FAITH FORMATION - HOMESCHOOLING NETWORK

All are invited to join De Novo Homeschooling Network which provides many opportunities for families to gather for encouragement, fellowship, and children's activities throughout the year.

Coordinators, Kevin and Renee Fornshill
homeschool@gs-cc.org or renee@gs-cc.org

Our Mission
In the spirit of building community in the light of Christ we will:
Build a homeschooling community that welcomes all families from diverse backgrounds;
Pray, worship, and celebrate our relationships and together grow in our understanding of His creation;
Be His head, heart, and hands of love to one another and the larger community; and 
Support, encourage, and grow in our faith and make Him known to the world.

E-Mail Updates
The group provides weekly email updates with upcoming events, schedule changes, prayer requests, and announcements. Join us on our email eloop by sending a request to homeschool@gs-cc.org.

Weekly Park Day - “Wednesday Chats”
Join us for our weekly park days at Fort Hunt Park at 2:30 pm during the school year. This is a great way to meet other homeschooling families and get your questions answered. Find out all the when, where, and why’s of Virginia homeschooling law and how to manage this unique way of life in both the fun and stressful times.  For more information please contact Renee Fornshill at homeschool@gs-cc.org or renee@gs-cc.org or (703) 619-0620.

Friday Program - “Skye Chase”
Good Shepherd also offers an enrichment program for De Novo Homeschooling families that runs from September through May. It meets every Friday at the church for a mothers' support group and children's classes. The program is designed to supplement your homeschool and give your child time to learn within a group setting. There is a wide variety of classes offered by the moms and time for mother’s support.

The goals for this program are to provide a group environment for our children to learn about and explore God’s creation; to help parents raise academically and spiritually strong children; to encourage families to grow in their love for each other and God; and allow a time for mothers to be in support of each other.

Participation in this program is a nine-month commitment, and depends upon the active involvement of all members to ensure a positive experience for the families. One parent from each family needs to remain on-site during the program.  For more information, please contact Renee Fornshill at renee@gs-cc.org or (703) 619-0620 or Terri Hood at hoodterri@yahoo.com.

General Offerings  - “Going Ons”

Family Events:

• Monthly Family Potlucks: The group gathers for a family potluck night at members’ homes on the 3rd Sunday of the month during the school year. For the summer, families gather at a local park monthly for a potluck or at a local pool.

• End of Year Retreat, 4H Holiday Lake: At the end of the school year, families gather for a five day retreat on the Memorial Day week (Monday-Friday) at the 4H Holiday Lake Family Camp in Appomattox, Virginia. More information about the campsite can be found at www.holidaylake4h.com.

Just for Parents:

• Mom’s Night Out: Moms plan nights without the kids for encouragement and fun. Some are at homes and others at local restaurants. Offered quarterly.

• Dad’s Night Out: Dads plan a night out for encouragement and friendship. Offered quarterly.

• Couples Night Out: Time to get out without the kids and spend time with other homeschooling parents. Share stories of what is working and what’s not and the “how to” of keeping a smile while schooling your children. Offered twice a year.

Educational Events:

• Kennedy Center Performances: Families sign up in early September for events throughout the school year.

• Smithsonian Tours: The group sponsors two guided tours of the National Gallery of Art during Advent and Lent.

• Seasonal Talks: Guest speakers talk to the group about matters of faith, family life, and parenting. These talks are offered a various times during the year.

• Nature Club: Our nature club meets during our Wednesday Chat park days. Moms offer short classes and projects to explore nature.

• Jocus Days - Kids' Talent Show: The children can offer their talents (singing, reciting prayers or poems, dancing, plays, etc.) to the group during our Wednesday Park Day. Offered monthly, see the calendar for scheduled days. Moms: This is the time for those command performances.

• Kids’ Craft & Market Day: During the season of Advent, we offer a Kids’ Craft & Market Day for parents and children alike to buy and sell homemade gifts for Christmas. This event is held during one of our Wednesday Chats in December and also at our December Family Potluck.

• Small Group & PE Classes: Classes in History, Latin, Math, Science, Great Books, IEW, PE, etc. are held during the Friday Program, Skye Chase, listed above.

• De Novo Field Trips: Field trips are lead by moms with an interest in the area. We generally host a least one (but many times several) berry and apple picking trips. The trips are offered in the Fall and Spring. We also plan trips to Constitution Day at Guston Hall, Shrine of St. Elizabeth Seton in Emmetsburg, National Gallery of Art, Pope John Paul II Center, and the National Basilica Center in Washington, D.C. for tours during Advent & Lent.

Service Projects:

• Advent Candle Sales & Fundraisers: The group offers one fundraiser event to encourage advent celebration in the homes of our community. We sell candles and other advent supplies during the weekend before through the first week of advent.

• Mt. Vernon Nursing Home Service Days: During Advent and Lent we gather to support the residents of the Mt. Vernon Nursing Home with songs, games, and personal visits.

• “Helping Hands” Organizers: The group organizes dinners, babysitting and prayer chains for those in our group that need additional help due to a new baby, extended illness, or a death in the family.

Religious Events:

• Family Stations of the Cross: Families each take one station of the cross to recreate during our family potluck night in March.

• May Crowning: This event is a celebration of Mary which occurs during our May Family Potluck at Good Shepherd. We have children’s songs, flowers for Mary, and pray the rosary.

• Seder Meal: The group gathers during Lent to create a children’s seder meal. The meal is re-enacted as the speaker teaches about the Mass and Christ’s message of salvation.

• Friendly Defender Days: The Friendly Defenders Days are based on the popular Friendly Defender card game and held during our Wednesday Chats based on interest.

• St. George’s Day: The children come ready for battle and to celebrate wonderful St. George.

• All Saints’ Day Celebration: This celebration is held during our November Family Potluck. The kids dress up as Saints and parade around teaching about their saint’s life.

• St. Valentine’s Day Celebration: The children learn the story of St. Valentine and how to love through God’s eyes. They have an opportunity to make handmade card for family and friend to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day.