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1. In loving memory of Walt Grayum, pastor and homeschool leader
Walter Edward Grayum II, 70, of Cherry Valley went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 24, after spending 44 years in ministry. The father of six and grandfather of 19, he was not only a pastor but also a leader in the homeschool community, most recently spending several seasons as the coach for homeschool speech groups in central Massachusetts. Walt also served on the Board of MassHOPE, along with his wife, Glenda, spending several years as its president. We at MassHOPE are grateful for his leadership and sacrificial service. Please see Walt’s obituary
HERE
.
2. Post convention wrap-up
A big thank you to all who joined us for the 36th Annual MassHOPE Homeschool and Parenting Convention in Sturbridge. What a blessing it was to gather once again with so many families… those just beginning their homeschool journey, seasoned veterans, and everyone in between.
Our theme this year,
“For Generations to Come,”
set the tone for a weekend focused not just on education, but on legacy. Through the teaching of speakers like Wil & Meeke Addison, Daniel Craig, Andrew Pudewa, Jeannie Fulbright, and others, we were challenged and encouraged to pursue Christ-centered homeschooling.
Our teen track,
iAdvocate Westminster
by Project Pathfinder, provided a unique opportunity for students to step into the world of government leadership. Watching them draft legislation, build coalitions, and engage in debate was impressive and encouraging.
Throughout the weekend, families took part in a wide range of hands-on and practical sessions, from dissections to CPR certification. Friday evening’s Ladies’ Dessert Fellowship with Meeke Addison was a highlight for all who attended, offering biblical insight which was both encouraging and entertaining.
We are so grateful for the Lord’s evident hand throughout the weekend. Thank you to our speakers, volunteers, vendors, and attendees who made this event possible. Plans for 2027 are underway, and we look forward to gathering again and continuing this work
for generations to come!
3. THANKS, CONVENTION VOLUNTEERS!
A big thank you to all who volunteered at the convention. The event would not have been the same without you. We appreciate you!
4. Recordings from the 2026 convention
Did you miss a session because there were too many great workshops to choose from? Or, sadly, did you miss the entire convention? No problem. Order session recordings individually, or get the whole set. Just click
HERE
.
5. Battleship Cove homeschool day next week!
See all the details
HERE
for Friday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workshops available with pre-registration.
6. Homeschool days at the EcoTarium in Worcester
Click
HERE
for information on the EcoTarium’s homeschool days on May 11 and June 8. (On these two Mondays the facility will be open
only
to homeschoolers!) A bit about this 45-acre indoor/outdoor science center
HERE
.
7. Free printables for Mother’s Day
Click
HERE
for printable cards and coloring pages for Mother’s Day and more, from HP.
8. Limited-time offer from Great Wolf Lodge
In case you missed it: Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, a vendor at our recent convention, was handing out flyers promoting a “MassHOPE Show Special.” This exclusive MassHOPE Special is valid only from Sunday, June 7 to Thursday, June 11, 2026 and includes:
~Unlimited Ropes Course
~Up to 5 single scoops of ice cream from our brand-new Sweet Shop, Wood’s End Creamery
~Deluxe Queen Suite: $89 + tax per night (includes 2 guests, $20 for each additional guest)
~Pup Den Suite: $109 + tax per night (includes 2 guests, $20 for each additional guest)
~Parking fee of $5 per car per night (savings of $15 per car per night)
~15% reusable discount on all purchases at any Great Wolf Lodge retail outlet, sit-down restaurant, or lodge attraction
Exclusions: Alcohol and any quick service restaurant (QSR) purchases such as Buckets, Timbers, Hungry as a Wolf, Dunkin, Freshwoods, etc.
This offer is also applicable to attraction passes purchased at the outlet.
This promotion is exclusive and not stackable with other onsite discounts.
For reservations, go to
www.greatwolf.com/newengland
or call (866)980-9653 and use booking code
2606HOPE
.
Book by 5/22/26.
Offer valid at Great Wolf Lodge New England Fitchburg location only.
All overnight rates are subject to 13.2% occupancy tax.
9. 2026 Big E Scholars Program
From Jessica Fontaine, Director of Education & Human Resources, The Big E
(413) 205-5050,
JFontaine@thebige.com
TheBigE.com
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StorrowtonVillage.com
To: Educators, Home School Families and Group Leaders,
Eastern States Exposition is gearing up for the 2026 Big E and wanted to let you know that The Big E Scholars program is now accepting applications. This is an opportunity to pair your educational goals with our agricultural mission.
Program Purpose
The Big E Scholars Program pairs the educational mission of Eastern States Exposition (ESE) with learners and educators to create a meaningful, experiential day at the Fair that impacts students beyond their visit.
