Here's a wonderful opportunity for your student to explore something that interests them as well as give them experience sharing their ideas publicly. Visit the BHC website for all the details and to register your student's project by September 26th. One of Essential's own is organizing this event for the area homeschool community. Let's show our support!
Essential is taking a field trip! Join other Essential families for this special opportunity. RESERVATION DUE DATE: Monday, September 26th What if I have younger students? You can also bring them, but it will be VERY important that you keep them close to you and watch them to keep them from disrupting the presentations. American Village is an outdoor venue, so you can walk them around to other parts of the village while our group is having an activity that does not interest younger students. Can my students come independently or can they be dropped off? Please contact Kristy at kristy@essentialchurchschool.org before securing your tickets. A waiver will be required to be signed by the parent and to give us emergency contact information. What if our family does not reside in Shelby County? You will have to pay the entrance fee for your attending students. Only Shelby County STUDENTS receive special admission. What will we do on this field trip? Independence! is the newest program at the American Village, and is centered around a new building - the West Wing of Independence Hall. The new building features an immersive exhibition space and a multi-sensory theatre, designed to fully engage students in the struggle for American independence. An opening play takes place just outside the West Wing of Independence Hall. Once inside, students are transported back to revolutionary Boston on the eve of Paul Revere’s ride. From the foyer, students move into the multi-sensory theatre, where they see an original film that takes then on a journey from Paul Revere’s ride to the battles at Lexington and Concord, to the Continental Congress, and ultimately the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In addition to the experiences in the West Wing of Independence Hall, students take part in the Yorktown Encampment, learn about medical practices in the Continental Army, attend the 5th Virginia Convention and argue for independence, meet the Sons of Liberty and carry a secret message vital to the patriots’ cause. Can people outside of Essential attend? They can, but they need to wait to reserve their spaces until after our school families have had an opportunity. Reservations will open on the BHC website on Friday, September 16th for any open spaces. Adults MUST secure/pay for their admissions. Please make sure you only use the CHILD RSVP for Children 4 years old and younger. ***Payment - click the PayPal button, and you will be able to choose credit/debit card inside the popup***
Join us for a field trip to explore and learn about water's role in nature and life. Our day will include a craft, nature hike, and even an edible educational activity! Although this field trip will be geared toward our elementary students, the whole family is welcome to attend. Young children (ages 4 and under) will need to be kept with parent at all times, and they will not participate in crafts/activities requiring use of materials. Strollers are welcome, but the hike will not be on a paved path. Students will be divided up by grade level for the benefit of instructors, but let us know if you prefer to keep your family together in one group. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy together onsite before leaving. Please reserve your tickets BEFORE October 24th - Camp Fletcher needs time to secure all the materials needed for our group.
*It’s the world’s largest Homeschool Picnic!* Homewood Central Park has a very large field to set up picnic blankets, camp chairs, and even portable tables. If you are comfortable with sharing food and eating as a potluck, you can bring your own table to set up at your picnic spot. This is a great way to connect with other families, but we know that health concerns are still prevalent. BHC will have Thanksgiving crafts and activities available, and teens are encouraged to come as well! This event will be held rain or shine. BHC won’t be able to reschedule this event, but everyone is encouraged to be wise and safe if there is inclement weather.
Let's join together for a holiday season favorite! The Alabama Ballet offers a school show performance of this timeless classic each school year, and we are reserving seats for homeschool families. Use the form below to reserve your seats BEFORE November 18th. We have to make an advance reservation for best seats. Please note that this event is only for ages 4 and up. Little ones will not be allowed to attend. In addition, an adult must be with your students. FREE for students ages 4 and up $26.50 for adults
Share your knowledge and experiments! We are excited to offer the BHC Science Fair for the 2022-2023 school year for all ages and grade levels as well. We do require you to register your student’s project by January 1st if possible. The $5 registration fee will help BHC cover the expenses of the venue, judges, and prizes – yes, this event includes some friendly competition! Learn more about this event at https://birminghamhomeschoolers.com/event/science-fair/
Homeschool Alabama has registered with Scripps National Spelling Bee, so homeschoolers in Alabama will have a way to participate in it. A student must be registered through a school or organization that is enrolled with Scripps. Essential students should register with Homeschool Alabama at https://www.homeschoolalabama.org/homeschool-spelling-bee After registration and payment, you will receive access to spelling bee materials, including word lists. Homeschool Alabama will use the online testing platform as a preliminary for all homeschoolers in Alabama. Then they will hold an in-person bee for the top 20 spellers on Saturday February 4 (weather date Saturday February 11), in the Birmingham area. If any church schools register separately, then their school winners will be able to participate as well. The winner of the state homeschool spelling bee will represent homeschoolers at the Alabama state spelling bee in March. If you have questions, please contact Debbie Landry at debbie@homeschoolalabama.org
Join with other area homeschool families for a Valentine's swap and competition. Details at https://BirminghamHomeschoolers.com
We are offering an online workshop focusing on the high school journey. This is only open to Essential families, because we will be discussing procedures specific to Essential enrollment and Essential’s diploma requirements. Best for families with students in grades 8-12. Use online form below to RSVP for this workshop. You must be logged in to complete the form and receive the workshop access information.
Middle and high school students and parents are encouraged to join us to explore college and career options. Details and registration at https://birminghamhomeschoolfair.com
