legislation would impact them, it would be very difficult to be in favor of such legislation. Look to the PAACH newsletter. We are in the process of arranging a tour in Springfield in November. This would be a great time to personally meet your rep. Make sure you are signed up for HSLDA email alerts at www.hslda.org. They are actively monitoring the situation. We have listed below some links and articles to help get you started in your research.

Resources

Coalition for Responsible Home Education - website
Make Homeschool Safe Act - download
ProPublica News Article - read
Illinois Lawmaker Calls for Strengthening Protection for Homeschooled Children - read
Contact Your IL State Representatives - website

Arkasia Cox
PAACH Legislative Liaison

2024 ICHE Father & Son Camp

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:22:05 GMT

Building Up Fathers and Sons Since 1995

For nearly 30 years, it has been our mission to help fathers and sons deepen their relationships and create lifelong memories.

We hope you'll join us this year October 17-20, 2024 for a weekend to remember.

What began as an overnight outing for three dads and three sons grew to a four day event with over 500 fathers and sons in attendance. By combining outdoor adventures with inspiring ministry, the Miller family hopes to strengthen family bonds and ignite a passion for serving Jesus Christ.

See FatherSonCamp.org for more details.

Board of Directors Update

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 15:01:25 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family is doing well as you seek to honor Christ in your home every day. If you have already begun your school year, I hope you are finding your rhythm and enjoying your children. Exciting changes are happening with the PAACH board. Over the past 2 months we have said goodbye to 2 beloved board families and welcomed 2 new board families.

There are 2 families that deserve our appreciation who have served well and been an integral part of the rebranding and rebuilding of our organization. Matthew & Lisa Lewis served on the board for 9 years and have stepped down to give another family the opportunity to serve. They will continue to be a part of the PAACH community. Scott & Kristina Meyers served on the board for 4 years and have moved to Kentucky to serve at the Creation Museum & Ark. Both families believe strongly in family discipleship and have shown their heart for homeschooling. They will be greatly missed. If you would like to send either of these families an encouraging card or letter, please contact us for their addresses.

Two new incredible families have joined the PAACH board. Tim & Stephanie Irwin are experienced homeschoolers, and they are excited to use their experience and talents to serve the PAACH community. McClean & Yvonne Wendt are somewhat new homeschoolers who are passionate about bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to the homeschooling community. Both families exhibit a heart for family discipleship and a desire to help other families grow and thrive as homeschoolers. We look forward to seeing how PAACH families will benefit from their service.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH Presiden

Setting a Christ-Like Example

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschool families. It’s almost time to begin a new school year, which means that some of you have already begun planning out your school year. Meanwhile, others of you will begin your yearly panic as you read this because planning and organization is just not in your blood. In fact, you’ll probably just wing it… again. Either way, your kids can have a good school year full of learning, fun experiences, and relationship building. As you are doing your school prep, I wanted to remind you that your greatest teaching tool is… you. How you live before God will teach your children way more that any book curriculum, or experiment, or anything you could possibly say to them. So here are a few questions to help guide towards setting the most Christ-like example.

First, do you continually seek to be filled with the Spirit? When Paul emphasizes that we should “look carefully how we walk, being wise and understanding the will of the Lord (Eph 5:15-17),” he recognizes that we cannot do these things on our own. His solution for how to do these things is to “be filled with the Spirit so that we may encourage one another and be thankful toward God for everything.” (Eph 5:18-20) Realistically, we cannot do anything else in this passage without the help of the Holy Spirit. Paul knows that we are imperfect “leaky” vessels, which is why we need to continually be filled. Is that the example you are living out in front of your kids? Do they know that living a life of repentance allows the Holy Spirit to claim and redeem more and more of your heart?

Second, do you know where you draw your lines? Do you hold those lines faithfully despite the consequences that will follow? The book of Daniel lays out examples for us in chapters 1 and 3 of how to draw a line and stand. Daniel and his three friends determined in their hearts to trust God with their lives and God miraculously sustains them on an impossible diet and saves them from certain death. What is important to note in these two examples is that they make it clear that they will NOT compromise even if God chooses not to save them. Are you confidently trusting in the sovereign God who always holds your life in His hands? Do you really believe that He is sovereign or do your children see fear or doubt ruling in your life?

Third, is sharing Christ with others your highest priority no matter what? The church that my family attends has been teaching through the book of Acts on Sunday mornings. I had the privilege of teaching through Acts 8:1-8. The trials faced by the early church included being hunted down, imprisoned, and even being executed for their faith in Christ. Because of this, they were forced from their homes into places they might not have chosen to go otherwise. Even through all these difficulties, they continued to “preach Christ” wherever they went. Too many times we go through hard situations in our lives, get focused on ourselves to the point that we question God, and then try making the case that we “don’t deserve” what is happening to us. Truthfully, we really don’t want to know or receive what we deserve, but that isn’t even the real issue. The real issue is that we were created and live for His glory. The fact is that our hardships are opportunities for God to be glorified and for unbelievers to see and be witness to His goodness. This is what Luke points out in Acts 8, that many came to salvation because of the suffering and hardships of believers because they were faithful to always preach Christ. Preaching Christ gives purpose to trial or hardship because God is glorified and proves that He really does “cause all things to work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) That’s right, God can use your difficulties not only for your good, but for the good of others who are called according to His purpose and will love God even when they don’t know it yet.

I don’t know how many times you have said “ouch” or had an “aha” moment in the last few minutes, but I do hope you are challenged and encouraged in your faith as you strive to be Godly parents and teachers. (If you are interested in further exploring these ideas, some of this article was inspired by Alistair Begg’s book Brave by Faith.) As always, the PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

5 Things That Really Matter in Your Child's Education

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Written by Kelly Crawford

Raise a virtual hand if you can remember what years WWII was fought? Can you find the length of the hypotenuse? Do you know what a hypotenuse is? What element on the Periodic Table is abbreviated Sn? What about Os? Can you identify an intransitive verb in a sentence? How about a diphthong? And have the answers to any of these questions helped you be a more successful person?

As a homeschooling mom, you have probably felt the load of guilt from “not doing enough.” And by “enough”, you likely are comparing your homeschool curriculum with either your memory of school or with others around you as they attempt to “do school.”

It is imperative that we ask ourselves the question: “What is really important in the education of my children?” instead of assuming that the system has it figured out.

Do we want our children to be good at school, good at tests, or educated in a meaningful way that will benefit them in their real lives? Force yourself to think outside of your experience and see the difference between schooling and educating.

“I’ve come to realize that being “academic” doesn’t tell you much about yourself. It tells you you’re good at school, which is fine if you plan to spend your life in academia, but very few of our students do. It doesn’t indicate whether or not you’ll be successful in your marriage, raising your kids, managing your money, or giving back to your community. All things that matter much more than being good at school.

School should be a place where kids can discover what they love. They should be able to ask the questions that matter to them and pursue the answers. They should discover what they are passionate about, what truly sets their hearts and souls on fire. They should discover they can make a difference now. Above all, they should leave school knowing what they are good at.” (English teacher, Shelly Wright, Academic Teaching Doesn’t Prepare Students for Life)

Because we only have so much time in a day, and so many days in a year, and just like that, our children are done with their education.

So What Matters?

Is it not true, that we believe an education is the key to [earthly] success? So why is it that so much of what is included in a standard education has nothing to do with being successful? And shouldn’t we be concerned enough about that to question the status quo?

Here is my opinion of what really matters when it comes to a practical preparation for life: (It’s a given that I believe everything should be undergirded with our love and fear of the Lord. The following are more practical things as it relates to earthly success.)

1. Financial Literacy

Honestly, I think this is at the top of the list of things that will MOST impact our children in their practical lives. Because no matter what academic subjects are mastered in school, if a person grows up without a solid foundation of how money works, how to manage it and make it and how to keep it, it will matter little what he does for a living or what he scored on his ACT.

The truth is, we’re preparing our kids to have a family and make a living. That’s pretty much what we all grow up to do, one way or another. On the financial side of things, our kids have more opportunities than ever before, to make money doing what they love. But, they have to see it and have an intelligent grasp of economy in the real world.

Schools, in tragic irony, aren’t giving our children a solid foundation of economy and real-life finances, on which most of their earthly success will depend. We love Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance for high school.

2. The Three Rs

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. Our children need a good foundation in these three, and after that, the sky is their limit. We live in an age where information is innite. Our children have anything they want to know at their ngertips. They just need to know how to access that information and the freedom to do it. We can’t learn a fraction of everything. So why not learn what we’re interested in, because that’s the only thing that we will retain anyway. Really, our job is pretty simple. And if we think that their education is limited to what we impart to them, we’re wrong.

3. Relationships & Conflict Resolution

Because, life and people.

4. Problem-Solving

We have two choices as we live life. Complain and despair, or find solutions to our inevitable problems. We need to be talking prolifically to our children about the right choice of facing our problems head on with an optimistic, problem-solving stamina. Largely, a person’s success will depend on his willingness and ability to solve life’s problems. The end.

5. Character

Even though this is listed last, it really encompasses the others and isn’t necessarily just an item in the list. Diligence, honesty, integrity–these are the traits that, along with the aforementioned things, will serve our children well, bringing them success in their endeavors. The Bible bears it out, and so does experience. Character is best taught by our living example, so we have our work before us. Let us live lives worthy of emulation.

So what I really want to say to you, my fellow homeschooling mama is this: chill out. It’s OK if your kids can’t answer all the questions on Jeopardy. Granted, that would be impressive, but we shouldn’t be about the business of impressing. You’re doing more than you think. The endless worksheets aren’t going to make a big difference in your child’s ultimate success. Even the test scores can be a decoy from true learning.

Keep it simple and homeschool on.

Kelly Crawford
Generation Cedar

Kelly will be a Keynote Speaker at our upcoming PAACH Convention

Hope & Forgiveness

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of making memories with family and giving thanks to God for all the many blessings He has given you. Now, as we look towards Christmas, I want to encourage you to remember God’s greatest gift. Jesus came offering salvation to all who trust in Him. He gave us the precious gifts of hope and forgiveness.

Christmas is a time to experience great hope. You may be wondering, “how do I experience this hope?” In his letter to the Romans, Paul proclaimed “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may over ow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom 15:13) According to Paul, hope begins when you trust in Him and grows as your trust in Him grows. As you trust Him, you are filled by the Holy Spirit with joy and peace which overflows your heart with hope. The challenge for us is to look for opportunities to trust God every day. Do you and your family look for ways to exercise your trust in Him? Do you look for ways to be a blessing to others so that God may draw others to Himself through you? If you want to increase your hope, look for opportunities to serve and bless others and share your hope with them. “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Rom 5:5)

Jesus has also given us the incredible gift of forgiveness. This gift can be received over and over again. John tells us that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Forgiveness is offered to us as many times as we need through confession. However, this gift comes with one caveat…it must be given as freely as it is received. Paul tells us to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph 4:32) Jesus warns us that this gift can be revoked if it is not given. (Matt 6:14-15) In fact, forgiveness is so important that it can hinder our worship. Jesus says that we should reconcile with our brother before offering worship before God. (Matt 5:24) The Christmas season is the perfect time to reconcile (if possible) with a brother or sister. Look for opportunities to share the gospel with someone and help them receive the gift of forgiveness this holiday season.

The PAACH board wants to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We pray that you experience the gifts of hope and forgiveness through Jesus Christ this year. The board also desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Finding Joy in Walking Your Child into Adulthood

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your homeschooling journey has been exciting and full of adventure so far this school year. I’m sure you have had your challenges as you endeavor to grow with your kids and show them how to live every day to glorify God. I want to share a little bit about my experiences navigating the difficulties of walking your child into adulthood. I also want to touch on the importance of finding joy during those difficulties.

One of the goals you should have for your child is to grow into a responsible adult. Teaching them how to think critically and weigh out consequences will go a long way in helping them to learn from their mistakes (which they WILL make). As parents, we tend to set unrealistic expectations on our children. When this happens, we are almost sure to overreact and be too hard on them when they mess up. This can exasperate your child and cause them to become discouraged (Col 3:21) You want to build your child up in the Lord, teach them self-discipline, and give them the tools they need to continue to learn and grow as an adult. If we are to be God’s representative, then we must learn to follow His pattern of discipline. In scripture, God often warns us of consequences while still leaving the choices up to us. I have tried to do this with my children starting around the age of 12. I will often talk with them about a problem they are facing and help them weigh out possible choices and the consequences. Then I remind them that they are the one who has to live with their choice and let them choose. This process has helped my wife and I keep a strong relationship with our children and gives an opportunity to build trust. When your child makes a decision that results in the bad consequences you warned them about, they learn to trust your wisdom.

