When we decided for sure that we were going to homeschool this year,I was expecting at least a little negative feedback.Mostly from strangers-the way I figured it.But our public school district will not leave us alone about this.Everyday it's a new phone call or letter from the super or the principle.The conversations are getting heated.Our homeschool laws in Arkansas are not strict,we have filled out all the necessary paperwork,had everything notarized and turned in.We are good to go legally.I don't feel I should have to defend our decision to them.I have tried to just ignore phone calls,but I just now got another call from the principle from an "unknown" number!I'm not sure how to handle this anymore..
We have sent in our application and payment.I called and asked how long it takes to process and they said about another four weeks.
Just turn on your answering machine and quit talking to these people. If you have all your legally required paperwork in and done, then you have nothing more to say to or to do withe them. DOnt' let anyone who comes to your house in the door. Keep copies of everything in case they try to truant you, and if you have any more hassles, join HSLDA or another homeschool legal defense org and let them handle it.
Document everything. From the sounds of it they are really harassing you. When your lawyer gets in touch with you the more documented harassment the better for your case. And perhaps call the school board and tell them that since you have filed all the necessary papers you are wondering why the principal is calling everyday? Perhaps they will deal with this man/woman. And you are right you shouldn't have to explain daily to anyone your decision to homeschool.
yea, I would like to know if you filled everything out what are they still calling you about. Get answer machine and don't answer it?
Don't let the conversations get heated. I know it's hard, but keep your cool, in some places, if you get angry and yell or cuss they can use that as "proof" the children might be in danger. Keep your cool at all times. 2nd-do you have a way to record the phone calls? If so-tell them you are recording it and record it. 3rd-have all your documents ready for HSLDA for when your membership goes through. I'd also keep a log book of every contact, who you talked to, what was said, etc. 4th-if someone comes out to your house-do not invite them in. But remember to always be nice. Tell them you are closing the door but it is unlocked. If they come in that they are coming in against your will and you will file a complaint for illegal entry. HTH-sorry you're having such a hard time-I was so worried about this but turns out our district is very homeschool friendly. The school, the teachers, and the social worker I turn my paperwork into even homeschools his own daughter! LOL
Wow, I really love homeschooling in California we don't have to go through hoops and no one ever bugged us in all the years I have homeschooled ( 13)> I think if they kept calling and I knew I was doing the right thign I would use caller id and not answer it, or set it up as a blocked call. Some phones let you do that.
What district in Arkansas - PM if you like. I've hs'ed in Arkansas for 7 years without a problem. Have you contacted the Education Alliance? They are the state group and would be very helpful. http://www.arkansashomeschool.org/ If you have dropped off your letter of intent and waiver to the superintendent, you have done all you need to do. (keep copies for yourself though!) The only exception would be if your children were under disciplinary action when you removed them from school. They can not even deny you the ability to homeschool if they are under disciplinary action and the semester has ended. So, I would ignore the calls and simply refer them to the state law: http://www.arkansased.org/about/pdf/schools/hs_law_0508.pdf If they persist I would report them to the police for harassment. I might consider talking to a lawyer and get them to send a letter. At the very least I would write a letter quoting the law and telling them that any further contact is harassment and you will take legal action if they do not desist. Sorry you are going through this - what morons.
Whoa! What application and payment? There is no payment required for the state of Arkansas to homeschool. You must send in a letter of intent and a waiver by August 15th, that's it. They can not say you can't homeschool. You are informing them not applying for permission! Refer to the state law I referenced in my previous post. PM if you like. They are way out of bounds or something is really misunderstood here. Marti
best thing at this point is to not feed them. I wouldn't answer the calls or mail them anything, you have already did what you are required.
@mom2ponygirl~ I did mean I sent our payment for HSLDA,I should have wrote that! I have been keeping the letters they mail and I did start writing down what is being said during phone conversations.I wish I did have a way to record them though.As far as what they are calling about( @Embassy )at first,before we had all the paperwork turned in,it was just,"You really need to think about this.It's hard,expensive..etc" Since then it has been remarks such as "You need to keep the interest of your children first-You will probably not follow through with this and just send them back to school anyway-You do not have a college degree in teaching and are not qualified-how are you going to socialize your children...etc" I did stop answering the phone when I saw it was them,but this morning they called from an "unknown" number.That,to me,is when they crossed the line.I didn't want this to get out of hand(it's been over 2 weeks now)but it's wearing on me.If they call back again Monday,I think I am just going to call the police.
In that case tell them to stop harassing you and then proceed to blow a whistle into the phone. They must be losing a lot of money with your decision.
That's what my mom said! It's a very small district-think 15 kids a class-and we have 4 school aged children. I've recencly found out another family from this district has decided to homeschool this year,so you just may be right
I would not ansswer the phone for unknown callers for awhile, just leave your answer machine on, and then turn off your ringer. ? I would not call the police. They are most likely VERY UNinformed about homeschool laws, and will just side w the school and it could end up causing you a ton of problems.
I completely agree. You may be inviting more trouble for yourself. In such a small district they may be desperate enough to call in the Division of Family Services for your state. They would have no legal reason for it, but it will be a headache and a hassle. Since you have joined the HSLDA contact them and ask what to do. I bet a simple letter from them will get the school district off your back without other complications.
I've heard the HSLDA can push your application through faster if there is an emergency. Try calling and telling them what is going on.
HSLDA or simply don't answer the phone. You can always say, "Thank you for the phone call, but this subject is not open for debate, thanks and have a nice day."
