(The Lion) –Homeschooling parents in the Kansas City area don’t take their freedoms for granted – which is why they’re planning a visit to their legislators for a friendly reminder.
The Christian Home Education Coalition of Kansas and Midwest Parent Educators (MPE) have set a Homeschool Capitol Day for Feb. 1 in Topeka.
“Building a positive relationship with our state legislators will help keep homeschools thriving in Kansas,” the MPE website explains.
For Missouri residents, Families for Home Education (FHE) has scheduled its Homeschool Day for March 5 at the Capitol in Jefferson City.
Scheduling, tour opportunities
The days’ events allow plenty of time for parents to plan around the schedule for other activities, such as lunch and educational outings for any children they bring.
“We have a program from 12:15-2:00 in the Rotunda, and then the rest of your day is up to you,” the FHE association wrote on its Facebook page.
A video walk-through on the MPE website includes tips such as parking information and fees, scheduling and giveaways.
“You don’t have to get dressed up, but we do want to look neat and tidy, and we also want to be warm,” one of the organizers said in the video. “You may have to walk a distance between your parking garage or parking lot to the Capitol.”
Associations also recommend scheduling appointments with legislators in advance. When meeting with representatives, families can present their own thank-you cards or use cards provided at the event.
Although registration isn’t required, the Kansas event encourages families to submit an RSVP form so organizers can prepare materials and assign enough space for attendees.
Homeschool’s history and future
Homeschooling wasn’t always legal in Kansas. Parents fought many legal battles in the 1980s before the state recognized their rights to educate their children at home.
Today families are fighting a different battle to dispel recent hit pieces from the mainstream media against homeschooling, which has grown in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FHE Facebook page also expressed the nonprofit’s concerns over recent legislation to lower the compulsory attendance age in Missouri. Such an act would limit parents’ freedom and ability to choose when their child is ready to begin school, the association said.
“Help FHE continue fighting for homeschool freedoms in Missouri,” its website said of the Capitol Day event. “We know many come from a distance and appreciate the sacrifice to give of your day to come.”