Another conversation that my wife and I have with our kids regularly is that we are for them just like God is for us. We assure them that we are not wanting to control them, but rather teach them to control themselves. When they are younger the consequences come from you as the parents, but as they grow older the consequences come from God. Many are built into His design, and some come from His discipline directly. (Hebrews 12:5-11) We also walk them through the process of repentance, restitution, and reconciliation. God’s design in the law (throughout Leviticus) shows that God wants us to make right the damage done by our bad choices. This seems to be a lost concept in today's Christianity, but it is necessary for those in a church to maintain good relationships. The fact is that saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t magically fix our mistakes. However, it can be a good first step when accompanied by an acknowledgement of the hurt caused and an effort to replace or rebuild what has been broken. The truth is, teaching these things is in itself painful because they must be taught by example. Some time of self-reflection on how you handle fixing your mistakes might be beneficial at this point. What kind of example are you living out when you make a mistake and hurt your spouse or child?

Finally, I want to share a practice that has helped my wife and I through some pretty tough times when our children’s decisions have hurt us deeply. At times, we have felt disrespected, betrayed, attacked, discouraged, and incredibly frustrated as a result of a child’s bad decision. We have often asked ourselves these questions:

Did I make this mistake when I was their age?
Have I treated God the way I feel my child is treating me?
How did my parents respond when I made this mistake? Was it helpful or hurtful to me?
How can I love my child in this situation?

When it comes to the end of the day, we strive to restore the relationship with that child because that’s what God does. No matter what we do, God works it for our good because what is best for us is to remain in relationship with Him. He always draws us back towards Himself. No matter what your kids do, they will always be your kids. You love them because God loves you and your kids. One last tip: Enjoy the times when you are in good relationship. Remembering the joyful times can be very helpful when persevering through the hard times. I pray that you will have much joy in your family.

The PAACH Board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

How to Give Our Children the Very Best

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope this month finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling activities. As we dig into the school year, I wanted to remind you of the reasons we homeschool. We want our children to have the best education possible and nobody wants your children to succeed more than you. More than this, we want our children to grow in a biblical worldview and to know and have their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Homeschooling is how we meld these two things together as we “train our children in the way they should go.” (Prov 22:6)

First, we want our children to get the best education. It is important to keep in mind that our children are individuals with unique personalities and gifts. As homeschoolers, we can tailor each child’s education to grow them in their specific gifts and interests. Doing this gives them a head start towards excelling in those subjects of interest. For example, my second oldest daughter spent the last two years of high school studying and training along side other women 5-15 years older than her and completed her doula certification right after she graduated. Many of those women told her they wished they had started their training at her age. This same daughter started her own business career at the age of eighteen, has attended multiple births as a doula, and even had the opportunity to deliver a baby when the midwife was held up. I share all this to say that your children will have advantages and opportunities that others their age do not because you are homeschooling.

We also want our children to grow in a biblical worldview. We want them to know who God is and that He has created them for a purpose. We have the privilege of helping them discover what that purpose is, or at least help to point them in the right direction. In order to accomplish this mission, we must endeavor to know them better and grow in our relationship with each of them. We also need to show them how to relate to God and others by how we live and serve. We want our children to grow up into contributing members of the church and in the world. We must warn them about the difficulties waiting for them as they go out into the world (John 16:33) and how to turn to God in their weaknesses. (1 Cor 1:26-31 We must teach them how to stand on the rock of Christ and walk in His ways. We must point them to the simple command to love God above all else and to love others.

Homeschooling is ripe with possibilities and opportunities to grow our children up in “the fear and admonition of the Lord” (Eph 6:4), and to teach them to use their gifts to honor Him. It is the best way to help them grow into fruitful believers who want to serve God and His people. It is also the best way to grow ourselves as we learn together. Don’t get too caught up in repetitive daily schedules where you miss the many opportunities to plant seeds and water your children’s souls. Finally, remember to leave all your worries and shortcomings in the gracious hands of our sovereign God and his providence. (1 Pet 5:7) He knows the path they must walk to find Him and trust in Him. (Ps 37:23, Job 23:10)

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be godly parents who lead your children toward Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

2023 ICHE Family Camp

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 21:44:39 GMT

Who? Former, Current, & Future Homeschool Families

What? ICHE Family Camp

When? Thursday, September 7 - Sunday, September 10, 2023

Where? Camp Timber-lee, East Troy, WI

Why? Because, yes, we CAN take off school right after Labor

Day for fellowship, rest, encouragement, fresh air, campfires, carpetball, gagaball and volleyball.

Loving Our Kids Well

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope you are doing well as another school year begins. I have been challenged over the last month as I have been meditating on 1 Corinthians 13. I have been thinking about how this passage denes family relationships. I would like to share some of my thoughts and struggles with you.

I love my kids. If anyone were to ask me if I love my kids, my answer would be an immediate “yes.” However, what if I were to apply Paul’s definition of love (1 Cor 13:4) and reword the question like this: Is my relationship with my kids defined by an abundance of patience and kindness? Am I quicker to judge my child’s motives or to offer forgiveness when they make mistakes? Do I keep a scoreboard of those mistakes? Questions like this cause me to hesitate before answering that original question. Now I am forced to re-examine how WELL I love my kids. I am fully aware that there is no such thing as a perfect parent, but I must also remain vigilant in acknowledging my shortcomings as a parent. I am challenged to walk with God and before my children in a worthy manner. (Col 1:9-10) Scripture urges me to walk in humility and forgiveness, giving grace to all. Why is this so important as a parent? Because I am trying to set an example that I hope my children will follow; an example of what it looks like to live a life of repentance which bears fruit. (Matt 3:8, Gal 5:22-23)

As a parent who now has children currently ranging from adult to teens to newborn, I have been given a multitude of opportunities to prove my love for my children. I don’t think anyone would be surprised to find out that patience and kindness are not my default response. I have had plenty of opportunities recently to discipline my children. It seems that the bigger they get, the bigger the mistakes. In most of those opportunities, I have found myself needing to apologize for responding poorly and to share my past where I made many of the same mistakes that my children are making. What I am learning through all of this is that God’s grace really is sufficient in every circumstance. (2 Cor 12:9) Humility, an apology, and (age appropriate) straight-talk go a long way in building trust with your children. These same things also build their faith when they can see that God has forgiven you and blessed you after making some big mistakes. Paul knew what he was talking about when he said that God can work all things for the good of those who love Him… (Rom 8:28) He can take your past mistakes and turn them into wisdom, ministry opportunity, and even tools for relationship building with your children. What an amazing God who saves us and then uses us to bring others to salvation… maybe even our own children. Homeschooling has so many possibilities and benefits. I encourage you to take some time to reflect and learn to love your children better.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Fall Christian Center Activities

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:00:00 GMT

Fall Soccer

Cost until June 30: 1st player - $70 | 2nd player - $65 | 3rd or more player - $60

Cost after June 30: 1st player - $80 | 2nd player - $75 | 3rd or more player - $70

Homeschool Bowling

Looking for a P.E. credit for your homeschoolers? The Christian Center is again reserving Friday afternoons for Homeschooler Bowling sessions. All skill levels supported. Family-friendly facility. Reasonable fees for bowling and shoes.

4100 N Brandywine in Peoria. For more information call (309) 685-4218

Dads & Lads

Fridays 5 to 8 p.m. FREE Bowling and/or Billiards (dads must participate with sons to be eligible to play for free)

Peoria Cooperative Academy

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:00:00 GMT

PCA Co-Op

Learning history at PCA is fun for the whole family! Watch a mummy being made, experience a medieval feast, follow the north star with Harriet Tubman, come to Ellis Island as an immigrant, and more! PCA has openings for the upcoming school year. Our Beginners thru Jr. High group has a history focus through a Biblical lens. All ages from birth through 8th grade are welcome. We meet on Friday afternoons from 11:45 am - 3:00 pm, September thru early May.

We also have a high school program that meets on Fridays from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm. This year highschoolers will earn a half credit each in speech, British literature, fine arts (focusing on medieval art and architecture), and Personal Finance. High School Students also have the opportunity to participate in our Fall play. For more information please contact Joan Reinhard @ joanereinhard@gmail.com or 309-363-5886.

PCA Choirs Information 2023-24

Peoria Cooperative Academy Choirs are open for enrollment for our 2023-24 school year! Our choirs are part of the Peoria Cooperative Academy Co-op, a Christian co-op that currently meets on Fridays at Calvary Baptist Bible Church in Peoria. The choirs prepare pieces to perform in two formal concerts during the academic year – a Christmas concert and a Spring concert. Rehearsals also include instruction in music education and choral singing. The directors have adopted a methodology that is consistent across the choirs to encourage musical development from the youngest ages progressing through high school.

We have three choirs:

Joyful Messengers

K thru 4th grade - directed by Larissa Steffen, this choir meets at 10 -11 a.m. Cost per year: $125

Larissa Steffen

Larissa is a lifelong resident of Morton and graduate of Morton High School. Throughout her growing up years, she had the opportunity to participate in numerous church choirs and ensembles, Madrigals, All-State choir, and orchestra, as a violinist. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University studying music education with a focus on voice, but switched majors to nursing at ICC after getting married to Justin in 2009. They now have six children. She continues to participate in various ensembles, such as Peoria Area Civic Chorale and Morton's production of Messiah. She was greatly influenced by her Junior High chorus teacher, the late Heidi White, and hopes to bring the same delight and enthusiasm for music to the Joyful Messengers!

Cantate

5th thru 8th grade - directed by Annalise Duffer, this choir meets at 10-11 a.m. Cost per year: $150

Chorale

9th thru 12th grade - directed by Annalise Duffer, this choir meets at 2 – 3 p.m. Cost per year: $200

Annalise Duffer

Annalise is a home school and PCA choir graduate herself, after which she attended Bradley University to study music. She worked at Limestone High School in Bartonville for four years as their accompanist, which afforded opportunities to lead sectionals, substitute teach for the choir director, and direct a female vocal jazz group. She has also directed musicals for the TEAM home school drama group, directed Grace Presbyterian Church's Teen Choir, and music directed Cornstock Theatre's production of Camelot. Annalise has been teaching private piano lessons for ten years and will begin her fifth year as director for PCA choirs. Annalise is passionate about choir, music education, homeschooling, and loves working with kids of all ages. She and her husband have two daughters, and are looking forward to home educating as well. We welcome Annalise back as director this year!

Chorale members participate in Bradley University’s John Davis Festival each year, and select members are invited to participate in Bradley University’s High School Honor Choir. Chorale members are also eligible to participate in ILMEA in their freshman through senior years (this is optional).

Madrigals / Jazz Ensemble

This is a smaller, audition group open only to Chorale members, sophomore through seniors. In the fall semester, the group learns and performs Madrigal music for a special Madrigal event in late fall, and traditional carols for the St. Lucia Nights in Bishop Hill in December. In the spring, participants learn jazz pieces to perform at a special concert in April as well as in our Spring Concert and other venues. Currently, there is no additional charge for this group.

If you are interested in learning more and/or enrolling your student, please contact Becky Lawles at pcachoirs@gmail.com.

PCA Science Classes 2023-24

General Science

Grades 7th & 8th - Meets Fridays 8:50 to 9:50 a.m. - Cost: $145

Biology

Grades 9th & up - Meets Fridays 8:50 to 10:20 a.m. - Cost: $200

This class currently has a waiting list

Please contact Tracy Castro - mom27blessings@gmail.com for more information

Hosanna Homeschool Choir

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Hosanna Homeschool Choirs fall semester registration will open in July! We encourage every one to visit our website, or reach out to us on Facebook, for fall semester details. Our spring semester was a wonderful blessing! We are looking forward to another blessed semester to end 2023!

CIBAD Opportunities

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

At CIBAD, our goal is to challenge and equip ambassadors for Christ to communicate truth with integrity and grace. CIBAD has two students competing in two speech categories in the National NCFCA Tournament at University of Northwestern in St. Paul, MN with results pending at the time of this publication. Judah Springer is presenting an After Dinner Speech. Judah Springer and Elijah Doering are presenting a Duo Interpretation Speech.

Upcoming Opportunities

(all at New Castle Church in Mackinaw)

Summer

DEBATE CAMP: July 31-August 3, 2023 from 9am - 4pm, Ages 12-18, Cost $75. Students will learn the fundamentals of debate, including how to research evidence, make reasoned arguments, and write an affirmative case. Most important, debaters will learn how to persuade and inspire.

SCIENCE OF STORYTELLING WORKSHOP: August 4, 2023 from 9am - 4pm, ages 8-18, Cost $15. Join us for a fun filled day of experimenting with the basic elements of stories. Come learn the brain science behind great communication in age-appropriate break-out sessions.

FALL CLASSES begin with a parent meeting on August 29, 2023. Classes run Tuesdays September 5 - November 14, 2023.

Apologetics (ages 12-18) at Noon to 1 p.m.
Speech (ages 8-18) at 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Debate (ages 12-18) 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.

Contact Us

Lonnie Ulrich 309-645-0472

RUlrich90@gmail.com

Cindy Springer 309-306-2146

TazewoodFarm@gmail.com

Congratulations 2023 Homeschool Graduates!

