February 2017 News Magazine

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CON TENTS
Page 07
Page 17
Page 25
Pamela Clark
Page 35
Founder/ Executive Director of
The New Heights Educational Group
Resource and Literacy Center
NHEG PAGES
COVER:
The trees and
the ground
are covered in
fresh white
Chief Execuve & Project Director
Pamela Clark
Editor
Bill Naugle
Cover Designer
Marina Klimi
Proof Reader
Pamela Unruh
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February 2017
There are so many exciting things going on within
NHEG. From an all new website, new book, new
volunteers, volunteers earning promotions, the CLT
coming into our community thanks to our efforts,
tickets to live productions, in special events. We
have a lot to be thankful for. So this month I'm
looking forward to the year ahead with excitement
and thankfulness.
Pamela Clark
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Ever Dream of having your own Radio Show ?
New Heights Educational Group is a Resource and Literacy Center based in
Defiance, Ohio. We share a concern with families having access to information for
those with special needs, including Autism.
We offer live internet radio shows to discuss various educational topics and we are
looking for a VOLUNTEER to host a half-hour radio show. We would give the
necessary training and the volunteer can choose the time of the show
on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. Anyone interested in applying
please email us at NewHeightsEducation@yahoo.com or call 419-786-
0247 for more info. You can learn more about us by visiting our website
www.NewHeightsEducation.org
Please support our library and
satellite office at:
gofundme.com/9z4paprw
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Exciting news: our new book titled,
"Unraveling Reading"
UNRAVELING READING
Unraveling Reading is a book in response to the difficulties of reading and writing
skills faced by children, youth and adults. The book presents strategies and guidelines of
pedagogical activities that can be developed and applied in school environment or in the
homeschooling approach.
The differential of this literature is the proposal of practices and educational activities
based on different learning styles, which advocates that each individual possesses and presents
a proper way of learning, which can be auditory, visual or kinesthetic. An individual can
understand the learning content solely from a style or by a mixture of them. The better strategy
of learning will depend on how the brain captures and processes the information better, for
example:
· Visual learners: learning is developed more easily when the student can visualize the
knowledge through images, images with words, pictures, engravings, graphics, abstracts in
handouts and other materials where it’s possible to learn visually.
· Kinesthetic learners: also known as tactile learners, these students better apprehend the
knowledge when they can touch or feel when learning. As a teaching technique, the educator
can apply activities in which the child can touch the materials and experiment with different
textures and formats.
· Auditory learners: knowledge is better absorbed when the child has the opportunity to
hear the content studied. This student can read texts or handouts in a loud voice as a learning
strategy.
The student can also present other learning styles, manifested through multiple
intelligences distributed in the human brain. In this way reading and writing skills can be
develop through academic activities that consider capacities and abilities in:
o Spatial intelligence: learning is most effective through the use of images and pictures;
o Musical intelligence: the knowledge is best absorbed when there is the use of sounds and
music during the learning;
o Linguistic intelligence: preference for using content in speech or writing in pedagogical
activities;
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(continued next page)

