Top-10 List: Using Online Classes for Summer

Top Ten List

Using Unlimited Access for Summer Learning

No matter where your children go to school in the fall and spring, you are welcomed to take classes with Homeschool Connections this summer. Whether you want your children to get a Catholic perspective on certain subjects, receive some remedial help in an area, or take an upper-level course not available at their school, we're here to help.

Homeschool Connections offers two types of courses that cover a wide span of subjects. Today, let's talk about our recorded, independent-learning courses that you can take at your own pace and on your own schedule. (If you prefer live, interactive classes for summer here is our registration page: Homeschool Connections Registration.)

There are many different ways you can use Homeschool Connections' recorded classes through Unlimited Access to keep learning alive and fun over the summer. Here are ten ideas to get you started ... 

10. Take school with you.

We've had students take classes from hotel rooms, Grandma's house, the library, the car on the road, and even the beach. However, we don't recommend taking your laptop anywhere near sand! All you need for recorded classes is a power source, internet, and a computer. You should add earbuds or a headset to the list if you need privacy.

9. Plug the computer into the television.

This is a really fun way to learn together as a family. Pick a subject that everyone is interested in learning. It may be The Hobbit or World War II or American Sign Language or something completely different. Make some popcorn and watch together. You may need an HDMI cable and a newer TV (Mac users will need a converter). Recently, my teen added Chromecast to our laptop and that's what we use.

8. Pick a time that works best for you.

Recorded classes are available 24/7. You could watch classes first thing in the morning, getting them done early so the rest of the day can be spent outdoors. If you prefer, watch classes during lunch or just before bed in the evening. Pick the time that is going to help you keep up with your work throughout the summer.

7. Audit a course.

Watch a lecture each day and forgo the homework. For example, instead of taking 12 weeks for World History: 12 Inventions that Changed the World, watch the lectures over 12 days. When auditing, pick a subject that is easy for you. 

6. Buckle down on tough subjects.

Need help with algebra? Struggled with science last year? If so, buckle down and get to work. Set aside time each and every day (Sundays off!) and stick to the schedule. Complete all of the homework before moving to the next recorded lecture. If you want extra help, sign up for the optional grading support (Instructor Access).

5. Catch up on subjects for September.

Planning on taking Latin II next year but not quite ready? Perhaps illness or something else kept you from finishing Latin I this year. Whether you simply need a refresher or need to make up for lost time, there are a number of "boot camps" available in recording (math, Latin, and more).

4. Ask yourself, "What do I love?"

For example, do you get geeked about books? If so, choose a literature course on a book you love. Reread Romeo and Juliet as you watch Professor Pearce's lectures over a couple of weeks. Or Scarlet Letter, or Jane Eyre, or Dracula. You can choose from over 50 literature courses.

3. Summer is a great time to hone your writing skills

Writing is a key skill for success in all other school subjects. Focusing on writing skills over summer will help you do better in history, literature, and more when fall arrives. Homeschool Connections writing courses range from basic, foundational courses to advanced, college-preparatory courses. Other courses that help you succeed in core subjects include: How to Be an Excellent Student and How to Use Microsoft Word.

2. Keep a schedule and keep it simple. 

How many times have we all laid out grand plans, only to forget about them as the excitement wore off? Write out a reasonable schedule on a whiteboard or print it and post it. Program your computer or phone to remind you each day. Do something tangible to keep you on schedule.

You don't need a complicated schedule to be effective. Pick just one or two subjects. For example, maybe you weren't able to make time for philosophy in the fall and spring, but you know it would help you a lot to learn it and it sounds interesting. Focus just on philosophy courses for summer.

1. Take courses that raise your heart to God. All of our courses are taught through the lens of the Catholic Church. If you'd like to get the Catholic perspective in history or literature, this is the place. We also offer a wide range of theology and philosophy courses that help students experience God's teaching.

Bonus: Unlimited Access means just that!

You have unlimited access to 275 courses for your entire family. Yes, it's true! You can't beat the price ($30 per month!!!) and you can't beat the convenience. Middle school, high school, and adult students can easily learn year round with this independent learning program. It can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it. It's YOUR program.

To learn more about our recorded, online, independent-learning classes, click here now:

Unlimited Access

Top-Ten Stocking Stuffers for the Homeschool Mom

Remembering Mom Christmas Morning

This is a top-ten list just for the husbands and children of homeschool mothers. If your family is like mine, Christmas morning begins with the discovery of filled-to-the-brim stockings in front of the hearth, left by St. Nicholas. Well, all are filled to the brim ... except for Mom's stocking. After all, she's the one who usually handles the bulk of the Christmas shopping.

Here are some simple, inexpensive ideas for you to help make Mom's Christmas morning a little more special. Coordinate with St. Nick to include some of these stocking stuffers just for her ...

(Need gift ideas for under the tree? Go here: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Homeschool Moms)

TOP-TEN LIST: STOCKING STUFFERS FOR MOM

1. Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
2. School supplies: Sharpies, gel pens, post-it notes, highlighters, and/or memory stick.
3. Gift cards! One for take-out, giving her a kitchen-free night. Or one for the movies if that's her thing. Or, how about a spa day?!
4. Homemade coupon for a night alone, sans kids, for lesson planning or whatever she wants to do (alone!). Or coupons for extra help with chores.
5. Chocolate. Oh wait, I already listed that. Oh well, give her more chocolate.
6. Her favorate lotion or cologne. Or scented candle (small enough to fit into a stocking.)
7. Handwritten note: "Why my mom is special to me", "Top-ten reasons my mom is awesome", or "Why I'm still madly in love with my wife(!)".
8. Special Christmas ornament. It can be handmade or store bought. However, if it's store-bought, make sure it has special meaning for Mom.
9. On online membership to Amazon Prime, Audible, Netflix, or Hulu
10. A card with your commitment to pray for your mom. Slide in a prayer card or medal with the written promise.

The gifts don't need to be perfect. It really is the thought that counts. It's special to have something to open Christmas morning. All these little things will add up to a lot in your mom's heart. 

Let us know your ideas for stuffing Mom's Christmas stocking in the comments!

Top-10 Videos: History in a Minute

One year ago, Mr. Phillip Campbell had a fun idea, opened his iPhone, and started to film. And, as they say, the rest is history. Well, actually, the rest is History in a Minute.