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Emilee Anne Castro

Emilee is the daughter of Eduardo and Tracy Castro. She is the middle of 7 children and has been homeschooled since kindergarten. She began participating in Peoria Cooperative Academy in 8th grade. Through PCA she had the opportunity to participate in four plays and Chorale. Emilee has a heart for worship ministry and has been involved in student worship ministry at her church since she was in 8th grade. This summer she will be doing a worship ministry internship at Summit Point Church. She plans to attend ICC in the fall and transfer to Liberty University to pursue a degree in worship ministry.

Andrew Endress

Andrew Endress, son of Bruce and Elizabeth Endress has completed his High School home education at Pleasant View School in rural Galva. He plans to attend Black Hawk College in Moline, IL this fall and will continue living at home. His major will be music education, and he is especially interested in choral music. His career goal, Lord willing, is to teach music at the high school or college level.

Chris Gonzalez

My name is Chris Gonzalez, I am the oldest of five children. A big part of my time in school has been Tri-County Enrichment Co-op, which I have attended for the last six years. I have made many friends through this co-op and a lot of my memories are attached to going to Tri-County. The teachers there are pretty amazing and pushed me to be who I am today. There was Mrs. Nofsinger who stood by me and my classmates as we struggled through chemistry, and then there was Mrs. Newton who taught me not to take things in life too seriously with her constant rabbit trails and weird obsessions with narwhals. In this upcoming year, I will be attending Illinois Central College pursuing something to do with communications because I love to work with people. Lately, my favorite verses have been Matthew 10:19-20 which says, “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Tim Kelly

Tim Kelly has done it! He graduated this year and is looking forward to what God has in store. At present he is working at a local radiator repair shop and loves it, bringing his particular Tim flare to everything he does. He enjoys any project with his hands and spends his free time just keeping busy… with anything! Congrats Tim, follow the Lord in everything you do!

Cliff Leman

Being in PCA has challenged and grown me through homework deadlines, group projects, power points, research papers, and interactions with others. I’ve been a homeschooler and a PCA ‘er’ my entire life, and am thankful for the friendships I’ve built and maintained, and the memories I’ve made through PCA. Ultimately, I am most thankful for those who’ve been instrumental in my life and have both taught me and learned alongside me as I have grown in my spiritual walk. Currently, I will continue to work and try new things until I find where God wants me to be long term. My plan is to job shadow various occupations as I continue working. Phil. 1:6 - “being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

Lauren Elyse Shelburne

Lauren has been homeschooled since kindergarten and has enjoyed being part of the Peoria Cooperative Academy since 2nd grade. She loved being part of the PCA Choral program and was a member of the Madrigal and Jazz Ensembles as well as portraying roles in High School in all of the PCA plays and musical theater productions. She participated in ILMEA and qualified for the District 2 Festival Choir in 2021-22 and 2022-23, All-State Choir in 2021-22, and Honors All-State Choir as well as the District 2 Jazz Festival Choir in 2022-23. Lauren enjoys her involvement in her local church and served on summer staff at Camp Assurance for several summers as well as working at the Peoria Chick-Fil-A. She plans to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale this fall, and has been accepted into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Karsten Dewayne Tisdale

Karsten Dewayne Tisdale, the son of Steven and Rhonda Tisdale, is a high school graduate this year. He will be continuing his education in the fall at Illinois State University for a degree in Computer Science. Throughout high school he has been programming computer games in Unity and Clickteam Fusion. He has participated in figure skating for many years, with a high point of learning the axel jump. Karsten is still exploring the possibilities of what should be his future goals.

Build Your Community

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 17:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope this month finds you well. Summer has begun and I hope that means lots of time being spent outdoors having great adventures with your family and friends. Summer is a great time to grow in community. I want to offer a few ideas to stir up your creative juices and hopefully make some God-glorifying bonding moments for you with your family.

I want to encourage you to look for opportunities this summer to learn together as a family. Go on adventures, enjoy the outdoors, enjoy some water activities, and discover God’s amazing creation. My family will be enjoying lots of hiking and geo-caching. For those who don’t know, geo-caching is like going on a treasure hunt to find objects or containers that others have hidden and maybe even left clues for you to follow. You can download a geocaching app on your phone for free and use your GPS to help you find them. You may even want to hide your own geo-cache together as a family.

I also want to encourage you to get together with other families from your church or the local homeschool community. Summer is a great time to grill out or cook over a bonfire. Look for opportunities to encourage others and grow those relationships. Practice some hospitality and see how God might use you to encourage another family or even start a new friendship. God has given us all something to offer as a gift to others, so put it out there and build your community. I pray you and your family have a great summer.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be godly parents who lead your children toward Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Discipling Through the Mundane

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Well, the convention is over, and it’s time to settle into the routine again. First, let me give a shout-out to the volunteers that made our convention happen. They put in uncounted hours of work. So if you see someone who is on the Convention Committee, or volunteered to work at the convention, let them know you appreciate their efforts. It was a great convention.

Now that the mountain top experience is over, it’s time to dive back into normal life. Sometimes we may be tempted to think that the mountain tops, since they are the big noticeable pinnacles, are where all the action is. Those are exciting experiences, and who doesn’t like exciting experiences! We’d love for them to happen all the time! The view from the mountain-top is breathtaking, and awe-inspiring. But if you notice while you’re up there, there aren’t many crops growing on mountain tops. As home-schoolers who are concerned about discipling our children, we must have a rm conviction that growing crops that produce fruit almost always happens in the vales, not on the mountains. And in case I didn’t clearly communicate the metaphor, the crop we want to grow in the lives of our kids is Biblical Faith. Godly faith is built little by little in the ordinary humdrum of life.

God’s instruction in Deuteronomy 6:6-8 is this: “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them while you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” Did you notice the description of normal, everyday, ho-hum life happening there? When do we teach God’s commands and precepts to our kids? While we’re sitting in the house relaxing. Or when you’re traveling somewhere. Or when you’re lying down getting ready for bed. Or in the morning, when you’re all getting up and ready for the day. The normal everyday experience is where faith-building happens.

Simple, every-day events like giving thanks together to God for your meals help instill a sense of gratitude to God for His provision and dependence upon Him for His supply to our need. Mundane tasks like taking out the garbage, making the bed or helping wash the dishes provide opportunity to teach and model diligence and good stewardship of the resources God has committed into our hands, not to mention the numerous needs of helping both ourselves and our children deal with the sinful attitudes and thoughts which arise in our hearts while doing them. Any parent knows that having siblings interact with one another will almost always lead to a training session on how to love and forgive.

This is not saying that those mountain top experiences are useless, or unnecessary. Far from it! We can absorb a lot of truth in those mountains. Our kids always joked with my wife and I at the end of a home-school convention by saying, “Oh great! Now what is going to change in our house?” And there were ideas for change at the end of a trip through the mountain tops. But those ideas had to be cultivated in the elds of the valley. We had to come home, get back to normal life, and plow new furrows in our daily routine in order to implement them. Its never easy, but it does bear fruit.

Don’t forget the sacred and holy nature of what happens every day in our homes. Husbands love their wives and model Christ’s love for the church. Wives follow their husband’s leadership and model the church's loving submission to her Lord. Children learn submission to their Heavenly Father by learning to obey mom and dad. This is holy activity. And it happens in the ordinary, mundane things of life.

The conventions and retreats are there to give you an awe-inspiring view from the heights, to renew your vision of the big picture, of the purpose of it all. But the bulk of the spiritual work and growth that we want to see in our families, our marriages, and our children will be cultivated and will grow in the broad at prairies of daily life. Teach the things of God diligently while you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise... in the normal, ho-hum activities of life.

Brian Kelly
PAACH Board Member

Christian Center Summer Activities

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 20:00:00 GMT

Summer Baseball & Softball

Homeschool Bowling

Looking for a P.E. credit for your homeschoolers? The Christian Center is again reserving Friday afternoons from Noon to 3 p.m. for homeschool bowling sessions. All skill levels supported. Family-friendly facility. $2.50 games and $2.50 shoe rentals!

Dads & Lads

Fridays 5 to 8 p.m. FREE Bowling and/or Billiards (dads must participate with sons to be eligible to play for free)

New to Homeschooling Night

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:00:00 GMT

Do you know a new homeschooler or someone who is considering homeschooling? Perhaps you are new yourself, homeschooling one year or less?

Join us Thursday, March 16, 2023, for New to Homeschooling Night with speaker Nancy Bjorkman from Heppner's Legacy. Nancy has over 20 years of experience and will share fresh ideas, how tos, encouragement, and more!

Afterwards, shop our convention vendor hall, browse homeschool options and get advice from some of our local homeschool community. Register online today!

Are You Contending for the Faith?

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope this month finds you well and looking forward to the PAACH convention. Much is happening in our country and around the world as times grow more challenging for Christians. Animosity toward truth and morality grows daily. Meanwhile we are called to be light in this darkness, which puts us directly in the line of fire in this spiritual battle. I want to challenge you with two questions. Are you earnestly contending for the faith? (Jude 3) Secondly, are you preparing your children to be contenders?

The spiritual battle is all around us, but the most dangerous battles are happening inside the church. Scripture is clear that the biggest threat to the gospel is a false teacher. Paul, Peter, John, and Jude all warn of the dangers of false teachers who dilute the gospel and lead people on a path to death. Jesus also tells the parable of the Sower where he warns about those who would snatch away the seed of truth. (Matthew 13) I recently watched an episode of Wretched in which Todd Friel questioned why Christians are willing to protest and fight for political issues, but not as willing to protest and fight bad doctrine. His charge was that we are not facing the bigger danger which is far more damaging than the other causes that keep our attention. He contends that eternal souls are more important than political/moral issues, and that keeping a pure gospel should be a priority in every church and every home. Are you contending for the faith?

As parents, we should also contend for our children. We need to help them have a clear understanding of the gospel and give them ample opportunities to respond to it. We need to demonstrate God’s grace in their lives as we raise them up. We also need to teach them how to study scripture so that they may “rightly divide the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) We must teach them to have discernment (Hebrews 5:14) and to “test every spirit” (1 John 4:1) so they will recognize ‘truth-twisting’ and reject false teaching. There is no greater tool for learning discernment than knowing scripture. Get in the Word with them. Have conversations to work through bad ideas and the consequences that follow them. Talk with them about what they learned from Sunday school or the sermon. Train and equip them to be contenders for the faith.

The PAACH board is excited to offer this year’s convention. We desire to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Hit-and-Miss Homeschooling

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Written by Rebecca Spooner

Many people come to me for answers. Whether that’s because I was a homeschool blogger, write curriculum, was homeschooled myself, or even because I have homeschooled my own kids for the past 10 years—they see my kids or little glimpses of my day and think to themselves, Clearly she is doing a better job than me. But the reality is that the biggest thing I have learned is I’m a hit-and-miss homeschooler. My track record is either winning or just about beginning! I am busy—juggling careers and companies and ministry and family and dropping nearly as many balls as I’m picking up.

Some days I know what I want; I know what I need to do, but life is just so incredibly inconsiderate of my plans. Doctor’s appointments, sickness, work, friendship, weather, attitudes... there are so many things that can affect our days that I can feel like I’m just along for the ride. Next week will be better, I tell myself convincingly. And then we have company show up or a cold hits the household.

But then we have these other days. Days when I check off everything on my dream list. Days when the kids are actually listening, and I am giving them my full, undivided attention. Days where I miraculously listened to my alarm (yes, the first in a series of 10) and got up early, had coffee, started dinner in the Crock-Pot, cleaned the house, had my quiet time, and worked—all before the kids cracked open their doors to the unforgiving dawn. These, my friends, are the days I live for. They make everything worth it, and I cling onto them when something unexpected comes and ruins all my plans.

If there is anything I have learned in these past nearly 11 years of homeschooling, it is that I have to be flexible. To move with the natural ebbs and flows of life and not set my expectations too unrealistically high or unattainable.

Why am I telling you this? Because I feel like someone has to. Someone has to come off the pedestal that they've been put on because no one sees what is behind their screen. Someone has to say, Wait! Don’t you dare think this is everything!” because for far too many for far too long, homeschooling has been a never-ending race, desperately searching for something that doesn’t exist... perfection.

You, with the Splinter of Failure in Your Heart

Someone out there is reading this article thinking that everyone else has it together but them. Everyone else must have something they don’t to be so patient, joyful, and successful at this. How do they do it? How well they must sleep at night without the crushing weight or anxious doubt that their kids might be struggling or falling behind because of their inconsistency! Someone out there has been quietly following all the homeschool “experts” and holding onto their co-op like a lifeline, hoping no one will find them out or say what they hope is not true (though they suspect it must be): that they can’t do this.

I am not here to tell you that you are perfect just as you are or that you should just accept your failures and settle. Homeschooling can be so much more—it can be fun and exciting and interactive and full of life and love and infused with joy. Instead, I am here to tell you that there is hope. Sure, I’m a hit-and-miss homeschooler, and my kids could probably be further ahead. Sure, I could devote everything to homeschooling and probably do a better job... but I do what I can with what I have been given. I have tasted and seen and experienced what a life-giving homeschool can look like, and I won’t settle for less nor will I condemn myself when school looks like a show and cuddles on the couch. I will continue to pray and ask God what matters that day and then accept when His ways don’t look anything like mine. I will trust Him to fill in the gaps.

