JCHE Activity Descriptions

COMMUNICATION:

JCHE Newsletter

Published monthly by JCHE volunteers.  The newsletter is distributed to our membership either via mail or electronically, giving our members information regarding activities during the upcoming month. Community events and opportunities are often included.  Members, coordinators, directors, and board members submit newsworthy items to a volunteer editor who compiles the information into a newsletter format.  Volunteers proof, upload to the website, make copies, address envelopes, and mail newsletters.  Members choosing to receive their newsletter by mail pay slightly more on their membership fees to help cover the copying and mailing expenses (paper, envelopes, stamps, mailing labels, etc.). Costs not covered by the additional membership fees are covered by the JCHE general fund.

JCHE Website

www.jchenc.org.  JCHE sponsors a website which is available to the public on the web, with information regarding membership, online membership registration, information about our group, links to homeschooling sites, event registration, etc.  Events open to the public are advertised here, and attendance/participation registration is available where appropriate.  The website also features a "Members Only" section that is password protected for our members. The public can contact leaders of JCHE by email for more information or questions.  The website and hosting fees are paid from general funds and also advertising sponsors. The JCHE Website is maintained and moderated by JCHE volunteers.

JCHE Yahoo Email Loop

For our major day to day communication, sign-up for activities, email discussion, etc., our members have access to a yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JCHEnc/   Community events and opportunities are shared.  An opening page is available to the public with information about JCHE, but access to the messages and other features are password protected for our membership.  This loop helps keep our families informed and provides useful communication.  The site is maintained by JCHE volunteers and Yahoo is a free online service.

JCHE Swap Board

Sent out weekly via the Yahoo Email Loop, members can post items for sale, for rent, job opportunities, want ads, etc.  The swap board is posted to members only, but non-members are allowed to post through a JCHE member.  Free online service moderated and maintained by JCHE volunteers.

Rack Cards and Brochures

Placed at local libraries, etc., to inform the public and promote homeschooling.  JCHE volunteers design these materials and JCHE pays printing costs through a local printer or printing service.

 

EXTRACURRICULAR CLASSES/CLUBS

Band

JCHE sponsors a homeschool band for beginners, intermediate, and advanced musicians.  The band meets weekly at a local church during the school year in Johnston County, NC, and performs at various JCHE and community events in and around Johnston County, NC.  Participation is open for a fee to JCHE members and non-members. The band director, with JCHE's approval, sets these fees, and is compensated from these fees for his expenses.

Chorus

JCHE sponsors a homeschool chorus.  Students interested in voice can join the beginner or intermediate choirs.  Under the direction of a professional music teacher, the students practice weekly during the school year in Johnston County, NC, and sing at area nursing homes, holiday events, and are featured in 2 concerts each year.  Participation is open for a fee to JCHE members and non-members.  The band director sets these fees, and is compensated from these fees for her expenses.

OWL Club

Oral Witnessing for the Lord [OWL] A public speaking club for students ages 6-18 on 3 levels, based on age and experience.  Co-sponsored by JCHE and the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield.  The club meets bi-monthly during the school year at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield.  OWL is student-run and teaches many skills, including writing, responsibility, time-management, public speaking, confidence, and much more.  This club is offered free to students.  JCHE and the Public Library cover any copying and paperwork cost, which is minimal.  Adult volunteers oversee the clubs.

4-H Clubs

For homeschooled students.  Participation fees, if any, are minimal, less than $5 per family, and paid by participating families to cover overhead expenses, insurance, etc.  Each club meets monthly in and around Johnston County, NC.

Yearbook Club

JCHE publishes a professional yearbook (publisher: Jostens).  Led by volunteer coordinators and staffed by high school students who sell ads, sell yearbooks, raise funds, collect photographs, lay out the pages, write copy, etc. The staff also coordinates and sponsors the annual school pictures.  The funds raised by ad sales, yearbook sales, and fundraisers cover the publishing costs of the Yearbook. Yearbook staff meetings are held regularly, one or two times a month, in Johnston County, NC

Photography Club

Open to JCHE students in middle and high school, the club learns the fundamentals of photography.  Participants pay for their own equipment, supplies, and copying.  Led by JCHE volunteers.  Meetings held monthly in and around Johnston County.