Exciting news: our new book titled,
"Unraveling Reading"
On Sale Now at amazon and kindle!!!
(continued)
o Kinesthetic intelligence: ability to use body movement to improve the knowledge of some content;
o Logical-mathematical intelligence: preference to use calculations and numerical data to solve problems and
improve strategies of study;
o Interpersonal intelligence: facility to learn and study in groups. Ability to get along with the members of the
class, managing to capture and administrate group ideas.
o Intrapersonal intelligence: in this style of learning, the student demonstrates ease and interest in working
alone, using a strategy like self-study.
In addition, the book offer instructions on how to identify in the learning environment with special
educational needs, as well as pedagogical tips for working with students with dyslexia and reading difficulties
based on the Brain Gym technique.
The Brain Gym approach, presents 26 movements that can be performed by children, youth and adults,
with the aim to enhances the learning in a ludic and dynamic way, promoting new competencies, ways of
thinking and improvements in the writing and reading processes. Body movement promotes the development
of new brain connections and helps students with dyslexia cope with difficulties involving laterality, sequence,
organization and concentration.
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Ninth Grade: The Most Important Year in
High School MICHELE WILLENS
Freshman year is essenal in deciding whether a student drops out or stays in school.
Educators are increasingly focusing on the ninth grade as the year that determines
whether a young person will move on or drop out of school. According to research
published in the journal Education, ninth graders have the lowest grade point average,
the most missed classes, the majority of failing grades, and more misbehavior referrals
than any other high-school grade level. Ninth grade has increasingly become a
“bottleneck” for students: A joint report from Princeton University and the Brookings
Institution found “in 1970, there were 3 percent fewer tenth graders than ninth graders;
by 2000, that share had risen to 11 percent.”
“More and more of us are realizing that it’s the make or break year for many 14- and 15-
year-olds,” says Jon Zaff, director of the Center for Promise at Tufts University. “It’s a
time when the cognitive, emotional, and physical are all coming together. The schools
are likely new environments, and the students have more autonomy and more
homework.”
Not only are youths entering the intimidating institution that is high school, they are
experiencing the usual adolescent angst and depending on poor decision-making skills.
“Students entering high school—just at the time brains are in flux—still have the
propensity to be impulsive and are prone to making mistakes,” says Washington D.C.
psychoanalyst Dr. Linda Stern. “They are therefore experimental and trying to separate
and might try substances that interfere with the normal developmental process. Put all
that together with raging hormones, the normal academic pressures, and meeting a
whole new group to be judged by.”
When kids fall behind and have to repeat a grade, they can wind up in a vicious cycle of
peer judgment and low self-esteem. “We are ending up with something now called the
ninth-grade bulge,” explains Zaff, “which means a glut of students who have to repeat
the grade So they are stigmatized socially as well as academically, which can also lead to
their finding it easier to just give up.”
While she doesn't deny that the ninth grade is a pivotal moment in a student’s education ,
Diane Ravitch, author of Reign of Error, has her suspicions about the motivations behind
schools’ growing interest in ninth-grade performance. "Many schools allow students to
advance ready or not, and when they reach the ninth the stakes are higher. The high-stakes
testing starts in the tenth grade so kids are being held back not for their own sake but to
protect their school’s statistics. If the focus were really on the students, people would be
thinking creatively about how to help them instead of thinking if them as data points."
(Continued Next Page)
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Ninth Grade: The Most Important Year in
High School MICHELE WILLENS
(Continued From Previous Page)
Freshman year is essenal in deciding whether a student drops out or stays in school.
Educators are honing in on three indicators—attendance, behavior, and course
performance—that are believed to be the most accurate measurements of a student’s
likelihood to either quit school or move on. A lengthy, detailed guide from the National
High School Center states that “more students fail ninth grade than any other grade in
high school, and a disproportionate number of students who are held back in ninth
grade subsequently drop out.” The guide describes telltale signs that can be detected
as early as the first semester of the first year in high school: The biggest risk factor for
failing ninth, for example, is the number of absences during the first 30 days. Missing
more than 10 percent is cause for concern. In addition, first-year high-school students
are classified as ‘on track’ if they earn at least five full year course credits, and have
received no more than one F per semester. So to be ‘off track’? You do the math.
High schools are working to use this information to keep students in school past the
ninth grade. The Everyone Graduates Center at the Johns Hopkins School of
Education recommends something called the Freshman Seminar for students in their
first year of high school. The program offers learning materials and training specialists
to aid students in study and social skills. Some students use it during homeroom or
advisory periods, some during special enhancement periods.
“We try to build some relevance into their experience to go along with the regular
curriculum,” says Mary Maushard, communications director for the Everyone
Graduates Center. “So many of these ninth graders—particularly in high-poverty
areas—just don’t see any reason to stay in school.”
There are signs that programs and administrators are getting through to high school
freshmen. In Portland, Oregon, Self-Enhancement Inc.–which employs coordinators to
oversee 30 high-risk students each, in 12 public schools—takes pride in a 98 percent
high-school graduation rate for the students it works with. Goals are set for every
student, and the aides are available 24/7 and serve as links between child and school,
parent and school, and child and parent.
“A lot of what we do is to prepare the students for the ninth grade,” says Self-
Enhancement project manager Lisa Manning. “We make sure they have cultural
activities that engage them and that they attend a six week-summer program for the
academics before even starting.”
New York City’s Flushing High School, one of the city's so-called “dropout factories,”
now hosts a program designed to keep at-risk students in school. Initiated by the Sports
and Arts In Schools Foundation, a non-profit that works to improve low-performing
schools in the city, and sponsored by AT&T, the program brings in a support staff to
encourage students to participate in after-school
activities in athletics and the arts and to work closely (Continued Next Page)
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Ninth Grade: The Most Important Year in
High School MICHELE WILLENS
(Continued From Previous Page)
Freshman year is essenal in deciding whether a student drops out or stays in school.
with low-performing students throughout the school day.
“Just by staying on top of the students who were considered to be in trouble
academically, we’ve had tremendous success,” says Amir Sultan, a program manager
for the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation. “Now, some 85 percent have moved on
to the tenth grade. That’s not only double-digit improvement over previous numbers, but
over the other students not in the program.”
The answers seem to be coming, however gradually, and at least the right questions
are being asked. “The main one is what does each of these potential dropouts in the
ninth grade need as they make this big transition?” says Zaff. “It’s a time of great
upheaval and great opportunity” with low-performing students throughout the school
day. “Just by staying on top of the students who were considered to be in trouble
academically, we’ve had tremendous success,” says Amir Sultan, a program manager
for the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation. “Now, some 85 percent have moved on
to the tenth grade. That’s not only double-digit improvement over previous numbers, but
over the other students not in the program.”
The answers seem to be coming, however gradually, and at least the right questions
are being asked. “The main one is what does each of these potential dropouts in the
ninth grade need as they make this big transition?” says Zaff. “It’s a time of great
upheaval and great opportunity.”
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Chad Stewart, former Disney animator and veteran home school dad, has been working in
the feature animation world for 26 years. He began his career as an old fashioned handdrawing
animator (flipping pages) and made the switch to digital/computer animation
about 15 years ago. He is now an expert in both types of animation, which allows him to
teach students about both aspects. This business has been a whole family venture
involving not only Chad, but also his wife Kayla and their children, who work to support
and grow this company. Students from all over the United States and around the world
are learning how to animate and draw through interactive, patient teaching and weekly
feedback on their creations. Whether you are interested in a career in animation some day
or just want to explore this animation art form, come join us for classes – we’d love to
have you! Next session begins January 30th!
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Topics covered through the class:
• The Principles of Animation
• Hand Drawn animation
• Computer Generated animation
• Individual critiques of student work
• Animation History
Topics covered through the course:
• Perspective
• How to "See"
• Texture
• Line and Shape
• Design
• Light and Shadow
• Silhouette
Topics covered through the course:
• Weight and Balance
• Basic human structure
• Body language
• Examining human walks and runs
• Acng and Expression
• Communicaon and the Face
• Joint criques of student work
• and much more
Topics covered through the course:
• Character Expression
• Shape and design
• Personality
• Gesture and moon
• Structure: Skeletal and Muscular
• Silhouee value
• Creang a Character
• and much more
In the Animation Course Levels 1 & 2 the students are introduced to
the concept of animation and physics, and applying that to animated
motion and body mechanics. We learn how to do this through The
Principles of Animation, ideas and concepts that were identified and
written down by 2 of the original Disney Animators. Each week we
will examine and explain one principle and then put it into practice
as the student will have an assignment to create their own animation
during the week (3-5 hours per week). Level 1 is required before Level
2. Cost is $300 for the 12 week session.
The Drawing Courses are aimed at introducing the different
principles and techniques of drawing as an art form. The student
will be introduced to the classic concepts of traditional drawing and
how to use them to bring more life-like images to the page. These
classes can be taken in any order.
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DATELINE: The Ohio Department of Education
The Ohio Department of Education is announcing that students with
disabilities who take the Alternate Assessment for Students with
Signiicant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD), instead of the general Ohio
State Tests, are exempt from the requirement that all 11th grade students
participate in the ACT/SAT. This does not, however, prohibit a student
with a signiicant cognitive disability from taking the ACT or SAT if the
student and/or parent requests to participate in the test.
The Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 3 on Dec. 8, 2016, which
provides for additional exemptions and requires the Department to
provide guidance on test participation for certain student populations.
(ORC 3301.0712). The Department will release additional guidance in the
coming weeks.
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It’s bigger than Groundhog’s Day!
It’s bigger than Valentines Day!
On February 1st, 2017,
our new and Improved web site will be
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Completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most
important action you can take to get money for college.
The FAFSA is used by schools to put together your financial aid package, including grants, work-study, federal student
loans, and even state and school financial aid.
If you’re applying for financial aid for academic year 2017–18, you can now submit your FAFSA starting October
1, 2016, using your 2015 income tax return.
Be sure to submit the FAFSA every year you’re in college.
Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so know your deadlines and apply as early as you can to maximize
your financial aid.
For the most current information on this and other changes, be sure to visit studentaid.ed.gov.
How to complete the FAFSA
These three simple steps can make the process faster and easier.
Step 1: Gather all the information you’ll need, including:
· Your drivers’ license and Social Security number Your parents’ Social Security numbers and birthdates
· Your family’s latest federal income tax returns W-2 forms
· Bank statements Information on your family’s investments
Step 2: Bookmark FAFSA.gov
· Don’t fall for scams. The only site you should use to fill out and submit your application is FAFSA.gov.
· There’s no charge for submitting the FAFSA.
· This is where you get your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID; the user name and password give you access to the site.
· The site also has the most up-to-date information on upcoming changes.
Step 3: Submit your FAFSA
· The easiest and fastest way is to file online with your FSA ID. Your application will be processed within 3-5 days.
· You can mail in a paper application, but the processing time will take about 7-10 days.
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NHEG’s Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the dedication and
work of some of our most active volunteers. NHEG relies on volunteers to
help with our education programs, our special events, public outreach,
and other activities that help fulfill our mission of supporting literacy for
children and adults by offering a range of educational support services.
Contact us to learn more about volunteering.
This month we recognize a special group of volunteers: those that have
gone above and beyond what is needed in their everyday duties. NHEG is
an all-volunteer organization. We have volunteers from all around the
world!
Mike Anderson
Luyang Du
Jyoti Dave
Jyoti Khairnar
Bill Naugle
Maggie Spangler
Pamela Unruh
Roberta Perkins
Sam Custer
Kiyoko Green
Robert Hall
Khrista Cendana
Victoria Lowery
Priscilena Shearon
Vanh Vue
Savleen Grewal
Shannon Williamson
Kathryne Spangler
Cuyler Spangler
Briana Dincher
Aditi Chopra
Riya Chopra
Daniela Silva
Jon Aitken
Marina Klimi
Khrista-Cheryl Cendana
Tanushree Tiwari
Katie Gerken
Nisha Zachariah
Enjoli Baker
Sathiyan Sivakumaran
Antonn Bryant
Jeff Ermoian
Divya Rani
Ranita Ashlock
Frani Wyner
Yanni Zack
Bassey Arikpo
Julia Doyle
Robert Hall
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Dear Fellow Homeschooler,
Greetings! My name is Sheri Lang, and I homeschooled my three children
from kindergarten through twelfth grade. During that time we were
fortunate to have access to a local artist who gave art lessons to children and
adults. One daughter recently graduated from college with double majors in
art and theology. Another daughter is currently studying biology with an art
minor. Although not studying art at this time, my son also benefited from
the art lessons.
Unfortunately many families do not have access to such art lessons nearby,
or they may find the lessons to be too expensive to provide for all of their
children. With these needs in mind, my daughters have created an online art
education program which teaches children and adults at a beginner or
intermediate level.
This program consists of wholesome, step by step instructional videos. The
content is sequential, each lesson building upon previous lessons. It teaches
all the necessary foundations of drawing to help bring your budding artists to
a more advanced level. Advanced classes will specialize in drawing people
and horses. Once they have completed the drawing course, they will have
access to watercolor painting, stained glass, and other more specialized
courses. The cost is $19 per month for the whole family, which is often less
expensive than a single class for one person.
Check NHEG http://w ww.NewHeightsEducation.org/courses-and-classes
page frequently for updates about this great new class.
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Dial 347-934-0450 for Priscilena Shearon
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Every February 2, thousands gather at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to await the spring forecast from a
special groundhog. Known as Punxsutawney Phil (https://www.facebook.com/punxsyphil.innercircle/), this groundhog will
emerge from his simulated tree trunk home and look for his shadow, which will help him make his much-anticipated
forecast. According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow the United States is in store for six more weeks of winter weather.
But, if Phil doesn’t see his shadow, the country should expect warmer temperatures and the arrival of an early spring.
History of Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day originates from an ancient celebration of the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring
equinox—the day right in the middle of astronomical winter. According to superstition, sunny skies that day signify a stormy
and cold second half of winter while cloudy skies indicate the arrival of warm weather.
The trail of Phil’s history leads back to Clymer H. Freas, city editor of the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper. Inspired by a
group of local groundhog hunters—whom he would dub the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club—Freas declared Phil as
America’s official forecasting groundhog in 1887. As he continued to embellish the groundhog's story year after year, other
newspapers picked it up, and soon everyone looked to Punxsutawney Phil for the prediction of when spring would return to
the country.
Historical Track Record of Punxsutawney Phil, 1887–2015, Courtesy of Punxsutawney Groundhog Club (link is external)
Saw Shadow No Shadow No Record
102 17 10
More Winter End of Winter ---
Punxsutawney Phil Versus the U.S. National Temperature 1988–2015
The table below gives a snapshot, by year since 1988, of whether Phil saw his shadow or not along with the corresponding
monthly national average temperature departures for both February and March. The table shows no predictive skill for the
groundhog during the most recent years of this analysis. Since 1993, the U.S. national temperature has been above normal
11 times in February and 14 times in March, below normal 6 times in February and 2 times in March, and near normal 6
times in February and 7 times.
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Published by
SchoolBook
Focus on Discipline: How One NYC Student Was
Suspended for 30 Days by Beth Fertig
Christina Thomas started her senior year at Abraham Lincoln High School this fall planning to
graduate in June and head to college. She had never gotten into any trouble before. But, on the
second day of classes, she found herself with a 30-day suspension, afraid her plans had been
knocked off track.
The problem was a standoff with a school librarian over computer use. Through an escalation of
words and a possible physical altercation, Christina landed herself a "superintendent's
suspension," the highest level punishment and one usually reserved for serious physical fights, or
bringing guns or drugs into a school. Her case offers an example of the detrimental consequences
of lengthy suspensions, and perhaps the missed opportunity they represent.
The New York City public schools give out more than 50,000 suspensions each year. Most of the
time it's for something minor, and students serve their time in school. But about 20 percent of the
cases are known as superintendent's suspensions; they keep the student out of their school for
anywhere from one day to several months. The students are sent to suspension centers where they
take basic courses.
Many juvenile justice advocates believe these suspensions are overused and disproportionately
given to black and Latino students. With Chancellor Carmen Fariña now considering changes to
the discipline code, they hope she will encourage principals to use removals from school more
sparingly because students like Christina could benefit more from alternatives or even shorter
suspensions.
According to Christina, she was looking at job postings on Craigslist, when the librarian told her
it wasn't an approved site under the Department of Education's Internet policy. Christina
vigorously disagreed because it wasn't blocked, and because she considered it a good use of her
time. But she said the librarian wouldn't budge.
"She takes my hand off the mouse, I’m like, what are you doing?" Christina recalled.
She said the librarian then turned off the computer monitor, but Christina turned it back on.
Christina admits she used some curse words. And there was a real tug of war when the librarian
unplugged the Internet cable. Christina reconnected it, and said the librarian grabbed it again.
That's when this squabble became more serious. According to a transcript of the hearing, the
librarian claimed Christina grabbed and twisted her hand in a way that left scratches. But
Christina claimed she never touched her, and that the scratch came from the Ethernet cord.
Christina was charged with threatening and injuring a staff member - a Level 5 offense under
the discipline code.
Her attorney, Keren Farkas of Brooklyn Defender Services, said she believes Christina could have
been charged with lesser infractions because the injury wasn't serious.
(Continued Next Page)
21