It's been a fun year and we plan to keep going for many years to come. To celebrate this anniversary, we'd like to share the top-ten most viewed History in a Minute videos. 

10. Did you know that Starlings are not native to the United States? Or the role Shakespeare played in bringing them to the Western Hemisphere?

The History of Starlings in America

9. Did you ever wonder how the donkey came to represent the Democrat Party?

The History of the Donkey and Democrats

8. Do you know the story of St. Francis of Assisi and the Nativity?

The History of Nativity Scenes

7. The saint who was visited by St. Michael the Archangel (who drilled a hole in the monk's skull -- really!) ...

The History of St. Aubert

6. Just in time for Advent ...

The History of Veni Veni Emmanual

5. Curly-toed shoes, the baggy pants of the Middle Ages ...

The History of Curly-Toed Shoes (yes, that's a thing) ...

4. For the war buffs in the house ...

The First Recorded Battle in History

3. Mr. Campbell's favorite beverage in the whole world ...

The History of Dr. Pepper

2. If you're a Phineas & Ferb fan or an Alexander the Great fan, you may know this story ...

The Legend of the Gordian Knot

1. And the number one History in a Minute video is ... (drum roll please) ...

The History of Pugs

Let us know what topics you'd like to see us cover over the next year. And, if you'd like to check out all of the other History in a Minute videos, subscribe to our channel HERE. 

Why Take Accounting in High School (Online Classes for Homeschoolers)

10 Reasons Why You Should
Sign-up for Accounting

By Peggy Morrow


Visit www.homeschoolconnections.com

Whether or not you are interested in either an Accounting major in college or working in the field, following are 10 reasons why having a basic understanding of accounting will benefit you in life.

1. Helping you to discern God’s will - According to Bishop Barron’s recent eBook titled How to Discern God’s Will For Your Life, in the end, all discernment boils down to one ultimate goal: finding the path of greatest love. If you are passionate about all things related to running either your own business or someone else’s this course will help you discern whether you should pursue further study. In addition to business considerations, according to my parish priest, If you are called to be a priest, you will need to have a basic understanding of accounting. Should God’s will call you to only need some basic background, you’ll be prepared for a vocation to married, single, or religious life!
2. Requires basic math skills - accountants and bookkeepers spend a lot of time adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.  For these activities, they use calculators, spreadsheets, and other specialized computer tools.  Other math skills such as advanced algebra, geometry, and calculus are not required.  So if you were always successful at basic math courses (even if you were not so good at algebra and beyond), this may be a good class for you to check out!
3. Never flip a burger - in my senior year in high school, I worked for an electrical contractor who trained me to process their payroll and financial transactions. I got to work Monday through Friday after school, and went home by dinner time. They paid me more than minimum wage, also giving me several raises and bonuses. Additionally, they taught me skills that both allowed me to earn money during college and understand the importance of attending college.  If you think that you want a skill beyond fast food, this course is a great starting place as you will learn enough to seek a bookkeeping position.
4. Work anywhere on the planet - Accountants and related occupations are needed everywhere.  So you can live anywhere in the world, and will still be able to find employment.   That can include working from home. My Grandma worked as a bookkeeper almost her whole life for the same moving and storage company in Washington D.C.  Once she got married and started to raise a family in the 1930s, her employer asked her to keep working from home as many hours as possible while tending to her family.  So she was a pioneering telecommuter!  Since my Grandmother’s day, the possibilities of working from home have only increased!  
5. Leadership - Whether your ambition is to run a small or large business, a church, or a diocese, accounting skills will equip you to be an effective leader. Accountants possess the knowledge of the entire operation (not just 1 segment). They obtain this knowledge because they need to understand what financial transactions are happening throughout the entire organization. For this reason, about a quarter of all CEOs are accountants and/or have an accounting background. Even if you don’t become the boss, your skills will provide leadership to others. Accounting involves using problem solving and helping everyone out in an organization– trying to figure out how to record a transaction, how to make a budget work, how to interpret a contract, and other guidance on what to do and how to proceed.
6. You’ll always have a job – accountants and related occupations are in high demand (no matter the industry) and are usually the last to go when a business is closed since they have to pay the bills. There is a wide variety of jobs available within the accounting field.  Besides accounting ops, there is financial management, auditing, budgeting, consulting, policy, taxation, financial analysis, etc.  On a related note, Business Intelligence (BI) is a growing area of employment.  People who have the combination of business sense, financial analysis, statistics, and data extraction/manipulation and reporting skills are in great demand right now and are paid well.
7. You make decent money - Whether you become a bookkeeper which requires little post-secondary training and earns $38,000, or a financial manager which requires a bachelor’s degree and earns $120,000 or more per year. You will earn enough money to live comfortably.
8. You’ll gain a better understanding of both historical and current events - References to accounting and accounting practices exist throughout history including biblical times. For example, the Apostle Matthew was a Tax Collector (requires an accounting degree today), in Luke 16:2 the dishonest steward is asked to “give an account of his stewardship,” and Leviticus 25 provides financial guidance for the Israelites.  Understanding generally accepted practices will enlighten your perspective on current and past events. Click to read more on this topic.
9. Always something happening  - Accounting careers have both routine work and variety.   For example, your routine will consist of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual duties.  You will always have something to do so you will not get bored. Since you’ve got lots to do and there are things that are routine, you get a sense of accomplishment when you finish a task. Additionally, because you will understand how a business is run, you will be the first to know when changes or unexpected events arise as you know the financial standing of the organization.
10. Personal financial management skills - Accounting is a life skill; i.e., everyone needs to know how to manage their finances, so training in accounting gives you an edge in this life skill area.

I hope this top-10 list helps you as you plan your high school career as well as your vocation. May God bless you and your future.

To sign up for Accounting Part One (fall semester) at Homeschool Connections: https://reg129.imperisoft.com/HomeschoolConnectionsOnline/ProgramDetail/3138303132/Registration.aspx

To sign up for Accounting Part Two (spring semester) at Homeschool Connections: https://reg129.imperisoft.com/HomeschoolConnectionsOnline/ProgramDetail/3138303135/Registration.aspx

Once the live course is completed, it will be available as a recorded course through our Unlimited Access Program.