Reach for More, Accept What Is

I aspire for greatness in my kids and in my homeschool journey, but sometimes my perception of greatness is the very thing that needs to change. Greatness can be listening to my 4-year-old tell me that God helped her when she was feeling scared. Greatness can be playing violin with my daughter and laughing at our mistakes. Greatness can be cleaning the house together and learning to buckle up, be more responsible, and contribute to the family. Greatness can be having a nap with my 8-year old when he is sick. Greatness can be the stuff in between too, and learning is happening all around us.

When we stop making school something we do and instead make learning a way of life—something that is infused into the very fabric of our days—that is when we start to experience breakthrough in our days.

So grab a cup of coffee, stop trying to impose what you think homeschooling should be, and find what it is. Don’t settle for your struggles—battle through them. But do it gently and have some grace for yourself. You are never going to be perfect—no one is! Instead, stop looking to everyone else to be your gauge and start seeing the beauty of what is in front of you. May we be a generation of homeschoolers who raise our kids with con dence and victory because we aim for greatness but are still willing to adjust our perception of what that is and leave room for God to direct our steps. That is the kind of hit-and-miss homeschooler that I want to be.

God, let me hit when I’m supposed to hit, and let me be okay with the miss when there’s something else you have for me instead.

Rebecca Spooner
Gather Round Homeschool

Rebecca is a homeschool mom of five kids, creator of Gather ‘Round Homeschool, owner of Homeschoolon.com, and author of More Than Words Bible curriculum. She is a second-generation homeschooler who is passionate about sharing her successes and failures... to be authentic and honest that this is not always easy, but it is possible. Join her for stories from the trenches of homeschool life that are relatable, funny, and all too true. And may you walk away with practical tools and strategies and a fresh new perspective to keep you going. Bring a cup of coffee; it’s about to get real.

PAACH Volunteer Opportunities

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 20:00:00 GMT

We are always looking for families to join the PAACH board of directors or volunteer at one of the many PAACH events scheduled throughout the year. We ask that you prayerfully consider serving our homeschool community in one of these ways.

For more info about PAACH or to explore volunteer options, please email President James Cox at battlecircle@gmail.com

Avoiding Burnout in Homeschool

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:00:00 GMT

Written by: Israel Wayne

Has your decision to homeschool your children ever left you feeling tired, overwhelmed or stressed out? As a student who was homeschooled (my family began homeschooling in 1978), I have learned a few things and over the years about how to avoid burnout in your homeschool.

One of the most common reasons for weariness and frustration among homeschooling parents is the weight of self-inflicted deadlines and standards. It is good, of course, to have goals in mind, but we must always ask ourselves: “Am I seeking to do the Lord’s will, or am I merely pursuing my own agenda?”

As Christian families, we need to view homeschooling not as a glorious end, in and of itself, but rather as a means to an end. The main goal is to raise children who love the Lord, and are committed to following Christ. It is not to produce robots that can recite random facts and data at the drop of a hat.

What a child knows is really insignificant compared to what he or she believes. We must move beyond facts to convictions. It is vital that our children know:

What they believe.
Why their beliefs are true.
How to articulate their beliefs.
How to live their beliefs consistently

Getting the right answers on a test is meaningless unless a child knows how to apply those truths to everyday life. Non-applicable knowledge is worthless. As parents, we want our children to excel academically, and homeschoolers usually do. Our main motivation for homeschooling, however, should not be academic prowess. Instead, we should “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these (including academic) things will be added to us.” (Matthew 6:33)

We should always stay focused on our long-term goals, but we must consistently follow the leading of the Spirit. Why are we homeschooling? Our main objective should be to fulfill our God-given obligation to “train up our children in the way they should go.” (Proverbs 22:6) Psalm 78, Deuteronomy 6 and 11 and many other passages stress the importance of teaching God’s laws to our children.

What is the Purpose of an Education?

God’s primary reasons for commanding you to teach your own children are to:

1) Enable God to purify you (the parent), as you allow the fire and pressure of the homeschool setting to make you into pure gold.

2) To help your children know and love Him, and become prepared to serve Him.

God desires for us to have close family relationships, and He uses the process of family discipleship to develop Godly character in both the children and the parents. God has established and designed parents to be the primary influences in shaping their children’s values. Parents can’t expect to receive a Godly harvest unless they labor during the planting.

We must learn to view home education as a lifestyle decision, and not merely an academic alternative. Use every available moment to teach eternal principles. Developing a Biblical worldview in children is not something that happens by accident. It is taught by formal instruction and caught by the Godly example of the parents.

By keeping in mind that we are homeschooling because we want to raise children who love Jesus, we won’t be so frustrated if our child doesn’t understand Phonics or Chemistry. I’ve seen some mothers become so frustrated by their inability to communicate math facts that they scream at their children and throw books! In trying to teach academics, are we achieving our ultimate goal of developing Godly character? Nothing is so important that it overrides our relationships with God and each other.

It is also easy to get caught up in the busyness of activities, running our children here and there, and over-committing ourselves into panic. Are all the programs we are involved in bringing us closer to God and each other, or are they mostly wearing us out? We may need to recalibrate our compass. What does God expect of us?

“He has shown you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you. To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

If we focus on teaching eternal principles, and developing Christ-like character in our children, we will have academic success as a natural result of our obedience to God. We should not merely teach our children what to believe, but show them why our beliefs are true. They should be able to determine, from the principles in Scripture, what is good and what is evil. They should recognize absolute truths and be able to reason from a Biblical worldview.

By keeping obedience to God as our primary reason for homeschooling, we will have the flexibility to change our educational approaches, relax in the face of deadlines, and put family relationships above SAT scores. We can have a joyful, peaceful, loving family and still achieve an academic standard superior to the world; but we must keep Christ as the focus and avoid humanistic expectations.

Israel is a homeschool graduate and father of eleven who is passionate about defending the Christian faith and developing a Biblical worldview. He is the Director of Family Renewal and author of the books Answers for Homeschooling: Top 25 Questions Critics Ask, Education: Does God Have an Opinion, and Raising Them Up: Parenting for Christians, among others. More information may be found at familyrenewal.org.

Israel will be leading the following workshops at the 2023 PAACH Homeschool Convention

The History of the Homeschooling Movement - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.

Transform Learning through the Art of Questions - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

Influence vs. Control: How to Best Motivate Your Child - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.

Pitchin’ a Fit: Overcoming Angry and Stressed-Out Parenting - Session 1, Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Answers for Homeschooling: Top Questions Critics Ask - Session 2, Saturday 1 p.m.

The Biblical Basis for Parental Rights - Session 3, Saturday 3 p.m.

Make Laughter a Priority

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. I hope your family has started this year off well. This winter weather has been unusual, and the extreme temperature roller coaster has been frustrating for my family. Cloudy winter days can have a dramatic effect on moods and the overall atmosphere in your home. I want to encourage your family to find joy in the little things and to make laughter a daily goal in your home.

Remember that your main purpose in homeschool should be focused on discipleship and building relationships. Repetitive routines have their benefits, but so do spontaneous breaks. Look for opportunities in both to enjoy something together with each child. Look for what sparks their interest or gets them excited, and find a way to explore it with them. Sharing in their excitement is a great way to bond with them and encourage learning. These moments are also good times to talk with them about God’s design in creation.

I also want to encourage you to make laughter a priority in your home. Finding humor in everyday life has many benefits. Laughter can change a mood or the whole atmosphere in your home. Life is stressful and hard at times, and laughter can renew strength to endure (Neh 8:10) or bring healthy release in a tense situation. Laughing with your children and delighting in them makes you more like your Heavenly Father who “rejoices over you” and “takes delight in you” as well. (Zeph 3:17) Learn to enjoy your kids’ uniqueness. God has designed each of them with different character traits, abilities, and interests. Help them to see that God likes them because He made them who they are. Help them find their identity as His child, and to find safety and comfort in their relationships with Him and with you. Laughter is a valuable discipleship tool.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be godly parents who lead your children toward Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

2023 Homeschool Convention Registration is Open!

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:00:00 GMT

We are excited for our upcoming convention - March 17 & 18. We have 2 great keynotes lined up: Kirk Smith, Executive Director of ICHE (Illinois Christian Home Educators), and Rebecca Spooner of Gather Round Homeschool.

We also have two featured speakers, Sonya Shafer from Simply Charlotte Mason and Israel Wayne from Family Renewal. There are some great kid friendly workshops including CPR, art classes, and some fun hands-on science classes with Dr. Fizzlebop!

Register by February 9 to take advantage of our early registration and for a chance to win a WCIC gift basket worth over $130, including an echo dot.

New this year, we have different lunch options. We have some young entrepreneurs who will be offering beef and chicken tacos and loaded french fries. We also have a full vendor hall lined up including Master Books, Heppner's Legacy, the Book Shelf, Lamplighter, Gather Round, and much more!

The Importance of Diligence

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschool families. I hope you have been enjoying some summer adventures together. Our family had a good time at my oldest daughter’s wedding. We’ve also been very busy working on our new house and we have all been learning new things there. One big lesson we have all been learning together is the importance of diligence. Homeschooling and good family relationships require diligence. As many of you are likely preparing to start another school year, I want to share a couple encouragements.

In his book Studies in Character, Dr. Steve Scheibner says that “diligence is the difference between a job finished and a job well done.” For many of us, our nature is to just get the job done and worry about the details later. My family is seeing the results of skipped details as we renovate a 120-year-old house. Skipping details and maintenance leaves gaps and allows little nasties to get in and do damage. Much damage cannot be seen until something completely falls apart and must be rebuilt. Relationships are damaged and slowly destroyed by this approach because of the little nasties like bitterness and anger that can sneak in, eroding away our trust and love for one another. The point here is that when it comes to your spouse and your children, it is very important to pay attention to and take time for those little details. As your children grow and get a little older, they can become more capable of doing schoolwork themselves. Staying engaged with them in their learning can get a little harder, especially as you start tailoring some of their class choices toward their own individual interests. One of my boys is really into coding which is way outside my head space, but he still needs affirmation in what he is learning and who he is becoming.

Dads, we need to be diligent in affirming our kids and engaging them with the gospel. They need to know who they are in your eyes and, more importantly, in God’s eyes. Paul encouraged Timothy to be diligent in several very specific things. He told Timothy to “practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Tim 4:12-15) Those things included: (v12) setting an example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity;” (v13) devoting yourself to publicly reading scripture, encouraging, and teaching; (v14) using your God-given gifts. Dads, it is vital that you are diligent to lead your family in times of scripture reading and encourage them to respond to the gospel and grow in their faith. Moms, be diligent in nurturing the gospel seeds planted in your children at every opportunity throughout the day. Parents be diligent; love and encourage your kids to the best of your ability. Also, be diligent in your own studies as you look to scripture and other spiritual teachers to learn new ways to do all these things. I pray your family continues to grow together.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to see your family thrive and be a testimony in this broken world. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Congratulations 2022 Homeschool Graduates!

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Cadhla Cox

Cadhla has been focused on completing her doula certification, which she started when she was 16. After graduation in May, she will be fully certified as DONA doula and serve the tricounty area. She started her own business, Mommas Little Blessings Doula Services, this year. You can find her on facebook and Instagram under her business name. Cadhla offers birth and postpartum doula services. She will be continuing her educational classes in Doula work.

Katherine Grace Kennelly

Katherine Grace Kennelly, daughter of Darin and Charissa Kennelly, graduated from high school. She enjoys playing the piano, reading books, working with families and kids, playing Ticket to Ride, and dreams of someday being a contributor to The Babylon Bee. Katie recently started a new position as Youth Services Assistant at the Brimfield Public Library. She plans to attend ICC or take classes online this fall to study social work, in hopes of working in the adoption/foster care field.

Braden Lawles

My name is Braden Lawles, and I have been homeschooled since kindergarten. In 3rd grade, my family joined Peoria Cooperative Academy, and it has been the highlight of my week for the past 10 years. PCA's History classes fed my intense passion for that subject, and the High School program has provided me with a fantastic learning experience alongside many incredible peers. I am also grateful for the many “extracurricular” classes that the high schoolers can take part in, such as Fall Play, Musical Theater, and Choir. I have also volunteered in the past to help at the annual APACHE (recently rebranded as PAACH) conventions (when your parents served as the President and First Lady of the APACHE Board, it was virtually impossible to avoid it) :). In my spare time, I like to read military history books, play historical board games, write parodies with some of my PCA friends, and generally annoy my friends and family with endless puns. I plan to take a gap year while working full time, then take ICC classes, probably transfer to Eureka College, and see where God leads me from there. I would like to get my Bachelor's (and eventually Master's) degree in History (which has been my passion since age 8), with the goal of eventually teaching at the high school or college level. One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 48:3, which says “Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.” It is comforting, amidst the constant change and uncertainty of this broken world, to know that God is our fortress no matter what comes our way. (Braden is the son of Brent and Becky Lawles of Morton.)