Published by
SchoolBook
Focus on Discipline: How One NYC Student Was
Suspended for 30 Days by Beth Fertig
(Continued From Previous Page)
Evidence of the Lincoln High School
librarian's claim that she was scratched
during the confrontation with Christina
Thomas
(Beth Fertig/WNYC)
When the suspension was upheld, Christina was shocked. She worried it would affect her chances of graduating
on time.
"It's like they want to see students fail," she said, during a tearful interview in her lawyers office.
The librarian declined to comment on the case. So did Christina’s principal, Ari Hoogenboom, although he
described what kind of behavior qualifies as a Level 5 offense.
"I very strongly feel that if you lay hands on someone, if you have a fight, I think you should be suspended," he
said.
Hoogenboom said the school's guidance counselors help mediate when disputes are verbal, but physical
altercations are different. He credited his approach with maintaining a safe environment. There were 19
superintendent's suspensions last year in the school of almost 2,300 students.
Under the discipline code, the principal has wide discretion in determining the length of a superintendent's
suspension. In Christina's case, it could have been just six days. Hoogenboom wouldn't talk about his process, but
he said he closely follows the discipline code. If students are not happy with his decision, they can appeal to
hearing officers whose recommendations then go to the Department of Education.
"They are the ones who see the range, they see the range throughout the borough," he explained. "I think it’s fair
that if a student does one thing in one school, that the penalty be fairly similar to if he did it in another school."
(Continued Next Page)
22

Published by
SchoolBook
Focus on Discipline: How One NYC Student Was
Suspended for 30 Days by Beth Fertig
Lincoln high school did offer to reduce Christina's suspension to 15 days, but she didn't want to settle. According
to the transcript, Christina admitted to threatening the librarian but denied scratching her. The librarian
acknowledged that Christina didn't intend to hurt her.
"I don't think she was wrenching and twisting or turning my hand in order to be vindictive or physically malicious
to me," she stated. "Her intention clearly was to get my hand off the computer equipment."
Bernard Dufresne, a staff attorney at Advocates for Children, said he thought the school missed an opportunity to
encourage a conversation between the parties in a much more constructive setting.
"Principals in many ways see a suspension as the first option," he said, adding that suspensions were "not an
investment in the student's academic outcomes" and that students often returned more disengaged from school.
While the current discipline code allows for other interventions, including mediation and restorative justice, there
are not strong incentives to encourage many principals to change their ways.
As for Christina, she is back at Lincoln, catching up so she can still graduate in June.
(Continued From Previous Page)
Abraham Lincoln High School principal Ari Hoogenboom (Beth Fertig/WNYC)
23

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membership. 2+ accounts
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ECCU supports and celebrates the vibrant community of parents who have
chosen to be their child’s primary educator. That’s why Home School Legal
Defense Association (HSLDA) and ECCU are partnering and inviting you
to join ECCU. Joining the ECCU family is easy and immediately
rewarding because you can receive up to 2 years of HSLDA membership for
free.*
17
24

Public Service Bulletin Board
Up Coming Holidays
Feb. 02—Groundhog's Day
Feb. 14—Valentines Day
Feb. 22—Presidents Day
25 25

UNITED STATES HOME SCHOOL FAMILY-TO-FAMILY
PROGRAM
From NHEG Director Pamela Clark:
“As a homeschool parent myself, I know the frustraons that come from wanng to provide your children a rich and versale
educaon on a single income. Therefore, I’m pleased to announce New Heights Home School Family-to-Family Program, an
effort that allows budget-conscious homeschool families the opportunity to travel for hands-on learning and work programs.”
For many of us, a hotel is simply too expensive. “This collaboraon between homeschool families gives you and your children a
place to stay as they expand their horizons and allows you to host other wonderful families, providing unique experiences and
stories to share.
We currently have 10 host families located in:
Tiffin, Ohio
Modesto, California
Northern California
Fairplay, Maryland
Copper Canyon, Texas
Conneccut
Pembroke, Virginia
Peterstown, West Virginia
More to come…
Interested? Please read our rules to see if the program fits your family. If so, please contact us to sign up.
Basic Procedures & Requirements
Vising families that parcipate in the program are also asked to be a host family; however, we realize this is not feasible for
everyone. Rest assured, no one will be excluded!
Host family:
In order to ensure a good fit, you can choose to talk to the families/meet in a public place before taking them to your home.
Provide safe, clean, cost-free place for family to stay.
Provide references (so that all families feel secure).
Please state whether you will offer meals during a student/family visit.
Please state if you would like to be a guide to a vising family.
Vising family:
NO LIMITS,
Please indicate if your children have special needs. This will allow your host family to provide you with needed special
accommodaons.
It is essenal that children respect other people, their homes and belongings. Please do not parcipate if your children have not
yet learned this valuable skill.
26

Do you have an empty building?
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization seeking usable space or funding to operate a curricula library and
administrative office.
The New Heights Educational Group, Inc. promotes literacy for children and adults by offering a range of
educational support services. Such services include: assisting families in the selection of schools; organization
of educational activities; and acquisition of materials.
We promote a healthy learning environment and enrichment programs for families of preschool and schoolage
children, including children with special needs.
It’s so important that we find a space for our library. Some of you may think that since we have a local public
library that is enough. I do love public libraries and have spent hours utilizing their resources.
So how is our library different? Our library contains curriculum for all ages of students. Anyone can come in
and for a small fee take out curriculum for a week, month, or a year and its interchangeable. If you don’t like
the curriculum you use simply bring it back and exchange for something else. We have books for every grade
including college and resources for teachers/tutors. Our library serves all families but with special
consideration for home and charter school families that need help on a small budget. We also have a private
library that serves those being tutored. This is of great urgency; we have already turned away families this
year that need these books.
If you have a space in a commercial/industrial/business area or a residential property in Defiance County
that you can donate to our organization, in return for a tax deductible certificate stating the value of the
space, please contact us via our website www.NewHeightsEducation.org or email us
at NewHeightsEducation@yahoo.com. We would love to discuss how you or your business will benefit from
the donation program.
Pamela Clark
Executive Director
419-786-0247
Please contact us at 419-786-0247 or email us NewHeightsEducaon@yahoo.com
or visit our website at www.NewHeightsEducaon.org
This is a great way you can serve the
community and this would be tax
deducble.
27

We’re Looking
(Are you the perfect candidate?)
We are considering bringing an assessor(s) to work
within our organization to provide online
assessments through our website. Each year families
could visit our site and set up an assessment time to
have these completed virtually or meet in person,
depending on the assessor. We would create an
online profile for each assessor and share posters and
flyers with the public. NHEG would receive 20% of
each referral.
If you are interested in partnering with the New
Heights Educational Group, please share a resume,
three references, an email addresses, and proof that
you are a licensed/ certified teacher holding a valid
Ohio teaching certificate (excluding the non-tax
certificate issued under Ohio Revised Code
3301.071). A brief biography with a picture would
also be appreciated.
We will choose from the list of responses.
Happy winter solstice!
· Leonard Cohen - "Winter Lady" (1967)
· Yes - "South Side of the Sky" (1971)
· Galaxie 500 - "Snowstorm" (1989)
· Belle & Sebastian - "Fox in the Snow" (1996)
· Modest Mouse - "The Cold Part" (2000)
· Arcade Fire - "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" (2004)
· Fleet Foxes - "White Winter Hymnal" (2008)
Top 7 songs about
winter by Music
Timers Fans
28

By Joe Sylvester
Dillman (left) and Weaver stand inside the Café Bat the
Giant Food Store in Mifflinburg where the homeschool
meetings will be held.
MIDDLEBURG — Jeanette Weaver first homeschooled her oldest child after she and her family moved to
Pennsylvania 10 years ago.
Just over seven years ago, after the family moved to Snyder County from elsewhere in Pennsylvania, she joined the
Susquehanna Valley Homeschoolers group, which includes families primarily from Union, Snyder and
Northumberland counties. Today, the 46-year-old Middlecreek Township woman is a mentor for the group of more
than 100 families and a big influence, said Melissa Dillman, who started the group with Jessica Epure, of Beaver
Springs.
Dillman, 45, also of Middlecreek Township, nominated Weaver as someone who has made a difference. She said
Weaver is an influence on other parents in the group.
Both Weaver and Dillman are in the mentor group to help other parents.
“She’s really good as a mentor to other people,” Dillman said. “She’s a really good example of documenting things
and keeping to a schedule.”
Weaver said she schedules meetings, schedules instructors and writes class descriptions for the group.
“When I started there were people who were happy to mentor us,” Weaver said. “The roles have reversed for me.
After needing all that help, I’m helping others.”
(Continued Next Page)
29

By Joe Sylvester
(Continued From Previous Page)
When they moved to Pennsylvania, her daughter’s teacher was covering material her daughter already had learned
in Kansas.
“I liked the teacher, but the school wasn’t serving her needs,” Weaver said. “I didn’t like the atmosphere in the
school.”
Her daughter, now 18, was in a class of 12 students in Kansas. Her class in the first Pennsylvania school had 25
kids. Now her two younger children — a son, 11, and daughter, 7 — know only homeschooling.
The homeschooling group meets about once a week, and some of the parents teach classes during the gathering.
Weaver, who holds a degree in animal bioscience, teaches chemistry, while Dillman teaches crafts at the weekly
meetings. For lessons at home, parents follow a curriculum. But they don’t have to be trained teachers.
“One day a week, we meet at a church,” Weaver said. “Different people teach different classes.”
She said some parents in homeschooling have advanced degrees, some barely finished high school. But they can
always find others to help.
The students range in age from preschool to high school.
At home during the week, parents cover the same subjects their kids would have in school, but on the family’s
schedule and as long as the students have the required 180 days of school.
“I homeschool year-round,” Weaver said. “We can take off when we want.”
Homeschooling parents must present an affidavit to their home school district and a plan for the school year. At the
end of the school year, they must present a portfolio from the past year for evaluation.
Homeschooling also includes outside activities, contrary to what many believe, Dillman said. She said one of the
misconceptions of homeschooling is that there is no socialization with other kids. But homeschooled kids take part
in sports in their local school districts and other clubs and activities, some through the homeschool group, both
women said.
“They’re allowed to play sports in school,” said Weaver, who lives in the Midd-West School District. “My
daughter played softball.”
Getting started in homeschooling is the toughest part, Weaver said.
(Continued Next Page)
“I understand why people are scared and nervous about taking the jump,”
30

By Joe Sylvester
(Continued From Previous Page)
Getting started in homeschooling is the toughest part, Weaver said.
“I understand why people are scared and nervous about taking the jump,” Weaver said.
She said the scariest part is “probably the idea you are solely responsible for the outcome of your children.”
Dillman, a mother of four children, ages 22 to 10, said the homeschool decision was the right one for her.
“I had the kids so I could be part of their lives,” she said.
She said if they are at school, they are away from home for some 40 hours a week.
“There is a better sense of family (with homeschooling),” she said. “I want to have better control of their lives and
influences.”
The homeschool classes are on the family’s schedule, too, Weaver said.
31

Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Mushrooms
Directions
· 1 Pound Chicken Breast
skinless, boneless
· 15 Ounces Chicken
Broth low
sodium
· 12 Ounces Mushrooms
sliced
· 2 Tablespoons Balsamic
Glaze
· 1 Tablespoon Living
1. In greased frying pan, brown
chicken 7 minutes on each
side.
2. Add 1/3 cup broth; simmer 3
minutes or until cooked
thoroughly.
3. Remove from pan and set
aside in a glass dish.
4. Add mushrooms to frying pan;
brown slightly.
5. Add remaining broth and
balsamic glaze; simmer until
mushrooms are cooked.
6. Add tapioca flour and stir
constantly for 2 minutes.
7. Pour mushrooms and sauce
over chicken; serve with grilled
asparagus and Garlic Mashed
Cauliflower.
Prep Time
Cook Time
20 Minutes
15 Minutes
26
32

Meatball Sub Soup
Meatballs:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. Italian bread crumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
3 c. low-sodium beef broth
1 c. milk
2 c. shredded mozzarella
1/2 c. grated Parmesan
1 tsp. dried oregano
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
uee slices, for serving
Baguee slices, for serving
Directions
1. Make the meatballs: Preheat oven to 350 degrees
F and line two baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground
beef, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, and crushed
red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper.
Roll into meatballs and transfer to one prepared
baking sheet. Bake unl browned and cooked
through, 15 minutes. Heat broiler.
2. Make the soup: In a large pot over medium-high
heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook unl so and
golden, 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook unl
fragrant, 1 minute. Add tomatoes, chicken broth,
and milk and sr unl combined. Add the
meatballs and bring to a simmer, then add half the
mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with oregano,
salt, and pepper.
3. Ladle soup into four oven-safe ramekins and top
with a baguee slice. Top with remaining
mozzarella and broil unl browned and bubbly, 2
to 3 minutes. Serve hot.
TOTAL TIME: 0:40
PREP: 0:30
LEVEL: EASY
SERVES: 4
29
33

Kids recipes: Sunny Side Up Tostada
Servings 2
· 4 cups (1L) full cream milk
· 2 cups elbow macaroni
· 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
·
1. Gather your three ingredients.
2. Place milk into a small saucepan and
bring to the boil over a medium heat,
taking care not to boil over.
3. Add the pasta and return to the boil,
reduce heat to simmer for 8 minutes.
4. Stir through grated cheese and leave
to sit for 2 minutes. Serve.
· This mac and cheese is easy - but don't turn the heat up too high and burn it.
· The milk gives this a creamy starchy sauce and you can use your favourite cheese for
this recipe.
· For an extra boost of flavour I add two teaspoons of chicken-style stock powder to
this recipe. It gives it a lovely depth of flavour. You could also use Vegeta.
· You can add any number of things to this recipe for the last 5 minutes of cooking -
cooked bacon pieces, frozen peas or even blanched broccoli.
34

Presidents’ Day Facts and History
President’s Day is an official holiday celebrated at the federal level across the United States and at the state level in
most states. The purpose of the holiday has changed over the years, but today, it is seen as a time to honor the lives of
two important American presidents–Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.
President’s Day is held on the third Monday of February every year. The date was officially established in 1968 by a law
signed by President Lyndon B Johnson. Prior to that time, the holiday was held on February 22 in many states. The
date was chosen as it coincides with George Washington’s birthday.
Federal employees have President’s Day off, and state government offices are closed in all of the states where the date
is an official holiday. Public schools are usually closed in honor of the occasion, but most private companies and
service businesses are open.
After the date of President’s Day was moved to a Monday, creating a three-day weekend, retailers in the United States
began to use the annual event as an opportunity to boost sales. Stores typically run sales events throughout the
weekend with a focus on selling off any remaining items from the winter season to make way for spring and summer
inventory.
Many communities throughout the United States hold special celebrations on President’s Day. Festivals and parades
may be held, or communities and civic groups may stage historical reenactments, pageants or plays that honor
President Washington and other U.S. presidents. Because of the patriotic aspect of the holiday, homes and businesses
may fly the American flag in honor of the day.
Children often learn about the history of the presidents that are celebrated in their states on the days leading up to
President’s Day. Special projects and assemblies are often used to make learning about the presidents more enjoyable
for kids.
35

We have a huge collection of data regarding various disabilities and how to manage the
education of your kids with various disabilities ranging from Autism and ADHD to
Prader-Willi Syndrome. We have hands-on experience in dealing with kids from
various backgrounds. If you have any questions or information to contribute,
please contact us.
Autism spectrum disorder
ADHD
ALS
Bipolar disease
Cancer
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
COPD
Cystic fibrosis
Down syndrome
Driver education
Dyslexia
Disabled persons
Edward's syndrome
Fragile X syndrome
Hearing loss
Irlen syndrome
Neural tube defect
Paralysis
Phenylketonuria
Prader-Willi syndrome
Rett syndrome
Sickle cell disease
Spina bifida
Spinal deformity
Stroke
Tay-Sachs disease
Traumatic brain injury
36

Official Implies Homeschool Programs are Inferior
In late November, Little Rock School District Superintendent Mike Poore wrote to area homeschooling
parents inviting them to enroll their children in public school and promising to provide a “more
rigorous curriculum.”
by Scott WoodruffContact attorney for Arkansas
The implication, obviously, was that the public school would provide a better curriculum than
homeschool families—an astonishing and unsupported assertion. An apology was subsequently issued,
but the district never withdrew its claim that its curriculum is more rigorous.
Is the public school curriculum really more rigorous? Let’s do some quick fact-checking.
For many years, all Arkansas homeschool students were required to take standardized tests. They
consistently out-scored their public school counterparts. In 2009, the largest-ever national study of
homeschool students showed that the average homeschooled 8th grader scored at the 12th grade level.
In 2010, public schools in Arkansas (and most other states) skidded into the befuddled Alice-in-
Wonderland world of Common Core. Justifiably skeptical homeschooling families stuck with what
works. As a consequence, homeschool students nationwide outscored others on all three sections of
the important SAT college admission test for 2014 (the last year for which results are available for
comparison) by significant margins.
Poore’s claim that the public school curriculum is more rigorous cannot be taken seriously
37

38

It's the start of a new year, which can only mean one thing- new adventures! Whether
you're traveling with your squad or doing a solo run, find out how you can get going and
exploring in cities across the U.S. with HI USA hostels.
Groups Stay FREE in January and February
At HI USA, we believe experiences should be rewarding - not costly.
That's why, we are offering groups across the country FREE overnight
stays at HI USA hostels in January and February through our Great Hostel
Give Back program. APPLY NOW
Charlotte D. McGuire of
Dayton (Montgomery Co.),
past NHEG radio host on
politics, has been appointed to
represent District 3 on the
State Board of Education. She
will assume the seat on
January 6, 2017, and must run
in November 2018 to retain the
seat for the full term
commencing January 1,
2019. McGuire is replacing
Congratulations Charlotte
39

Happy Valentine’s Day
2017
40

41 31

HomeSchooling
In Ohio, parents interested in educating their children at home may do so by notifying their local school
district superintendents and meeting the requirements of Ohio law to homeschool. If requirements are
met, the district superintendent releases the student from required compulsory school attendance. This
excuses the student and family from school attendance requirements in state law.
Parents or guardians who decide to homeschool their students are completely responsible for choosing the curriculum
and course of study. They select the curriculum and educational materials and take responsibility for educating their
children. There is no state financial assistance for families who choose this option. Visit our Frequently Asked
Questions.
If a homeschool student returns to a public school, the district superintendent determines the appropriate grade level for
the student.
REQUIREMENTS TO HOMESCHOOL
Parents should start by notifying the superintendent of the school district where they reside about their intent to homeschool
their child/or children.
Parents agree to:
Provide 900 hours of instruction per year;
Notify the superintendent every year; and
Provide an assessment of the students work, this link will provide the O.R.C. requirement.
a. have an Ohio licensed teacher administer one of the nationally normed tests, such as TerraNova, Stanford, Iowa
b. keep a portfolio of students work, have an Ohio licensed teacher provide a written assessment of the students work
c. the student can take the Ohio achievement tests with the public school district classroom
Many parents think that online schools fall into the category of homeschooling, this is NOT true. In Ohio, some online
schools are considered community/chartered public schools. If the online school is out of state and you have to pay
tuition, or for the curriculum, you must register as being homeschooled with your resident district superintendent, this is
still considered homeschooling.
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS
Great news for homeschool students! Ohio’s new College Credit Plus program gives students in grades 7-12 the chance
to earn high school and college credit simultaneously by taking courses at participating Ohio colleges or universities.
Tuition is free if your homeschool student takes classes at a public college. There may be modest fees for private college
credit. The deadline is April 1 for homeschool students to let the Ohio Department of Education know they want to
participate in College Credit Plus next school year. Click on College Credit Plusfor more information.
SPORTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Legislation allows homeschool students the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities in public schools. An
“extracurricular activity” is a pupil activity program that is run by a school or school district and is not included in a graded
course of study. Activities include any offered at the school that the student would attend if enrolled in the public school
district where the family resides. If the school district does not offer a particular activity, then the student may request to
participate in another district’s program. The superintendent of the other school district may choose to allow the student
to participate as an out-of-district student.
Home-educated students must meet the same nonacademic and financial requirements as any other student
participating in the activity. Fees and ability in sports, where there are cuts, apply.
EDCHOICE SCHOLARSHIPS
An EdChoice Scholarship allows students who are eligible to obtain scholarships to attend a nonpublic schools
participating in the EdChoice program. Eligibility is based upon the performance of the public school building to which the
student would be assigned or low income. EdChoice Scholarships are available to eligible home-schooled students who
wish to enroll in a participating nonpublic school.
42

Help us Reach Our Fund-raising Goals
Please collect the following items and share with NHEG to help us reach
our fundraising goals.
TerraCycle
Outsmart Waste
Cell Phone Brigade® E-Waste Brigade® Inkjet Brigade® Laptop Brigade®
DONATE YOUR OLD CAR, BOAT OR RV Make a Car Donation | Make a Difference
Call 1-800-240-0160 and a friendly car donation specialist will schedule your
pick-up appointment.
A public charity 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization
43

