Wednesday, January 05, 2005

About Kansas Area Homeschool Network

Kansas Area Homeschool Network was created as a resource for those who have chosen the path of homeschooling, in ALL of its many forms, in Kansas and surrounding areas. We hope to provide a place for families to come for information, connection with other area families, support, and sharing. Specifically, we hope to provide a sense of community and resources for those taking more eclectic paths of homeschooling, including unschooling, child-led learning, life learning, etc.

Would you like to contribute to Kansas Area Homeschool Network? We welcome your submissions, ideas, input, and feedback. Our purpose is to develop a bigger sense of community for Kansans who are homeschooling, especially those who feel they don't necessarily fit within the larger, traditional homeschool community.

It is not our intention to limit this website to any particular type of homeschooler. If you have a different perspective or advice to offer, we'd love to hear from you. We hope to build this as an inclusive site, with many points of view, where all sorts of people can browse and look for answers. We can't do that, however, without your help. Feel free to contact goobmom23 AT yahoo DOT com to submit your articles and ideas.

Kansas Area Homeschool Network is a better place if YOU are involved.

If you are a homeschool group coordinator, make sure your information gets submitted to our directory.

About the Editor:
Tracy Million Simmons brings you the Kansas Homeschool Network, with some encouragement from her homeschooling friends, after years of contemplating the organization of such a group. Also an unschooler, Tracy is mother to three. Tracy likes to write, document her family's history through pictures and stories, take long walks and bike rides, and contemplate what she's going to learn next.

Saturday, January 01, 2005

Activites in Kansas by Area

If you would like to see your event listed here, please send an email to goobmom23 AT yahoo DOT com.

Central Kansas
North Central Kansas
Northwest Kansas
Northeast Kansas
South Central Kansas
Southeast Kansas
Southwest Kansas

YEA (Young Explorers Academy)

Updated: 2/3/2009

Note from KAHN: I have received word that this group is currently not active. Please notify me if it becomes active again or if I can add contacts here for people who are interested in connecting with people in the Wichita area.

WIHS (Wichita Independent Home Schoolers)

Updated 2/3/2009

Note from KAHN: I have recieved word that this group is not currently active. Please let me know if there is updated information I can add regarding this group or other Wichita area organizations I can list for people looking for homeschooling support.

Coordinator:
Sandy Gritz
WIHSsite AT gmail DOT com

Meetings:
This group generally meets on Wednesdays, though special events are scheduled throughout the week.

Website:
http://wihs.bravehost.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WIHS

Statement:
WIHS is a secular, inclusive homeschool support group in Wichita, KS. WIHS was created to forge an atmosphere of camaraderie among local homeschoolers. WIHS requires respect for other people's chosen paths and does not endorse any particular religious, political or educational philosophy. WIHS seeks intelligent, open-minded, forward-thinking homeschoolers who choose to explore educational opportunities for themselves and their children. WIHS seeks to provide a place where members can feel free to share homeschooling ideas and resources, ask questions and find encouragement. WIHS requests member participation, but does not collect dues or ask its members to sign anything. This group offers weekly meetings, fieldtrips, parents’ nights out, online chats, and online discussion via a Yahoogroup.

TAHN (Topeka Area Homeschool Network)

Coordinators:
Jen Malcom
tahn AT prodigy DOT net

Meetings:
2nd & 4th Wednesdays of Each Month

Website:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tahn/

Statement:
We are a secular, inclusive homeschooling group whose main focus is facilitating social activities in the Topeka, Kansas area.

We value tolerance, acceptance, and respect for individuals regardless of age, race, or religion. We recognize and celebrate diversity.

Members use a variety of methods to homeschool their children. We recognize learning happens at all ages in a variety of ways and that there is not one right way to homeschool.

updated 1/2/2006

Osage Coop

Coordinator:
Laura Reiman

Meetings:
Occasional group field trips and often information about Topeka area activities that homeschoolers might be interested in.

Website:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Osagecoop/

Statement:
This is an on-line group of homeschool families that structure activities around Five in a Row.

Kansas Prairie Association

Coordinator:
Rebecca Frydendall
rfryendall AT msn DOT com

Meetings:
Will meet one time per month in Salina.
Child geared.