Top-Ten: Why Learn Coding in High School (and ... get college credit to boot)

Top-10 Reasons: 

Why You Should Sign-up for AP Computer Science Principles

 By Margaret (Peggy) Morrow, Ph.D.

Homeschool Connections is offering a brand new AP-level Computer Science course in the upcoming school year. We hope you'll consider joining us! 

1. To Help You Discern God’s Will. According to Bishop Barron’s recent eBook, How to Discern God’s Will For Your Life, in the end, all discernment boils down to one ultimate goal: finding the path of greatest love. If you are passionate about all things tech, this course will help you discern whether you should pursue further study. If you find God’s will calls you to only have some basic background in order to follow the path of greatest love He is calling you to, you’ll be prepared for your vocation!
2. You Can Love Computer Science Without Being a Fan of Video Games and All Things Tech. Okay, I admit it, I worked in the field of computer science for almost 20 years, and I am not a fan of video games! Additionally, my spouse loves having and using the latest technology while I am happy with a flip phone. My gifts include: organizing data and structures, and listening to people who are far more gifted than me in math, science, and the creative aspects of projects. With their help, I can document, explain, and package their work for customers. I love teaching computer science!   
3. Apply Your Special Talents and Interests. Students get to choose both what they create and what they research for the in-class portion of the exam. Additionally, they get to choose what software tool they use to create their products!!! Do you like animation, or would you like to research the evolution of computer animations in children’s movies? Are you a fan of a specific virtual reality game? Would you like to explore computing’s role in the evolution of weather modeling? Do you want to know how the Vatican keeps its cyber systems secure? Since computer science is applied everywhere in our world, you can explore your own unique creative perspective.
4. Needed Skills for a Variety of Occupations and Ability Levels. I once went on a mission trip to Honduras and relied on the limited amount of Spanish I had learned in middle school. My basic understanding of the language allowed me to communicate, read road signs, restroom signs, greet people, and enjoy the great culture. For situations that required a language expert, I was blessed to have an NSA Spanish language translator traveling with me! Since the tools and products of computer science are a part of all 21st-century occupations, having at least a basic understanding of the structure of programming languages and how products are created will help you to navigate foreign territory even if you only know the basics.
5. Make Amazing Apps! The course will make use of the Mobile-CSP Curriculum, which was developed by two Catholic Colleges:  Trinity College and The College of St. Scholastica.  According to the project's’ website: you will learn computer science by building socially useful mobile apps. In addition to programming and computer science principles, the course is project-based and emphasizes writing, communication, collaboration, and creativity.  So you will use multiple skills!
6. Enormous Career Possibilities - job openings in computer science related fields are growing faster than most other occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics!!! Additionally, the opportunities exist in lots of sectors of the economy. For example, computer science professionals work everywhere both geographically and professionally including hospitals, municipalities, corporations, diocesan offices, schools, governments, Kansas, New York, Ireland, Dubai, your home office, etc.
7. In-class Collaborative Exam - AP Computer Science Principles is the first and ONLY AP course offered to High School students with an in-class portion of the AP exam. This portion of the exam counts for 40% of the exam grade.  If you like working with a partner, 24% of the in-class exam can be created either with a partner or individually.  In the 2016-2017 school year, the first year the course was launched, the course was very popular with 45,000 students completing the exam!
8. Dress Code - the field of computer science accommodates all tastes in dress code.  For example, some firms require formal dress while others only require that you are dressed.  For the later, a tee-shirt and shorts are apropos.  Whatever your style, you’ll find a job that will support your tastes!
9. Culturally Diverse Workplace - because computer scientists are in short supply, the U.S. tends to import workers from around the world.   Additionally, jobs in other countries are plentiful.  Working in the field of computer science provided me with the experience of being able to learn about and experience other cultures.  For example, after spending the day going to church and hiking with my family, a Mexican coworker gave me beautiful Guadalupe candles as a thank you gift.  Additionally, I learned first-hand about the 1989 Tiananmen Square student-led protests from a coworker that had been there!
10. Protection from cyber crimes and cyber warfare - From the time of Adam and Eve through more recent times the technology of crime and warfare has evolved.  Additionally, cyber crime and cyber warfare are both on the rise.  Recent problems with the U.S. election, malware attacks on personal and corporate computers, and the rise of fake news testify to the growing problems.  Likewise, the success of various attacks indicates that both individuals and countries need to build-up their computer science based defense systems.  Recent estimates project the U.S. economies’ cost of cybercrime as ranging between $450 Billion to $2 Trillion dollars a year, and cyber warfare costs run in the trillions of dollars. In order to minimize the impact, corporations, individuals, and governments are increasing their spending on computer science-based products to defend against both threats.  Consequently, skilled individuals are needed to ward off attacks on the power grid, businesses, personal identity and credit, and government.   On a personal note, I am currently the beneficiary of three different credit monitoring services due to workplace and retail hacks. Despite these services, I wonder where and when the next personal threat will arise.

Top Ten: How to Email or Message Your Online Teacher

by Maureen Wittmann

I once received an email from a student that read:

im having trouble in my class

The subject bar read:

help

I'm sure you can figure out rather quickly why I was discouraged by this email. Even overlooking the lack of sentence structure, I was unable to help the student due to the scarcity of information given to me. I didn't know her name, the name of her course, nor the fine details of her problem. It turned out she was having difficulty using her microphone in her live online class. It was an easy fix and I had her up and running once I was given the necessary details of her problem.

We live in a world, consumed by texting and instant messaging, that has forgotten the importance of proper punctuation, grammar, form, and courtesy. I'm confronted by this fact far too often in my regular email communications.

It is understandable why this student's email was lacking many of the important elements required for effective communication. She was young -- a middle school student -- and this was her first online course. At Homeschool Connections, we require a certain level of etiquette in student correspondence, but this was the first day of classes and she had not yet been taught.

The Top-Ten List below will give you everything you need to learn the conventions of email etiquette and effective online communication. Whether you're a middle school student or college student, or somewhere in between, whether you're in a school, co-op, or taking an online class, the following guidelines will help you craft professional emails that give you the results you want and need when communicating with your teacher. This format should also be used when messaging your teacher (Moodle, in the case of Homeschool Connections students).

NOTE: These are general tips. You may have a teacher who has set specific guidelines for you to follow when emailing. If so, follow your teacher's instructions.