Charlotte McGuire
CHARLOTTE McGuire
44

10 Amazing Scientific
Discoveries Of 2016
JONATHAN H. KANTOR
Throughout the year, papers are published and patents are filed for any number of new ‘things’, but
occasionally something truly incredible comes along. This list compiles some of the most amazing
discoveries science has made in the first six months of 2016.
10. Slight Genetic Mutation 800 Million Years Ago
Leads
Researchers found that an ancient molecule, GK-PID, is the reason single-celled organisms started to
evolve into multicellular organisms approximately 800 million years ago. The molecule has been
found to be like a molecular carabiner able to pull chromosomes together to latch them onto the inner
wall of a cell membrane when division occurs. This allows cells to copy properly and avoid
becoming cancerous.
The fascinating discovery indicates that the ancient version of GK-PID did not behave in the same
way it does currently. The only reason it became capable of working like a genetic carabiner is due to
a single mutation that copied itself, suggesting that multicellular life is the result of a single,
identifiable mutation.
9. New Prime Number Discovered
Mathematicians discovered a new prime number in January via the Great Internet Mersenne Prime
Search. The new prime number is 2^74,207,281 – 1.
You might be asking why there is a project to determine such a number. Modern cryptography
requires the use of Mersenne Prime numbers (Of which only 49 have been discovered) and other
complex numbers to encode data. The new prime number is currently the record holder for the
longest prime and is almost 5 million digits longer than its predecessor. The total number of digits in
the new prime falls just under 24,000,000 making “2^74,207,281 – 1” the only practical way to write
it.
(Continued Next Page) 45

10
(Continued From Previous Page)
Amazing Scientific
Discoveries Of 2016
JONATHAN H. KANTOR
8. A Ninth Planet Was Discovered In The Solar System
Before the discovery of Pluto in the 20th century, it had been theorized that a ninth planet, Planet X,
existed beyond Neptune due to the gravitational clustering that could only be caused by a massive
object. It was then believed that this planet was found in Pluto, but that never fully quantified the
gravitational distortion until scientists at the California Institute of Technology presented evidence
that a ninth planet truly does exist with an orbital period of 15,000 years.
The astronomers who published their discovery have calculated that there is “only a 0.007 percent
chance, or about one in 15,000, that the clustering could be a coincidence.” Presently, Planet Nine
remains hypothetical, but astronomers have calculated its orbit to be quite massive. If it does exist,
the planet would likely be approximately 2–15 times the mass of Earth and orbit between 200 and
1,600 Astronomical Units (AU) from the Sun. An AU is 150,000,000 kilometers, which means that
the planet could orbit as far from the Sun as 240,000,000,000 kilometers.
7. Nearly Eternal Data Storage Method Discovered
Everything degrades eventually, and there is no way to store data on one device for truly extended
periods of time. But that may no longer be true due to a discovery made by the University of
Southampton. Scientists have successfully used nano-structured glass to create a process for
recording and retrieving data. The storage device is a small glass disk about the size of an American
quarter that can hold 360TB of data and remain intact up to 1,000°C. This means that its average
shelf life when held at room temperature would be approximately 13.8 billion years (Roughly the
same amount of time the universe has existed).
Data is written on the device using an ultrafast laser via short and intense light pulses. Each file is
written in three layers of nanostructured dots that are only 5 micrometers apart. When read, the data
is realized in five dimensions: the three dimensional position of the nanostructured dots as well as
their size and orientation.
(Continued Next Page)
46

10
(Continued From Previous Page)
Amazing Scientific
Discoveries Of 2016
JONATHAN H. KANTOR
6. Cavefish That Can Walk Up Walls Shows
Similarities
As science has learned over the past 170 years, vertebrate life on land evolved from fish that swam in
the seas of ancient Earth. That is of course until researchers from the New Jersey Institute of
Technology discovered a Taiwanese Cavefish that is capable of walking up walls and has the same
anatomical capabilities as an amphibian or reptile.
This is a huge discovery in terms of evolutionary adaptation because it can help scientists to better
understand how land-dwelling tetrapods evolved from prehistoric fish. The difference between the
cavefish and other fish species that can move on land is its gait, which amounts to a “robust pelvic
girdle” when climbing.
5. Private Company SpaceX Successfully Lands
A Rocket Vertically
In comic books and cartoons, you usually see rockets landing on planets and moons vertically, but in
reality, achieving this feat is incredibly difficult. Because of this, government agencies like NASA
and the European Space Agency have developed rockets that are either ditched in the ocean for later
recovery (an expensive undertaking) or they are purposefully burned up in the atmosphere. The
ability to successfully land a rocket vertically means that it could be cheaply and easily be reused,
which would save an incredible amount of money.
The private company SpaceX successfully landed a rocket vertically on April 8, and they did so on
a floating autonomous drone ship. Their success will save money and also time between launches.
CEO Elon Musk made this achievement a longstanding goal for the company, and even though his is
a private venture, the technology will eventually spread into government agencies like NASA to help
push space exploration forward.
(Continued Next Page)
47

10
(Continued From Previous Page)
Amazing Scientific
Discoveries Of 2016
JONATHAN H. KANTOR
4. Cybernetic Implant Helps Quadriplegic Man Move
His Fingers
A man who has been a quadriplegic for the past six years has been able to move his fingers due to the
implantation of a small chip in his brain.
Researchers at Ohio State University were able to build a device that, once implanted, sends signals
to a nearby terminal, which transmits that information to an electronic sleeve worn on the man’s arm.
The sleeve then uses wires to stimulate specific muscles to cause the movement of the fingers in realtime.
The patient was even able to play Guitar Hero, much to the surprise of the doctors and
scientists in charge of the project.
3. Stem Cells Injected Into Stroke Patients Re-Enable
Patient To Walk
A clinical trial held at Stanford University School of Medicine injected modified human stem cells
directly into the brains of several chronic stroke patients. The procedures were all successful with no
negative effects described from the injection and only mild headaches as a result of the procedure,
which was performed on mildly anesthetized patients. All 18 showed significant healing long after
any healing is expected following a stroke (a period of six months). This included increased
mobility and actually allowed for patients who were previously limited to wheelchairs to walk again
freely.
(Continued Next Page)
48

10
(Continued From Previous Page)
Amazing Scientific
Discoveries Of 2016
JONATHAN H. KANTOR
2. Carbon Dioxide Pumped Into The Ground Can Be
Made Into A Solid Stone
Carbon capture is an important part of maintaining the balance of CO 2 emissions on the planet.
Whenever fuels are burned, all of the CO 2 that was stored within is released into the atmosphere.
Humans have been causing this problem for a long time, and we are seeing the effects of global
climate change. Scientists in Iceland may have found a way to permanently capture carbon emissions
so that they do not go into the atmosphere further harming the greenhouse effect.
CO 2 was pumped into volcanic rock in Iceland, which sped up a natural process that turns basalt into
carbonate minerals, which then become limestone. This process normally takes hundreds of
thousands of years, but the scientists in Iceland were able to do it in only two years. The result is
carbon capture into a rock that could be stored underground or even used as a building material so
that the captured CO 2 never reenters the atmosphere.
1. Earth Has A Second Moon
NASA scientists discovered an asteroid that has been captured and is in stable Earth orbit, making it
a constant near-Earth companion, or a second satellite. There are a lot of objects orbiting this
planet—space stations, man-made satellites, and lots and lots of junk—but only one moon that we
can see. Now, NASA has confirmed the existence of 2016 HO3.
The asteroid orbits very far from Earth and is more gravitationally affected by the Sun than Earth, but
it does orbit Earth as well along its orbital path of the Sun. Don’t get too excited about walking on it
one day, as it is considerably smaller than our natural satellite with dimensions of 40–100 meters
(130–350 ft) across.
2016 HO3 is in a fairly stable orbit around the Earth and Sun but will depart in a few centuries
according to Paul Chodas, manager for NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Objects (NEO). Chodas also
revealed that 2016 HO3 has been a stable quasi-satellite of Earth for more than a century.
49

Help homeschooling families
harmed by fires and tornados
The Home School Foundation (HSF), HSLDA's charitable arm, is reaching out to
homeschooling families in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee who have lost
school supplies, valuables and even homes in the recent tornados and wildfires. We need
your help to best assist them!
Earlier this year, when massive flooding affected thousands of families in Louisiana, we helped
43 homeschooling families replace their destroyed curriculum and school materials. One
family we helped shared just how significant this support was:
We just wanted you to know how much your grant has meant to us. We have been waiting
on FEMA since August to 'give' us money to rebuild our home with no recourse. As a result,
we are paying for the rebuilding of our home out of our own pocket, so your grant to replace
our schoolbooks was a huge blessing. We cannot thank you enough!
—the Truesdell family
This kind of help is possible because of caring, generous friends like you!
Your gift enables us to help homeschooling families affected by these recent
disasters.
Thank you!
50

51

ART RESOURCES
SPECIAL NEEDS
MATH RESOURCES
READING RESOURCES
MUSIC RESOURCES
HISTORY RESOURCES
NHEG website membership is only $25 per year. That comes to $2.09 per month. $2.09 a month
will open the doors to many resources for the parent and student, either home schooled, charter
schooled, or public schooled. We have built up a wonderful library of resources and have the ability
to help students and families get the materials they need to succeed in their endeavors. One of our
goals is to help remove as many roadblocks as possible to allow our students to show their
capabilities.
52

53

As a parent you work hard to provide a beer life for your child(ren). We work hard to
make sure that you have the knowledge and resources you need to educate your
child. This organizaon is the first of its kind. We are building gateways and resources
to empower you and your child(ren) to achieve your goals and dreams. We believe that
parents should be the caretakers of their children not a school or educaonal system.
We work with the enre family unit and provide fill-in-the-gap type learning when
reaching students. We have seen incredible advancements with students that
parcipate in our program. Students being tutored normally jump 2 years in a 9-month
period. The most we have seen is 3- and 4-year advancements with a science and math
student that suffered from seizures when younger. This was accomplished in a lile
over a year’s me. We have worked with students from all backgrounds and
disabilies/special needs. If you really want to make a change and stop the cycle of bad
grades, depression and students that are about to give up, we can help. We have
helped many families and have seen amazing changes.
NO LIMITS, JUST GOALS!
WE BELIEVE, DO YOU?
54

Colleges of Distinction's Diana Biffl just published a great new article on the CLT! Read it
here: http://collegesofdistinction.com/resource/new-kind-college-entrance-exam/.
55