Fallacy Detective and Rhetoric Class

Fall semester, 2008.  Led by JCHE volunteers, this course covers the Bluedorne book, “Fallacy Detectives” and includes preparing and delivering a memorized speech. Free for participants. Meets weekly in Smithfield, NC for one hour.

EH Co-Op/Classes

2008-09. Early elementary educational co-op for grades 1-3.  Sponsored by JCHE's Early Homeschoolers program, and led by volunteer moms whose children are participating.  Meets monthly at a local church for a few hours each time.  Costs are covered by donations from those participating, and from JCHE's general fund.

 

EXTRACURRICULAR COMPETITIONS

Spelling Bee

JCHE is registered as a Scripps Spelling Bee participating school.  JCHE sponsors a Spelling Bee for JCHE students in grades 1-8 at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield. The winner of our Middle School competition (grades 6-8) goes on to compete at the county level with other Middle School winners from area public and private schools in Johnston County.  The winner of the County Bee goes on to compete nationally at the Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington D.C.  JCHE hosts a practice bee (about 2 hours), and the actual bee at the local public library (about 2 hours). There is no charge to student participants. Fees for prizes, copying, and registration to Scripps are paid from JCHE's general fund, and the event is led by volunteers.

Geography Bee

JCHE is registered with Nationally Geographic Geography Bee as a participating school. JCHE sponsors the JCHE Geography Bee for JCHE students in grades 4-8 at the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield.  JCHE hosts a practice bee (about 2 hours), and the actual bee at the local public library (about 2 hours).  The winner of our local bee takes a written test to qualify for eligibility in the NC Geography Bee.  There is no charge to student participants.  Prizes, copying costs, and registration fees have been paid by a generous donor, and the event is led by volunteers.

Science Fair

JCHE plans to sponsor a Science Fair for its members in the Johnston County area in the winter.  Winning students in our local fair advance to a regional Science Fair.  The fair will be held for several hours, a one-time event.  Expenses will be covered by participating families and from the JCHE general fund. The fair will be coordinated by JCHE volunteers.

 

EXTRACURRICULAR SPORTS/FITNESS, ETC.

Field Day

JCHE sponsors a field day at a local park in Johnston County, NC featuring races, relays, tosses, and other fun activities in the spring for its membership.  All ages welcome.  Ribbon prizes are awarded.  JCHE funds this event from the general fund, and the event is coordinated and led by JCHE volunteers.  The event lasts for several hours once a year.

Physical Education

Elementary and Middle school programs held twice a month in the spring and fall.  The classes last for about one hour and a half.  Students participate in the Heart Smart Challenge in February.  Open to JCHE members.  JCHE funds this event from the general fund as well as charging a nominal fee to each family.  The classes are led by JCHE volunteers.

Volleyball

Lady Jaguars Varsity Volleyball.  The team competes with other homeschool teams around the state.  Participation is open to all area homeschoolers in the proper age bracket.  The team works on sponsorships and fundraising projects such as bake sales, concession stands, Chick-fil-A Spirit night, etc, to cover expenses such as insurance, gym rental, league fees, equipment, referees, uniforms, etc.  The season begins with a training camp in the summer, and weekly team practices and games from August to October.

Volleyball Camp/Clinic/Class

Sponsored annually for girls ages 10 and up.  Usually 4-5 sessions lasting from 2 to 4 hours each.  Open to all area homeschoolers in the proper age bracket.  Teaches the fundamentals of the game to potential volleyball team members.  Costs are covered by the Lady Jaguars Varsity Volleyball team's fundraisers and parents of the participants.

Basketball

JCHE hopes to have a Boys Basketball team in the near future.  The team would operate similarly to the existing Volleyball team.