Joanna Moser

Joanna Moser, daughter of Greg and Sharlene Moser of Roanoke, plans to continue working at Caleri's and taking classes at ICC.

Justin Ricketts

My name is Justin Ricketts and I’ve been homeschooled my whole life except for 7th grade. But we don’t talk about 7th grade. High School at Peoria Cooperative Academy has truly been a blessing for me as I've had an amazing group of friends, teachers, and, of course, my parents to help me through the struggles and challenges of this life. As for my future plans, I’m leaning towards something tech related since I love working with and building computers and software to go with them. I pray that God will lead me in the right direction through the coming years. I trust Him fully to open the doors I need opened and close the doors I need closed.

Lexi Rae Sauder

Lexi Rae Sauder graduated with all the homeschool honors a mom and dad could give! She is attending ICC for high school English education and plans to transfer to a university in the fall of 2023. Lexi works part-time as a tutor, baker/decorator, housecleaner, and bookstore associate. She enjoys solitude with God, is a phenomenal piano player, loves Florida vacations, and teaches others with great success.

Daniel Stephen Ware

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ware are pleased to announce the graduation of their son, Daniel Stephen Ware. Daniel will attend Illinois Central College in the fall as an education major. His goal is to transfer to a 4-year university to complete his undergraduate degree in middle school education and then find a position as a 5th grade teacher.

Obedience, Faith & Grace

Mon, 16 May 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschooling families. The end of another school year is fast approaching, and some of you may be preparing to graduate a child from high school into the school of life. My second oldest is graduating in a few short weeks and I am not sure I am ready for this. (Maybe because it makes me feel older?) Others of you might be coming to the end of your first year of homeschooling. You are likely looking forward to a break from all the responsibilities and anxieties that can weigh on you. Either way, I am confident that much learning has taken place. I want to offer an opportunity to reflect on your reasons and goals for choosing to homeschool your children. I am going to point you to a few verses in scripture on obedience, faith, and grace. Then, I want to make several observations and invite you to meditate on these things and pray about any adjustments that you may need to make in your family.

God gives clear commandments for us to follow. One of those tells us to “Honor your father and mother.” (Ex 20:12) Paul rewords it to address children directly: “Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Eph 6:1) Here’s my first observation: Has anyone else noticed that your children don’t naturally obey you? I know, you’re thinking “Thanks captain obvious for this brilliant observation.” Of course they don’t because we all have a broken and sinful nature. And yet, God clearly charges us as parents with the responsibility to teach and train our children to be obedient. (Deut 6:4-9) Why is teaching our children obedience so important? Is it just because of the promise that comes with it? I have recently begun to read through The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and I was struck by a claim that he makes. He says that when it comes to faith in Christ there are two propositions that “hold good and are equally true: only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.” He goes on to say that when Christ calls a person to follow Him, obedience is what makes faith possible, and faith is what makes obedience possible. My thought is this: If we do well to train our children in obedience, might they be better prepared to respond to Christ with obedience when He calls them? This could mean that how we teach them obedience is equally important. So let me remind of something else vital to remember as parents… our children need grace.

Ah yes, the costly grace of God that brings us to salvation. I am reading through another book to aid in the pre-marital counseling with my oldest daughter and her soon-to-be husband. It is the same book I referred to last month: When Sinners Say “I Do” by Dave Harvey. (Again, I will say this is an excellent book that has been both challenging and encouraging to me. I highly recommend it.) Dave has reminded me that God’s grace is not just a saving grace, but also a sanctifying grace. Paul tells Titus (and us) that grace does much more than bring us to salvation, but also “trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live selfcontrolled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…” (Titus 2:11-14) Kirk Smith just preached this very passage and very same message at our church recently. Here is the other thought I had: If our children see this grace at work in us, might they be more likely to recognize Christ when He calls them?

My conclusion is this, we may be tools of God’s grace in our children’s lives. God has charged us with the responsibility to “train up our children in the way they should go.” (Prov 22:6) While our training does not guarantee our child’s salvation, our training may be used by God as a part of the kindness that draws their hearts towards Him. Here is my challenge for you to reflect on: Does your discipleship of your children teach them obedience AND show them grace that prepares them to recognize and respond to Christ when He calls them?

The PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Can Your Children Answer Questions People Answer Homeschoolers?

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Written by: Zan Tyler

How Can You Prepare Your Children to Answer Questions People Ask Homeschoolers?

You will be doing your children and yourself a great service if you teach them how to handle questions in a graceful, confident, and knowledgeable way. And remember, many—if not most—of the questions will occur when you aren’t with them.

Later as I taught classes on public speaking and biblical worldview training in our local co-op, I started including one session on the apologetics of homeschooling. I would use this time to help prepare elementary-aged kids through teenagers to respond to questions about homeschooling in a formal interview situation, as well as in informal conversations.

This is how I prepare students to answer the questions they will be relentlessly asked.

Brainstorming

I begin each discussion (this can be at home or in a co-op) by drawing a line down the middle of a large whiteboard. On the left side of the board, I label “Private Reasons”: the right side, “Public Reasons.” Then I ask them questions people ask homeschoolers, like these:

What about socialization?
Do you like homeschooling?
Do you have any friends?
Do you feel like you are missing anything?
Why does your family homeschool?
Can you play sports?
Will you ever be able to go to prom?
Where do you want to go to college? Do you think you will be able to get in?
Are you really learning anything?
What did you learn this week?

As students respond to the various questions people ask homeschoolers, I write the answer down on the right side of the board if they are suitable for public discussions. But if a child answers she likes homeschooling because she can stay in her pajamas all day, I write the answer on the left side under “Private Reasons.” I take the time to explain that while certain answers—like wearing pajamas all day—may be true and meaningful to them, these are not the answers we want to discuss in public.

At the end of the brainstorming discussion, I want to make sure every child can tell me five reasons why their parents homeschool them and/or five reasons why they enjoy being homeschooled.

Tweaking & Polishing

At the end of that brainstorming exercise, we look at the answers on the right side of the board and began to tweak and polish them a bit.

Role-Playing & Ask the Kids Questions

Then we switch roles, and they ask the questions people ask homeschoolers, and I answer. It gives them a chance to hear my responses. We continue until they are too tired to be productive, or we have an answer relatively down pat.

Practicing

Once we have gone through the role-playing exercise, we practice—sometimes formally, sometimes informally. With my own children, if we were in the car, I would throw out one question and have them answer it. If a new question arose, we would go through the process of brainstorming, tweaking, and polishing.

The point is this: begin the discussion. Prepare your children well to answer the questions that will arise almost daily in their lives concerning homeschooling. As your children get older, help them understand why people ask them so many questions about homeschooling and why their answers matter. They are truly some of the greatest ambassadors homeschooling has.

You Can Transfer This Process to Other Areas

Your children will be questioned about their Christianity as they grow up seeking the Lord. Use this same process to teach them how to answer questions about their faith.

As they prepare for job and/or college interviews, they will benefit greatly from these same interview skills you have instilled in them as children.

And through this process of questioning and answering, you are helping them develop powerful critical thinking skills.

“My story is about the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord – and how He uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary plans.”

Zan’s homeschool journey began in 1984 when homeschooling was illegal. The State Superintendent of Education threatened Zan with jail for not sending her children to the local public school. For the next eight years, she and other homeschool families battled for homeschool freedom and the establishment of landmark homeschool legislation in South Carolina.

Zan will be leading the following workshops at the 2022 PAACH Homeschool Convention

Homeschooling: An Educational, Spiritual, and Family Revival Movement That Is Sweeping America - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.

Motivated Kids Move Mountains - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

Tools for Cultivating Your Child’s Potential - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.

Kingdom Building Moms - Mom's Night, Friday 6:30 p.m.

Finding the Blessings in Our Homeschool Day

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Written by: Laura Booz

My New Year’s Resolution: I want to stop complaining about the sacrifices I make as a homeschool mom. When I complain, I pull us all down and I miss out on the joy of glorifying God. So, I'm asking the Lord for grace to cherish my life at home with my kids. I'm keeping my eyes open for the things in our day that are good for me personally and I'm thanking God for each one.

Guess what? I'm discovering that most of our day - the same day in which I work so hard to bless my kids - is full of blessings for me.

As you and I build good homes for our children, we're building good homes for ourselves, too. After all, we all - man, woman, and child - thrive in the same atmosphere and benefit from things that are good, true, and beautiful. Homeschooling is good for me because the things I work hard to incorporate into our day for my children's sake, enrich me too. All I have to do is notice and give thanks.

I want to share ten ways that our homeschool day is good for me, in hopes of inspiring you to look for ways that homeschooling is good for you.

Let's enjoy our lives as homeschool moms and thank God for every good gift!

1. Our Minds Set on God

Before breakfast, I lead our kids in The Lord's Prayer. I'm so glad I do! It reminds me that we have a loving Heavenly Father. It helps me to trust Him and to want what He wants for our day. Then we read the Bible together. I keep this morning ritual for my children's sake, but I find God using it to restore my own soul. Do you begin your child's day with prayer or Bible reading? I encourage you to tune in and take it personally. It's part of your day, too.

2. The Sun on Our Faces

Whenever I open the windows to fill my children's lungs with fresh air, I am filling my own lungs with fresh air, too.

I try to get us outside every day. After the rigamarole of socks, shoes, hats, mittens & coats, we step outside, and I look up at the sky. I think about our Creator. We walk down the lane, singing a favorite song as we go (on a good day). Maybe the kids play for an hour! Or maybe someone trips and falls. Maybe someone gets cold or hot or irritated and we head inside early, but even if we're only outside for fifteen minutes, the sun has kissed my face and I feel my blood pumping. Let yourself enjoy the great outdoors with your child. Look for interesting things in nature. Take a deep breath.

3. Singing!

I love to gather the kids around the piano to sing. One of the kids may play a drum; another the violin. A toddler may grab a harmonica. One of my favorite songs goes like this:

“My worth is not in what I own,
not in the strength of flesh and bone,
but in the costly wounds of love,
at the Cross.”

Even if some of the kids are whining, we can still sing. I hold the baby on my lap, her hair tickling my cheek, and I remember, as the song goes, to “rejoice in my Redeemer, greatest treasure, well-spring of my heart." I need this regular reminder even when the singing is chaotic, interrupted, or less-than-harmonious.

Is singing part of your child's homeschool curriculum? Try singing along! Does it restore your soul?

4. Goodness, Truth & Beauty

During our homeschool day, we work on memorizing poetry and Scripture. I find that while I am giving my children good things to think about, I am filling my own mind with good things, too. I am developing a stronger memory and building a store of good thoughts to keep me company throughout the day.

We look at artwork or nature together. We make art together. I pull down my own sketch book from the shelf and do my best. Other times I gather some props and teach a life-lesson about kindness, courage, or sharing, and I listen to myself as I teach the children. I’m forever thinking, “Oh, how I needed this lesson today.”

I read aloud to help the kids understand history, science, and humanity. All the while, I am growing and learning. My master’s degree in English literature doesn’t compare to my education over the past 12 years of homeschooling! Homeschooling has given me the opportunity to read widely and deeply across the disciplines. I understand and appreciate literature, science, and history more than ever before. I'm so grateful! (In fact, I joke that my objective in homeschooling is to provide my kids with a pleasant-enough experience so that they may homeschool their own children some day and finally get an education.)

I encourage you to let yourself learn right alongside your child.

5. The Lunch Table

I work hard to enhance our chicken nuggets and frozen pizza with nourishing foods like blueberries, cantaloupe, oatmeal, almonds, and eggs. Every time I feed the kids well, I eat well, too. We sit down together, talk, and laugh. My sense of humor may be stuck at a fifth-grade level forever, but sharing a lunch table with my kiddos is good for me, through and through.

Do you enjoy a boisterous lunch table with your kids? Or, perhaps, you enjoy having lunch all by yourself when the kids are napping. Whatever suits you, I hope you see it as a blessing from God. Your daily bread. Nourishment for your body and soul.

6. Keeping the Peace

Like every other family, we have our fair-share of whining, bad attitudes, and disagreements. The stress of living in a fallen world weighs on each of us. But as we ask our Heavenly Father to help – to forgive us and fill us with His love and wisdom - we enjoy His peace. We learn how to overlook offenses, address offenses, share, ask forgiveness, and extend the grace we’ve been given in Christ. The daily upkeep of our relationships builds my faith, sanctifies me, and beckons me to rely on Jesus.

In the everyday moments of discipleship look for God's good gifts to you, personally. He sees you, loves you, and will give you what you need as you care for the people in your family.

7. Rest

In the afternoon, we enjoy a “quiet time” so the children can read—each one in his or her special spot with a book in hand. I may brew some tea and invest that hour in writing and reading (two of my personal passions). It’s rarely interruption-free, but my work during that hour is deeply satisfying. The peace and quiet restores all of us.

What restores you? How can you build this into your regular homeschool schedule? Or is it already there just waiting to be appreciated?

