I So wish we lived out in the country..... We had an inncident today where the cops were called on us TWO times.. It had nothing to do with homeschooling but with a nosey neighbor who didn't like what the kids were doing outside. At least the first time they came. The second time the same neighbor called again for the same reason but lied about some of what they were doing. Anyhow, it got me to thinking what I would do if someone were to call because my kids are not "in school". We are in Texas and there is little regulation reguarding homeschooling. Our schedule is 3 weeks on 1 week off and the times vary. We also school in the summer. So what do I do if the cops or CPS comes to my door?? I know that I shouldn't invite them in but I'm really not sure how I should handle it. Hubby is mad at the neighbor who called and WILL confront him..:roll: So it's going to cause more problems.. Just nervous I guess. Angie
Even though it's not required, maybe it would be best to keep some kind of portfolio/log book. Not only would it be a great tool if you ever found yourself in a pickle, but it would also probably serve as some good memories somewhere down the road
I keep a homeschool journal.It's mostly for me so I know what we did and what needs to be worked on. I also record ideas for things I want to try or do with certain lessons. Is that what you are talking about?? Angela
More or less, maybe try to keep some samples of work, and a log of books the kids have read/you have read to them, pictures of things you are doing etc. Here we are in a heavily regulated state... so I try to keep a pretty good record of what we are doing along with all of his work... yes I usually keep all of it all year then at the end I pick what I want for in the portfolio and then once it comes back from the district with the districts approval, then I toss what ever didn't go into the portfolio, but hang on to the portfolio.
I agree. I'm also in TX, but I keep everything and will for 2 years. My reason isn't nosy neighbors ... it's in case we move and I need proof of something.
Are you a member of HSLDA? If so, they have a paper that tells you EXACTLY what to do. I know one thing you do NOT do is let them in the door, unless they have a search warrant. If you give them permission to come in, you give up your rights.
I was also told to never let them in unless with a warrant. I keep a notebook near the door with several copies of the forms I have to submit to the district, our attendance record, and some reports from our homeschool tracker that I print out at the end of each quarter. So far I have never had to use it, but felt I should be prepared because we live in an apartment complex and are right across the street from the local school. Hope the police tell your neighbor to stop calling.
We live in TX. I agree, I wouldn't let them in. I have a household binder, in which I keep a print out of both HSLDA synopsis of TX homeschool law and outlines of the curricula I plan for each child. Sometimes I wonder if I should carry a copy of the law with us...
I used to be a member of HSLDA but let it expire. We never had problems before. Here lately the police have stopped my son when he's been outside and ask him why he isn't in school. He tells them that he's homeschooled and we are finished with our lessons for the day. The police officer asked me about it today as well. We were finished with school by 1pm today and they were outside. He smiled and said he had to ask just to be sure. Angela
It is scary to think the kind of trouble a nosey neighbor can be. Hope the conversation your husband has with your neighbor works out well.
Are you from a tiny town? Sounds like the kind of harrassment a person would find in a town our size (1,000) from a police officer who doesn't like the idea of homeschooling. If this is the case, I would call your county or state police department to let them know the dates, times, and "concerns" the police officer has seen you or your child for and ask them what you should do or if what the officer is doing is appropriate. I realize most hs'ers don't like to get the law involved in their lives at all, but in this case it appears the law is now being intrusive whether or not you invite it in.
http://www.thsc.org/Getting_Started/ProblemSituations.asp CPS actually has a policy against investigating over calls that report children not being in school. However, people who want to cause troubles, once they get told this, will make up other stories, like your neighbor did, to get CPS to go out anyway. I hope that you can perhaps press charges against your neighbor for making false police report. Plus, hopefully, the police are getting to know this neighbor well enough to leave you alone. I would be livid if I were you.
This is, he was not supposed to ask. Do you perhaps have a daytime curfew in your state? I would spend the money and join THSC or HSLDA. That cop not only did not HAVE to ask, he should NOT have asked. No one in the state of Texas has the right to question our homeschooling, curricula, or otherwise.
well you have to understand that public schools do have truancy problem, and it is possible the officer did not realize that he 'should not' have asked. I would just answer his questions and be nice to him. That is your best bet. That way he will know YOU are not the trouble maker, and hopefully will see quickly that it is the neighbor. I would keep a journal, for sure, and samples of their work. ect. I also keep all of my library receipts to show the material we check out. The same with anything else we rent or purchase keep a receipt. Take photos. Never let them in your door. I would also keep a journal of your neighbor. Every time they call on you, what the officer says when he comes, everything your kids were doing, what they were accused of doing, ect. Date and time. since you actually ARE dealing with this stuff, you should probably join the HSLDA, or at least talk to them.
I would honestly discourage your husband from confronting the buy-body. A confrontation could escalate the situation. I would simply steer clear of this nosy person. Be sure when your kids are outside playing they are not screaming and causing your neighbor to be annoyed. Don't give him any reason to call the police. (((( ))))
You should consider joining the Texas Home School Coalition www.thsc.org I just left a meeting tonight with the president of the organiztion. 1. If CPS shows up do not let them in let them know you will be happy to comply with their request if they submit them to you in writing. 2. If you are a member of THSC and someone shows up to your door you can just call them and say here speak to my attorney. They are very helpful, goodluck.
Isn't it sad that even with a legal right to hs,we still have to deal with bitter neighbors. Just satan trying to put up obstacles.
If the neighbor persists you can complain about his harassment. Also he will lose all his credibility with the police, especially if your kids are well behaved, respectful, and you are willing to talk to the police politely.
As far as the police go, I can understand him wanting to know for sure. But now that he DOES know, it should stop. He knows your boy, knows he's legit, and should could possibly have nice, friendly conversations with him when he sees him out. But if he keeps asking why he's out, etc., that's something different. Then I'd complain. I was frustrated by our civic association saying something about children being out during school hours, etc. I actually called the president and explained that I homeschooled, my hours were not consistent with "normal" school hours, and I was concerned that his comments would have people reporting me inappropriately. He told me his comments came straight from the police department. (He was very nice an understanding, though!). One thing my children knows, they are NOT permitted outside to play in the front yard during "normal" school hours. In the back, yes. Also, my neighbors know we homeschool; I figure the more they're aware of, the less they will question!