U.S. Department of Education Awards $245 Million
to Support High-Quality Public Charter Schools
Contact: Press Office, (202) 401-1576, press@ed.gov
The U.S. Department of Education announced today new grants totaling approximately $245 million
under its Charter Schools Program (CSP), which funds the creation and expansion of public charter
schools across the nation. Today’s grants are being awarded to state educational agencies and
charter management organizations.
The CSP supports the creation of high-quality public charter schools by providing start-up funds for
new charter schools, strengthening accountability for charter school performance, sharing leading
practices that enable school success, and ultimately, improving educational outcomes for students
from high-need communities. The CSP has invested over $3 billion since the program’s inception in
1995 to states and charter school developers. In the past decade, CSP investments have enabled
the launch of over 2,500 charter schools, serving approximately one million students. Through the
CSP, the Department is committed to supporting the continued growth of excellent public charter
schools that are closing equity gaps and improving student outcomes, and these schools’ community
engagement and public accountability.
“Ensuring that all students have access to an academically challenging and engaging education is
critical to preparing them for college and career success,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B.
King Jr. “Innovative charter schools are continuously developing new and impactful practices to close
achievement gaps and provide all students with the skills and abilities they need to thrive. We are
proud to support these efforts along with strong charter school authorizing and accountability,
particularly given these grantees’ commitment to communities facing steep academic challenges.”
This year’s state grant program awarded approximately $177 million in new grants to eight states.
The investments will enable each state to run its own grant competition for charter school operators
to support approximately 490 new and expanded public charter schools.
This year’s CSP
replication and
expansion program
awarded
approximately $68
million in new grants
to 15 high-quality,
non-profit charter
management
organizations that
serve students from
low-income families.
Today’s grantees
have demonstrated
success in serving
students with
significant
educational needs
and today’s grant
awards will enable
these organizations
to open and expand
approximately 180
new schools. Some
of these charter
management
organizations are
new CSP grantees,
such as The Friends
of the Bronx Charter
School for
Excellence, whose
Bronx Charter School for Excellence was selected in 2012 as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Today’s investments will enable their expansion from two schools to nine schools, ultimately serving
approximately 3,000 students in New York and Connecticut. Today’s grantees also include IDEA
Public Schools—a two-time prior grantee under this program, a 2015 Bright Spot in Hispanic
Education, and the recipient of the 2016 Broad Prize for Public Charter Schools. IDEA will use today’s award
to support the creation of 18 schools in Texas and Louisiana serving over 14,000 students. In addition,
this funding will enable IDEA to evaluate its growth and expansion strategies, including its impact on
student outcomes, college readiness and teacher and student retention.
56

NHEG has the opportunity to win some classroom supplies.
Please vote for us!
https://www.educents.com/wishlist/index/index/wishlist_id/26794/
This is our referral link. http://www.educents.com/signup-bonus.html?r=270976
We will receive $10.00 in Edubucks credit once someone uses this URL to create an account and
make a purchase of $25 or more on our site.
Help us save even more on educational products!
57

NHEG Organizational Chart
58

Teen Drug, Alcohol Use Continues to
Decline
By Evie Blad
Teenagers' use of drugs and alcohol showed a steep decline in 2016, new data show, dropping to rates
the nation hasn't seen since the 1990s.
The data comes from the University of Michigan's annual Monitoring the Future study, which surveys
about 45,000 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade students in some 380 public and private schools nationwide.
"Considerably fewer teens reported using any illicit drug other than marijuana in the prior 12 months—5
percent, 10 percent and 14 percent in grades 8, 10 and 12, respectively—than at any time since 1991,"
the university said in a news release. "These rates reflect a decline of about one percentage point in
each grade in 2016, but a much larger decline over the longer term. In fact, the overall percentage of
teens using any of the illicit drugs other than marijuana has been in a gradual, long- term decline since
the last half of the 1990s, when their peak rates reached 13 percent, 18 percent and 21 percent,
respectively."
Here's what the data show:
Marijuana use still poses a concern for researchers, especially among 12th-grade students. The
percentage of 8th and 10th graders who reported use of marijuana within the last year declined in 2016.
(Continued Next Page)
59

Teen Drug, Alcohol Use Continues to Decline
By Evie Blad
(Continued From Previous Page)
Alcohol use also continued a downward trend.
"For all three grades, both annual and monthly prevalence of alcohol use are at historic lows over the
life of the study," the study found. "Both measures continued to decline in all three grades in 2016. Of
even greater importance, measures of heavy alcohol use are also down considerably, including selfreports
of having been drunk in the previous 30 days and of binge drinking in the prior two weeks
(defined as having five or more drinks in a row on at least one occasion)."
Tobacco use declined in all forms, including drops in reported e-cigarette and hookah use, which had
increased in previous years, the data show.
"Cigarette smoking among teens in grades 12, 10 and 8 continued a decades -long decline in 2016
and reached the lowest levels recorded since annual tracking began 42 years ago," the study found.
60

Please Check It Out:
The website link below has a drop down list. Customer can choose our name from the list for a
portion of their purchase being donated to us.
http://www.123contactform.com/form-1237983/Bonus-Bucks-Registration-Form
You will find your organization listed under the drop down box.
Missed a show? Visit our website.
As they explore a new topic on education every week. . .
61

Month:
American Heart Month
An Affair to Remember
Month
Black History Month
Canned Food Month
Creative Romance Month
Great American Pie
Month
National Cherry Month
National Weddings Month
Weekly Celebrations:
3rd Week International
Flirting Week
February 2017 Daily Holidays
1 National Freedom Day
2 Ground Hog Day
3 The Day the Music Died
4 Thank a Mailman Day
5 Super bowl Sunday
6 Lame Duck Day
7 Send a Card to a Friend Day
8 Boy Scout Day
9 Toothache Day
10 Umbrella Day
11 Make a Friend Day
12 Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
13 Clean out Your Computer Day
14 Valentine's Day
15 Singles Awareness Day
16 Do a Grouch a Favor Day
17 Random Acts of Kindness Day
18 National Drink Wine Day
19 National Chocolate Mint Day
20 Cherry Pie Day
20 Love Your Pet Day
20 President's Day
21 Card Reading Day
22 George Washington's Birthday
23 Tennis Day
24 National Tortilla Chip Day
25 Open That Bottle Night
25 Pistol Patent Day
26 National Pistachio Day
27 No Brainer Day
28 Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday
62

Reviews for
‘Unraveling Reading’
I learned a lot, and I was so glad that
I read it. We often forget that the
student’s whole body contributes to
their learning, and the brain exercises
are such simple things that can make a
huge difference! I think it provides a
lot of easy to follow strategies for a
variety of readers and learners to
follow without shying away from
technical terms. Also, I like that it
provides insight into the way students
learn and think, and that it reminds the
reader to encourage and be positive
when teaching. It’s important to not
only know strategies but the rationale
behind them. I think the opportunity
to link to videos demonstrating the
strategies would enhance and take
advantage of its e-book format. As a
writing instructor, there are things that
I could share with my adult students
who may have struggled with reading
in high school or have re-entered
college after some time away and are
struggling with college-level texts.
I’m also much more aware of learning
disabilities that students in my class
are struggling with or may not even
realize that they have. I’ve read a bit
about the cognitive science approach
to literature (why we read fiction, how
fiction affects our brain); so many
parts of this book were right up my
alley.
Sheila Wright
Unraveling Reading:
I grew up attending public school, where my classmates
and I would sit through the same lessons, use the same
books, and be educated in the same, cookie-cutter way.
However, there was a select group of students who
would be removed from our classroom each day after the
pledge and morning announcements. These were the
students who weren't built to be taught in a traditional
classroom, and special contract teachers were brought in to
work with them each day, one-on-one and in small groups,
in a different location. They came to be known as the
"Speech kids," and even though we saw them each
morning, played with them on the playground, and even
hung out with them playing sports after school in our small
town, they were segregated from their peers throughout the
school day when learning was taking place. It made me sad
for them; I felt like they stood out, that other kids our age
labeled them unfairly.
Unraveling Reading made me realize that these "Speech
kids" were more than likely just as smart as we were. They
were being taught the same material we were, only in a way
that suited them. I grew up believing that there was just one
style of learning, and if you couldn't grasp that style, you
were isolated from your friends and classmates as
punishment. My hopes are that, by publishing Unraveling
Reading, there will be less of that segregation, and more
celebration of student uniqueness and individuality! Having
a chance to read this book really made me aware that there
are several types of learning styles, and even though I am
not an educator by profession, I was still able to take away
some tips for working with people regarding the different
styles. I believe this could be useful when teaching a coworker
a task, a friend, or even maybe when working with
my own children with their life skills.
Great job Daniela! You've definitely spread the word on the
endless possibilities of education.
Jenni Schreiber
63

64

We Need HELP!
Do you want to be my Assistant? We need an Assistant to
Magazine Editor
· Following up with proofreader to make sure that the
magazine is received and that they stay on the schedule that is
provided.Article - (free reader - politically correct/neutral
viewpoint)
· Matching pictures with articles that we are currently
running
· Reporting back to Bill on what has been accomplished
consistently
· Research and ensure that the included video, and music
are free versions and in mp3 format.
· Helping to create pages or filling in for magazine editor
when necessary
· Checking in with founder/director for comments of the
month and other important information needed
· Need to use checklist for items needed/may need to help
create it.
CONTACT NHEG
65

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66

Freedom Alert! Diploma Law
Change and Legislature in Session! A
message from Mike Donnelly
Dear HSLDA members and friends,
The Ohio Legislature convened this week for its 2017-2018 legislative
session. Throughout the session, HSLDA will be tracking and analyzing
legislation that could affect your right to homeschool. HSLDA is
committed to keeping you informed with email action e--lerts and updates
as needed so you can protect your homeschooling freedom.
In the 2015-2016 legislative session that just closed, the Ohio legislature
passed and the governor signed Senate Bill 3. This bill revised the diploma
fairness law which recognizes parent-issued diplomas. When the diploma
fairness law was originally passed, some homeschooling parents as well as
local school officials were wary about the option to have the local
superintendent sign a homeschooled student's diploma. Senate Bill 3
removed this option, recognizing that parent-issued diplomas need only
be accompanied by the excuse letter for the final year of home instruction.
In addition, Senate Bill 3 allows a homeschooling parent to assign the
state seal of biliteracy to the student's diploma in the same manner as
school districts and chartered nonpublic schools if the student qualifies.
Please visit our website, send us an email, or call us at 540-338-5600 if
you have questions!
We greatly value you and your support—it is a privilege to serve you! If
you or someone you know is not a member of HSLDA, will you consider
taking a moment today to join or recommend us? Your support for our
work enables us to defend individual families threatened by government
officials and protect homeschooling freedom for all. Join now >>
Very truly yours,
67