Bowling for Fun

JCHE sponsors a monthly bowling event at a local bowling alley in Clayton, NC at a discounted rate.  Open to JCHE members and invited guests.  The two hour event offers an opportunity for fellowship and exercise once a month during September-May.  JCHE volunteers schedule and coordinate the event through the local Bowling alley.

Homeschool Skating

JCHE sponsors a monthly skating event at a local rink in Clayton, NC at a discounted rate.  Open to all area homeschool families.  The event offers an opportunity for fellowship and exercise.  A 2 hour event once a month during September-May.  JCHE volunteers schedule and coordinate the event through the local rink.

Gymnastics

Local gyms offer weekly  classes and monthly open gym to JCHE members and non-members at a discounted rate.  Open to all area homeschool families in the area. JCHE members volunteer to coordinate with local gyms to provide this opportunity for fellowship and exercise.

T-Ball

For ages 6-9, boys and girls.  Held in the spring at a local Johnston County park, every other week March - May for a couple of hours each time.  Free to JCHE members.  The event offers an opportunity for fellowship and exercise.  Scheduled and coordinated by JCHE volunteers.

Tennis for Teens

Informal tennis.  Open to all area homeschool students ages 12 and up, parents, too.  Spring and Summer, usually twice a month, lasting 1-2 hours.  A chance to learn, practice, and hone tennis skills. Free.  Scheduled and coordinated by JCHE volunteers

Running Club

Starting in September 2009, meets weekly for one hour during the fall for conditioning in preparation of running in 5K race.  Free.  Scheduled and coordinated by JCHE volunteers.

 

EXTRACURRICULAR  - FUN/EDUCATIONAL

Field Trips

Several planned monthly, including museums, historical sites, businesses, farms, theater productions, drama presentations, concerts, etc.  All ages.  Offers many educational opportunities.  Field trips that require admission fees are paid by individual families in attendance.  Many are free.  There are generally 4-5 field trips planned each month.  Most generally last 1-2 hours.   Scheduled and coordinated by JCHE volunteers.

Park Days

Scheduled play dates at local parks.  Open to the public.  Usually about once a month, during the warmer months, lasting for 1-2 hours.   Free of charge. Scheduled and coordinated by JCHE volunteers.

Play Dates

Tea parties, themed activities, play dates scheduled to stimulate friendships and fun memories.  Some events require a small fee paid by participating families.  Most are free and held in local parks or members homes.  Coordinated by volunteers.  Generally about 1 every month or two, lasting about 1-2 hours.  Scheduled and coordinated by JCHE volunteers.

 

PROGRAMS

Early Homeschoolers

A program for families with children younger than school age to early elementary.  This group plans weekly activities including field trips, park days, co-op classes, outings, socials, museum field trips, factory and business tours, farm tours, play groups, themed parties, etc.  Participating families pay any expenses.  Most events are free.  This club sponsors several group gatherings during the year, such as Christmas Party, Valentine's Party, Hot Dog Roast, etc.  This program was formed to encourage and support those families planning to homeschool whose children were not yet school age.

Family Care Program

Through monetary donations from members and sponsored fundraisers, JCHE helps families in need throughout the year, and especially during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays.  Non-perishable food items and gifts are also donated by the membership.  (see attachment for more about this program)

Group Testing

To help our families meet the state's testing requirement for homeschoolers in NC, JCHE sponsors a group testing setting for its members.  Each year we collectively test nearly 100 students at a discounted rate to help the participating families.  Those participating are charged a fee to cover the materials and scoring expenses, and the facility rental fees.  The group testing is done over 2 days.  JCHE also shares and offers other options for meeting the state's testing requirements through a workshop, newsletter articles, website links, etc.

School Pictures

JCHE offers a setting for families to have school pictures made of their students by a professional photographer. Family portrait packages are available for a fee, paid directly to the photographer by participating families.  Student pictures are used in the Yearbook.  Expenses incurred for this event, i.e, facility fees, supplies, etc., are paid using Yearbook funds.  Photo Sessions are scheduled in November and February and are spread over 5 to 6 days.  Staffed by volunteers and Yearbook staff.