Website:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kpcoop/
http://k.p.association.tripod.com/%20

Statement:
We are an unschooling coop group which means we will be child directed... Examples of this would include; we as parents would decide on a topic such as Johnny Appleseed. We then would have several Centers available for the kids to go too so they can learn as they will by doing activities, crafts, worksheets, or anything else that may interest them in the category that is being discussed.

We will also base fieldtrips on the topic. For example, on this topic we might go to Courtland Apple Orchard. We are looking at a Friday date for the coop at this point. We are also looking at offering a choir and a string band for Christmas and Easter Cantatas to put on for the elderly somewhere here in town.

A Walk in the Park Unschooling Group

Coordinator:
Kandy Crosby-Hastings
coramdeo_intheeyesofGod AT yahoo DOT com

Meetings:
Salina Area
Meets every other Tuesday. For more information, call or e-mail. We're going with what works best for the members involved.

Website:
http://awalkintheparkunschoolinggroup.bravehost.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awalkintheparkgroup/ online discussion forum

Statement:
A Walk in the Park Unschooling Group is an unschooling/relaxed homeschooling parent group and co-op. We are social and academic in nature. We are founded on Christian principles. Everyone is welcome,regardless of belief. One thing that is important is we do not do any type of experiments or projects at the co-op or group itself in which someone or something would be intentionally harmed. That does not mean that someone who does dissecting or insect collections, etc. at their own homeschool would not be welcome to join; just that we do not do these types of things as a group. If a parent would be interested inleading a class such as this, they can definitely contact the members and conduct that outside of the co-op itself. A Walk in the Park Unschooling group would be billed as a compassionate unschooling group.

updated 11/01/2007

MAHN (Manhattan Area Homeschoolers Network)

Coordinator:
Raven Grame
scatterville AT twinvalley DOT net

Meetings:
Weekly on Mondays @ 2pm

Website:
http://geocities.com/ManhattanAHN/

Statement:
Manhattan Area Homeschoolers Network (MAHN) is a secular, inclusive homeschooling group that supports families and encourages homeschooling in Manhattan, Kansas and surrounding areas.
MAHN values diversity and requests participants be considerate to all people and faiths. Our common bond is homeschooling. Most of our meetings are social in nature, although members are encouraged to share their skills through special interest groups, activities, and organized field trips.

updated 5/2/2006

Arrow Homeschool Group

Coordinator:
Diane Van Eaton
dnnvntn AT yahoo DOT com

Meetings:
Lyndon, Kansas

Statement:
We require members to sign a statement of faith. The group is both a social and educational group. All members chose their own curriculum and are totally independent.

LAHN (Lawrence Area Homeschoolers Network)


updated 2/3/2009

Coordinator:
Samantha Stopple
sammimag AT sunflower DOT com

Meetings:
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of Each Month

Website:
http://sunflower.com/~lahn/

Statement:
Lawrence Area Homeschoolers Network (LAHN) is a secular, inclusive homeschooling group that supports families and encourages homeschooling in Lawrence, Kansas and surrounding areas.LAHN values diversity and requests participants be considerate to all people and faiths. Our common bond is homeschooling. Most of our meetings are social in nature, although members are encouraged to share their skills through classes, activities, and organized field trips.Membership is open to all and we appreciate diversity. We encourage everyone to join us for play days where our children can get together with other homeschooled children to have fun and to socialize. Learning takes place at all times, but we generally prefer to leave the lessons for our homes and leave the group time to explore our world together.

The Unschooling Group (KC Metro-Wide)

updated 2/3/2009

Coordinator:
Angie Beck (co-leader)
the5becks AT sbcglobal DOT net

Meetings:
Quarterly Family Events

Website:
by invitation - contact Angie for details

Statement:
Welcome to Real Life! Unschooling families learn from life, play and community in a child-led fashion. Whether you're a seasoned unschooler, are using an eclectic approach with some elements of unschooling, or are just beginning to explore the variety of homeschooling approaches, you'll find plenty of friendly, respectful discussion and support here.

