Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency

High School at Home

15th Annual Conference

Friday July 16, 2010

Hotel Carlisle, Carlisle PA

(schedule, as of July 14, subject to change)

 

THEME: Gaining Vision, Gaining Tools

 

8:45-9:00 Registration and snacks in main ballroom then visit college and  vendor tables which will be open until 3:30.

 

9:00-9:45 Welcome & Keynote Talk in main ballroom

Why Homeschooling Works—Debra Bell, author of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling & The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens, and AP English teacher online with PA Homeschoolers.

 

First  Breakout Session 10-10:50 AM

1.      Share Ways You’re Involved in Your Broader Community (for students) — Anna Rebmann, Will Byrnes and teen panel.

2.      Dual Crediting and the CLEP exam. How to turn your High School course into an Honors Course and get College credit at the same time—Maribeth Spangenberg & Patti Achee.

3.      High School at Home: An Introduction to the PHAA Diploma ProgramEspecially for families and evaluators new to PHAA. Find out how the program works and how to comply with its requirements— Howard Richman.

4.      Family Dynamics: Meeting the Challenges of the High School Years—Bonnie Gonzalez, Family Counselor, AP Psychology teacher online with PA Homeschoolers.

 

Second  Breakout Session 11-11:50 AM

1.      Photographing Your World: the Excelsior Photo Challenge— Will Byrnes, Tabitha DeHart, and panel of students. Share what you are doing with photography, learn about the 1st annual Excelsior photo contest, gain new ideas and learn about nifty tools!

2.      Foreign Languages at Home: finding the tools to make it possible—Susan Richman

3.      Writing Your College Application Essay-- Help for getting YOU down on paper!—Ruth Green.

4.      High Tech Careers: Your Ticket to the Future—panel representing Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Harrisburg University, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, South Hills School of Bus. & Tech, and Triangle Tech.

 

Noon - 1 PM Buffet Lunch in main ballroom (free)

 

Third  Breakout Session 1-1:50 PM 

1.      Speech and Debate Options— Moderator, Shay Jones (HACC speech teacher/ former homeschool parent), along with Aaron Jones and teen panel.

2.      AP Online Test Prep Classes from PA Homeschoolers: Learn about the AP exams from this year’s online teachers, and how online learning can help you be well prepared—panel of teachers including Susan Richman (AP History), Bonnie Gonzalez (AP Psychology), Debra Bell (AP English Language and AP English Literature), Cynthia Lang (AP Computer Science), Ruth Green (AP English Literature), Dianne Settino and Linus Meldrum (AP Studio Art), Howard Richman (AP Macroeconomics).

3.      Logging of High School Credits—Patti Achee.

4.      Opportunities Available at Christian Colleges -- panel of admissions officers representing Patrick Henry College, Houghton College, Waynesburg University, Bryn Athyn College, and Messiah College.

 

Fourth  Breakout Session 2-2:50 PM

1.      A Guide to AP Classes (by & for students) — Hope Pasztor, Isaac Wagner, Tabitha DeHart, Kyle DeMaria, Mara Gonzalez, Andrew Blank, Mary Hill, and Gabe Malarskey.

2.      Free Online Learning for Homeschoolers for High School—Debra Bell.

3.      PHAA Evaluator’s MeetingDiscuss concerns and questions about working as a PHAA evaluator. Clear up any confusions on procedures and goals—Howard Richman, Natalie Bishop, Patti Achee and Bonnie Gonzalez (evaluators only).

4.      College Scholarships for Homeschoolers: the tools you need— Susan Richman and panel.

 

3:00 -3:30 PM Afternoon break in main ballroom.  Free snacks during time to visit tables.

 

Fifth  Breakout Session 3:30-4:20 PM

1.      The Excelsior: PHAA’s student newsletterBecome a Part of It! Learn about one of the best ways to extend your homeschool friendships and hone your writing skills— by working on the staff of The Excelsior!—Excelsior editor Tabitha DeHart and staff.

2.      Technology: changing from consumers to producers – Nanette Blank. Helping students learn to create their own learning tools, games, digital videos, presentations, websites, applications, and more. Find the tools you need—mostly for free!

3.      PHAA Annual Membership MeetingElect a Board Member, discuss any needed changes in by-laws,  possibly put such changes on a written ballot, and more (for PHAA members only) — led by Howard Richman. (PHAA members only – parents and evaluators)

4.      Opportunities available at Public and Private Colleges—by a panel of admissions officers including Pitt-Greensburg, Point Park College, Chatham University, Harrisburg University, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Montgomery County Community College.

 

4:30-5:00 PM Homeschool Graduates Panel in main ballroom, including a digital photography show of PHAA student work (General Session)—Aaron Jones (moderator) and a panel of recent homeschool graduates. Hear from a full range of PHAA grads who’ve made many different types of choices in their lives A chance to ask all of your questions.

 

Key: 1=Franklin, 2=Cumberland, 3=Carlisle, 4=Penn