 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND SERVICE

Homeschool Conference and Bookfair

JCHE sponsors an annual Bookfair and Conference in Clayton, NC.  Open to the public, the event features resources available to homeschoolers in the area, over 40 vendors selling new and used curriculum, goody bags with information about extracurricular activities, curriculum catalogs, etc., 12-15 workshops covering varied aspects of home, family, and homeschooling.  Families and businesses wishing to sell on the bookfair floor are asked to pay a reservation fee, based on the space needed. In 2008 a $1 admission fee was charged to non-members (adults only) to help cover the expenses, but admission was free in 2009.  Expenses incurred include advertising, building usage fees, nametags, handouts, etc.  If expenses exceed the income from table reservations and admission, JCHE pays the difference from the general fund. A concession stand, staffed by volunteers, is set up by a local homeschool club or activity, and the proceeds from the sales are applied to a special project by the sponsoring club.  The entire conference and bookfair event is staffed by a volunteer committee and several committee subs who begin planning months in advance.  Set up takes several hours the day prior, and the event is held on a Saturday and lasts about 7-8 hours.

Workshops

JCHE hosts a variety of free workshops during the year and at our annual mini-conference. Invited speakers address topics such as homeschooling high school, college admissions, dual enrollment, household organization, getting started homeschooling, the homeschool law, and other related topics.  Open to the public. Usually the workshops are free of charge, but occasionally a small fee per person is charged depending on the venue and the resources available.  JCHE pays all other incurred expenses for facility fees, advertising, speaker gratuity, hand-outs, etc.

Meet You at the Pole

JCHE sponsors a "Meet You at the Pole" event at a local park in Johnston Co. NC in October to pray for our national, state, and local government leaders, our homeschool families, freedoms both here and abroad, and to commit our homeschool year to the Lord.  Followed by a picnic and fellowship afterwards.  This event is a yearly event lasting about 3 hours. The public is invited.  Free of charge to participants.  JCHE covers any advertising or incurred expenses from the general fund.

Clothing Exchange

JCHE sponsors at least one clothing exchange each year. Families donate clothing, household items, curriculum, books, etc., which are sorted and arranged by committee volunteers over 2 or 3 days.  The Clothing Exchange is held on a Saturday, open for 4 to 5 hours.  Everyone is welcome to "shop", whether they donated items or not.  All items are taken for free, no admission fee. Any expenses incurred, i.e facility fees or advertising, are paid by JCHE's general fund. The public is invited.  Any items left after the exchange are donated to charity.

Toy Exchange

JCHE sponsors a toy exchange.  Parents bring toys that they no longer want/need, and "shop" for toys they may need.  All items are taken for free, no admission fee. Any expenses incurred, i.e facility fees or advertising, are paid by JCHE's general fund.  Attendees do not have to bring toys in order to shop.

Clayton Community Park Clean Up

To say thank you for the use of the fields for PE, Field Day, and other JCHE events, JCHE coordinates a clean-up day at the Clayton Community Park in Clayton, NC as a community service project.  Held in October.  JCHE covers expenses involved in furnishing gloves, garbage bags, etc.

CapitalFest

CapitalFest is scheduled every other year and is sponsored by the statewide organization, North Carolinians for Home Education.  Its purpose is to teach students about state government, and get acquainted with our legislators.  JCHE organizes a group visit to the State Capital to participate and schedules meetings with our local legislators.  We welcome non-member families to join us.  Attendees can attend workshops sponsored by NCHE, and can deliver packets of information to the senators and representatives.  The event begins in the morning and ends early afternoon.  The event is free for participants.  JCHE pays for any printed materials, programs, etc.

 

JCHE EVENTS

Fall Kick-Off

An event to kick off the school year, introduce new members to the group, highlight the activities available to JCHE members, and make connections and develop friendships with other homeschool families.  Held at a facility in Johnston County, NC, the event is coordinated by a committee of volunteers.  JCHE pays for expenses incurred, such as facility fees, paper products, supplies, etc., from the general fund.  The event lasts for several hours.