First, let's start with a basic template for emailing your teacher. This can be used or modified for any classroom situation. I've numbered each element, which corresponds to the Top-Ten List below.

(1) TO: Should this email go to the teacher or someone else?

(2) DATE: Make sure your emails are timely.

(3) SUBJECT BAR: School Name, Course Name, and Brief Summary of Problem.

(4) Dear Professor Last-Name,

(5) Meaningful nicety. A sentence or two that connects you to the teacher in a personal way.

(6) I’m in your Complete Course Name that meets on This Day at This Time. (7) This is the question I have or the help I need. I’ve looked at the Moodle course page, at my notes from class, and I reviewed the recorded class. (8) I think This Is The Answer, but I’m still not sure. Can you please help me? This is the Action I would like you to take.

(9) Another meaningful nicety expressing your gratitude for the instructor's help.

(10) Sincerely, Respectfully, God bless, or similar sign-off,
Student Full Name (first and last)


(1) Make sure you are contacting the right person. All questions about course content and student performance should be directed to the teacher. Teachers should respond within 24 hours, with the exception of weekends, holy days, and breaks. Questions about technical problems should be directed to administration. For HSC students technical problems are sent to info@homeschoolconnections.com.

(2) Your Emails Should Be Timely. Send your questions sooner than later. Teachers most likely will not be able to answer questions about an assignment if you send the email the day before the assignment is due. Be responsible by working on your assignments many days before their due date.

(3) The Subject Bar Should Be Clear and Detailed. This is a courtesy for your teacher that will also help you get a faster and clearer response. It is likely your teacher teaches more than one course and may even teach for more than one school or program. For a Homeschool Connections student, the subject bar should look something like this: HSC U.S. Contemporary History -- Question Week One Homework.

(4) Don't Skip the Salutation. Use "Dear". It shows respect and helps set a polite tone. Use Mr., Miss, Mrs. or Dr. If you are unsure of your teacher's title, you can't go wrong with Professor, even if it's technically not their title. 

(5) Start with an Introductory Nicety. It never hurts to start your email with a sentence along the lines of “I am enjoying your course,” or “I hope this email finds you well." It shows that you see your teacher as a person.  It doesn’t really matter exactly what you say in this opening sentence, it’s the polite opening that counts. Again, we're setting the tone for the rest of the email, as well as for your professional relationship with your teacher.

(6) State the Full Name of the Course with the Day and Time. Again, your teacher most likely teaches several courses. They may even teach the exact same course multiple times on different days and at different times. For example, instead of "I'm in your writing course" type "I am in your Fiction Writing 1: Plot and Structure course that meets on Thursdays at 11:00 AM Eastern."

If you would like a speedy response, this is a key component to your email. It is also a courtesy for your teacher who has other students to help (you are just one of many). Making your teacher's life easier is always a good thing.

(7) Address Your Problem Clearly and Don't Waste Your Teacher's Time. This is the whole reason you’re sending the email, so make it concise and to the point. Be courteous and clearly state what it is you need from your teacher without making excuses or giving excessive detail. Make sure you have exhausted all other avenues in seeking an answer to your question before emailing your teacher. For example, did you check your notes, review the syllabus, and pay attention in the class?

Teachers receive far too many emails from students seeking information that has already been communicated by the teacher in class or on the course page (syllabus). Finding the answer on your own will help you be a better student now and in the future.

(8) Propose, and Clearly State, Your Desired Solution to the Problem. Let your teacher see that you thoughtfully considered your problem and it's solution before deciding to write an email. State the solution clearly that you are seeking from the teacher. 

(9) Leave with a Closing Nicety.  For example. you can write, “If you could let me know at your earliest convenience, I’d really appreciate it.” Or, "Thank you for your help in this matter. Please let me know if you need further information from me." Again, a polite tone is always helpful and builds a good, effective relationship with your teacher.

(10) Your Sign Off Should Be Professional, Complete with Your Full Name. Always close with something along the lines of Sincerely or Respectfully. Since we are a Catholic program, "God bless" or "In Christ" is also appropriate. Finally, sign your full name. There are likely other students on the teacher's roster with the same or similar first name as yours. Therefore, always sign with both your first and last name.

I have one last, very important, note for you. Whenever messaging or emailing a teacher always use formal grammar and punctuation. Do NOT write as though you are texting. Use full sentences, capital letters, proper punctuation, etc. Never use slang. Your teacher is a professional and it is expected that students will be professional in their correspondence.

Finally, we should address Follow-Up emails. Generally, teachers respond to emails within 24 hours, not counting holidays, vacations, and weekends. Therefore, you should wait at least that long before sending a second email. If your teacher hasn’t responded to your email in a reasonable amount of time, you can send a gentle reminder.

I recommend formatting the follow-up using the same elements listed above, but simply changing the content to “I am following up to my previous email.” Make sure to use a polite tone and never be accusatory. It could be that the teacher sent a response and it was lost in cyber space or it landed in your spam folder. It's also possible the teacher had extenuating circumstances beyond his control that kept him from answering in a timely fashion.

I have given you a lot to consider here, including many small details. I want to stress that those small details count. Learning how to craft effective, professional emails is a skill you can take with you into the world and the work place after graduation. A courteous and thoughtfully-constructed request is more likely to receive the kind of response you desire. It's always a good idea to give others the same respect that you would like for yourself.

In conclusion, here is a sample email using the above components:

HSC, Narnia for Young Adults, Need Week 6 Homework Assignment.

Dear Professor Smith,

I thoroughly enjoyed today's lecture on The Last Battle. I now have a new appreciation for C. S. Lewis and his fiction works.

I’m in your Narnia for Young Adults course that meets on Thursdays at 4:00 PM Eastern. I'm having trouble locating the assignment for Week Six. I’ve looked at the Moodle course page and I do not see it there. I reviewed my notes from class and I reviewed today's recorded class where you mentioned at the end there would be an assignment posted. It appears that the assignment has not been uploaded yet, but I could be missing it. Can you please help me and let me know if there is in fact an assignment and if it will be uploaded later?

I appreciate your help in this matter. and look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you.

Respectfully,
Joseph Phillips

If you would like to learn even more about crafting professional correspondence, Homeschool Connections offers a Professional Business Writing course. Email us at info@homeschoolconnections.com for more details.