This group is populated by unschooling parents representing a variety of ages, learning styles and perspectives, and the range of ideas and experience is enriching for all of us. We offer an email list, monthly meetings which offer a discussion topic, and time for open discussion and/or questions, and occasional family centered activities. To maintain a safe atmosphere where parents are comfortable discussing issues involving their children and family situations, we respectfully request that this be an adults-only email list and that group members bring only lap babies to the meetings.

Kansas City Multi-Cultural Homeschoolers

Website:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KC-MCHS/

Statement:
KC-MCHS is a group for Kansas City area families who home school children of color and who believe their families will benefit from connecting with others who reflect their cultural and racial heritage.
For more information, please visit the website!

E.D.U.C.A.T.E. (Excellence, Diversity, Unity, Community, Acceptance, and Tolerance in Education)

Contact:
educateinfo AT yahoo.com

Meetings:
See website. Meetings include chess club, learning co-ops, history co-op, and park days.

Website:
http://www.educateks.com/

Statement:
E.D.U.C.A.T.E. is a circle of families who are currently home learning primarily for educational reasons. We provide one another with a network that can provide support, educational, and social opportunities. We share the belief that learning occurs at all ages and in a variety of ways. We value diversity and accept families with many points of view.


Monthly activities include: co-op, chess club, American Girls club, history co-ops, park days, field trips, educational activity days, parent's night out, and our monthly group meeting. EDUCATE also hosts an annual Recognition Ceremony and other family socials such as the fall kick-off picnic.


Most activities occur in the southern Johnson County area of Kansas.

updated 8/7/2007

GAHN (Gardner Area Homeschool Network)

Coordinator:
Shelly Axe
badaboom AT kc DOT rr DOT com

Meetings:
2nd & 4th Fridays of Each Month

Website:
Join the Email List for Details

Statement:
Gardner Area Homeschoolers Network (GAHN) is a secular, inclusive homeschooling group to support families and encourage homeschooling in Gardner, Kansas and surrounding areas.GAHN values diversity and requests participants to be considerate to all people and faiths. Our common bond is homeschooling. Most of our meetings will be social in nature, although members are encouraged to share their skills through classes, activities, or organizing field trips.

SKYTHA (South Kansas Teen and Youth Homeschool Activities)

Coordinator:
Jaelene Huffman
huffinfamily AT netscape DOT net

Meetings:
La Cygnes, Kansas
Will want to have teen dances on Fridays or Saturdays, family camp outs, check out the stars through telescopes, etc.

Website:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sktyha/

Statement:
This is a new group of homeschoolers looking to put together activities geared toward teens, 13 and up. We will plan activities for younger children to take place at the same time when possible. Some of the things we want to see happen are: Dances, game night/day, movies, a family camp, maybe just time to hang out with friends, and whatever things they want to do. We want suggestions from teens and parents. For the younger kids we are thinking crafts, play time, games, scavenger hunt, and whatever else we come up with. We ask that everyone respect various beliefs and approaches to homeschooling. Tolerance of others is a must.

Find a Homeschool Group

Are you the coordinator of a homeschool group? All Kansas Homeschool Groups are welcome to add your listing to our directory.



La Cygnes
SKTYA

Gardner
GAHN (KC area)

Kansas City
E.D.U.C.A.T.E.
GAHN
Kansas City Multi-Cultural Homeschoolers
The Unschooling Group

Lawrence
LAHN

Lyndon
Arrow Homeschool Group

Manhattan
MAHN

Salina
A Walk in the Park Unschooling Group
Kansas Prairie Association

Topeka
Osage Coop
TAHN

Wichita
HANCK

WIHS *not currently active
YEA *not currently active

HANCK (Homeschool Activity Network - Central Kansas)

HANCK (Homeschool Activity Network - Central Kansas)

Coordinator: Cindy Conrad

Email List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hanck/

HANCK is a very informal network of Wichita area homeschooling families interested in creating and sharing group activities. Any homeschooling family can join HANCK. The only requirement is that you either already know someone in the network, or that you get up off your couch and actually meet someone in the network within one month of joining. This requirement exists because there are a few scary people lurking around on the internet. We want to make sure that those reading posts about where our children will be are real homeschooling families we've really met in real life. Really. Any HANCK member can organize activities for the group or a subset of the group. The rules, fees, and other details of any activity are determined by the member or members providing it. You may also use HANCK to advertise your own homeschooling organization.