The Who, What, When, Where & Why’s of VHS

What is VHS?
VHS is not a location, but a community of people. VHS families will cheer you, your family, and your homeschool on!
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Why VHS?
To support Christian homeschool education through academic, social and outreach programs promoting Christ-like character.
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Who is VHS?
Every single VHS activity is held or hosted by a VHS member.

VHS will keep you in the loop of outside opportunities in the community, as well.

If something doesn’t exist in VHS, don’t hesitate to bring it up for discussion on the website. You may be surprised at how many have similar interests!
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Where is VHS?
Our day-to-day business is typically held at the local churches of our members, where we are often gifted the use of space. We tread lightly, aiming to leave things as good or better than when we arrived.

We have several groups that meet in the homes of VHS members.

Where else is VHS?
VHS activities are held throughout the community in all sorts of places like theaters, parks, and libraries.

We do rent out Faith United Methodist Church in Neenah from time to time, especially for the WINGS Co-Op classes.

We also occasionally rent out other local churches when extra space is needed for one day events.
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When is VHS?
Different committees operate at different times of the year, but more and more we are seeing members ask to lead activities that extend throughout the school year!

Generally the summer and Christmas season are quieter times of the year. Also, it isn’t unusual for September and October to be a busier time of the year.

Many events are “come when you can” events. So, in many instances, if it is a monthly event, you usually don’t have to be there every month.

There are a few exceptions to this with things such as WINGS and Lego League that do require a specific time commitment. But in most instances, you are welcome to check out an activity once, or as your schedule allows!

1. You’ve recently moved into the area and want to meet other homeschooling families.
2. You are homeschooling your preschool child and you’d like to meet other homeschooling families at VHS events/groups (e. g. Heart2Heart mom’s support group, Kindergarten playgroup)
3. You have heard about the WINGS class co-op and are thrilled to have an opportunity where your children can attend 2-3 classes at the same venue on the same afternoon.
4. Your teenagers would like to get to know other homeschooled students who can relate to your lifestyle a little more than their public-schooled friends.
5. You are a veteran homeschooler with children in the high school grades, perhaps also college students, and you are available to encourage families approaching and in the high school years.
6. You are excited by the variety of events and programs offered by VHS, and you are ready and willing to use your talents and skills to create additional activities that give added-value to VHS.
7. You would enjoy participating in field trips, theater events, sports teams, First Lego League, clubs, & small groups with other homeschooling parents and/or children.
8. You like being "in the know" about all opportunities that are shared on the VHS member website.
9. You love the advice and encouragement gleaned from other fellow homeschoolers, either in person or on the VHS member website.
10. You love knowing that you are not alone on your homeschooling journey!

   
1. You live beyond the Fox Cities area and don't want to travel in for any events.
2. You are anticipating major changes in your family life and cannot commit to fulfilling your VHS commitment requirement following your first membership term.
3. You have a full school and extra-curricular schedule leaving no time for VHS programs and events.
4. You already have a support network of homeschooling friends.
5. You don't have access to or prefer not to use a computer.
6. You would prefer to participate in a smaller, informal homeschooling group. 
7. You don't need the social interaction with other homeschoolers that VHS provides.
8. You don't need the support and resources provided via the VHS member website.
9. You have school-aged children who are enrolled full-time in an online virtual school (public school, e.g. K12),  and you don't plan to homeschool any younger children.
10. You have not or will not be filing the WI DPI form PI-1206 for at least one of your school-aged children, therefore you are not a homeschooling family.

Q. What is Valley Home Schoolers, Inc. (VHS)?
A. VHS is a Christian homeschool group in the Fox Cities area for families who have one or more students for whom they have filed the WI DPI form PI-1206.

Q. What is the purpose of VHS?
A. VHS provides the structure for members to support one another in the adventure and responsibility of homeschooling our children.

Q. What are the benefits of being a member of VHS?
A. VHS-sponsored activities such as field trips, social events, clubs, classes, co-op groups, and members-only website, create a sense of community among families who share similar goals and values for their homeschooled children.

Q. What are the requirements for membership with VHS?
A.

• Members must comply with Wisconsin's homeschooling laws, including, but not limited to, filing the Wisconsin DPI Form PI-1206 for one or more children
• Agree to support and uphold the VHS Purpose Statement and the Statement of Faith
• Complete a New Member Application form or Membership Renewal form
• Submit payment ($25 new member; fee varies for continuing/returning members depending upon which time of year they renew)
• Continuing & returning members are required to fulfill a commitment to serve VHS during the membership term.

Q. Can preschool families join VHS?

A. Yes.  VHS acknowledges that homeschooling begins at birth.  If a homeschooled child is under the age of six, that family is considered a homeschool family by VHS IF they will then file the Wisconsin DPI form PI-1206 when the child is of age. VHS families must then file the annual Wisconsin DPI form PI-1206 for one or more children to be considered a homeschool family.

Q.  Are virtual charter public school students eligible to join VHS?

A.  No.  Virtual charter public school students are public school students, not homeschooled students.  If ALL your children are of school age and all are charter school students, then VHS is not the appropriate group for your family.  

However, VHS families can and do have a variety of schooling types for their various children.   If at least one child of a family is homeschooled, requiring filing of the annual Wisconsin DPI form PI-1206, then that family does qualify to be a member of VHS. 

The public or private-school students of a family are welcome to attend any VHS family social events.  Public or private-school students can attend any age-specific events alongside their homeschooled siblings who are attending that event, but should not be attending events or participating in groups/clubs on their own and taking the place of a homeschooled student.  It is not the purpose of VHS to provide field trips, social events, and extra-curricular activities for virtual charter public school students. 

Please note that the VHS sports programs will require all participants to be homeschooled students who have filed or will file in Fall the WI DPI form PI-1206.

Q. What is the VHS membership term?
A. July 1 through June 30

Q. When is the best time of year to join as a new member?
A. March is the best month to join VHS as a new member. New members joining on or after March 1 have membership effective through June 30 of the following year, that is, a membership term with a maximum 15 months prior to renewal.

Q. Can new members join VHS at any time during the year?
A. Yes, new members can join at any time of year.  The new membership fee is the same all year round. If a new member joins on or after July 1, then their membership term is effective until June 30.

Q. When is the best time of year for current/continuing members to renew?
A. May is the best month for current/continuing members to renew. An early-bird renewal discount is offered to those renewing prior to June 1.  Renewing in May also provides greater likelihood that you will be assigned to your 1st preference of VHS commitment.

Q. Do new members have to fulfill a VHS commitment?
A. New members are not expected to fulfill a commitment during their first membership term, (from their join date until the next membership term for which they renew). However, new members are encouraged to apply for a volunteer position if the new member would like to participate more fully in VHS right from the start.

Q. What does a VHS commitment entail?
A. There are 100+ possible choices to fulfill your commitment, with individual and committee opportunities available ranging from administrative positions to hands-on events. There are also a range of different skill-set options.  You can choose events that are one-time only, limited in length, or ongoing activities.

Members choose positions that best use their talents and gifts to build VHS and to provide opportunities for their family and others. In serving VHS through a commitment, members build a sense of ownership and of belonging to the group. The vibrancy of VHS is the direct result of the volunteer efforts of VHS parents and teen leaders.

Members can also request to create a new activity or event to be considered for their VHS commitment.  It is through new ideas brought forth to the group that VHS grows in other directions with expanded opportunites for students and families.