This program gives educators and students in any grade, year of study, or educational program the opportunity to design an experience that enhances their classroom learning by tying in aspects of ESE's mission that are present at the Fair. This is like a grant application; applicants accepted to the program receive complimentary admission to The Big E for all participating students and educators. Additionally, Big E Scholars can be connected with ESE staff to complete their project.
Who Can Apply
-
K-12 teachers, homeschool group facilitator, college professors, college students, adult day programs, after school programs, etc.
-
Anyone with an innovative idea for integrating our mission into a classroom, curriculum, or learning goals
To begin the application process, please complete
this application form
. Additional details including requirements and examples of accepted projects can also be found through the application link.
Deadline to Apply
Priority deadline is May 31. Any submissions received by May 31 will be notified by June 5. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 31. Any applications submitted after July 31 will be deferred to the following year's fair unless space remains available.
We appreciate your support and look forward to continued communication with you. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
10. May speaker vault – Phil Downer
The MassHOPE website features a
CURATED LIBRARY OF RECORDED WORKSHOPS
from past conventions. Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting hundreds of inspiring speakers, and we regularly showcase some of their most encouraging presentations in this section. For May, we invite you to listen to a thought-provoking message by Phil Downer.
Phil Downer has spent decades encouraging families in their calling to build strong, Christ-centered homes. As a speaker and longtime advocate for biblical family life, Phil brings practical wisdom, humor, and a deep understanding of the challenges families face day to day. His passion is to equip parents to lead their families in a way that reflects God’s design.
In this workshop, Phil offers timely encouragement for homeschool moms navigating the demands of family life. He highlights the vital role dads play in supporting and strengthening the home, particularly in areas like sibling conflict, character development, and discipline. With both insight and practicality, Phil reminds families that the challenges they face are often opportunities that can be seized for growth and deeper relationships.
11. Field trip fun in Pittsfield
In 1850, author Herman Melville bought a farm in Pittsfield that he named “Arrowhead” after the native artifacts he found in its fields. He spent the next thirteen years here, and it was where he wrote his most famous work, “Moby Dick.” Admission to the grounds and nature trail of
ARROWHEAD FARM
is free year-round, but with only a single guided tour of the home available each week. Summer season starts on May 17, with frequent daily tours. Rates and hours can be found
HERE
.
12. For your encouragement: choose the right village
AMEN
!
13. In the news: why homeschooling is still on the rise
Homeschooling rose dramatically during the pandemic. This
NEWSWEEK
article from five months ago explores why it continues to rise.
14. Chuckles
For those days when you can only cry or
LAUGH
.
15. April speaker vault – Dawn Hudson
The MassHOPE website features a
CURATED LIBRARY OF RECORDED WORKSHOPS
from past conventions. Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting hundreds of inspiring speakers, and we regularly showcase some of their most encouraging presentations in this section. For April, we invite you to listen to an encouraging message by Dawn Hudson.
Dawn Hudson sees homeschooling from both sides. This second generation homeschooler brings a “practitioner’s” bent into her home classroom, giving her insight into what works and what could cause unexpected problems! Now having successfully graduated all three of her children, Dawn sees both the successes and mistakes that have marked their family’s homeschool journey. Dawn has worked for My Father’s World, Focus on the Family, and Christian Bookseller’s Association, and has served as a Colorado state legislative aide. Now Dawn works in her favorite environment: first as a wife, mom, and a teacher; then as a voice of support to homeschooling parents.
In this workshop, Dawn explores how parents can engage toddlers effectively during homeschool time while nurturing their spiritual growth. She emphasizes whole-family integration, creating opportunities for toddlers to participate in family learning, including Bible memorization and faith-based activities, so they feel included without disrupting the day.
16. Field trip fun in Westford
BUTTERFLY PLACE
bills itself as an “indoor garden filled with hundreds of freely-flying butterflies.” Educational film and exhibits are also available, as well as educational gift shop items.
17. For your encouragement: those “active” kids
Are you kids super active? Or even ADHD? Here are
FIVE TIPS
for homeschooling them.
18. In the news: update on proposed legislation in Connecticut
“Democrats have rewritten their last remaining
HOMESCHOOLING BILL
in an effort to make the legislation palatable enough to clear the House.” Please pray that the governor will not sign this legislation as it has now passed the Senate as well as the House.
19. Chuckles
For those days when you can only cry or
LAUGH
.
20. Know someone who doesn’t receive the Messenger?
We share important information about MassHOPE, and other items of interest to homeschooling families. So spread the word! Encourage your friends to sign up now to ensure they receive all this, especially upcoming convention info.
All they need to do to receive it is to send full name and email address to
info@masshope.org
.
Help them stay informed!
Also,
while you’re at it, why don’t you start thinking about volunteering at our next convention? We need you!
