October 9, 2024

Making connections is featured theme at R-CCC Homeschool Event

 

AHOSKIE, NC – Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) hosted Homeschool Connection Day for homeschoolers and families on Oct. 3 in the R-CCC Library. There were 36 attendees for the event. 

R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams welcomed homeschool families to the campus. “It is a privilege to be here with families, educators, and students who embody a commitment to personalized learning and growth. Homeschooling represents a powerful partnership between parents and children, where the pursuit of knowledge is tailored to the unique talents and passions of each student,” said Williams. “We are inspired by your determination and honored to support the journey of lifelong learning you have embraced.”

The day featured North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE) Regional Liaison Rick Madl with Region 7 who discussed the work of the organization. “NCHE is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. What started out as a small group of families has grown into a statewide organization,” said Madl.

NCHE helps parents with homeschooling, protecting the rights of homeschool families and connecting homeschool families. The organization has grown into different regions, and each has a liaison. There are now more than 193,000 homeschool students in the state. “Homeschooling is growing each year and will continue to grow,” said Madl. 

Emily Parker, a homeschool parent who moved to North Carolina a few years ago, talked about homeschool groups. “Last year in April, we pulled about 40 families together and started the Murfreesboro Area Homeschoolers Facebook group,” said Parker. She described some of the activities of the group such as participating in the Murfreesboro Christmas parade last year, fall harvest parties, meeting at the local park and creating a Lego Club at the library. “There are no requirements to be in the group. We just support one another, and any homeschool families are welcome to join.”

Classical Conversations representative and homeschool parent Shari Earhart talked about the first homeschool conference she attended. “I came away thinking that these people are thinkers. This is the biggest DIY project of their lives. I’m so proud of these families for making the decision to homeschool.” Earhart discussed the three different levels of the Classical Conversations model and encouraged homeschool families to investigate the different styles of homeschool methods and materials.

R-CCC Director of Library Services Carol Anne Hankinson offered encouragement for families. Having been a homeschool mom herself, Hankinson knows first-hand not only the challenges that are faced, but also the joys that come from homeschooling.

“Make connections with other parents and families. There’s a wealth of community within homeschooling. Every parent must make the right decision for their family, and I recommend homeschooling. It was the very best choice for my children. There are different styles of learning. We are here to be a resource to help you find materials. As I always say, a good reader equals a good student, and I encourage you to read with your children each day,” said Hankinson.

At R-CCC, homeschool students who are in 9th and 10th grades can be dual enrolled in courses through the Career & College Promise program once testing has been completed. Eleventh and 12th graders can enroll without testing. Course options are available for those students who plan to attend college as well as those interested in Continuing Education classes.

For more information about enrolling homeschool students into R-CCC courses, contact R-CCC Director of Admissions Samantha Matthews at 252-862-1248 or Recruitment and Student Life Coordinator Carrington Dudley at 252-862-1231

 
R-CCC Homeschool Connection Day panelists,seated from left, R-CCC Director of Library Services Carol Anne Hankinson, NCHE Regional Liaison Rick Madl and Classical Conversations Representative Shari Earhart take a question from homeschool parent Emily Parker, back to camera, as R-CCC Recruitment and Student Life Coordinator Carrington Dudley, standing, moderates

 

 

 

 

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission
Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243