February 2017 Crossword
68

MISSING
MISSING
69

We received permission from Hillsdale College in Michigan
to share their courses on our website. Each link offers a
group of classes.
Some of the non-credit courses being offered:
Course Catalog
· An Introducon to C.S. Lewis: Wrings and Significance
· Winston Churchill and Statesmanship
· The Federalist Papers
· A Proper Understanding of K-12 Educaon: Theory and Pracce
· The Presidency and the Constuon
· Great Books 102: Renaissance to Modern
· Constuon 101: The Meaning & History of the Constuon
· Great Books 101: Ancient to Medieval
· Economics 101: The Principles of Free Market Economics
· History 102: American Heritage, From Colonial Selement to the Reagan Revoluon
· History 101: Western Heritage, From the Book of Genesis to John Locke
· Other Lectures and Programs
· Hillsdale Dialogues: A Survey of Great Books, Great Men, and Great Ideas
Kirby Center Lectures Archive
Hillsdale College on YouTube
70

The Only Radio Station you will ever NEED!
NHEG RADIO
NHEG Radio….Quality Radio….Informative Radio
Hi Victoria,
Great job this week! Your voice was loud enough and again I did not hear any
back-ground noise. In my opinion, teen dating abuse needs to be
discussed more often because dating generally starts during the
teen years and they need to be more aware of what is
acceptable and not acceptable.
Sincerely,
Shannon
71

72

Founded on December 29, 2012
Products
Handmade cards
Company Overview
Send us addresses of any child that may need a card.
General Information
Kindcards22@gmail.com for cards and to send a message or write us
on here.
Mission
To promote hope!
CONTACT INFO
@KindCardsForSickKidsAndSoldiers
kindcards22@gmail.com
STORY
73

By: Khrista Cendana
What is the definition of a latchkey child? A latchkey is a child who returns
from school to an empty home because their parent or parents are away at
work, or a child who is often left at home with little parental supervision.
I never stayed home alone when I was young. I began to stay at home by
myself when I was in high school, but that was because I knew what I was
doing already. I took care of myself and knew what was like right or wrong.
Parents who leave their child or children alone thinks they will become
independent and will take care of themselves properly. They want their kids
to take responsibility at an early age, but do so without really thinking about the consequences. The following are
the pros and cons of a latchkey child:
Cons:
· Burglary
· Tragedy
· Kidnapping
· Loneliness
Pros:
· Independent
I really don’t like the odds of leaving a child alone. I would rather leave my child with a babysitter or if I can’t do
anything, stay at home. There are hotlines for those with depression issues that one can use:
· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
· The Samaritans
· Crisis Text Line
These hotlines are a mere prime example of where a child or someone could talk to someone if they’re depressed
or something else. One can find more hotlines out there.
If you’re thinking of making your child independent, try to think about their safety. What do they need to do if they
have no one to contact or go to? Now that we are in an era of technology, what can you do to make a child stay at
home safely? Here are some helpful suggestions that you can do:
· Let the child walk with a group of kids and their parents.
· Buy the child a smartphone and put a tracking device on it so you’ll be able to know where the child is without
worrying.
· Teach the child what is right and wrong.
· Let someone you know pick them up from school and bring them home.
· Put a security camera inside the home to keep an eye on them.
What will you do? Some kids will tell you the truth; some will just simply lie. You must be able to trust them.
(Continued Next Page)
74

By: Khrista Cendana
These suggestions will make your child or children remain at home safely.
However, there are is other news that having a latchkey child is now a
criminal. Some states may not like it if someone finds out that you’re making
a child be independent. It is already the year 2017, where there is a lot of
criminal offenses and ticketing happening rather than before. Make sure it’s
all right to let your child stay at home by themselves in your particular state.
Always ask the child if he/she wants to be left alone at the house. If you
don’t ask, what if they get scared and get into a panic mode? What will you
do? Some kids will tell you the truth; some will just simply lie. You must be
able to trust them.
(Continued From Next Page)
Website/links used:
http://www.latchkey-kids.com/home-alone-children-age.htm
Is having a latchkey kid now a criminal offense? - OneNewsNow.com
The New Latchkey Kids - Parents
Latchkey Kids - tribunedigital-chicagotribune - Featured Articles from …
Latchkey Kids Legal Age Limits Listed By State
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Calling the Hotline - The Samaritans
Crisis Text Line
75

Yanni Zack
12/11/16
Assistant Virtual Development Director
Teaching and Education Department
And assist with classroom research
Ranita Ashlock
Jyoti Khairnar
12/12/16 12/19/16
Hr Coordinator
Assistant Accountant
Satwik Chinta
12/21/2016
Graphics Designer
Sujan Reddy Annem
1/3/17
Online Math Tutor (Geometry, Algebra, Calculus)
Riya Chopra
1/6/17
YouTube and Website Video Updater
Danielle Pickering
1/10/17
Proofreader/Editor
Sadia Eijaz
1/16/17
Magazine Editor Assistant
Student Leadership Council
New and Returning Partner Teacher
Heather Ruggiero
1/9/17
Language Arts Topics
76

By Carol Barnier
A Teachers
Perfect Homeschooling.
...and Other Great Myths
Do you have an image of the perfect homeschool? Do you find this picture eats away at you on those
days when your own homeschool falls far short of the mark? Do you picture darling, inquisitive,
obedient, tidy and grateful children? You may imagine the perfect mother who has daily meals planned
and prepared in advance, and whose chores routine is so consistent that the floors seem to scrub
themselves. And the lesson plans, while written out in triplicate for a full year in advance, are actually
hardly needed at all because Mom has the ability to turn any of life's events into teaching moments.
I will admit to biting into this apple every fall. I am always tempted to believe that this year I've got it
more together than in previous years. But things seem to have a way of – I don't know – getting away
from me.
Case in point: several years ago, I was taking my daughters with me to the poll to cast my vote in the
presidential election. Here was a great teaching opportunity. I wanted to drive home the point of the
privilege, not only of voting, but of doing so without threat. As I pulled into the parking area, I pointed
at some trees that lined the far side of the lot. I explained that if we were in another country with less
freedoms, there might be people hiding in those trees with guns, ready to shoot us if we got into a line to
vote. I wanted them to understand what an amazing accomplishment it is that every four years there is
this massive transfer of power and that it is a peaceful process.
Power transfers regularly all over the globe. I wanted to illustrate to my children the unique process of
checks and balances our forefathers put into place that has resulted in the civil transfer of power through
election today.
I think my 11 year old "got it," but it's possible that my 4 year old has come away from the experience
shaken. She believed I was telling her there were literally, in those trees, armed men prepared to stop us
from voting. I quickly explained that I was speaking of countries far away... not here, where we have no
such fears. But by that point, she was already scanning the area looking for the glint of someone hidden
in the trees. She continued to voice concerns about whether or not we should dare to go in. Even as we
walked by the laughing and unconcerned fellow voters scarfing up goodies from the bake sale table we
passed, she didn't let go of the concept. It is clear my impromptu attempt at a civics lesson did not hit
home with her.
Such unplanned turns in our well-planned paths are in fact the actual stuff that make up a homeschool
day. There was a time that I agonized over this fact. I feared that the lack of a traditional flow to my
children's schooling routine would somehow damage them. But there is an amazing revelation that has
begun to permeate the deep recesses of my mind.
Homeschooling works! The socialization fears turned out to be laughable. Homeschooled children
perform exceptionally well by every measure of success. Each new piece of research confirms it over
and over again.
(Continued Next Page)
77

By Carol Barnier
A Teachers
Perfect Homeschooling.
...and Other Great Myths
(Continued From Previous Page)
So I've learned to release a giant sigh because for now I know that...
In spite of yogurt-filled (or yogurt spilled?) days and broken appliance interruptions, my children still
learned.
In spite of my personal aversion to algebra and inability to find magnetic north, my children still learned.
In spite of a month of chaotic schooling because I had a virus that had me bedridden, my children still
learned.
Finally I have learned that there is a valuable and soul-satisfying "quality time" that can only come from
"quantity time." No, I don't have the perfect homeschool. But I do have the peace of mind in knowing
that homeschooling, with all its learning diversions, is perfect for us.
78

79

Interested in Volunteering?
hp://www.volunteermatch.org/
search/org100190.jsp
or
hp://www.chrisanvolunteering.org/
org/new-heights-educaonal-groupinc.jsp#fq=content_type:opportunity&f
q=org_nid:433070
Contact our HR Department
at HR@NewHeightsEducaon.org
80

A great organization and
one of our newest partners
81

Volunteer positions that need
to be filled:
New Teachers and Tutors
Teaching Assistant/Substitute
Class and Radio Monitors
Radio Host Assistant
Magazine Editor Assistant
Photographer/ Artist
Graphic Designers
Communications Director/
Secretarial
Fundraising Campaign Manager
Partnership Builder/Assistant
Book Agent
HR Coordinators
Virtual Development Directors
Internet Radio Hosts
Logo Design and Branding
LMS Assistant/Classroom Building
More opportunities can be found
here:
www.volunteermatch.org/
82

We have 42,150 listens now as of
December 30, 2016
Download the free Ohio Department of
Educaon mobile app
Ohio families can now get the latest
educaon news, search for schools in
their neighborhoods and look at their
schools’ report cards right from their
smartphones. The Ohio Department of
Educaon haslaunched a mobile app
for iPhone and Android.
83