Top-5 List: Why Study Philosophy

The Five Top Reason to Study Philosophy
by Jean Rioux

Philosophy is inevitable.
If you do not philosophize carefully and intentionally, you’re likely to pick up whatever conclusions suggest themselves to you. Most commonly, these will come from whomever you happen to associate with or what is in vogue in the culture or community in which you live.

Philosophy has a real impact upon life. 
Not all philosophizing works itself out in patterns of living, but much of it does. In fact, the world is still grappling with the consequences of some very bad philosophizing from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Philosophy is able to bring reason to bear upon matters of Faith. 
Most intellectual endeavors do not concern themselves with the Faith. In particular, the human and natural sciences use methods which require us to remain silent on the most important matters of our lives. Not so philosophy. Philosophers have been asking and answering questions about human freedom, the immortality of the soul, and God since they first began thinking about them over 2500 years ago.

Philosophizing ennobles us.
One of the most insidious philosophical ideas from the last century is the notion that human reason is only there to serve our human needs. This has the effect of reducing us to our lower functions, whether animal or even merely living. In fact, the exercise of reason in its highest form, contemplating God and the world He made, is among the best things we can do with our time. This is philosophy at its very best.

Philosophizing in high school prepares one for college-level classes.
Many students will end up taking philosophy classes as part of their undergraduate education. If they are fortunate enough to be taking sound classes, an early exposure to philosophical thought will serve them in good stead. If they are unfortunate enough to be taking poorly-done classes, philosophizing well in high school will help them to see those flaws and to correct them.

Note: Dr. Jean Rioux teaches live, interactive Philosophy courses for Homeschool Connections. See Homeschool Connections Registration and click on Subject / Philosophy. He also offers several outstanding philosophy and logic courses through our Unlimited Access program. 

Suggested Book: Why Should I Learn This. To learn more or order click here:

Paperback

eBook

Why Learn Creative Writing in High School?

As co-director of Homeschool Connections, I occasionally hear parents dismiss our suggestion of one year of creative writing studies in high school. The reason for this dismissal usually falls under one or both of these:

1. Creative writing is frivolous and is not an academic exercise.
2. My child isn't looking to be a novelist and he has no desire to major in English in college.

If you haven't considered creative writing for high school, or if you have dismissed it outright, I challenge you to reconsider. Please hear me out as I make my case that creative writing is one of the most important studies your high school student could undertake:

Top Ten: Why Learn Creative Writing?

1. Engages your imagination. As Christians we believe that God is the Great Imagination. He created each one of us and this world we live in. Made in His image, it is only natural that we too want to create. It is good and healthy to engage our imaginations.
2. Helps you with literary analysis. We've had a number of parents report to us that their students' grades in literature greatly improve after taking our fiction-writing courses. The fiction students also find they are well prepared for college-level literary analysis. In studying how to write a good story, you also learn how to analyze other works of fiction.
3. Gives you opportunities to practice writing basics (punctation; grammar; sentence structure; vocabulary; and more). Mechanical precision is important in all kinds of writing.
4. Sharpens your thinking power. It takes a different skill set to write a creative piece compared to academic writing. It takes a different type of focus, a different part of your brain, and it takes originality.
5. Encourages strong communication skills. An author can communicate their worldview by using various voices embedded within well-told narrative. The themes of poetry and fiction can inspire the deepest of dialogue. Creative writing teaches students how to grab the attention of their audience and make a strong point, often in a short amount of time.
6. We all yearn to share our stories. This is demonstrated by the 56 million WordPress blogs and 76 million Tumblrs currently in place. In sharing our stories with others, we can better understand one another. 
7. You can change the world. The novel Uncle Tom's Cabin was instrumental in changing hearts and minds in our country regarding slavery. It was not an academic paper that made people think twice about the evils of slavery. It was a piece of fiction. Creative writing can improve the state of our lives, both personally and globally. 
8. You can create something compelling. Fiction and narrative nonfiction outsell all other genres in our country. A piece of fiction can be persuasive, a memoir can be informative, a screenplay can raise a heart to God, a poem can bring peace to a worried soul. The examples are endless. 
9. Trains students to be concise writers. To keep the attention of the audience, a creative piece must get to the point and be focused. Meandering writers lose their audience.
10. We imitate Jesus. Good stories stir our hearts. They reflect the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. Jesus didn’t just tell us, “Be kind to others”, he told us the parable of the Good Samaritan. He didn’t just tell us, “Share the Good News”, he told us the parable of the Lamp Under the Basket. He didn’t just tell us, “If you lose faith, I’ll still watch over you and I’ll rejoice when you find it again”, he told us the parable of the Lost Sheep.

If you asked before, "Why learn creative writing?", I hope this top-ten list has changed your question to "Why NOT learn creative writing?" 

Learning to write academic papers is a very important part of a good high school education. However, it is only part of a good writing program. We encourage you to also include creative writing in your homeschool. 

One last word on the topic ... Creative writing has the reputation in some circles of being an "easy class".  This is not true in our experience. We do see higher grades issued and we see homework turned in more timely in our creative writing courses. However, students do well because it's enjoyable. They often embrace fiction writing, poetry, etc. They get good grades because they look forward to the work, even though it is hard work indeed.

Remember: William Shakespeare was a creative writer and there's nothing easy or frivolous about Shakespeare.

Homeschool Connections offers a complete writing program, which includes a wide variety of creative writing courses in addition to our foundational and advanced writing courses:

• Fiction-Writing Series made up of eight four-week courses

• The Hero's Journey Series made up of two eight-week courses

• Screenwriting Series made up of two eight-week courses

• Poetry Series made up of two fourteen-week courses

Also available is the Business Writing Series (two eight-week courses). The first course in the series is on how to write professional correspondence and the second course is on journalism.

At Homeschool Connections, we recommend at least one year of fiction writing. This is after students have taken basic prerequisites such as punctuation and grammar. For students who have a real love for creative writing, want to make it a part-time hobby, or a full-time career, we offer a full slate of creative writing courses. Students can hone their poetry-writing skills, get the support they need to write a full novel, and even write their own movie script. 

Shopping Around for Online Schools

If you're looking for online classes for your homeschool, there are a number of questions you should ask yourself first. Once you've answered those, there are questions to ask online course providers.

Of course we believe Homeschool Connections is the best option available to parents. Hopefully, this list will help you in your decision process.