New Members Reception

This event is held in the fall to introduce our new members to JCHE activities and opportunities.  Generally includes a program and a meal or reception.  JCHE pays for incurred expenses from the general fund.  The event is coordinated by a committee of volunteers, and lasts for a couple of hours and is held in Johnston County, NC.

Variety and Art Show

Usually held in conjunction with the Thanksgiving or Christmas season, this event allows our students to perform and display their talents.  A reception follows.  JCHE students perform, but the event is open to the public.  JCHE pays any incurred expenses from the general fund.  The event is coordinated by a committee of volunteers and lasts a couple of hours.

International Fair

Offered annually, JCHE families sign up to study a country and come together for a Fair at a designated site in Johnston County NC to share what they've learned via presentations, dramatizations, costumes, food samples, displays, souvenirs, etc.  JCHE pays any incurred expenses from the general fund. The event is coordinated by a committee of volunteers and lasts a couple of hours.  Open to JCHE families to participate, but the fair is open to the public.

Drama Camp

Each year JCHE plans to sponsor a week long Drama Camp that is led by an outside agency, The Leavening Agency.   The week is packed full of music, drama, stage craft, creative movement, instrument playing, and ends with a performance on Friday evening.  The camp is open to members and non-members who want to experience a week of Liberal Arts, up to 60 students ages 8-14.  The Friday evening performance is open to the public.  A fee is charged to cover expenses only.

End-of-Year Graduation and Celebration

A yearly event to celebrate the end of the school year and honor our graduates.  Held at a designated location in Johnston County, NC, the event features a graduation ceremony, a showcase of talents and accomplishments, and a reception or meal.  Coordinated by a committee of volunteers and lasting a couple of hours, the event is open to the public.

 

FUNDRAISERS

 

JCHE participates in the following fundraisers to help raise funds for our general operating expenses and benevolence needs.

Attractions Dining and Value Guide Books

Sold during the fall, the books sell for $25 each, and JCHE profits $10 per book.  Members sell to friends, family, neighbors, etc.  A portion of the proceeds are set aside for scholarship funds for various JCHE activities and clubs, and members experiencing financial hardships may apply for scholarships by filling out a scholarship application.  The other proceeds are used for general operating expenses for JCHE.

World’s Finest Chocolate Candy Bars

Sold during the fall, the candy bars sell for $1 each, and JCHE profits 50 cents per candy bar.  Members sell to friends, family, neighbors, etc.  A portion of the proceeds are set aside for scholarship funds for various JCHE activities and clubs, and members experiencing financial hardships may apply for scholarships by filling out a scholarship application.  The other proceeds are used for general operating expenses for JCHE.

Chick-fil-A Calendars

Sold during the fall for $5 each, and JCHE profits $2.50 for each calendar. Members sell to friends, family, neighbors, etc.  Proceeds are used for general operating expenses for JCHE.

Box Tops for Education

Families collect Box Tops from various retail products and gives them to a JCHE volunteer who sends them to the Box Tops for Education program.  At the end of the year, JCHE receives a check from the Box Tops for Education program.  Proceeds from this fundraiser are used for general operating expenses for JCHE.

Wal-Mart (Volleyball Team)

The JCHE Lady Jaguars contract with a local Wal-Mart to set up a booth outside of the store for a given time period (usually 2-3 hours) and collect donations.  Proceeds are used for the general operating expenses for the Lady Jaguar program, and are used to buy equipment, pay rental fees, pay referees, etc.

Spirit Nights at local restaurants i.e. McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A (Yearbook)

The JCHE Yearbook Staff contracts with a local restaurant each year.  The staff advertises their Spirit Night to bring in customers for a given time period (usually 2-3 hours), and a portion of the proceeds during the Spirit Night hours are used by the JCHE Yearbook for general operating expenses for that club, i.e. printing costs, postage, rental fees, etc.