84

Nation's Schools Get Middling Grade on
Quality Counts Report Card
Nation's Schools Get Middling Grade on Quality Counts Report Card
Overall, the nation’s schools earn a C on the latest Quality Counts report card, with variations among
some states.
By Sterling C. Lloyd and Alex Harwin
As a new political and policy era dawns in Washington, the status of the nation’s schools
remains stable, though still earning a grade of C from Quality Counts 2017, the 21st
annual report card issued by the Education Week Research Center.
The C corresponds to a score of 74.2, which is nearly identical to the 74.4 the nation
posted in 2016, when it also received a C. The steadiness of national results,
notwithstanding, a handful of states saw their scores increase or decline by a full point or
more.
Quality Counts grades the states and the nation on educational performance across a
range of key indicators, issuing overall A-F grades based on a traditional 100-point
scale.
The overall grade is based on three custom indices developed by the Research Center:
• The Chance-for-Success Index uses a cradle-to-career perspective to examine the role
of education in promoting positive outcomes throughout an individual’s lifetime.
• The school finance analysis evaluates spending on education and equity in funding
across districts within a state.
• The K-12 Achievement Index, last updated in 2016, scores states on current academic
performance, change over time, and poverty-based gaps.
Massachusetts takes first place among the states for the third year in a row, with a B and
a score of 86.5. It’s followed by five states earning grades of B: New Jersey (85.6),
Vermont (83.8), New Hampshire (83.4), Maryland (82.8), and Connecticut (82.7).
At the other end of the spectrum, Nevada is at the bottom of the list as it was in 2016,
receiving a D and a score of 65.0. Mississippi (65.8) and New Mexico (66.3) also receive
grades of D. Grades and scores for those three states remain relatively unchanged from
last year’s outcomes.
Overall, the majority of states (34) land grades between C-minus and C-plus.
Interactive Map
(Continued next Page)
85

Nation's Schools Get Middling Grade on
Quality Counts Report Card
(Continued from previous Page)
Montana saw the biggest improvement between 2016 and 2017, with a gain of 1.3 points.
New Hampshire and South Carolina also post increases of about one point. The uptick
for New Hampshire places its overall score in the top five for the second time
since Quality Counts’ revamped grading framework was introduced in 2015. By contrast,
Alaska (-1.2) and Kansas (-1.0) are the only states to see their summative scores drop by
a point or more. Alaska’s decline can be attributed to a substantial drop in its results on
the Chance-for-Success Index, while Kansas experienced a marked fall-off in school
finance.
Chance for Success
For the 10th year in a row, the nation earns a C-plus grade on the Chance-for-Success
Index. Performance is strongest for indicators related to educational foundations in early
childhood where the nation earns a B-minus. By comparison, the U.S. receives a C and a
C-plus for the school years and adult outcomes, respectively.
State Grading Data Download
Grading Summary (2017) PDF
Chance for Success (2017) PDF
School Finance (2017)
PDF
K-12 Achievement (2016) PDF
The 13 indicators that make up the Chance-for-Success Index capture opportunities for
children to get off to a good start, move smoothly through K-12 education, and ultimately
achieve positive educational and workforce outcomes as adults.
For a decade now, Massachusetts has stood at the top in this category and continues to
lead the nation with a grade of A-minus (91.0). New Hampshire is the only other state to
earn an A-minus (90.3) and is followed by three states at B-plus—New Jersey (87.8),
Connecticut (87.4), and Vermont (86.8). New Mexico scores lowest, the sole state to
receive a D (66.4). In all, 28 states have grades of C-plus or lower. Montana saw the
largest increase (1.9 points) while Alaska experienced the most substantial decline (-3.4
points).
The nation’s grade of C for school finance has remained the same for the past seven
years, although its numeric score has dropped by half-a-point since last year.
School Spending
The school finance analysis examines two critical aspects of school spending. Of the
eight indicators in this category, four assess school spending patterns, while the
remaining metrics gauge equity in the distribution of funding across the districts within
(Continued next Page) 86

Nation's Schools Get Middling Grade on
Quality Counts Report Card
(Continued from previous Page)
The finance indicators in Quality Counts 2017 are based on the most recent data
available from the federal government, which are from 2014. Quality Counts does not
report raw spending data. All expenditures are adjusted by factors such as regional cost
differences, in order to facilitate apples-to-apples comparisons.
Wyoming regains its spot at the top of the rankings after slipping to second place in the
2016 report. It posts an A-minus (89.5) followed by four states with grades of B-plus: New
York (88.7), New Jersey (88.1), Connecticut (87.4), and Maryland (86.6). Idaho is the only
state to get an F (58.9).
Montana and New Hampshire each improved by two points while Kansas and Virginia
each saw their scores tumble by two or more points.
The analysis finds that states generally did better on measures of equity than on overall
spending. In fact, nearly half of the states (24) receive an F for spending. The U.S.
average for per-pupil spending stands at $12,156 after adjusting for regional cost
differences. Vermont spends the most at $19,654 per student, while Utah ranks last at
$7,038.
Nationally, the Research Center’s equity analysis continues to find wide disparities in
funding patterns across districts in many states. The Wealth Neutrality score indicates
that just one state, Alaska, provides higher funding for property-poor districts than for their
wealthier peers.
The District of Columbia and Hawaii do not receive finance grades because they are
single-district jurisdictions.
K-12 Achievement
The nation earned a C-minus for K-12 Achievement. Its letter grade has held steady over
time. Numeric scores have inched up from 69.7 in 2012 and 70.2 in 2014 to 71.0 out of
100 in 2016. The achievement index, which counts for one-third of this year’s overall
grade, gauges states’ performance on 18 indicators. Results for this category were
published in Quality Counts 2016, and remain unchanged because they rely heavily on
National Assessment of Educational Progress results, which are released every other
year. Other elements of this index include high school graduation rates and Advanced
Placement exam scores. To score well on this index, a state must demonstrate strong
academic performance, combined with improvements over time and progress toward
narrowing poverty-based achievement gaps.
Massachusetts (85.2) ranked first for K-12 Achievement, posting the only B. It has been
the leader in the rankings for nearly a decade. New Jersey (81.0), the only other state
with a grade higher than a C-plus, earned a B-minus. Mississippi (60.0) and New Mexico
(61.8) received the nation’s lowest grades at D-minus.
Across the three indices in the Quality Counts report card, the nation receives its lowest
mark in K-12 Achievement as scores in this area are dragged down by current academic
performance. On the other hand, it fares best in the Chance-for-Success category,
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Our New Year’s Wish for you;
When you are lonely, we wish you
Love;
When you are down, we wish you
Joy;
When you are troubled, we wish you
Peace;
When you are empty, we wish you
Hope;
May you be surrounded by
Happiness, Peace and Joy;
Happy New Year to all our NHEG
family and friends !!!
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RHODES SCHOLAR’S MOTHER HELPED HIM WITH AUTISM
BREAKTHROUGH
Kelly Fleming remembers the low point of raising her son, Jory.
He was eight years old when he spent an entire morning, afternoon and evening wailing uncontrollably.
She still doesn’t know what set off the boy, who has autism and a metabolic disorder.
But the tough times seem more bearable now, at the high point. Last month, Jory, who is 22 with a
feeding tube inserted in his stomach and braces on his legs, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship
In between came Ms. Fleming’s decision to give up on her own dream of practicing medicine, home
schooling Jory, learning to read, a bird named Federer and finally college and a dog named Daisy.
“All children have amazing minds,” Ms. Fleming says. “Their brains are right there for developing and just
like any other child you have to find a way to make that human connection.”
About 50,000 children diagnosed with autism turn 18 every year and about one-third enter college,
according to a 2012 study in the journal Pediatrics. College administrators say few graduate without
support.
“They can have a lot of trouble with things like knowing when to interject during a conversation or to take
the initiative and talk to the student sitting next to them in class,” said Ilene Gonzalez, autism services
associate at California State University, Long Beach, one of a handful of schools with dedicated staff to
help autistic students succeed.
On the long day of Jory’s epic meltdown years ago, college was the farthest thing from Ms. Fleming’s
mind. Even though his public school had assigned an aide to stay with him all day, the aide frequently
took him out of the class to calm his outbursts.
“He wasn’t learning, he wasn’t really doing anything,” Ms. Fleming said.
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RHODES SCHOLAR’S MOTHER HELPED HIM WITH AUTISM
BREAKTHROUGH
She had recently finished medical school and faced a choice. She could go to her residency or homeschool
her son. “It was the hardest decision of my life,” she said.
She chose her son.
But Jory couldn’t read, and she didn’t know where to start.
After an aborted effort to teach him Latin, Ms. Fleming threw the books out the window and let Jory’s
sense of curiosity guide her. Ever since he was a toddler, he had spent hours looking out the window at
birds.
“I think I was first drawn to them because compared to their surroundings they are very disconnected,” he
said. “They can escape their immediate surroundings and that’s something I wanted to be able to do.”
The Flemings bought a cockatiel Jory named after his favorite tennis player. He studied Federer’s
movement so intently his mother said they started to communicate.
Before long, her once nearly nonverbal child was telling the family stories about his bird.
Soon, he began to devour books. One day, Ms. Fleming was a third of the way down a page she was
reading to Jory when he asked if he could he turn the page.
It turned out Jory didn’t read from left to right but from the center of the page toward the top and bottom
at the same time.
“I don’t really see the words,” Jory explains. “I see a moving image of what’s going on on the page.”
Jory says he doesn’t see a word like “progenitor.” Instead, he sees an Italian pizza chef who works in a
hole-in-the-wall restaurant in New York City and makes the world’s best submarine sandwiches.
“It’s a quick mental snapshot that I think is the result of my autism,” he says
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RHODES SCHOLAR’S MOTHER HELPED HIM WITH AUTISM
BREAKTHROUGH
. “Language is difficult for me, but images are easy.”
His fascination with birds led him to the beach, which soothed him. There, he would watch the birds,
which led to an interest in the ocean and then more broadly to geography and geophysics.
Though Ms. Fleming had never thought her son would go to college, he applied to the nearby University
of South Carolina and was accepted. He lived at home in Columbia and stayed mostly to himself on
campus.
But Jory had a secret weapon, a service dog named Daisy. “I’m flying blind,” when it comes to reading
people, he says. But Daisy broke the ice and as one conversation led to the next, Jory’s confidence grew.
Between his stellar grades and community service, Jory won a series of scholarships, which led him to
apply for the granddaddy of them all, the Rhodes.
His essay on how 18th-century British geographers connected philosophy and science with firsthand
observation earned him a spot as a finalist and two days of interviews in Atlanta.
After the interviews ended, he texted his mother at the hotel where they were staying that he was ready to
leave. Then a second text came, almost as an afterthought.
“I won,” it said.
Jory will head off to the University of Oxford in England later this year to study geography—along with
Daisy and his mom. He hopes to one day go into public service, where he hopes his proficiency with
imagery can help him visualize and solve complex environmental problems.
“My mom put so much effort into developing me, not only through teaching but to give me the mental
strength and ability to control my autism,” Jory said. “Her example has propelled me toward public
service.”
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RHODES SCHOLAR’S MOTHER HELPED HIM WITH AUTISM
BREAKTHROUGH
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