8. Serving Others

One of the things I love about homeschooling is the opportunity it avails for the kids to serve people during the day. I look for opportunities for us to babysit, help neighbors, make meals, or send cards to people. As it turns out, I’m usually the one who must face my own selfishness. With every opportunity to reach out to others, my own heart is warmed. I learn how to depend on God’s grace. I learn how to love.

Look for ways that God is working in your own heart through experiences you were hoping would shape your children's hearts.

9. Friendship & Fun

We love friends! And fun! I plan playdates for the kids’ enjoyment, but I gain just as much from our friendships. While the kids play, I get to chat, listen, laugh, and enjoy their antics. Of course, I love when my mom-friends stick around, too. We’ve played “moms vs. kids” kickball games, hiked mountains, and celebrated dolly Thanksgivings together. These get-togethers take effort and energy, but I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Never underestimate the importance of friends... for you! As you help your child develop good relationships, let yourself enjoy these friendships, too.

10. Adventures

I want my kids to have adventures! To discover! And wonder! A couple of times a month, we venture into the great unknown. In the past, I've focused on how much this costs me personally - the energy and time - but I've started to notice that I have my own adventures along the way. I, too, discover and wonder. It wakes me up. It makes me a more interesting person. It teaches me more about God and the world He has made. Adventuring is often hard work. It rarely goes according to plan. It never plays out like a storybook, but each adventure means just as much to me as it does to my kids.

Do you like adventuring? I encourage you to look for ways that it enriches you. Take pictures. Keep a journal. This life is a glorious gift from God!

I'm sitting here chuckling because I feel exhausted from writing this list. I certainly don’t do these things every day. They’re just aspects of homeschooling that I work hard to create when possible. The point is, I could whine about the effort it takes and the ways it never goes according to plan, or I could notice the profound blessings I receive from each incredible experience along the way.

When we work hard to bring sunlight, fresh air, beauty, truth, goodness, exercise, music, literature, adventure, traditions, celebration, service, fun and friendship into our children’s lives, we bring them into our own lives, too. May you discover the goodness of motherhood and homeschooling for yourself. I hope you, too, can see glimpses of how you are blessed from the good things you are giving to your child. Whether you dance, read, work, play, or snuggle, look for the good gifts God is giving you through homeschooling.

Laura will be leading the following workshops at the 2022 PAACH Homeschool Convention

Expect Something Beautiful in Motherhood - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.

Teach Your Baby to Read: The Secrets to a Literary Education - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

Homeschooling with Babies & Toddlers - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.

Encourage Your Child to High Standards While Homeschooling - Session 4, Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Why (and How) to Read-Aloud to Babies & Toddlers - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m.

How to Help Your Child Do What You Say - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m.

Family & Community

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschoolers. A new year is begun and we at PAACH are hard at work getting ready for convention. My family is especially busy on top of that with a house renovation project and planning my oldest daughter’s summer wedding. Life just keeps moving forward and changes keep happening. Some of you may have an intimate understanding of wedding planning or home renovations, and others of you can’t even imagine these things yet. The beauty of being in community with so many different families is that you can find encouragement in the specific challenges that you are facing in whatever phase of life you happen to be journeying through. God really knew what He was doing when he formed the family and charged us to stay in community with other believers. Family is the first place we learn how to do community. We may not always do it well, but we can learn how to encourage, repent, offer forgiveness, show mercy and try again. All these things are wrapped up in bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and family is the training ground. I don’t have a lot to share this month other than these few thoughts: Is your family God’s training ground for your kids? Is discipleship a high priority in your home? What are a few small changes that you can make to improve the effectiveness of your family and glorify God a little more than last year?

As we move toward this year’s convention, our focus is “Being Transformed.” (Romans 12:2) The PAACH board and committee are working to provide you with opportunities to find new resources, discover new tools, and make new connections that will aid you in teaching your children to know and love God. We want to help you learn as a family, grow in community, and glorify God in everything you do, but especially in homeschooling. We look forward to serving your family and seeing what God has in store for you and your children this year.

James Cox
PAACH President

November PAACH Family Spotlight

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Tim and Stephanie Irwin have been married for 15 years and are currently homeschooling their four children in the Peoria area. They are actively involved in Bethany Baptist Church, American Heritage Girls and Trail Life.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

October PAACH Family Spotlight

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Join James and Arkasia Cox, this month's family spotlight. James is the PAACH board president, and they have been homeschooling for 17 years.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

Our Need for Community

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Greetings PAACH homeschoolers. I hope your family is doing well and has found your groove for this school year. I also hope you have found other like-minded families to be in community with. Even though I have spoken about community in previous articles, I want to dig a little deeper into our need for community. This article will address three questions: Why do I need community? What are the benefits to my family homeschool? How can I get more involved?

Why do I need community?

In the beginning, God created man in His image and then said, “it’s not good for man to be alone.” (Gen 1:26, 2:18) Part of the theology of the Trinity is that God has always existed in community; three persons in perfect relationship. We have a relational God who has created us for relationship as well. We are meant to thrive in marriage, in family, and in community. He even gave us the ten commandments to teach us how to relate to Him and others, how to live in community. Jesus summed them up in two commands: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus also set an example for us by gathering around himself a small community, not only because they needed Him, but also because He needed them. Paul wrote several of his epistles from prison expressing his desire to be in community and appreciating those who brought community to him. The author of Hebrews also emphasized the importance of community when he warned believers not to forsake gathering together. (Heb 10:25) God’s Word is full of examples and commands regarding community, so it must be a priority for us.

How does community benefit my family homeschool?

For starters, this same passage in Hebrews says that community is an opportunity to “stir up one another to love and good works” and to “encourage one another.” (Heb 10:24-25) We all need encouragement and stirring up on a regular basis. Homeschooling is difficult (Can I get an amen?), but as the proverb goes, “many hands make light work.” Solomon wrote that “two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” (Eccl 4:9-10) Another great benefit of community is that you get to learn more in a shorter time when you are pooling your successes and failures. You learn more together with others than by yourself because you are learning from one another’s experiences. Your children also get more diverse experiences and socialization. These benefits can be summed up in this: you and your family will be served in community. On the flip side of this, you and your family will also have opportunity to serve others. Jesus set the example for us to serve others when He washed the disciples’ feet and told them to serve each other and serve others. (John 13)

How can I get more involved?

Look for opportunities to gather with other homeschoolers. PAACH has tried to plan an event once a month to get together with others in the Peoria area. Also, join a co-op, a choir, a debate club, or robotics club that meets regularly. If you get to the stage where you are ready to get involved in serving, PAACH has several volunteer opportunities available. Most of our events are dependent on volunteer service and offer benefits or scholarships to all who volunteer their time. We also have open positions on our Convention Committee. And if you are an experienced homeschooling couple who have a passion for serving the homeschool community, you may want to consider joining the PAACH Board. These are all ways to get involved in building up the homeschool community. There is also the opportunity to financially support PAACH by donating on the website. These donations help us to pay for some of these events so we can offer them for free or at a low cost. However you choose to be involved, your support and involvement is vital to building the homeschool community.

As always, the PAACH board desires to help and support you throughout your homeschooling journey. We also want to see you become a part of a growing community that enables your family to thrive. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

August PAACH Family Spotlight

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Meet the Kellys! Bryan and Kim have seven children and live in Mendota, where Bryan is pastor of a small local church.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

Reading, Reading & More Reading

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers. Summer is here and it is burning hot. I hope your family is enjoying some exciting summer activities. One of the big summer activities at our house is reading. Reading is great way to learn and enjoy new experiences without leaving the house. It’s also a good way to stretch your mind, explore theology, and shape your worldview. I am currently reading an excellent book entitled Brave by Faith written by Alistair Begg. Trust me, you will want to put this at the top of your must-read list for this summer. Through this book, I have been reminded that times of crisis reveal the truth about us and challenged to rethink what it means to walk out my faith in today’s world. I want to offer a few of my thoughts and invite you to consider getting this book. I also want to encourage you to read books together as a family.

Over the last year and a half, I believe the church has been facing a crisis. It seems that “the covid” has exposed several major weaknesses in our American churches. What weaknesses am I referring to? I am talking about an unpreparedness and perhaps even an unwillingness to love others above ourselves. I am talking about the fear that seems to have become the primary motivator for so much of our decision making. I am talking about the widespread lack of faith in the sovereign God who rules over and sustains the entire universe. I realize that I am generalizing and that this may not describe your church. This crisis has also been an opportunity for spiritual growth. I have watched several church leaders rise to the occasion and take stands that have been costly. I have even sat with my own pastor and listened to him reason that the need for Christian community is greater than the risk of getting sick (which I whole-heartedly agree with). Alistair Begg asks this question: “Is there anything I would die for?” What a great question. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book Life Together (also worth reading), believes that true Christian community is worth dying for.

Another thing I have been challenged on is what it means to live a Christian life in today’s world. Alistair states that we live in a post-Christian time and the evidence is quite overwhelming. He suggests that Daniel is a great example of a believer living in a pagan society while following God’s command in Jeremiah 29:7 to “…seek the welfare of the city in which I have sent you into exile…” Perhaps we should be reading Micah 6:8 with our children and discussing how we can “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly” in our current circumstances. After all, we are charged with raising our children to walk with God and stand for Him through adversity, which happens to be growing rapidly. If we want our children to be servants of the Most High God and effective Kingdom builders, then we must lead the way and be godly men and women who walk out our faith. How can we do that? Well, you could start by making prayer a consistent daily habit. For Daniel, the key was going to his room and praying “as he had always done.” Want more? Get the book.

Finally, I want to encourage family reading time. My wife likes to read a book aloud to our family on a regular basis. Recently, we have read through Uncle Tom’s Cabin and The Hiding Place. These fantastic books stimulated some good questions and great discussions about issues like slavery, prejudice, evil, suffering, and more. Other books we have read through together include The Chronicles of Narnia series, Little House on the Prairie books, and The Castle in the Attic. This is an excellent way to learn together as a family. There are so many good classics, take some time to adventure or experience history together.

The PAACH board desires to help and support you. We hope that your summer is filled with fun learning activities and memory-making experiences. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do.

James Cox
PAACH President

Congratulations 2021 Homeschool Graduates!

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Lucas Rassi

Hello, I’m Lucas Rassi, the son of Andrew and Sandy Rassi. A few things about myself: I love the outdoors, singing, spending time with friends, and food. I’ve been a part of Peoria Cooperative Academy since 7th grade and it’s been a great experience.

I’m currently enrolled at ICC and plan to go to school there for another year and then transfer to the University of Illinois College of Engineering for computer science. I’m very thankful for my family, and the friends and teachers I’ve been blessed by God to have throughout high school, who helped me grow into the person I am now. Mathew 25:40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

Kinsley Reliford

Kinsley is planning to attend Olivet Nazarene University this fall and majoring in communications. She has been homeschooled the past 10 years and in her free time she loves coffee shops, being with family and hanging out with friends. We are so proud of you Kinsley and excited to see all the Lord has planned for you.

Daniel Kelly

Daniel Kelly graduated on June 6, 2021 and is looking forward to full-time work at a manufacturing company in Mendota. He’s worked there part-time for the past 2 years learning valuable trade skills like welding and heavy machinery operation. In his spare time, which he’ll now have much more of being assignment free, he likes knife-making, 3D computer modeling, and hanging out with Dad, Mom and his 6 brothers and sisters.

May PAACH Family Spotlight

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Meet the Brocketts! TJ and Nicole are unschooling their 4 kids after trying several different area public schools. Hear them talk about their homeschooling journey.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

April PAACH Family Spotlight

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:00:00 GMT

This month our PAACH family spotlight is the Unsicker family. Marie and Gary Unsicker have 7 children, and have been homeschooling since 1998... here's their story.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

Encouraging Your Kids

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Greetings Peoria Area Homeschoolers. I’m sure you have heard by now that APACHE is no more and PAACH has been born. What better time for an organization to have new life breathed into it and be reborn than in the Spring. I hope you all experienced joy and hope growing your faith as you celebrated Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Our family enjoyed a Passover meal and some encouraging fellowship with another family from our church. Our Holy Week experience is different every year and this year was the most encouraging we have ever had. This month I want to encourage you to look for new ways to encourage your kids’ individual gifts through your family experiences.

For those of you who missed the conference, PAACH is returning to our roots by refocusing on family discipleship. However, we are also looking for fresh new ways to serve the homeschool community towards family discipleship. Sometimes we get used to an idea and because of our familiarity, we end up putting that idea in a box that limits our effectiveness. Too often we limit and even stifle our creativity and get caught up in routine which create “ruts” in our lives. I believe we have a creative God that takes joy in watching us be creative. I believe this because of my own experiences of joy while watching my kids be creative, especially my 5-year-old with her extremely active imagination. I’ve heard it said that we all have a creative muscle with the potential to grow the more we use it. Randy Stinson, in his book Trained in the Fear of God, points out that King Solomon modeled a pattern for all good teachers in the book of Proverbs. Solomon not only obeyed the words of God, but he also reformulated the teaching of these words in new and memorable ways while illustrating the joys of obedience and the anguish that results from disobedience. We would also be wise to follow this pattern of teaching. Take a few minutes and ask yourself how you might apply a little more creativity to teaching and training of your children. Have a discussion or brainstorming with your spouse and even your kids (that’s right, tap into their young creative minds too). Keep in mind that you will need to adapt as your kids grow up.

