Aug. 7 parents gathered in the Hill Air Force Base Airmen and Family Readiness Center for the third annual Home School Panel. This event offered parents and students the opportunity to gather information about homeschooling, and to meet other families who are educating the same way. People trying to make a decision about homeschooling for the upcoming year and people who have been homeschooling for many years attended the event to exchange ideas, thoughts, and methods.

This informal panel was run by the school liaison and the Exceptional Family Member Program—Family Support, or EFMP—FS, representatives. The panel consisted of numerous agencies who offered information about the legal aspects of homeschooling, how to homeschool successfully, resources that are available to families wanting to homeschool, and more. The atmosphere of the event allowed parents to engage in dialogue with the panel members and ask questions as they arose.

“It is especially important that homeschool parents know the state of Utah’s laws, but also where they can go to get more information on homeschooling,” said Judy Maughan, the Hill AFB school liaison. “People interested in becoming homeschoolers can hear about different curriculums, different methods of teaching, and gain friendships and network with other homeschool families.”

Guests enjoyed a catered dinner and received gifts and packets of information— including the most up-to-date forms that need to be filled out to homeschool. Parents exchanged emails and contact information for Facebook support groups before the panel even began. 

Organizers hoped everyone would take away “a better understanding of what they need to do to register for homeschooling. If they are anticipating becoming a homeschool family that it is the right choice for their family. I also hope they will network and have identified people they can call upon to answer questions and perhaps team up with for field trips or social activities,” said Maughan.

Judy Maughan, the school liaison, and Tammy Custer, of the EFMP—FS, continually network throughout the year to provide military families with the most up-to-date information. “Both of us find this to be an enjoyable night and it helps us to keep abreast of the trends in homeschooling,” said Maughan. “We also develop a group that we can email important events to and keep them involved in base and Utah activities.”

For more information about events like this one, or to speak with the school liaison, please call 807-775-5960.