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Homeschool Support Group (T.O.R.C.H.)
Contact: Chris Galvin - 540-937-3355
This homeschool support group has been sponsored by St. John’s Church for the past eight years. St. John’s has recognized the growth of the homeschool movement and offers a base for these families to network and unite following the teachings of the church. With the combined efforts of parents and the staff at St. John’s, we offer an array of homeschool activities for all children and all ages.
The group currently consists of approximately 32 families (18 parish families) with approximately120 children, all from the piedmont area. We provide the following social opportunities for homeschoolers:
Along these lines, St. John’s encourages our homeschoolers to attend daily mass, monthly confessions, Adoration, rosary prayers, catechism and bible study. The homeschooling children have the opportunity to meet for different activities at least 2-3 times a week. Parish activities are well attended, and often times, led by homeschool family members. They can be found in several parish ministries: Religious Education, Music and Liturgy, Web-site development, Knights of Columbus, RCIA, Legion of Mary, Altar serving, Extraordinary Ministry, MOMS ministry. This way they cultivate Catholic friendships under the guidance of the Church and its leaders.
Our focus is living our Catholic faith while teaching and learning it alongside our children. This is done by our commitment to Catholic Culture and our faith in action through other ministries.
Craft activities
All parents sign up to coordinate and plan a craft activity focusing on our Catholic Culture. Parents usually work in teams and plan for approximately 30 children. Refreshments are usually served.
Field Trips
Parents sign up to coordinate a field trip of their choice that’s age appropriate and child friendly. Several past trips were: visitation to the Franciscan Monastery, Opus Dei retreat center, Trappist Monastery, Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, Luray Caverns, local radio station, Warrenton Post Office, Apple and Pumpkin picking, Sheriffs Department and 911 Dispatch center, Glen Echo Marionette Productions, US Geological Survey, Mount Vernon, George Mason Theatre productions.
Drama Club
Club members meet to work on various aspects of theatre and public speaking. Workshops focus on stage presence, script readings, voice diction and inflection, improvisations, stage make-up and costumes, scenery production. Beginning in March, the children begin intense weekly rehearsals for their annual theatre production. Any homeschooler, 6 years and up, are invited to participate in any portion of the drama club and/or performance.
Little Flowers
Little Flowers Girls Club for ages 5 - 8 meets every month to learn about virtues and the saints that exemplify them while enjoying each other's company. Each meeting usually includes a discussion and a craft or work of charity that furthers learning in the current virtue. The last half hour of each meeting concludes with a sit down tea. Each Little Flower's work on the virtues is recognized by earning badges.
Family Movie Night
St. John’s Homeschool Support Group hosts a family night to provide family entertainment such as a family movie, board game night or other family celebrations. Activities are held once a month on Saturday nights at 7 pm in the parish Youth Center.
First Friday, Rosary, Coffee
1st Friday of each month homeschoolers meet for daily mass, followed by recitation of the Rosary in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Afterwards, we proceed to a local park or restaurant depending on weather conditions.
Marian Feast Day Celebrations
Nativity of Mary Celebration – Homeschoolers open the new school year with a mass celebration followed by cake and birthday festivities in honor of our Blessed Mother, Mary. Anyone is welcome to attend.
May Crowning – Homeschoolers unite with the Religious Education Program to participate in a May crowning of our Blessed Mother.
Annual Theatre Performance
The St. John’s Drama Club Players will perform their production in May of this year. Practices begin in March and will be 2-3 times a week during the day and some weekends. Any Drama Club Player, age 6 and up are invited to participate. It is recommended, but not required, to attend the monthly Drama Workshops to learn about the planned production and to be reviewed for casting. Parents are also encouraged to participate as stage crew in these productions.
Previous Productions:
- “The Last Battle” - Watch excerpt below!
- “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” - Watch excerpt below!
Annual Science Fair
All homeschoolers are invited to participate in a science presentation. A set-up can be as simple or elaborate as the child feels comfortable. Families attend to enjoy the research of the children.
Annual Group Testing
All homeschoolers (K-12th grade) are invited to be tested using the IOWA Basic Skills Test. These tests are administered and supervised by a qualified tester and assistants and gives the children a chance to experience taking exams in a group setting. All scores are sent to the parents and are accepted by the local counties for homeschool requirements. Cost is approximately $45 per child.
Graduation/Talent Show Ceremony
All homeschoolers in every grade can be recognized in this annual event. Graduation caps are provided along with a graduation certificate. “Class pictures” are enjoyable to take. A pot-luck dinner and talent show follows. Any child can perform/display a talent. Piano is provided. This event is well attended by grandparents and family members.
Assisted-Living Visitations
The children visit various assisted living locations to participate in crafts, reading, and singing with the residents.
Social settings for Moms/Dads
Moms Nights out are planned throughout the year along with the MOMS support group of St. John’s. Homeschool Dads are inviting anyone to attend Adoration at 6:30 am on Thursdays followed by a short coffee chat located in Old Town Warrenton. A good chance to get to know other Catholic Men before heading off to work! Couple’s nights are also encouraged, usually for a parish event such a dinner/dance.
Community Service Opportunities
There are many parish ministries and outreach programs that homeschoolers can get involved in. Last year, the children made and delivered advent wreaths to the homebound during advent. They also adopted several families for Christmas by purchasing, wrapping and delivering these gifts as a group effort to the needy. The Theatre performance “The Last Battle” benefited the Fauquier Habitat for Humanity. If you should know of a community need, please let us know how the homeschoolers could help.
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