The most important and rewarding benefit of homeschooling is spending time building relationships with each of your children. I hope you have begun to demolish the idea of “cookie-cutter kids” in your minds; and instead you are tailoring each child’s learning towards encouraging the unique gifts that God has given them. We get to teach them from a Christian worldview without the many negative worldly influences that saturate the public schools. The best part is that throughout the process we have the privilege of introducing our children to Christ. Remember, your job as their parents goes beyond academics. You are preparing them for the life God has for them. This means they need to know how to handle in a Godly way the adversities they will face, the failures that they will experience, and the successes they will enjoy. Much of this they will learn by watching you walk out your Christian faith. I know, I know… the very idea of this can make the hairs on the back of your neck bristle. Don’t worry, we have help. God has given us community in the church and with other believing homeschoolers. More importantly, God has given us the promise that His Holy Spirit will be our helper and given us the wisdom and patience we need whenever we ask.

PAACH is here to do our part by providing a safe and encouraging community to help you along your journey. One of the ways we are doing that is by posting a short Facebook live video each week called “The Tiller.” Like a tiller tosses the soil to stir up nutrients, we are hoping to stir up ideas and start helpful discussions where we can share some of our creativity with each other…and maybe even stir up some excitement within your heart as you love and train your children up into a relationship with Jesus Christ. We pray God’s blessings on your homes and in your families.

James Cox
PAACH President

March PAACH Family Spotlight

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:00:00 GMT

This month our PAACH family spotlight is the Amborski family. Steve and Cher have five kids and have been homeschooling for fifteen years. Here's a look at their experience.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

APACHE is Now PAACH!

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Peoria Area Association of Christian Homeschoolers

Learning As Families | Growing As a Community | Glorifying Christ

Encourage one another and build one another up.
I Thessalonians 5:11

Our board has spent the last year refocusing on how we can better serve the needs of our local homeschooling community. As an organization, we want to be more than just a Christian academic resource library. The name APACHE does accurately represent who we are or what we are doing. Our new name, PAACH (pronounced patch), paints a picture of growth: a place where seeds are planted and fruit is produced. We are growing into a Christian community that desires to walk with you as you learn how to practice family discipleship. This is what we want to be about and so this is how we want to serve you – helping to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

Our new logo features a house resting on top of a cross. Our homes need to be built on the foundation of Christ. "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Psalm 127:1 That is the image PAACH wants to portray. That is why we homeschool, because as Christians we believe that the best way to disciple our children is through homeschooling.

PAACH desires to be a place where we learn together as families, grow together as a community, and glorify Christ together in the process. We want to follow Paul's instruction to "encourage one another and build one another up." I Thessalonians 5:11 Our goal is to encourage you and your families toward discipleship and building Godly character.

The Gift of Community

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers. Last month I briefly mentioned how quickly things are changing and encouraged us to fight for and hold onto our unity in Christ Jesus. I want to expound on this unity a little bit by discussing the indispensable gift of community that we have been given by the Father. Then I want to share with you how this organization wants to be a part of the supporting community for your family.

Choosing to follow Christ comes with the promise of difficulties in life that you would otherwise never have known. (John 16:33) Yet those difficulties also come with the promise that Christ has overcome the world and that He will be faithful to lead us. (Matt 28:20) He has also given us the Holy Spirit to help teach us and guide us in all things. (John 14:26) These promises, along with the rest of scripture bring us comfort, courage, and endurance as we walk out our faith. I believe there is another particularly important component to walking out our Christian faith that seems to have lost value in too many believers’ lives. In Acts 2:42-47, the idea of community is introduced when Luke writes that they were devoting themselves to “fellowship.” This idea of community is defined throughout this passage saying we are together and have all things in common. They even began to minister to one another’s needs. Paul describes the mechanics of how community is supposed to work in Ephesians 4:11-16. He describes how we all have different gifts to be used to edify one another and that the proper working of each individual part causes the growth of all. Then again, in Colossians 1:9- 10, Paul says that he prays for believers to “be filled with knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” so that they may walk in a worthy manner that pleases God, “bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” How does all this apply to homeschool?

If you have chosen to homeschool, then you have in some way heard the call to family discipleship that rings out from scripture. This call can be intimidating and overwhelming for any parent, but especially if you are a first-generation believer or first-time homeschooler. You may have no example to follow or struggle to know where to begin. The good news is that the homeschool movement has been growing and cultivating over the past thirty years. There are many seasoned homeschoolers who have knowledge and experience to share with those just starting out. Much wisdom has been gained by the successes and failures of those who have gone before. Paul encouraged Timothy that the older should teach the younger and this should be happening in the Christian homeschool community as well. Martin Luther said “the greatest good in married life, that which makes all suffering and labor worthwhile, is that God grants offspring and commands that they be brought up to worship and serve him. In all the world this is the noblest and most precious work.” You have heard and answered the call to family discipleship, but you do not have to walk this path alone. The truth is that trying to walk this path alone is foolish when there is so much wisdom and encouragement to be gained in community.

As always, APACHE’s goal is to encourage you and your families toward discipleship and building Godly character. The APACHE board has spent the last year refocusing on how we can better serve the needs of the homeschool community. APACHE as an organization is changing from being just a Christian resource library and is growing into a Christian community that desires to walk with you as you learn how to practice family discipleship. This is how we want to serve you, by helping you carry your burdens and “fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) We can’t wait to share with you what else is changing…

James Cox
APACHE President

February APACHE Family Spotlight

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:00:00 GMT

This month our APACHE family spotlight is the Buchanan family. Joe and Tara have been homeschooling their four children since beginning. Their oldest is 20 and their youngest is 10. Joe is the current station manager for WCIC FM in Peoria, IL.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

Attention Homeschool Dads!

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Interested in fellowshipping with other homeschool fathers? APACHE is looking to organize some events, both virtual and in person, centered around homeschool dads. If you're interested in participating or have any ideas of what you'd like to do, please email matthew@matthewlewis.us. And be sure to stay tuned for further announcements!

Everything is Changing

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 15:30:48 GMT

Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers. Everything is changing… and it’s happening at what seems to be break-neck speed. I keep looking around thinking, “Hey, can we stop for a second? I need to breathe and process and catch up.” Alas, the world continues barreling onward, uncaring that I just cannot keep up. At times, I grow frustrated and overwhelmed as I watch division infiltrating the church just as quickly. Personal convictions have become more important than relationships. Brothers and sisters in Christ who used to carry one another’s burdens are now accusing one another and pushing them away. Many have lost focus on who we represent and what we are supposed to be doing in His name. Even so, God is in control and I can have confidence in His work and trust that He is always drawing me closer. I may not understand what He is doing, but I know He works all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28) I want to approach the topics of division and change, and I will try to do so lovingly and respectfully.

Let me start with the division I see happening within the church and the homeschool community. To our shame, masks have become “the great divider” amongst us. People on both sides of this chasm have become so convinced of their personal conviction that we assume anyone on the other side must be wrong and therefore in sin. Paul spends a whole chapter in Romans guiding us on how we should be handling situations just like this. Perhaps right now the Holy Spirit is urging you to take a moment to refresh yourself by reading chapter 14. Paul lays out the path before us this way: Welcome the one who is weaker in the faith but don’t quarrel over opinions (v.1) - Don’t pass judgement on your brother (v.4) - Be fully convinced in your own mind of what God is telling YOU to do (v.5) - Live out your conviction in honor of the Lord (v.6) - Trust in God’s sovereignty (v.8), Don’t pass judgement on your brother (v.10) - Be accountable to God for yourself (v.12) - Decide never to put a stumbling block in your brother’s path (v.13) - Focus on the kingdom of God (v. 17) - Pursue making peace with and building up your brother (v. 19) - Keep your conviction between you and God (v. 22). Peter communicates this path a little more succinctly in 1 Peter 1:22, Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.

Jesus knew unity would be a struggle for us. In John 17, His high priestly prayer, He prayed for all those who would believe in Him, that they may all be one… so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (v.20-21) Jesus clearly states that everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35) This is why Paul urged the churches to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3) Our divisions soil the name of Christ because they testify against Him. Brothers and sisters, we are called to carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2) You know the law don’t you? Love one another, even as I have loved you. (John 13:34) As the church, I feel we are not doing a good job loving one another. As homeschoolers, we must remember that our children learn the most by our example. Allow me to toss out a few questions for you to challenge yourself on how well you are doing. Have I searched scripture and become fully convinced of my convictions and am I living them out consistently and gracefully? How do I treat those who disagree with me? Do I judge them and put a stumbling block in their path, or do I look for ways to encourage and build them up in their faith? Am I really putting others before myself or am I deceiving myself? Am I trusting in God’s sovereignty or am I walking in fear?

Now, let me say a few words about change while attempting to lighten your mood and maybe even give you something to get excited about. FACT: Most people don’t like change. FACT: Change is always happening. FACT: People know change is always happening and they still don’t like it. FACT: I am one of those people. Chuckle and chill for a minute. Most of the changes happening are completely out of our control and we need constant reminding that God is still in control. We can also be encouraged that God uses change in our lives to help us let go of the past and keep us moving forward. I believe change is a constant that God uses to draw us toward Him and help us to rely on Him. Sometimes God even directly instructs us to make changes. We can be sure that when God directs the change, that change is inevitable. And sometimes, God may simply tell us to bury the hatchet.

See you at convention!

James Cox
APACHE President

2021 APACHE Achievement Testing

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:00:00 GMT

APACHE subscribers, registration for 2021 APACHE achievement testing is now open. Cost is $40 per child. Make sure you're logged in to the APACHE website, then go to Events to select your dates. Hurry... space is limited!

April 7 & 8 at Bethany Baptist Church in Edwards

April 13 & 14 at Calvary Baptist Church in Peoria

New to Homeschooling Night

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, March 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Are you a new homeschooler or considering home education? Join us the night before Convention for a FREE New to Homeschooling Night hosted by Kirk Smith, Executive Director for Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE). Learn what home education is all about, get encouragement, meet seasoned homeschoolers, talk to vendors and curriculum reps, and more!

Convention Registration Opens Today!

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Spread the word... Registration for the 2021 APACHE Homeschool Convention opens today. This year, we have two Convention options... in person or online a week later, where you can view our pre-recorded convention workshops. Register by March 1, 2021 to take advantage of our early registration pricing!

Learn More & Register Now

Merry Christmas from APACHE!

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers! I hope this Christmas season finds your family well as you prepare for your Christmas celebrations. This time of year brings its own challenges and difficulties every year, but this year has already been challenging for so many. As much as we may long for this year to be over and to start a fresh new year, this is not the real hope that we have. Two thousand years ago an angel announced to a few shepherds “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people!” and told them where to find their Savior. Then a whole multitude of angels appeared in the sky and sang “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2)

Today we can still experience the joy of the good news that Christ has come. He has redeemed us and called us His own. Have you taken the time to ponder the wonder of this great news? Where might I be if He had not called me out of darkness and into His marvelous light? (I Peter 2:9) I find myself asking the same question as David: "Who am I that you are mindful of me?" (Psalm 8:2) And yet He has seen some value in me that I cannot seem to fathom. He has celebrated me like a lost coin that has been found (Luke 15) and sings over me with joy and gladness. (Zephaniah 3:17) How can my soul not rejoice in a God who delights in me so much that He sings over me?! This realization gives us good reason to sing with the angels “Glory to God in the Highest!” This Christmas season is another chance to celebrate the coming of Christ, who humbled Himself to be Emmanuel: God with us. This is where we find the peace that the angels sang about. Peace that transcends all the difficulties of the days and the pain of broken families and empty chairs. He who rejoices over us because He is pleased with us… He who loves us and wants to be with us… He is our peace because He is also our hope.

Do you celebrate advent with your children? Are you teaching them how to anticipate Christ’s coming? Are you teaching them where to find real peace? Are you teaching them about true hope that will never disappoint? The world will tell you and your children that Christmas is about so many things; like family, feasts, or presents… While these things are good things, they pale in comparison to the real reason for our celebration, our hope, our loving and gracious Savior who has come to be with us. I want to encourage you to make this Christmas a great one. Show your children that even amidst hard times, we have the greatest reason of all to celebrate.

We on the APACHE board want to wish your family the Merriest Christmas and a Happy New Year. We pray that you find both joy and peace this holiday season as you continue to trust in the Lord and remember that He is with you.

Glory to God in the Highest!