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What exactly do I want from online classes?
2. How much can I budget for course fees or tuition?
3. How much time am I available to devote to homeschooling my student each week?
4. Does my child have a learning-disability that needs to be addressed?
5. Do I have a computer that can be dedicated to online classes?
6. Do I have high-speed internet?
7. Is my child a self-directed learner? If not, can I commit to follow up on my child's assignments?
8. Are there subjects that are beyond my comfort zone that I'd like to farm out to an online course provider?
9. Do I desire a faith-based education? If so, what does that look like?

Questions to Ask Online Course Providers

1. What is the pricing structure?
2. Are there additional fees?
3. What is the refund policy?
4. Do you sign up for a full curriculum or do you sign up for individual courses?
5. How do parents and students access class content?
6. Are the classes live and interactive, or are do students watch recorded sessions?
7. Are the live sessions recorded so students can watch them later in case they miss class or simply want to review?
8. How long is the course content available to the student?
9. Do courses offer grading services? If so, how is that handled?
10. Are phone calls and emails returned in a timely manner if I have questions?
11. Are classes taught with a religious or secular bent?

Answers from Homeschool Connections

1. What is the pricing structure? Pricing for live, interactive courses varies based on the length and difficulty of the course. See the course catalog for individual course prices. Recorded, independent-learning courses are available through our Unlimited Access program. This is a very economical choice. For $30 per month, families can access an unlimited number of recorded courses.
2. Are there additional fees? We do not charge registration or family fees. There is a late fee if you register for a live course less than one week before the first class.
3. What is the refund policy? For live, interactive courses: We will refund 95% of the course fee for cancellations made up to the first day of class. (Please notify us ASAP so that students on the waitlist have an opportunity to take your place.) Up to 2 weeks following the first class, we will refund 80%. Written notification is required prior to the third class if you would like to receive the partial refund. For recorded, independent-learning courses (Unlimited Access): Monthly subscribers: If you forget to cancel and notify us within 24 hours, we will refund the payment. Annual subscribers: The first 7 days are free. After that, refunds are prorated less one month. 
4. Do you sign up for a full curriculum or do you sign up for individual courses? Homeschool Connections is not a school. Some families use our courses to create a full curriculum. However, most families use our individual courses to supplement their homeschool.
5. How do parents and students access class content? We use a program called Moodle, which houses all of the students' schoolwork and grades. Students and their parents are given a user name and password to access their individual accounts. 
6. Are the classes live and interactive, or are do students watch recorded sessions? We offer both options. Families can choose the type of courses that work best for them.
7. Are the live sessions recorded so students can watch them later in case they miss class or simply want to review? All live classes are recorded for later viewing.
8. How long is the course content available to the student? Students taking live, interactive courses can access course content for six months following the end of the course. Unlimited Access (recorded) courses are available as long as your service is active.
9. Do courses offer grading services? If so, how is that handled? Most live, interactive courses provide grading. Recorded courses come with answer keys where possible. Some recorded courses offer an optional grading service called Instructor Access for an additional fee.
10. Are phone calls and emails returned in a timely manner if I have questions? We do our best to serve our students and their parents in a timely manner. Teachers answer student emails within 24 hours, with the exception of weekends and holy days.
11. Are classes taught with a religious or secular bend? All of our courses are taught through the lens of our Catholic faith. 

If you have further questions to add to this list, please share in the comments. If you have questions about Homeschool Connections and your homeschool, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com 

How to Succeed with Homeschool Online Classes, Part Two

There are two types of online classes. First, there are recorded, independent-learning classes where students watch recorded lectures on their own schedule. Answer keys or grading services are provided. Second, there are live, interactive classes where students meet with the teacher and fellow students in real time in an online classroom. The teacher is available for assistance and typically handles grading. Yesterday we wrote about how to get the most out of live, interactive classes (Part One). Today we'll tackle recorded, independent-learning courses (Part Two).

How to Get the Most Out of Recorded, Independent-Learning Online Classes

These tips, which can be applied to any online recorded course program, come from our personal experience using Unlimited Access with our own homeschooled children.

1. Set aside a regular day and time for your recorded classes -- keep to a regular schedule. Recorded courses are typically independent-learning programs, so self discipline and parental follow up is especially important.
2. Consider taking courses as a family. Plug the computer into the television and watch together.
3. Begin with courses that peak your children’s interest.
4. If you do not like the first course you take, don’t give up. Try another course with a different instructor. You may find that another instructor’s teaching style better fits your child’s learning styles.
5. Read course descriptions and directions carefully. Order the textbook or other course materials if applicable.
6. Prepare a notebook for the course to write notes while watching the recorded lectures. Also use the notebook for homework. Review as needed. Studies show that handwritten notes make a big difference in retaining lessons.
7. Find a comfortable place and make sure you have everything you need for class before you start: pencil; notebook; textbook; water; etc.
8. Make sure distractions are kept to a minimum during class time. If you are taking the course alone, use a headset to help block outside noises.
9. If review is needed, class recordings can be watched multiple times. You can fast forward or rewind as you watch. 
10. Take advantage of additional support materials if offered. These can include websites; reading materials; videos; etc.
11. If your course provider offers answer keys, parents should print these off to keep in a file. Students are often on their honor not to cheat.
12. Some course providers will offer grading services. Make sure to respect the teacher's time and turn in assignments on schedule. If you will be late due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, contact your grader ASAP.
13. Make sure to record grades and file for your records. For free homeschooling forms, visit homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/homeschool-forms. Another resource for online planning is www.scholaric.com.  
14. Email your course provider immediately if you have any questions or ever need help.

We hope that these tips help you be successful in your online classes. If you have further tips, please share in the comments below. 

How to Succeed with Homeschool Online Classes, Part One

There are two types of online classes. First, there are recorded, independent-learning classes where students watch recorded lectures on their own schedule. Answer keys or grading services are usually provided. Second, there are live, interactive classes where students meet with the teacher and fellow students in real time in a virtual classroom. The teacher is available for assistance outside of class time and typically handles grading. Today we'll talk about live, interactive classes (Part One). Tomorrow we'll talk about recorded, independent-learning courses (Part Two). While we hope you'll sign up for Homeschool Connections' courses, these tips will help you with any online course provider.