21. Choose “MassHOPE” when purchasing from Christian Book
MassHOPE has been approved for the GiveBack affiliate program at Christian Book and will receive a 4% cashback donation on any orders that are placed with MassHOPE as the beneficiary! Look for a box at checkout that says to find your church (which actually includes Christian schools and 501(c)(3) organizations as well as churches).
22. Social media triple play
We’re on each of the Big Three: X
, Facebook, and Instagram. Our Facebook and Instagram accounts are linked, so you can follow us on Instagram and get some of the same info we post there. Go to our link -
https://www.instagram.com/massachusetts_homeschool/
-
and click “Follow.”
23.
Discounts from SchoolhouseTeachers.com
Homeschooling can be challenging.
It can be expensive, time-consuming, and confusing to choose classes and curricula for multiple students. We are writing to tell you that
SchoolhouseTeachers.com
will provide all the courses you need for homeschooling each of your preschool through graduating 12th-grade students at the discounted annual price of $179 (you save $90)
.
With hundreds of online courses, lesson plans, quizzes, tests, answer keys, certificates of completion, and streaming videos, your annual
SchoolhouseTeachers.com
membership will ensure you have a full-spectrum, non-Common Core curriculum platform to confidently educate your children at home.
Membership is good for your whole family—including grandparents—no matter how many children you have. Because everything is included online, there is no need to buy textbooks. PLUS, there are no per class, no per child, nor any other hidden fees. You can also generate quarterly report cards for each student and access help with transcript creation for your high schoolers.
SchoolhouseTeachers.com contains nearly every subject imaginable—art history, drawing, computer technology, foreign languages, history, language arts, math, music, science, and loads of electives. Let your kids help pick out their own courses!
24. MassHOPE Facebook groups
Did you know that MassHOPE has two private Facebook groups in addition to its main Facebook page? If you would like to join the MassHOPE Massachusetts Homeschool Discussion and Support Group (described in Item #26) or the MassHOPE Massachusetts Homeschool Marketplace and UCS group, or if you invite anyone to join these groups, please note that there are questions you will need to answer in order to be approved. If you don't get approved soon after your request to join, perhaps you didn't answer the required questions.
25. MassHOPE advertising opportunities
MassHOPE has a variety of advertising options available at reasonable rates in several media paths – MassHOPE website, dedicated email, Facebook, MassHOPE Messenger. If interested, please send an email to advertising@masshope.org. All ads are subject to availability and space. MassHOPE reserves the right to accept or reject ads as we must apportion limited space and evaluate relevance to our audience.
26. MassHOPE Facebook discussion group
Connect with us on Facebook at
MassHOPE Massachusetts Homeschool Discussion and Support Group
. This group provides support and encouragement for homeschoolers pursuing privately-funded, parent-led home education. Its purpose is to encourage and equip homeschool parents to disciple and educate their children for the Lord, and to connect families within our state to give them opportunities to gather together for educational and recreational experiences.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MassHOPEDiscussion/
27.
The MassHOPE Educator ID Card
Educator IDs are available for benefits such as potential discounts at retailers. Order them from our website
HERE
.
28. Your news items wanted
Do you know of an event or activity in or near Massachusetts that would edify or interest the homeschool community? Email Anne Smith at
volunteer@masshope.org
and we will review it for possible inclusion in the MassHOPE Messenger.
29. Remember to "Like" MassHOPE on Facebook
"Like" MassHOPE's
FACEBOOK PAGE
.
You'll be encouraged in your homeschooling journey and will receive all updates for upcoming events.
30. Are you on our mailing lists?
If you are receiving this e-newsletter, you are on our email list! May we also add you to our “snail mail” list to receive occasional information via the U.S. Postal Service? If Yes, please send your full name and complete mailing address to
newsletter@masshope.org
.
31. How to homeschool legally in Massachusetts
This video features Michael Donnelly, formerly HSLDA's designated counsel for Massachusetts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmELLON4OFI&list=PLe7Gz-9V5xsWzxwNhyZUNrdz0K-tbkz9a&index=21
.
The link referenced for further Massachusetts-specific articles is
https://hslda.org/legal/massachusetts
.
32. Special education resources
Here are two valuable resources for homeschooling parents of special needs children.
FREE DOWNLOADS
provides IEP templates, therapy resources, a Getting Started guide, and more.
EMPOWERING HOMESCHOOL CONVERSATIONS
, which covers a wide range of issues.
33. Videos and webinars from HSLDA
T
hree-part video series on getting started:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVOzkYx2vcA&list=PLe7Gz-9V5xsWAtvLTz1gA1CYyPLBBe-Ke
.
How to Start Homeschooling with Special Needs
:
https://hslda.org/teaching-my-kids/special-needs
.
And many, many more
:
https://hslda.org/community/webinars
.
34. Get started homeschooling in Massachusetts
Check out this MassHOPE site for
getting started
.
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