James Cox
APACHE Board President

December APACHE Family Spotlight

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 18:00:00 GMT

This month our APACHE family spotlight is the Matarelli family. Meet Jessamy and Dominic Matarelli who live in East Peoria and are raising five kids. Dominic is our APACHE website manager. Find out a little bit about their homeschooling journey and where it has led them.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

Announcing the 2021 APACHE Homeschool Convention

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 18:00:00 GMT

The APACHE convention committee has been busy preparing and planning the upcoming 2021 APACHE Homeschool Convention - Stand Firm. This month, the committee labeled and stamped 700 postcards to be mailed out at the beginning of the year, in preparation for convention. Registration will open on our website January 11, 2021. If you would like a paper registration form please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org and we will be happy to send one out to you.

This year we have a great line up of speakers including: Todd Wilson (Familyman Ministries), Terry Mortenson (Answers in Genesis), Durenda Wilson, Kirk Smith, Cindy West and more. We also have some fantastic local speakers: Hope Ware, Carla Estell, James Ware and others. We have not forgotten the kids! We plan to have Chris Kallal back with his animals. We are also including some Red Cross classes and teen workshops. New this year is a workshop for preschoolers with their moms for make and take busy bags.

Along with some great speakers, we are excited about our new location this year at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Groveland, five minutes from Morton. This year COVID has brought some challenging times. We want to provide a safe convention and will rely on families to make the best choice for them. This year we will be also providing an online convention for those who choose to stay home. Same great convention, two choices, in person or online.

Please continue to keep APACHE convention committee in your prayers as we continue to plan for the 2021 convention. We want to be led by Christ in all we do.

Learn More

November APACHE Family Spotlight

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 18:00:00 GMT

Meet our November Family Spotlight of the month. We sat down with Micah and Johanna Repke and learned more about their homeschool life.

If you're interested in being featured as a spotlight family, please email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

ICHE Young Adult Conference

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:00:00 GMT

Saturday, November 14, 2020 - 8:30 to 10:00 PM

For Young Adults 18 and older along with their parents! This fabulous day will include challenging sessions, opportunities to meet other families and young adults and plenty of games and FUN! Come join other Christian homeschooling families and worship and play together. Our featured speaker with be ICHE's Executive Director, Kirk Smith.

For more information visit: iche.org. Registration closes at midnight on November 11, 2020.

ICHE Greet & Treat

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 17:00:00 GMT

The ICHE Legislative Task Force has designated October 19 -23 as "Greet and Treat” week. We want to inundate our state officials to tell them thanks for protecting homeschooling rights. (You may also consider reaching out to local law enforcement and first responders.) This is a fall version of Cherry Pie Day.

Due to COVID restrictions at the capitol, we encourage you to call or email or snail mail versus showing up in person. Your children may color or draw pictures, write poems, or send an essay on politics as a physical way of demonstrating your appreciation for Illinois protecting our rights. You may also consider sending a family picture as a way to make the contact more personal. The ICHE LTF will be preparing additional thoughts and creative ideas as we get closer.

This time is unique in American homeschooling history. Now more than ever, we need to establish good relationships in Springfield on both sides of the political aisles. This outreach is not to be a comment on the state’s response to COVID or any other personal issue. Our legislators need to hear some good news and words of appreciation from their constituents rather than griping; after all, Illinois is one of, if not the best, state in which to homeschool.

CONTACT: Kirk Smith - ksmith@iche.org

What Can I Learn from This?

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 17:00:00 GMT

Greetings Peoria area homeschoolers! I hope the learning that is taking place in your home has been full of joy and wonder. Few things are more satisfying than watching a child learn something new and get excited about it. That kind of excitement is contagious and can be very motivating. On the flip side of this coin, it can be very frustrating and even disheartening when those same children struggle to understand a new idea. I hope to encourage you today in two areas. First, I want to address how important that it is to handle both our successes and our failures well. Second, I want to remind you of the importance of community and encourage you to connect with other homeschoolers. 1 Peter 4:8 can guide us in both of these areas: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (NIV)

Let me start by reminding you that failure is an opportunity for learning. One of the most important questions I have learned to ask is “What can I learn from this?” This question can be applied to any situation, in success or in failure. The importance of learning to handle both our successes and our failures well can be learned from the examples of those throughout history who have handled one or the other poorly and caused a great deal of damage to themselves and others. Remember also that we are not just educating our children for the sake of meeting someone’s requirements. Rather we are training them for life. Our children will have both successes and failures, and they need to learn how to handle both wisely. We all have flaws and weaknesses that cause us to stumble and struggle in our walk as Christians. Our imperfections make failures more likely and happen more frequently that we like to admit, but Paul reminds us in Romans 5 that we stand in grace (v. 2) and that those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ (v. 17). When we fail, grace abounds (v. 20) and even reigns (v.21) as we continue to place our faith in Him. God’s grace is an amazing benefit of being His child and we want our children to experience that same grace through our interactions with them. What a wonderful opportunity we have not only to walk in the grace shown by God in our lives every day, but to share that grace with our children so they may “taste and see” His goodness (Psalm 34:8).

But how can we do this through such difficulties and struggles? That is a good question. Peter’s admonition to love each other is key. We are all sinners who need our sins covered. This should keep us humble when dealing with others, especially our children. My pastor spoke recently on the importance of humility. In 1 Peter 5:5, Peter urges us to “clothe ourselves with humility toward one another… because God gives grace to the humble.” Like clothing covers our nakedness, so can humility cover us with grace. We must remain humble as we lead our children. Remember that our job is not to perfect our children, that is an unattainably high expectation. Instead we are better prepared to help them when we anticipate their failures and lovingly help them get back up and prepare for the next attempt. The eventual successes in each small victory can then be felt and celebrated together with joy and gratitude. Our ultimate goal should be to teach them who God is and help nurture them into a personal relationship with Him. Since it is His loving kindness that drew us to Him, we can be a part of that draw for our children as well.

Moving to a slightly bigger picture, we can also apply these things to our community. We are designed for relationship, which means we all have that innate desire to connect with others in meaningful ways. What if we apply the same ideas about love, grace, and humility towards others in the homeschool community? I want to encourage you to reach out to other homeschoolers because we need each other. If you are new, look for those who are seasoned and share your excitement for your new adventure. Learn as much as you can from their failures and successes. If you are a seasoned homeschooler, then look for someone new to take under your wing and walk with them sharing the wisdom you have gained from your experiences over the years. This is what we are told to do in church community, and it should be the same within the homeschooling community. Paul charges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Why? Because life is hard, especially the Christian life. And homeschooling life is hard too. We need regular encouragement, and fellowship opens us up to other perspectives and inspires fresh ideas.

Your homeschooling journey doesn’t have to be your own personal nightmare, rather it can be an incredible adventure and a dream come true when done well. At APACHE, we hope and pray for your family to experience all of the life-giving benefits of a job well done. We strive to help you in any way we can by providing the support, tools, and opportunities that will grow and encourage you. We are currently in the process of making many exciting changes and upgrades to our organization. The latest upgrade has been our very outdated website at apachecentralillinois.org. It is new and fresh, so go check it out!

I hope you have been blessed, refreshed, and encouraged as you seek the blessings that God has in store for your family.

James Cox
APACHE President

APACHE Fall Kick-Off Recap

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 17:00:00 GMT

We had a nice cool evening for our annual Fall Kickoff, Friday September, 18th at Detweiller Park Moose Shelter. We had 9 to 10 families join us for great fellowship. This year due to COVID it was bring your own picnic dinner, and pizza was a favorite for many families. Some of us split into two teams and played a high-spirited game of kickball. There were moms, dads and kids cheering each other on. The game was really close, and everyone had a good time. As things cooled down there were pockets of "getting to know each other" moments among the many families. Many of the kids enjoyed playing on the jungle gym and a game of tag quickly sprung up. One family stated “they were glad to get out of the house and were looking forward to other APACHE events.”

One thing COVID has taught us is that things may look different this year but to enjoy the moments we can create. We look forward to hosting our Apache Kickoff again next year at Detweiller Park, and we hope to see you there!

Illinois Testing, Registration & Filing Requirements

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 17:00:00 GMT

In Illinois, we enjoy the freedom to shape the school day and curriculum to each child's specific needs and talents. Illinois government does not require testing, evaluation or specific oversight. Parents are not required to administer standardized testing, but you may choose to do so. We are not required to register or follow any documentation with the state or local school district, but each family may choose to do so. Check out the link below for more info...

Information and sample letters for withdrawing children from public schools

Who Can You Trust?

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 17:00:00 GMT

With all the confusion that is going on in our nation and state over the Coronavirus, homeschooling is the direct beneficiary, offering parents a sense of solidity and control in the midst of tremendous instability and upheaval. We could very well be looking at one of the greatest seasons of growth for the homeschooling movement, but this doesn’t mean it won’t be without challenges and growing pains.

As I interact with people across the state, read numerous blogs, and listen to various doctors and nutritionists, I have come to realize how immersed we are in statism and how quickly we question our own abilities when pitted against the self-proclaimed expertise of various governmental agencies or representatives. It is happening with COVID and it is happening with homeschooling. Even though numerous organizations—including ICHE—instruct new homeschoolers that they do not need to register with the state to legally homeschool, many parents are still intimidated because of public school administrators who are either ignorant of the law or have a certain degree of animosity towards it.

This self-doubt clearly exemplifies that one of our biggest obstacles to overcome is our tendency to stay tightly tucked within the confines of the box which society and statism imposes upon us. As public-school teachers, it took my wife and I several years to lay down some of our institutional training and trust the walk along talk along model of education as described in Deuteronomy 6. It wasn’t that we didn’t believe in the scriptures, but rather we had been so immersed in the system for so long we had forgotten to think for ourselves with the benchmark of that thinking being the Word of God. I don’t think we are alone in that mindset.

Our socialistic culture inundates us with the message, “Don’t try this at home. Leave it to the state.” As one who was trained within the system, I know better. I was a high school English teacher and coach. My alma mater had a national reputation at the time for being a great school for training future educators. And while I did have some wonderful professors, I really did not learn how to teach until I actually taught. I didn’t even know how to fill out a grade book and had to learn that on my own. As with all other school districts, I was given a pre-selected curriculum, and all I had to do was to follow the teacher’s guide. Sound familiar?

The point is there is not magic pill that trained educators take to become professional teachers. you learn how to teach simply by teaching, just like homeschooling parents. Unlike you, however, as soon as they get to know how some of their students—by no means all of them—learn, these pupils pass on to the next grade level, and the entire process starts all over. In homeschooling, the parent/teacher has the privilege of walking along side of his or her children all the way through. y get to know their children’s academic strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, they get to know their character strengths and weaknesses. By the time they pass your level of expertise in a given subject, they have learned how to learn on their own. To a great extent , they will now teach themselves, not just for the remainder of the school year but for the rest of their lives. No wonder employers and colleges are recruiting homeschoolers.

For those of us who hold to a Christian worldview, we also know that we have a Heavenly Father who opens up opportunities that we never could on our own. It may be an older neighbor that is gifted in something our child is interested in or someone in a support group that is getting rid of something that is perfect for us. The bottom line is we can trust God and His grace in us.

For those who are new to homeschooling, the voices of statism speak loudly because they try to drown out the volume of facts and statistics of homeschooling success. According to Dr. Brian Ray, homeschoolers score between the 80th to 87th percentile in achievement tests compared to the public-school’s results of the 50th percentile. More encouraging yet, there is almost no statistical difference between how well a homeschooling child does whose parents hold a PhD. versus a child whose parents have only a GED. I realize this is counter intuitive to a culture built upon experts, but these are the facts of a homeschooling family that is built upon caring parents.

As the old saying goes, God gave your children to you, not to the public-school system. You are the expert of your child. You need to trust yourself, not the state.

Kirk Smith
Executive Director, ICHE

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2021 Convention Planning Has Begun!

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 18:30:00 GMT

Planning is underway for our 2021 Homeschool Convention. The convention committee strives to put together an amazing group of speakers vendors and workshops that will encourage and enhance your homeschooling journey. It takes many volunteers to make this happen.

If you would like to serve on convention committee please email arkasia@cfomediadirector@gmail.com.

Board of Directors Opening

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 17:00:00 GMT

APACHE has been connecting homeschooling families with resources that equip, support, and encourage them in their efforts for 30 years. This is only possible through the efforts of many volunteers and the Board of Directors.

The APACHE Board of Directors is seeking a couple to join the Board. The Board meets quarterly, providing oversight and leadership for APACHE as a tax-exempt organization as well as its sponsored events/activities. We ask that you prayerfully consider serving our homeschool community in this way. In order to continue offering local events and opportunities, your help is needed. There are many opportunities to help with a variety of tasks/needs, both on the Board and as a subscriber volunteer.

For more information or to volunteer, email us at info@apachecentralillinois.org.

Shop Amazon & Support APACHE

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 16:30:00 GMT

If you are an AmazonSmile customer, you can now support Association of Peoria Area Christian Home Educators Inc in the Amazon shopping app on your Android device!

Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations:

If you have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, open the app on your Android device.
View Settings and select AmazonSmile.
Follow the in-app instructions to complete the process.

Note: If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, you will need to update it first. View app instructions.

AmazonSmile is not currently available for iOS users.