How to Get the Most Out of Live, Interactive Online Classes

1. Make sure you have the necessary equipment. This typically includes a headset with microphone; high speed internet; and a computer. In rare cases you may need a webcam.
2. Check the course details and collect any course materials that need to be purchased well in advance. 
3. Read all  information sent to you by your course provider. This will typically include information on how to submit homework; how to message your teacher; student & parent expectations; and more.
4. Parents need to make sure their student attends class and check that their homework assignments are being submitted in a timely fashion. As with any homeschooling program, self-discipline and parental follow up is important. 
5. If your live classes are recorded, go back and watch the recording if you need to review.
6. Always be respectful of your instructor's time by keeping deadlines. If homework will be late due to illness or other unforeseen problem, notify the instructor ASAP and make arrangements for late grading. 
7. Prepare a notebook for the course to write notes while participating in the classes. Also use the notebook for homework. Review as needed. Handwritten notes help students retain information.
8. Find a comfortable place and make sure you have everything you need for class before you start: pencil; notebook; textbook; water; etc.
9. Come to class prepared and use the live time with your teacher productively. Don't be afraid to "raise your hand" to ask questions or request clarification.
10. Keep distractions to a minimum. Use a headset to help block outside noises. The headset should have a working microphone so you can speak in class.
11. If you have wireless Internet, ask others in the household to refrain from Internet use during class time. This will open up more bandwidth so your class will stream smoothly.
12. Take advantage of additional support materials if offered. These can include websites; reading materials; videos; etc.
13. Make sure to record grades and file for your records. (For help, click here: Free Homeschooling Forms.)
14. Email your course provider immediately if you have any questions or ever need help.

We hope that these tips help you succeed in your online classes. If you have further tips, please share in the comments below.

Why Learn ASL? A Top-10 List

1. It is a beautiful language. There is more to American Sign Language than simply memorizing signs for words. It has it's own set of grammatical rules and structures. If you've watched an interpreter at a concert or a church, remember how you were intrigued by the hand and body movements to communicate without oral language. Beautiful.

2. Language for dyslexic students. Students with dyslexia have a very difficult time learning foreign languages. American Sign language is an exception. Because dyslexics learn best through multi-sensory methods and because ASL is a multi-sensory language, it is a perfect fit.

3. Fulfills most colleges' foreign language requirement. Over 40 states have passed laws recognizing American Sign Language as a complete and natural language. Hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the United States accept ASL in fulfillment of language entrance and exit requirements. If your child is planning on attending college, check with the perspective college to make sure ASL meets their foreign language requirement.

4. Useful resource for special needs children. Parents with autistic and Down Syndrome children (in addition to a multitude of learning disabilities) report that American Sign Language is an excellent resource in increasing communication abilities.

5. Communication with the profoundly deaf and hard of hearing. American Sign Language is the third most common foreign language in the U.S. after English. ASL gives you the ability to communicate with over 500,000 Americans. It also gives you the ability to communicate with non-English speakers.

6. Future career opportunities. ASL-related careers include: ASL Teacher ($33,000), Special education ($25,000 to $45,000); Audiologist ($65,000 to $80,000); Interpreter ($40,000 to $65,000).

7. It's a fun language to learn. ASL is easily one of Homeschool Connections' most popular courses. The students LOVE coming to class each week and are never late with homework. Students enjoy learning ASL that much.

8. Early communication. Little children have the ability to speak with their hands months before they are able to communicate with their voices. Think of the wonders in being able to understand your 10-month old!

9. Increased vocabulary. Students who learn to sign have been shown to have up to twice the usable vocabulary, signed and spoken, than their non-signing counterparts. Signing offers children an additional way to communicate that is stored and accessed in a different part of the brain from verbal memory.

10. Stimulates brain activity. Signing has been shown to foster brain development in children. American Sign Language encourages the brain to build synapses and dendrites. Signed words are stored in a separate part of the brain, learning ASL along with spoken words, enhances memory and recall of language.

Homeschool Connections currently offers American Sign Language as a recorded course through our Unlimited Access program. It is also being offered as a live, interactive course for the upcoming school year.

Unlimited Homeschool Learning for Summer

Top Ten List

Using Unlimited Access for Summer Learning

There are a lot of different ways you can use Homeschool Connections' recorded classes through Unlimited Access to keep learning alive and fun over the summer. Here are ten ideas to get you started.

10. Take school with you.

We've had students take classes from hotel rooms, Grandma's house, the library, the car on the road, and even the beach. Though we don't recommend taking your laptop anywhere near sand! All you need for recorded classes is a power source, internet, and a computer. You should add ear buds or a headset to the list if you need privacy.

9. Plug the computer into the television.

This is a really fun way to learn together as a family. Pick a subject that everyone is interested in learning. It may be The Hobbit or World War II or American Sign Language or something completely different. Make some popcorn and watch together. You may need an HDMI cable and a newer TV (Mac users will need a converter). Recently, my teen added Chromecast to our laptop and that's what we use.

8. Pick a time that works best for you.

Recorded classes are available 24/7. You could watch classes first thing in the morning, getting them done early so the rest of the day can be spent outdoors. It you prefer, watch classes during lunch or just before bed in the evening. Pick the time that is going to help you keep up on your work throughout the whole of summer.

7. Audit a course.

Watch a lecture each day and forgo the homework. For example, instead of taking 12 weeks for World History: 12 Inventions that Changed the World, watch the lectures over 12 days. When auditing, pick a subject that is easy for you. (For a course list, click here: Recorded Course Catalog.)

6. Buckle down on tough subjects.

Need help with algebra? Struggled with science last year? If so, buckle down and get to work. Set aside time each and every day (Sundays off!) and stick to the schedule. Complete all of the homework before moving to the next recorded lecture. If you want extra help, sign up for the optional grading support (Instructor Access).

5. Catch up on subjects for September.

Planning on taking Latin II next year but not quite ready? Perhaps illness or something else kept you from finishing Latin I this year. Whether you simply need a refresher or need to make up for lost time, there are a number of "Bootcamps" available in recording (math, Latin, and more).

4. Ask yourself, "What do I love?"

For example, do you get geeked about books? If so, choose a literature course on a book you love. Reread Romeo and Juliet as you watch Professor Pearce's lectures over a couple of weeks. Or Screwtape Letters, or Space Trilogy, or The Man Who Was Thursday. You can choose from over 40 literature courses.

3. Summer is a great time to hone your writing skills

Writing is a key skill for success in all other school subjects. Focusing on writing skills over summer will help you do better in history, literature, and more when fall arrives. Other courses that help you succeed in core subjects include: Note Taking Skills and How to Use Microsoft Word.

2. Keep a schedule and stick to it. 

How many times have we all laid out grand plans, only to forget about them as the excitement wore off? Write out a reasonable schedule on a white board or print it and post it. Program your computer or phone to remind you each day. Do something tangible to keep you on schedule.

1. Keep it simple.

You don't need a complicated schedule to be effective. Pick just one or two subjects. For example, maybe you weren't able to make time for philosophy in the fall and spring, but you know it would help you a lot to learn it and it sounds interesting. Focus just on philosophy courses for summer.

Bonus: Unlimited Access means just that!

You have unlimited access to over 250 courses for your entire family. Yes, it's true! You can't beat the price ($30 per month!!!) and you can't beat the convenience. Middle school, high school, and adult students can easily learn year round with this independent learning program. It can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it. It's YOUR program.

To learn more about our recorded, online, independent-learning classes, click here now:

Unlimited Access

Biblical Greek: Homeschooling Online Classes

ADDENDUM: This course is now being offered free for the 2015/2016 school year. 

“I now entered the first class of what today would be called the gymnasium for classical languages [Greek and Latin] ... In retrospect it seems to me that an education in Greek and Latin antiquity created a mental attitude that resisted seduction by a totalitarian ideology.” 

~ Pope Benedict XVI, Memoirs

Homeschool Connections is very excited to let you know that we are continuing to offer Biblical Greek for the upcoming school year. Students as young as thirteen and as old as eighteen are welcomed to join us. This is a great course led by an energetic and knowledgable teacher. His love for the subject is contagious -- his students can't help but succeed in their Greek studies. (See below for a video with Mr. Egan.)

This course can be taken as an independent, learning course through Unlimited Access or as a live, interactive course starting in September (details below).

Why Learn Biblical Greek?
Why not? To understand the New Testament and the classics firsthand, in the language they were written, is a great gift. It helps to establish a strong foundation for Catholic education.

Top Ten benefits to learning a new language, specifically Biblical Greek:

1. Knowledge is always increased in learning completely new things.
2. Learning a new language, with a new alphabet, improves analytical and logic skills.
3. The ability to read the New Testament in it's original language.
4. To gain a new cultural perspective.
5. A greater appreciation of language and its structure, including English.
6. A greater knowledge of English vocabulary, as many English words contain Greek roots.
7. Higher SAT and ACT scores.
8. Biblical Greek followed by, or proceeded by, Latin benefits students in a unique way as both are the main root languages of our Western culture.
9. The Greek language has a long and rich history stretching all the way from the thirteenth century BC to the present.
10. Because the pope says it's a good idea!

“Hardly any lawful price would seem to me too high for what I have gained by being made to learn Latin and Greek.” 

~C.S. Lewis

Introduction to Biblical Greek, Part One

(click on course title to register)

Note: This is a 2-part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring.

Registration is limited to 15 students.

Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015

Total classes: 14

Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific)

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: Basic English Grammar

Suggested grade level: 7th grade and up.

Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biblical Greek or foreign language.

Fee: $185 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $205 after July 15 for all 14 classes.

Instructor: Dan Egan

Course description: In this course, we begin with the alphabet, which is not as frightening as might be thought. Then we will progress slowly into Nouns and adjectives. A part of the class will be given to Christian Greek symbols and their meanings. We will also focus on Greek roots found in English words to build our English vocabulary – an excellent boost for the SAT vocabulary section. There will be 10-15 minutes of homework every night and progress will be seen in a few short weeks. By the 3rd week we will be reading short passages from the Greek New Testament.

Course materials: Basics of Biblical Greek, Deluxe Edition (2nd Edition) by William Mounce, ISBN # 0310250870 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310250870/catholictreas-20).

Homework: Includes study of vocabulary and grammar forms as well as worksheets. There will be a weekly practice quiz as well as an in-class quiz. Homework will take approximately 15 minutes daily in addition to weekly lecture and review.

Meet the Instructor:


Daniel Egan received his B.S. in Geography from Northern Kentucky University, but his true love has been teaching Biblical Greek in Cincinnati since 2001 to high school and grade school children. He occasionally can be heard on EWTN's Sunrise Morning Show on their Bible Tidbit segment. Dan loves to study the Bible and to evangelize. He is happily married to Arica Egan and they have 5 children so far. He has been a student of Gary Michuta's since 2003.

Introduction to Biblical Greek, Part Two

(click on course title to register)

This is a 2-part course. Students interested in joining us midyear should email if unsure about prerequisites.

Registration is limited to 15 students.

Class dates: Mondays, January 11 to April 25, 2016. No class Feb. 22 for midterm break or March 28 for Easter break.

Total classes: 14

Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific)

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: Introduction to Biblical Greek, Part One (Fall 2015 or Unlimited Access) or equivalent.

Suggested grade level: 7th grade and up.

Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Biblical Greek or foreign language.

Fee: $185 if you register on or before November 15, 2015. $205 after Nov. 15 for all 14 classes.

Instructor: Dan Egan

Course description: In this course, we begin with the alphabet, which is not as frightening as might be thought. Then we will progress slowly into Nouns and adjectives. A part of the class will be given to Christian Greek symbols and their meanings. We will also focus on Greek roots found in English words to build our English vocabulary – an excellent boost for the SAT vocabulary section. There will be 10-15 minutes of homework every night and progress will be seen in a few short weeks. By the 3rd week we will be reading short passages from the Greek New Testament.

Course materials: Basics of Biblical Greek, Deluxe Edition (2nd Edition) by William Mounce, ISBN # 0310250870 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310250870/catholictreas-20)

Homework: Includes study of vocabulary and grammar forms as well as worksheets. There will be a weekly practice quiz as well as an in-class quiz. Homework will take approximately 15 minutes daily in addition to weekly lecture and review.

“To read Latin and Greek authors in their original, is a sublime luxury. I thank on my knees him who directed my early education for having put into my possession this rich source of delight; and I would not exchange it for anything which I could then have acquired, and have not since acquired.” 

     ~ Thomas Jefferson